Dotira, an Enchanting Heritage Home with Pool

Photo gallery for Dotira, an Enchanting Heritage Home with Pool

A stone courtyard with a bed, potted plants, and a bench.
A poolside area with lounge chairs, a sun umbrella, and a stone wall.
A narrow alleyway with a stone building featuring a sign reading "AOTEIPA".
A stone wall with a rustic pot hanging, a cushioned bench with striped pillows, and a glass-top table with vases.
A rustic stone-walled living room with a wooden staircase, a sofa with patterned cushions, and a traditional fireplace.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Dive into relaxation
    Unwind in the top-rated pool, your perfect spot for relaxation.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

Popular amenities

  • Balcony or patio
  • Massages in spa
  • Private pool
  • Limo or town car service available
  • Toys
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Rethimno, Crete
  • Place, Platanes Beach
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, beach near Σφακάκι
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Horse Park Rethymno
    ‪11 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

First floor | Double bedroom

1 Double Bed

First floor | Double bedroom

1 Double Bed

First floor | Twin bedroom

2 Single Beds

Former stable | Attic room

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

First floor | Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Ground floor | Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

Add dates for prices

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About the area

Rethymno

Located in Rethymno, this villa is in a rural area and near the beach. Paleontological Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Horse Park Rethymno and Rethymno Marina. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain climbing and ecotours.
Map
Rethimno, Crete

What's nearby

  • Platanes Beach - 7 min drive - 5.0 km
  • beach near Σφακάκι - 8 min drive - 5.7 km
  • Horse Park Rethymno - 11 min drive - 9.1 km
  • Mili Gorge - 12 min drive - 9.9 km
  • Town Beach - 13 min drive - 10.3 km

Getting around

  • Chania (CHQ-Ioannis Daskalogiannis) - 75 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Coffee Stop - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Taverna Poppy - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Ακρογιάλι (Akrogiali) - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Γρηγόρης μικρογεύματα - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Fantastiko - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Dotira, an Enchanting Heritage Home with Pool have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Dotira, an Enchanting Heritage Home with Pool pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at Dotira, an Enchanting Heritage Home with Pool?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Dotira, an Enchanting Heritage Home with Pool?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Dotira, an Enchanting Heritage Home with Pool?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Dotira, an Enchanting Heritage Home with Pool located?

Located by the sea, this family-friendly villa is within 6 mi (10 km) of Platanes Beach, Blue Beach, and Town Beach. Mili Gorge and Horse Park Rethymno are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 62 out of 67 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 67 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 67 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 67 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 67 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

8.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming villa with a great little tavern within walking distance. Loved the local authenticity! Maria our host was great with excellent communication, assistance and restaurant recommendations. we loved our stay!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jul, 2025
Dear Lori, thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the charm of the villa and the authentic local tavern nearby. We are overjoyed to know that your host's communication and recommendations made your stay even better. It means a lot to us that you loved your time with us! We would be delighted to welcome you back anytime. Warm regards, ThinkVilla Team.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Beautiful house with a soul

Fantastic stay to relax and explore the amazing Island of Crete.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jul, 2023
Dear Andrew, we are truly happy you cherished a fantastic stay & hope to welcome you again on your next trip to Crete! Travel Regards, ThinkVilla Team.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice villa located about 15min from Reythimno. This about halfway between Chania and Heraklion within an hour from the finest beaches in Crete. You’re in a very small village with a nice taverna nearby. Markets (including Lidl) and other necessities are 5-10 min away by car. Nice pool area with a projection tv for movie nights. Kitchen is well-equipped and all rooms have individual a/c. Recommend getting bug spray and/or candles for mosquitos outside as you are in the countryside.
Stayed 14 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Jul, 2026
Dear Harry, thank you very much for your thoughtful review and for sharing your experience with future guests. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the villa’s location, the peaceful village surroundings, and the convenient access to Rethymno, local amenities, and some of Crete’s beautiful beaches. It’s wonderful to know that you appreciated the pool area, the outdoor movie nights, the well-equipped kitchen, and the comfort of the individual air-conditioning in each room. We’re also glad that you enjoyed the nearby taverna and the authentic countryside atmosphere. Thank you as well for your helpful note regarding mosquitoes. As the villa is located in a beautiful natural setting surrounded by countryside, occasional insects are part of the local environment, especially during the warmer months. We appreciate you highlighting this for future visitors. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back for another relaxing stay in Greece. Travel regards, ThinkVilla Team.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay at Dotira House

