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  • 3 stylish beach suites
  • Hidden Crete
  • Contemporary and comfortable
  • Magical east coast setting
  • Beach 30 seconds stroll
  • Tavernas 2 minutes walk

Eastern Crete is an unspoilt gem in the Mediterranean and nowhere more so than the beautiful area around Kouremenos Beach. Outside the peak summer weeks, this wonderful stretch of coastline remains blissfully untouched by mainstream tourism with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy a gentler pace of life. It offers countless opportunities for discovering a different side of this great island; a hidden Crete that’s often overlooked and every bit as compelling as the west. For a glimpse of this extraordinary landscape, please view our Hidden Crete video

This idyllic location is home to Glaros Beach Suites, designed with the utmost care to take full advantage of this glorious seaside position and offer some of the most stylish and comfortable accommodation in this part of Crete. Inside, contemporary furnishings and a palette of soft neutrals create an elegant, informal atmosphere whilst outside, the spacious terraces are well-equipped for relaxed alfresco dining and carefree lounging overlooking the wide expanse of beach.

The suites are ideal for couples looking for a romantic retreat by the water; a stretch of lawn is all that separates you from the sand and sea on your doorstep and the versatile accommodation, complete with kitchenette, makes the question of dining in or out an enviable dilemma. A tempting choice of snacks and smoothies is available at the owner’s beach bar overlooking the sea just a stone’s throw away, whilst a couple of tavernas within easy walking distance serve excellent local fare in charmingly authentic surroundings.

Kouremenos beach is blessed with a gentle breeze during the hottest months of the year but the sea remains effortlessly calm, ideal for paddling and snorkelling. Yet if you’re feeling a little more active, one of the best windsurfing schools on the island is just a 10-minute walk away. Join in the fun or relax and enjoy a little of what you fancy at the very cool beach shack and let the experts show you how it’s done.

A short drive away, charming Palekastro follows the tune of the seasons and remains a traditional agricultural town, with all amenities and a selection of traditional tavernas hugging the attractive square. Further inland, the whole of East Crete beckons – a land of wild beauty, rugged gorges, relics from ancient civilisations and mystical lunar landscapes. A stay at Glaros Beach Suites offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience a taste of Grecian life as it used to be; simple, beautiful and irresistibly generous in spirit.

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.

Good to know... It goes without saying that the road less travelled sometimes takes a little longer. The Glaros Beach Suites are a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Heraklion. However, if you fancy a night or two in Athens on route, you can fly to Sitia and the suites are just a half-hour drive away. For more information, please visit our Short Stays in Athens page.
 

Explore Hidden Crete

If you’re keen to see more of Hidden Crete, we are happy to arrange bespoke itineraries in May and October, combining a stay here with one or more of our hotels in the east of the island; Simpson Collection @ Artemis Hotel and Mochlos Blue. Please call our Destination Specialists for further information.


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 ground floor suites (sleep 2)

Chiona Suite

  • Detached open-plan suite (sleeps 2)
  • Living/dining area with sofabed armchair (suitable for under 16s only)
  • Kitchenette with hob, kettle, toaster, fridge-freezer
  • Double bed (160cm bed) with shower room

Vai Suite

  • Semi-detached suite (sleeps 2)
  • Separate living area with sofabed armchairs (suitable for under 16s only)
  • Kitchenette with hob, fridge-freezer
  • Double bedroom (180cm bed) with en-suite shower room
  • Vai and Itanos are connected via the terrace

Itanos Suite

  • Semi-detached open-plan suite (sleeps 2)
  • Living/dining area with sofabed armchair (suitable for under 16s only)
  • Kitchenette with hob, fridge-freezer
  • Double bed (160cm bed) with shower room
  • Vai and Itanos are connected via the terrace 

General 

  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Air-conditioned throughout
  • Iron, hairdryer, Simpson beach towels provided
  • Outside shaded dining area

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): 1040K123K0186700


Location

  • Beach in front
  • Taverna next door
  • Shops/tavernas (Palekastro) 5min drive
  • Chiona Beach and taverna 8min drive
  • Vai 20min drive
  • Sitia 25min drive
  • Heraklion airport 2hr 20min drive or transfer
  • Sitia airport 30min drive or transfer

Car hire

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, Fiat Grande Punto 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 Fiat Grande Punto or similar, 1.2-1.4 litre engine, 1 large suitcase*

Group D3 – Skoda Octavia or similar, 1.4 - 2.0 litre engine, 3 large suitcases*

Group DA3 – Automatic Seat Toledo or similar, 1.4 - 2.0 litre engine, 3 large suitcase*

Group L2 – Skoda Yeti or similar, 2.0 litre engine, 3 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.

First class holiday, very quiet, totally relaxing - it truly is the road less travelled. We met some amazing people and even got invited into a restaurant kitchen to learn to make Moussaka with the family…what an experience. We loved the village square in Palekestro, you were made to feel very welcome and it all added to the holiday…we will definitely be returning.

Mrs Radley, September 2023

Had an amazing time, so peaceful and relaxing. Staff at the hotel are really friendly. Loved this place – will be returning as soon as we can – very sad to be leaving.

Nick and Jo, September 2023

Pre flight concierge was really helpful in sorting our trip at short notice. The accommodation was one of the best that we've experienced in Greece and the attention to detail was superb. Claire, the representative at the resort was very helpful and friendly and ensured that we had everything that we needed.

Fiona Muir, June 2023

Another great holiday enjoyed here in Crete. We have enjoyed the warmth, sunshine and beautiful accommodation, friendly staff and great food. Walking through the olive groves and visiting the quiet, unspoilt beaches and little tavernas on the way. Thanks again Simpson, another amazing place to stay.

Phil and Chris, June 2023

We have just had two weeks of super weather and tranquillity. In addition the beauty, ruggedness and simplicity of Eastern Crete has enabled us to have a wonderful holiday. The local staff have been so friendly and Claire, the Simpson concierge, has always been helpful and available

Steve and Leila, June 2023

We have thoroughly enjoyed our few relaxing days here. Recommend the stunning fish restaurant around the headland and an evening spent in Palekastro square watching the delightful Greek world go by - such kind and generous people. Thank you again.

Iver and Jane Johnson, May 2023

Only a 3 nights stay but would stay longer. A little bit of luxury - space and light; another fantastic find by Simpson on the road less travelled.

Andy and Fiona, May 2023

Lovely roomy accommodation. Comfortable furniture inside and on patio. Foldaway chairs for beach use is a thoughtful touch. Stoney access to beach but sandy at waterline. Excellent for swimming. Superb breakfasts, very imaginative. Staff very friendly and Simpson's rep Claire has a great knowledge of the area. Sitia is a lovely seaside town and only 30 minutes drive. Vai beach is picturesque but busy. Nearby Chiona beach is also attractive. Both have good facilities.

Duncan and Anne Murray, May 2023

Our stay at Glaros Beach was so incredibly relaxing. It provided the most incredible conditions for the complete rest we needed. The beach just a few steps from our accommodation - nice places to eat within short distances. We enjoyed the large outside area that is really well furnished with a place to eat, comfortable seating area and sun beds.

Olivia Shaw, September 2022

Our choice of Greek properties is as diverse as the islands themelves, 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:

  • 5/5

    Excellent

  • 4/5

    Very good

  • 3/5

    Good

Close
  • Location

    5/5

    Position, view, serenity, privacy

  • Comfort

    4/5

    Space, style, overall furnishings

  • Facilities*

    4/5

    Property enhancements

  • Amenities*

    4/5

    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.

Read more on our Crete region page


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