Villa Urania was in an excellent position facing onto Kouremenos beach. The views were amazing. The villa itself was spotless and in excellent condition overall. It was so easy to walk to nearby restaurants that we barely used the hire car. The guest book was a bonus as it encouraged us to walk to Palekastro and Roussolakkus and take the car to Toplou monastery and Vai beach. Claire the rep was very knowledgeable and helpful - great to have that level of service on holiday. Only negative for us was that we found the pool too cold to use - mainly because the weather changed while we were there - the temperature dropped and the wind picked up. That being said it made us go out and see more than we have on any other villa holiday. This was our second Simpson holiday and looking forward to the third.

Ms Glenda Thomas October 2025

My wife and I had a really enjoyable holiday in the villa. The Villa had everything we needed for our stay, the level of fitments was good, the villa was clean and smart. The WiFi was constant and seemed to have enough bandwidth for us to have video calls. What stood out to me was the level of finish. The villa was built very well and the garden was very presentable and the walls were very well built, showing how much the owner cared for quality. Our Simpson Rep Claire was very friendly and couldn’t do enough for us. The hire car was good and fit for purpose, the hire company they used were efficient and friendly, no issues picking up, or dropping off. I still can’t work out who had right of way at roundabouts, but no one had any issues! The welcome pack was extremely useful for the first night and well thought out, thanks Claire! I’d fully recommend the Villa and Simpson Travel.

Mr Robin Williams September 2025

Yet again the team at Simpson Travel continue to impress. From my first email enquiry and to the final booking, the process was simple , efficient and wholly effective and never pushy. Thereafter the correspondence was timely and comprehensive. The pre departure assistance was similarly excellent. The villa was as expected, furnished to a high standard, set in a wonderful location and with all the facilities we could want for and perfectly maintained (daily for the pool and gardens). The access to/from the small complex was very secure yet not surrounded by an unattractive fence line . The beach was very clean and picturesque, clean water and a pleasure to swim there. The daily show of watching the windsurfers, wind-foilers and kite surfers always kept us engaged and entertained. The local bars and restaurants that were recommended all lived up to their listing, many we visited more than once. Although it was expected by us, due to reading about the location and exploring local area websites, but I feel the winds are worth a mention on your website, so that future guests know what to expect. As mentioned not a problem for us. Claire Andrews, our poc in Crete was extremely pleasant, knowledgeable and accommodating, and always swiftly assisted us whenever we called or text her. Looking forward to holidaying again with Simpson Travel. Thank you

Mr Adam Bartholomew August 2025

Simpson Travel has done it again. I first used Simpson Travel for my summer holiday to Ithaca in June 2024. I booked again with them this year to Crete. I had high expectations from my experience in June 24, they did not disappoint. Superb service and excellent holiday.

Miss Catherine Hall July 2025

What a wonderful place to spend our honeymoon! First night we experienced a 6.1 mag earthquake! at 1:15am – We thought the bed was possessed! Quite exciting in retrospect – dare I say! Watching the sunrise on Kouremenos beach with a cup of tea & sat on our beach towels was amazing – just beautiful. Claire – thank you for all you do!

Thomasina and James May 2025

Excellent on site service & attention to detail in every way

Mr Neil Garlick April 2025

Our third visit to Urania, felt like coming home. We love the area as it is so quiet and non commercial, would not suit everyone but perfect for us. We enjoy being able to walk to the local restaurants and walked to Paleokastro. We will be back.

Mrs Deborah James September 2024

A wonderful villa in a very peaceful spot. The villa was spotless, as were the outside areas. There are some lovely local tavernas nearby. Claire was fantastic throughout. Our first time using Simpsons, very impressed.

Miss Kirsty Thompson August 2024

This was our first holiday with Simpson Travel which proved to be a wonderful all round experience. Collection/return of our hire car was extremely smooth and directions to the villa were easy to understand and accurate. The standard of the villa as we hoped was first class and its location was stunning. We self catered every meal and access to buy our provisions locally was fine. Claire checked regularly that we were okay and paid us a visit. This won't be our last booking with Simpson's. Thank you for a lovely holiday.

Mr Kevin Woolnough July 2024

After many years of holidays with Simpsons this is one of the best villas in one of the best locations we've experienced.

Mrs Fiona Bolton July 2024

We thoroughly enjoyed our week at Urania, the location, villa and local tavernas were just perfect... despite 42 degrees of heat for 3 days we kept cool and safe thanks to fab air conditioning in the villa and the car... plus of course our own private pool...we will return !!

Ms Janette Harris June 2024

Muses Villas are in such an idyllic peaceful location - a mountain to one side, the beach in front and your own private pool. Walking distance to some superb tavernas - all just perfect for a quiet relaxing holiday. Beautiful clean villa and nice garden.

Mrs Deborah James September 2023

Travelling with Simpson Travel makes holidaying much simpler and more enjoyable. The service provided is outstanding. I enjoyed every moment of my holiday in East Crete.

