This was our fourth time at Muses and we enjoy it more with each visit. As always, Claire makes everything perfect and nothing is too much trouble for her. The villa and garden are beautifully maintained and the location is stunning. We will be returning in 2026!
Mrs Karen Rowland
September 2025
We’ve had a fantastic stay at Cleo Muses. Villa, pool and grounds all lovely. We had a full on week in Heraklion and Sitia before arriving here to relax mostly rather than sightseeing. We visited Toplou Monastery on way here which was interesting and worth a visit. Also went to Itanos beach, (3rd bay over the hill, stunning, very natural, very clear water). Enjoy your stay as we did.
Amanda & Stephen
August 2025
We have absolutely loved our week here. Thank you very much Simpson Travel and above all, Claire.
Caroline & Robert
July 2025
Our second stay at Cleo – and we loved it again. The local restaurants are all very good. Thanks again to Claire – she’s very personable and her local knowledge is really helpful. The gardener/pool guy is also very kind. Enjoy your stay at this lovely place!
Julie & Jonas
July 2025
Our first time in Eastern Crete and it’s stunning. Very windy, but with the heat, the breeze was very welcome. Claire has been really helpful.
Carolyn & Alan
July 2025
This was our third visit to Muses and we loved it just as much as before. Claire is wonderful and has become a special part of our holidays there, nothing being too much trouble for her. We had a wonderful chilled week enjoying Villa Cleo and all the superb local restaurants. We also had a couple of evenings in Sitia which we highly recommend. We will be returning to Muses again in September!!
Mrs Karen Rowland
June 2025
We have greatly enjoyed our stay at Cleo. We have stayed in several Simpsons Villas and this is one of our favourites.
The Toplou Monastery was an interesting visit. We enjoyed a guided walk in Fini, kindly organised by Claire. The Zakros Gorge walk was beautiful – we parked by the museum in Zakros and picked up the trail in the village square.
A huge thank you to Claire for all your help and useful tips! We love Simpson holidays and keep coming back for more.
Andrew & Catrin
June 2025
We enjoyed our stay at Muses last year so much we returned, but to Cleo not Erato. The villa, as expected, is wonderful and so well equipped. It is lovely being able to see the sea. We have enjoyed lunchtime drinks at the beach bar watching the wind surfers zapping along.
A variety of weather – thunderstorms and torrential rain, a couple of minor earthquake tremors but mainly wall to wall sunshine cooled by a lovely breeze.
Many thanks to Claire and the team for looking after us so well.
Claire and Rob
June 2025
We have been on several Simpson Travel holidays and keep coming back. You can rely on Simpsons to provide excellent service and a great villa in a well-chosen location. Cleo, Muses Villas, was no exception and one of our favourites. We particularly loved the well-maintained gardens, individual to each of the 4 villas. You have everything you need in the villa and lots of thoughtful touches are included. Claire, our concierge, was very helpful and offered useful advice. Well done Simpsons!
Mrs Catrin Evans
May 2025
Beautiful villa in a great location – easy access to great swimming beach. Thanks to Claire as ever – will be back again, and again...
Jo & Chris
May 2025
Simpson Travel does it again! A wonderful fortnight in Muses Villas, Palekastro excellently organised from the greeting at the airport to Claire and the team who looked after us at the villa. Everything was hassle free which made for a very relaxing holiday (apart from the 2 earthquake alerts, but we can't blame Simpson Travel for them!
I am sure we will take a further holiday with Simpson Travel and have recommended the company to many people.
Many thanks.
Mr Robert Lynn
May 2025
This was our second visit to Muses, this time in delightful Villa Cleo. We had a fabulous restful week enjoying the villa which is in a wonderful position near the beach and eating out in the local restaurants. Claire is so helpful and friendly, nothing is too much trouble for her. We have already booked for June and September 2025!!
Mrs Karen Rowland
September 2024
I have travelled all over using many travel companies. Simpson Travel are far and away the best travel company I’ve booked through. Information was accurate and comprehensive. Prices were competitive. The accommodation could not be bettered and the location superb. I have already told people about the company and why they should look at the web site. Well done!
