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- Simpson Signature
- Exquisitely renovated historic building
- Magical waterfront setting with direct beach access
- Daily breakfast basket delivery
- Moments from beachside taverna
- Complimentary private boat trip
NEW INTRODUCTORY PRICES FOR 2025
In a beguiling corner of southeast Crete, this former wine, olive oil, and grain warehouse, captured the imagination of the Simpson family many years ago and we are now delighted to welcome it to our portfolio following a 10-month restoration. Available exclusively to Simpson clients, Diaskari has been meticulously transformed into a breathtaking four-bedroom home, an idyll for families and multi-generational groups looking to gather together for a sophisticated, laid-back beach holiday with a winning combination of space, privacy, and easy access to local amenities.
While Diaskari’s exterior still retains the hallmarks of its rustic roots, the interiors and grounds have undergone a magnificent reimagining, creating a unique haven, surrounded by spectacular landscaped gardens, complete with an amphitheatre, stream, yoga platform, bathing pool and shepherd’s hut.
The main house is superbly appointed with a spacious open-plan living area, thoughtfully designed to accommodate large family groups and with an attention to detail and quality finish that set the villa apart. Two magnificent arched doorways frame the seafront terrace, offering uninterrupted views of the sparkling sea and furniture and artifacts sourced from Athens, India, and the UK, reflect the owners’ lives inspired by travel, with a deep appreciation for beauty and comfort.
Three stylish ensuite bedrooms have been individually designed to offer a sumptuous retreat at the end of the day, and there is also a delightful adjoining guest cottage, affectionately named Stargazers thanks to the well-placed skylight above the bed. With its own entrance, kitchen, shower room, and open-plan living area, it’s a charming addition to the property - ideal for teens, young couples, or grandparents seeking a little extra privacy. The air-conditioned shepherd’s hut also provides a comfortable sleeping option, though it has no bathroom and is best suited for older teens or young adults.
A breakfast basket delivery is included throughout your stay, ensuring a delicious start to the day, whether you’re planning a quiet morning by the sea or an energetic hike along the nearby Pefki Gorge. There are many fascinating places to explore in this corner of Crete, though there’s no pressure to do anything at all except lie back and enjoy the magnificent surroundings. The large bathing pool, designed to merge seamlessly with the beautiful natural surroundings, offers a wonderful focal point for a refreshing dip or sunset drink while children splash and play in the water. There’s also a well-equipped outdoor kitchen and dining area for alfresco meals and for those looking to elevate home entertaining, we are happy to arrange a musical soirée in the villa’s private amphitheatre.
All Diaskari guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary private boat trip to atmospheric Koufonissi (weather permitting), a memorable journey back in time to an uninhabited island once populated by the Minoan people, with an abundance of treasures hiding just beneath the surface. Returning to the villa, the picturesque taverna on Diaskari beach is an inviting spot to recount the day’s explorations over a glass of wine and a delicious supper, or for a more personal dining experience, meals can be arranged on your private terrace.
In Makrigialos, just a five-minute drive from the villa, you’ll find watersports, shops, cafés, and tavernas along another magnificent stretch of sandy beach with a gentle shelf ideal for families, and if you’re inclined to explore a little further, we highly recommend a visit to the regional capital Sitia for a genuine flavour of real Crete.
Whether you decide to explore or remain closer to home, Diaskari promises a truly exceptional holiday experience for families and friends looking to enjoy life’s simple pleasures in a wonderfully luxurious setting by an unspoilt stretch of coastline. We’re confident you’ll love it as much as we do.
Looking for 10 nights..? Why not add a 3-night stay in a boutique hotel to your villa holiday. To find out more, view our 10-night holidays in Greece.
In Greece, a tourist tax may apply at your accommodation which will be payable locally, in cash, during the course of your holiday. Please use the link to view details specific to your accommodation. View tourist tax rates here.
