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Kolymvari Villas, Veni

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Kolymvari Villas, Veni

Kolymvari (Kolymbari) is a friendly, laid-back seaside village on the North coast of Crete, 27km West of Chania. Its port is flanked by the cliffs of Rodopou Peninsula with Gonia Monastery hovering above the bay. Kolimvari has many great tavernas and lively cafes overlooking the fishing harbour and the beach.  The hamlet of Veni, just 4km inland from Kolymvari and 140m above sea level, is a peaceful haven entirely surrounded by olive groves and beautiful Cretan flora, yet less than a 10 min drive from Kolymvari beach and Kissamos Bay.

Veni is the perfect destination for couples and honeymooners looking for an atmospheric hideaway below starry skies. It is located close to numerous natural beauty spots on the nearby Rodopou Peninsula and inland from Kolymvari, as well as impressive gorges and ancient caves. Veni is an ideal spot for beach nature lovers, not far from the famously beautiful Balos Lagoon and Falassarna Beach on the West coast of Crete, but there are also plenty of historical sites and other cultural places of interest to explore nearby.

Travel Guide Veni, Kolymvari

Beaches Near Kolymvari Villas

  • Kolymvari Beach is a 4 km long pebbly and sandy bay with crystal-clear waters, the seafront lined with restaurants and cafés. Fishing trips and boat excursions to the secluded Menies Beach and the hidden cove of Chironisia on the Rodopou Peninsula leave from Kolymvari’s fishing harbour. There is a PADI diving centre in the port, and a water sports kiosk on Kolymvari Beach offers water skiing, jet ski hire and jet ski safaris to various smaller bays. There are also e-bike tours available online, which take the fit and determined on a 3-4 hour ride along the crest of the Rodopou peninsula to the ancient sanctuary of Vritomartys and the sheltered Menies beach.
  • Falassarna Beach, approx. 26 km from our Kolymvari Villas, is famous for its golden sand dunes and aquamarine sea, as well as for its many little sandy coves squeezed between clusters of rocks on either end of the main beach. It regularly ranks among Europe’s best beaches. Falassarna is also considered one of the best places on Crete to watch the sunset over the horizon from a cool beach bar or a taverna perched on the hillside above the bay. Due to its exposed position on the west coast, it is popular with wind- and kite-surfers and with beach lovers who appreciate a little breeze in the heat of summer.
  • Balos Lagoon and Gramvoussa Bay, with their mesmerising shallow turquoise sea and fine white sand, are situated at the northwesternmost point of the island, accessible either by car via a dirt track (approx. 55 minutes drive) or by boat from Kissamos Port.

Natural Sites near Veni

  • Topolia gorge (approx. 25 min drive from Kolymvari Villas) is relatively short but boasts vertical walls soaring to 300 metres, with a huge diversity of flora and fauna. The river Tiflos runs through the gorge and joins the sea at Kissamos bay. In local folklore, Topolia Gorge is associated with fairies (or elves) and the Minoan goddess Vrytomartis (Diktyna) who was in charge of mountains and hunting. It is said that Talos, the bronze giant who guarded Crete, would visit the gorge to find rest at the cave (possibly Ag. Sofia), drink from the river and be soothed by the fairies’ music.
  • Agia Sofia Cave (The Cave of Holy Wisdom) is situated on the western edge of Topolia gorge and at its narrowest point, a mere 2 km from the village. This spectacular cave is 70 x 70 m in size with a height between 10 and 20 m, with 5-6m tall stalagmites. The cave is both of archaeological, historical and biological interest. Findings include a 4th century B.C. clay effigy, shells from Neolithic, Classical and Roman eras as well as pottery from Neolithic, Minoan and Graeco-Roman times. (Read more)
  • The Cave of Saint John the Hermit, is yet another cave worth visiting near Kolymvari. This sizeable historic cave just outside Marathokefala, is situated only 10 minutes drive from Veni on a slope with a lovely view over the olive groves to the sea. It is said to be the place the saint retired to in the 6th century AC after his fame had reached several countries. It is also here where he was believed to have died after having been mistaken for a bear, due to his fur clothes, and accidentally shot by a hunter. The large cave also houses a 15th century chapel where on 6/7th October celebrations take place in honour of the saint. On Christmas Eve, the locals reenact the birth of Jesus with real animals, an event that is covered every year by the major news agencies in Greece.