Mr Jonathan Green
September 2024
After one visit to Muses Villas you will without doubt want to return. Having a villa just for couples is quite unique and very special. Its a place where you can completely relax and do absolutely nothing if you wish as it is so quiet and peaceful - all you can hear is the sound of the waves in the distance or if you like to go sightseeing there are plenty of places to visit. There are 2 good restaurants within walking distance and plenty to choose from in Palekastro just a short drive from the villa. Overall you couldn't wish for more from a holiday.
Mrs Yvonne Tann
August 2024
I was very impressed with every aspect of the Simpsons holiday experience. I would recommend them whole heartedly and look forward to holidaying with you again.
Mr Mark Oliver
July 2024
We had a marvellous week in an amazing villa. From booking to departure all was extremely well organised. We had a brilliant time in a beautiful villa surrounded by unspoilt countryside with only waves and goats bells to interrupt the peace and tranquility. Our rep Claire was excellent, she was always available, and when we realised we’d bought the wrong adapters she bought us the correct one. Our hosts were utterly charming, they were very proud of their villa and proud they had such a good relationship with Simpsons. They brought us home cooked food, checked we had everything we needed, assisted with setting up the first bbq, and were happy to recommend the best local tavernas. It was lovely to share their joy in the property they had lovingly created.
Mrs Amy Blackburn
May 2024
This is the place to go for a truly relaxing holiday in bespoke accommodation in a very unspoilt area of Crete. The accommodation and the grounds are maintained to the highest possible standards. There are several excellent tavernas in the immediate vicinity and the beaches during May are almost deserted. Indeed one lovely beach is at the bottom of the garden of the site of the villas. Realistically the villa is around a 3 hours drive from the airport although the roads are very good, but if you want quietness and experience of rural Crete it is very worthwhile.
Mrs Rachel Simms
May 2024
Another wonderful stay at Cleo – we’ve returned annually since 2017 (barring Covid years) and still find the location welcoming, peaceful and with enough interest to keep returning.
Simpson Traveller – Cleo
September 2023
A wonderfully relaxing week at Cleo. Although ‘bijou’, the villa has all the mod cons and everything you could possibly need. Complete peace and quiet, with only the noise of the sea in the background. All the tavernas in the local area good, especially Chiona seafood restaurant, where the tables are perfect on flat rocks next to the sea. Mochlos is worth a visit if you fancy exploring further afield – a small fishing village with several tavernas and a traditional Cretan atmosphere. Also, many thanks to Claire for going that extra mile to make our week in Cleo memorable.
Grams and Jan
September 2023
From helpful and knowledgeable staff in the booking department to car hire reps waiting for you at arrivals and departures and a very knowledgeable rep, in our case Claire at the villa destination, a holiday with Simpson Travel is seamless from start to finish!
Mrs Susan Radford
September 2023
Many thanks to all at Muses – a great and relaxing holiday. Can certainly recommend a 2-3 week stay. Many thanks to Claire for her kind attention. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve stayed here – must be five at least!
Keith
July 2023
Beautiful villa, quiet, private and in a stunning setting. Right on the beach which was almost deserted. Perfect setting if you are after isolation and relaxation.
Karen Butler
September 2022
4th Simpson's holiday. Excellent as ever!
Clive Harvey
August 2022
Cleo was the perfect escape for my daughter and I we loved the remoteness of the area albeit it is a way from the airport but we knew this and it was worth the drive. All local tavernas extremely good and excellent value for money.
Emma Tsang
August 2022
The entire Simpson experience, from initial enquiry to the end of the vacation, was perfect - totally professional. We have already put a deposit against another Simpson vacation next year.
Peter Cross
June 2022
The accommodation was outstanding and the service we received whilst we were staying there was beyond our expectations.
Nicholas Hill
May 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed the wild emptiness of Eastern Crete. Toplou monastery and Kato Zakros are well worth visiting. Once again Simpson has done a wonderful job and Marion was greatly helpful – especially for providing the geocultural pamphlet – David is a geology nut and Marion was extremely helpful about a lot of other things too.
David & Angela
September 2019
Marion was an excellent Simpson rep. East Crete was very fine, a bit like other parts of Greece 30-40 years ago. Most enjoyable relaxing holiday.
David Russell
August 2019
Simpson Travel was amazing from booking right through to departure. The villa was extremely clean and well equipped, with everything we could need. The pre-departure information, directions to the villa and contact details for our rep were all brilliant and so straightforward. The arrival at the airport and car collection was so smooth and to be greeted by a rep when we arrived at the airport to go home, who helped us get checked in, was a great touch We declined a visit from the rep during our stay but knew she was available if we needed her. A fantastic villa, great location and outstanding service throughout.
