The tale begins in 1835 with Augustin Preve, a knight and ship-owner from Marseille, who made his fortune transporting goods across the Mediterranean.

On one fateful trip bound for Syria, a storm cast Preve aground at the Castle of Gramvousa on Crete. He sought refuge in the Capuchin monastery. Preve managed to salvage his precious cargo of cod, which he sold to the locals at a handsome profit. Quick to spot a gap in the market, Preve requested another shipment of fish to be sent from Marseille. Along with the cargo, his wife Bianca and their children, Petro and Margaritte, were also dispatched to Crete.

The family decided to settle in Chania permanently. Between 1840-1845, he purchased a grand Venetian mansion in the heart of town, conveniently located close to the harbour.

When Preve’s daughter Margaritte came of marrying age, a suitable groom was found in Marseille. So Margaritte began the long sea voyage to meet her future husband. But destiny intervened: on the way, she fell in love with the captain of the ship, a charming Italian named Petro Delfino. In a flash, Marseille was forgotten, and the young couple turned the ship around and returned to Chania.

The family home was given to Margaritte as part of her dowry. From then on, it became known as Casa Delfino. The happy couple raised six children in the house. All future generations continued to live in the family house, until this privileged existence was cruelly interrupted by the Second World War. Casa Delfino suffered severe damages during the German occupation. The house was abandoned and gradually fell into ruin.

Eventually, in 1986, Manthos Markantonakis made it his mission to restore the family home to its former splendour and, following extensive renovation work, Casa Delfino opened its doors as a luxury hotel in August 1989, fulfilling Manthos’ ambition to recreate the sense of a private residence in the heart of Chania. In today’s fast-paced world, Margarita is tasked with furthering the legacy entrusted to her by five generations as part of Casa Delfino’s narrative that anchors guests, giving them a sense of comfort.

Today, the building’s rich and colourful heritage is as much a trademark of Casa Delfino as the exceptional hospitality and elegant interiors. Period antiques and personalised service capture the authentic spirit of this timeless landmark. To this day, Casa Delfino remains a part of the original family’s legacy, and is deeply engrained in their hearts.