Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the sunset, our guests from different countries had the opportunity to experience authentic Greek cuisine, enjoy wine and drinks from the bar, and relax with a swim in both the villa’s pool and the crystal-clear sea just steps below.

It was a wonderful evening filled with great food, smiles, and meaningful cultural exchange, proving once again that Greek hospitality is one of the most beautiful ways to bring people and cultures together.

Because hard work and innovation deserve the ultimate reward, we are offering a unique prize to the winning team of this year’s YES: a 3-day stay in beautiful Rethymno at INK Hotels! 🏖️✨

An extra incentive to give it your all: This exciting news is heading straight to the schools of Rethymno, giving local high school students an extra boost to submit their applications and apply for the available scholarships.

Committed to education and social responsibility. At Domisi Group, supporting education and research is part of our DNA. From managing the iconic “House of Europe” as a guest house for professors and researchers of the University of Crete, to hosting Drexel University researchers during critical times, we have always stood firmly by the academic community.

Now, it’s time to welcome the brilliant minds of YES! We can’t wait to host the winners in Rethymno for an unforgettable three days of relaxation and inspiration. 💙

👇 Are you a high school student? Don’t waste time!

https://yes.aueb.gr/

The Crete most visitors never get to see.

When most people picture Crete, they imagine long beaches, crystal-clear waters, and seaside tavernas.

But the island has another side—one shaped by dramatic gorges, mountain villages, centuries-old traditions, and landscapes that feel untouched by time.

If you’re looking to experience Crete beyond the coastline, a journey through Kourtaliotiko Gorge and Preveli offers one of the most rewarding day trips on the island.

A Scenic Journey Through the Cretan Countryside

The adventure begins with a drive through some of Crete’s most beautiful inland scenery.

Leaving the busy coastal roads behind, you’ll travel past endless olive groves, rugged mountains, and traditional villages where everyday life still follows the rhythms of the island. Along the way, you’ll discover a quieter, more authentic side of Crete that many visitors never have the chance to experience.

Travelling in a comfortable 12-seat van also allows for a more relaxed and personal experience, with plenty of opportunities to stop, explore, and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

Kourtaliotiko Gorge – One of Crete’s Natural Wonders

One of the highlights of the day is Kourtaliotiko Gorge, one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in South Crete.

Towering cliffs rise dramatically on either side, while fresh springs flow through the canyon, creating a landscape unlike anywhere else on the island.

A short walk leads to beautiful waterfalls hidden within the gorge, where the sound of flowing water and the surrounding nature create an atmosphere of complete tranquility. It’s the perfect place to slow down, take photographs, and experience the raw beauty that makes southern Crete so unique.

Discover the Beauty of Preveli

The journey continues towards the famous Preveli area, known for its extraordinary natural setting where mountains, rivers, palm trees, and the Libyan Sea come together.

This part of Crete is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking scenery, making it one of the island’s most memorable destinations. Whether you’re admiring the landscape, enjoying the fresh sea air, or simply taking in the views, Preveli offers a completely different perspective of Crete.

Taste Authentic Crete

No visit to the island would be complete without experiencing its food.

During the excursion, you’ll enjoy a tasting of authentic Cretan products, offering a chance to discover local flavors that have been part of the island’s culture for generations.

Fresh ingredients, traditional recipes, and genuine hospitality are all part of what makes Cretan cuisine one of the healthiest and most celebrated in the Mediterranean.

More Than a Sightseeing Tour

What makes this experience special is that it isn’t simply about visiting famous landmarks.

It’s about understanding the island beyond its beaches.

From dramatic gorges and hidden springs to traditional villages and local flavors, every stop reveals another piece of Crete’s identity. It’s a journey that combines nature, culture, history, and hospitality into one unforgettable day.

Whether you’re visiting Crete for the first time or returning to discover something new, this excursion offers the opportunity to experience the island as locals know it—authentic, welcoming, and full of surprises.

Sometimes, the most memorable places are found not along the coast, but beyond it.

Please fill out this form if you have any questions or wish to request a booking

Phone

Main: (+30) 2114445757
UK office: (+44) 458394300
Dutch office: (+31) 793690035

Email

creteholidayhome@gmail.com

Today, we’re taking you behind the scenes of a gorgeous, intimate wedding we recently hosted in Thalasses Villes, giving you an honest look at what makes this seafront space spectacular, and what you need to consider before booking.

