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
Truly Relaxing
A level seating area outside the front door, (Greek Style) and a small raised terrace overlooking the village square.
Spacious Room
Comfortable double bed, as standard, with the option of an additional childs cot or Z bed, if required.
Home Comforts
Renovated and decorated delivering an eclectic mix of modern comfort with traditional styling.
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.
Stunning Bathroom
Tastefully decorated, Fully tiled with one stone feature wall, complete with a spacious shower area.
Street level access
Situated on the ground floor, of our traditionally styled and tastefully renovated family home.
Nestled in the mountainside
Melambes is a typical traditional Cretan village, where the locals still work on the land daily.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Truly Relaxing
A level seating area outside the front door, (Greek Style) and a small raised terrace overlooking the village square.
Spacious Room
Comfortable double bed, as standard, with the option of an additional childs cot or Z bed, if required.
Home Comforts
Renovated and decorated delivering an eclectic mix of modern comfort with traditional styling.
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.
Stunning Bathroom
Tastefully decorated Fully tiled, with a spacious shower area.
Street level access
Situated on the ground floor, of our traditionally styled and tastefully renovated family home.
Nestled in the mountainside
Melambes is a typical traditional Cretan village, where the locals still work on the land daily.
Stunning Local beaches
A short drive from more than six, beautiful, quiet, unspoiled stunning beaches.
Lots to see
Our visitors love strolling around our traditionlal village, chatting with the locals,and visiting the abundance of small traditional local churches.
Private raised terrace
Overlooking the village square, perfect for lunch, a snack or relaxing with drinks in the evening.
Explore the local, unspoiled area
Melambes, is ideal to use as a base, to explore the whole south of this beautiful island, a short drive from many resorts and places of interest.
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"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
"
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."M
"
rustic"Bryan
"
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
"
We had a great stay in the lovely appartment of Ian and Bev. The appartment itself was much better then expected. Authentic, very clean and very well equipped. Ian is a great host who is very happy and proud to tell about the region and show you around in the lovely mountain village Melambes. He is a very open and kind person that is easy to communicate with. Upon arrival the fridge was filled with some fresh and local food and drinks for the first days. If you want to experience a real authentic place in Crete among locals, away from the big tourist crowds we would really recommend this place to anyone. Don't forget to visit some of the local cafe's or bar for something to eat or drink, you will not regret it."Kasia
"
Ian and Bev, put so many fantastic touches in the studio that were so welcoming. Fresh eggs, bread, and delicious veggies we’re waiting for us when we checked in. The kitchen was very well equipped, and we had everything we needed. A binder provided links to maps of the area, and Ian gave us a walking tour of the mountain village, and made dinner reccommendations. Thanks for the outstanding hospitality!"Cassie
"
This is the most charming, well equipped and spotlessly clean places I have ever stayed! The welcome and hospitality from the host Ian was second to none! Fresh eggs, herbs and veg from the garden whenever we wanted. Everything you would want on arrival at a new place was already in the fridge for us. The village itself is lovely, a world away from the touristy places on the north coast. The mountain views were wonderful, especially as we went on to climb Mount Ida and could spot the village from the summit. Overall, I cannot fault this place. The love and dedication that have been put into restoring this studio and making it such a cosy place are clearly evident. Thank you so much Ian!"Colette
"
This is a fantastic studio. One of the best we've stayed in through AirBnB. It's been renovated to such a high standard, great lighting and decoration, really good bathroom (nice shower, plenty of hot water), comfy bed, beautiful exposed stonework and wood. It's really thoughtfully furnished with good coffee machine, washing machine, hairdryer, iron, outside seating, books etc. These lovely personal touches made us feel so welcome as guests. Ian is a great host who made himself available and gave lots of local info and tips on places to visit/eat etc.
Melambres is a wonderful place to stay. We felt so close to Cretan life as it's really lived. We ate in both the tavernas in the village and experienced the most gracious hospitality; no menus, just whatever happens to be cooked that day but all delicious. We also tried out one of several village bars and were made so welcome, glass after glass of (really good) local raki and delicious fruit. From here it's a short drive (10-20 mins) to the most fabulous beaches and the Amaria valley etc. We thoroughly recommend the village and studio and hope to visit again. "Sophie
"
Nous avons séjourné pour la deuxième fois chez Ian, tout est absolument parfait. N'hésitez surtout pas à y aller, les hôtes sont charmants et la maison est parfaite !