Cultural Sites near Kolimvari

  • The striking 17th-century Monastery of The Mother of God Gonia Odigitria, which is perched on the hillside above Kolymvari Bay is well worth a visit. It houses the Museum of Byzantine Ecclesiastical Relics, with a display of beautiful Byzantine icons and rare manuscripts, intricately hand-embroidered vestments, and crosses inlaid with precious stones. During the summer months, the nearby modern Orthodox Academy of Crete sometimes hosts concerts at the Stone Theatre of Nopigeia. These events are usually advertised on posters around the area and on the Kissamos News Facebook Page. The academy also comprises a Museum of Cretan Herbs.
  • Polyrinia, about 15 minutes drive from Kolymvari Villas, was an important city-state founded during the Doric/Geometric period, around the 8th century BC. The ancient acropolis, from which the entire western part of the island was once controlled, was erected in a strategic elevated position that allowed control over the entire western part of the island, overlooking both the Cretan Sea to the north and the land stretching down to the Libyan Sea in the south. On top of the acropolis was a temple dedicated to the Greek Goddess Dyktyna (a local Cretan goddess). Although a church was built on the foundations of the temple in the 19th century, you can still visit the ancient altar within the church’s walls. Polyrinia continued to flourish in the Roman period, when the centre of power shifted to its port, Cisamus (Kissamos), and lasted into Byzantine times. A Roman aqueduct built in the age of Hadrian improved water supplies. The aqueduct can still be viewed, with the most impressive and visible remains located near Kissamos (15 min from Veni).
  • The Ascent of Kissamos (ca. 67 BCE–330 CE) […] “The transition from the Hellenistic to the Roman period marked a dramatic shift in the fortunes of Kissamos. It evolved from a dependent port into a flourishing and autonomous urban center, ultimately eclipsing its former metropolis, Polyrrhenia. […] During the Roman military intervention in Crete, in 69 BCE, […] the Romans destroyed the nearby port of Phalasarna, which had served as a major harbor for Polyrrhenia. This event severely weakened Polyrrhenia’s maritime power and influence in western Crete, creating a power vacuum that Kissamos would eventually fill. Kissamos holds the distinction of being the only major town on Crete that was newly built and developed during the Roman period, rather than being an expansion of an earlier major polis.” […] (Geotour)

Other Activities near Veni – Olive Oil, Wine, Beer & Honey

  • The area around Veni is ‘olive oil county’; you can visit small local presses and buy extra-virgin Cretan olive oil directly from producers. Combine a visit to the ‘famous’ olive tree of Vouves with a visit to the ethnographic museum around olive cultivation, in a rustic 19th century farmhouse, which also houses a traditional taverna with lovely village and countryside views.
  • The olive tree is probably one of the oldest in the world and still produces olives. Branches of this possibly 2000 – 4000 year old olive tree were awarded to the marathon winners of the 2004 Athens Olympics as a symbolic gesture, – a nod to the olive wreaths which used to crown the winner of the running race at the ancient Olympic Games. East of Kolymvari, in Kamisiana/Tavronitis, you will find ‘Terra Creta’,  local olive oil producers with their mill set between shady olive groves. Here you can take a tour and learn about the olive oil manufacturing process from harvesting to bottling, – followed by olive oil tasting.
  • The ‘Patriotis Winery’, situated just outside Vouves, and the ‘Karavitakis Boutique Winery’ in the neighbouring village of Pontikiana, both offer tours of the wineries and wine tasting sessions, while the ‘Cretan Brewery’ (a popular microbrewery) can be found in Zounaki, a 17-minute drive from Veni. Here one can tour the brewery and taste various beers accompanied by food from their terrace restaurant.
  • Honey lovers on the other hand can head north to ‘Dousakis Beekeepers’ in Rodopos (on the Rodopou Peninsula), about 12 min drive from Veni, for a beekeeping experience/tour, or you can visit the ‘Cretan Honey Experience’, a family business that has been operating for over 60 years, situated slightly inland from the coast at Kissamos.

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Villa Destination Kolymvari, Veni

Veni’s charm lies in its peaceful rural setting and panoramic views over hills densely clad in olive trees, – a tranquil landscape that belies its proximity to beaches, towns, and all kinds of amenities. The coastal village of Kolymvari, 4km away, is a popular ‘watering spot’ for locals and visitors enjoying ice-cold beers ‘with a view’ after a long day at the beach. It is also favoured for its great selection of fish tavernas and traditional restaurants lining the small port and the pebbly beach, and for its incredibly relaxed atmosphere, with children playing in the harbour square and fishermen tending to their nets. 

