Villa Aetos
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- Short walk to best beach in Crete
- Set in unspoilt Xerokambos
- Beautiful views
- Tavernas and mini-market 5min drive
Delightful Villa Aetos sits discreetly on a hillside, just a few minutes’ walk from the fine sands and aquamarine waters of the heavenly beach around Xerokambos. Despite its incredible natural beauty, this magical stretch of coastline remains very much a ‘road less travelled’ destination, with just enough shops and tavernas to make your holiday feel both authentic and effortless.
Aetos is a new, 1-bedroom villa, designed with flair and imagination to ensure couples can enjoy a luxurious escape in this unspoilt and little known part of the island. Fully detached, its position above Villas Kambos and Almyra, affords the utmost privacy, with the same mesmerising sea views that make lazy days and moonlit nights on the terrace such a pleasure. Beautifully finished interiors are tastefully decorated using neutral shades and natural materials to complement the beauty and simplicity of the location, whilst outside space is generous, with comfy loungers perfectly angled by the pool to take in the magnificent panorama. There are plenty of shady spots for a long lunch or a quiet read and it's a ten-minute stroll down to the beach when the lure of the sea becomes irresistible.
For anyone seeking a get-away-from-it-all escape, the wild beauty of south-eastern Crete is intoxicating. Explorers will relish the dramatic views along the road to Kato Zakros (25mins), the archaeological remains of the Minoan civilisation, the crystal cave of Pelekita and the evocatively named Gorge of the Dead – all waiting to be discovered close by. But if you simply want to relax and unwind in an idyllic spot away from the mainstream, you couldn't wish for a lovelier venue than Villa Aetos.
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.
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 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.
Accommodation
Layout
- 1 bedroom single storey villa (sleeps 2)
Ground floor
- Living/dining area with TV (English-speaking news channels)
- Kitchen with oven, hob, Nespresso coffee machine, microwave, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, washing machine
- Double bedroom (180cm x 200cm bed) can be made up as a twin on request
- Shower room and WC with disabled access
General
- Complimentary WiFi
- Air-conditioned throughout
- Iron, ironing board, hairdryer, bath towels provided
- Simpson pool towels
- Barbecue
- Outside shaded dining area
- Private swimming pool 6m x 3m (depth 1.40m)
- Situated on a slope overlooking the beach and sea
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): 1168320
Location
- Xerokambos beach 6min walk
- Mini-market 12min walk
- Taverna 30min walk
- Kato Zakros 25min drive
- Ziros 30min drive
- Makrigialos 60min drive
- Sitia 60min drive
- Heraklion Airport (via Ierapetra) 2hr 45min
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*
- 4 guests – 1 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 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.
Outstanding service provided by Simpson in all regards - from pre-booking till end of stay!
This was our third holiday with Simpsons, and as previously we were not disappointed. The arrangements for the holiday were dealt with by friendly and helpful people. The venue was everything we hoped it would be with the most breathtaking view across the bay at all times of the day and night, a lovely pool and shaded seating area with sofa for total relaxation. The villa was very well equipped with everything one could possibly need on holiday. Just brilliant! Thank you!
Just brilliant! Thank you Claire!
This is our third stay in this beautiful Villa Aetos! Thank you Claire for the service and information and thank you to the Simpson Travel Team!
What can we say, we came to Villa Aetos for a rest and we can honestly say this is one of the most peaceful and tranquil places we have ever been. Our concierge Claire was great – plenty of local information and very friendly. We had unusually warm weather for this time of year, which was a bonus! Views from the villa are fabulous, with the colour changing rock looking spectacular later in the day. We are fairly regular visitors to the Greek islands and Crete so chose to keep to ourselves this holiday. Everyone we did engage with were very friendly and welcoming. Our cleaner and her mum were very accommodating and friendly.
Booking through Simpson for our 2025 Villa holiday in Crete was simple, they arranged everything, our travel, car hire & holiday was really enjoyable & trouble free. Particular thanks to our concierge Claire who was lovely. Not sure I can credit Simpson Travel with arranging the extra sunshine and warmth for our two week in May, but it was a very peaceful & relaxing holiday. Thanks to all at Simpson Travel from both of us.
It was wonderful, just like last year in September – everything was perfect, the weather and the sea! 🌊☀️We enjoyed the good specialities from the refrigerator! The big windows are fantastic! Thank you very much to Simpson Travel Team!
Once we settled on a location, the variety of villas to choose from was excellent. When we found the one we liked the most, we reached out to a representative who made the whole booking process super easy, and sent over the confirmation immediately. All the booking details were kept in an app which meant we didn’t need to worry about printing off lots of docs, and we could read them at any time. We were met at arrivals by a simsons travel rep who then took us to our car hire point, maintaining that level of customer service we had received from booking. Despite being quite a long and mountainous drive from the airport, the villa itself was wonderful. Set in the quiet picturesque part of Easten Crete, with views overlooking the aquamarine sea and gorgeously furnished inside and out. The closest beach was perfect, with arguably the clearest waters on the planet, with white sand to compliment it. The beach did not get too busy either, and it is obvious the locals and tourists alike make effort to ensure this location remains beautiful. All demonstrating why you should not be put off to travel a bit farther. The restaurants nearby were great and there was also a couple mini markets packed with everything you needed. When returning back home, someone was waiting for the hire car ready to take it back, again making the process so stress free. This has been one of the best holidays I have been on and would not hesitate to use Simpson Travel again. Thanks so much to the team for creating such a special holiday x
We have had such a relaxing time in this stunning villa. The views are spectacular. Thanks to the Simpson Travel team for helping us create the most perfect 1st wedding anniversary!