Idéale pour un séjour en amoureux.
Je le recommande mille fois."Coralie
"
Une paire de Super Host ! Belle definition pour Ian et Bev ! Nous avons été merveilleusement bien accueilli ! La communication est exemplaire, pleins de petites attentions très appréciables tout au long de notre séjour ! Excellente disponibilité ! ( nous avons eu droits aux oeufs frais , des fruits et légumes, raki local etc... )
Parlons du studio, qui est une petite maison de village en pierre ultra fonctionnelle, rénovée avec de beaux matériaux et avec soin. La cuisine est hyper fonctionnelle (et disposant d'un lave linge!) , tout y est , la salle de bain est spacieuse, moderne. Le lit est très bien, le linge mis a disposition ( draps, serviettes.. ) est très propre, tout est fait pour qu'on s'y sente bien. Idéal pour un couple.
En ce qui concerne la localisation, le village est situé d'une manière centrale pour la Crète. Plusieurs jolis points de vue ... La première plage très sympa est accessible à 20 minutes. Vous trouverez 2 petites supérettes bien fournies, des bars et restaurants très accessibles et avec de d'excellentes cuisines locales. Vous serez toujours bien reçus !! Une atmosphère générale apaisante idéale pour se relaxer et contribuer pleinement à la réussite de votre séjour ! Nous recommandons sans hesitation ! Et nous reviendrons ! ;) Thanks Ian and Bev !"Virgile
"
Great place to experience village living at its best. Excellent accommodation, great communication from Ian, and excellent location have made for a great stay in Melambes! Highly recommended!"Minh
"
Ian was absolutely fantastic, he showed us around the village, gave us great tips of where to go and what to do, he'd been a great host. The flat is beautiful and so cosy, self contained, with anything you might need. Ian was lovely providing us with fresh eggs every single morning from his own chickens, and he also gave us fresh vegetable from his own garden, an absolute dream. The village is so pretty and picturesque, it's magical. When visiting Crete again, we will def pass by Melambes and stay again in this fantastic place, highly recommended!"Maria
"
All these positive reviews are deserved. The place is lovely, cute and comfortable, perfect for a couple; in a pretty little village with traditional sights and great views; and the hosts were super nice and easy to talk to before and during the stay. They even left us a bit of food (fresh eggs from their own chicks!) and some local alcohol, and chatted with us at the local bar. A very cute stay all in all!"Jilian
"
We loved it here! Melambes is a charming, active town perched high up in the mountains, and is a wonderful place to see a slice of village life in Crete. It does not seem to be on the main tourist route, which was a plus for us. Ian is a great guy and a great host, who can introduce you to people in town and has lots of tips about the area. The apartment is lovely and well-equipped. Make sure to ask Ian about how he and Bev found and renovated the building. It is an impressive story!"Andres
"
Ian is an excellent host offering a lot of help. The very cosy room offered almost everything you need for your stay. We enjoyed the small town and its hidden charm. "Jürgen
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like to make a booking enquiry, please contact Ian (Yannis) on
Telephone: 0030 697 017 1930
Email: melambes.studio@gmail.com
Or by using the contact form below
Your message has been sent. Thank you!
