Villa Livadi | 8-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Ferma

Fourteen guests arrive on the terrace at sunset, and conversation simply stops. The Mediterranean stretches unbroken to the horizon. This is Villa Livadi, a luxury villa rental in Elounda on Crete’s southeastern coast, where a private stairway descends 30 metres to Ferma Beach and the sound of the Aegean becomes your daily soundtrack. Eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and one extraordinary seaside setting that transforms a holiday into something you’ll reference for years.

Inside Villa Livadi

Villa Livadi sleeps 18 guests across 8 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, arranged across a two-storey main residence and a detached garden bungalow. Every corner reflects a collector’s eye: Italian artist pieces and select furnishings create a home that feels lived-in by someone with discerning taste, not a showroom.

Ground Floor. An ornamental marble staircase anchors the entrance hall. The living room sprawls across generous proportions with deep sofas positioned toward the patio—the kind of space where groups naturally split into smaller conversations without anyone feeling separated. The dining area seats 10 to 12 people at a single table, a rarity that encourages communal meals. The kitchen runs the full width of this floor, centred around a substantial island, and opens directly onto the patio so whoever cooks stays connected to the gathering outside. A ground-floor bedroom with a double bed and freestanding bathtub offers accessibility for guests who prefer to avoid stairs, while a cloakroom serves arriving visitors.

First Floor. Two master bedrooms command the upper level, each with a double bed, private terrace access, and ensuite bathrooms featuring walk-in showers and dual vanity units. Four additional bedrooms provide flexibility: two furnished with paired single beds, two with doubles. Two further bathrooms with walk-in showers and double basins ensure no morning queues. Every bedroom opens onto terraces or gardens; waking to sea views across breakfast has a way of resetting priorities.

The Bungalow. Separated from the main house but visible across the gardens, a one-bedroom annexe offers sanctuary for guests seeking privacy. It contains a bedroom with double bed, dedicated bathroom, kitchenette for preparing light meals, and a living area with dining space and patio access. Parents often claim this space to watch sunsets alone; multi-generational groups use it as a teen retreat.

Service Spaces. A laundry area with commercial-grade washing and drying equipment sits on the lower ground floor. Parking accommodates four cars. Wi-Fi reaches every bedroom and terrace. Air conditioning maintains comfort even in August heat. A safe deposit box secures passports and valuables.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The swimming pool dominates the landscaped grounds—a substantial rectangle framed by classical columns and positioned to capture southern light all day. This is not a plunge pool; it’s a destination where guests spend hours. Sun loungers line the deck in organised clusters; a pergola-shaded dining zone provides relief during the hottest hours, ideal for long lunches that drift into afternoon. An outdoor shower with hot water sits poolside, eliminating the trek indoors. The barbecue runs the length of a substantial terrace, capable of cooking for the entire group without improvisation.

The gardens extend in multiple directions, creating pockets for different moods. Morning coffee on one terrace captures the light differently than evening drinks on another. Parasols in various positions suggest where previous guests discovered their favourite spots. From the uppermost terrace, the Mediterranean stretches uninterrupted; the eye travels across water all the way to Crete’s far coast.

At the garden’s edge, stone steps descend 30 metres to Ferma Beach—close enough that the sound of waves reaches the pool, far enough that the beach feels genuinely private. The path takes five minutes; children navigate it safely; guests return golden and salt-dried for dinner.

Location: Elounda and the Surrounding Area

Elounda sits on Crete’s southeastern shoulder, roughly equidistant between the bustling port of Ierapetra (15 kilometres south) and the quieter town of Sitia (35 kilometres north). This positioning—far enough from crowds to feel isolated, close enough to civilisation to collect provisions—defines the region’s appeal.

Ferma Beach itself features soft golden sand backed by low scrubland and, increasingly, by properties like Villa Livadi. The water shelves gently, making it ideal for swimming and paddling. Just north, Agia Fotia offers a smaller, more traditional fishing village atmosphere with tavernas directly overlooking the waterfront; the drive takes 12 minutes. Agios Andreas, 8 kilometres west, provides a sheltered cove favoured by families.

Ierapetra deserves its reputation as Crete’s southernmost city and the location of some of Greece’s finest sandy beaches. The Friday market sprawls across the harbour district with vendors selling produce, textiles, and everyday goods at local prices. The 16th-century Venetian fort anchors the old town; wandering its lanes reveals restaurants ranging from tourist-focused mezze spots to family-run tavernas where Greeks eat lunch. For serious shopping—supermarkets, pharmacies, clothing chains—Ierapetra is the functional hub within 15 minutes’ drive.

Sitia, 35 kilometres north, attracts travellers seeking an alternative rhythm. The harbour town curves around a protected bay lined with cafés and tavernas. Mountains rise immediately inland, creating dramatic light at dawn and dusk. The Wednesday market sells Cretan specialities: honey, olive oil, local cheeses, dried herbs. From Sitia, roads lead into the interior toward the Toplou Monastery (stunning Byzantine mosaics and a fortified hilltop position) and the village of Vai, famous for its palm-fringed beach and Minoan archaeology.

Explore our luxury villas across Europe for comparison, and discover our full collection of properties in Ferma and surrounding Crete. For deeper destination planning, our Elounda travel guide covers seasonal highlights, dining recommendations, and cultural sites in detail.