As you can see in image_ca237d.jpg, the venue offers a striking backdrop where a crystal-blue pool meets the open horizon of the sea, framed by minimalist architecture and towering palm trees. It’s a blank canvas for modern elegance.

But is it the right fit for your big day? Let’s break down the pros and cons through the lens of a real couple who brought their dream wedding to life here.

But is it the right fit for your big day? Let’s break down the pros and cons through the lens of a real couple who brought their dream wedding to life here.

The Reality Check: The Cons

Despite the challenges of an outdoor venue, our recent couple curated a flawless, relaxed, and deeply personal celebration for 30 of their closest guests. By leaning into the venue’s strengths, they turned potential limitations into an unforgettable experience.

The Welcome & Cocktail Hour

The celebration kicked off just as the intense afternoon heat began to mellow. Guests arrived at a vibrant welcome cocktail hour. With the open bar flowing and a dedicated photographer capturing the crisp, seaside light, the atmosphere was instantly sophisticated yet laid-back.

The Beachfront Ceremony

Before the poolside festivities began, the couple took full advantage of the venue’s direct access to the shore for their wedding ceremony. With the soft sand underfoot and the rhythmic crashing of the waves as their natural soundtrack, they exchanged vows right on the beach. A minimalist arch framed the vast blue horizon, keeping the focus entirely on the couple. It was a deeply moving, intimate moment that perfectly set the tone for the rest of the unforgettable day.

A Crowd-Pleasing Buffet

When it came to dinner, the couple opted for a relaxed, buffet-style menu. Catering to a diverse group can be tricky, but the buffet perfectly accommodated both their vegan and non-vegan guests without compromising on flavor or style. Setting up the dining tables poolside created an incredibly intimate, communal dining experience right by the water.

Dancing Under the Stars

Once the plates were cleared, the poolside deck transformed into the ultimate open-air dance floor. With the bar keeping the energy high, the couple and their guests danced the night away under a canopy of bistro lights and a clear night sky. The great thing about a smaller guest count of 30 is that nobody feels self-conscious everyone was out on their feet, creating a high-energy, private club vibe right on the water’s edge. Our photographer caught some of the best, most candid shots of the night right here, capturing pure joy against the dark backdrop of the sea.

A Sparkling Finale

Because the venue offers such wide, unobstructed views of the night sky, the couple decided to take full advantage of the dark coastline. As the night drew to a close, a spectacular firework display lit up the sky, reflecting beautifully over the pool and the ocean—a breathtaking exclamation point on an already magical day.

If you are dreaming of a massive, indoor ballroom affair, this isn’t the venue for you. But if you want an intimate, chic, and unforgettable coastal experience where the sea breeze is your soundtrack and the sky is your ceiling, this space is hard to beat.

Want to see how we can customize this seaside canvas for your wedding? Get in touch with our planning team today.

Check our site for more information https://domisignature.com/

At Villa Thalasses, we believe that true luxury lies in simplicity, and nothing embodies this quite like the taste of a sun-ripened vegetable plucked straight from the earth.

Our garden is more than just a plot of land; it is a living, breathing ecosystem. Grounded in a deep respect for nature and a strict commitment to 100% organic farming practices, we nurture our soil using natural compost, traditional methods, and plenty of Cretan sunshine. We don’t use chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Instead, we let nature do what she does best creating pure, vibrant flavors that carry the authentic soul of our land.

Here is a glimpse into what is growing in the Villa Thalasses garden this season and how we bring these Mediterranean treasures to life.

The Stars of the Garden: Our Varieties

We have carefully selected a diverse mix of local heritage varieties and unique summer favorites to create a rich tapestry of flavors.

The Vibrant Peppers:

Local Pepper (Πιπεριά ντόπια): Thin-skinned and packed with sweet, authentic flavor.

Flasks Pepper (Πιπεριά φλάσκα): Broad, fleshy, and perfect for stuffing with rice and herbs.

Our planting strategy relies heavily on companion planting—placing mutually beneficial plants next to one another. For instance, our tall corn provides natural shade and structural support, while our aromatic herbs act as natural deterrents for pests, protecting our delicate tomatoes and peppers without a single drop of chemicals.

