The quaint hamlet of Kambia has magnificent uninterrupted views of Souda Bay, olive and pine covered hills and valleys, and the White Mountains which are snow capped for up to 6 months of the year. Villa Eleni is located at the highest point in Kambia with one of the most enviable vantage points on Crete. Nestled on a terrace cut into the mountainside, the land drops away below this Premium category villa which allows for an exceptional setting for the entire property. The last 250m of the concrete access road is winding and steep in places but the electric gate makes entering the driveway easier than in the past, and the dramatic views and glorious sunsets make it more than worthwhile.

Villa Eleni has been carefully furnished and equipped to a high specification as a quality second home for its English owners, and is therefore not a typical “holiday let”. The quality and comfort will appeal to the escapists amongst you who are looking for a rural retreat with panoramic views, yet only 6 minutes by car to an excellent selection of tavernas, shops and sandy beaches. The detached, split-level villa is shares the electric gate and driveway with another holiday villa, but they are separated by a 15m driveway and each villa has its own parking area. Despite the proximity of the second villa, the thoughtful design and positioning ensures maximum privacy when sunbathing and swimming – each villa has its own sea facing terrace and infinity pool set on opposing sides of the property. The recent addition of a screen on one side of the pergola at Vilal Eleni (which has been added since the accompanying photos were taken) means that the guests at Vilal Eleni can now sit outside with more privacy.

The interior of Villa Eleni is just as lovely as the outside surroundings and every effort has been made to ensure that you have a relaxing and comfortable holiday. The light and airy living room and master bedroom suite each have double doors that open out onto the pool and dining terraces. Magical views are revealed when the shutters are opened in the morning. A traditional stone archway leads though from the living room and dining area into the very well equipped modern kitchen, which in turn leads up a small flight of stairs to a hallway with doors to the bedrooms and main bathroom. The elegant décor throughout is predominantly pale cream coloured wood and wrought iron furniture with pretty yellow, grey, and cream accessories including candles, cushions, and hurricane lamps.

The many modern comforts include a fully fitted kitchen which has matching stainless steel appliances such as: a ceramic hob, a built-in oven, a microwave oven, a dishwasher, and a washing machine; unlimited WIFI internet access, satellite TV, a stereo system, MP3 player, I-Pod dock, and a DVD player in the lounge; fully tiled modern bathrooms, aluminium doors, windows and shutters, mosquito screens, and air conditioning units in the bedrooms and living room. The a/c units also double up as heaters for the cooler nights at the start and end of the season and there is under-floor heating (though fuel is not included in the rental price). The water is heated either by solar panel or a back-up immersion heater. The thoughtful owners have even supplied a pool towels, selection of books, CD’s, DVD’s, a hairdryer and a torch.

On the long, hot summer days that Crete is famous for the pool terrace at Villa Eleni often enjoys a much needed cooling breeze thanks to its elevated position, and it has been furnished with sun-beds and umbrellas, small drinks tables, and there is an outside shower.  The natural stone paving on the pool terrace extends to the patio at the rear of the villa which is backed by the rocky hillside, vibrant bougainvillea, and mature olive trees, and to 2 different levels on the far side of the pool terrace, giving plenty of room for private sun bathing. The recently built large outside dining and barbeque area is shaded by a large pergola and is perfect for staging leisurely family meals made from mouth-watering local produce. This is an enchanting place for al-fresco dining whilst looking out over the pool to the sparkling blue bay during the day, or the twinkling lights from the coastline below at night. The gorgeous vista is shared by the lounging area which is adjacent to the pool, immediately outside the lounge, shaded by a pergola, and equipped with a comfy cushioned couch and armchairs, and a coffee table.

