Locations

Aloe villa and its adjacent villa Lotus are located in the Western part of the traditional village of Prines, 200m above sea level.  In the surrounding area of the villas there is a wooded area with wild oak trees which extends to the sea.  Thus, the microclimate of the region is particularly healthy and the view from the windows and verandas of the villas is unique, especially at sunset. Aloe and Lotus villas are 6 kilometers (5-8 minutes drive) from the historical town of Rethymno and combine the tranquility of Cretan countryside with the vitality of the historical and cultural interest of Rethymno town.

Prines is an authentic traditional Cretan village which combines architectural elements from its Arabic, Venetian and Ottoman history.  Visitors can enjoy cycling, trekking, mountaineering through the wild Cretan Flora and famous herbage, swimming, riding by the sea and all marine sports on the nearby beaches. 

They can also visit old monasteries, churches, castles, caves and cross gorges with unique native wild flowers (Kourtaliotiko gorge, Imbros gorge, Prassiano gorge, etc). They can listen live traditional music and dance the local dances in festivals which take place throughout the summer in the nearby villages as well as attending the Renaissance Festival, which is organized by the municipality of Rethymno and takes place in July-August- September.  In the spring, Greek Orthodox Easter is also a magical time to visit, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the local rituals and traditions.  They can taste the local cuisine at the famous tavernas of the region in the inland, the old town or on the sea front.

Due to its geographical position between Iraklio and Chania and its close distance to the southern coast of Crete, Aloe and Lotus villas are a perfect place for one day excursions to Chania and Iraklio as well as the southern coast beaches of Plakia, Damnoni, Schinaria among others.

For those who are interested in visiting a modern academic establishment, the library of the University of Crete with only 4 kilometers distance from Rethymno, Aloe and Lotus villas can provide access to a large variety of books about Crete, Arts and Humanities.

Aloe and Louts villas offer a harmonic combination of traditional and modern which guarantees an enjoyful Cretan experience with a vivid summer, a colorful spring, a warm autumn and a mild Cretan winter.