Simpson Collection @ Artemis Hotel
In this section...
- 2-5
- 1-2
- 1-2
- Friendly family-run hotel
- Beautiful beachfront location
- Tavernas and shops 5min walk
- Unspoilt area ideal for walking
- Car free holiday possible
NEWLY REFURBISHED FOR 2025
Nestling by the Libyan Sea in the southeast corner of Crete is Makrigialos, home to the Artemis Hotel which has already attracted a loyal following amongst Simpson guests. For 2025, the hotel will undergo a programme of refurbishment which will take the communal areas to a new level of comfort and style and we are delighted to be introducing a selection of 1 and 2-bedroom suites to our Simpson Collection here.
Just 30 rooms and suites adjoin the glorious sandy beach which shelves gently around the bay for half a mile or so and though it’s not a classic luxury resort, for many it's all the more charming for it; the unique location offers access to a hidden Crete that few visitors ever see. The hotel's elegant simplicity is matched by the attentive service of the proud owners who couldn't be more committed to making your stay an enjoyable one. It's the perfect setting for a relaxed week away whether you are travelling alone, as a couple, or with children young or old and there are countless opportunities for discovering a different side of this great island that's every bit as compelling as the tourist trails further west. For a glimpse of the extraordinary local landscape, please view our Hidden Crete video.
Artemis guarantees a warm welcome from Maria, the owner’s daughter, whose infectious passion for philoxenia shines through in everything she does. Simpson Travel guests have exclusive use of 13 rooms and suites in the hotel – the Beach Collection, the Palm Tree Collection and the Palm Tree Suites. Situated on the ground, first and second floors, they are comfortable and cool, all with balconies or terraces overlooking the sea. The four Beach Collection rooms on the ground floor offer direct access onto the garden, with steps leading directly down to the sea, while the balconies of the first and second floor offer a little more privacy with uninterrupted views across the bay. Interconnecting rooms are available for families and the Palm Tree Suites offer a choice of one or two bedrooms with separate living area, for those travelling with children or simply wanting a little more space.
The hotel's lovely beachfront dining area is set out under a canopy of almiriki trees; served by the hotel restaurant it offers all the familiar Greek specialities and is celebrated locally as one of the best traditional eateries in the village. There's also a beach bar serving refreshing drinks throughout the day and in the afternoon, tea is served in the ground floor lounge area where you'll find plenty of relaxed seating and a couple of workspaces for any poor unfortunates who can't ignore their email inbox entirely.
For families, the gently shelving beach is a dream for those travelling with little ones but older children and teens also appreciate the freedom Artemis offers - with the shops and cafés of Makrigialos just a short stroll along the sand and a games room acting as a welcome hub for making friends. There's even a comfy cinema room with bean bags for a relaxed night in and the choice of interconnecting rooms, one and two-bedroom suites make the accommodation here very flexible for all ages and stages.
Beyond Makrigialos, the local area is largely focused on agriculture, yielding an astonishing array of products; consequently tourism has less prominence here and once you turn off the main thoroughfare that runs along by the sea, a different world unfolds. Time has stood still and delightful small tavernas lie at the heart of the hillside villages with rural prices to match, and though the food may take a little longer to prepare, it’s freshly cooked and more than worth the wait.
The area is a walker’s paradise and a trip up to Pefki at the head of the gorge of the same name is a must. But there are many lesser-known archaeological sites too, including the impressive Moni Kapsa monastery, just a 10-minute drive from Makrigialos. Or, if you fancy travelling further afield, it's possible to rent a car for a couple of days to head east and explore Xerokambos, Kato Zakros and Kouremenos.
Though the hotel's magnificent beach is a real draw, those in search of more solitary shores should head for Diaskari, just a 15-minute walk or 5-minute drive away. Here, it feels wild and undiscovered (notwithstanding the excellent taverna at its entrance) and further along the coast again, a number of small, deserted beaches are scarcely visited, even in the height of summer. Or why not really step back in time and take a boat trip to the deserted island of Koufonisi, a magical place with pristine waters beloved by the ancient Greeks and home to a treasure trove of wonders dating back to Minoan, Byzantine and Roman times.
For those interested in discovering a taste of island life from a time gone by, the hotel couldn’t be better placed, with the history of the surrounding area only adding to the appeal. The Simpson Collection @ Artemis is also an excellent choice for anyone who values warm, attentive service, good food and a magnificent stretch of sandy coastline for a week to drop and flop.