For guests at Kolymvari Villas looking for livelier evening entertainment, a 20-minute drive from our villas in Kolymvari, the seaside villages of Platanias and Agia Marina offer plenty of cafés, bars and clubs. For those wishing to sample innovative seafood dishes and Cretan home cooking with a twist, Platanias has some rather fine dining options in picturesque settings with beautiful views. The historic centre of Chania, 30 km from Kolymvari Villas, charms with Venetian architecture, small independent shops, romantic wine bars and plenty of nightlife around the beautiful harbour.  

The village of Kolymvari (Kolymbari) has a variety of small shops and supermarkets, as well as a weekly Farmers’ market on Friday mornings. The ‘Laiki’ – as it is called locally – takes place on the outskirts of Kolymvari on the road to Spilia near the football pitch. The weekly market is where locals stock up on fresh local produce and much more, so for a glimpse of authentic Cretan life while staying at Kolymvari Villas, arrive early to sample the best selection of fruit and veg, dairy, herbs, oil, honey, olives and meats. Enjoy browsing local embroidery, ceramics, leather goods, clothes and toys before it gets busy. 

Alternatively, for a quick top up of your groceries while staying at our Kolymvari Villas Veni, there is a mini-market, conveniently located down the road in Kalidonia, only 15 min on foot or a 2-minute drive away.

The coastal town of Kissamos (Kasteli) west of Kolymvari has several supermarkets, bakeries, cafes and restaurants, as well as banks, a post office, a tourist information and other services. The local archaeological museum (displaying beautiful Roman mosaics and many interesting artefacts from prehistoric times) is worth a visit when in town, as is the Kontekakis Bakery, – famous for its traditional homemade ‘Galaktobureko’, a delicious custard strudel served with goat’s milk ice cream!

Kissamos also has some rather decent traditional restaurants near the beach and a popular fish taverna at the end of the harbour. The coastline of this area includes some almost-deserted beaches where you will find peace & quiet and crystal-clear waters lapping on golden sands in areas like Drapanias and Livadia.

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Villa Menta Kefalonia

NEW FOR 2026

We are incredibly excited to introduce our two exquisite Honeymoon Villas Mela and Menta in the sought after seaside village of Skala, on Kefalonia.

Brand new, in a stunning setting with breathtaking sea views over the bay of Skala, these two luxurious villas were designed with much thought to provide everything couples dream of and finished to the highest standard with all the important details we know you covet when planning a honeymoon or a special holiday. A heavenly place to truly enjoy each other’s company in luxury and style!

Check out the private infinity pool, the breathtaking sea views, the stylish furnishings and the delightful hotel-suite like bedroom… and start dreaming!

We knew these two would be popular, but since we added Mela and Menta to our portfolio we have been inundated with bookings and requests, so plan well ahead if you are looking to stay in either of them in 2026! 

Freelance Villas Kefalonia, Spartia Villa Penelope: Infinity pool with spectacular sea views and sun terrace with shaded lounge area. Freelance Logo.

Book Now for 2026

Now is the time to book your much-needed villa holiday for 2026; not only to ‘bag the best deal’ across our huge range of stunning villas, but also to take advantage of availability to match your preferred dates!

There is always fun to be had when making exciting plans, and especially in the colder and darker winter months, it can be uplifting to have a summer holiday, bright sunshine and the sparkling sea to look forward to.

We are starting to see this reflected in our bookings for 2026 – record numbers have already snapped up their chosen ‘slice of heaven’ to escape to next year, the allure of stunning and sun-soaked islands in the Mediterranean, such as Kefalonia, Crete, Mallorca and Sicily is undeniable, and these ever-popular Freelance destinations are therefore leading the way amongst new and repeat customers wishing to escape their shores for a while.

Villa Karissa with pool and sun terrace and shaded outdoor lounge and dining areas. A first floor terrace with pergola and glass panels around.

NEW FOR 2026

Villa Karissathe perfect location to relax around the large pool and terrace to seek sun or shade.  On the far hilltop, the twinkling lights of Douliana after sunset lights the sky a deep blue.

Villa Karissa’s comfy beds and boho-chic decor and fittings offer a chilled-out feel, leaving behind the busy day to day routine. 

The highlight of the villa is the extremely large pool, with 16 air jets aimed to massage the back and legs, and a large terrace where a plush lounge set & comfortable pillow loungers, and of course sunbeds and umbrellas, offer plenty of options for stretching out and snoozing.

Villa Karissa sits on a quiet back lane just below the tiny hamlet of Agios Pavlos, a mere 900m from the small village of Gavalohori with its choice of traditional tavernas & minimarkets.

