Sunset over the Cretan north coast from the infinity pool at Aquila Villa, with sun loungers facing the horizon

Χανιά · Κρήτη  ·  Drapanos, Apokoronas

Aquila
Villa

A hilltop house with unobstructed 360° views — north coast, countryside, and mountains. Magical sunsets.

The view


On the crown of a hill in Drapanos

Aquila Villa is a newly built house at the top of a hill, with unobstructed 360° panoramic views over the north coast, the fertile countryside of Apokoronas, and the mountains.

The small, unspoiled village of Drapanos is 600 metres away. Almyrida’s organised sandy, shallow beach is about 5.5–6 km. Two taverns and a mini market sit in the village; more choices are in Plaka, 4.5 km.

Every hour of the day the view is impressive. At sunset the sky is painted red, and the lights of the villages turn on.

Panoramic views
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Bedrooms
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Guests
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Infinity pool

The house


Two floors, 220 m², open to the light

A large open-concept living space with a vaulted wood ceiling. Four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a WC. Sleeps up to ten — eight adults and two children. Both twin bedrooms can convert to doubles.

Living room with cream sofas, open terrace doors and a view to the lawn and sea

Living, dining, the vaulted ceiling

The entrance opens to a sunlit area with a vaulted wood ceiling. Large glass doors run the length of the room, so the north-coast view is part of the evening, not a backdrop.

Wooden stairs lead to the upper level, where two ensuite bedrooms — one double and one twin — look out over the grounds.

The kitchen

Fully equipped for cooking day and night: four-ring ceramic stove, oven, fridge, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, kettle, and dishes.

  • Linens & bath towels
  • Baby cot & high chair
  • Washing machine & iron
  • Hair-dryer & safe
  • Full air-conditioning
  • Wi-Fi, satellite TV, Blu-ray
Kitchen island with woven pendant lights, ceramic hob and vaulted timber ceiling

Bedrooms

Bedroom 1, first-floor double with four-poster bed and balcony doors

First floor · Ensuite · Two balconies

Bedroom 1

Double bed 1.80 × 2.00 m. Air-conditioning, ceiling fan, ensuite bathroom, two private balconies.

Twin bedroom with teal beamed ceiling, stone wall and balcony

First floor · Ensuite · Balcony

Bedroom 2

Two singles 0.90 × 2.00 m plus sofa bed 0.80 × 1.90 m. Air-conditioning, ceiling fan, ensuite, private balcony. Can convert to a double.

Ground floor · Ensuite · Garden

Bedroom 3

Double bed 1.60 × 2.00 m. Air-conditioning, ceiling fan, ensuite bathroom, access to the garden.

Ground-floor twin bedroom with stone feature wall and garden doors

Ground floor · Garden access

Bedroom 4

Two singles 0.90 × 2.00 m plus sofa bed 0.80 × 1.90 m. Air-conditioning, ceiling fan, garden access. Can convert to a double.

Ensuite bathroom with freestanding bathtub, double vessel sinks and patterned floor tiles

Bathrooms


Four bathrooms and a family WC

  • Bath 1Ensuite to bedroom 1, first floor — toilet and bathtub
  • Bath 2Ensuite to bedroom 2, first floor — toilet and shower
  • Bath 3Ensuite to bedroom 3, ground floor — toilet and shower
  • Bath 4Family, ground floor — toilet and shower
  • WCFamily, ground floor
Infinity pool, lawn, pergolas and the sea beyond Aquila Villa

Pool & garden


A 12-metre infinity pool on the edge of the hill

The focal point of the 2000 m² fenced grounds: a huge infinity heated pool with a children’s area. Young fruit trees at the entrance, ornamental planting, a big lawn, three pergolas, and a barbecue.

12 m × 5 m

60 m² private pool. Depth 1.2 → 1.6 m, with steps. Children’s area 0.5 m. Pool towels provided.

Heated on request

Heat pump warms about 5°C above an unheated pool, up to around 28°C. Four days’ notice. 600€ per week, paid on arrival.