The wider island offers UNESCO sites (Knossos Palace, 65 kilometres northwest), wine regions (Rethymno district, 90 kilometres), and hiking trails through Samaria Gorge (100 kilometres). Boat hire from Ierapetra harbour enables day trips to offshore islands and secluded swimming coves. The best months are May, June, September, and October—warm enough for sea swimming, cool enough for walking midday. July and August bring peak heat and cruise-ship crowds; many luxury renters strategically avoid these months. Winter (November to March) sees occasional rain but mild temperatures ideal for exploring without summer’s intensity.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational groups. The separate bungalow allows teenagers and young adults independence while keeping families geographically connected. Grandparents appreciate ground-floor bedroom access and the pool’s shallow end.

Corporate retreats and milestone celebrations. Eighteen guests spread across eight bedrooms mean everyone has private space at night, communal areas for working or celebrating during the day. The main dining table accommodates formal dinners; the outdoor barbecue area suits casual team meals.

Families with children. The beach is literally outside the garden. The pool is supervised easily from multiple vantage points. Ferma’s quiet setting means children can explore semi-independently. Travel cots and highchairs are available on request.

Groups seeking activity and culture. With Ierapetra’s markets, Sitia’s harbourside dining, wineries inland, and archaeological sites throughout eastern Crete, the location balances relaxation with exploration. A car hire arrangement (parking for four vehicles is available) enables daily excursions without feeling rushed back to the villa.

Practical Information

Capacity and Layout: Villa Livadi accommodates 18 guests: seven bedrooms in the main villa plus one in the detached bungalow. All bedrooms feature ensuite or adjacent bathrooms. Two additional beds may be added if required, expanding capacity to 20.

Nearest Airport: Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” lies 80 kilometres northwest, roughly a 90-minute drive via the E75 motorway. Vehicle transfers can be arranged in advance through Excellence Luxury Villas. A private car service from the airport costs between €60–€80 depending on season.

Nearest Supermarket and Services: Ierapetra’s central supermarket is 15 kilometres south; a smaller local shop operates 5 kilometres away in Ferma village. Pharmacies, banks, and medical services cluster in Ierapetra. The villa can arrange pre-arrival grocery provisioning for a premium service fee.

What’s Included: Air conditioning, Wi-Fi, satellite television, bed linen and towels, pool access, barbecue use, outdoor shower facilities, and parking for four vehicles. Maid service is available for an additional daily fee (typically €40–€60). A professional chef or caterer can be arranged for special dinners.

Check-In and Flexibility: Standard check-in is 4 pm; early arrival (from 2 pm) may be possible with advance notice. Check-out is typically 10 am, though late departures can be negotiated. Minimum rental periods vary by season (typically three nights in peak, seven nights in summer).

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Livadi

How many guests does Villa Livadi sleep?

Villa Livadi accommodates 18 guests across eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms: seven bedrooms in the main residence and one in a detached garden bungalow. The main house contains two master bedrooms, four additional bedrooms (two with twin singles, two with doubles), and one ground-floor bedroom. Two additional beds can be added, expanding capacity to 20 guests if required.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Livadi?

Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” is the primary gateway, located 80 kilometres (approximately 50 miles) northwest of Villa Livadi. The drive via the E75 motorway takes 90 to 110 minutes depending on traffic and time of day. Private vehicle transfers can be arranged through Excellence Luxury Villas, typically costing €60–€80 depending on season and group size. Alternatively, rental cars are available at the airport, giving you flexibility to explore eastern Crete independently.

What is the best time of year to rent Villa Livadi?

May, June, September, and October offer ideal conditions: warm sea temperatures (21–25°C) suitable for swimming, comfortable daytime temperatures (24–28°C), and lower humidity than summer months. July and August bring peak heat (32–35°C) and cruise-ship crowds in nearby ports; many travellers avoid this window. Winter (November to March) sees occasional rain but mild temperatures (12–16°C) perfect for walking and exploring without summer intensity. The villa operates year-round; winter stays appeal to groups seeking quiet, cultural focus, or escaping colder northern climates.

Is Villa Livadi suitable for families with children?

Yes, strongly. Ferma Beach is directly accessible via garden steps—a five-minute walk downhill—eliminating the need for supervised journeys to distant beaches. The swimming pool features a shallow end and gentle slope suitable for young swimmers. The grounds are spacious enough for children to explore semi-independently while remaining visible from multiple vantage points (terraces, pool deck). The ground-floor bedroom with bathroom accessibility helps families with young children or elderly relatives avoid stairs. Travel cots and highchairs are available on request. The quiet village setting means less traffic and fewer hazards than busier coastal resorts. Babysitting services can be arranged in advance if parents wish to dine out.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Livadi?

All utilities (electricity, water, heating), Wi-Fi internet, air conditioning, bed linen, bath towels and beach towels, satellite television, access to the swimming pool, use of the barbecue and outdoor kitchen facilities, outdoor shower, and parking for four vehicles. Maid service (daily or periodic) is available for an additional fee, typically €40–€60 daily depending on frequency. Professional chefs, caterers, and wine-tasting specialists can be arranged through Excellence Luxury Villas. Transfers from Heraklion Airport are available at an additional cost.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Livadi?

Ferma village (walking distance) has several family-run tavernas serving seafood and traditional Cretan dishes; expect to pay €8–€14 per main course. Ierapetra (15 kilometres south) offers everything from casual waterfront mezze spots to fine-dining restaurants, plus the Friday harbour market for fresh produce and local specialities. Sitia (35 kilometres north) features harbourside tavernas where local Greeks eat lunch, indicating authenticity and value. For everyday shopping, a local shop operates 5 kilometres away in Ferma; for serious provisioning (supermarkets, international brands), Ierapetra’s town centre is 15 kilometres south. The villa can arrange pre-arrival grocery shopping and specialist items (gluten-free, organic, international brands) for a service fee.