About Us
Welcome to Melambes Studio Apartment. Our Studio Apartment is just off the Main Square, at the heart of village life. Experience for yourself, life in a typical Cretan mountain village. Melambes itself nestles on a beautiful mountainside, ideally situated for you to make the most of the outstanding flora, fauna, views, walks and the exquisite local beaches.
Just a short drive from the nearby award winning, Blue flag, beaches and resorts, it's also an ideal base for walkers, hikers, and cyclists. The local mountainside is home to beautiful herbs and wild flowers. Painters and photographers especially appreciate the local scenery.

The Apartment
Tastefully renovated basement studio/apartment using a mix of modern and traditional methods. On the street level of our family home, situated on the edge of the village square. Guests have the full run of the apartment as well as a level seating area outside the front door,( Greek Style) and a small raised terrace which overlooks the village square.
We are as flexible as possible on check in/out times, dependant on our other bookings, please contact us to discuss if necessary.

The Village
Melambes is a traditional Cretan (Greek) Village. There are two well stocked supermarkets, around 6 Cafe-neons ( some more traditional in appearance than others, All of these will serve a Mezze with your drinks but one in particular carries a wider "menu" for a more substantial meal ) , There is also a more modern Bar and one "Village" Taverna. We have a village bakery, so fresh bread is available daily. The village can be a little busier in August when lots of the locals return home for their holidays.
Getting Around
We recommend hiring a car to make the most of your stay, but we can help with that, we have arranged special rates with a local firm, with airport collection/return if required. Secure parking/storage for motorcycles and bicycles is available (but to be honest not needed). Although there is vehicular access right to the front door, The street is very narrow, the easiest access and Parking is from the main square just 10 metres away.
Gallery
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Truly Relaxing
A level seating area outside the front door, (Greek Style) and a small raised terrace overlooking the village square.
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Spacious Room
Comfortable double bed, as standard, with the option of an additional childs cot or Z bed, if required.
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Home Comforts
Renovated and decorated delivering an eclectic mix of modern comfort with traditional styling.
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Modern Kitchen
Fully equipped modern kitchen. Whether you simply want a cold beer, glass of local wine, with a mezze, or to cook a full meal.
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Stunning Bathroom
Tastefully decorated, Fully tiled with one stone feature wall, complete with a spacious shower area.
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Street level access
Situated on the ground floor, of our traditionally styled and tastefully renovated family home.
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Nestled in the mountainside
Melambes is a typical traditional Cretan village, where the locals still work on the land daily.
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Stunning Local beaches
A short drive from more than six, beautiful, quiet, unspoiled stunning beaches.Ideal for snorkelling or just lazy days at the beach.
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Lots to see
Our vistors love strolling around our traditional village, There is lots to see, including which are an abundance of small traditional local churches.
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Private raised terrace
Complete with seating and sun umbrella, overlooking the village square, perfect for lunch, a snack or relaxing with drinks in the evening.
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Explore the local area
Explore the whole south of this beautiful island, a short drive from many resorts and places of interest including some stunning ancient sites.
Feedback
"Crete Dreams are made of this…a poem by Angela Booth
On holiday this year our hosts were Ian & Bev
We were lucky to stay in their delightful "Des Res"
A charming studio apartment on the Island of Crete
In the village of Melambes, what a perfect retreat
After a few days here you feel stress free and calm
The apartment is clean, well equipped and oozing with charm
You’ll find all that you need - plus a whole lot more…
With fresh herbs and flowers planted right outside the door
We gained a rare insight into the Cretan way of life
Where nothing's a problem, there’s no worry or strife
As hosts their passion for the Island and its people is clear to see
And they pass on valuable advice and their knowledge for free
The village ambience and hospitality is second to none
It's fair to say that we miss it, now we have gone
So, Ian & Bev there's not much more to say...