The plot around the villa and pool has been sympathetically landscaped so that it seamlessly blends into the surroundings. Traditional stone walls decorate the many levels that follow the lie of the land. Flowerbeds and terracotta pots are planted with bougainvillea, yukka palms, chrysanthemums, bottlebrush plants, hottentot fig, cyclamen, margarita daisies, and the land beyond has rocky outcrops interspersed with almond trees, olive trees, and an infusion of wild flowers in the spring. On the hillside directly above the barbeque area is a mosaic decorated coffee table and 2 chairs that have been placed beneath a mature and shady olive tree, where you can sneak away to read, or perhaps have a romantic drink in the fairytale evening lighting.

Villa Accommodation

Main Ground Floor (2 steps from the private parking area, 1 step from the living room to the pool terrace, and 5 steps from the master bedroom to the pool terrace): The steps from the parking area lead to the side door which opens out to the open plan kitchen dining and living area.  The modern kitchen area is fully equipped with beech wood cabinets, and stainless steel appliances including a dishwasher, a ceramic hob and built-in oven, a large fridge/freezer, a microwave oven, a toaster, a kettle and a large kitchen inventory.  The kitchen window faces east and looks out to the driveway and a neighbouring villa. The dining area has a lovely cream wood dining table with a marble top which is cream with pink and beige flecks, and 6 matching wood chairs. The lounge area has 2 grey suedette couches, a coffee table, a side table with a the flat screen TV, satellite box and DVD player, 2 side tables with lamps, a sideboard which houses the stereo unit, I-Pod dock, books, DVD’s and CD’s, and white curtains. The living/dining room has large windows with white slatted blinds that face east and north east, and which look out over the driveway towards a neighbouring villa and to the bay. There are also 2 sets of extra wide floor to ceiling sliding double doors which open out onto the pool terrace, and the pergola covered outside lounging area which has a white metal frame couch with plump grey cushions, 2 matching armchairs, and a coffee table. 5 steps lead up from the kitchen area to the upper ground floor hallway with doors to the bedrooms and main bathroom.

Upper Ground Floor (5 steps from the main ground floor, 5 steps from the master bedroom to the pool terrace, 0 steps to the rear patio): On the north side of the hallway is the master bedroom which has an ornate cream wrought iron king size bed with 2 overhead reading lamps, 2 ash wood bedside cabinets with lamps, a matching chest of drawers, a decorative wall mirror with wall lamp, built-in double wardrobes with drawers, shelves and hanging space, diaphanous white curtains, a small window and double doors which open out onto a small balcony which has 5 steps to the pool terrace and panoramic views to the sea. The master bedroom also has a large en-suite shower room with white tiles with a khaki glass tile border, a shower area with a glass shower screen and a dual head mixer shower with the choice of a fixed rainfall shower or a hand set shower,  a washbasin with white vanity unit and mirrored cabinet, a toilet, a glass shelf with ornaments, and a frosted window. On the south side of the hallway are the doors to the 2 rear bedrooms and main bathroom. The double bedroom has a wrought iron king size bed with 2 overhead reading lamps, 2 white wood bedside cabinets, a matching chest of drawers, a decorative wall mirror with wall lamp, triple free standing wardrobe with, shelves and hanging space, diaphanous white curtains, and double doors which open out onto the rear patio, flowerbeds and hillside. The main bathroom is completely tiled with white tiles with a border of brown and amber glass tiles. It has a full-size bath with a shower attachment and a glass screen door, a washbasin with mirrored cabinet and vanity unit, a toilet, a washing machine, and a frosted window. The twin bedroom has 2 wrought iron single beds, 2 overhead reading lamps, 1 ash wood bedside cabinet, a matching chest of drawers, a decorative wall mirror with wall lamp, built-in double wardrobes with drawers, shelves and hanging space, diaphanous white curtains, and double doors which open out onto the rear patio, flowerbeds, a natural stone wall, a large bougainvillea, and the hillside.

