Discover the best holiday rentals: self-catering villas, charming holiday homes and unique apartments Crete

The beauty of staying in a holiday home lies in the rhythm you set for yourself. Whether it's a minimalist beach house, a secluded stone cottage or a design-led villa with sweeping views, these spaces offer the freedom to live like a local, but with more style, privacy and intention, be it for couples, families or groups of friends. At Secretplaces, we seek out holiday homes and villas that stand out for their architecture, ambience and setting — places where the materials matter, the light is right, and the atmosphere invites calm. From refined apartments in historic cities to countryside retreats framed by olive groves, our handpicked selection goes beyond the functional. These are spaces with soul. Whether you're preparing a slow breakfast in a sunlit kitchen, enjoying the quiet of a mountain chalet, or watching the sea change colour from a villa with a pool, the essence is always the same: considered design, a sense of place, and the luxury of simplicity Each place in our collection has been handpicked for its style, soul, and sense of place.


Boutique holiday homes, villas, and self-catering apartments — curated with care:

  • Cottages
    We have found a magic hideaway, a secret well kept by those in the know. In the Aspros Potamos (White River) Valley, just half a mile from the shore in the south-east corner of Crete, thirteen unique cottages, the White River Cottages, lie scattered among groves of olive, pine and carob.
    • Countryside
    • |
    • 13 properties
    • |
    • from 85 EUR info
  • Holiday Apartments
    Villa Ippocampi in Crete is a small exclusive villa with great charm and personal services. Villa Ippocampi is a charming hideaway ideal for a grown-up getaway to the sun. This little gem created with love and dedication is perfect for a honeymoon, a romantic break, or a getaway with friends.
    • Coast
    • |
    • 13 rooms
    • |
    • from 120 EUR info
  • Holiday homes villas
    Elounda Island Villas is a charming family-run accommodation located near Elounda, Crete. It offers 10 luxurious apartments with balconies overlooking the sea. The villas are eco-friendly and connected to Elounda by an ancient stone bridge, making them the only buildings on the islet.
    • Seaside (ocean front)
    • |
    • 3 properties
    • |
    • from 971 EUR info
  • Holiday Apartments
    Elounda Island Villas in Crete offer a welcoming atmosphere for relaxation and exploration. Choose from nine cosy holiday apartments with sea and mountain views. There's a small sandy beach in front, and you can access the beautiful Kolokytha bay nearby, known for its turquoise waters.
    • Seaside (ocean front)
    • |
    • 9 properties
    • |
    • from 200 EUR info
  • Holiday Apartments
    The White Houses of Crete offer a relaxing holiday in Makrigialos, southeast Crete. They provide apartments and houses close to the old harbour, sandy beaches, restaurants, and bars. It's a less touristy destination with opportunities to explore ancient culture, gorges, and mountain villages.
    • Seaside (ocean front)
    • |
    • 5 properties
    • |
    • from 125 EUR info
  • Holiday Apartment
    To Spiti is a self-catering apartment in Chania's historic district. This charming property, dating back to 1400, was lovingly restored, blending its original features with contemporary style. The apartment is suitable for travellers seeking unique and functional accommodation.
    • Island
    • |
    • 4 people
    • |
    • from 125 EUR info
  • Holiday home villa
    Verekinthos Villas in Crete offer a unique blend of past and present in a lovingly restored family farmhouse from the 1800s. Guests can enjoy mountain views, a swimming pool, outdoor entertainment areas, and a telescope for stargazing. A mix of luxury and rural old-world charm.
    • Mountain
    • |
    • 8 people
    • |
    • from 190 EUR info
Our short listed lodgings
Below you will find some more lovely accommodations we have recently discovered and that we will publish soon. You can book them through booking.com in the meantime.
  • Holiday Apartments
    A studio with a kitchenette and a duplex apartment with two double beds for 4 people, a kitchen, and a lovely terrace, right in front of the Chania market and just a few steps from the historic centre. Very well equipped, comfortable, and with an excellent location.
    • City
    • |
    • from 95 EUR info
  • Holiday Apartments
    This beautiful corner is a country retreat, set in a 200-year-old family home fully renovated with 4 self-contained apartments, hidden behind tall garden gates and nestled among olive groves. A magnet for outdoor activity enthusiasts and just a short drive from the beautiful beaches of Sougia.
    • Countryside
    • |
    • 4 rooms
    • |
    • from 183 EUR info

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