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- Friendly family-run hotel
- Beautiful beachfront location
- Tavernas and shops 5min walk
- Unspoilt area ideal for walking
- Sea view rooms exclusive to Simpson Travel
Nestling by the Libyan Sea in the southeast corner of Crete is Makrigialos, home to the Artemis Hotel, a small, family-run establishment of just 30 rooms. Fronting a glorious sandy beach which shelves gently around the bay for half a mile or so, it’s a modest place, not for those seeking a high-end luxury resort, but the unique location offers access to a hidden Crete that so many visitors never see and countless opportunities for discovering a different side of this great island that's every bit as compelling as the tourist trails further west. For a glimpse of this extraordinary landscape, please view our Hidden Crete video.
The local area is largely focussed on agriculture, yielding an astonishing array of products; consequently tourism has less prominence here and once you turn off the main thoroughfare that runs along by the sea, a different world unfolds. Time has stood still and delightful small tavernas lie at the heart of the hillside villages with rural prices to match, and though the food may take a little longer to prepare, it’s freshly cooked and more than worth the wait.
The jewel in the crown is Pefki, where Piperia Restaurant is renowned for being one of the best for traditional Cretan fare. The proud owner Fanis uses only local ingredients – wild greens, artichokes, pomegranates, mushrooms – all collected on the nearby hillsides at different times of the year. The energetic will walk up the Pefki Gorge from Makrigialos to get there; more measured souls take a taxi and step out for the spectacular journey back down. Either way a visit is essential to experience Cretan hospitality at its very best; unhurried, unpretentious and utterly delicious.
The area is a walker’s paradise and there are many lesser-known archaeological sites too, including the impressive Moni Kapsa monastery, just a 10-minute drive from Makrigialos. Or, if you fancy travelling further afield, it's possible to rent a car for a couple of days to head further east and explore Xerokambos, Kato Zakros and Kouremenos.
At the hotel itself, you are guaranteed a warm welcome from Maria, the owner’s daughter, whose infectious passion for philoxenia shines through in everything she does. For Simpson Travel guests we have reserved eight rooms in the hotel – the Beach Collection and the Palm Tree Collection. Situated on the ground and first floors respectively, they are comfortable and cool, all with balconies or terraces overlooking the sea. The four Beach Collection rooms are larger and have their own loungers on the lawn beyond their terraces with steps leading directly down to the sea; the balconies of the first floor rooms offer a little more privacy with uninterrupted views across the bay. A lovely beachfront dining area with multicoloured tables is set out under a canopy of almiriki trees; served by the hotel restaurant it offers all the familiar Greek specialities and is celebrated locally as one of the best traditional eateries in the village.
Further bars and tavernas are a short stroll along the sand and though the hotel beach is a real draw, those in search of more solitary shores should head for Diaskari, just a 15-minute stroll away. Here, it feels wild and undiscovered (notwithstanding the excellent taverna at its entrance) and further along the coast again, a number of small, deserted beaches are scarcely visited, even in the height of summer.
For those interested in discovering an authentic taste of island life from a time gone by, Artemis couldn’t be better placed. As the history of this special spot begins to weave its way into your heart, its unpolished edges only begin to add to the appeal. Equally, the rooms are an excellent choice for anyone who values warm, attentive service, value for money and a magnificent stretch of sandy coastline for a week to drop and flop.
Explore Hidden Crete
If you’re keen to see more of Hidden Crete, we are happy to arrange bespoke itineraries in May and October, combining a stay at our Simpson Collection @ Artemis Hotel with our other hotel in the east of the island, Mochlos Blue. Please call our Destination Specialists for further information.
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
Palm Tree Collection
- Set within 30-room Artemis Hotel
- Four first-floor rooms with balconies overlooking the sea (25m2)
Beach Collection
- Set within 30-room Artemis Hotel
- Four ground-floor rooms with small terrace and beach sunbeds for exclusive use overlooking the sea (35m2)
Layout
- Kitchenette with fridge and kettle (no cooking facilities)
- Beach Collection: 1 double bed (160cm) and 1 single bed, made up as a sofa when not required as a bed
- Palm Tree Collection: 180cm bed that can be made as twins on request
- En-suite shower room with basin and WC
- Accessed by one flight of steps
General
- Complimentary WiFi
- Air-conditioned throughout
- Iron, ironing board, hair dryer, bath and beach towels provided
- Beachfront restaurant with shaded dining area
- Terrace bar and breakfast area
- Daily cleaning
- Parking space
- Bike hire from hotel
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): 1040K032A0087900
Location
- Located on the beach in Makrigialos
- Shops and supermarket 5min walk
- Skippered boat hire 15min walk
- Ierapatra 30min drive
- Sitia town and local airport 35min drive
- Xerokambos 1hr drive
- Heraklion airport 1hr 30min 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 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 – Hyundai i30 or similar, 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.
Thank you for a wonderful week in the sun. We loved every moment of it.
Our holiday was made particularly special by Jonathan and Myriam Peat who who made us feel very welcome and were so knowledgeable about the locality. They led us on some wonderful walks around the area...and to some fantastic tavernas! We will definitely want to come on one of their walking tours again and will recommend others to do the same.
Amazing walking week with Jonathan and Myriam. A well planned and organised trip which was interesting and totally enjoyable - with the added benefits of good accommodation (Artemis), delicious food and a very friendly group of fellow walkers. Myriam set the standard for future picnics! Jonathan’s knowledge of Crete, its geography, history, flora and fauna is encyclopaedic. They are a brilliant team and a huge asset to any walking tour.
