Silver Olive | 3-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Agios Georgios

Three bedrooms, seven guests, one shared courtyard with a swimming pool that catches the afternoon light like liquid silver. Silver Olive sits 11 kilometres inland from Crete’s north coast, positioned between the village of Armeni and the medieval harbour town of Rethymno—far enough from the tourist crush to feel genuinely remote, close enough to reach tavernas and beaches within ten minutes by car. This luxury villa rental in Rethymno Greece combines two self-contained apartments around a central terrace, designed for families who want separate sleeping quarters or groups of friends seeking privacy without isolation.

Inside Silver Olive

Silver Olive sleeps 7 guests across 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, arranged across two independent apartments that share the courtyard and pool. The layout works because each unit functions as its own home—neither space feels like you’re staying in half a property.

Apartment One occupies 156 square metres split across two floors. On the ground level, a fully fitted kitchen opens into a combined living and dining area warmed by an original parasia fireplace (the traditional stone hearth that once heated the entire house). A sofa bed sits near tall windows, and a super king-size bedroom with ensuite shower connects via its own entrance. Climb the internal staircase to the first floor and discover a second living zone with floor-to-ceiling glass doors framing garden views, plus a generous king bedroom featuring fitted wardrobes, work desk, and a modern shower room with separate WC. The colour palette throughout runs to soft whites and warm earth tones—deliberate choices that make the stone walls and curved ceilings feel contemporary rather than period.

Apartment Two operates independently on the ground floor, with an open-plan living area that includes a compact sofa (convertible to a short bed for children), dining table, small kitchen, shower room, and WC. The first-floor bedroom contains a double bed and storage. This apartment suits families with younger children or acts as overflow sleeping for a larger group.

Throughout both units: ceiling fans manage heat circulation, smart televisions connect to satellite channels, washing machines handle laundry, and a kitchen stocked with both drip and espresso coffee makers suggests the owners understand that morning coffee matters. Cots and high chairs are available on request.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The communal courtyard is the property’s true heart. A step-entry swimming pool sits surrounded by curved sun loungers and silver olive trees—the ones the villa takes its name from—which provide dappled afternoon shade from roughly 2 PM onwards. The water stays at a comfortable temperature year-round thanks to climate management systems.

Along the terrace edges, a pergola-covered soft seating area becomes the evening gathering spot. A ten-seater dining table accommodates group meals prepared on the wood-burning oven or barbecue. An outdoor shower and preparation sink sit discreetly to one side, meaning sand from the beach or sweat from hiking rinses away before entering the house. The top-floor terrace offers additional garden views ideal for morning coffee or sunset aperitifs. Books and games are provided for both children and adults—the kind of thoughtful detail that prevents the “what do we do now?” conversation during rainy afternoons.

Parking is off-street and covered. Wi-Fi reaches every corner of the property. All essential services—utilities, pool maintenance, linen changes—are handled by the support team.

Location: Rethymno and the Surrounding Area

Silver Olive sits in Cretan countryside 11 kilometres south of the north coast, positioned to be distant from the summer tourism crowds while remaining connected to genuine local life. The village of Armeni, 2 kilometres away, contains family-run tavernas serving traditional mezze, a small supermarket for self-catering supplies, and local wine bars where Greek is the first language. This is where Cretans actually eat, not where tourists photograph their meals.

Rethymno town centre lies 10 kilometres north—a legitimate medieval destination rather than a theme park. The Venetian harbour still functions as a working port with fishing boats unloading daily catches. The 16th-century Fortezza citadel dominates the skyline (entry €6, open 8 AM–3 PM daily except Mondays). The Archaeological Museum houses Minoan pottery and frescoes. Wander the narrow streets of the Old Town—many dating to the 1600s—and you’ll stumble on genuine bakeries, olive oil retailers, and the covered market where locals buy vegetables and cheese. The 1830s lighthouse at the harbour entrance provides photo opportunities and coastal views.