Getting Here
Melambes Studio Apartment, Melambes, Rethymno, Crete 74053, GREECE
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."M
rustic"Bryan
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
We had a great stay in the lovely appartment of Ian and Bev. The appartment itself was much better then expected. Authentic, very clean and very well equipped. Ian is a great host who is very happy and proud to tell about the region and show you around in the lovely mountain village Melambes. He is a very open and kind person that is easy to communicate with. Upon arrival the fridge was filled with some fresh and local food and drinks for the first days. If you want to experience a real authentic place in Crete among locals, away from the big tourist crowds we would really recommend this place to anyone. Don't forget to visit some of the local cafe's or bar for something to eat or drink, you will not regret it."Kasia
Ian and Bev, put so many fantastic touches in the studio that were so welcoming. Fresh eggs, bread, and delicious veggies we’re waiting for us when we checked in. The kitchen was very well equipped, and we had everything we needed. A binder provided links to maps of the area, and Ian gave us a walking tour of the mountain village, and made dinner reccommendations. Thanks for the outstanding hospitality!"Cassie
This is the most charming, well equipped and spotlessly clean places I have ever stayed! The welcome and hospitality from the host Ian was second to none! Fresh eggs, herbs and veg from the garden whenever we wanted. Everything you would want on arrival at a new place was already in the fridge for us. The village itself is lovely, a world away from the touristy places on the north coast. The mountain views were wonderful, especially as we went on to climb Mount Ida and could spot the village from the summit. Overall, I cannot fault this place. The love and dedication that have been put into restoring this studio and making it such a cosy place are clearly evident. Thank you so much Ian!"Colette
This is a fantastic studio. One of the best we've stayed in through AirBnB. It's been renovated to such a high standard, great lighting and decoration, really good bathroom (nice shower, plenty of hot water), comfy bed, beautiful exposed stonework and wood. It's really thoughtfully furnished with good coffee machine, washing machine, hairdryer, iron, outside seating, books etc. These lovely personal touches made us feel so welcome as guests. Ian is a great host who made himself available and gave lots of local info and tips on places to visit/eat etc. Melambres is a wonderful place to stay. We felt so close to Cretan life as it's really lived. We ate in both the tavernas in the village and experienced the most gracious hospitality; no menus, just whatever happens to be cooked that day but all delicious. We also tried out one of several village bars and were made so welcome, glass after glass of (really good) local raki and delicious fruit. From here it's a short drive (10-20 mins) to the most fabulous beaches and the Amaria valley etc. We thoroughly recommend the village and studio and hope to visit again. "Sophie
Nous avons séjourné pour la deuxième fois chez Ian, tout est absolument parfait. N'hésitez surtout pas à y aller, les hôtes sont charmants et la maison est parfaite ! Idéale pour un séjour en amoureux. Je le recommande mille fois."Coralie
Une paire de Super Host ! Belle definition pour Ian et Bev ! Nous avons été merveilleusement bien accueilli ! La communication est exemplaire, pleins de petites attentions très appréciables tout au long de notre séjour ! Excellente disponibilité ! ( nous avons eu droits aux oeufs frais , des fruits et légumes, raki local etc... ) Parlons du studio, qui est une petite maison de village en pierre ultra fonctionnelle, rénovée avec de beaux matériaux et avec soin. La cuisine est hyper fonctionnelle (et disposant d'un lave linge!) , tout y est , la salle de bain est spacieuse, moderne. Le lit est très bien, le linge mis a disposition ( draps, serviettes.. ) est très propre, tout est fait pour qu'on s'y sente bien. Idéal pour un couple. En ce qui concerne la localisation, le village est situé d'une manière centrale pour la Crète. Plusieurs jolis points de vue ... La première plage très sympa est accessible à 20 minutes. Vous trouverez 2 petites supérettes bien fournies, des bars et restaurants très accessibles et avec de d'excellentes cuisines locales. Vous serez toujours bien reçus !! Une atmosphère générale apaisante idéale pour se relaxer et contribuer pleinement à la réussite de votre séjour ! Nous recommandons sans hesitation ! Et nous reviendrons ! ;) Thanks Ian and Bev !"Virgile
Great place to experience village living at its best. Excellent accommodation, great communication from Ian, and excellent location have made for a great stay in Melambes! Highly recommended!"Minh
Ian was absolutely fantastic, he showed us around the village, gave us great tips of where to go and what to do, he'd been a great host. The flat is beautiful and so cosy, self contained, with anything you might need. Ian was lovely providing us with fresh eggs every single morning from his own chickens, and he also gave us fresh vegetable from his own garden, an absolute dream. The village is so pretty and picturesque, it's magical. When visiting Crete again, we will def pass by Melambes and stay again in this fantastic place, highly recommended!"Maria
All these positive reviews are deserved. The place is lovely, cute and comfortable, perfect for a couple; in a pretty little village with traditional sights and great views; and the hosts were super nice and easy to talk to before and during the stay. They even left us a bit of food (fresh eggs from their own chicks!) and some local alcohol, and chatted with us at the local bar. A very cute stay all in all!"Jilian
We loved it here! Melambes is a charming, active town perched high up in the mountains, and is a wonderful place to see a slice of village life in Crete. It does not seem to be on the main tourist route, which was a plus for us. Ian is a great guy and a great host, who can introduce you to people in town and has lots of tips about the area. The apartment is lovely and well-equipped. Make sure to ask Ian about how he and Bev found and renovated the building. It is an impressive story!"Andres
Ian is an excellent host offering a lot of help. The very cosy room offered almost everything you need for your stay. We enjoyed the small town and its hidden charm. "Jürgen
