Simpson are a reliable, friendly and knowledgeable travel company.

Mrs Maxine Neath September 2025

We spent our fifth holiday in Villa Velanidia in Crete. The house, garden and pool are just right for two people who do not want to be among the hordes on the coast. It is only a few miles to the wonderful Amari Valley.

Mrs Margaret Wilson July 2025

Great villa and helpful advice from all at Simpson’s

Mr Julian Greer July 2025

Simpsons looked after us very well, as usual, and we were so grateful to have such an excellent concierge (Thanasis) for our villa, who went out of his way to be helpful. The villa was of the usual high standard.

Dr Sandra Clark June 2025

Brilliant in every way.

Mr Dave Gunning June 2025

The logistics of the airport greeting and hire car provision went very smoothly. The villa was very well presented and the Simpson rep in Crete extremely helpful.

Mr David Riley May 2025

Our Simpson holiday was everything I’d hoped for- a beautiful villa, stunning location, and a very approachable, helpful local representative Thanasis, who gave us lots of good advice on local attractions , places to eat, and stunning road trips. He also went out of his way to get us playing cards when I realised I’d left mine at home. He kept in touch throughout our holiday and we always felt supported. I also phoned the Simpsons team a few times before our trip and found them to be very helpful and willing to go out of their way to answer questions or provide something I’d asked for.

Mrs Shirley Murray May 2025

We had a wonderful week at Villa Velanidia and wish it could have been for longer. There is so much to see and do in this region of Crete and a week isn't long enough. The villa was lovely, spacious, comfortable and peaceful, set in a beautiful garden with a great, if rather chilly pool (time of year) and very well equipped. Vasilis was helpful and knowledgable and easily contacted and his restaurant recommendations were spot on. The car hire company was also excellent and came to our rescue when we got a puncture and couldn't get the wheel off. Apparently a hefty blow on the inside of the wheel with a piece of scaffolding pipe is what is required! Unfortunately we did not meet the villa owners but would like to thank them very much for the use of their lovely villa and the delicious cake they left for us. The landscape in this region of Crete is spectacular and drive through the Amari valley is a must. We were blessed with fantastic weather throughout our stay. All in all, a really wonderful holiday.

Mrs Kathleen Hinshelwood September 2024

This was our second time staying at Villa Velanidia. A delightfully modern villa set in about a hectare of mature olive trees with vines and a few pomegranate trees. The large pool is surrounded by shrubs and has plenty shade provided by a gazebo, umbrella and a rather large lemon tree which supplied us with enough vitamin C to keep scurvy at bay. Featuring a small patio to the east and a balcony to the north which has an uninterrupted view of the Kritikó Pélagos (the sea of Crete), there is plenty of choice as to where to enjoy breakfast, lunch or supper with either sunshine or shade depending upon the time of day. The property is located just 15 Km south east of the bustling town of Rethimno in the northern foothills of the Mt Psiloritis and just short walk from the village of Amnatos. Amnatos, with its population of a mere 120 local residents, has two tavernas and the Hotel resort of Kapsaliana, which provide a more than adequate choice for meals. Be they basic Greek fare or more up market fine dining, all tastes are catered for. Further tavernas can be found no more than 10 mins drive away in the villages of Kiriana, Asteri and Chamalevri. As ever with Simpson Travel, the concierge, Vasilis, and the Owner ensured that this was the most relaxing experience one could look forward to. With the pool regularly cleaned and the villa serviced mid-week as well at half time we felt well at home in the tranquillity of the hills with just the song of the cicadas and the squadrons of swallows, who would drink of the pool, for company. We enjoyed uninterrupted sunshine during our two week stay and, despite the high temperatures, ventured to Knossos, Phaistos, Matala, Spili and Chora Sfakion through some marvellous gorges and over some spectacular mountain roads. Villa Velanidia is truly a delightful location and ideally suited for travel through most, if not all of central Crete. BUT even more importantly as a haven to return to at the end of a long hot day to just CHILL! We hope to return again, but the next time perhaps in the cooler weather.

Christopher Ford September 2024

A lovely secluded and quiet villa, with a great view and lots of interesting plants in the garden. The pool was very well maintained, but slightly on the chilly side for September. Our thanks to Stavros for his lovely honey and olive oil. Thanks also for the delicious cake on arrival. Thank you, Theresa, for all your hard work keeping the villa spotless and our lovely conversations (with the aid of Google Translate!). And final thanks to Vasilis for his ideas on things to do and for being so bright and helpful in times of need.

