Villa Palekastro
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- Short walk to Kouremenos Beach
- Beautiful views
- Gentle stroll to nearest taverna
- Authentic Crete at its best
- Simpson family extras available
If you’re planning a holiday with little ones, you’ll probably already know that children and long hot walks don’t tend to mix, which is why Villa Paleskastro is brilliant for younger families. The gorgeous sandy sweep of Kouremenos beach is just a toddler-friendly 150m from the front door, and if your little ones get fazed by the waves, you can always retreat to the pool in a matter of minutes. The villa’s pool is a pretty and private oasis, surrounded by trees with wonderful mountain views beyond, and if you want to see the sea, the front patio is a perfect vantage point. You can park yourself here with a book and a drink while the children take a nap perhaps, and at the same time admire the beautifully maintained lawned gardens, which are shared with two other villas. Eating out is convenient and very local; easier still is your villa’s own outdoor kitchen/barbecue terrace for the ultimate in relaxed family dining.
Of course, you don’t have to bring the family to get the most out of Villa Palekastro: with the beach, tavernas and a windsurf school and bar all within easy strolling distance, this cosy house will appeal just as much to couples looking for a really relaxing seaside escape in an authentically Cretan area. Your holiday includes a hire car, and this is an ideal base from which to discover the wilder side of Crete, from authentic little towns like nearby Palekastro, to the sleepy villages and unspoilt eastern coastline, where the beaches remain crowd-free even in the height of summer.
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
- 2 bedroom villa (sleeps 4)
- Suitable for families with children under 12
Ground floor
- Open plan living/dining/kitchen area with TV.
- Fully equipped kitchen includes full cooker, microwave, ILLY Mitaca coffee capsule machine, fridge-freezer, dishwasher
- Shower room
First floor/mezzanine
- 7 steps up to double bedroom (170cm x 210cm bed); Doors to pool and terrace
- Steps up to twin bedroom (85cm x 200cm beds) accessed through double bedroom; suitable for children under 12
General
- Complimentary wifi
- Air-conditioned bedrooms
- Iron, Ironing board, hair dryer, bath and pool towels provided
- Laundry service available
- Shared extensvie lawned garden
- Private swimming pool 8m x 4m (depth 1.5m) with walk-in steps
- Shared entrance with two other villas
- Parking space
Simpson family extras
- Family favourite range of toys and games, suitable for ages 5-11
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.
National tourist licence (EOT): 1040Κ10000014500
Location
- Beach 5min walk
- Windsurf bar and taverna 5min walk
- Chiona Beach and taverna 15min walk
- Palekastro shops/tavernas 5min drive
- Vai 20min drive
- Sitia 25min drive
- Heraklion airport 2hr 20min 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 guests – 1 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 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.
Not our first visit to Crete but for a holiday off the beaten track we were looking for a holiday company we could trust to deliver on location, accommodation, service and support. Simpson Travel fully met our expectations in every way. We had 2 fantastic weeks in Villa Palekastro, a perfect villa in a perfect location with perfect weather. Everything was so perfect we have booked to return to this area again next year. Yes, it is a long drive from the airport but it is so worth it to enjoy a quieter, more authentic, welcoming area of Crete. The support and advice received from Claire was excellent and helpful, Ellie and Dimitri do a fantastic job taking care of the villa and grounds, nothing was ever too much trouble - thank you Ellie for doing our laundry!
Mrs Barbara Greenslade, October 2024
Excellent accommodation and the location was fantastic with beach, restaurant and bar in short walking distance. Well worth the drive to get to!
Mr Richard Bell, August 2024
As a first time user of Simpson Travel we have been bowled over by the quality of accommodation, service and people. We have already recommended to friends and family. Everything went like clockwork. Special thanks to Laura on the sales team and Claire in the resort, who couldn't do enough for us. Thanks to everyone!
Mrs Maxine Neath, May 2024
We had a wonderful stay at Villa Palekastro. The villa was comfortable, spotless and just what we needed for our family of three. Great location - very peaceful but just a short walk to some gorgeous tavernas and a 20min walk to Palekastro town which had good mini markets for self catering.
Ms Caroline Salter, May 2024
A little word from a young married couple that spent a lovely week in Palekastro. The villa is great and the surroundings are fabulous - a huge thanks to Ellie, Vasilis and Claire that contributed to this marvelous time during the Greek Easter period. Crete, we will be back!
Arthur & Camille, April 2024
Thank you, Claire, for being so helpful. We have had a lovely week and appreciated your recommendations.
