"new apartments with exceptional interiors, a great location in the mountains, close to popular visiting places and incredibly welcoming owners."
Vidas from Lithuania
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"It offers wonderful views of the mountains, wonderful hospitality, a warm welcome and exceptional food, locally sourced and freshly cooked."
Timothy from United Kingdom
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"The newly renovated rooms were beautiful and had amazing views from both the room and the balcony."
Amy from United Kingdom
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"Tito and Elefteria are kind, welcoming people, who really make you feel at home."
David from United Kingdom
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"The service was amazing, the food was very good and the room/common areas as swimming pool was clean and in good conditions."
Marta G from United States
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Family-run guest house in Thronos with mountain views, cooking classes, and guided local tours
Authentic Experiences
Aravanes offers hands-on cooking and bread-making classes taught by the family owners, using recipes passed down through generations. Guests can join guided tours of the Amari Valley led by experienced, multilingual local guides who share history and natural lore. The hotel also arranges walking tours, hiking excursions, and foraging days on Psiloritis Mountain.
Dining
The on-site traditional taverna prepares meals in a wood oven using organic ingredients sourced from the family's own farms and local suppliers. Breakfast choices include continental and à la carte options with fresh pastries, juice, and fruits, plus homemade bread baked that morning. Dinner menus feature Cretan specialties like slow-cooked lamb, homemade Apaki smoked meat, and vegetarian dishes served on a terrace overlooking the valley.
Children
The property has a children's playground and outdoor play equipment for younger guests, along with a shallow end in the pool for safe swimming. Family rooms offer accommodations for groups, and the kids' menu at the taverna includes familiar favorites. A fence around the pool and CCTV in common areas provide added safety for families.
Rooms & Grounds
Recently renovated rooms include air conditioning, satellite TV, and private bathrooms with balconies that face Mount Ida and the Amari Valley. An outdoor swimming pool with scenic views, sun loungers, and a sun terrace is available for guests. Picnic areas, an outdoor seating zone with mountain vistas, and free private parking complete the grounds.
Location & Services
Aravanes sits in the village of Thronos in the Amari Valley, 9 km from the historic Arkadi Monastery and 30 km from Venetian Harbour in Rethymno. The hotel provides an airport shuttle to and from Heraklion International Airport (83 km away). Laundry services, lockers for storage, and bicycle parking are offered on-site.
Highlights
Experiences: Cooking classes, bread-making, guided tours, foraging days
Dining: Family taverna with wood-oven cooking, organic farm-sourced ingredients
Children: Playground, shallow pool, family rooms, kids' menu
Rooms: Recently renovated, mountain-view balconies, satellite TV
Location: Thronos village, 9 km to Arkadi Monastery, 83 km from airport
Savor traditional Manti at Ahlat Restaurant for a true local taste.
Visit the stunning Aptera archaeological site for breathtaking views.
Join the local olive oil tasting at Thronos Olive Groves on Saturdays.
Discover hidden trails at the nearby Samaria Gorge National Park.
Explore the vibrant Thronos market on Fridays for fresh produce.
Choose your island room type
Aravanes offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Deluxe Double Room
2 persons
16 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Standard Double Room
2 persons
14 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Deluxe Triple Room
2 persons
21 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
September 2026 - September 2027
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Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Aravanes offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.3/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
No pets allowed
Security
Locker room
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Hiking
Aerobics
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Services
Paid airport shuttle
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Dining
Picnic area/ Tables
Special diet menus
Children
Cots
Children's play area
Spa & Leisure
Seasonal outdoor pool
Sun loungers
Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Pool with view
Shallow end
Room features
Air conditioning
Heating
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
Show more
Aravanes: Location on the Island
Thronos Amariou, Rethymno, Crete, Thronos, 74061,
Explore Thronos
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Archaeological Site of Thronos
3 minutes walking
Ancient ruins showcasing Minoan history with breathtaking views over the Amari Valley.
Monastery Asomaton
5 minutes drive
A serene 17th-century monastery surrounded by lush landscapes and stunning frescoes.
Panagia Kera
10 minutes drive
Historic church renowned for its beautiful Byzantine architecture and scenic setting.