Nick and Sally September 2023

A wonderfully relaxing week. Thank you Stavros, for sharing this villa with us. We also found time for lots of relaxing at the villa. We’ve stayed in a number of Simpson properties but this is by far the best for privacy and seclusion. It has been an absolute joy spending time here and we’ll remember our trip fondly.

Richard and Caroline August 2023

A wonderful place to spend a honeymoon! Perfect villa in a perfect location, we couldn’t have asked for anything better. While we spent most of our time by the lovely pool, some precipitous driving routes through the mountains and the views were highlights, as well as picking our way down the Patsos Gorge. Thank you to the villa owners for your wonderful cake, the beautiful garden and setting, and to Vasilis for his encyclopaedic knowledge of places to go and things to do. We will always remember this special place.

James and Rosie August 2023

After three days at Avli Hotel in Rethymnon, this was, as expected, a complete contrast. Avli was perfect for a city break and their tasting menu, with olive oils and wine pairings was an interesting, informative and most enjoyable meal. Bul Villa Velanidia has been superb! An absolute oasis when temperatures have peaked at 37C. We found the little tavernas to be the best, local food, local people and a feel of Crete. If the holiday wasn’t perfect, Simpson’s rep, Vasilis, would have made sure it would have been. It was an absolute pleasure to meet him and listen to his love of the island. A more helpful, cheerful, professional rep would be hard to find! Thank you Vasilis and Simpson. Thank you Theresa – the place was spotless – and thank you Stavros for letting us share this place.

Jon and Joy July 2023

The combination of a three day stay in a boutique city hotel, followed by a week in a secluded villa in a rural location was perfect. It enabled us to taste both worlds, fine dining in the hotel and self catering plus seeking out tavernas from the villa. Both properties were of the highest standard we have to come to expect from Simpson Travel.

Madeleine Mapp July 2023

A beautiful peaceful location. The villa was set in a wonderful, well-kept garden. Just the sounds of birds and frogs.

Michael Simmons June 2023

I cannot thank our concierge enough for all she did for us, above and beyond I would say. The villa lived up to the Simpson “a road less traveled" to the tee and we really enjoyed our stay although it was rather short. The website does not give it justice only our opinion.

Kenneth Connah June 2023

This is our fifth or sixth visit to Crete with Simpson so haven’t had the pressure to go and visit places. This is a very nice villa to relax in – most of the noise is birdsong and frogs. Thanks to Kostoula and Vasilis for advice and sorting out any little problems. Thanks to Stavros for looking after the house and garden so beautifully.

Mike and Margaret June 2023

Another wonderful week with Simpson Travel. A beautiful outside space, which tempted us to spend lots of time here. We’ve had a lovely week visiting Crete, which was new to us. The villa provided us with everything we could ask for. Finally, many thanks to Kostoula who went over and above for our food shop. Owner’s homemade cake was good too. Simpson’s ‘the road less travelled’ certainly provided the ambiance and relaxation – again!

Sheila and Ken June 2023

The villa is just as described , very private, a beautiful garden and a lovely pool. The perfect get away!

David Parker May 2023

This is an idyllic property for a couple looking for a secluded but well equipped place to get away from it all. The villa is in the perfect position to visit all of the best attractions that Crete has to offer, without the brash hustle and bustle of the north coast resorts. The addition of a lovely private pool is just the icing on a delicious cake.

Rhys Nigh September 2022

The villa was just what we wished for and yet again Simpson Travel have done wonders at finding such a great location, a very pleasant owner and great staff on Crete to ensure all went smoothly. Thank you so very much for getting the extra wines and honey for us. We managed to get through all but a few drops of the honey with our breakfast each day and the wines were very pleasant. We feel we must return, probably in 2 years as we are already scheduled for Corsica with Simpson in ’23, to enable us to catch up on more of the culture, see more of the towns and villages and just enjoy the lovely food and wines that Crete has to offer.

Chris and Sue July 2022

A delightfully tranquil villa, very well appointed and within easy access of quite a few good restaurants/tavernas. An ideal spot to relax and take in the ambiance and history of Crete.

Christopher Ford June 2022

All aspects of our holiday worked very smoothly from initial advice on location in Crete – different villa options, pre-departure information, flights, welcome at airport, collection of car plus all contact/advice from Klaudia, the western Crete representative. Very good quality villas.

