Villa Tartuga
Sleeps
28Maximum Sleeps
28Bedrooms
12Bathrooms/WCs
12Minimum Stay
4Code
8534
Living Area
500.00 m²
Floor
Ground floor
Elevator
Area/Municipality
Arvi / Viannos / Heraklion / Greece
Ideal
Adventure
Family
Romantic
Luxury
Suitable for
Children
Yes
Pets
Ask the Owner
Smoking
Ask the Owner
Elderly People
Yes
Operation Type
Vacation Rental
Meals
Guest provide their own meals
Change of Linen
Housekeeper Included
Arvi, Viannos
Car
Recommended
Setting & View
Mountain View
Beach View
Near to Beach
Beachfront
Near The Sea
Sights
Leisure Activities
Eco tourism
Photography
Scenic drives
Sight seeing
Walking
Sports & Adventure Activities
Fishing
Jet skiing
Scuba diving
Snorkeling
Swimming
Water skiing
Sailing
Local Services & Businesses
Cultural events
Arvi and its surrounding villages in the southern Apokoronas region host several notable cultural events that highlight traditional Cretan life and seasonal celebrations.
Every August 15th, the village of Arvi holds its Panagia (Assumption of Mary) Festival, a key religious and social event. The day begins with a church service followed by communal feasting, traditional Cretan music played on the lyra and laouto, and lively folk dances in the village square. Locals prepare homemade delicacies, and visitors are warmly invited to join in the festivities that often last late into the night.
In nearby villages such as Sellia and Koutsouras, summer months bring open-air music nights, featuring local musicians performing traditional Cretan songs as well as contemporary Greek music. These events typically take place in village squares or beachfront tavernas and offer a relaxed, authentic atmosphere.
During the summer, the wider region hosts the Southern Crete Cultural Festival, which includes workshops on Cretan dances, cooking classes highlighting local ingredients like wild herbs and seafood, and exhibitions of traditional crafts such as weaving and pottery. These workshops often take place in community centers in larger nearby towns such as Ierapetra or Makrigialos, accessible from Arvi.
Each spring, nearby seaside villages also celebrate the Olive Harvest Festival, featuring olive oil tastings, cooking demonstrations, and educational tours about ancient olive groves that surround the region.
For visitors at Meakis Beach, local tavernas and community centers occasionally organize smaller-scale folk music evenings and storytelling sessions, preserving the island’s oral traditions and offering guests an intimate cultural experience.
These events emphasize the deep connection between the natural environment, local traditions, and community life, providing a unique opportunity to experience authentic Cretan culture away from the typical tourist routes.
Traditional Food
Traditional food in the village of Arvi, Crete, reflects the rich culinary heritage of southern Crete, shaped by local ingredients, mountain herbs, and age-old recipes passed down through generations.
The cuisine here is simple yet deeply flavorful, focusing on fresh, seasonal produce, high-quality olive oil, wild greens, and locally raised meats. A typical meal might begin with dakos — a barley rusk topped with ripe tomatoes, local cheese such as mizithra, olives, and oregano, drizzled with golden Cretan olive oil.
In Arvi, you’ll often find hearty dishes like slow-cooked goat or lamb, seasoned with wild herbs gathered from the nearby hills. Tsigariasto, tender meat braised in olive oil, wine, and garlic, is a beloved traditional recipe enjoyed during family gatherings.
Wild greens known as horta are a staple, boiled or sautéed with lemon and olive oil, offering a simple yet nutritious side dish. Seasonal specialties like stamnagathi (a wild chicory) are commonly prepared during spring and early summer.
Local cheeses such as graviera and fresh mizithra are often served alongside homemade bread and kalitsounia — small cheese or herb pies baked or fried, sometimes sweetened with honey.
Seafood from the nearby Libyan Sea is also part of the local diet, with grilled fish and octopus prepared simply with lemon and olive oil. Snails cooked with rosemary and vinegar (chochlioi boubouristoi) represent a traditional delicacy specific to Crete.
Sweets in Arvi often include sfakianopita, thin cheese pies drizzled with honey, and xerotigana, crispy fried dough flavored with cinnamon and honey.
