At Eliathos Hillside Retreat, you can look forward to a free breakfast buffet, an attached winery and a poolside bar. Active travellers can enjoy cycling at this hotel. Free in-room WiFi, with a speed of 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices), is available to all guests, along with a rooftop terrace and a coffee shop/cafe.
Located in Archanes-Asterousia, Eliathos Hillside Retreat is in the historical district and near a boardwalk. Palace of Knossos and Shrine at Anemospilia are local landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Dedalou Shopping Street and Heraklion Central Market. Travelling with kids? Consider Natural History Museum of Crete, or check out an event or a game at Freedom National Stadium. Enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails, ecotours and mountain biking, or hop on a bike for hire nearby and explore all the area has to offer. Visit our Archanes-Asterousia travel guide
Eliathos Residence Houses, Archanes-Asterousia, Crete Island, 70100
What's nearby
Palace of Knossos
16 min drive - 11.8 km
Titakis Winery
7 min drive - 5.0 km
Lyrarakis
9 min drive - 6.1 km
Minos-Miliarikis Winery
9 min drive - 6.1 km
Knossos Archaeological Site
16 min drive - 11.8 km
Getting around
Heraklion (HER-Nikos Kazantzakis)
29 min drive
Restaurants
Η Άμπελος
20 min walk
Αρμενάκης (Armenakis Greek & Cretan Restaurant)
14 min drive
Apostolis Kafeneio
15 min walk
Ελιά & Δυόσμος
10 min drive
Κοσμάς
19 min drive
About this property
Eliathos Hillside Retreat
Family-friendly hotel in the historical district, remodelled in 2023
Consider a stay at Eliathos Hillside Retreat and take advantage of a free breakfast buffet, an attached winery and a poolside bar. Adventurous travellers may like the cycling at this hotel. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, with a speed of 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices), and guests can find other amenities, such as a rooftop terrace and a coffee shop/cafe.
Other perks include:
A seasonal outdoor pool, along with sunloungers and pool umbrellas
Bike hire, a round-trip airport shuttle (surcharge) and express check-out
Express check-in, supervised childcare (surcharge) and a front desk safe
Tour/ticket information, barbecues and smoke-free property
Room features
All guest rooms are individually furnished, and have comforts, such as fireplaces and pillow menus, as well as perks, such as air conditioning and separate sitting areas.
Extra amenities include:
Pillowtop mattresses and free cots/infant beds
2 bathrooms with free toiletries and hairdryers
42-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels
Private gardens, separate sitting areas and separate dining areas
In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
Food and drink
Free buffet breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
A bar/lounge
A coffee shop/cafe
A poolside bar
A restaurant
Coffee and tea in common areas
Snack bar/deli
Things to do
Bicycle rentals
Outdoor pool
Winery
Family friendly
Babysitting (surcharge)
In-room cot
In-room full-sized refrigerator/freezer
In-room kitchen
Laundry facilities
Living room
Outdoor pool
Separate in-room dining area
Snack bar/deli
Supervised activities for children (surcharge)
Conveniences
Laundry facilities
Luggage storage
Safe at front desk
Virtual front desk
Guest services
Concierge services
Housekeeping (daily)
Multilingual staff
Tour and ticket assistance
Wedding services
Outdoors
Barbecue grill
Garden
In a nature reserve
In the mountains
Picnic area
Pool loungers
Pool umbrellas
Rooftop terrace
Spa
In-room massages
Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
No lift
Well-lit path to entrance
More
2 floors
4 buildings
Built in 2006
Mediterranean architecture
Renovated entire property - March 2023
Smoking not allowed
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Free cot
Pillow menu
Pillowtop mattress
Bathroom
2 private bathrooms
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Entertainment
42-inch flat-screen TV with satellite channels
Food and drink
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Electric kettle
Espresso maker
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Kitchen
Limited room service
Separate dining area
Spices
More
Access via exterior corridors
Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
Desk
Fireplace
Heating
Individual decor
Individual furnishings
Iron/ironing board on request
Living room
Phone
Safe
Separate sitting area
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age - 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available
Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
There is no front desk at this property
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and lockbox information; your host will greet you
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
A virtual front desk provides assistance to guests
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Renovations and closures
The property is closed between 12 November and 23 March.