Accommodation
Layout
- 3 bedroom villa (sleeps 2-6) and adjoining guest cottage (sleeps 2)
Ground floor
- Open-plan living/dining/kitchen area with Smart TV (Netflix) and Bluetooth speaker; large twin doors lead out to terrace
- Fully-equipped kitchen includes full hob, oven, microwave, Nespresso coffee machine, fridge-freezer, dishwasher
- Master bedroom (160cm bed) with ensuite bathroom with separate shower and WC, twin basins and bidet; access to terrace
- Utility room with washing machine/dryer, guest WC
First floor
- Double bedroom (160cm bed) with en-suite shower room with WC
- Twin bedroom (2 x 90cm beds that can be made up as a double on request) with en-suite shower room with WC
- Library area
Guest cottage - Stargazers
Ground floor
- Living/kitchen area with fully-equipped kitchen, fireplace and Smart TV (Netflix)
- Shower room with WC
First floor
- Double bedroom (can be made up as a twin on request) with concealed WC
- Skylight with retractable electric blind
General
- Complimentary wifi
- Safe
- Air-conditioned throughout
- Car parking
- Iron, ironing board, hair dryer, bath and beach towels provided
- Daily cleaning and twice weekly linen change
- 6,000 sqm outdoor space (gardens/terraces/seating areas)
- Ornamental stream
- Bathing pool 6m x 5m (depth 1m)
- Outdoor kitchen with pizza oven, gas barbecue and fridge
- Two outdoor shaded dining areas
- Amphitheatre
- Yoga platform
- Air-conditioned shepherd's hut with sofa bed
- Please note, children must be 5+ years
- Security deposit (£1,500) required 3 weeks prior to departure
Access times
- Check-in time – 4.00pm
- Check-out time – 10.00am
Wifi
- All properties with wifi are able to support basic functionality such as web browsing and checking emails. We aim to offer an uninterrupted service but sometimes due to factors beyond our control reliability can be affected
Location
- Diaskari Beach 1min walk
- Taverna 1min walk
- Makrigialos (town/shops/supermarket) 5min drive
- Koutsaris (bike hire) 10min drive
- Sitia airport 40min drive
- Palekastro 1hr drive
- Heraklion airport 1hr 45min drive
Car hire
Car options
Based on the number of people travelling, the following hire car(s) are included in the package price of your holiday:
- 2-3 guests – 1 Group C2, Seat Ibiza or similar*
- 4-5 guests – 1 Group D2, Hyundai i30 or similar*
- 6 guests – 2 Group C2, Seat Ibiza or similar*
- 7 guests - 1 Group C2, Seat Ibiza, and 1 Group D2, Hyundai i30 or similar*
- 8 guests – 2 Group D2, Hyundai i30 or similar*
* All our cars include comprehensive insurance with no excess charge. For this particular destination, the undercarriage, tyres, wing mirrors and windscreen are not included in the cover.
Car specification
Group C2 – 1.2-1.4 litre engine, 1 large suitcase*
Group D2 – 1.4 litre engine, 2 large suitcases*
The following cars are available as alternatives on request (supplements apply). Please call our travel specialists for details.
Group CA – Automatic Nissan Micra or similar, 1.2-1.4 litre engine, 1 large suitcase*
Group D3 – Seat Toledo (diesel) or similar, 1.4 - 2.0 litre engine, 3 large suitcases*
Group DA3 – Automatic Nissan Pulsar / Opel Astra Station or similar , 1.4 - 2.0 litre engine, 3 large suitcases*
Group E1 - Kia Stonic or similar, 1.0 litre engine, 1 medium and 2 large suitcases*
Group L2 – Dacia Duster or similar, 1.2 litre engine, 3 large suitcases*
Group F1 - Citroen Grand C4 or similar, 7 seater, 1.4 - 2.0 litre engine, 2 large suitcases*
Group FA - Automatic Citroen Grand C4 Space Tourer or similar, 7 seater, 1.4 - 2.0 litre engine, 2 large suitcases*
* Suitcase sizes are based on a large suitcase being approximately 75cm x 41cm x 31cm, a medium suitcase of approximately 65cm x 46cm x 29cm and a small suitcase of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm.
Please note that the 2024 reviews represent feedback from guests who had a preview visit to Diaskari Beach House before it opened fully for the 2025 season.
We’ve just spent a week at Diaskari Beach House – elegant simplicity under the stars. We truly recommend this stunning corner of the Mediterranean. This house is a gem – an historical building brought tastefully up to date with plenty to keep the family occupied inside and out. The beach below has shallow, sandy areas and is excellent for snorkelling. The garden is a joy with several secluded places to escape to and relax, plus a refreshing natural pool to dip into, whilst we used the delightful shepherd’s hut as a reading room! The kitchen is very well equipped, but we would simply order from the nearby taverna and they would deliver everything right to our table on our own private terrace. Olympia, our concierge, is a mine of information and so helpful in pointing us in the right direction for exploring the local villages in the hills behind and even booking a table for us at a recommended taverna in Makrigialos when we felt like a change of scenery. One of our favourite times of the day was at night, when it was quiet, and we’d sit on the terrace under clear skies with a myriad of sparkling stars above – a memory that will stay with us for a long time. Magic moments. Magic holiday. Thank you Simpson Travel.
