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GK Beach Hotel in Crete with Simpson Travel

Mini travellers.

Updated on: 16th February 2024

Right at the end of the Summer we booked a last minute trip to GK Beach Hotel in Crete with Simpson Travel . It was booked because we needed a week of rest and relaxation and if that’s what you’re after then this place definitely fits the bill.

NB: We paid for our flights but were hosted by Simpson Travel in Crete.

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The view from the balcony was of the crystal blue sea, the swimming pool and the on site bar. What more do you need. You can also check out our video of the week at the bottom of the post!

The first thing you realise when you book a trip with Simpson Travel , particularly to a hotel like this is that you don’t have to do anything. You call the office and pay the bill and everything is sorted, from flights being booked, to your flights being checked in, to car hire or taxis arranging. Even booster seats are arranged without you having to think about it. It was one thing that everyone around the pool said about booking with Simpson Travel . It was so easy, you literally pay your money and turn up to the airport.

Whilst the GK Beach Hotel and restaurant has a planned refurbishment for 2019 we thought the rooms were very clean fresh and smart. As a family of 5 we had rooms 3m and 4m which had a connecting balcony. The room felt newly decorated with a clean small kitchenette and newly fitted bathroom. With children aged 7 and 6 we didn’t want them to sleep in the connecting room on their own due to the beachfront location, but we enjoyed putting them to sleep in one room whilst we sat on the balcony and enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine, moving them when we went to sleep.

If you’re a family of 4 you would usually share a suite which has a double bedroom, bathroom and a lounge area with kitchenette, sofa and space for two camp beds. The suites allow children up to 13 to sleep on the camp bed in the lounge and after that additional rooms would need to be booked.

If you’re traveling as a family of 4 with children the same ages as ours I’d recommend you book rooms 1-6 as those rooms are on the ground floor, look out onto the swimming pool and would be brilliant for using to pop back to whilst the kids are in the pool (the toilet for the pool is round the back of the hotel out of sight of the pool so with younger children rooms 1-6 are a godsend).  You can see how close the downstairs rooms are to the pool on the photo above.

The location of GK Beach hotel with the pool and the sea within 25m of each other means it’s perfect for families who find that after 10 minutes one of the children wants to leave the beach and go back to the pool. I also found it lovely for a late afternoon time out, when I crept off to the beach to enjoy some time in the shade and the breeze whilst Matt supervised pool time (or more likely enjoyed a beer at the bar with some of the other Dads).

GK Beach hotel may not be as luxurious as some of the other Simpson Travel properties we have stayed at and it doesn’t profess to be, but the atmosphere around the pool echoed that we experienced at Mousses in Lefkas and the Kalkan Regency, in Turkey . Like minded people in a small hotel around a pool. It’s actually all the kids really need to have fun, yet small hotels like this can be really hard to find.

What I love most about these sort of small hotels Simpson Travel find is the fabulous community atmosphere that is created. Throughout the week guests shared restaurant recommendations, top tips on trips to Chania and often beers and cocktails too. Some evenings the cocktails around the pool led to evenings when the kids left the pool so late that we couldn’t be bothered to get dressed, and it was all we could do to move the few paces from bar stools to table and eat there.

The kids relationships grew and grew through the week culminating in a full day of activity on the last day, ten kids in the pool all taking part in various challenges led by the older kids. There was so much laughter it was infectious.

The kids left exchanging phone number and postal addresses like I recall doing on holidays of old. The only difference being that the numbers exchanged could be used to contact each other on mum or dads what’s app and they also asked to exchange our email addresses too. Best friends that they want to remain in touch with, such was the bond created that week.

Nowhere is 100% perfect of course, and there were some small niggles expressed by a few guests during the week – the drinks service round the pool was sporadic and sadly didn’t extend to the beach, and the bar staff were a little abrupt when requesting signatures or enforcing the ‘no snacks by the pool’ rule! This could have been simply a language barrier of course, but at times they could have been gentler. I have to say I loved the fresh fruit and yoghurt served during the (included) breakfast every day, but the optional lunches and dinners were a little disappointing, particularly for the price. The next-door restaurant — Al My, which we discovered on the day before we flew home — was a lot cheaper and had wonderfully tasty and nicely presented food. Definitely a place to check out for food earlier in the week if you’re visiting.

We also took advantage of the supermarket which is less than ten minutes away and made lunches of cold meat, feta cheese and bread on the balcony. It made for a perfect lunch and it was also useful to keep the kids out of the sun for an hour or so. The kitchenette, with fridge, ketttle, and a small stove  was definitely a useful addition to the rooms for this – oh and for the evening wine.

A visit to GK Beach Hotel would not be complete without a trip to Chania. Chania is a lovely harbour town with quirky back street tavernas, and port side restaurants with a sunset view. It takes 25 minutes in a taxi and costs €25, or you can actually get the bus which takes 35 minutes and stops outside the supermarket for €2.50 for anyone over 5. Just be warned that if you are using the bus, it is only a small bus (albeit with seatbelts and air con) and could be full when it gets to supermarket as it starts at the top of Kalyves.