We found all the staff most helpful and friendly throughout our stay. Similarly the rep was highly professional and very keen to be helpful and ensure we had all the information we required. The standard of food was superb and the whole team did everything they could to make our stay relaxed and special for us. Every aspect of the service was highly professional and delivered with care and warmth.
Our first Simpson holiday to Crete was excellent and we will definitely be using them again. Their attention to detail at every stage of the travel and stay was amazing. Their staff were friendly, available when needed but never intrusive and the hotel and venue were delightful and exactly as described.
We had an enjoyable stay at the Artemis Hotel, the lovely staff, the closeness to the beach, choice of local restaurants and Simpsons attention to detail made it a relaxed and comfortable break. We love the extra mile that Simpsons go to, to ensure their customers are happy.
We had a wonderful and relaxing stay at Artemis hotel. Simpsons and the hotel exceed our expectations in service, friendliness and organisation.
A hugely enjoyable holiday. We felt well looked after by Simpson Travel and the hotel was very comfortable with efficient and friendly staff and brilliantly located on a lovely beach and within easy walking distance of the village.
Very enjoyable stay at the Artemis hotel. Olympia was a delightful and very helpful representative.
Our 2 week experience at the Artemis was exceptional. Could not fault any aspect. Lovely hotel staff especially Eva, Julian & Maria. Olympia was so helpful & always available. The food in the restaurant for lunch & dinner was great. It is so relaxing with everything taken of it was the perfect escape.
We would like to compliment your representative Olympia also all staff at the hotel for brilliant service and care. A special acknowledgment of brilliant service given by our beach waiter Julian. He deserves recognition for the future .
We stayed at the Artemis hotel in Crete, a family run hotel. It was everything we hoped for, fabulous beach location, the most friendly and accommodating staff. Always smiling, polite and would do anything for you .The food at the restaurant was quite delicious. Marie is a fabulous chef. Her fiancé Julian was on hand throughout our holiday serving us drinks and snacks on the beach, always with a smile and a chat. We ate every night under the lighted trees... tables overlooking the beach. Our room was on the first floor which we loved. It gave us more privacy to sit on our balcony and watch the sun go down. The room was spotless and the beds large and comfortable. The beach was sandy and the sea glorious. We are already planning a return trip next year. If you want a week of relaxing and being spoilt this is for you. Olympia our rep was so lovely and helpful and was always there to help.
We had a very enjoyable stay at The Artemis Hotel. Maria and her staff were excellent and Olympia the concierge was amazing. The food was superb and it was impossible to leave the table feeling hungry!
We loved it so much last year we came back again this year - planning another visit in 2025!
We enjoyed our stay at the Artemis Hotel, the staff were extremely friendly and helpful and we liked the fact that it was a family run hotel which made it feel much more personal. It was lovely to be right on the beach (a nice sandy beach too). The room was very clean and comfortable. We didn’t hire a car and the walk into the local village is about 15 mins. Some very nice places to eat there. The hotel is not for you if you like luxury with loads of facilities (there is no pool or spa) but as a place to relax and chill out it was perfect. The hotel restaurant is also very good
We had a wonderful holiday with Simpson Travel at the Palm Tree Suites. The room and hotel exceeded our expectations. The hotel was in a fabulous location on the beachfront with plenty of local tavernas a short walk away. Maria and her staff were brilliant hosts and Olympia the concierge was amazing.
Very enjoyable week. The location next to the beach is perfect. Hotel facilities and staff great. Nobody could do enough for you! Hotel restaurant was good food and good value. Didn’t venture far but the port and tavernas were also excellent. Will definitely ‘be back’!
The Artemis Hotel made for a delightful stay on one of the best beaches in the area. Maria and her team provided a very friendly and efficient service, always with a smile. Thanks to them all. We enjoyed being able to walk to a great selection of restaurants. Enjoyed travelling around including Xerokambos and Ierapetra Old Town. Thanks also to Olympia for looking after us and her suggestions of places to see and eat.
What can be better than staying in a hotel on the beach rolling out of bed onto a beach bed with waiter service for drinks?
The venue was excellent, right on a sandy beach set in lovely gardens. The staff were fabulous, and the hotel was not too busy. Very relaxing. Aim to return.
We loved everything and everyone at the Artemis and can’t wait to return next year.
Recommend the walk up to Pefki village and a good lunch at Piperia restaurant, excellent views. Highlight was visiting Kato Zakros – walking down through the gorge to a lovely beach, Minoan ruins and lunch. The drive over the mountains is stunning if a little terrifying with hairpin bends, but beautiful unspoiled country. Loved the hotel, nothing was too much trouble.
Such a charming hotel. The staff are so friendly and welcoming. What a treat to wake up to the sound of lapping waves on the shore. We found Gusto and Diaskari beach great places to eat.
Accommodation is fully up to the standard we’ve come to expect from Simpson Travel. The staff are very welcoming and friendly. Breakfasts were excellent. We’re sad to be here too early in the season to try the restaurant. Many thanks to Maria, with such an infectious laugh, and Pepe, who brought up our luggage on arrival and looked after us so well at breakfast time. Also to Olympia for her advice on our trip up into the hills to Pefki and suggestions for some excellent waterside tavernas – we enjoyed Gusto, Petra Bay (large portions!), and Faros. All in all a lovely week which we have thoroughly enjoyed.
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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