What a charming, unique and comfortable home - we had a lovely stay at Dotira house. The location was great for exploring Crete but the house was so nice to come back to after a day of bopping around. The house is very nicely furnished and there are lots of nooks to relax and enjoy. Thank you for a wonderful stay!
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Oct, 2024
Dear Lindsey, thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a charming and comfortable stay at our House. It’s great to know that the location was perfect for exploring Crete and that the house provided a relaxing retreat after your adventures. We’re thrilled that you enjoyed the beautifully furnished home and the cozy nooks for unwinding. Thank you for choosing us for your stay, and we hope to welcome you back soon for another wonderful stay! Travel Regards, ThinkVilla Team
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

best place

perfect
Stayed 11 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Aug, 2023
Dear Bigna, thank you for your lovely review! We are very happy to know you treasured a perfect stay with us, and it will be a pleasure to welcome you back the next time you visit Greece. Travel Regards, ThinkVilla Team.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for a relaxing break

We loved Dotira it met all our needs for a relaxing holiday. We particularly liked the fact there were so many places to sit and chill out including the lovely cool courtyard and the upstairs balcony for evening card games. We spent most the days in the beautiful pool area and cooling off in the pool.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Aug, 2022
Dear Matthew, we are thrilled to read your review. Thank you for choosing to stay with us and for giving us a perfect rating. We would love to welcome you back soon. Travel Greetings, ThinkVilla Team
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful relaxing villa

The house is amazing. Perfect for a relaxing break. Maria and her husband were very responsive and helpful. Delightful time and would love to come back again.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Aug, 2022
Dear Roger, thank you for your lovely comments! We would really love to have you back anytime, and please feel also free to share our direct details with your friends. We are always here to help with planning your next holiday break to Greece and would be thrilled to see you again! Travel Regards, ThinkVilla Team.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely house

Everything is very clean, and the oner is very kind.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug, 2023
Dear Iris, Thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful review about our villa. We are glad hearing that you cherished our Villa and services , as your satisfaction is our highest priority. We look forward welcoming you again in the future! Travel Regards, ThinkVilla Team
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful traditional style villa

The villa is lovely. Air conditioning throughout, plenty of places to sit and relax and very quiet and secluded. Maria was very helpful and friendly. The pool is great - the children particularly enjoyed that it is chemical free. We enjoyed visiting Rethymno on several occasions.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug, 2024
Dear Kate, thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so pleased to hear that you enjoyed our lovely Villa, with its peaceful and secluded setting. It’s great that the pool was a hit with your children, and that you had the chance to explore Rethymno during your stay. We’re also glad that Mrs Maria’s helpfulness and friendliness added to your experience, as your satisfaction is our top priority. We hope to welcome you back for another relaxing holiday soon! Travel Regards, ThinkVilla Team
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wow

What an amazing holiday. The Vila, location and people were just so helpful and friendly. We couldn't ask for more. You will not be disappointed if you choose Dorita as your holiday Vila.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar, 2020
Dear Amy, thank you so much for taking the time to write such an amazing review about our Villa! It was our pleasure having you as guests! Regards, ThinkVilla Team.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very pleasant stay at House Dotira

We had two wonderful weeks in Mesi. Maria was a great host, always reachable via phone. She also provided useful tips regarding beaches, restaurants…All in all, House Dotira is well equipped, the outdoor area superb. Absolutely recommendable.
Stayed 13 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Nov, 2023
Dear Tanja, we are pleased to hear that you have spent two wonderful weeks in our home & appreciate your kind comments. We shall be delighted to welcome you back sometime. Travel Regards, ThinkVilla Team
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dotira Villa

We had a wonderful holiday at the villa. It is a beautiful house & pool exactly as described. You are in a peaceful area but very near beaches, Pigi Adele & Rethymno. A very central location. Maria is a lovely owner & had a very thoughtful welcome of food & raki. We would highly recommend this villa for a perfect holiday in Crete
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Aug, 2022
Dear Anne, Thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful review about our villa. We are glad hearing that you cherished our Villa and services , as your satisfaction is our highest priority. We look forward welcoming you again in the future! Travel Regards, ThinkVilla Team
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

MESI

The property is fabulous in every way. The villa is well maintained and Maria and her husband are attentive. We had a fabulous stay. There is little in the immediate neighborhood except one very nice Taverna with great food at an extremely reasonable price.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Aug, 2022
Dear Joyce, thank you so much for recommending our villa to other travellers. We are thrilled that you loved your holiday experience with us and our bespoke villa. Your lovely comments really mean a lot to us as we take pride taking exceptional care of you as our guests. Thank you once again and we hope to welcome you back soon in Greece. Travel Regards, ThinkVilla Team
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beyond expectations!

