This was my first time travelling with Simpson Travel, and I would highly recommend them. Having the car delivered straight to the airport made everything so much easier, and the concierge service was exceptional. A special mention to Claire Andrews,..."
Fabulous villa as ever. A fascinating part of Crete that very few people and even less tourists go to. Probably one of the best sandy beaches on the island only 7 minutes walk away."
We’ve had another lovely holiday here at Almyra to celebrate our ahem 30th wedding anniversary! Greeted with flowers and a card from Claire at Simpson Travel which was a nice personal touch. We have enjoyed staying mainly in the local area, ventured..."
At a glance
- Sleeps 4
- 2 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
Property highlights
- Short walk to best beach in Crete
- Set in unspoilt Xerokambos
- Beautiful views
- Short drive to tavernas
On cold, grey, rainy days, this is the holiday daydream to see you through. The softest white sand and turquoise seas of Crete’s most spectacular beaches make Xerokambos the place we’d choose to escape to. With all the magic of the Caribbean tantalisingly close to home, it’s an idyllic ‘off the beaten track’ destination with local shops and tavernas just a few minutes’ drive away.
Villa Almyra is set discreetly into a hillside, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. In harmony with the natural environment, it’s charmingly simple, inside and out: comfortable accommodation that offers the best possible welcome after a day of sun, sea and exploring. The terrace is stylishly furnished for relaxed lounging and dining and the sparkling infinity pool is the perfect vantage point for appreciating your idyllic surroundings as you enjoy a cooling dip. Villa Kambos, its identical twin, sits above, and for two families or couples travelling together, these villas complement each other perfectly. And higher still, there's Villa Aetos, a romantic 1-bedroom villa just for two. All enjoy spectacular sea views and a good degree of privacy on the pool terrace.Choose Almyra, however, and you’ll also have the advantage of a shorter walk up the hill!
Following the gentle curve of Crete’s southeast coastline, each of the Xerokambos beaches has its own unique personality. Just six minutes away two are well organised and, combined with the calm, shallow waters and a couple of tavernas ideally located for a relaxing lunch, makes them ideal if you’re holidaying with little ones. The rest have been left as nature intended – and each is a work of art. Argilos beach in particular deserves a visit for the natural clay that you can use as a skin-softening body mask – and photo opportunity!
Take the winding road upwards, out of Xerokambos, for an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the coast and, if you’re fond of exploring, diminutive Kato Zakros is just a 25-minute drive away. As well as Minoan ruins, and the Gorge of the Dead at the end of the E4 walking trail, there’s Pelekita Cave, a vast cavern of stalagmites and crystals. Or for a livelier experience, visit famous Vai Beach, the ‘taste of paradise’ featured in the Bounty commercial. Less than an hour’s drive away, it’s surrounded by Europe’s only palm forest and has all the facilities you could wish for.
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.
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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 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
- 2 bedroom villa (sleeps 2-4)
Ground floor
- Living/dining area with TV (English-speaking news channels)
- Kitchen with oven, hob, microwave, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, washing machine
Upper ground Floor
- 3 steps up
- Double bedroom (160cm x 200cm bed)
- Twin bedroom (90cm x 200cm beds) with en-suite shower room
- Bathroom
General
- Complimentary WiFi
- Air-conditioned throughout
- Iron, ironing board, hairdryer, pool and bath towels provided
- Barbecue
- Outside shaded dining area
- Private swimming pool 8m x 4m (depth 0.60 – 1.5m)
- Situated on a slope overlooking the beach and sea
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): 1168320
Location
- Xerokambos beach 7min walk
- Mini-market 12min walk
- Taverna 30min walk
- Kato Zakros 25min drive
- Ziros 30min drive
- Makrigialos 60min drive
- Sitia (supermarket and other major services) 60min drive
- Heraklion Airport (via Ierapetra) 2hr 45min
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
- Xerokambos beach 7min walk
- Mini-market 12min walk
- Taverna 30min walk
- Kato Zakros 25min drive
- Ziros 30min drive
- Makrigialos 60min drive
- Sitia (supermarket and other major services) 60min drive
- Heraklion Airport (via Ierapetra) 2hr 45min
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