Villa Location

The excellent organic taverna at the famous glass blowing workshop in Kokkino Horio is only 2.1km from Villa Eleni and has sea and mountain views. During the day you can watch recycled glass being blown in the traditional manner into amazingly beautiful products including lampshades, ornaments, decanters, plates and bowls and then eat at the wonderful organic taverna. 100m further into Kokkino Horio is the family-run taverna on the main square that is shaded by weeping willow trees, has good food, and during the summer months there are occasional live Cretan music nights at the taverna which are a lot of fun. Kokkino Horio (“red village” in Greek) was the main village set for the film “Zorba the Greek”. There are little whitewashed houses and narrow streets that wind around the village centre.  Plaka Square is just 2.6km away and has 7 tavernas, an Italian restaurant, 2 well stocked mini markets, a shop that sells local products, 6 cafes, and a real estate office. 10 minutes away by car is the lovely village of Almyrida which is built around a crescent shaped sandy beach. The beach is very shallow and safe, which is good news if you have children or are not a strong swimmer. Lining the beach are many excellent tavernas, cafes and shops. Also in Almyrida there is a space with pool tables and games machines, a nail spa, a scuba diving office, paddle board and pedalo rentals, a water sports centre which rents out kayaks, windsurfers and catamarans. We at  Villas Crete Holidays will provide you with information about boat trips, private boat hire, big game fishing, horse riding, a private evening of astronomy and mythology in your villa, private sight seeing flights in a light aircraft, and guided coach or walking excursions. For those of you looking for even more activity, the historic town of Chania is only 45 minutes away by car.

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Villa Amenities

Washing machine
Dishwasher
Microwave Oven
Fridge / Freezer
TV
Satellite TV
Air conditioned bedrooms
Air conditioned lounge
CD player
Free Unlimited WIFI Internet access
DVD Player
BBQ
Mosquito screens to windows
Central heating (fuel is not included in the rental price)
Fireplace
Hairdryer
Iron and ironing board
Pool Towels	YES.  These are not laundered during your stay.
Welcome Basket

Any steps? How many?

2 steps from the private parking to the main door, 1 steps from the living area to the pool terrace, 5 steps from the living room to the hallway leading to the bedrooms.

How private?

This is a private villa. A small portion of the pool terrace can be seen from the adjacent villa, and the top floor of an occasionally used villa set 150m below, but the barbeque terrace is completely private.

Nearest neighbour?

1 villa, situated 15m across the driveway from Villa Eleni that is screened to give privacy.

Villa Rental Prices

The following prices are shown in EUROS for the Villa for up to 6 persons. 

The rental prices include twice weekly cleaning.  Guests receive a free welcome pack,  villa information,and detailed directions from the guide book 'Crete on the Road' by Frankie Miles that is provided at every villa.  We are available via phone during office hours for local information,  information for boat trips, private boat hire, horse riding, big game fishing, guided walking, coach excursions, and private sightseeing tours in a light aircraft, and there is 24/7 assistance by phone for serious medical emergencies.

*** As of January 01, 2024, the Greek government have replaced the old “bed tax” with a new tax that is applied to all stays in short-term rental accommodation in Greece. The Climate Resilience Levy is a response to the devastating forest fires and floods that Greece has experienced in recent years, with the government hoping to generate extra funding that will go towards financing reconstruction, supporting victims, and increasing the country’s defences against future natural disasters.

The owners of all short-term rental accommodation are legally obliged to collect the Climate Resilience Levy as a separate tax for all overnight stays (per villa) as follows:

In 2024: €10.00 per night on stays between March 01 and October 31, and €4.00 per night on stays between November 01 and February 28/29.

In 2025: €15.00 per night on stays between March 01 and October 31, and €4.00 per night on stays between November 01 and February 28/29.

We will collect the Climate Resilience Levy with your final balance payment and it will be clearly itemised on your Booking Confirmation.

Whilst we understand the potential budget concerns of our guests, this tax/levy is beyond our control and we encourage our guests to see this as a way of contributing to the protection of the planet and the beautiful area where they are holidaying.

Repeat Guest Discount: Previous Guests of Villa Eleni can take 5% off the standard website prices (not including special offer prices).