Mesi is a charming village and i am happy we chose it to base our visit in Crete. Away from the hustle and bustle but close enough to the fun, the house met our needs perfectly. We meet extended family and were able to stay under one roof, with space to retreat if the pool got too roudy! Fantastic, recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jun, 2024
Dear Marie and Steven, Thank you for sharing your experience in Mesi village and at our villa. It's wonderful to hear that you found Mesi charming and that our house perfectly met your needs for a family gathering. We're delighted you enjoyed the balance of tranquility and proximity to attractions. Your recommendation is truly appreciated, and we hope to welcome you and your extended family back for another fantastic stay soon! Travel regards,ThinkVilla Team
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect stay at the Dotira House!

The villa is simply magnificent and beyond our expectations. The highlight is definitely the outside space including a pool, rest area, table, etc. Ms. Maria is an amazing & lovely host. We felt at home and we appreciated the attention to details. Do not hesitate to stay in this house! Thank you for everything.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug, 2023
Dear Melissa, thank you so much for recommending our villa to other travellers. We are thrilled that you loved your holiday experience with us and our bespoke villa. Your lovely comments really mean a lot to us as we take pride taking exceptional care of you as our guests. Thank you once again and we hope to welcome you back soon in Greece. Travel Regards, ThinkVilla Team
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Charming house

We spent two great weeks in Dotira pleasant villa , located in a quiet village, near a tavern that we recommend. Maria and Nikos are very welcoming , friendly, helpful and very professional. House very well equipped and nicely decorated. On arrival a Cretan meal waiting for us and a traditional meal cooked over a wood fire in the patio of the villa, was prepared us mid-week by Nikos and Maria . We recommend this villa for your next holiday Thanks again to Maria and Nikos
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar, 2020
Dear Yveline, thank you for giving us a perfect rating and we hope to welcome you again!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful villa with fantastic pool terrace

A lovely villa in a small village with a nice taverna just round the corner. Very well equipped kitchen if you want to eat in. Short drive to long beach but worth going a bit further to other smaller ones, spillies was our favourite. We had a wonderful week in this absolutely charming villa. Maria is lovely and couldn’t have been more helpful. Only drawback is that pool is smaller than it looks in the photo but still great for cooling off. The pool terrace area is really lovely. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Aug, 2022
Dear Alison, Thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful review about our villa. We are glad hearing that you cherished our Villa and services , as your satisfaction is our highest priority. We look forward welcoming you again in the future! Travel Regards, ThinkVilla Team
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful old village house tastefully converted with lots of original features and old artefacts adorning the walls and nooks and crannies. Several seating areas with shade so although it sleeps 8 there is space to find some peace and quiet if wanted. Lovely pool area. In a small village with a local taverna but nothing else. A car is needed to get to other villages or areas of interest and to the beach. The closest beach are send quite developed so we chose to drive a little further but found lovely beaches within a 30 minute drive. Rethymno old town is about 20 minutes drive. Maria the host was really helpful and the check in process smooth. Highly recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Oct, 2025
Dear Guest, thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the charming character of the village house and its peaceful spots for relaxation. It’s wonderful that the pool and local taverna added to your experience. We appreciate your helpful note about the location and car. Having a vehicle definitely opens up the beautiful surrounding beaches and the historic Rethymno old town, both well worth exploring. Your lovely host will be very happy for your kind words and is glad the check-in process was smooth. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another memorable stay! Travel regards, ThinkVilla Team.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Perfect

This was a different kind of holiday for my wife and I along with our 4 children and their 2 partners but we where not disappointed! From the moment we arrived Maria was attentive and the perfect host. The property was absolutely lovely with plenty of space for all 8 of us and several different outside areas to use depending on your mood. The village had one taverna which was perfect as well, 8 of us ate several times paying no more than 88 euros which included drinks. Maria was always on hand if we needed any help or assistance and even cooked a traditional Greek dinner for us using the amazing pizza oven at the villa along with supplying eggs, home made jam, wine and olive oil. a truly amazing holiday with absolutely lovely host, Perfect!
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar, 2020
Dear Richard, thank you so much for taking the time to write such an amazing review about our Villa! It was our pleasure having you as guests! Regards, ThinkVilla Team.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Full of charm and character

Our 2 families had a lovely stay at this beautiful property. We were met by the host,Maria,who was exceptionally helpful and welcoming and always on hand should we need anything. The cold drinks and snacks were very appreciated when we arrived. The house was beautifully quirky and full of character. It was very clean and there was all you would need in the kitchen. Beds were comfy and the air conditioned bedrooms were great sizes. The pool was beautiful and very well maintained. Location is fairy remote, this is part of its charm, but was peaceful and made a good base for exploring this area of Crete. The supermarket was 10mins and was a €20 taxi journey from rethymno. The local taverna, maybe a 2 minute walk was lovey with stunning views. We loved our stay here.
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Aug, 2022
Dear Jo, thank you for taking the time to give us a perfect rating. Hopefully we will have the chance to welcome you back for more memorable celebrations in Greece, it would be our pleasure! Travel Greetings, ThinkVill Team
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A little piece of paradise

We have just returned from a wonderful week at Dotira house, and what a fantastic time we had! From the amazing communication from the moment we booked, to the stunning villa everything was perfection. The villa itself is stunning, with high end traditional finishing and attention to detail. It was perfectly equipped with everything we needed for our stay, we particularly loved our experience of cooking on the outdoor oven which made for a very memorable night. The view from the terraces looking out to the sea was priceless, and we loved how it was tucked away from the busier town of Rethymno (though being close enough to drive 10 mins for shopping/beaches etc) Synka was our favourite supermarket with everything you need. The local Taverna Kastro is a few steps away and was a treat. We loved it, and the maitre’d Helen was delightful and so welcoming to us. We couldn’t get over how cheap it was to eat out! We will definitely be back to our little piece of heaven. Thanks Maria & Nikos for your help and hospitality xx
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Sept, 2020
Dear Jessica, we are truly happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us and we hope to have the chance to host you again in the future! Regards, ThinkVilla Team.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tolle Villa, perfekter Urlaub
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jul, 2026
Dear Magdalena, thank you so much for your lovely review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay and that the villa contributed to a perfect holiday experience. It was a pleasure welcoming you, and we truly appreciate your kind words. Thank you once again for choosing our villa. We would be delighted to welcome you back in the future and hope to see you again for another unforgettable holiday. Travel regards, ThinkVilla Team.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Das Haus ist unglaublich schön und mit Liebe zum Detail eingerichtet.Alles war vor Ort, es war sauber und ordentlich.Der Kontakt zur Gastgeberin war sehr nett und unkompliziert.Rund um ein hervirragend.Ein kleiner Minuspunkt ist, dass das Haus weitab liegt und man auf ein Auto angewiesen ist.
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Nov, 2025
Dear Andrea, hank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re very glad to hear that you enjoyed the house, its thoughtful details, and that everything met your needs. It’s also great to know that the communication with your lovely hosts made your stay smooth and pleasant. We appreciate your note about the location. While the house is indeed in a quiet and peaceful area, we’re glad it suited your plans and allowed you to enjoy the surroundings at your own pace. We would be delighted to welcome you back anytime for another great stay. Travel regards, ThinkVilla Team.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charmerende og nyistandsat villa i lille hyggelig landsby

Vi havde et skønt ophold i villaen, som er meget charmerende indrettet med spændende detaljer. Villaen ligger i en meget lille landsby med enkelte huse, en kirke og en taverna, som varmt kan anbefales. Haven har hyggelig indrettet og vi fik god service af værtinden undervejs. Privat p-plads lige ved hoveddøren. Dejligt hus.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Sept, 2025
Dear Hanne, thank you so much for your lovely review. We’re truly delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay at the villa and appreciated its charm and unique details. It’s wonderful to know that the peaceful atmosphere of the village and the local taverna added to the enjoyment of your visit. We’re especially grateful for your kind mention of the service. It was an absolute pleasure to host you, and we're so glad you felt well taken care of throughout your stay. We hope to have the joy of hosting you again in the future. Travel regards, ThinkVilla team.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ein Traumurlaub! Charmantes Haus mit einem super schönen Außenbereich - mit diversen Sitzmöglichkeiten. Außer den obligatorischen Grillen ist es hier sehr ruhig, man ist aber doch in 20 Minuten in Rethymno. Haben den Abstand sehr genossen. Die Taverne im Ort bietet großartige typische Küche zu sehr fairen Preisen - und umliegend gibt es schnell mit demAuto zu erreichen weitere leckere Tavernen… Maria unsere Gastgeberin war sehr herzlich, die Buchung und vorherige Korrespondenz absolut reibungslos und schnell - lieben Dank für den schönen Urlaub!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Aug, 2025
Dear Astrid, thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the charming house and the peaceful outdoor area, as well as the nearby tavernas and easy access to Rethymno. It’s especially heartwarming to know that your lovely host's hospitality and our booking process contributed to a smooth and enjoyable experience. We would be thrilled to welcome you back anytime for another memorable stay! Warm regards, ThinkVilla team.
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