La Perla De Maroulas

“Unforgettable”

We stayed here seven years ago and have never forgotten this amazing Venetian castle, re-imagined as a light-filled, design-forward showplace by a daring architect some decades ago, which still feels fresh and impeccably well finished. Yorghi the proprietor couldn’t have been more helpful and hospi… more

We stayed here seven years ago and have never forgotten this amazing Venetian castle, re-imagined as a light-filled, design-forward showplace by a daring architect some decades ago, which still feels fresh and impeccably well finished. Yorghi the proprietor couldn’t have been more helpful and hospitable. He went way beyond expectations by showing us points of interest in Maroulas and Rhythymon and even introduced us to local characters. The vine-draped 15th-century arches over surrounding walkways, ancient sites and walkable local eateries make this place feel truly magical, and the castle itself is quite comfortable.

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“A truly amazing villa in a great location.”

Wow! Villa Maroulas was the perfect place for our vacation with 2 other couples. It could easily have handled more people; there were 2 bedrooms we didn’t use and the shared spaces were large and well set up. The pictures of the property are amazing. What is even more amazing is that it is even mor… more

Wow! Villa Maroulas was the perfect place for our vacation with 2 other couples. It could easily have handled more people; there were 2 bedrooms we didn’t use and the shared spaces were large and well set up. The pictures of the property are amazing. What is even more amazing is that it is even more beautiful than the pictures suggest. The master bedroom is particularly beautiful. It was magical. The kitchen is extremely well stocked with all kinds of utensils and tools. There are lots of dishes and plenty of glasses and cutlery. Everything is there to entertain a good sized group very easily. Our host, Yorghy, was totally amazing. He was there when we needed him, and provided so much information to help us enjoy our stay. His English was very good, and his French is better. I believe his father did the initial renovations, and he seems well integrated into the village. We felt very welcome, even though we were there over Greek Easter. Yorghy arranged two meals for us in the villa which were both amazing. But the restaurants in Maroulas are excellent and fun too. The location is perfect for exploring the central part of Crete. We walked from the house most evenings, and had one longer hike up past Taverna Fantastiko. We could get to the south coast at Hora Sfakion relatively easily as well, and did 2 day trips in that area. We have travelled a fair bit, and Villa Maroulas is one of the best places we have ever stayed.

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“Amazing time”

It was a amazing house, I was shocked when I came to villa, everything was clean and the Villa was beautiful 😍 The Man who rented us the villa was very helpful, told us what we could visit, where can we eat a good food and He answered our questions very quickly. I am very satisfied, I will certain… more

It was a amazing house, I was shocked when I came to villa, everything was clean and the Villa was beautiful 😍 The Man who rented us the villa was very helpful, told us what we could visit, where can we eat a good food and He answered our questions very quickly. I am very satisfied, I will certainly return here again

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“Idyllic mountain village retreat”

We've stayed at Yorghy's villa twice now, once in 2018 and once this summer - we love it. The location is stunning - the village of Maroulas is just a 12-15 minute drive from Rethymnon and 7 minutes from the beach and the shops/tavernass/bars of Platanes, so everything is easily accessible and yet … more

We've stayed at Yorghy's villa twice now, once in 2018 and once this summer - we love it. The location is stunning - the village of Maroulas is just a 12-15 minute drive from Rethymnon and 7 minutes from the beach and the shops/tavernass/bars of Platanes, so everything is easily accessible and yet you get to experience life in a small, peaceful rural village, with stunning views down to the sea from the roof terrace. There's now a small shop in the village as well, which is handy for basics and nice olive oil - or a great mini mart that's open every day and for long hours about a four minute drive away that has most of what you'll need. The layout of the villa means you have total privacy - the the high, ancient walls mean the central courtyard garden and the swimming pool are not overlooked, and yet still get lots of sun because of the aspect. The thick walls (plus air con!) mean it never gets too hot in the house either. There are so many lovely spaces to spend time in the villa - the courtyard, terrace, indoor and outdoor dining tables, living room, various nooks and even a wine tasting cellar area. Both times we've stayed, we've been a group of seven - five adults and two children - and we've been very comfortably accommodated. It's a great base where everyone can have all the space they need. One of the lovely things about the village is that it's small and quiet and yet you have two excellent restaurants within walking distance - Katerina is closest (amazing salads!) and Taverna Biofarm Armos is short walk up the hill (great food and incredible views). You also have Fantastiko about a five minute drive further up the mountain (again, breathtaking views). Yorghy is a wonderful host and can lay on dinners at the villa if requested - it's a lovely thing to be able to arrive here and have a feast laid on for your first evening. I really do mean a feast! He's always available if you need him as he lives a short drive away and is incredibly helpful, but never intrusive. He's a great source of knowledge for the best local restaurants and activities. We love it here and will be back.

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