Meals are typically accompanied by local raki (tsikoudia), a strong grape spirit, and complemented by the region’s native wines made from indigenous grape varieties.
The food culture in Arvi is a celebration of natural flavors, hospitality, and tradition, offering visitors an authentic taste of Cretan village life.
Additional Location Information
Arvi is a small village on the southern coast of Crete, within the municipality of Viannos, about 78 km from Heraklion. It lies in a fertile valley below Mount Dikti, where a unique microclimate allows for year-round agriculture, especially banana cultivation.
Historically, Arvi stands on or near the ancient city of Aria. The area was inhabited from at least 2600 BC. During Roman times, it served as a port; notable archaeological finds include Roman baths and marble sarcophagi, now housed in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. The Temple of Arvios Zeus likely stood at the gorge's mouth, where the 19th-century Agios Antonios Monastery now sits.
Arvi is best known for its bananas, first introduced in the 1920s by monks who brought plants from Egypt. The region's sheltered climate made it ideal for growing bananas outdoors, unlike most of Europe. These small, aromatic bananas became a local symbol, especially after banana imports were restricted in the 1980s.
The Arvi Gorge, cutting through the mountain above the village, is roughly 2 km long and features multiple waterfalls, dense vegetation, and some challenging terrain. While part of it is accessible, most of the gorge is only suited for experienced hikers or canyoners with proper equipment.
The village has around 400–500 residents, most of whom work in agriculture. In recent years, Arvi has also embraced eco-initiatives like solar-powered cooling systems to reduce energy use.
Tourism remains low-key but growing, with a mix of beach access, nature activities, and cultural events such as the summer Banana Festival, which celebrates the village’s agricultural heritage with food, music, and dance.
Romantic Luxury Beachfront Villa in South Crete – Meakis Beach, Arvi
Tucked away on the untouched southern coast of Crete, just 2 km west of the village of Arvi, this beachfront villa offers a private escape immersed in nature’s beauty. Nestled on the secluded Meakis Beach, where the endangered sea turtle Caretta caretta nests each June, this extraordinary retreat allows you to witness one of nature’s most moving moments as baby turtles make their way to the sea each August.
The Beach House Arvi is a luxurious haven designed for peace, comfort, and connection. With 600 sqm of elegant indoor space, it comfortably accommodates up to 28 guests in 12 beautifully appointed bedrooms. The layout includes a main residence, a guesthouse block, and an additional seafront guestroom, making it ideal for larger groups or intimate gatherings.
From October to March, the sun sets directly into the Libyan Sea in front of the house, creating unforgettable golden horizons. A spacious open-plan living and dining area opens to panoramic views of the mountains and the sea, while the fully equipped kitchen invites shared meals and celebrations.
Outdoors, the heated infinity pool overlooks the shimmering coastline. Private beach access, an outdoor kitchen, al-fresco dining spaces, and two barbecues create the perfect setting for romantic evenings and leisurely afternoons. Sand dunes, August-blooming sea lilies, and nearby pine-covered hills surround the villa with wild beauty.
Guests enjoy high-end amenities including air conditioning in all rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, an 82” satellite TV, and a fireplace. Services include daily housekeeping, luxury linens, and a welcome basket on arrival. Fitness lovers can enjoy gym equipment, Pilates balls, table tennis, and access to a nearby tennis court.
This is more than a villa. It is a secluded, luxurious retreat where natural beauty and thoughtful design come together—offering a truly romantic and unforgettable experience on the shores of southern Crete.
Tucked away on the untouched southern coast of Crete, just 2 km west of the village of Arvi, this beachfront villa offers a private escape immersed in nature’s beauty. Nestled on the secluded Meakis Beach, where the endangered sea turtle Caretta caretta nests each June, this extraordinary retreat allows you to witness one of nature’s most moving moments as baby turtles make their way to the sea each August.
The Beach House Arvi is a luxurious haven designed for peace, comfort, and connection. With 600 sqm of elegant indoor space, it comfortably accommodates up to 28 guests in 12 beautifully appointed bedrooms. The layout includes a main residence, a guesthouse block, and an additional seafront guestroom, making it ideal for larger groups or intimate gatherings.
