Yet another wonderful holiday with Simpson Travel. Our beach apartment (Glaros Vai) was fabulous: a great location directly opposite the beach and we were spoiled with all of the nearby tavernas serving delicious food. Eastern Crete is so unspoiled..."
Simpson Travel gave us another trouble-free holiday. Excellent accommodation and location. Just what we were looking for in a quiet week in the sunshine."
We booked Glaros Beach Suites at very short notice and it was perfect for us. We wanted somewhere right next to the sea and loved the location, the views, the swimming, the close proximity of excellent tavernas and the opportunity for short drives to..."
At a glance
- Sleeps 2
- 1 bedroom
- 1 bathroom
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
Property highlights
- 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.
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.
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Tourist tax
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.
Villa barbecues
Many of our villas in Greece have a barbecue provided. However, use of barbecues may be restricted or prohibited during the main summer season in order to comply with local regulations.
* For further clarification on Facilities and Amenities, please view the 'Details' tab for each property or speak to one of our experienced sales consultants.
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
Car options
When you book a flight-inclusive package holiday, the following hire car(s) are included in the 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.
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.
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
View holiday Booking Information