The Stone family October 2019

All in all the holiday was exactly what we were looking for. The villa was comfortable and secluded with very attractive gardens, patios and pool area. Ideal for a relaxing break, yet with good access to interesting destinations in the nearby mountains and south coast.

The Wilkes family September 2019

Excellent villa, quiet and peaceful by day, beautiful mature garden with a lovely pool. Located just outside the village of Amnatos, about 25 minutes’ drive from Rethymnon. A good base from which to explore central Crete.

Liz August 2019

Wonderful holiday again with Simpson in a lovely villa with a beautiful garden and pool in a location so peaceful and secluded where the only sounds are birdsong and cicadas while we watch the acrobatics of the swallows dipping in the pool – total bliss!

Ann Lynch June 2019

An excellent tranquil villa, a little off the beaten track, so own transport needed. We were pleased that we decided to have a taxi transfer as our arrival was late at night, and I think we may have had a problem finding it up windy mountain roads.

Veronica April 2019

Villa Velandia is a wonderful property set in stunning grounds in great surroundings. We would recommend the Taverna in Amnitos for both food and drink. The landlady is very friendly. Just be aware that the meat dishes are just that (a huge plate of meat), best to get one meat dish and one veggie dish and share amongst yourselves. We found the military museum at Chromonastiri a great place to visit. Greek National Service men available as guides and the most amazing public conveniences ever encountered at a visitor attraction!

Ms Inman October 2018

We much echo all the enthusiastic comments about Villa Velanida in the villa book. Wonderfully quiet and private with an impressive array of plants and trees. The pool is discreetly and very well maintained. Ray is friendly and helpful and dealt with some very minor quibbles. We must also thank Velanida’s owners for their gastronomical treats. The housekeeping is top quality and I even found my crumpled pyjamas neatly folded and buttoned!

Mr Wilson July 2018

Very relaxing week in this fab villa. So peaceful and we loved watching the swifts diving over the pool. Enjoyed the local taverna and the Kapsaliana Village Hotel. Botanical gardens worth a trip and loved Panormo. Thanks to the owners for the food gifts and to Ray for his advice and the biscuits.

Beverly and Nick July 2018

We had a lovely, relaxing week. The weather was perfect. We enjoyed the taverna in the village and a meal at the hotel. Monastery well worth a visit. We will come to Crete again. Thank you for the eggs and Simpson Travel’s gift. Thanks to Ray too!

Tricia & John June 2018

A lovely villa in peaceful surroundings. Thanks to the owner for their lemon cake and other gifts. Thanks to Ray for his tips, advice and prompt assistance when needed. Panormo, on the coast, east of Stavenos, is well worth a visit for lunch in relaxed style overlooking the harbour. We liked the ‘Captain’s Horse’. Surrounding villages provide lovely local food in traditional tavernas. Thanks finally to Simpson Travel for their gift.

John & Barbara June 2018

Simpson Travel made the booking, travelling and car hire experiences stress free. Villa Velanidia was more than we expected. It is in quiet a rural setting with a Greek feel in attractive gardens. The location is excellent for touring this part of the island. We would recommend this to others and will return ourselves.

D & P Atkins May 2018

Villa Velanidia – excellent location, superb facilities and help and advice from Ray, the Simpson Travel representative. And the weather was warm and sunny all week!

Gerry & Christine May 2018

Thank you Yianni and Stavros for the lovely stay in Villa Velanidia and to Ray, the Simpson Travel representative, for his ‘back up’. The swims in the pool were invigorating! We enjoyed exploring/discovering places and found the locals friendly and helpful. Our favourite trip was to Spinalonga via a short boat ride from Plaka, as in Victoria Hislop’s novel ‘The Island’.

P & C Gates April 2018

We had a blissful week at Villa Velanidia – beautiful surroundings encouraging tranquillity.

Brendan & Deborah April 2018

Thank you Yanni and Stavros for the cake and lovely stay in the villa. Thanks to Ray too for the ‘back up’. Swims in the pool were invigorating! We ate at Maria’s taverna, Kaphleio (for three evenings), a short drive into Amnastes village – good simple Greek food and she tells you the day’s choices. We enjoyed exploring/discovering places and found the locals friendly and helpful. Favourite trip was to Spinalonga via a short boat ride from Plaka, as in Victoria Hislop’s novel ‘The Island’. Road signs depend on what side on you are on! We have given the goats, cows, dogs and cats around here warning not to sit and stand in the middle of the road!

