A special and unforgettable Holiday Villa Chameleon in Mochlos surpassed all our expectations. Having the whole hotel to ourselves was perfect for our group, with everyone enjoying equally lovely air-conditioned, en-suite bedrooms, each with its own..."

A very big thank-you to all the Simpson team for a truly memorable week celebrating my 80th birthday with my two sons and their families including 6 youngsters from 19 years to 7 years. Villa Chameleon is the perfect place for our extended family and..."

Villa Chameleon, Mochlos, Crete was the perfect destination for our extended family holiday and a wonderful location to celebrate my 80th birthday. With ages of the 6 youngsters ranging from 19 down to 7 everyone was happy. Several excellent..."

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At a glance

  • Sleeps 12
  • 6 bedrooms
  • 6 bathrooms
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Swimming pool

Property highlights

  • Spacious and comfortable
  • Six en-suite bedrooms
  • Large swimming pool (17m x 8m)
  • Delicious daily breakfast included
  • Short stroll to village shops, restaurants and beaches
  • Available 9 July to 3 September
More details

Book with confidence... Full financial protection and exceptional service every step of the way. Find your 2026 or 2027 holiday online today. Where 2027 prices are not available your holiday can be reserved with a fully refundable deposit using our Advance Registration scheme.

A chameleon is a beautiful small lizard that can change colour to adapt to its surroundings; inspired by this natural magic, Mochlos Blue transforms from a boutique hotel into Chameleon for the peak summer season, creating a spacious and comfortable property for family gatherings or a group of friends during July and August. In a remarkable seafront setting, just a short stroll from the delightful fishing village of Mochlos in Eastern Crete, Chameleon ticks all the boxes for location, style and comfort plus some unique individual touches that set it apart, including a delicious breakfast every day.  

A chameleon is a beautiful small lizard that can change colour to adapt to its surroundings; inspired by this natural magic, Mochlos Blue transforms from a boutique hotel into Chameleon for the peak summer season, creating a spacious and comfortable property for family gatherings or a group of friends during July and August. In a remarkable seafront setting, just a short stroll from the delightful fishing village of Mochlos in Eastern Crete, Chameleon ticks all the boxes for location, style and comfort plus some unique individual touches that set it apart, including a delicious breakfast every day.  

The villa's transformation is completed by turning the hotel's communal area and honesty bar on the ground floor into a comfortable and relaxing sitting room, equipped with a smart TV with Netflix for those wishing to enjoy cinema nights. French doors open onto the poolside terrace, whilst a fully equipped summer kitchen allows you to self-cater – be it a light lunch, dinner or just a relaxing barbecue. To help you and your family make the most of your time together, you'll find table tennis, snorkelling equipment and board games all readily available. Add to this the Simpson Concierge, Nikos, who is on hand to book boat trips, restaurants or even a chef, and for the more adventurous, help plan a hike down the Richtis Gorge to its stunning waterfall, and you have the ideal multi-generational family setting. 

Although Chameleon is a beguiling place 'on the road less travelled', teenagers will also really appreciate the freedom of a ten-minute stroll into the lovely waterfront village of Mochlos for a taste of independence. A small beach nestles beneath the charming array of cafés and tavernas with a larger one on the other side of the village just a further ten-minute walk away, whilst the village itself has a wonderful creative eccentricity at its heart that keeps it feeling vibrant and draws discerning clients back time and time again.  

If a little more exploration is required further afield, there are many opportunities to discover a different side of this great island from vibrant Agios Nikolaos in the Mirabello Gulf to the more authentic Sitia in the far east, plus tiny traditional villages tucked away in the dramatic mountains of hidden Crete just waiting to be explored.  

Find out why everyone's talking about Mochlos... view the video here.

Good to know:

Exclusive use of Mochlos Blue is available for groups of up to 12 between 7 July and 31 August 2026. To find out how three generations of the Simpson family enjoyed their stay at Chameleon, watch the grandchildren's video here or read Graham Simpson's summary in our reviews.

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.