Pip and Nigel, October 2023
Fabulous little villa with great pool and views of the mountains and the sea. Location perfect with the beach minutes away and Palekastro the local village charming. Perfect location for complete relaxation. Everyone super helpful and friendly.
Mr Nigel Spragg, September 2023
We have had a really lovely holiday, both relaxing and adventurous. Thank you very much Claire and Ellie.
Trish, Tim and Georgia, September 2023
We have had a wonderful two weeks in the villa. We explored the local beaches and tavernas. One day I’m sure we’ll be back in Crete.
Debra and family, August 2023
I’ve enjoyed Glaros beach bar. We had so much fun and Itanos beach. I’ve looved (sic) the pool. I love Crete – two weeks is not enough for me.
Jessica (age 9), August 2023
Crete is so nice. We came here in August 2019 and it was great. The pool is a bit smaller than I remember, but that is because I am bigger now that I’m 12. I loved the beach and pool, and we loved the café at the windsurfing beach. Thanks to Claire and Ellie for looking after the villa.
William (age 12), August 2023
We really enjoyed our stay at Villa Palekastro. As it was our first time staying in Crete, we did not know what to expect from this lovely stretch of coastline. However, we found it to be filled with lovely beaches and restaurants. We especially loved the surfing and windsurfing school located a short walk from the villa and Hiona beach for snorkelling and food!
Ethan, Richard, Sheri and Caterina, July 2023
Fantastic trip and will be using Simpson again for sure. Thank you.
Richmond Lightbound, July 2023
It is a fabulous villa – lovely and private with a very welcoming pool. Great to see the windsurfers and foil boards in the bay – and despite a 54-year break – a superb hour blasting over the wake! The drive here is worth it for the peace and quiet. We ate in many of the local restaurants – simple but good and inexpensive. Thank you, Ellie, for looking after us. We very much hope to return.
Tim and Mel, June 2023
This villa is in the most superb position - great beaches and tavernas all within walking distance. Everyone is incredibly friendly, approachable and kind. Itanos beach is STUNNING. Zakros Gorge is well worth a visit if you like walking. All the staff support has been tremendous - Elli is lovely and kept the villa spotless. Special thanks to Claire, who helped us out a lot - she can sort out anything!
Jo and Chris, May 2023
Our second visit and it's been as good as before! We've been blessed with beautiful weather all week and the ever-present wind has been very useful keeping us cool. All the folk from Simpson have been brilliant - friendly, professional and attentive. Another great set of memories, and here's to our next visit!
Sue and Tim, October 2022
This has been my favourite stay here yet. I LOVE IT HERE!
Barnaby (aged 11), August 2022
We have had a wonderful stay here at this villa. It is perfectly located for Kourmenos beach, and the villa and pool is great fun for families. Very well equipped, we have enjoyed lots of swimming in the pool and bbqs in the evenings. Great beach at Hanos, beautiful water and good snorkelling. Thank you to Ellie and Dimitri for keeping the house and pool so beautiful and for doing all our laundry. We hope to be back, Eastern Crete is such a special place, as are the people.
Jodie, James & family, August 2022
Another wonderful stay here after a 3 year break. Loved the beaches, boat trip, food. The bakery in Palekastro didn't disappoint.
Davison family, August 2022
Fabulous holiday with our 2 teenage kids! the beaches are great especially Via and the road to it is beautiful. Best trip was Spinalonga, boat from Elounda. Thanks Simpsons, especially Ellie and Dimitrious.
The Singletons, July 2022
This is our first Simpson holiday and we are impressed by the attention to detail and helpfulness from the staff. We have only been out and about in a limited way as the pool and villa are so good. Palekastro has everything: pharmacy, mini supermarket, tavernas. Everyone is very friendly, approachable and kind. Our last meal at the restaurant on the cliff was superb. It was a special meal for our last night and was the cherry on the top of a great holiday in a great villa.
Angie, Dave, Bob & Ella, June 2022
This is our 3rd Simpson holiday, and yet again it didn't disappoint. Villa and its surroundings are just wonderful. This was to be a 'lazy' holiday with no great long driving trips and we've totally loved it. Overall we've had a wonderful stay, couldn't improve on anything!
Leanne and Alan, May 2022
We really enjoyed our stay. Marian was very friendly and helpful and always available if needed. The cleaner was excellent and she was very helpful and friendly too. We had a wonderful two weeks.
