Ours was a last-minute booking and a return to Simpson Travel after many years. Previously we had excellent holidays with Simpson – this time was exceptional. The suite itself, with such a comfortable bed and so well-equipped; the location – paradise! The warmth of welcome from Evangelia and the housekeeper all superb – as was Vasilis with his enthusiastic help. We return home refreshed and restored – and with the firm intention of coming back. After so many years, we had forgotten just how good Simpson Travel is – we are delighted to be reminded. Thank you to all.

Deni and Andrew, September 2023

Wonderful experience. Quiet, peaceful and beautiful setting. Couldn't have been better.

Mrs Jean Mcgiffen, September 2023

A lovely holiday in a beautiful location, though a very windy end to the week! We tried the local tavernas, which were all good and staff friendly. Simpson staff all helpful as usual, special thanks to Vasilis.

Paul and Arlene, September 2023

Idyllic! A retreat away from the cares and worries of a hectic world. Balm for the soul. Beautiful setting and a perfect place. Heaven on earth. Calm, gentle sea lapping against the shore right outside our villa. Wish we could stay longer but our memories will always remember this wonderful place. Thank you to Vasilis – great rep. Very generous welcome pack.

Jean and John, September 2023

Everything was very good. We enjoyed the suite and particularly it’s position on the beach.

Mrs Jill Routledge, September 2023

Marking our 25th year of travelling with Simply/Simpson with a wonderful week in Crete, staying at the Apothikes Beach Suites. For sure, get out and explore the area, but really you have everything you need on your doorstep. Walk out onto the sandy beach and into the tranquil waters of the Libyan sea. If you're not barbecuing as the sun sets, the nearby taverna's are all recommended. Travel light, bring a good book, then kick back, unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.

Mr Jon Nightingall, September 2023

We really appreciated all the little extras that raise a holiday above the merely 'good' to become exceptional. Lovely comfortable pillows (for the first time in years, the ones we brought from home weren't needed!); fine wine glasses, lovely bathroom toiletries, plentiful beach towels and so on. We booked at very short notice and at every stage felt very well looked after. This was, for us, a return to a 'packaged' holiday after many years of doing our own arranging. We had always liked Simpson Travel in the past; so had high expectations. They were met in every single detail. Thank you.

Mrs Denise Underwood, September 2023

A beautiful place to spend a week, very peaceful. Apartment is well equipped and if you should need anything, the Simpson rep is on hand. All local tavernas well worth a visit.

Clive and Dawn, July 2023

A lovely holiday in a beautiful location, though a very windy end to the week! We tried the local tavernas, which were all good and staff friendly. Simpson staff all helpful as usual, special thanks to Vasilis.

Sian and Mark, July 2023

Incredible location in a very quiet unspoilt part of Crete. Being situated right on the beach was idyllic! I could not get off the hammock - I felt like I was in heaven! The accommodation was tasteful and simple, and had everything you need for a relaxing holiday. Really good selection of local tavernas & more upmarket eateries. Easy access to interesting towns and villages. Loved it!

Dominic Beardsworth, June 2023

What a place! Our first words when arriving at midnight were “let’s book this for next year". You always know when you find an absolute gem! We have two small children (2 and 4 months) who loved playing in the sea, breakfasts outside, building sand castles, cats. It’s been magical and we have made some amazing memories. We can’t wait to return and will be thinking of this place often when we are back at work!

Ed, Lara, Cleo and Zadie, June 2023

This place is idyllic! We loved our stay. In the mornings and evenings we had the beach to ourselves. Even at peak time, it is never busy. Great for snorkelling. We didn’t want to stray too far, but went to Myrtos for a lovely dinner.

Simpson Traveller, June 2023

Our second visit to Apothikes and we were in no way disappointed – having returned after a similar fabulous week last year. The timeless atmosphere of this place is one of its greatest assets – the weather and the view do help! Ilios at is perfect for two and well equipped. Visits from Evangelia, the owner, were an added personal touch and appreciated. Relaxed – enjoyed being here and left the world behind!

Jane and Paul – Ilios, June 2023

It’s the small things that really make the difference between a good holiday and a great holiday. Every aspect of the Simpson Travel service is designed and delivered with this in mind. This was our third Simpson experience and I sincerely hope there will be many many more to come.

Robin Gartshoe, June 2023

What an absolutely beautiful and restful week on a very pretty beach. If you like a natural and uncomplicated holiday then it’s the place to go. If you walk a short way up into the village you will find both wonderful traditional taverna style food and also high end Greek food. We will definitely return. Loved it.