Grading

Property Grading Key:

  • 5/5

    Excellent

  • 4/5

    Very good

  • 3/5

    Good

  • Location

    4.5/5

  • Comfort

    4/5

  • Facilities*

    4/5

  • Proximity to beaches, restaurants and shops*

    4.5/5

Overall

4.2/5

Accommodation

Layout

  • Six-room hotel for exclusive use

Bedrooms

  • 2 ground floor double rooms with en-suite and sea facing balcony
  • 4 upper floor double rooms with en-suite and sea facing balcony
  • 3 bedrooms can be made into a twin on request
  • All bedrooms have an en-suite shower room, small fridge, tea-coffee making facilities, iron, ironing board, hair dryer, bath and pool towels
  • Please note that the bedrooms do not interconnect, and the lounge area is located on a separate lower level accessed via the pool terrace.

 

General

  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Air-conditioned throughout
  • Reception and local Concierge
  • Poolside breakfast area (daily breakfast included)
  • Summer kitchen including barbecue, cooker, hob, microwave, large fridge, sink, dishwasher, all crockery and cooking utensils  
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Lounge area with Smart TV and Netflix (one level below the bedrooms, accessed via pool terrace)
  • Naturally filtered saltwater swimming pool 17m x 8m (120cm - 150cm depth)
  • Honesty bar
  • Daily light clean, twice weekly linen change
  • Private chef available on request
  • Table tennis

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): 1040K113K2829801


Location

  • Kolympakia Beach 7min walk
  • Loutres Beach 15min walk
  • Tavernas/restaurants (Mochlos) 10min walk
  • Basic shops/supermarket (Mochlos) 10min walk
  • Boat hire (Mochlos) 10min walk
  • Ierapetra 45min drive
  • Agios Nikolaos 45min drive
  • Sitia 45min drive
  • Sitia airport 40min drive
  • Heraklion airport 1hr 15min drive

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, Fiat Grande Punto or similar*
  • 4-5 guests – 1 Group D2, Hyundai i30 or similar*
  • 6 guests – 2 Group C2, Fiat Grande Punto or similar*
  • 7 guests – 1 Group C2, Fiat Grande Punto, and 1 Group D2, Hyundai i30 or similar*
  • 8-10 guests – 2 Group D2, Hyundai i30 or similar*
  • 11-12 guests – 1 Group C2, Fiat Grande Punto, and 2 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 Fiat Grande Punto or similar, 1.2-1.4 litre engine, 1 large suitcase*

Group D3 – Skoda Octavia or similar, 1.4 - 2.0 litre engine, 3 large suitcases*

Group DA3 – Automatic Seat Toledo or similar, 1.4 - 2.0 litre engine, 3 large suitcase*

Group L2 – Skoda Yeti or similar, 2.0 litre engine, 3 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.

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.

Location

    • Kolympakia Beach 7min walk
    • Loutres Beach 15min walk
    • Tavernas/restaurants (Mochlos) 10min walk
    • Basic shops/supermarket (Mochlos) 10min walk
    • Boat hire (Mochlos) 10min walk
    • Ierapetra 45min drive
    • Agios Nikolaos 45min drive
    • Sitia 45min drive
    • Sitia airport 40min drive
    • Heraklion airport 1hr 15min drive

View holiday Booking Information

Customer testimonials

A special and unforgettable Holiday Villa Chameleon in Mochlos surpassed all our expectations. Having the whole hotel to ourselves was perfect for our group, with everyone enjoying equally lovely air-conditioned, en-suite bedrooms, each with its own balcony and beautiful sea view. Breakfast each morning was glorious (as was Hara who provided it!) and the large hotel pool was a real bonus for the four parents, our 18-year-olds and their partners. Mochlos itself was ideal. A short walk each evening gave us a great choice of tavernas, wonderful food and some amazing cocktails. We could not have chosen better accommodation or a better location for what we wanted. Villa Chameleon really did make our holiday with friends incredibly special and unforgettable. We would highly recommend it and would absolutely return again.

Mr Colin Pateman August 2026

A very big thank-you to all the Simpson team for a truly memorable week celebrating my 80th birthday with my two sons and their families including 6 youngsters from 19 years to 7 years. Villa Chameleon is the perfect place for our extended family and the perfect location for a family celebration. Beautiful views, easy walking into Mochlos. The breakfasts were all delicious and served by the delightful Harra who looked after us so well. Nikos is a fountain of knowledge and is always on hand to help and offer good advice. I would highly recommend having a massage from Thanos – excellent. Thank you.