Access methods
Host will greet you, lockbox
Pets
Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Free cots are available on request at the property
Payment types
Important information
Fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:
A tax is imposed by the city and collected at the property. This tax is adjusted seasonally and might not apply all year round. Other exemptions or reductions may apply. For more details, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
A tax is imposed by the city: From 1 November to 31 March, EUR 0.50 per accommodation, per night
A tax is imposed by the city: From 1 April to 31 October, EUR 2.00 per accommodation, per night
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
Optional extras
Airport shuttle fee: EUR 30 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 4)
Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
Cleaning/housekeeping/linen are available for an additional fee
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is professionally cleaned
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 500, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
The seasonal pool will be open from 23 March to 12 November
Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Frequently asked questions
Does Eliathos Hillside Retreat have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool access is from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
How much does it cost to stay at Eliathos Hillside Retreat?
As of 23 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Eliathos Hillside Retreat on 24 Oct 2026 start from AU$182, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Eliathos Hillside Retreat pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
What time is check-in at Eliathos Hillside Retreat?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime.
What time is check-out at Eliathos Hillside Retreat?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM. Late checkout is available for a fee (subject to availability).
Does Eliathos Hillside Retreat provide a shuttle to the airport?
Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of EUR 30 per vehicle applies.
Where is Eliathos Hillside Retreat located?
This family-friendly Archanes-Asterousia hotel is located in the historical district, within 3 mi (5 km) of Titakis Winery and Lyrarakis. Nikos Kazantzakis Museum and Shrine at Anemospilia are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
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Reviews
Eliathos Hillside Retreat Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
The atmosphere was wonderful and relaxing. The apartment was great and clean. Only thing was the a/c had an odor when we turned it on. However we didn’t need it much because our unit stayed cool.
The views from the hilltop were spectacular and we loved sitting outside with our delicious breakfast. Our accommodation was spacious and comfortable and as the final days of our trip this was a perfect wind down. I would love to go back for longer
A small group of modern appartments in a rural location with a great pool and stunning views. 20 min walk from village with good restaurants and shops. Staff are very pleasant and helpful. Going breakfast available.
The walk back from the village is steep but a taxi was 5 Euros. If you get the exact Google Maps location it is not difficult to find.
Beautiful grounds, pool and vistas. Very friendly staff, and breakfast was very good. Just be aware you’re driving narrow country roads to get up to the property, about 1/2 mile outside Archanes. We’d do it again without hesitation, but probably not with the unit we booked. It had a loft bedroom with steep stairs and low ceiling height for half the loft. Fine for shorter folks or younger people. Not ideal at age 70.
Eliathos Residences are a set of pretty buildings in the hillside outside of Archanes. The setting is in the country and the flowers are beautiful - the roses were spectacular. The pool is lovely and has a terrific view. We had a studio which was clean and comfortable. The people at the hotel were very helpful and made our stay special. Katrina was particularly warm and welcoming. She went out of her way to take care of us, from driving into town to show us the way to the hotel, to offering a welcome drink and cookies, to suggesting walks and helping us find a wonderful taxi driver who took us to Heraklion. I happily and strongly recommend Eliathos Residences to others - you will enjoy your stay.
Very quiet and tranquil. Village (Archanes) walkable all be it very steep hill on way back. You get to walk of some of the excellent food available in the village.
Great way to enjoy living on a mountain in a luxurious villa. It was somewhat difficult to find but once found it turned out to be a gem. The staff was amazing and the spoke English. The room, gardens, and pool were very well maintained. The road from the village was over 1 km, narrow and winding up a hill (the only drawback to staying there).
For 10 euros you can have a hardy tradition breakfeast at the hotel. We would the go to Heraklion for the day (approx. 30 minutes away) to browse and visit museums. We also visited Knossos in the late afternoon when there was less heat and tourists.
In the evenings we would have dinner at the village center. There were a number of excellent restaurants. At the end of the meal, they would provide a complimentary dessert along with raking (Cretan moonshine).
Nous avions demandé un lit bébé avant notre arrivée, et cela a bien été préparé. L'accueil est charmant, l'appartement est très spacieux, et bien aménagé. L'ensemble des équipements fonctionne parfaitement, avec une cuisine bien équipée, et une climatisation réversible dans toutes les pièces.