Lawn & pergolas

A large lawned area — guests have used it for padel and pickleball — three pergolas, sun loungers, outdoor dining.

Outside

Private parking, barbecue, outdoor dining set. The 2000 m² plot is fenced.

Outdoor dining table set under a pergola at twilight, with sea and village lights beyond

Evenings on the terrace

When the sky turns, the terrace becomes the centre of the house: long table under the pergola, the pool catching the last colour, village lights along the coast.

Guests mention the welcome pack from Artemis and Niki, the quiet, and how little they wanted to leave.

Location


Drapanos, Almyrida, Apokoronas

Hilltop above Drapanos village, in the Almyrida / Almirida area of Apokoronas, Chania, Crete. A car is essential.

Restaurant, village600 m
Grocery650 m
Beach, Almyrida6 km
Plaka4.5 km
Chania city31 km
Rethymnon39 km
Chania airport38 km
Heraklion airport123 km
Aerial view of Aquila Villa on the rocky hilltop above Drapanos, with the infinity pool and lawn

Guests note a tiny shop and restaurant about a ten-minute walk, and recommend the village tavernas — including the tavern of Eleonore’s family — and the Melissakis olive mill nearby. Precise map coordinates are not published here; directions are given after booking.

Guest book


Five stars, again and again

5.0

76 reviews on Chania Rentals  ·  Airbnb 5.0 / 35  ·  Vrbo 10/10

“The best villa we have stayed in in over 25 years of villa holidays… stunning views in all directions and the sunsets were amazing.”
Karen · September 2025
“A gorgeous mix of modern and traditional style. The owner Artemis kindly met us with the agent Niki on arrival… The views are breathtaking.”
Graham Best Family · October 2025
“Our second time at Aquila Villa and we loved it just a little bit more because of the heated pool. The view over the sea is incredible and best from the pool.”
Anni · November 2024
“We rarely left the villa. To have the pool heated was the best decision… the sunset every day, one of the best we’ve ever seen.”
Hema family · May 2026
Pergola lounge at night overlooking the coast and village lights

Sleeps 10  ·  8 adults + 2 children  ·  Min. renter age 28

Booking is through Chania Rentals. From €270 per night, depending on season. Cleaning twice per week for stays of 7 nights or longer; linens change twice per week, included. Tourist tax 15€ per night on arrival. Pool heating 600€/week on request. Extra guest 25€/night. Hosts Artemis and Niki.

Check availability

Stay


Enquire for dates

Tell us when you’d like to stay. We’ll come back to you, and live rates sit on the Chania Rentals listing.