The Whites
July 2019
A wonderful two weeks in what we consider one of the best villas, everything you could wish for was there and the housekeeping/cleaning was exceptional. If you could rid the beach of stones for our next visit, this would be great! Everyone has been so friendly and Panos, our host in the local taverna, was brilliant. I am addicted to moussaka now! A very happy, relaxing holiday – Simpson Travel has been amazing right from the moment we booked our holiday.
Maddie & Ian
July 2019
A fantastic holiday, couldn't have asked for more. The whole experience of dealing with Simpson Travel could not be faulted, from booking, to the arrival in Crete, the rep Marian, to the car hire customer service. Eastern Crete is stunning and unspoilt, exactly as we like it. Simply a fantastic experience from beginning to end. We will definitely be using Simpson Travel again. They are everything a travel company should be.
Simpson Traveller
June 2019
This was our first holiday in Crete and we’ve had a fantastic time. The villa is lovely and we enjoyed lazing by the pool.
Sarah & Paul
June 2019
The apartment is well furnished and perfect for a stay. Even a mini washing machine. The help from Marion at Simpson was great – from the welcome pack to the parting gift – she has introduced me to cinnamon biscuits and I may never go back! Lovely place, great for relaxing. Chiona restaurant has the best views, Retro wonderfully eclectic, Helas fantastic oven food and the local has the best welcome – especially if ‘mama’ is there. Great holiday, thank you Simpson – will come again.
Tracey & Ian
May 2019
Cleo has to be one of our top two or three holiday locations/villas in over 30 years of travel to Greece and mostly Crete – made even better by the people.
Rev & Mrs Kane
October 2018
Without a doubt this was the best self-catering holiday experience we have had. All the staff were exceptionally friendly, starting with the greeting at the airport. The smoothest and easiest car pick up we have ever known, with a thorough run through of both car and directions to the accommodation. Muses Beach Villas – Cleo was superb with everything you could want/need being provided. The welcome pack had been adapted as my wife is gluten intolerant, a thoughtful touch. The Simpson Travel representative came at the appointed time and gave us tips for areas of interest that we spoke about, and some ideas we had not thought about – her recommendations were accurate and did not disappoint.
Mr Harrison
September 2018
Muses is our idea of paradise, it was exactly as advertised and fully met all our expectations and more. It is secluded and quiet with all amenities close to hand. The villa is well-equipped and to such a high standard. It was an amazing 2-week holiday. The villa staff and owner were so friendly and nothing was too much trouble. The Simpson Travel representative was also amazing and excellent – always helpful and available. All the information packs were so accurate and welcome. We will be returning, of that we have no doubt. Thank you Simpson Travel.
Helen & Ian
August 2018
We had a wonderful time here. The villa is lovely – so clean and well-equipped and definitely the best Simpson Travel place we've stayed in. Also love Eastern Crete – friendly, relaxed and un-touristy, completely what we wanted. There are plenty of near-empty beaches to enjoy. Really have nothing to complain about apart from having to go home. The screens on the doors are perfect for both letting the breeze in and preventing bugs/mosquitos from getting in. Must be the first holiday I have escaped with zero mosquito bites! All in all a truly memorable holiday. We aim to come back next year to explore all the other wonderful things in the area.
Jo & Jim
October 2017
Excellent accommodation which was beautifully set in a peaceful area with the sea adjacent and a backdrop of mountains. Calm, peaceful and relaxing, this place very much suited our holiday requirements.
Mrs Mann
September 2017
Simpson Travel again have found fantastic property in Crete. Everything you need and more. Always feel we have stayed in a special property with the touches to make you feel like someone has made an effort to make it special.
Mrs Davies
August 2017
Loved the thought and attention to detail that has gone into the design and construction of this lovely property. Enjoyed relaxing by the pool and visiting local beaches.
Maria
July 2017
The Muses Beach Villas are in a perfect spot to relax and unwind. They are also a great base to explore the undeveloped Eastern part of Crete. There are a couple of tavernas within walking distance and also a beach bar. Nearby Palekastro has all of the supplies that you will need for a wonderful holiday.
Mrs Atkinson
June 2017