Villa Inspiration – Honeymoon Villas with Pool

For couples and honeymooners at our Kolymvari Villas, the village of Veni is the ideal place to experience a more romantic side of Crete. A private villa with pool in the countryside, enjoying beautiful views and secluded village living, yet with amenities, night life and the island’s highlights on the doorstep. 

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With the help of our local staff and friendly villa owners we have been gathering a unique selection of villas in our favourite places since 1984; we have visited all of our villas and stayed overnight at many of them. Whether you are drawn to the stunning natural landscapes in Crete, the soft sands and the beautiful sea in Kefalonia  or the ancient sites in Sicily; if you are looking for hidden coves and quiet corners in Mallorca and Menorca or picturesque harbour towns in Croatia…here at Freelance Villas we can help you find the ideal villa for you.

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Simon profile picture
Simon
Verified
This villa is highly recommended if you want a premium experience. A beautiful place, private location with incredible views. A car is an absolute necessity as the location is pretty remote. But the drive is so worth it. The whole place enables you to feel relaxed in a place that shouts 5 STAR! We have been lucky enough to stay in some beautiful places across Spain, France, Portugal and other parts of Europe, and we can say this Villa is right up there with the very best. We will definitely return in the near future, it really was that good! Communication from the management company was excellent before, during and after our visit. A very nice welcome pack was very much appreciated on arrival, (which is all to scarce these days). Be mindful that WiFi is not fantastic, so don’t expect to be able to stream movies or download films. But that is a very minor issue when on holiday in this truly beautiful place. The easiest 5 stars we’ve ever given.
Sussie profile picture
Sussie
Verified
Det er en dejlig villa der ligger med en fantastisk udsigt. Ejeren var meget serviceminded, løste vores forespørgsel samme dag.Det var meget positivt at der var rengøring og rene håndklæder midt på ugen. Vi har nydt vores uge
Eivind profile picture
Eivind
Verified
We have been at Kefalonia several times, but this was the first time in a villa from Freelance Villas. All in all a fantastic place, amazing view. The villas is placed very nicly (even though the roads to the the villa are very small). Nice, clean villa with everything you need. Any questions was answeared very promptly and the villa owner was also very service minded and helpfull of ordering spesific wine before we arrived.All in all we can absolutely reccomend Freelance villas for any other who will like to visit Kefalonia.
Fiona profile picture
Fiona
Verified
Beautiful house. Very private. Nobody nearby. Definitely must have a car. Pool area big, views spectacular and inside the house is exceptional. Would not hesitate to book again or recommend. Expensive but was a special birthday occasion!
chris wren profile picture
chris wren
Another great stay with Freelance Villas in Kefalonia, (this was our 6th year with them), we have always found Freelance Villas very helpful, great villas and if anything goes wrong its soon sorted by local staff (our dishwasher broke and was replaced the same day !!)
James Wrighton profile picture
James Wrighton
Great villa near Fiscardo in Kefalonia. Good comms. Big shout out to Alexandra who cleaned the property and is the owner's mother. A lovely lady!
Henrik profile picture
Henrik
Verified
To describe the house as amazing doesn´t feel enough. Such a wonderful view, the pool is great, no close neighbors and the house is nicely renovated. 5 minutes to the sea with car and walking distance to good local restaurants and a mini market. Clean and nice inside. We are a family with two kids and it was plenty of space. Great host, easy to commuicate with and really service minded.
Ruth profile picture
Ruth
Verified
Lovely setting, stunning views, and nearby Spartia is very quaint. A great family villa
Dieter profile picture
Dieter
Verified
Die Unterkunft haben wir in einem sehr guten und sehr sauberen Zustand vorgefunden. Sie ist klasse aufgeteilt und estens ausgestattet und punktet zusätzlich durch den hervorragenden Außenbereich mit tollem Ausblick über die Bucht. Tavernen und Einkaufsmöglichkeiten sind fußläufig zu erreichen, ein Auto empfiehlt sich jedoch trotzdem. Wir können die Unterkunft ohne Abstriche weiterempfehlen!!!
Josie profile picture
Josie
Verified
Lovely villa and pool area.Loud traffic noise from the main road.
Daniel profile picture
Daniel
Verified
The location & views are breathtaking. The Villa is clean and there is lots of room both inside and out. We didn’t meet the owner or the agent, but everything ran smoothly and communication was easy and responses were quick. The nearby beaches are spectacular and anyone who enjoys sea swimming is in for a treat. Highly recommended.
Hannah profile picture
Hannah
Verified
Beautiful villa with the most stunning views, made me feel like I was living like a millionaire for 2 weeks.