Ms Amber Djemal August 2023

Beautiful villa, fantastic view out to sea. Claire, the Simpson rep, was really helpful and booked restaurants for us. The owners of the villas are polite and unobtrusive. We had a really relaxing stay, sad to go home, but really happy with the service Simpson Travel gave us.

Anne-Marie and Andy August 2023

Excellent situation combining garden, pool, beach, relative seclusion…and of course a stiff breeze. Claire was on hand to resolve a minor crisis – ours – not related to the property. We opted for lying around and enjoying the view, bars and weather. There can be little better than falling asleep to the sound of the waves crashing and sucking back to the sea. We did drop into Sitia, but the beach here is much nicer! The locals have been welcoming and the bar prices are better than at home. The lawns here are better than mine at home too – astonishing in this otherwise lunar landscape. We were fortunate in that our stay co-incided with the supermoon. Hats off to Simpson for another superb property!

Robert and Kerry – Urania August 2023

What an amazing spot, a virtually private beach. Already booked for next year!

Helen and Sue July 2023

We have enjoyed the peace and comfort of the villa and we didn’t go far as we visited all the hot spots in Crete on previous holidays. Swam every morning in the next bay – so beautiful, calm and sandy.

Susan and Philip June 2023

We had a lovely week – absolute relaxation. Breakfast on the terrace watching the view was one of our favourite times of day – followed by coffee at the beach bar a few minutes’ walk down the beach. There’s a lovely bakery in Palekastro which is good. We ate out every night and Claire recommended some super restaurants. Lovely drives to Toplou Monastery, Kato Zakros and Xerokambos. Great to watch the windsurfers.

Alan & Rachel June 2023

Our trip was well up to the standard we've come to expect from Simpson. Our second visit to the Muses villas and although the weather was below par we really enjoyed the peace and the amazing access to an amazing beach. Great choice of easily walkable tavernas. Villa owner and his staff most welcoming and helpful.

Philip Carter May 2023

Our villa in Crete was absolute luxury. Our local rep, Claire was amazingly helpful and friendly. We had the added complication of being ill whilst away and Claire was brilliant. I don't know how we would have managed if we hadn't booked with Simpson Travel. Thank you so much.

Mary Bray October 2022

The location was stunning, fantastic views, peaceful. Comfortable, well equipped villa for two. Excellent taverna’s, all serving the best food I’ve had in Greece within walking distance. Our first time with Simpson, won’t be our last. Everything was exactly as described, the pictures were honest, didn't make things look bigger than they were. Fantastic location, lovely clean villa and so good to be able to walk to such excellent restaurants.

Deborah James September 2022

Beach side position is fantastic, the Simpson rep was outstanding - thank you Claire.

Anne Howes August 2022

The location and standard of Urania (Muses Villas) was outstanding. We loved everything about our holiday and thank Simpsons for providing such an enjoyable holiday.

Amber Djemal August 2022

Our third visit, just like coming home! Great to be back after the Covid hiatus. Our thanks to Maria, Konstantina and Kostas for all their help.

Sue and Brian June 2022

Breathtaking, stunning, awesome, these are words that we would use when describing our holidays at Muses Villas, Urania. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Palaikastro. The villa was extremely well equipped and is located in a very quiet region, close to the see. Yet, the village and some lovely restaurants are within walking distance. We believe May is an ideal period. We've been in the area in June, July and September but in May everything is so fresh and the temperatures are excellent, especially when one likes to hike. Great experience!

Karl Moeremans May 2022

Back again, 3 years later and just as beautiful peaceful and relaxing!Simon and Hilary, Mary 2022 Urania was very comfortable and had an excellent position – quiet and with beautiful views. We had everything we could have wanted and the owners, Maria and Manolis, were exceptionally kind – fresh figs every morning and a special visit when there was an electricity power cut one morning. The enhanced welcome pack made settling in very easy and we really could relax as soon as we arrived. This area of Crete seemed particularly safe re Covid-19 with shopkeepers and restaurant owners very conscientious about mask wearing, etc. and yet remarkably friendly. Food was good and the wines – particularly the local Toplou – were a revelation.

Catherine Sims September 2020

We will return to this amazing location. Great support throughout from Simpson staff.

Brian & Graciela August 2019

This is the first time we have used Simpson Travel and have been very impressed with the quality of service we received. From the time of booking to the efficiency of the staff in taking the hassle out of all the small details such as meet and greet at the airport, car handover, quality of accommodation, welcome pack. My wife was impressed by the gorgeous white towels which smelled so fresh and were changed twice weekly along with the bedding. A 5-star holiday.

T & T June 2019

Fantastic place, worth the drive and the villa and surroundings absolutely amazing, very natural and we really enjoyed the wildlife.

Mr & Mrs Kelly June 2019

We love the peace and tranquility at Muses with only the sounds of nature to be heard. The daily activity of the sheep passing by with their clanging bells and the dipping ‘sand martins’ in the pool are delightful distractions. The night sky is worth seeing on a clear night. The villa is very practical and easy to operate. The charming Marian has the answer to any questions that may arise. We very much hope to return.

Tim & Jennifer May 2019

Fantastic place, worth the drive and the villa and surroundings were absolutely amazing, very natural and we really enjoyed the wildlife. Marion was brilliant, she couldn't do enough for us but still respected our privacy.

