Greece

Ioannis

We had a fantastic 11 days at Villa Zambia, a beautiful spacious house and garden with lovely pool.  We were only 3 travellers (2 adults, 1 teenager), however the house can definitely fit a few more. 

What we liked is that it felt like staying in someone's home, not in a "holiday home". The decor is personal, with ornaments and pictures and nicely chosen furniture. The house has everything you could need for cooking, washing, sleeping, playing, reading, BBQ evenings and enjoying the garden. We enjoyed the house so much we decided to spend mornings there, having a swim and relaxing, and only spend the afternoons visiting the island. Then spending evenings on the terrace, BBQ or local restaurant, and by the pool. It's not just a base-camp, it's the kind of house you want to spend time in. 

The village is authentic and pretty, there are also a few shops (chemist, supermarket) within walking distance and several nice restaurants. Definitely go to Giannikos Tavern on the nearest corner, i've never experienced such a friendly place! The views at sunset are also amazing. It's not an accident it's so popular every night of the week.

The location is a small village, around 10 minutes drive to the nearest beach. There are lots of fine beaches within 20 minutes drive. South of the island (Libyan sea) is around 45 minutes. You can also reach Chania in around 1 hour and Heraklion in just over 1 hour. In other words, you're near enough most places you'll want to visit on the island but you definitely need a car. I'd recommend visiting a few of the nearby villages too, lots of charming tavernas to try. 

The owners looked after us really well while also not intruding at all. They always sent a message before coming over to empty the bins for example. Thank you George for bringing us cakes in the morning! Thank you Anastasia for your WhatsApp messages checking we're all having a good time. All in all, even our 14 year old didn't get bored here, and we can recommend Villa Zambia to other families looking for a great place to stay. 

Villa with private pool, garden & BBQ at quiet village near city

Germany

Family from Münster, Germany

Two words describe this villa ... 'Absolutely fantastic'!!
From our first meeting with George at the arranged meeting spot to breakfast with him and Annastasia on our last morning, everything was brilliant.
George's mother even left us a home cooked meal.
The villa is beautiful. Just like home from home. The pool and garden area are outstanding and kept so clean.

The house has everything you could ever need and is light, airy and comfortable. The bedrooms are bright and the bedding comfortable and clean.
The villa was easy to find when driving and there is the added advantage of a parking spot just along the road.
The taverna at the end of the road is a delight and so is the owner who made us very welcome as well as supplying tasty home cooked food. He was so helpful with any questions about the area or Crete in general.
The overall area is perfect for exploring this beautiful island. Rethymnon is an absolute delight and only a short drive away.
There is even a Lidl a few minutes drive away.
This was a perfect holiday with treats being supplied by Annastasis. A fantastic time was had and we will definitely be coming back.
I would recommend this villa to anyone - couples, families or anyone just needing a relaxing holiday in a beautiful villa in a stunning area.
Absolutely 5 Star.
Thank you for the privilege of staying in your beautiful house.xx

United Kingdom

Couple from St. Ives, United Kingdom

This house is beautiful and comfortable. The backyard and pool are exceptional. Pictures do not do this home justice, it really is gorgeous. The surrounding community are very welcoming and we really enjoyed out time there. In particular, the nearby restaurant has lovely outdoor dining and the owner is fantastic! From start to finish, our host was amazing. She was helpful and even left us some traditional treats to enjoy. My children loved these little surprises. I would stay again with this host in a heartbeat. Good value for money, safe, clean, and all you need.

Villa Zambia could not have been better. It was so beautiful and Anastasia and George were perfect hosts providing home made food, olive oil, fruit, salad and a lovely welcome. We would love to stay again. Absolutely fantastic xx :)

Our experience staying at House Zambia was excellent and we would highly recommend it. After booking, our communication with Anastasia was very thorough and welcoming. The detailed driving instructions with pictures were very helpful and once we arrived at the meeting point, Giorgos (Anastasia's husband) came to join us very promptly and escorted us to the property. We were greeted with fresh fruit, salad, bread and a wonderful homemade pasticcio (thanks to Giorgos' mother who lives a couple of houses away) along with a bottle of delicious raki, wine, tea, coffee, milk and chilled water which were very welcome after an early flight. Everything in the house was well thought out and equipped and we never felt we lacked anything. The outside kitchen with large barbecue area was great to have and the extra bathroom with shower meant the children weren't in and out of the house when they were wet from the pool. Towels and shower gel were provided which is very useful for travellers who are only taking hand luggage. The beds were comfortable and there are a good selection of books and leaflets about the local area. The garden is beautiful with lots of different areas to relax depending if you want sun or shade and balconies for both rooms catching the sun at both ends of the day. The village is small with one (excellent) taverna and a couple of mini markets that stock pretty much all the essentials and a prtty square to sit in and admire the view. Atsipopulos the bigger village is a 2 minute drive and Rethymno itself only 10 minutes where there is a Lidl close to the crossroads and some lovely restaurants and bars. One thing we did not realise but which was very useful is that there is a private parking space with the house which saves the worry of where to leave the car in small streets. My children thought this was the best place they had stayed and we were all very sad to leave but intend to go back again. Thank you Anastasia and Giorgos!

Our experience of Villa Zambia was fantastic! Though we had some trouble finding the villa (due to it being our first time driving on the other side of the road and arriving in darkness), once we reached the meeting point we were met with nothing but warmth and kindness from Anastasia and George, who guided us to the villa and generously provided us with a pasta dish, bread, fruit and vegetables, and wine. The villa itself is absolutely beautiful, with a stunning and private garden , as well as balconies where you can read in the sun. The villa is situated in a wonderful little village, with the superb Giannikos restaurant only down the road where you can find authentic Greek food and hospitality, and a small shop nearby which can provide fresh bread, fruit and vegetables, and the owners will help you with any queries. A warning if you're going early or late in the year - we were there in late March - bring warm clothing as even if it's warm outside, inside the house it can get quite cold, especially downstairs, the Greek houses are designed to keep you cool after all! Other than that, the villa, and in fact Crete as an island, provide a wonderful holiday destination, and you should definitely make sure to go if you have the chance!

This beautiful and secluded villa was a great place to spend a relaxing holiday. Anastasia and George made sure that we had everything we needed. They also continued to bring us treats after welcoming us with a meal and raki! We felt very at home through their hospitality. 


I had stayed at the villa some years ago and was impressed by the location, standard of the villa and the care given by the owners, George and Tasoula. The return trip has been a joy, such a relaxing environment. the pool and outdoor area are private and sunfilled, with ample shade when needed. The family made us very welcome with a meal and supplies despite our late arrival.

The villa is located in a small village but is only a short drive from the coast and main road. The tavernas in the village are excellent so there is no need to travel far for great food and hospitality.

George and Tasoula are ideal hosts, there when needed and with an eye for their guests comfort

We had a lovely holiday and would certainly recommend this villa


A lovely, well equipped home. Peaceful and private garden. A welcome host with a lovely taste of Cretain cooking, a real treat having breakfast outside on the terrace every morning. Quaint , unspoilt village with friendly locals and lovely countryside. Take your walking boots!!!!

Superb ! We had a very good stay in this house is very nice with its swimming pool and outdoor terrace ... pity we can not stay longer . Anastasia was very welcoming and we even prepared a dish the country ... excellent! The situation of the villa in a small village is perfect, in a quiet atmosphere and a surprising green environment : you really feel at home! There are shops nearby and access to main roads is easy to be able to visit different areas of Crete. I also recommend going to Giannis restaurant for the quality of its welcome and dishes ... it was worth many other restaurants on the island .

Ioannis

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