Except that we hope to return one day
We love your home built with blood, sweat and tears
And wish you a happy life there for many more years"Angela Booth (UK)
"The Village ( Melambes) is so beautiful with a great selection of places for refreshments and a great place to use as a base for exploring the area with its great beaches. The Studio itself was clean, and welcoming, whilst keeping that traditional feel. Ian and Bev were great hosts, we were made to feel so welcome wherever we went and I would definatley recommend Melambes Studio Apartment and go again.(and again)"N Wilson (UK)
"Exceptional studio in great location for walking in surrounding hills above Melambes .Highly recommend and hope to be back soon.Lovely warm welcome from Ian and Bev"Sheena Watson (Scotland)
"Lovely, beautiful, well equipped rooms right in the heart of the village. Melambes is just perfect, we were made to feel welcome, everywhere we went. Ian and Bev showed us around, and made us feel really welcome. I can't recommend Melambes Studio Apartment highly enough" Marina Papadopoulou (Germany)
"Melambes is a lovely village up in the hills where the views are quite stunning. Ian and Bev made us extremely welcome and the village folk are so friendly and make you feel very comfortable.It is a place away from the hustle and bustle where you can chill out.The studio has everything you need and is decorated to a high standard and is just perfect for a restfull holiday."G Hobbs (UK)
"A very special room, traditional and modern at the same time ! Gorgeous, Like the photographs ! Ian and Bev were excellent hosts ! They offered everything ! The room was spotless and equipped to the fullest! The location is very good ! It was a very pleasant stay for us and we will certainly choose it again ! I recommend it highly ! "Christina Giasin (Greece)
Airbnb reviews
"Wir hatten eine tolle Zeit mit Ian in Melambes. Das ist AirBnB wie es mal gedacht war: ein wundervolles selbst saniertes Studio im Haus des Hosts in einem ruhigen, von Touristenmassen weitgehend verschonten Dorf. Durch Ian haben wir nicht nur das Dorf und seine Bewohner:innen (samt Bar, Taverne und Weingut), sondern auch die wunderschöne Umgebung kennen gelernt. Wenn wir noch mal nach Kreta kommen, dann dort hin!"Anna
"We had a wonderful third time in this house and village. Ian and Bev are warm and welcoming hosts!"Imene
"Einfach alles top!!! Tolle Gastgeber und Unterkunft. Es war super sauber und die Ausstattung war mega. Wir würden jedem, der eine gemütliche Unterkunft in einem verschlafenen Dorf sucht weiter empfehlen. Danke für alles!"Žarko & Elisa
"We had a wonderful time in Melambes. The apartment has everything you might need, it is very comfortable, perfectly equipped and nicely done up. Ian and Bev were lovely hosts who took care of any needs and gave useful information. To us they are definitely Superhosts! Thank you!"Karin
"Unique experience in a “ hide away” place Excellent for “ slow tourisme”… encounters with nice people Authentique place idéal to experience a unique travel"Kay
"Honestly the best hosts I have ever had of any airbnb. They were very communicative, gave helpful recommendations, and even offered a personal tour of the village. I wish every airbnb was like this! The place is small but gives you everything you could possibly need. Lovely shower and kitchen and loved the tables outside to enjoy breakfast. They go above and beyond, you won't regret booking this place!"Kunjisha
"Nous avons passé 4 nuits chez Ian Et Bev.A notre arrivée, Ian a proposé de nous faire visiter le village de Melambes qui est un petit village de montagne.Le studio de Ian Et Bev se situe au rez-de-chaussée de leur maison qu'ils ont restauré eux même.Il Est Très confortable et décoré avec beaucoup de goût.Nous avons pu visiter Agia Galini,Spili, la vallée D'Amari,les monastères d'Arkadi Et de Prévéli, Et Nous promener dans les gorges du Megalopotamos. Encore Merci à Yan Et Bev pour les marques d'attention qui nous attendaient au studio: miel,confitures,œufs ( de leurs poules!),Fromage Et le Fameux Raki! Ian Nous a servi d'interprète pour aller manger à la taverne du village car le patron ne parle que le Grec.C'était super bon. Nous recommandons vivement le studio Melambes."Sylvie
"Ian's and Bev's little house is something above excellent. Ian and Bev took care of every little detail just to make you feel like home. And that was what i felt, i felt that i was home from the first day. The old style decoration, the lights, the furniture, the equipment of the kitcen and the bathroom, the lovely balcony, even the plants, the flowers, the pillows, the foods and drinks, every little detail made mine and my friend's Dimitra vacations perfect. Ian and Bev thank you so much for making me feel like i am home and for your everyday though if everything is ok for us. Hope to see you soon at the most quite and peaceful village i've ever been to."Theodota
