If your idea of a blissful holiday involves slowing the pace, embracing simplicity and immersing yourself in the timeless charm of a traditional Cretan village, Pomegranate is your perfect hideaway. This intimate, beautifully restored cottage sits within the narrow pathways of Pefki, a hillside hamlet with breathtaking views cascading down the Pefki Gorge to the Libyan Sea. Nestled among whitewashed houses that have softened gently with the centuries, Pomegranate offers a peaceful retreat where the scent of wild herbs hangs in the air and the steady hum of village life drifts quietly by.

Thoughtfully created by Founder Graham Simpson and his wife Yianna, Pomegranate is the charming little sister to neighbouring Pepper Tree Cottage, designed for guests seeking the essence of Pefki on a delightfully smaller scale. All on one level, the accommodation balances simplicity with comfort: the welcoming kitchen/diner forms the heart of the home, the largest room in the house and an inviting space to gather or prepare a leisurely breakfast before the day begins. A small, cosy living room, complete with its original fireplace, provides a perfect spot for reading, chatting or relaxing on cooler spring evenings or away from the midday heat in high summer.

The bedroom is compact yet inviting, with a 160cm king-size bed, wardrobe space and French doors that open directly onto the terrace. Step outside at dawn or dusk to savour sweeping views down the gorge—an ever-changing canvas of light, shadow and sea. Even the bathroom retains a sense of place, with natural rock features cleverly incorporated into its design.

Outside, Pomegranate’s terrace is a true delight, framed by a colourful garden that changes character with the seasons. The petite rock pool is utterly irresistible, offering the perfect place to cool off: just big enough to dip your feet, sip your favourite tipple and drink in those vast, soul-stirring views towards the sea.

Compact and characterful, Pomegranate is a rare gem: a romantic bolt-hole that blends great comfort with charm and authenticity in one of Crete’s most enchanting settings. It captures the magic of Pefki—a place where time slows, nature dominates and a simpler, gentler way of living feels entirely within reach.

And when you’re ready to venture beyond your peaceful retreat, the pleasures of Pefki and eastern Crete unfold at an easy, unhurried pace. A short stroll brings you to Piperia, the much-loved village taverna where Fanis serves traditional dishes gathered from the surrounding hillsides, and the warm spirit of Cretan hospitality is as memorable as the food itself. He also runs a small local shop selling everyday groceries, olive oil and fresh bread, and there's a delightful art gallery nearby showcasing paintings and wood carvings by local artists.

For guests interested in the island’s rich heritage, we can arrange a visit to the Pefki Folklore Museum, home to intriguing artefacts discovered in and around the village, which itself is mentioned in the Turkish census of 1671. The area’s history runs even deeper, with traces of both Minoan and Neolithic settlement unearthed over the years, and more recently, visitors have even stumbled upon ancient Roman coins—quiet reminders of Pefki’s long and layered past.

From the cottage door, the trail down the Pefki Gorge beckons—an unforgettable walk that winds down to the sea at Makry Gialos, where a cooling swim and a choice of inviting waterfront tavernas await. Further afield, the region’s treasures are yours to discover, from the historic Toplou Monastery with its vineyards, and the lively harbour town of Sitia, each offering a different window into the culture, landscape and ancient heritage of this remarkable corner of Crete. 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.