Our boutique hotels are chosen for their exceptional locations, and in this instance a winning combination of rustic charm, contemporary style and beguiling views, as well as ample outdoor space for soaking up the sun or spending some quiet time with a book. However, when you want to go further afield, turquoise waters and sandy beaches are waiting within easy reach of your luxury hotel, along with the impressive ruins of Knossos and a host of lesser-known archaeological sites that are still imbued with the myths and legends of an ancient history.

Getting out and about in Rethymno

For a taste of vibrant local life away from the tranquillity of your boutique hotel, medieval Rethymno is the third largest city in Crete, and comes with its own 12km sandy beach as well as harbourside restaurants for a delightful evening’s dining. Walk through the streets of the Old Town and you’ll find a combination of Venetian and Ottoman architecture, as well as churches, mosques, mansions and the kind of fascinating history that comes with every luxury hotel holiday on this beautiful island.

To find out more about this handpicked destination, read our guide to Rethymno & Central Crete.