Koimiseos Theotokou Church
10 minutes drive
Charming church featuring elaborate frescoes and located in a picturesque village.
Hiking Trails
10 minutes driving
Vast trails in the nearby mountains ideal for hiking, suitable for all skill levels.
Local Market Visits
10 minutes driving
Vibrant markets offering fresh local produce, handmade goods, and a taste of Cretan culture.
Yoga Retreats
10 minutes driving
Relaxing yoga sessions in tranquil settings, perfect for rejuvenation and mindfulness.
Caving Adventures
15 minutes driving
Thrilling cave explorations nearby for those seeking excitement and natural wonders.
Violis Taverna
10 minutes walking
Traditional Greek taverna featuring local delicacies, a lively atmosphere, and local wines.
To Stachi
10 minutes driving
Cozy restaurant known for its authentic Cretan dishes made from fresh, local ingredients.
Avli
10 minutes driving
Modern eatery blending traditional and contemporary Cretan cuisine with a fine dining touch.
Kritamos
10 minutes driving
Casual dining spot specializing in fresh seafood and exquisite local recipes.
Casa di Creta
10 minutes driving
Vibrant venue showcasing local music, featuring weekly performances and open mic nights.
Cinema Amari
15 minutes driving
An independent cinema offering a selection of popular films - perfect for family outings.
Paxos Bar
10 minutes driving
Relaxed bar environment with live music evenings and a wide selection of local wines.
Rethymno Old Port
15 minutes driving
Charming waterfront area filled with bars and lounges, ideal for night-time strolls and drinks.
Getting around the Greek Islands
City Centre
Thronos 2 min · 400 ft
Airports
Nikos Kazantzakis (HER) 142 min · 58.6 mi
Souda (CHQ) 149 min · 61.3 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
from 09:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs EUR 12.0 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
9
Guest Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Aravanes from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 189 verified reviews
9.7 /10
Perfect
99 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
9.7/10
Comfort
9.4/10
Facilities
9.3/10
Free WiFi
8.5/10
Location
9.7/10
Staff
9.8/10
Value for money
9.7/10
Guest reviews
based on 326 reviews
9.6/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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Questions of the users
About Aravanes
How many guests can be accommodated across the various rooms?
5 April 2024
Aravanes offers a total of 5 different rooms, which can host up to 15 guests. This makes it a wonderful choice for group events or pre-wedding gatherings.
Is there a shuttle service available from the airport?
10 May 2024
Yes, an airport shuttle can be arranged for an additional fee. It's advisable to request this service after confirming your reservation.
Are any of the rooms equipped with balconies?
20 June 2024
Yes, certain rooms at Aravanes feature balconies. Checking your desired stay dates will provide clarity on their availability.
Can guests enjoy breakfast during their stay?
15 July 2024
Breakfast options may be available, but it's best to verify these when reviewing room availability for your chosen travel dates.
What are the standard check-in and check-out times at Aravanes?
25 August 2024
Check-in is available from 15:00 to 22:00, while check-out is until 11:00. Special requests for early or late check-in/check-out can be made but are not guaranteed.
Is parking available at the hotel?
30 September 2024
Yes, free private parking is available on-site at Aravanes, and no reservation is needed.
Are private bathrooms included in the rooms?
10 October 2024
Many rooms at Aravanes are equipped with private bathrooms. Checking the availability based on your travel dates will confirm this.
What attractions and dining options can be found near Aravanes?
12 November 2024
To discover nearby restaurants, attractions, and transport options, please refer to the property's surroundings for more detailed information.
Is there a restaurant on the premises for dining?
18 December 2024
No, Aravanes does not have an on-site restaurant, but local dining options may be available nearby.
Are there any spa facilities available at Aravanes?
22 January 2025
Unfortunately, there are no spa or wellness facilities at Aravanes.
Is the swimming pool available for guests during their stay?
30 February 2025
There is a swimming pool at Aravanes, but its availability may vary depending on the time of year.
What unique local experiences can be enjoyed during a stay at Aravanes?
6 March 2025
Guests can partake in various unique Cretan experiences, such as traditional cooking classes, guided nature excursions, and learning about local customs.