Chania, Crete’s second city, sits 20 minutes west. The old Venetian port is undeniably beautiful at dusk when restaurant tables fill the waterfront, but expect crowds. The Maritime Museum and Archaeological Museum justify a visit. The Greek Orthodox Church of Agios Nikolaos displays Byzantine elements. The nearby Samaria Gorge (45 kilometres west) offers Greece’s most famous hiking trail—a 16-kilometre descent through a canyon system, typically completed in 4–5 hours. Various operators run shuttle services from Chania.

For water activities, Rethymno’s beaches (3–5 kilometres from the villa depending on which one you choose) offer swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkelling. The Venetian harbour beach works for families. Rocky coves near Bali (12 kilometres east) suit swimmers seeking calmer water. Multiple diving centres operate from the town—professional certifications can be arranged in 2–3 days. Boat hire companies run daily trips to Spinalonga Island (a former Venetian fortress and leper colony, now an open-air museum requiring a 45-minute boat journey), Psychro Cave (reportedly Zeus’s birthplace, 50 kilometres southeast), and snorkelling stops.

Heraklion, Crete’s largest city (65 kilometres east), houses the Archaeological Museum—arguably Greece’s most important outside Athens—and the Palace of Knossos, Europe’s oldest civilisation. The drive via the coastal route is scenic, passing almond and olive groves. Vai (Crete’s easternmost point, 110 kilometres east) features a unique date palm forest and a sand beach. Sitia Geopark (105 kilometres east) covers 350 square kilometres of gorges, gorge hiking, and birdwatching terrain. Richtis Gorge features a 20-metre waterfall with a natural pool for cooling off.

Wine and food experiences: Multiple wineries operate within 20 kilometres and run tasting tours pairing local wines with Cretan mezze. Olive oil and honey tasting tours conclude with lunch and cost €45–€65 per person. The Toplou Monastery (15th-century, 80 kilometres southeast) contains Byzantine icons and sits in dramatic hillside terrain.

Chania International Airport lies 73 kilometres west (approximately 80 minutes by road). Buses connect the airport to Rethymno in roughly 90 minutes. Car hire is economical (€25–€35 daily) and essential for exploring beyond walking distance. Explore our luxury villas in Greece and our full collection in Crete. For destination inspiration, read our Rethymno travel guide.

Best visiting months: May and September offer warm days (around 28°C), calm seas, and manageable crowds. July and August bring consistent heat (32–35°C) and peak tourism. April and October provide pleasant weather but fewer restaurant and activity options. November through March sees rainfall and cooler temperatures (15–18°C), though many restaurants and shops remain open and prices drop significantly.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Silver Olive works exceptionally well for two families sharing a vacation. The separate apartments mean parents can manage children independently (one unit handling bedtimes while the other continues evening activities) yet maintain easy access to shared facilities. A group of six to eight friends finds the two-unit structure ideal for some privacy without fracturing the group dynamic.

Multi-generational families benefit from the layout: grandparents in one apartment, adult children and grandchildren in the other, with the courtyard serving as common ground. The pool appeals to children while the shaded terrace suits adults preferring to read or work.

Couples seeking space and services should note that while Silver Olive accommodates two people beautifully, the two-apartment structure means you occupy roughly half the property—not the intimacy of a dedicated couple’s villa. However, maid service and chef options can be arranged, making this suitable for those seeking a private retreat with professional support.

Remote workers and sabbatical takers find the setup functional: reliable Wi-Fi, dedicated desk spaces, multiple seating areas for video calls, and enough privacy that presence of other guests (if booking shared occupancy) doesn’t disrupt focus. The courtyard location means exterior noise is minimal.

Practical Information

Capacity: 7 guests maximum across 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Apartment One sleeps 4–5 (super king bed, king bed, sofa bed). Apartment Two sleeps 2–3 (double bed, convertible sofa).

