Boasting elevated views over the Cretan Sea, this villa sits just 500 metres from the charming village of Rogdia. While there are lots of steps to enter this home, we think the pool area and coast-facing seating spots are worth the climb. Indoors, you'll find an elegant interior and plenty of books to read, but only the bedrooms promise air conditioning. Still, the practical desk and corner bathtub offer lovely bonuses. And for sightseeing, the city of Heraklion is 15 kilometres away.

Home truths:
*While one bathroom isn’t photographed, expect the style and quality to be consistent with the rest of the home. One bathroom feels a little dated with a wet-room-style shower.
*Though there's air conditioning in all three bedrooms here, there may be none in other areas of this home.
*There are lots of steps leading up to the front door here.
*The swimming pool isn't fenced. If you're bringing little ones, they'll need to be supervised at all times.
*There's a dedicated office space here if you need to catch up on work during your stay.
*There’s free parking in the garage. Due to this home's location, we recommend hiring a car to get the most out of your stay.