A truly lovely villa, with everything you need for a great holiday. The view is amazing, with the rocks that change colour from brown to white through the day. Having the infinity pool to ourselves felt like a real luxury, especially as the temperature was always 25-30°C.
What a place! We have had a wonderful, peaceful stay in this beautiful villa. We have enjoyed the pool but also explored this stunning area. We would recommend an evening in Elounda with its charismatic square and great taverna. I have no doubt that anyone staying here will have a fantastic time!
We have had a fabulous week relaxing by the pool and on the beach. The weather has been beautiful, only one very windy day when we drove up to Toplou Monastery. Definitely hope to return one day.
Villa Aetos is in a very quiet and undeveloped corner of Crete. Ideal for a get away from it all holiday. Very nice well equipped villa. Small quiet beaches nearby. If you are experienced walkers the gorges are spectacular. Drive from airport is 2.5 hours so allow for this, and over mountain be prepared for many hairpin bends but roads are very good and quiet. Lovely place. Thank you Simpsons.
Thoroughly recommended for anyone looking for a break from the madding crowd. I hope it stays this way!
Although at first we were unsure as to what to expect from the resort of Xerokambos as it was an area of Crete we were not familiar with, it certainly grew on us very quickly and we fell in love with the location and what it had to offer. The villa was well positioned in relation to the superb sandy beach, its easy walking distance to the nearest tavernas and mini markets, as well as areas of interest such as the Gorge of the Dead and the delightful Kate Zakros. All in it was a wonderful trip and one that was made enjoyable by the Simpson Travel experience from booking through to arrival at resort.
We enjoyed our stay at Villa Aetos so much! Everything was perfect – there’s nothing more to say! Wonderful – crazy – unique! Thank you very much.
What a little piece of heaven! Thank you so much to Simpson for providing a place of such tranquillity and beauty! We have absolutely loved every minute of our stay at Villa Aetos and look forward to returning again in the not-too-distant future. Special mention to the team on arrival who facilitated such a smooth exit from the airport, car hire and Claire for her help and assistance. We would highly recommend a trip to the Toplou Monastery and supper at any of the tavernas at Kato Zakros – the drive is well worth it.
We enjoyed a wonderful two weeks in this beautiful villa. Such an amazing view to wake up to every morning. We particularly loved being away from the ‘madding crowds’ – this location is perfect for those who prefer peace and tranquillity. Driving around this area has been an interesting challenge – so much dramatic scenery to admire. We explored up the coast as far as Itanos, Palekastro is a nice town for coffee and a wander, Sitia is bigger and a more bustling place. Many thanks to Simpson, as always, for finding yet another wonderful holiday location and also to Claire for her friendly help and advice.
Many thanks to Simpson Travel for another amazing experience. We loved the villa, it had everything we needed and more. Claire was very helpful and provided us with lots of tips for amenities and excursions. We loved the area – so peaceful and friendly. Thank you for a wonderful stay.
Many thanks to Simpson Travel for another amazing experience. We loved the villa – it had everything we needed and more. Claire was very helpful and provided us with lots of tips for local amenities and excursions. We loved the area – so peaceful and friendly. Thank you for a wonderful stay.
We had a fabulous 2 weeks staying in Villa Aetos. So stylish, yet extremely comfortable and equipped with everything we needed. A fantastic pool and outdoor area and a view to die for! Plenty of interesting places to visit if you enjoy driving along rural Greek roads. If you are looking for peace and tranquillity in an area of stunning scenery, this is for you.
Thoroughly enjoyable week, villa lovely and the view fantastic. Visited Toplou Monastery, which was very interesting and also had a ‘wine tasting’ experience. Monastery was beautiful and on the way we passed through Palekastro, which is a nice town, and the beach at Hiona is lovely. For RSPB enthusiasts, this place is an absolute paradise. The 20-30 Eleanora falcons flying around the villa in the morning are fascinating to watch and the freshwater lagoon at the northern end of the village has been absolutely fantastic in spotting species on their annual migration routes north.
Thoroughly enjoyable week, villa lovely and the view fantastic. After a breezy start the weather has been beautiful. We visited Toplou monastery which was very interesting and had a wine tasting experience. On the way you pass though Palekastro which is a nice town and the beach at Choria is lovely. For those who like walking, do the Zakros - Kato Zakros gorge, and for people who are RSPB enthusiasts this place is an absolute paradise. The 20 - 30 Eleonora falcons around the villa in the morning are fascinating to watch and the freshwater lagoon at the northern end of the village has been absolutely fantastic in spotting species on their migration routes north.
We have had an idyllic 2 weeks in an idyllic spot. The best view which we never tired of - watching the light change on the island during the day and the moon rise in the evening. The best outdoor space, which always had shade and places to relax, or eat, or just stare out to sea. The best pool for cooling off and looking out. I'm sure everyone who stays here will feel the same if they love privacy, stunning views, a lovely villa and beautiful beach.
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.
* For further clarification on Facilities and Amenities, please view the 'Details' tab for each property or speak to one of our experienced sales consultants.
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.
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