We invite our guests to take a stroll through the garden, breathe in the fragrance of the damp earth and tomato leaves, and reconnect with the origins of their food.

From Garden to Your Plate: Every harvest from the Villa Thalasses garden goes directly into our kitchen, ensuring that the dishes you enjoy are alive with freshness, nutrition, and the unforgettable taste of pure, organic care.

Kali Orexi!

At Villa Thalasses, we believe that true luxury lies in simplicity, and nothing embodies this quite like the taste of a sun-ripened vegetable plucked straight from the earth.

Our garden is more than just a plot of land; it is a living, breathing ecosystem. Grounded in a deep respect for nature and a strict commitment to 100% organic farming practices, we nurture our soil using natural compost, traditional methods, and plenty of Cretan sunshine. We don’t use chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Instead, we let nature do what she does best creating pure, vibrant flavors that carry the authentic soul of our land.

Here is a glimpse into what is growing in the Villa Thalasses garden this season and how we bring these Mediterranean treasures to life.

The Stars of the Garden: Our Varieties

We have carefully selected a diverse mix of local heritage varieties and unique summer favorites to create a rich tapestry of flavors.

The Deep, Rich Eggplants:

Black Eggplant (Μελιτζάνα μαύρη): Glossy and meaty, the ultimate base for a smoky melitzanosalata (eggplant dip)

Tsakoniki Eggplant (Μελιτζάνα τσακώνικη): The famous striped variety from Leonidio, prized for its sweet, delicate flesh that never requires salting to remove bitterness.

Our planting strategy relies heavily on companion planting—placing mutually beneficial plants next to one another. For instance, our tall corn provides natural shade and structural support, while our aromatic herbs act as natural deterrents for pests, protecting our delicate tomatoes and peppers without a single drop of chemicals.

We invite our guests to take a stroll through the garden, breathe in the fragrance of the damp earth and tomato leaves, and reconnect with the origins of their food.

From Garden to Your Plate: Every harvest from the Villa Thalasses garden goes directly into our kitchen, ensuring that the dishes you enjoy are alive with freshness, nutrition, and the unforgettable taste of pure, organic care.

Kali Orexi!

At Villa Thalasses, we believe that true luxury lies in simplicity, and nothing embodies this quite like the taste of a sun-ripened vegetable plucked straight from the earth.

Our garden is more than just a plot of land; it is a living, breathing ecosystem. Grounded in a deep respect for nature and a strict commitment to 100% organic farming practices, we nurture our soil using natural compost, traditional methods, and plenty of Cretan sunshine. We don’t use chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Instead, we let nature do what she does best creating pure, vibrant flavors that carry the authentic soul of our land.

Here is a glimpse into what is growing in the Villa Thalasses garden this season and how we bring these Mediterranean treasures to life.

The Stars of the Garden: Our Varieties

We have carefully selected a diverse mix of local heritage varieties and unique summer favorites to create a rich tapestry of flavors.

The Versatile Zucchinis:

• Local Zucchini (Κολοκύθι ντόπιο): A tender, sweet local variety that excels when fried or baked into savory pies.

• Foreign/Introduced Zucchini (Κολοκύθι ξενικό): Perfectly complements our local variety with its robust growth and excellent texture for grilling.

Our planting strategy relies heavily on companion planting—placing mutually beneficial plants next to one another. For instance, our tall corn provides natural shade and structural support, while our aromatic herbs act as natural deterrents for pests, protecting our delicate tomatoes and peppers without a single drop of chemicals.

We invite our guests to take a stroll through the garden, breathe in the fragrance of the damp earth and tomato leaves, and reconnect with the origins of their food.

From Garden to Your Plate: Every harvest from the Villa Thalasses garden goes directly into our kitchen, ensuring that the dishes you enjoy are alive with freshness, nutrition, and the unforgettable taste of pure, organic care.

Kali Orexi!

At Villa Thalasses, we believe that true luxury lies in simplicity, and nothing embodies this quite like the taste of a sun-ripened vegetable plucked straight from the earth.

Our garden is more than just a plot of land; it is a living, breathing ecosystem. Grounded in a deep respect for nature and a strict commitment to 100% organic farming practices, we nurture our soil using natural compost, traditional methods, and plenty of Cretan sunshine. We don’t use chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Instead, we let nature do what she does best creating pure, vibrant flavors that carry the authentic soul of our land.