House rules

Guest book

All reviews

5.0 · 76 reviews on Chania Rentals · Airbnb 5.0 · Vrbo 10/10

“We had an absolutely wonderful stay in a lovely Villa. Best recommendations!”
Morten Skovhus · May 2026
“We stayed at Aquila Villa with the eight of us at the end of April, beginning of May. And to be honest, we rarely left the villa. To have the pool heated was the best decision as it was quite cold some days, but we could still do some swimming. We also enjoyed the house itself, really there's nothing that we felt that was missing. The nearby village was also fun, we had lunch or drinks there a couple of times. But the biggest surprise was the sunset every day, one of the best we’ve ever seen!”
Hema family · May 2026
“This was one of the best holidays we’ve had, the villa, welcome and facilities are 5*. If you’re thinking about booking this villa, my advice would be to book it now, you won’t regret it. We received a great welcome, a fabulous welcome pack and the villa was so clean. The tavernas in the village were excellent. You will need a car, but that means you can tour the island.”
JT
“If you are considering a villa holiday then please make Aquila your choice. The house itself is stunning, well maintained and a gorgeous mix of modern and traditional style. The owner Artemis kindly met us with the agent Niki on arrival and gave us a lovely tour… they are both on hand if you have any issues. The views are breathtaking and it felt like a home from home… we only left the villa on a single day! Without a doubt we will be back.”
Graham Best Family · October 2025
“The best villa we have stayed in in over 25 years of villa holidays in Greece, Spain and Portugal. Our hosts could not have been more helpful in meeting us on our late night arrival, providing a brilliant welcome pack. The location high up on the hillside provided stunning views in all directions and the sunsets were amazing. The pool at about 12 metres was big enough to swim some lengths or float and relax. Thanks so much to Artemis and Niki and Chania Rentals.”
Karen · September 2025
“It was our second time at Aquila Villa and we loved it just a little bit more because of the heated pool. The house is incredibly nice and there is all you need, even a welcome package. The view over the sea is incredible and best from the pool! We also loved the nearby tavern owned by Eleonore’s family, and the Melissakis olive mill. We will be happy to come back and enjoy the peace and quiet.”
Anni · November 2024
“We were 8 women and spent 8 days in this awesome house. Wonderfully furnished and lots of comfort! Infinity pool with a view of the sea, simply breathtaking! We didn’t want to leave the complex at all. Niki and her husband were also extremely friendly and accommodating. We will definitely be back!”
Petra and friends · June 2024
“We recently stayed with our family (5 adults and 2 children) for a week and we highly recommend this villa. The view was spectacular and the pool lovely. The villa was spacious, clean and everything was working perfectly. The owner was so kind to provide us a basket with some food for breakfast as we arrived during the night.”
Paul · May 2024
“We, two families with two teenage daughters each, managed what everyone who stayed at Aquila Villa dreams of: we came back the next year and our stay was as marvelous as the first time. The villa is perfect and we will never get tired of the amazing view.”
Catherine · January 2024
“The panoramic view is breathtaking. You can never get enough of it. The house is exactly as shown in the pictures. Tasteful décor and comfort at its best. We really appreciated the hospitality of Artemis and his father. Niki and Artemis responded to our requests promptly. All in all, it was a dream trip.”
Lemasson and Yanakis Family · October 2023
“We had a lovely stay in this house again, which looks like in the pictures and has all the amenities you need, with high standard and good taste. The location is amazing by the quiet and beautiful sea. Highly recommended. A big thank you to Niki & Artemis and the very kindly grandpa.”
Annett · October 2023
“This is our 2nd visit to the superior stunning Aquila villa. There really is nothing that comes close — the views, the warm swimming pool, the facilities, the stunning interior, and the sheer comfort. It’s our favourite villa and favourite place in Crete. Such lovely hospitable hosts too.”
Returning guests · August 2023
“We had a lovely time in villa Aquila. The villa is built on the top of a hill and has a dominant sea view with the best sunset in Crete. The house has all the facilities and the owner is super friendly and helpful. We highly recommend!”
Dirk · August 2023
“There are places so amazing that you would prefer not to share them with others… this is exactly how we felt during our stay. We have been to lots of great villas but this one was the best. The house is really beautiful and perfectly equipped, the view is spectacular, and the hospitality of Artemis together with Niki’s support made our vacation a wonderful experience.”
Catherine · December 2022
“It was a great holiday again in the most beautiful villa on Crete. We will come back next year!”
Annett · November 2022
“Our vacation in the villa was really great. The right place for relaxing! Many thanks to Niki and Artemis for the friendly welcome and the support. Everything was perfect! We’ll come back as soon as possible.”
