Dalabelos Estate

Top choice in Rethymno Province


Hemmed in by vines, olives and fruit trees, these 10 traditional-style houses have a view over rolling hills to the sea. The modern rooms have stone fireplaces, private terraces, outdoor hot tubs and beautiful bathrooms. The infinity pool and restaurant are first class, plus there are seasonal activities from olive harvesting to raki distilling, as well as hands-on Cretan cooking classes.

It’s located inland, 5km south of Panormo, so it helps to have your own transport, but otherwise there are free mountain bikes. The husband-and-wife owners are exceptionally hospitable and proud Cretans, with unsurpassed passion for local food and culture. In high season there’s a minimum three-night stay.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Rethymno Province attractions

1. Basilica of Aghia Sophia

1.87 MILES

Coins unearthed in Panormo indicate that a village flourished here between the 1st and 9th centuries AD, but the only in situ evidence from this period…

2. Church of Agios Yiorgos

2.17 MILES

Ecclesiastic-art fans should stop in town at Panormo’s parish church, which has some stunning modern frescoes.

3. Castel Milopotamo

2.18 MILES

For wonderful views overlooking Panormo's port, head up the hill to a tiny segment of stone wall that remains from a 13th-century fortress. It's believed…

4. Panormo Beach

2.19 MILES

There's no one main beach in Panormo but a series of small, attractive coves with brown sand and a brilliant turquoise sea. The tiny swoop of sand at the…

5. Klados Winery

2.36 MILES

While Iraklio gets all the plaudits as Crete's main wine producer, Rethymno has the honour of being the first place in Greece to be named a 'European City…

6. Paraschakis Olive Oil Factory

2.41 MILES

If you're out this way for Melidoni Cave, tack on a visit to this nearby olive-oil factory for a lowdown on the production process. Its welcoming American…

7. Melidoni Cave

2.67 MILES

About 2km outside the village of Melidoni is this stunning cathedral-like cave, an evocative underworld of stalactites and stalagmites. A place of worship…

8. Ancient Eleutherna

4.15 MILES

The archaeological site of Ancient Eleutherna is a Dorian-built settlement that was among the most important in the 8th and 7th centuries BC, and also…