L'environnement est calme, parfait pour se reposer, et baigné par la verdure. Vue magnifique sur les collines environnantes.
La ville d'Archanes propose tout ce qu'il faut pour passer un bon séjour.
Très bon séjour.
Eliathos is a wonderful place to stay: beautiful location, beautiful accommodation, and Artemis the owner was friendly, welcoming, and always around (not always in the reception though--e-mail is best). The village is lovely to wander around in and has a great atmosphere, everyone was very friendly. We rented a car and spent most of our time hiking around the island, and Eliathos was a perfect base. It is also a perfect place for relaxing and lazing around -- the pool is clean and welcoming and has a fantastic view. Go!
Verified review
4/10 Poor
Verified traveller
22 Oct 2014
Disliked: Cleanliness
Okay
Lot of room for improvement with cleanliness and attention to detail. Should not expect to get sheets and towels with holes.
Buildings and gardens around property are really well maintained and feel authentically Cretan yet modern. Small cluster of apartments at top of hillside mean it is quiet and a good place for a relaxing stay, yet close enough to Archanes to pop into the town square for a meal in the evening (recommended - local cafes and hotels are good). Staff / owner were lovely. The place is small enough to give a good personal experience.
We arrived late at night and it can be a little hard to find in the dark. Many local roads are unnamed and very steep and can just peter out into dirt tracks. Part of the charm but best to be ready for it. Discovered next day a lot of signs about halfway up lamp posts in the area giving directions.
We had just spent a week sailing along the north Cretan coast so were ready for 3 days R&R and our stay at Eliathos exceeded all our expectations, in terms and comfort, facilities and location. But what really made our stay memorable was the hospitality shown by all the team and in particular Argyro (Silver) who really looked after us making sure we fed, watered and as comfortable as possible .... thanks again Argyro.
The residence is a 1 Km from the main square and sits on a hill, so the way down is fine and the way back if you are used to walking and hills is not a problem; we carried our provisions back from the supermarket after a meal and few glasses of local wine with no worries ........ and we are 60 :0)
Sehr engagiertes Team. Wegen fehlenden deutschen Kanälen zum Fuß0ball WM wurde sogar der Satellit gewechselt !!! Schöner Pool und geräumiges Apartment mit hübscher Terasse und frischem Obst an den Bäumen. Gut funktionierende Klimaanlage, die man nicht immer nutzen muß. ( Juli-Aufenthalt ) Nettes Dorf mit ebensolchen Bars und Tavernen die Ihren griechischen Charakter bewahrt haben. Von Heraklion mit dem Auto auf gut ausgebauter Straße in ca. 15 MInuten erreichbar ohne an dieser zu liegen. An- und Abreise verliefen unkompliziert. Jederzeit wieder....!
Lovely, lovely. View and standard of accommodation very high. The manager, Argyro was especially warm helpful and couldn't do enough for us. Definitely go again but will hire a car next time.
Verified review
8/10 Good
Verified traveller
3 July 2014
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Tranquility and comfort
The residences were clean, modern and with all the comforts. The surroundings were so peaceful and the landscaping of the grounds were beautiful. Perfect place for those escaping busy city life. The only drawback is the need to drive to go anywhere.
very helpful directions, everything easy to operate, cleaned every day. Good facilities, lovely and quiet with great views but really too far to walk into the town and back. Definately good for getting away from mass tourism.
Fabulous place! Argyro the manager is wonderful - friendly, helpful, knowledgable and kind. We were upgraded to a larger apartment which was well equiped, had loads of room and a balcony that looked out over Archanes - all apartments appeared to have varying degrees of lovely view though. Do you need a car - the apartments are about 1km outside town and uphill. It's a pleasant enough walk and not too much of a killer but there are barking street dogs around at night which are a bit intimidating. Also, if you're planning on visiting the archaeological sites (some of which are closed at present [October 2013] due to the economic situation) the majority aren't easily accessible without your own transport. Knossos is easy to get to by bus though. Overall - a wonderful place, in a lovely location, with good facilities and a fab manager.