Coral Chadwick, June 2023

Tailoring our stay & flights to suit our particular requirements made the whole holiday 100% relaxing. The Apothikes Beach was the most laid back accommodation ever and Kostoulas was so helpful. Nothing was too much trouble to her and her quiet help was greatly appreciated. The welcome pack was spot on and greatly appreciated. Evangelia & Giannis (the owners) were kind and reassuring when the weather became boisterous, their visit was most welcome.

Sarah Lees, October 2022

So glad we booked for two weeks. Staying on the beach was absolutely wonderful so much so we didn’t want to go anywhere else!

Melanie Boucher, September 2022

We're delighted to have discovered Simpson Travel. They'll be our first port of call for future relaxing beach holidays. Our two venues in Crete suited us perfectly, allowing us peace and seclusion backed up with the confidence that any queries or potential problems would always be dealt with in a professional and friendly way, from the booking procedure and right through the holiday, including the journeys at each end, and the process of car hire while there. The Simpson 'Concierges' acted more like travelling companions than mere assistants - genuinely concerned for our peace of mind and comfort.

John Downs, September 2022

We had a terrific 2 weeks in Crete with Simpson's - everyone was lovely from Simpson's and were so helpful and friendly. Being met at the airport by a rep holding the hire car keys was a major plus as we could get in and drive off almost immediately. We'll definitely be booking with Simpson's again!

David Taylor, September 2022

I have travelled extensively and this holiday with Simpson travel at the Apothikes Beach suites was the best holiday I have ever taken. Will be forever a Simpson convert now. Thank you.

Daniella Barrie, September 2022

Everything about the holiday was wonderful. The apartment, being on the beach, was in the very best location. Simpson rep was very helpful and locals very friendly. A little bit of paradise - we will return!

Helen Hunter, June 2022

Honeymoon in paradise, such a special and beautiful place. Simpsons Travel looked after us from start to finish, can’t fault them. We were disappointed with the delays with tui airlines but appreciate this is no fault of Simpsons travel, and where they could they tried to mitigate any issues ie booked us a free taxi transfer due to delays, and booked us a hotel to rest in near airport prior to late flight home.

Jade Conlon, June 2022

Fantastic location to relax and spend time gazing at the sea. The beach perfect for collecting a wide variety of pebbles & shells. 3 great tavernas close by… we were lucky enough to experience a sea storm and watch the roller waves, nature at its best!

Catherine Dean, June 2022

Another excellent Simpson holiday. Apothikes is just the place for a relaxing beach holiday. To wake up to the view of the sea just a stones throw away from the bedroom window was magic. Ammos has everything you could want for the perfect stay.

Richard Field, June 2022

Wonderfully situated studio literally on the beach. Well-presented (larger than we expected) with large comfortable bed, plenty of seating, good cooker and large fridge. Good pots and pans (we like cooking), plenty of crockery and glasses. Good patio with BBQ and seating: wonderful to eat outside for every meal.

Jonathan Dawson, May 2022

They say in customer service that a crisis is an opportunity. Simpson proved the truth of that when our booking was cancelled at late notice by the property owner in Crete due to Covid-19. Too many UK holidaymakers were pulling out, apparently, due to concerns over the virus and the owner had had enough. It must be so tough for companies like Simpson to deal with situations like this at a time when all holiday companies are struggling for revenues. But their response was fantastic. They offered us our money back, but also found us some excellent alternative properties. They gave us time to decide, allowed us maximum flexibility and we ended up in two different parts of the island for one week each – providing a more varied holiday than we'd originally planned, in properties that were just stunning. The result was one of the best holidays we've ever had.

Jane Owen – via TrustPilot, September 2020

The biggest selling point is the location – it’s just beautiful! Waking up to the sunrise and the sound of the waves lapping the shore was blissful! It’s was supremely relaxing because we had everything we needed – a lovely space both inside and out. No need to go anywhere unless we really wanted to. Everyone we spoke to was very friendly and helpful – Simpson Travel in the UK, in Crete, the car rental people. Highly recommended.

Vicky, October 2019

My husband and I stayed at the Apothikes Beach Suites for the second year running. It is wonderful to step off the patio and straight on to the beach and great for an early morning swim. Once again our rep, Marion, was extremely helpful with tips and information about the area. Our experience with the car hire company was excellent and we managed to cover 1,400 km touring Eastern Crete. There were several very good tavernas within walking distance. We would recommend this part of Crete for a quieter, more traditional taste of Crete.