Nearest airport: Chania International Airport, 73 kilometres away, approximately 80 minutes by car. Transfer services can be pre-arranged through Excellence Luxury Villas (typically €120–€150 for up to 4 passengers).

Nearest supermarket: Mini Market in Armeni village, 2 kilometres away, stocking fresh vegetables, cheese, wine, and basics. Larger supermarkets (Lidl, Carrefour) operate in Rethymno, 10 kilometres away.

Included in rental: Wi-Fi, satellite television, pool access and maintenance, linen and towel changes (twice weekly standard), air conditioning and ceiling fans, parking, basic kitchen equipment (pots, pans, utensils), coffee makers, books and games.

Available for additional cost: Maid service (daily or periodic), chef service (menu planning and cooking), wine tasting tours, guided hiking, boat excursions, car hire coordination.

Check-in is typically 4 PM, check-out 11 AM. Flexibility can sometimes be arranged by contacting Excellence Luxury Villas directly, subject to housekeeping schedules and incoming bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Silver Olive

How many guests does Silver Olive sleep?

Silver Olive accommodates 7 guests maximum across two independent apartments. Apartment One contains a super king bedroom (sleeps 2), a king bedroom (sleeps 2), and a sofa bed (sleeps 1). Apartment Two has a double bedroom (sleeps 2) and a convertible sofa suitable for one child. Standard bookings are for 5–7 guests; the property can accommodate smaller groups but pricing reflects the full allocation.

What is the nearest airport to Silver Olive in Crete?

Chania International Airport (CHQ) is 73 kilometres west of the villa, approximately 80 minutes away by car. This is Crete’s second-busiest airport and handles flights from across Europe year-round. Heraklion Airport (HER), Crete’s largest airport, sits 65 kilometres east (approximately 75 minutes) and offers more international flight options. Both are reachable via arranged transfer services.

What is the best time of year to rent Silver Olive?

May and September offer ideal conditions: air temperatures around 28°C, sea temperatures of 22–24°C, moderate tourist presence, and all restaurants and attractions open. July and August bring reliable sunshine (32–35°C) and peak crowds at popular sites. April and October provide pleasant weather but reduced activity availability. November through March sees rainfall and cooler temperatures (15–18°C) suitable only for those comfortable with winter conditions, though significantly reduced prices apply and the landscape is lush from recent rain.

Is Silver Olive suitable for families with children?

Yes. The villa contains a step-entry swimming pool with shallow sections suitable for young swimmers, shaded seating areas for supervising caregivers, and sufficient space that children can run safely within the enclosed courtyard. High chairs and cots are available on request. Nearby Armeni village has a small playground. Family-friendly beaches (Rethymno town beach, Bali cove) are 3–12 kilometres away. Restaurants throughout the area accommodate families readily. However, the property lacks dedicated childproofing (edge guards, safety gates), so families with infants under 18 months should discuss specific requirements with Excellence Luxury Villas in advance.

What is included in the rental price at Silver Olive?

The rental price includes Wi-Fi internet throughout the property, satellite television, all utilities (electricity, water, gas), pool maintenance and heating, linen and towel supply with twice-weekly changes, air conditioning and ceiling fans, off-street parking, kitchen equipment and appliances, and access to books and games. It does not include food, alcohol, or optional services such as maid attendance, chef services, or activity bookings—these are available at additional cost.

What restaurants and shops are near Silver Olive?

Armeni village (2 kilometres) contains three family-run tavernas serving traditional Cretan mezze and grilled fish, a mini supermarket, and a wine bar. Rethymno town (10 kilometres) offers the covered market for fresh produce and cheese, numerous restaurants along the Venetian harbour (Sunrise Restaurant, Kyria Maria, and Avli specialise in fresh seafood and traditional dishes), bakeries, and a Lidl supermarket. Beach tavernas near Bali (12 kilometres east) serve fresh fish at waterfront tables. Pre-stocking of the villa’s kitchen can be arranged through Excellence Luxury Villas if desired.