White River Cottages

Stone houses scattered through a valley whose Greek name, Aspros Potamos, translates directly to "white river," which is also how the place got its name. These self-catering cottages in a remote eastern corner of Crete run from studios to four-bedroom layouts, each with a shaded terrace, a full kitchen, and a modern bathroom tucked behind traditionally built walls. The pool is large, the common areas are not, and dinner means a short walk to the village of Makrigialos.

One honor, in evidence: