Mochlos Waterside
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- Romantic waterfront studio
- Uninterrupted sea views
- Set in the charming village of Mochlos
- Tavernas/cafés 1min walk
We are delighted to have found this waterside gem in Mochlos, a charming tucked-away village with a wealth of character and surprisingly upmarket selection of cafés and tavernas wrapped around the little beach. Leaving the main thoroughfare connecting Heraklion to the east, a winding road transports you down to the coast; a picturesque descent through a rural Mediterranean landscape that remains unspoilt by large tourist developments and retains its uniquely Cretan feel.
Those in the know are rewarded for their journey with a taste of Greece from days gone by. Mochlos is a natural beauty; prettily unpolished, with a blissfully unhurried pace and a warm welcome. Access to the sea is easy, yet the unique informality and appeal of the place perhaps stem from the fact that the beach is not the main event. Though the brilliant blue of the sea is just as lovely as it could be, Mochlos is about the people, the food and the quietly bohemian ambience that set it apart. And just across the little square from the church, our studio cottage enjoys a prime spot above the rocky shoreline, with mesmerizing views across the bay from its bijou private terrace. It’s a wonderfully romantic setting, promising all the home comforts that ensure a truly relaxing stay, with the pleasures of Greek village life on the doorstep.
Facing the village, a small island with a big history is an easy and enticing destination for swimmers and though the presence of Minoan ruins make it an archaeological site of some significance, it rarely plays host to more than one or two visitors at a time.
Mochlos Waterside is perfect for couples seeking an authentic Greek escape away from the mainstream and its position along the coast affords an opportunity to discover the magic of eastern Crete too, a region with a unique identity and the least visited part of the island. But for many, there’s very little incentive to move very far. Just a short stroll from the door, you’ll find a convivial vibe amongst the colourful array of tables and chairs that line the waterfront; waiters serving coffees, fresh seafood and local specialities to devoted regulars and delighted newcomers. Once discovered, this enchanting enclave is not readily forgotten and the chance to stay in such appealing surroundings at its very heart is not easy to come by.
Find out why everyone's talking about Mochlos... view the video here.
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
- 1 bedroom studio cottage (sleeps 2)
Single storey
- Open-plan living/kitchen dining room with TV and doors opening onto waterfront terrace
- Kitchen includes hob, oven, fridge, washing machine and dishwasher
- Double bedroom with kingsize bed and en-suite bathroom/WC
General
- Air-conditioned throughout
- Complimentary WiFi
- Satellite TV
- Iron, hairdryer
- Simpson Travel pool towels
- Safe
- Waterfront terrace
- Free parking in local car-park (2min walk)
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): 00001177164
Location
- Tavernas/shops 1min walk
- Beach 1min walk
- Agios Nikolaos 45min drive
- Sitia 45min drive
- Heraklion Airport 1hr 30min 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 guests – 1 Group C2, Seat Ibiza 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*
The following cars are available as alternatives on request (supplements apply). Please call our travel specialists for details.
Group D2 – Hyundai i30 or similar, 1.4 litre engine, 2 large suitcases*
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 great weather for our week so sitting on the balcony watching the sea not an option for much of the time. Still had a good week though — particularly liked the drive past Krista to Katharo – quite twisty but great road surface & we were lucky to see vultures. Richtis gorge was also a good day out. Nikos, like all the other Simpson’s concierges we’ve met, was a super host.
Simpson’s staff were very welcoming upon arrival and departure. Also a special mention of the car hire personnel who insisted on carrying our cases as they directed us to the car. The same can be said of the gentleman who took the car back from us. Excellent customer service all round!
Fantastic accommodation in a great location. Mochlos is a gem. Off the beaten track, but not far from the rest of the world. A place to cocoon and enjoy traditional Cretan life, a rarity.
Mochlos Waterside is excellent accommodation in a beautiful peaceful location. The village of Mochlos (although small) has several tavernas/cafes to choose from overlooking the sea, a mini market, some lovely artisan shops, a church plus a delightful beach area. Everything you need for a relaxing holiday. However, if you need to venture out, the bigger towns of Lerepetra, Sitia and Agios Nikolaos are not that far away. The owners of Mochlos Waterside have provided everything you could possibly need (even down to beach mats and sun hats). Nikos, the concierge is so helpful and very proud of his village, so much so that he has done a charity bike ride to raise money for a defibrillator for the village. Julie keeps the apartment pristine. Mochlos Waterside is a superb addition to the Simpson portfolio and anyone who books it is in for a treat.
A well equipped and comfortable studio apartment. Close to all amenities
Super experience with Simpson as usual, Mochlos was lovely, our favourite Greek island village we've visited and the studio was lovely.
Mochlos Waterside is quite unique very well furnished and with a view to the sea so relaxing.
Thoroughly relaxing holiday. Mochlos waterside had a perfect location with easy access to a variety of superb tavernas offering typical local cuisine. The studio is extremely well designed, very comfortable and felt private even though it is close to the centre of the village.
We've had a great stay at Mochlos - thank you Nikos and Simpsons! We will return home well relaxed! The studio must have the best location in the village for sea, shop and tavernas. We loved our walk up the ancient olive tree from Kavousi, and walk down Richtis Gorge, though the waterfall was not in full glory. Mochlos is beautifully unspoilt, long may that last, and everyone we met is friendly and helpful. The wind has blown much of the week, but there's a perfect calm little suntrap by the harbour wall. Fabulous Easter fireworks.
The location and accommodation absolutely matched the website description - so matched just what we wanted. We loved that Mochlos was so unspoilt and clearly cared for highly by everyone we met there. This made it a very special place
The studio apartment is excellent and equipped with everything you could need. From start to finish the holiday was lovely. Nickos is an excellent ambassador and nothing was too much trouble. We can highly recommend staying in Mochlos, even in April when the weather is a little windy and the town quiet.
It was my third stay at Mochlos Waterside, which speaks for itself. It suits me perfectly. It has the most wonderful view of the sea from the small private balcony and is very convenient for the little supermarket and several tavernas . A car is invaluable but the taxi driver is very good and has taken me to places and picked me up again and there are stunning views in whichever direction you go. I think it ticks so many boxes, people are very friendly and the local concierge will do everything he can to help over whatever the need or if a problem arises.
A wonderfully relaxing 2 weeks
A wonderful third week here with very warm weather for the whole time and a millpond sea every day. Hardly believable. The bed is incredibly comfortable – another plus! Hard to leave the balcony and view. Had a memorable trip to Plaka and Spinalonga – one I will not forget. Nikos has been very welcoming and generous with his time. Simpson Travel and Mochlos are lucky to have him! I hope to be back again one day.
We stayed at Mochlos Waterside in May this year, and enjoyed the combination of the studio apartment and the village so much that we came back for another week in October! It was a wrench to leave at the end of the week; the proximity to the sea and delights of the fish restaurants close by is difficult to beat.
We had the most wonderful relaxing week at Mochlos Waterside. The location is stunning and the village of Mochlos is just perfect, just how you imagine Greece should be. We were well looked after by Nikos, he is such a fabulous member of the Simpson Travel team! It was perfect!
The last week of the season and the weather has been amazing! This studio cottage is just perfect and the location could not be better! A 10-minute walk to the lovely little beach by the harbour. Barraki is a great place to stop for coffee/snack or late-night drink after dinner. A thoroughly relaxing place to be. A huge thank you to Nikos, who helped make our stay even better.
Fantastic villa and Mochlos suited me down to the ground. Everything was just around the corner but not at all intrusive. As a disabled person I found the place ideal. Apart from a step up to a platform for the bed everything was on the flat and the little shop was so easy to walk to.
Mochlos Waterside is a gem. We were delighted with the location, the village, the ease of getting there and the local facilities.
Another wonderful holiday. Mochlos Waterside was such a beautiful place to stay and we would happily stay there again. I feel I don’t want to tell people to go to Mochlos as I want it all for myself! Nikos was a great host. Super friendly and brought us grapes from his garden, delicious apple pie made by his wife and some Cretan pastries over our two week stay.
We had high hopes for our Simpson Travel holiday to Crete but our experience at Mochlos Waterside has even exceeded those expectations. The accommodation is spotlessly clean and we had everything we needed. Breakfast on the veranda overlooking the waves every morning was a particular joy. There are fabulous friendly tavernas nearby. We had a lovely trip to Toplou Monastery followed by a swim in the sea at Vai beach. We also visited Agios Nikolaos for coffee watching the divers practicing their high dives from the clifftop platform. All in all a wonderful holiday.
We have had a thoroughly relaxing week, sunning ourselves on the terrace, marvelling at the views, swimming down on the little beach at the end of the road and strolling down to the tavernas for delicious Cretan cuisine.
This was our return trip. Everything as we had fondly remembered. Our first night at The Rock Café and the waiter recognised us from our last visit – how lovely was that? Nikos made sure everything ran smoothly.
Mochlos Waterside is a delightfully simple property in an unspoilt gem of a village- perfect place to pick if in need of R&R . The sound of the waves on the rocks was magical- Thankyou! We have re-booked for October.
A very relaxing and lazy time in this extremely well-appointed temporary home. The sea and the view from the balcony never fail, whatever the weather, which has been mixed. It is a wonderfully unspoilt place to be.
Loved it so much, we've already booked to return in October! Need we say more? Never has it been easier to do so little and to eat so well and healthily.
This was perfect for me… wonderful sea views from the balcony of Mochlos Waterside and a supermarket and tavernas within walking distance - and the tavernas were very good and very friendly people. The weather was mixed but it was so comfortable inside that I could read until it improved. I was sad to leave and would love to return one day.
A great week in Mochlos in spite of the weather. Nikos is a great new member of the Simpson Travel family.
Nikos, your rep, in Mochlos was so helpful and provided a very thoughtful welcome pack of goodies. He even brought us a gift on Easter Sunday, which was so kind. This is our first holiday with Simpson Travel and we have been impressed from start to finish. Thank you.
What a glorious place this is! Originally intended to come here to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary & Covid intervened, so glad we followed through with those plans this year. Fantastic to sleep able to hear the waves. Amazing location here in Mochlos. Friendly & helpful staff everywhere. Plenty of birdlife to watch here & flowerhunting was a delight.
A real gem of a place. Does not look much from the outside, but really nice inside, fantastic location right on the sea front. Great selection of traditional tavernas within 2 min walk. Could not possibly be more convenient. If I go back to East Crete I will definitely book the same place again.
Mochlos Waterside is a lovely studio apartment where we enjoyed the beautiful sea views and the sounds of waves (the relaxing backdrop sound of our holiday!). The gentle sea breeze was a blessing to offset the temperature. We had a truly lazy week with the only choices each day were what time to take a swim from the beach and which taverna we would have lunch and/or dinner at. All food was good and everyone very friendly! Really enjoyed our trip on the boat over to the island to explore the view we had been admiring all week!
It is a great location for someone wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of normal tourist destinations. The apartment was right in the centre of Mochlos - less than a minutes walk from the shop, bars and restaurants. The local people are very friendly and most speak good English, though they appreciate attempts to use Greek (with Google's assistance!). It's not a suitable location for families or those wanting night-life but we would highly recommend it and it is the first place in 20 years we are thinking of returning to.
Mochlos Waterside is a lovely holiday flat in brilliant location. The terrace right on water and views are the best. Mochlos is a nice little village away from tourist crowds.
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.
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Agios Nikolaos & The Gulf of Mirabello is one of the most sought after enclaves of Crete. Here you'll find Elounda, a pretty waterfront town hosting some of the island's most exclusive hotels and restaurants and regular ferries across to the former leper colony Spinalonga, a disconcertingly beautiful island with a fascinating history made famous by Victoria Hislop's novel The Island. A little further east, fashionable Agios Nikolaos is a lively town with an abundance of charm and a fabulous selection of restaurants and shops around the harbour.
If you're after a more tranquil and traditional take on Cretan life, the enchanting village of Mochlos lies tucked away at the most easterly edge of The Gulf of Mirabello. Our portfolio here celebrates the road less travelled, transporting guests from the mainstream to a blissfully undeveloped part of Crete that's often overlooked. Mochlos holds a unique identity along this illustrious coastline; a timeless waterfront idyll with a charming collection of cafés and tavernas harbouring the soul food of a simpler life. Whether you choose our Simpson Hotel or one of our luxurious villas, a stay here offers the best of all worlds - combining authentic charm, warm hospitality and easy access to many of the island's highlights, including the breathtaking gorges and caves of eastern Crete and the mountain communities of the beautiful Lasithi Plateau. You can also extend your stay and enjoy a few nights in Athens as part of your Greek odyssey? One of the world's most ancient cities, with a vibrant culture and fascinating history, it's the perfect addition to any holiday in Crete. To find out more, please visit our Short Stays in Athens page.
Whether you're seeking an expansive beachfront home close to all the action, or a tucked away base by the sea, you'll find something to suit in Agios Nikolaos & The Gulf of Mirabello. View our handpicked collection of villas today or take a look at our delightful Simpson Hotel in Mochlos.
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