Sam Eacott profile picture
Sam Eacott
Will always use Freelance when in Greece. They are 2nd to none!
Nadin profile picture
Nadin
Verified
We had a lovely time in the villa! Check-in was straightforward, the villa was very clean and we loved the view from the outdoor seating and pool area. The location was great; in close proximity to the village of Spartia, and yet still quiet and private. We also tried one of the local tavernas which we found in the Freelance Villas handbook, which was great, too!
Jean Paul profile picture
Jean Paul
Verified
On ne se lasse pas de la vue de la maison. La maison est très confortable. Très bonne literie.Tout est parfaitement organisé pour que l'on passe un excellent séjour.
Kristel van den Elzen profile picture
Kristel van den Elzen
I was simply amazed by Diane, Sylvia and the team in Crete They saved our holiday not once, but twice. Unannounced construction works started right next to the villa we booked, which they quickly resolved by moving us to another villa, all very smoothly. And then we couldn’t blame anyone but ourselves for forgetting to take two things from the house (one of which our passports, which we discovered on the morning of departure!) and without any judgment and with total patience and understanding, they arranged that we could pick those up twice (in case of the passports, at 7.00 in the morning!). In general, they were very responsive whatever the question, whether important or trivial. Information before arrival is perfect; they ensure you have all the info about the accommodation and surroundings you need in a comprehensive guide/app. How they manage their service is just so smart and they are a very service-minded team of people themselves, and I’m entirely grateful to them - and will always book via Freelance Villas on any next trip to Crete!
Nikki profile picture
Nikki
Verified
Such a stunning position with breathtaking views all around! Beautiful spot for relaxing and enjoying the outdoor space. We were there in the heat of August so it was too hot to walk to the closest village for tavernas and mini mart, but in cooler temperatures that would be possible.A car is needed to get around but there are countless beautiful beaches and spots to visit within short distances.The communication and attention to any issues arising was faultless.Thank you for a wonderful place to stay and enjoy Kefalonia.
Reuben Dass profile picture
Reuben Dass
Joe profile picture
Joe
Verified
Fantastic villa in a beautiful little village ☺ The villa was absolutely perfect. We were a group of friends and all had large equal rooms. The villa was incredibly clean and the hosts came to speak to us and gave fantastic recommendations. We had a mid week clean when more complimentary cake was left. Would highly recommend this to anyone. As it says in the description, the road is incredibly narrow and a car bigger than a Clio wouldn't fit. We parked at the bottom of the road by the shops and walked up which wasn't a problem. The village and surrounding area is absolutely stunning!
Lucile profile picture
Lucile
Verified
Nous avons passé une semaine dans la villa Kalypso et tout était parfait.La villa est magnifique, autant en intérieur qu’en extérieur. La piscine est superbe avec une très belle vue et des sièges très confortables pour faire la sieste.Tout était très propre. La cuisine est grande et extrêmement bien équipée, il y a tout ce à quoi vous pouvez penser. On a eu un petit panier à notre arrivée avec quelques boissons et nourriture c’était très appréciable.Chaque chambre a sa propre salle de bain ce qui est très pratique.La Clim/chauffage est vraiment super simple d’utilisation et très pratique ! (Il a fait frais toute la semaine nous étions content d’avoir le chauffage ahah).Il y a tout l’équipement nécessaire si vous venez avec un bébé (chaise haute, lit parapluie, cache coin et sécurité pour les portes !)L’hôte est très réactif si vous avez besoin de quoique ce soit ils répondent très vite.Nous avons passé un super séjour et il n’y a vraiment aucun point négatif sur ce logement !
Vanara profile picture
Vanara
Verified
Logement exceptionnel avec vue incroyable
Sophie profile picture
Sophie
Verified
Séjour au top ! La villa est superbe et la vue extraordinaire !! Nous recommandons vivement !!
Emily profile picture
Emily
Verified
Very nice spot up in the hills. Just 12 mins to Fiskardo and 4 min to Maganos with grocery store and restaurants. House was clean and kitted out.
Marzia profile picture
Marzia
Verified
Siamo stati benissimo a Villa Kalypso!Una posizione invidiabile con una vista davvero incredibile!L’host è stato sempre estremamente disponibile e reattivo e ha sempre soddisfatto immediatamente le nostre richieste.Mi è proprio spiaciuto dovere andare via sono stata molto bene!Ci siamo trovati così bene con freelance villas che abbiamo deciso che anche il prossimo anno sceglieremo uno dei loro alloggi!
Hasse profile picture
Hasse
Verified
Outstanding and beyond wordsVilla and host were impeccable and we have enjoyed immensely our 6 days at villa kalypso

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