Christine & Paul April 2018

Many thanks to all your well-informed, friendly staff for a wonderfully relaxing holiday in beautiful surroundings. The villa was spotless, the welcome pack was generous and much appreciated; and most importantly, you were there with help and information when we needed it but sensitive to our desire for solitude and rest otherwise. We look forward to our next holiday with you as soon as possible!

Mr Frost September 2017

We loved Villa Velanidia, which is set in an olive grove with great sea views and a lovely pool. Perfect location for exploring the island in a quiet secluded spot in the hills but with the advantage of being a short drive to the coast and walking distance to some lovely places to eat.

Mrs Bolstridge August 2017

Simpson Travel never disappoint in all the many, many years we have been customers – often two or three times a year. From my family of 10 celebrating my 70th to helping with assisted boarding, the company excels itself. Travel reps are always helpful and knowledgeable – particularly Ray in Crete – every time we visit!

Mr Atcheson July 2017

The villa, with a beautiful garden, was a perfect relaxing setting for two weeks.

Rev Raven June 2017

This was undoubtedly the best quality villa that we have stayed in over many years. The back-up service from Ray, the local rep, was excellent with a wealth of practical advice. The service from the owners too was superb, with extra food items, olive oil, raki, and even a cake halfway through the week of our stay. The pool was cleaned three times and the villa once in that short time. Unbelievable service! This was our first stay with Simpson Travel, and we intend that it will be the first of many. Thank you so much for making this a wonderful break for us. Just what we needed.

Mr Nigh September 2016

Very pretty and beautifully maintained villa, with an exquisite garden in a ravishing setting, with good access to the coast, historic sites and pretty villages and towns.

Mrs Shilling September 2016

A beautiful villa with a perfect garden and pool. We loved all the areas you can sit in and we had blue skies and sun every day.

John and Carole May 2016

Villa Velanidia is in a fantastic secluded location. We had a wonderful week here and Stavros and Yianni were perfect hosts – Yianni's homemade cake is delicious! Ideally situated to explore the countryside but also close enough to visit Rethymnon. Our special thanks to Ray for being so informative and helpful.

Mrs Rowland September 2015

Overall experience with Simpson Travel was a great one. We chose Simpson because their properties looked luxurious and it was our honeymoon. We were not disappointed. The villa was gorgeous and of high quality. It was regularly cleaned and the local representative was really helpful. They even brought us a bottle of champagne to welcome us and congratulate us on our wedding. We had a perfect two weeks of perfect bliss and would definitely use Simpson Travel again in the future.

Mr Hallam September 2015

A wonderful relaxing week...thanks to Ray for all the valuable information and tips. Thank you to the villa owners for their care and attention and gifts of delicious cake, eggs and figs. Crete is a beautiful island and we leave determined to return and spend more time here. Just the tonic we needed.

Tim & Fiona September 2015

Another great Simpson Travel holiday (No. 16!). Villa Velanidia has everything you could need for a truly relaxing holiday.

Mr Field September 2014

Wonderful villa, glorious setting, meticulous Simpson Travel organisation. What more could you want?

Mr Mutter July 2014

We have enjoyed a wonderfully relaxing time in this beautiful villa. The weather has been fabulous and we have made full use of the pool.

Mr & Mrs Venton June 2014

We came here for a relaxing holiday and that's what we have had. A lovely, idyllic location, beautiful garden and villa kept to a very high standard.

Mr & Mrs Evans June 2014

Villa Velanidia has been exactly what we needed, a relaxing break in beautiful surroundings. The villa has everything you could want or need. The aerobatic display from the swifts has been a daily marvel over the swimming pool.

Mr & Mrs Kyle June 2014

A perfect holiday in an idyllic location – we can't wait to come again.

Mrs Lynch May 2014

Lovely holiday in an idyllic location. The beautiful garden and pool made it very hard to travel too far afield.

Mr & Mrs Benham May 2014

Lovely well maintained villa with large swimming pool and beautiful views. We found the double bed comfortable. Hotel with restaurant, just a short walk away, is Greek Chic in style, the house red wine is very good, nice for an evening out without driving.

Mr Foy April 2014