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 at our Simpson Collection @ Artemis Hotel with our other hotel in the east of the island, 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
Palm Tree Collection
- Set within 30-room Artemis Hotel
- Four first-floor rooms with balconies overlooking the sea (23m2)
- Interconnecting rooms available
Beach Collection
- Set within 30-room Artemis Hotel
- Four ground-floor rooms (28m2) with small terrace
- Interconnecting rooms available
Palm Tree Suites
- Set within 30-room Artemis Hotel
- Four first and second floor suites (36m2) with one bedroom, separate living area and balcony overlooking the sea (Ammoudi Suite also has a private plunge pool)
- One second floor suite (50m2) with two bedrooms, separate living area, balcony overlooking the sea and private plunge pool
Layout
FIRST FLOOR
- Reception
- Lounge and bar areas
- Terrace restaurant with sea views
- Games room with table football, air hockey and selection of board games
- Kids cinema room with SMART TV and beanbags
GROUND FLOOR
- Lounge area with soft seating, workspaces and complimentary afternoon tea
- Outdoor terrace
- Beachfront restaurant with shaded dining area
- Beach bar
General
- Complimentary beach beds for all Simpson guests
- All rooms have kitchenette with fridge and kettle (no cooking facilities)
- Simpson Travel pool towels
- Complimentary WiFi
- Air-conditioned throughout
- Iron, ironing board, hair dryer, bath and beach towels provided
- Daily cleaning
- Executive mini bus or taxi transfers included (or air conditioned car if preferred)
- Parking
- Bike hire available
- Boat hire available nearby
- Watersports available nearby (waterskiing, jet skis, wake boards, banana boats, SUPs, flyboards)
- Guests at Artemis are welcome to use the swimming pool of a nearby hotel (2mins walk) when dining at the snack bar
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): 1040K032A0087900
Location
- Located on the beach in Makrigialos
- Shops and supermarket 5min walk
- Skippered boat hire 15min walk
- Ierapatra 30min drive
- Sitia town and local airport 35min drive
- Xerokambos 1hr drive
- Heraklion airport 1hr 30min drive
Car hire
Your options
The price of your holiday includes transfers to and from the airport/hotel.
For a supplement, you can exchange the transfers for a hire car.
The following options are available:
- Group C2 - Seat Ibiza or similar*
- Group D2 - Hyundai i30 or similar*
- Group CA – Automatic Nissan Micra or similar*
- Group D3 – Seat Toledo (diesel) or similar*
- Group DA3 – Automatic Nissan Pulsar or similar *
Group E1 - Kia Stonic or similar* - Group L2 – Dacia Duster or similar*
- Group F1 - Citroen Grand C4 or similar*
- Group FA - Automatic Citroen Grand C4 Space Tourer 7 seater 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*
Group CA – 1.2-1.4 litre engine, 1 large suitcase*
Group D3 – 1.4 - 2.0 litre engine, 3 large suitcases*
Group DA3 – 1.4 - 2.0 litre engine, 3 large suitcases*
Group E1 - 1.0 litre engine, 1 medium and 2 large suitcases*
Group L2 – 1.2 litre engine, 3 large suitcases*
Group F1 - 1.4 - 2.0 litre engine, 2 large suitcases*
Group FA - 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.
Thank you for a wonderful week in the sun. We loved every moment of it.
Our holiday was made particularly special by Jonathan and Myriam Peat who who made us feel very welcome and were so knowledgeable about the locality. They led us on some wonderful walks around the area...and to some fantastic tavernas! We will definitely want to come on one of their walking tours again and will recommend others to do the same.
Amazing walking week with Jonathan and Myriam. A well planned and organised trip which was interesting and totally enjoyable - with the added benefits of good accommodation (Artemis), delicious food and a very friendly group of fellow walkers. Myriam set the standard for future picnics! Jonathan’s knowledge of Crete, its geography, history, flora and fauna is encyclopaedic. They are a brilliant team and a huge asset to any walking tour.
We found all the staff most helpful and friendly throughout our stay. Similarly the rep was highly professional and very keen to be helpful and ensure we had all the information we required. The standard of food was superb and the whole team did everything they could to make our stay relaxed and special for us. Every aspect of the service was highly professional and delivered with care and warmth.
Our first Simpson holiday to Crete was excellent and we will definitely be using them again. Their attention to detail at every stage of the travel and stay was amazing. Their staff were friendly, available when needed but never intrusive and the hotel and venue were delightful and exactly as described.
We had an enjoyable stay at the Artemis Hotel, the lovely staff, the closeness to the beach, choice of local restaurants and Simpsons attention to detail made it a relaxed and comfortable break. We love the extra mile that Simpsons go to, to ensure their customers are happy.