Michael · October 2022
“How does one write a review without using too many superlatives?! Villa Aquila was simply amazing. The villa itself is very spacious with plenty of indoor and outdoor room for the whole family. The views were ridiculous in a good way — too many pictures of glorious sunsets.”
Lebus Family · August 2022
“The location takes you in as soon as you drive up. The spacious exterior, the beautifully furnished interior and the large pool are only surpassed by the amazing view over Souda Bay — not only at sunset. Artemis has created a beautiful oasis and is a perfect host.”
MH / HH · August 2022
“We had our best time with 8 people at this beautiful place. The view is spectacular and even better in person. The rooms were beautiful and very clean. We recommend this villa 100%. We will definitely come back!”
Lulu & Friends · July 2022
“We have just spent the most glorious 2 weeks staying in the stunning Villa Aquila. There are not enough words to describe the fabulous location and views from the peaceful infinity pool. The owner met us with a fabulous welcome basket, and the cleanliness and furnishing of the villa are awesome. They have thought of everything.”
Fi Magee · July 2022
“We were amazed when in the early hours of the morning we turned a corner and saw the villa lit up. Finished to an extremely high standard with every amenity possible. We spent hours watching the cruise ships come in and out of the bay and the sunsets at night will never be forgotten. A truly memorable place to stay.”
Nicholson Family · May 2022
“Besser geht es nicht. Es fehlt an nichts. Das Haus ist so gut durchdacht und wunderschön. Die Lage des Hauses ist magisch und nahezu unbeschreiblich schön.”
Tanja · May 2022
“We are a big family of 10 and we come to Crete every summer. This year we booked Aquila for the first time and we are excited about our stay! Artemis and the family made everything just perfect. Mattresses like sleeping on clouds, a shallow pool area safe for kids, and an outside terrace with an incredible sea view. You hear only sheep bells. Thank you so much.”
Elena · July 2021
“Our stay at Aquila Villa was just fantastic! The location, the house, the furnishings, the pool, the huge garden, the breathtaking view of the sea — everything top and difficult to beat. The images on the internet correspond to reality. You feel good from the first moment and it’s hard to leave.”
Diana · October 2020
“The house stands on a mountain with an unobstructed and impressive panoramic view. Each room is very clean and lovingly furnished. As a greeting there was a welcome basket with all kinds of goodies and a bottle of wine. We were there for 10 days and enjoyed every single day and especially the evenings with this mega view.”
Sabine · October 2020
“This was the second time we were allowed to stay in the villa of Artemis and his family. Everything was fine and there is nothing to complain about. We have never had a nicer, better accommodation. If I could, I would give a rating of 10 stars.”
Klaus, Simone, Timo and Lena · August 2020
“We had a very relaxing time at this stunning villa. Stylish with good quality furnishings and very comfortable beds. It is the nicest villa and certainly the nicest view we have had when renting in Europe. The panoramas were exceptional and so were the sunsets. You won’t really want to leave except for meals out!”
First Time Crete · August 2020
“We had the most fantastic holiday. The villa is superb, clean and bright. Everything we could have wished for was available. The views are simply stunning. The pool was big enough for 7 of us as were the grounds. The welcome pack was really appreciated as we arrived at 11pm.”
Lindsay · August 2020
“We had high expectations and we were not disappointed. Artemis was very responsive from the booking to our stay. The welcome basket was really appreciated. The pool was huge and used often. Don’t forget to visit Eleonora’s Taverna. Looking forward to visiting our favourite villa again.”
Margaret · July 2020
“Our stay was perfect from the first minute to the last. Just as the pictures predicted: 4 big bedrooms with 4 bathrooms, all delicately decorated. One of us wanted to test each outside table to experiment with each view! Cleopatra had generous care for our children. Once again, it was a pleasure to stay in this house.”
Christophe · November 2019
“We had such a wonderful time at Villa Aquila. Everything was absolutely perfect: the support, the equipment of the house, the pool, the view and the silence around. We really wished to stay there longer!”
Girls from Germany · October 2019
“We spent a perfect week in Aquila Villa. The house is as beautiful as we could see on the pictures, and the view… impossible to describe, it has to be seen! By day and by night it’s spectacular. We recommend this place a thousand times!”
Anne Sophie · October 2019
“We loved this villa and everything that came with it. The owner was very warm-hearted, helpful and kind — and the villa itself outstanding. When you sit on the terrace or on one of the balconies you can enjoy a breathtaking view on the mountains and the sea. You will never forget it. A ten-minute walk to Eleonora’s for a real Cretan meal.”
Sunseeker · July 2019

Guest words from Chania Rentals, Airbnb and the villa guest book. More on the Chania Rentals listing.