Ian Neal & Pat Dean, September 2019
For us, Villa Palekastro is almost perfect. A peaceful location but close (a 2-minute walk) to a lovely beach with excellent windsurfing and a beach bar where you can get decent food. There is also a restaurant next door serving homely Greek food. Not our first visit and probably won't be out last.
Roger & Sheila, September 2019
We have had an excellent experience with Simpson Travel. Staff have been extremely helpful throughout, particularly the rep and other staff at our accommodation. Thanks for all your help.
Smith Family, August 2019
Wonderful location, looking out onto hills and olive groves, with an empty beach within 5 minutes’ walk. The pool and terrace are lovely, really well maintained – a great place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of eastern Crete.
Alan & Paula, May 2019
The Simpson Travel team made sure that everything ran flawlessly from beginning to end, providing a wonderful five star holiday experience with first class back-up if needed. We stayed in two excellent villas, Muses Beach Villas – Cleo and Villa Palekastro that are both in superb locations.
Colin Honour, August 2018
A special mention for Kostoula, representative at the airport – she managed to succeed in getting our extra item accepted at very little cost on the flight home. This would not have happened without her intervention, so many thanks for the trouble she took do this for us. Also, Marian, our regional representative, was very helpful obtaining requested information regarding visiting Spinalonga and providing local area tips. Very nice personal touch bringing local biscuits to initial meeting and leaving water for our journey to the airport.
Jane & Andrew Maiden, May 2018
Just what we needed – an extremely relaxing holiday in a beautiful, authentic part of Crete. This is our second holiday in Crete with Simpson Travel, and this one is definitely the best so far. The villa is great, quiet and beautifully maintained. The location is great, with lots of small tavernas in town to choose from, always with friendly service and a smile. Everywhere we went was no more than 30 minutes away, which meant we could make the most of the villa pool for a lazy breakfast and swim. Thank you to Evie for your great recommendations and the present!
The Bristol Family, October 2017
A great sunny week. The villa is very comfortable and everything was provided for us. We visited all the popular beaches, we swam in the sea every day and a pre-breakfast swim in the pool. Thank you to Evie for her welcome!
The Rushbrookes, October 2017
We booked Villa Palekastro in Crete for myself and my wife. There are two other villas nearby, managed by the owner, but the layout is good as no villa overlooks another. The location is good, near the beach with several good tavernas nearby. The representative was excellent as we have found with all Simpson Travel reps. Booking staff and the overall organisation is excellent and for a villa holiday in the Med we would always use and recommend them. Their local reps are all reliable and we have used Simpson Travel in Corsica twice, Turkey twice and Mallorca once, as well as this time in Crete. The attention to detail is what sets them apart from others.
Mr Le Coyte, September 2017
We have had a lovely time in this beautiful villa. The weather has been perfect and we have enjoyed the pool and local beaches. Evie was incredibly helpful and friendly and Ellie kept the place in great shape. Thanks to all the team who looked after the villa!
Jeremy & Helen, September 2017
This is our first stay in a Simpson Travel villa and our first time in Crete. We have loved them both! The drive over the mountains was really lovely, and then the views of the bright blue seas for the first time were very seducing. We visited Xerokampos which was a beautiful beach, lovely and safe for our 7-year-old. Clear blue sea which is great for snorkelling. There are many little beaches around here so it does not really matter when you turn off the road towards the beach. Then we found Itamos, there is nothing there but beach and sea but it is so beautiful! The snorkelling was great off the beach to the left as you park. We have also enjoyed the villa and swimming pool time also. Thanks also go to Evie for being so helpful and Ellie the maid who was amazing. A week was not enough! Crete and its people have been so lovely.
Ralph, Helen & Barnaby, August 2017
Comfortable, easy villa – close to sea and village. Lovely area, friendly people, great beaches and walking.
Mr McLellan, June 2017
Suffice to say we had a great fortnight! Ellie keeps the place spotless and is always charming and helpful. Her husband looks after the pool and grounds. He's always been friendly too as has the lovely, charming Evie who instantly responded to our texts or WhatsApp messages for any help to ensure we have a great holiday.
John & Dave, June 2017
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.
Grading
Property Grading Key:
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5/5
Excellent
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4/5
Very good
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3/5
Good
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Location
4.5/5
Position, view, serenity, privacy
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Comfort
3/5
Space, style, overall furnishings
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Facilities*
3.5/5
Property enhancements
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Amenities*
4.5/5
Proximity to beaches, restaurants and shops
* 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.
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