Wonderful holiday and a first class service."
This has been our first visit to Crete – and what a lovely time it has turned out to be! Firstly, a big thankyou to Olympia and Anna for looking after us so well and making us feel so welcome. This is our third time using Simpson Travel, and I’m sure..."
Another lovely Simpson fortnight in Crete. Our first week in Vamos at Arosmari – a welcome return trip. Then our first visit to Pefki- not sure how we managed to miss the village on our previous visits to this area – glad we finally made it and have..."
At a glance
- Sleeps 2-3
- 2 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
Property highlights
- Beautifully restored village house
- Idyllic setting with panoramic views
- Local taverna 5min walk
- Perfect location for walking and exploring hidden Crete
If you relish the idea of stepping back in time, escaping the bustle of modern life and retreating to a traditional Cretan village for a week of simple pleasures, Pepper Tree Cottage is for you. This delightfully renovated house offers a stylish and comfortable base for relaxation, exploration and the art of slow living. Set amongst the narrow streets of Pefki, a charming hillside village with majestic views down the Pefki Gorge to the Libyan Sea, Pepper Tree Cottage sparkles amongst the maze of whitewashed houses, their walls weathered by the centuries. The scent of wild herbs fills the air and the only sounds to intrude upon the serene tranquillity of this special spot are the soft chatter of the locals or the distant goat bells rising from the olive groves beneath. And high above, Stavromenos Chapel stands proud at the mountain summit, sentinel-like, glistening in the sunlight as if standing watch over the village beneath.
Pepper Tree Cottage has been expertly renovated by Founder Graham Simpson and his wife Yianna, the first step in their long-held dream to bring the magic of Pefki to Simpson clients who value the road less travelled. The accommodation is beautifully appointed, comfortable, with some delightfully indulgent extras including a small gym, a separate study/reading room and a wonderful rock pool ideal for cooling off and taking in the splendid panoramic views down the Pefki gorge to the sea. The kitchen and living room on the ground floor offer access to two separate terraces both with truly mesmerising views across the village to Crete’s southern shoreline and there’s also a single en-suite bedroom on the same floor, suitable for an adult or a child aged 14 and above. The inviting master bedroom is upstairs, accessed externally via the large rear and comfortable terrace, whilst French doors lead from the bedroom to yet another terrace, ideal for morning coffee.
A five-minute stroll from the house leads to Piperia, the village taverna renowned for being one of the best for traditional fare in the area. The owner Fanis uses only local ingredients – wild greens, artichokes, pomegranates, mushrooms, fresh thyme and honey straight from the hive – all collected on the nearby hillsides at different times of the year. It’s one of the best places we know to experience Cretan hospitality at its very best; unhurried, unpretentious and utterly delicious.
Walking in eastern Crete, and particularly along the Pefki Gorge, is a breathtaking and immersive education in the island’s rugged beauty. It offers a chance to connect deeply with the spirit of the island, its history and traditions. The gorge trail winds from the bottom of the village through a dramatic landscape of steep cliffs and fragrant pine forests, with striking views of the Libyan Sea, to arrive in Makrigialos and a return to the more familiar sights and sounds of the 21st century. Whether you feel ready to embrace these or not, a refreshing drink by the lovely sandy beach and a swim in the sea is always welcome. There are some appealing options for lunch or dinner too – in particular, the beachfront taverna at Diaskari which is a must at some point during your visit.
There is a good selection of shops, cafés, and restaurants in Makrigialos and boat trips along the coast are readily available from here too. But if you are looking to leave the mainstream behind for a week or two, the wider area has much to offer, including a rich collection of archaeological sites. Head to the impressive Moni Kapsa Monastery, the Toplou Monastery and vineyard, Kato Zakros or Xerokambos and discover the rich cultural history of this extraordinary region.
Pepper Tree Cottage is an exceptionally lovely addition to the Simpson portfolio offering something increasingly hard to find. It has romance, class and style in abundance, yet its connection to the modest, unspoilt village of Pefki, offers a chance to step back and reset under the spell of a way of life that remains largely unchanged for hundreds of years. To find out more about the area, watch our Hidden Crete video here.
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 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
- 2 bedroom house (sleeps 2-3)
Ground floor
- Fully equipped kitchen includes oven, microwave, hob, fridge-freezer, dishwasher and coffee maker; access to front terrace
- Living room with Smart TV; access to separate terrace
- Single bedroom (90cm divan bed) with en-suite shower room with WC; Juliet balcony
- Small gym with yoga and gym equipment
- Laundry room with washing machine
- Separate building with study/reading room and small terrace
First floor
- Main bedroom (160cm bed) with en-suite shower room and WC; leads out to private terrace (bedroom accessed externally via rear terrace)
General
- Complimentary wifi
- Air-conditioned
- Iron, ironing board, hairdryer, bath and beach towels provided
- Twice weekly clean and linen change
- Car parking available downhill (40m)
- Small landscaped garden
- Shallow rock pool (2.5m x 1.5m) with waterfall
- Gas barbecue
- Outdoor dining area
- Please note, children must be 14 years or older
Access times
- Check-in time – 4.00pm-5.00pm
- Check-out time – 10.00am
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): 283456
Location
- Makrigialos and Diaskari Beach 15min drive
- Pefki (village/taverna/kafenion/basic shop) 5min walk
- Makrigialos (town/supermarket/boat hire) 15min drive
- Sitia airport 40min drive
- Heraklion airport 2hr 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, 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.
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
- Makrigialos and Diaskari Beach 15min drive
- Pefki (village/taverna/kafenion/basic shop) 5min walk
- Makrigialos (town/supermarket/boat hire) 15min drive
- Sitia airport 40min drive
- Heraklion airport 2hr drive
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