Here is a glimpse into what is growing in the Villa Thalasses garden this season and how we bring these Mediterranean treasures to life.

The Stars of the Garden: Our Varieties

We have carefully selected a diverse mix of local heritage varieties and unique summer favorites to create a rich tapestry of flavors.

• Adzouri (Ατζούρι): A traditional Greek heirloom: light green, ribbed, and technically a member of the melon family, offering an incredibly crisp, non-bitter crunch

Our planting strategy relies heavily on companion planting—placing mutually beneficial plants next to one another. For instance, our tall corn provides natural shade and structural support, while our aromatic herbs act as natural deterrents for pests, protecting our delicate tomatoes and peppers without a single drop of chemicals.

We invite our guests to take a stroll through the garden, breathe in the fragrance of the damp earth and tomato leaves, and reconnect with the origins of their food.

From Garden to Your Plate: Every harvest from the Villa Thalasses garden goes directly into our kitchen, ensuring that the dishes you enjoy are alive with freshness, nutrition, and the unforgettable taste of pure, organic care.

Kali Orexi!

At Villa Thalasses, we believe that true luxury lies in simplicity, and nothing embodies this quite like the taste of a sun-ripened vegetable plucked straight from the earth.

Our garden is more than just a plot of land; it is a living, breathing ecosystem. Grounded in a deep respect for nature and a strict commitment to 100% organic farming practices, we nurture our soil using natural compost, traditional methods, and plenty of Cretan sunshine. We don’t use chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Instead, we let nature do what she does best creating pure, vibrant flavors that carry the authentic soul of our land.

Here is a glimpse into what is growing in the Villa Thalasses garden this season and how we bring these Mediterranean treasures to life.

The Stars of the Garden: Our Varieties

We have carefully selected a diverse mix of local heritage varieties and unique summer favorites to create a rich tapestry of flavors.

The Tomato Trio:

No Greek garden is complete without tomatoes. We cultivate three distinct varieties:

• Classic Tomato (Τομάτα): Big, juicy, and perfect for a traditional Greek salad or gemista (stuffed vegetables)

• Cherry Tomatoes (Τομάτα Τσέρι): Exploding with concentrated sweetness, ideal for quick snacks or light pasta dishes.

• Black Tomato (Τομάτα μαύρη): A stunning, dark heritage variety known for its rich, complex, and slightly smoky flavor profile.

the origins of their food.

From Garden to Your Plate: Every harvest from the Villa Thalasses garden goes directly into our kitchen, ensuring that the dishes you enjoy are alive with freshness, nutrition, and the unforgettable taste of pure, organic care.

Kali Orexi!

At Villa Thalasses, we believe that true luxury lies in simplicity, and nothing embodies this quite like the taste of a sun-ripened vegetable plucked straight from the earth.

Our garden is more than just a plot of land; it is a living, breathing ecosystem. Grounded in a deep respect for nature and a strict commitment to 100% organic farming practices, we nurture our soil using natural compost, traditional methods, and plenty of Cretan sunshine. We don’t use chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Instead, we let nature do what she does best creating pure, vibrant flavors that carry the authentic soul of our land.

Here is a glimpse into what is growing in the Villa Thalasses garden this season and how we bring these Mediterranean treasures to life.

The Stars of the Garden: Our Varieties

We have carefully selected a diverse mix of local heritage varieties and unique summer favorites to create a rich tapestry of flavors.

The Sweet Golden Touch:

Corn (Καλαμπόκι): Reaching high toward the sky, our sweet corn catches the sea breeze and offers a delightful, sugary crunch straight from the cob.

Our planting strategy relies heavily on companion planting—placing mutually beneficial plants next to one another. For instance, our tall corn provides natural shade and structural support, while our aromatic herbs act as natural deterrents for pests, protecting our delicate tomatoes and peppers without a single drop of chemicals.

We invite our guests to take a stroll through the garden, breathe in the fragrance of the damp earth and tomato leaves, and reconnect with the origins of their food.

From Garden to Your Plate: Every harvest from the Villa Thalasses garden goes directly into our kitchen, ensuring that the dishes you enjoy are alive with freshness, nutrition, and the unforgettable taste of pure, organic care.

Kali Orexi!