A Murray, September 2019

The simple pleasures of sun, blue sky and the sea a mere 20 yards or so from the door, with the not infrequent addition of a glass of something refreshing, just can't be beaten and easy to see why, seemingly, a significant proportion of guests don't venture much further! Add into the equation the services of Marion as our local representative who, apart from just being such fun, ever helpful and absolutely delightful (she bakes great cookies too!), was able to pick up quickly on exactly what we were looking for from our visit, thus enabling us to get a real flavour of our first venture to this end of the island on the back of her recommendations. Kostoula, who met us when we arrived and departed, was equally lovely and, yet again, we ended another Simpson holiday feeling we were saying goodbye to friends rather than just reps. A week was just not long enough so we shall return again at some point to explore further. Finally, a big thank you to Rosie and her team for the whole booking and pre-departure service – faultless as usual!

Michael & Jean, September 2019

We had a wonderful relaxing holiday at Apothikes, a truly unique place to experience the real Crete – we relaxed and explored the local area. The locals are very friendly and food in every taverna lovely.

Simon & Julia Peach, September 2019

Simpson doesn't look anywhere else, reassuringly perfect value for money, There are lots of pretenders to the throne, but the King and Queen of travel are Simpson.

Tim, August 2019

Only our second Simpson Holiday. You guys are different class. Can’t wait for our next journey together.

Conor & Mag, August 2019

First time we had used Simpson Travel to go to Crete after reading about them in The Telegraph, also highly recommended by others who have used them for many years. Personal and prompt service was greatly appreciated and listing all the documents as attachments for our itinerary was superb as we knew we had everything in advance. Your representatives in Crete were so efficient, so helpful and very knowledgeable.

The Bailey family, August 2019

WOW! This place surpassed our expectations. A wonderful beach, perfect for all of our party. Ages ranging from almost 2 to 56. So comfortable in the suites and local restaurants easy to walk to. Hoping to return before everyone finds out about this magical place.

The Welshes, August 2019

Thank you to Simpson Travel for another lovely holiday. This was our second trip to Apothikes and it did not disappoint. We loved falling asleep listening to the sea (and sometimes the wind), snorkelling in the bay, reading in the hammock and enjoying the hospitality in the local tavernas. Would recommend to anyone looking for a relaxing spot.

Janet Jaudun, July 2019

What an incredible place – perfectly situated in quiet Ferma bay and only a couple of strides from front door to the gently lapping waves. This was the perfect rest and relaxation holiday spent snorkelling amongst the rocks, reading in the hammock and watching the sunset with a glass of local wine. Our local rep, Marian, provided us with some brilliant recommendations to explore the local surroundings. Cannot recommend this place more highly!

J Dalton, July 2019

We had a wonderful week in Ferma for our honeymoon.The studio was perfect and as expected; very well furnished, clean and comfortable. Location was excellent, only 10 metres from the sea! The Simpson Travel rep was lovely, very friendly and knowledgeable. We were very pleased with the experience we had through Simpson Travel and would certainly book through them again.

James, Oakham, July 2019

We’ve felt like castaways since arriving in this heavenly little bay and Ilios has been filled with relaxation. We shall miss the sea’s ebbing soundtrack from our slumbers. Had a wonderful stay and shall most definitely be returning. Many thanks to the great Simpson team.

Clare & Mark – Ilios Suite, May 2019

Lovely relaxing week here. Absolutely idyllic location with an amazing welcome pack and everything we needed re equipment.

Pat & Brian – Ammos Suite, May 2019

This was an R&R holiday for us. The accommodation was excellent and extremely well equipped – location perfect.

John & Tony – Ilios Suite, May 2019

We really enjoyed our stay at the Apothikes Beach Suites, generous in size, well equipped, and a beautiful and secluded location. We loved being right on the edge of the sea, and there can’t be a better way to start the day than breakfast with the sunrise, the sound of the waves, and a local friendly cat! A very chilled and relaxing week. It could only have been better if we’d booked two weeks!

Mr Thornber – Ammos Suite, October 2018

Idyllic location, the children had a real sense of freedom being on the beach all day. Just perfect.