The Lodge family August 2026

Villa Chameleon, Mochlos, Crete was the perfect destination for our extended family holiday and a wonderful location to celebrate my 80th birthday. With ages of the 6 youngsters ranging from 19 down to 7 everyone was happy. Several excellent tavernas in the village - only a 10 minute walk away. Lovely large pool and superb views. Delicious breakfasts served every morning by the delightful Harra. Our concierge Nikos was always on hand with his knowledgeable advice and help to book restaurants etc. The rooms were very comfortable and exceedingly well appointed. Just perfect in every way.

Mrs Carolyn Lodge August 2026

Beautifully cared for and spotlessly clean rooms, a wonderfully large pool with lots of inflatables, and the most stunning view. Nikos was a great host and Hara could not do enough for us at breakfast and the food was delicious. We absolutely fell in love with Mochlos and its little tavernas.

Mrs Rebecca Chatterton July 2026

Mochlos was the perfect setting for our family holiday. Between Villa Chameleon and the village, our group of 12 (aged 8-89) had a fantastic time making happy memories. We were wonderfully looked after by lovely Hara who made the delicious breakfasts, which included Mrs Poppy's homemade jams. and Nikos provided excellent advice on restaurants and swim sites for adventures beyond the villa. Thank you!

Mrs Maja Brattisani July 2026

What a magical place! We've had the most wonderful week in Mochlos, delicious food and breathtaking views. Hara made us the most delicious breakfast every day. Mrs Poppy's jams were amazing and Nikos was the perfect host. Another great Simpsons venue!

James and Karen July 2024

Despite our flights being delayed there and back and TUI loosing our luggage this was one of the best holidays we have ever experienced. The villa was incredible but more importantly the service through Simpson was unmatched. The staff at the villa particularly Hera were lovely but Nikos made our holiday seamless. His friendliness, knowledge of the local area and constant willingness to go above and beyond really blew us away!! He is an absolute credit to your business and I want to make sure our gratitude to his help and support are well known. His reputation also extends further than just your customer base as well with local restaurants and the local transport service also singing his praises and in turn that service and reward being passed down to your customers! Really looking forward to booking our next holiday with Simpson next year!

Mrs Jennifer Bass July 2024

We have had a great week here and have found the staff very friendly and helpful.

Mark & Jackie October 2023

This was our first experience travelling with Simpson Travel and we were extremely impressed with the service we received from start to finish... will not hesitate to recommend to friends and family!

Christopher Lewis September 2023

Beautiful views, comfortable rooms and it all makes for a very relaxing holiday. The village of Mochlos has about 6 tavernas, all of which serve excellent food at reasonable prices. Hara prepared delicious breakfasts for us and the Simpson rep. Nikos was most helpful. I would recommend this hotel to anybody seeking a wonderful holiday.

Mrs Vivian Downing September 2023

In July I had the pleasure of experiencing Simpson Travel’s latest hotel offering, Villa Chameleon, firsthand. As I reflect on the experience, I was surprised by the uniqueness of this property. It proved to be an ideal spot for multi-generational families like my own. Managing the entertainment for seven grandchildren (aged 7-18) is no small feat, yet the hotel rose to the occasion. It was also heartening to see them all stroll down to Mochlos on their own and enjoying their independence. The daily breakfasts were varied and delicious and Hera, Poppy, and Pavlos cooked wonderful and memorable dinners. Nico, the Simpson rep, was invaluable with recommendations for local excursions and activities. Among the highlights was an exhilarating boat expedition and a scenic hike through the Richtis Gorge ending at a beautiful waterfall. While our exploits were varied and enriching, there was an equal measure of simply staying put and relaxing by the pool. My personal experience exceeded even my expectations – Villa Chameleon demonstrated its suitability for multi-generational families by combining recreation and tranquillity.

Graham Simpson - Simpson Travel July 2023

We have spent a wonderful week here with our daughter, her husband, our son and his fiancée – all in their early 30s. We enjoyed relaxing by the pool and recommend Bar Raki for watching a beautiful sunset before supper. We had good food in all the tavernas but Ta Kochilia was probably our favourite. The ‘youngsters’ walked the Richtis Gorge, which they enjoyed – good footwear required! A day trip to Spinalonga, taking the boat from Elounda was also a great day trip if too much relaxation around the pool is a problem!

Jane and Clive July 2023

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