From October to March, the sun sets directly into the Libyan Sea in front of the house, creating unforgettable golden horizons. A spacious open-plan living and dining area opens to panoramic views of the mountains and the sea, while the fully equipped kitchen invites shared meals and celebrations.
Outdoors, the heated infinity pool overlooks the shimmering coastline. Private beach access, an outdoor kitchen, al-fresco dining spaces, and two barbecues create the perfect setting for romantic evenings and leisurely afternoons. Sand dunes, August-blooming sea lilies, and nearby pine-covered hills surround the villa with wild beauty.
Guests enjoy high-end amenities including air conditioning in all rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, an 82” satellite TV, and a fireplace. Services include daily housekeeping, luxury linens, and a welcome basket on arrival. Fitness lovers can enjoy gym equipment, Pilates balls, table tennis, and access to a nearby tennis court.
This is more than a villa. It is a secluded, luxurious retreat where natural beauty and thoughtful design come together—offering a truly romantic and unforgettable experience on the shores of southern Crete.
Basic amenities
Kitchen
Bedrooms
Bathrooms/WCs
Dinning room
Enterntainment
Outside
Balconies
Garden chairs
Outdoor Grill
Outdoor shower
Pool
Private Pool
Parkings
Parking
Additional
- All seasons rates
-
Period Weekday Weekend Weekly Monthly Event Rate Monday, June 1, 2026 - Tuesday, June 30, 202606/26€ 3,100.00 Wednesday, July 1, 2026 - Monday, August 31, 202607-08/26€ 4,600.00 Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - Wednesday, September 30, 202609/26€ 3,300.00 Thursday, October 1, 2026 - Saturday, October 31, 202610/26€ 2,800.00 Sunday, November 1, 2026 - Thursday, December 31, 202611-12/26€ 2,600.00
Welcome to your luxury villa. To ensure a memorable and respectful stay, please observe the following rules:
Check-in / Check-out:
Check-in is from 3 PM; check-out by 11 AM. Early check-in or late check-out may be arranged upon request.
Guest Policy:
Only registered guests are permitted on the property. Maximum occupancy must be respected.
Noise:
Please keep noise levels low, especially between 10 PM and 8 AM. No unauthorized parties or events.
Property Care:
Handle the villa and its contents with respect. Report any damages immediately. Charges may apply for repairs.
Smoking:
Smoking is prohibited indoors. Use designated outdoor areas only.
Pets:
Pets are allowed only with prior approval. Please inform us in advance if you plan to bring a pet.
Pool & Outdoors:
Supervise children around the pool. Keep outdoor areas clean and tidy.
Security:
Lock doors and windows when leaving. Follow safety instructions provided.
Waste:
Dispose of waste responsibly in designated bins, respecting local recycling guidelines.
Local Respect:
Respect neighbors and local customs to preserve the peaceful environment.
Check-in / Check-out:
Check-in is from 3 PM; check-out by 11 AM. Early check-in or late check-out may be arranged upon request.
Guest Policy:
Only registered guests are permitted on the property. Maximum occupancy must be respected.
Noise:
Please keep noise levels low, especially between 10 PM and 8 AM. No unauthorized parties or events.
Property Care:
Handle the villa and its contents with respect. Report any damages immediately. Charges may apply for repairs.
Smoking:
Smoking is prohibited indoors. Use designated outdoor areas only.
Pets:
Pets are allowed only with prior approval. Please inform us in advance if you plan to bring a pet.
Pool & Outdoors:
Supervise children around the pool. Keep outdoor areas clean and tidy.
Security:
Lock doors and windows when leaving. Follow safety instructions provided.
Waste:
Dispose of waste responsibly in designated bins, respecting local recycling guidelines.
Local Respect:
Respect neighbors and local customs to preserve the peaceful environment.
€1,800 / night
Tel.: +30 2130223537
E-mail: info@ccluxuryliving.com
Friday, February 20, 2026
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