"Zeer gastvrije ontvangst, Ian nam ons mee op tour langs de locals en stelde ons voor. Het dorpje is heel klein, maar iedereen is heel vriendelijk. Ze zien er weinig toeristen dus iedereen weet meteen dat je bij Ian logeert ;-)"Karin
"Second time, and planning to come back as much as we'll be able to. Everything is said :-)"Imene
"Wir haben unseren Aufenthalt in Ians und Bevs kleinem und gemütlichem “Studio” sehr genossen. Es hat einen ganz unverwechselbaren Charme und man spürt in jeder Kleinigkeit die Sorgfalt, mit der das Apartment liebevoll ausgestattet wurde. Abseits des geschäftigen Treibens an der Küste weiß man die Ruhe und Beschaulichkeit von Melambes durchaus zu schätzen. Auch sind Ian und Bev sehr aufmerksame Gastgeber, die ihren Gästen jederzeit das Gefühl geben, sehr willkommen zu sein. Wir würden gerne wieder hierher kommen."Barbara
"If you are looking for a secluded mountain getaway, this is the place. Ian and Bev’s was a lovely retreat away from it all, with welcome goodies fresh from the local area and plenty of tips to help explore, or just relax."Miranda
"rustic"Bryan Robert
"ian è veramente una persona super disponibile. ci siamo sentiti come a casa nostra! ci ha fornito moltissime informazione ed era pronto in qualsiasi momento per aiutarci! è veramente un host da consigliare e anche la casa!"Stefano
"Very good communication with Ian. His place is situated in a picturesque village on South Rethymnon, ideal for exploring the area around (beautiful beaches, authentic Cretan villages etc.) ... Is well equipped and uniquely decorated ... Ideal for a couple or a small group of people that needs a quiet place to stay during their vacation."Athanasios
"It is a wonderful place. Everything corresponds with the descriptions. Ian dropped by regularly and kept us alive with fresh eggs and selfmade Raki. He accompanied us to the local restaurant on the first evening which made everything much easier since they did not speak english and we do not speak greek. Thanks again for a wonderful stay."Antonio
"Agréablement surpris par un service et un accueil au-delà de ce que nous espérions. Ce studio est parfaitement équipé, il y a tout ce que vous auriez besoin comme chez vous. Une propreté irréprochable. Un lieu cosy, aménagé et décoré avec beaucoup de goût. Yannis a été toujours très réactif et disponible pour le moindre service. Nous avons reçu toutes les informations nécessaires, avec en supplément de multiples informations regroupées avec soin dans un classeur. Une organisation au top. Plus qu’un service d’hôtellerie. De multiples attentions, beaucoup de générosité. Je recommande vivement le studio de Yannis et Bev. "Mareva
"This is a very well appointed studio with everything a visitor could want. Ian is a mine of useful information about the area - beaches, restaurants, places to visit etc. We appreciated being shown round the village and introduced to the local mini market owners. Melambes is a friendly mountain village which is way off the beaten track with good roads and a cafenion in a beautiful square, just metres from the house. Thoroughly recommend."Peter
"In de voorgaande recensies staat niets gelogen. Ian en Bev zijn zeer gastvrij. In de studio is alles maar dan ook werkelijk alles wat je nodig hebt aanwezig. Ian beschikt over humor en straalt plezier uit in wat hij zegt en doet. Boek daarom snel een verblijf bij Ian en Bev. Je zult er zeker geen spijt van krijgen !!"Sjaak
"Magnifique séjour au Melambes Studio Apartment - tout ce à quoi je rêvais pour des vacances en Crête. Le village de Melambes étant situé entre mer et montagne permet ainsi des activités variées. Tout d’abord de prendre le temps de vivre au rythme d’un joli petit village parmi ses habitants fort accueillants avec au cœur du village une charmante petite place où l’on va chercher à la fontaine une très bonne eau à boire - inoubliable! Et de Melambes on peut explorer en voiture les villages typiques de la Vallée d’Amarie. Et aussi bien sûr fréquenter de fort jolis plages facilement accessibles. Et surtout vous rencontrerez des hôtes incomparables. En effet, on voit que Ian & Bev ont mis tout leur cœur pour que l’accueil soit parfait dans chaque petit détail. D’abord le studio est très joli, confortable, bien situé et d’une propreté irréprochable! Ils ont pensé à tout, tout, tout! Et quel bonheur de pouvoir poser en anglais plein de questions sur le mode de vie des Crétois, etc. à Ian! En terminant, les routes de montagne autour de Melambes sont sécuritaires et offrent de fort beaux paysages. Ginette et Youri"Ginette