Mr & Mrs Kelly May 2019

We came here for a quiet, peaceful and relaxing week’s holiday and weren’t disappointed. What a location and stunning views – unspoilt and very natural. Plenty of wildlife to watch. Everybody has been very friendly and helpful. Look forward to returning soon.

Simon & Hilary May 2019

We will definitely use Simpson Travel again – you have created a really special product. Thank you.

Mrs Bartram October 2018

Another excellent villa and location for our Simpson Travel holiday this September. Urania is comfortable and well equipped and looks out over the beach to the sea, what more could you want? The local town Palekastro was great for shops and restaurants and very friendly, we liked it a lot. Many places to visit in the area, if you can drag yourself away from the pool/beach, so opportunities for interesting drives and experiences are in abundance. We had only a week so spent most of our time relaxing and limited ourselves to one trip to Vai/Itanos and Kato Zakros. Sitia Archaeological Museum is worth a trip on the way home. Excellent museum and interesting town.

Sue & Leslie September 2018

We had a great time at Muses Beach Villas. It is a very interesting place – a deserted moon-like landscape, fantastic quiet beaches with the best clear water for swimming we have ever experienced in the Mediterranean. There are lovely tavernas that make you feel very welcome and serve real homemade food.

Mrs Honour August 2018

Urania is the perfect spot for a relaxing recharge. Everything was thought through and resulted in an excellent week’s holiday. The attention to detail was truly refreshing.

Sarah Hayman June 2018

We so enjoyed our stay at Urania. Marian, the Simpson Travel representative, was so informative and helpful, and the welcome tray of provisions was well planned. We used the local geological map from the house and enjoyed visits to Vai, Sitia and the Toplou Monastery. We particularly liked the walk from Zakros through the Gorge of the Dead to the beach. This is a lovely unspoilt corner of Crete. The villa is well designed and furnished and we look forward to a return visit.

Claire & Neil May 2018

Returning to Crete after an absence of many years was an absolute joy and this area has so much to offer – not least the friendliness and hospitality of the local people. It was very much the Crete I remembered, maintaining aspects of a traditional lifestyle whilst largely unencumbered by some of the less attractive parts of modern tourism. It was a great pleasure to meet and talk to Marian, the Simpson Travel representative. Urania is comfortable, very well maintained and has superb views from the terrace. The gentle sounds of sheep bells and the lapping sea make it very special.

Jill May 2018

This was out third visit to Muses Villas. It is a wonderful location in a beautiful unspoilt area. There are lots of places to visit – Toplou, Kato Zakros and gorges as well as good tavernas. Marian, our Simpson Travel representative, couldn’t have been more helpful and charming.

Karin & Rod May 2018

Returning to Palekastro after 15 years, we remembered why we had liked it so much. Urania is in a wonderful situation. After a 3am start the welcome pack was a life saver and Evie, the rep, delightful.

Mr Clarke October 2017

A splendid week of unwinding, relaxing and getting used to doing almost nothing. Congratulations to Simpson Travel for super attention to detail everywhere. A splendid villa. Evie has been wonderful: knowledgeable, competent, very helpful and totally charming! Local tavernas have all been excellent. It is hard to categorise them – all those we tried had good food at reasonable prices and very friendly owners/staff. We have no hesitation in recommending this villa. We particularly loved the uninterrupted view of the sea.

Ian & Dominique September 2017

Wow, what an amazing week! We were hoping for a relaxing, romantic, peaceful and sun-kissed week and that is exactly what we got and more. Evie was incredibly kind and helpful. Do ask her if you have any questions – she recommended some great beaches and restaurants. We have spent most of the week based at the villa reading by the pool and early evening on the unspoiled beach in front watching the windsurfers as the sun goes down. We will desperately miss the calm of this beautiful place and are sure to be back. Enjoy every minute!

Hen & Sam August 2017

After travelling all around Crete for the first three weeks of our holiday it was wonderful to arrive here at Urania and settle in to two weeks of pure bliss! The standard of the villa is excellent and the staff are lovely and maintain a very high standard throughout our stay. Evie is very sweet and very helpful. It was very pleasant to eat in and watch the sunset. We would like to think that one day we will return.

Jill & Neil August 2017

Urania at Kouremenos Beach was exactly what we needed. A beautiful, unspoilt setting and close enough to hear the sea when you opened the doors. Having the luxury of our own private pool as well as a beautiful beach was incredible. Haven't felt so relaxed in years. With everything you needed at walking distance or a very short drive, it allowed us to fully relax and enjoy every minute. We wish we were still there!

Mrs Beadle August 2017

After four consecutive years with Simpson Travel we have high expectations and your service is always very good.

Mr Tripp July 2017

Having exerted ourselves on a week's sailing in Croatia in June, we were looking forward to a 'chill out' in Crete – dipping in and out of the pool, reading books and engaging the hospitality of local tavernas. We were not disappointed! This location met our expectations in full! Congratulations to Simpson Travel for finding another delightful group of villas in Crete.

Brian July 2017