Chota Fox – Thalassa Suite, August 2018

Apothikes Beach Suites is perfect if you want to switch off completely and wake up looking out to sea every morning and hear the sea lapping against the beach as you sleep. The apartments are well equipped and in a charming spot right on the beach. We stayed with our 4-year-old, which was perfect as we could sit pretty much at the end of our veranda and watch him play in the sea as you are so close. There were two other families staying the same week as us, the children all played together which was great, but it was also private enough that you didn't feel on top of each other even if you were eating at home as each apartment is screened off so it feels private. It is nice being close to a couple of tavernas, but you need to be able to drive if you want to venture further afield. There are some lovely coves with a taverna a short drive away. The sea is crystal clear and the whole area has a rugged charm. The tavernas we went to were really good and the people are extremely friendly.

Kate Tungatt – Ilios, August 2018

Apothikes Beach Suites provided a peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Waking up each morning to the sound of the waves only a few feet away from the apartment was amazing. The beach was quiet and tranquil and we often felt that it was just for us. It’s a perfect place to unwind, read and recharge your batteries.

Nicky Griffith – Thalassa Suite, August 2018

Utter bliss! We chose the Apothikes Beach Suites from the website because it looked just what we wanted. We were wrong! It was so much more.... It would be hard to imagine a nicer place. A truly fantastic location just a few steps from the sea. We fell asleep and woke to the sound of lapping waves. Thalassa is a beautiful apartment, simply decorated but with all mod cons. It has great outside space with a dining table and chairs, barbecue, outside shower (a godsend after our frequent dips in the sea), sunbeds and a hammock. It’s the perfect place to spend a lazy week, reading, swimming and snorkelling, admiring the view and enjoying the Cretan hospitality. Driving to and from the airport was easy too.

Janet Jaudun – Thalassa Suite, July 2018

We had a wonderfully relaxing holiday at Apothikes Beach Suites - the staff are excellent. Please don’t change as the personal service is great from all concerned.

Mr Cameron – Thalassa Suite, June 2018

We didn’t want to go home! We had a fabulous two weeks in peace and beauty at the Apothikes Beach Suites. We are very impressed with Simpson Travel and its attention to detail. Just perfect really. Thanks to Harvey and his team, especially Marian. There is so much to do and still see. The Archeological Museum in Heraklion is a must, but take a day for this alone. Kritsa is a cute Greek village – beautiful flowers and character. Vai beach palm trees are beautiful, great archeological site too.

Jodie & Colin – Avra Suite, June 2018

Apothikes Beach Suites is a perfect place to unwind. From the first swim with the sun low in the sky, to watching the moonlight on the water, you have comfort and all amenities close at hand. Very peaceful and very Greek.

F Moody – Ilios Suite, June 2018

A lovely location, unique probably. A delightful apartment, nothing left to chance.

Godfrey Keynton – Avra Suite, June 2018

We can highly recommend Apothikes Beach Suites.

Mr Wood – Ammos Suite, May 2018

We didn’t stray far – to the sea, the Avra Taverna and to the shop….that’s about all! You can’t beat being right on the beach.

Mary Clifford – Thalassa Suite, May 2018

We had a wonderful time at the Apothikes Beach Suites. Lying awake at night listening to the waves was incredible. Each morning we would wake up and have a coffee outside on the beach whilst pinching ourselves that this was real! It was the most relaxing holiday I have ever had. Fabulous, quiet and in an unspoilt location. The organisation by Simpson Travel was brilliant – thank you all so much. We can’t wait for next year when we will definitely return.

Sharon – Ilios Suite, May 2018

My two weeks at Apothikes Beach Suites came to an end and I was sorry to leave my little slice of heaven. It’s an amazing place, so peaceful and quiet, exactly what I was looking for and it was amazing to have the sea ten steps from my front door. I was really able to relax, recharge my batteries and just catch up on my reading, painting and learning to do nothing! I will definitely be back and will recommend this to all.

Jasmin – Avra Suite, May 2018

Paradise. Please don’t tell too many people.

Philip Ferguson – Thalassa Suite, May 2018

My husband and I stayed in Apothikes to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. It was the perfect spot for a second honeymoon and although we felt we really should explore the island a little more, we found it impossible to drag ourselves away from our perfect little spot in paradise...nothing beats waking up to the waves lapping against the shore and the sun beating through the shutters every morning.