Our group, spanning multiple generations, had a wonderful time at Diaskari. The house was incredibly comfortable, offering everything we could possibly need — and more. Having Stargazers available next door allowed my parents-in-law to enjoy their own quiet, treasured moments away from the rest of the group, which was perfect for them. The variety of terraces was fantastic, with each one suited to a different time of day. We especially enjoyed dinners on the evening terrace, served by the nearby restaurant. While it was conveniently close, it never felt intrusive, adding to the overall experience. The beautiful beach was only a few steps away and when we’d had our fill of the sea, we could still cool off by dipping in and out of the splendid rock pool — perfect for escaping the heat of the day. Our concierge, Olympia, was incredibly helpful throughout our stay. She provided great recommendations for excursions and experiences, offering expert insight into the local area. Thanks to her, we had the opportunity to explore some hidden gems and discovered some delightful places to eat in Makrigialos right by the water's edge. Our boat trip to Koufonissi was one of the highlights of our trip. We had a brilliant day out on the water, complete with a glorious picnic on the deserted Minoan island. Overall, the holiday was a tremendous success. We absolutely loved Diaskari and will return. Thank you so much for making this such a memorable and special experience!
What an incredible place and what an extraordinary experience. When we booked Diaskari last March there weren’t any photographs of the actual house or the garden as we were told it was still work in progress and as a result were kindly offered a discount. We only agreed as we trusted Simpson Travel having stayed at many of their fabulous properties throughout Europe over the last 10 years. And we were not disappointed. The location is to die for and the garden and the house were better than we had dreamed they would be – very comfortable and unique. Special moments for us were the early morning dips on the deserted Diaskari beach followed by delicious fresh bread and croissants for breakfast delivered to our door and savouring the spectacular views of the moon as it rose over the bay. Nothing was too much trouble for our concierge Olympia and on the couple of occasions when we could drag ourselves away from our little piece of heaven she made restaurant reservations for us. The boat trip to the island was a splendid adventure and a lovely surprise. It’s obvious that creating the house and garden was a labour of love with so many unique experiences and private spaces to enjoy – watching the sunset from the atmospheric amphitheatre with evening cocktails is a memory we will treasure forever. We will return in 2026 and spend a fortnight as one week was just not enough.
Our choice of Greek properties is as diverse as the islands themselves, ranging from simple seaside charm to genuine luxury and style. Much of our portfolio is privately owned, and price alone is therefore not a universal guide. We contract all our accommodation in person, and each property has its individual appeal. To help you make the right choice based on your own priorities, we have devised a simple grading guide to be considered in conjunction with each individual property description, awarding up to a maximum of five stars for the below categories.
* For further clarification on Facilities and Amenities, please view the 'Details' tab for each property or speak to one of our experienced sales consultants.
A destination where tourism is not the local raison d’être, this is a place to relax unreservedly into a life by the sea. The landscape is rugged – mountains, gorges and rocky hillsides scattered with tiny villages and ancient ruins – but some of Crete’s finest beaches belong here too. Among them are spectacular Xerokambos and palm-fringed Vai, whilst Palekastro is one of Europe’s favourite windsurfing spots. And there are plenty of excellent waterfront tavernas where the passing of time is best marked by the waves rolling in nearby.
To the south of the region you'll find Makrygialos, an unpretentious one-time fishing village bordering a magnificent sandy beach by the warm Libyan Sea. It's a little more commercial here these days but the real draw is its extraordinary position close to some of Crete's most spectacular scenery and traditional villages. A visit to Pefki is a must, not least to dine at the pretty taverna where the ingredients are locally sourced and prepared in the traditional way to mouthwatering effect. With outstanding views across the southern coastline, there can be nowhere finer to enjoy lunch before indulging in a walk down the Pefki Gorge for a refreshing dip in the sea.
To base yourself in this idyllic destination, visit our collection of handpicked villas in and around Palekastro & Eastern Crete or take a look at our boutique Simpson Hotels.
Your Signature villa comes with the services of a dedicated Signature Specialist to help you get the most from your holiday, both before you travel and once you're away - see what's included.
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