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  • Charming Partner Hotel
  • Idyllic rural setting
  • Close to Knossos
  • Flexible stays available (minimum 3 nights)
2025 Early Bird Prices...
The majority of our 2025 holidays are now online, with early bird prices and lower deposits guaranteed until 30 November 2024. Book now, or use Advance Registration where prices are awaiting confirmation; with the planning done, the joy of anticipation can begin.

The inspiration for our delightful Partner Hotel in the verdant hills of central Crete comes from the Greek word kerasma, meaning 'to treat someone', and there’s certainly a treat in store here for anyone seeking a flavour of rural island life at its tranquil best. Yet rural tranquillity doesn’t preclude more mainstream adventures and the hotel’s proximity to Knossos and Heraklion (about 30mins by car) is a real attraction too.

Set in the foothills of Mount Psiloritis, Crete’s highest mountain, Kerasia offers mesmerising views across the rich agricultural landscape that defines the region. Overlooking a valley of olive and citrus groves interwoven with well-tended vineyards, the origins of this characterful building date back to 1770. The sympathetic 21st century restoration promises simple pleasures, tasteful décor and a wonderfully relaxing sense of harmony thanks to a restful colour palette and the careful use of natural materials. The graceful results are both beautiful and timeless, a salute to the sleepy simplicity of the rural surroundings.

Just seven suites make up this charming boutique hotel and were it not for the unobtrusive yet professional service of the owner Babis, it would be easy to imagine you’d been invited to while away the days in a private home. All bedrooms offer views of the unspoilt rolling hills and the mellow beauty of this traditional house speaks of calm and relaxation at every turn.

Days start with a traditional Cretan breakfast bursting with flavour and the freshest local ingredients, served around a large dining table in the spacious entrance hallway, or outside on the terrace if you prefer.

The pretty garden is a fragrant oasis of rosemary, jasmine and lavender with olive and pomegranate trees offering dappled pockets of shade, and a large wooden table under a canopy of vines provides a picturesque spot to enjoy a refreshing drink away from the glare of the sun.

The inviting L-shaped pool is large enough for serious swimming but there’s a glorious vantage point at one end too, for those who prefer a refreshing dip with a view. Hydromassage jets are on hand to ease away any unwanted tension and it’s hard to imagine anywhere better suited to enjoying a restful pause from the day-to-day.

Kerasia is an appealing base for walkers, with some lovely ancient trails on the doorstep, leading to magical Byzantine churches and the ancient archaeological site of Rizinia which prospered for almost 600 years from the late Minoan period to the Hellenic era. It’s excellent for cyclists too and Babis can arrange bicycle hire but whether you choose to explore on foot, by bike or in the car, you can simply take your time and discover the cultural, historical and architectural highlights of this intriguing area. The magnificent south coast beaches of Matala and Kommos, lapped by the warm Libyan Sea, are within 45-minutes' drive of the property and Kerasia's central location on Greece's largest island affords an opportunity to explore the rich diversity it has to offer.

Good to know... All Simpson Travel stays of 3 nights or more at Kerasia include a welcome dinner with wine and a private half-day guided tour of Knossos with a visit to Heraklion Archaeological Museum and lunch. Why not add a 3-night stay at Kerasia to your villa holiday? For prices, visit: 10-night holidays in Greece.


Explore our pre-bookable experiences in Crete



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.


Accommodation

Layout

  • Seven bedroom hotel 
  • Balcony Suites 25-35m2 (sleep 2)
  • Junior Suite 35m2 (sleeps 2-3)

All suites include

  • Traditional Cretan breakfast daily
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Satellite TV/Radio
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Refrigerator
  • Safe 
  • Hairdryer

All stays of 3 nights or more include:

  • Welcome dinner with wine
  • Private half-day guided tour of Knossos, visit to Heraklion Archaeological Museum and lunch (transfers are not included; self-drive or taxi required)

General

  • Reception and breakfast area
  • Evening meals available on request (payable locally)
  • Garden and courtyard
  • Swimming pool with hydromassage jets
  • Simpson pool towels
  • Sun beds
  • Laundry service (payable locally)
  • Transfer service (payable locally)
  • Parking

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): 1039K060B2949401

 


Location

  • Venerato shops and taverna 5min drive/20min walk 
  • Knossos 30min drive
  • Heraklion airport 30min drive
  • Agia Pelagia Beach 40min drive
  • Matala Beach (south coast) 45min drive

Car hire

Car options

Based on the number of people travelling, the following hire car(s) are included in the package price of your holiday:

  • 2 - 3 guests – 1 Group C2, Fiat Grande Punto 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 – 1.4 litre engine, 2 large suitcases

Group CA – Automatic Fiat Grande Punto or similar, 1.2-1.4 litre engine, 1 large suitcase*

Group D3 – Skoda Octavia or similar, 1.4 - 2.0 litre engine, 3 large suitcases*

Group DA3 – Automatic Seat Toledo or similar, 1.4 - 2.0 litre engine, 3 large suitcase*

Group L2 – Skoda Yeti or similar, 2.0 litre engine, 3 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.

Beautiful location and villa, exactly as described. Babis, the host was very friendly and informative and made our stay extremely enjoyable. Vasilis, the Simpsons rep, also did everything possible to make our holiday successful. All in all, a truly enjoyable holiday experience.

Timothy Mann, August 2024

Kerasia - a place we will return to. Babis and Maria superb hosts who created a great atmosphere where we genuinely felt we were personal guests in their home. Our room was lovely, food superb and again scenery just breathtaking. We met many nationalities and had a fantastic dinner with two couples from France who were hilarious - some great memories. Our trip to Knossos can only be described as incredible. Vasilis organised everything for us including our personal guide Manolis that not only knew everything about the Minoans but everyone in Heraklion as he walked us through the town to our lunch spot - I am sure we only moved a couple of paces before he was chatting to friends and family. We will definitely be returning to Crete maybe heading further West or East.

Tracy and Charles, September 2023

Kerasia was a wonderful location within reach of the south coast and Heraklion.

Christopher Woodhead, May 2023

Excellent. An authentic taste of Crete in the lap of luxury. A beautiful and quiet location. Babis, the proprietor, was amazing; always attentive and helpful.

Gareth Evans, May 2022

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.

Grading

Property Grading Key:

  • 5/5

    Excellent

  • 4/5

    Very good

  • 3/5

    Good

Close
  • Location

    4/5

    Position, view, serenity, privacy

  • Comfort

    4/5

    Space, style, overall furnishings

  • Facilities*

    4/5

    Property enhancements

  • Amenities*

    4/5

    Proximity to beaches, restaurants and shops

* For further clarification on Facilities and Amenities, please view the 'Details' tab for each property or speak to one of our experienced sales consultants.

As the birthplace of Zeus, Central Crete carries a certain historic and spiritual gravitas. Knossos, the Minoan Bronze Age palace, steals the show, but there are many other smaller archaeological sites, churches and towns to cast you back in time. However, with harbourside dining, beautiful beaches, mountain villages and vibrant summer festivals, the here and now also has a lot to offer. And Rethymno, which has clung on to much of its authentic beauty and charm, is a welcome addition to your island experience.

Visit our collection of handpicked villas and hotels in Rethymno and Central Crete to create the perfect starting point for your holiday. 

 

Read more on our Crete region page


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