We had a wonderful and relaxing stay at Artemis hotel. Simpsons and the hotel exceed our expectations in service, friendliness and organisation.
A hugely enjoyable holiday. We felt well looked after by Simpson Travel and the hotel was very comfortable with efficient and friendly staff and brilliantly located on a lovely beach and within easy walking distance of the village.
Very enjoyable stay at the Artemis hotel. Olympia was a delightful and very helpful representative.
Our 2 week experience at the Artemis was exceptional. Could not fault any aspect. Lovely hotel staff especially Eva, Julian & Maria. Olympia was so helpful & always available. The food in the restaurant for lunch & dinner was great. It is so relaxing with everything taken of it was the perfect escape.
We would like to compliment your representative Olympia also all staff at the hotel for brilliant service and care. A special acknowledgment of brilliant service given by our beach waiter Julian. He deserves recognition for the future .
We stayed at the Artemis hotel in Crete, a family run hotel. It was everything we hoped for, fabulous beach location, the most friendly and accommodating staff. Always smiling, polite and would do anything for you .The food at the restaurant was quite delicious. Marie is a fabulous chef. Her fiancé Julian was on hand throughout our holiday serving us drinks and snacks on the beach, always with a smile and a chat. We ate every night under the lighted trees... tables overlooking the beach. Our room was on the first floor which we loved. It gave us more privacy to sit on our balcony and watch the sun go down. The room was spotless and the beds large and comfortable. The beach was sandy and the sea glorious. We are already planning a return trip next year. If you want a week of relaxing and being spoilt this is for you. Olympia our rep was so lovely and helpful and was always there to help.
We had a very enjoyable stay at The Artemis Hotel. Maria and her staff were excellent and Olympia the concierge was amazing. The food was superb and it was impossible to leave the table feeling hungry!
We loved it so much last year we came back again this year - planning another visit in 2025!
We enjoyed our stay at the Artemis Hotel, the staff were extremely friendly and helpful and we liked the fact that it was a family run hotel which made it feel much more personal. It was lovely to be right on the beach (a nice sandy beach too). The room was very clean and comfortable. We didn’t hire a car and the walk into the local village is about 15 mins. Some very nice places to eat there. The hotel is not for you if you like luxury with loads of facilities (there is no pool or spa) but as a place to relax and chill out it was perfect. The hotel restaurant is also very good
We had a wonderful holiday with Simpson Travel at the Palm Tree Suites. The room and hotel exceeded our expectations. The hotel was in a fabulous location on the beachfront with plenty of local tavernas a short walk away. Maria and her staff were brilliant hosts and Olympia the concierge was amazing.
Very enjoyable week. The location next to the beach is perfect. Hotel facilities and staff great. Nobody could do enough for you! Hotel restaurant was good food and good value. Didn’t venture far but the port and tavernas were also excellent. Will definitely ‘be back’!
The Artemis Hotel made for a delightful stay on one of the best beaches in the area. Maria and her team provided a very friendly and efficient service, always with a smile. Thanks to them all. We enjoyed being able to walk to a great selection of restaurants. Enjoyed travelling around including Xerokambos and Ierapetra Old Town. Thanks also to Olympia for looking after us and her suggestions of places to see and eat.
What can be better than staying in a hotel on the beach rolling out of bed onto a beach bed with waiter service for drinks?
The venue was excellent, right on a sandy beach set in lovely gardens. The staff were fabulous, and the hotel was not too busy. Very relaxing. Aim to return.
We loved everything and everyone at the Artemis and can’t wait to return next year.
Recommend the walk up to Pefki village and a good lunch at Piperia restaurant, excellent views. Highlight was visiting Kato Zakros – walking down through the gorge to a lovely beach, Minoan ruins and lunch. The drive over the mountains is stunning if a little terrifying with hairpin bends, but beautiful unspoiled country. Loved the hotel, nothing was too much trouble.
Such a charming hotel. The staff are so friendly and welcoming. What a treat to wake up to the sound of lapping waves on the shore. We found Gusto and Diaskari beach great places to eat.
Accommodation is fully up to the standard we’ve come to expect from Simpson Travel. The staff are very welcoming and friendly. Breakfasts were excellent. We’re sad to be here too early in the season to try the restaurant. Many thanks to Maria, with such an infectious laugh, and Pepe, who brought up our luggage on arrival and looked after us so well at breakfast time. Also to Olympia for her advice on our trip up into the hills to Pefki and suggestions for some excellent waterside tavernas – we enjoyed Gusto, Petra Bay (large portions!), and Faros. All in all a lovely week which we have thoroughly enjoyed.
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.
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