Mrs Taylor, October 2017

If you want excellence at all levels, I do not think you could be disappointed with Simpson Travel. They attend to the little details, starting with when you book your holiday to when you drop off your vehicle at the end! As we all know, it is the small touches that shift anything from 'good enough' to excellent – and that is what you get. A very happy 'Simpson Traveller'.

Ms Dunne, October 2017

Stunning location, secluded accommodation - we had a very relaxing holiday.

Mrs Scott, October 2017

A lovely, relaxing place. The location on the beach was perfect and the sound of the waves lapping just outside was very special. We had a very easy, relaxing and special holiday. Everything was organised so well that any portal stress were taken out of the equation before we arrived. A door-to-door service really, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend both the villa and Simpson Travel to anyone.

Mr Urwin, October 2017

A lovely relaxing week at Apothikes beach suites – a beautiful location. Thank you to Evie.

Chris & Jim, September 2017

We came here with the best intentions of exploring this coastline but we could not bear to tear ourselves away from this wonderful, tranquil spot. It has been dreamy to open the door each morning to see this sight of the sea and hear the sound of the lapping waves. The villa is exquisitely simple and comfortable – comfortable bed linen and an excellently equipped kitchen was much appreciated. Dimitri and his family are truly magnificent hosts. Thank you Evie for being delightfully helpful and not remotely intrusive. This was our first holiday with Simpson Travel, but not to be our last.

Tim & Catherine, September 2017

I feel like I have died and gone to heaven here! I cannot fault this beautiful house in this beautiful location. I have just had the most relaxing week with my husband and daughter. The only downside is that I have to leave today. I will return but for two weeks next time. Everything has been perfect – from this island to our lovely, friendly and very accommodating travel rep. Evie, thank you!

The Davis Family, August 2017

We've had a fantastic time! Idyllic setting – we really couldn't have asked for more. So peaceful and relaxed in the day. We would highly suggest barbecue-ing on the beach – had such fabulous food and paired with the stunning location and some local wine, the experience was incredible and will be very difficult to beat!

The Stoodley'Family, August 2017

Kakkos Bay is an incredibly beautiful setting and the apartment being right on the beach is a rare treat indeed. We enjoyed the apartment and setting so much we could hardly bring ourselves to get in the car to have a look around! Everyone we dealt with was friendly and helpful. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this holiday and can't wait to return to Crete to enjoy the blissful relaxation again.

Mrs Butcher, August 2017

What a superb location! Everything is perfect. My only regret is having to go home. This was my first visit to Crete and I would certainly want to come back in the future. I love cooking and so it was with great joy I found all the equipment for proper meal preparation. In many self-catering holiday apartments one finds the basics but not things like cheese graters, vegetable peelers, baking trays, garlic crushers, etc. I even managed to bake a batch of rolls! The welcome pack of provisions was fantastic and generous. Thanks Simpson Travel! We had lovely neighbours and shared a few meals with them. The shops had everything we needed and local tavernas were friendly and generous, with kind touches like a free Greek dessert and a shot of Raki at the end of our meal. I could go on and on but suffice to say this was a pure delight – a little piece of paradise – and I would definitely consider returning in the near future. Evie was a star – so helpful and friendly – and everyone went out of their way to make our stay memorable.

Margaret & Carly, July 2017

Spectacular location – we loved being so close to the sea! Lovely accommodation. Fabulous week, shame to go but hope to come back.

The Clements Family, July 2017

We have really enjoyed our week in Apothikes Beach Suites. The beach is lovely and great for snorkelling and how wonderful to have the sea one minute away! We did spend a lot of time on our own 'private' beach, why wouldn't you? This is a lovely spot – great to sit out and have breakfast looking at the sparkling sea. We had a great relaxing holiday and we will most definitely return!

Emma & Jonathan, June 2017

An idyllic two weeks in Apothikes Beach Suites – ours being the only one occupied. To open the door each morning onto the sparkling sea, the sun gently filtered by the tamarisk tree was always a joy. The tranquillity of the days was glorious. The local taverna is convenient, and there are many others to try. Shopping is also easy, with large supermarkets in Ierapetra and many smaller ones along the main road. We would like to thank Evie, the Simpson Travel rep, for her help and guidance and Marrilo, who kept the apartment spotless.

Pete & Gill, May 2017

What an idyllic location – so relaxing and right on the beach. Opening the window early morning and getting back in to bed with that sea breeze and sound of the lapping waves – unforgettable. Perfect place for children – our 4-year-old twin daughters enjoyed the beach here.

Sam, Evie & Gracie, May 2017