The evening we spent in Chania was perfect. We shopped, ate ice cream by the harbour and drank wine whilst watching the sunset. We even bumped into another family from the GK Beach Hotel and had a wonderful dinner at Salis with the five girls sitting on one table and the four of us on another. The food at Salis was very very good indeed and combined with the company and its harbour side location was one of our favourite evenings of the week.

Other restaurants in Kalyves that we tried and liked near the hotel were

Koumos perhaps being our favourite due to the fascinating way the place has been created. Do check out the tripadvisor reviews.

Overall we loved our week at GK Beach, it was a fabulously relaxing week and the location was spot on – why not check out our video and you can see how much fun we had!

Why not PIN this post about GK Beach Hotel in Crete with Simpson Travel

Karen Beddow founded Mini Travellers in 2014 while doing what she loves most...going on holiday!

Mini Travellers is for parents looking for holiday ideas, destination reviews, days out and things to do with the kids. We also have family travel tips, activity ideas and all other things family holiday related. Take a look at some of our latest reviews for holidays and day trips in the UK.

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3 thoughts on “GK Beach Hotel in Crete with Simpson Travel”

Sounds like a great hotel. We visited Crete earlier this year and really enjoyed the Chania area. I recall Simpson Travel having a great selection of hotels and villas from my travel agent days, it sounds as though they’re still thriving which is great!

This sounds like a very relaxing place to stay – i always love spending time in Greece!

This beach hotel looks so stunning. Love your shots too. It looks like you have had tons of fun with you family. Your kids look so adorable. What a nice share 🙂

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Greece's Largest Island Is Packed With Ancient History, Gorgeous Resorts, and a Stunning Pink-sand Beach

Get ready for plenty of fun in the Grecian sun.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Cities to visit, best things to do, best beaches, best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Crete, Greece's largest island, clocks in at more than 3,000 square miles and offers plenty of ancient history, incredible food, and natural beauty to explore. But you don't have to take my word for just how special Crete is. 

"I often describe Crete as a compact, island version of California. We have surfing and backcountry skiing in winter. In summer, we have canyon hiking, mountaineering, and, my personal favorite, hidden beaches only accessible by boat. And the shoulder seasons are — chef's kiss — perfection," Anastasia Sotiropulos, a tour guide based in Chania, Crete, shared. "The real treasure of Crete, though, are the people. The farmers, cheesemakers, fishmongers, artists, restaurateurs, winemakers, musicians, and homemakers create unique experiences for those lucky enough to visit this incredible island." 

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Stay at a hotel with stunning Mediterranean views, like Elounda Bay Palace or Domes of Elounda. 
• Explore the ancient Palace of Knossos. 
• Catch some sun on Elafonissi Beach, one of the world’s most beautiful pink-sand beaches. 
• Wander the streets of Chania’s Old Town to admire Venetian, Turkish, and Greek architecture. 
• Visit during the shoulder season to avoid the hottest temperatures and largest crowds.

Ready to start exploring for yourself? Here's everything you need to know to plan a trip to Crete.

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Elounda Bay Palace

This luxury hotel has long been beloved for its mix of elegance and charm. The rooms and suites here open up to sweeping views of the azure Mediterranean waters, and the hotel's private beaches ensure you can always find a chair (and an umbrella). Make an appointment at the Chenot Spa, which offers massages, facials, and body treatments using science-forward ingredients and techniques. 

Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection

Looking to stretch out? Domes of Elounda is the place to be. Known for its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the historic island of Spinalonga, the resort is home to just suites and villas, which open to fantastic patios with private plunge pools. Yes, this hotel comes with its own spa, but guests can also indulge in an in-room treatment to truly never lift a finger. 

Courtesy of Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

Blue Palace

Blue Palace was named a Travel + Leisure reader favorite in the 2023 World's Best Awards , and in 2024, it's getting a whole new look. The renowned hotel is reopening as a modernist boutique hotel with just 47 bungalows and suites, all with brand-new interiors and some with private plunge pools. But even if you don't book a room with a pool, that's okay, as the hotel sits just steps from the beach anyway. 

Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa

Find yourself in a 17th-century Venetian mansion-turned-boutique hotel at Casa Delfino . The hotel, located in the heart of Chania's Old Town, allows travelers to stay amid the action while also offering a retreat-worthy rooftop garden that comes with sweeping views of the sea. It's a perfect place for families thanks to its one and two-bedroom suites. 

A visit to Chania's Old Town is a must, thanks to its charming Venetian, Turkish, and Greek architecture. To make the most of your time in Old Town, book a tour with a guide who can show you all the best sights and all the prime spots to get a great meal. 

Get in a little more Venetian architecture at Rethymno Old Town , one of the best-preserved historical districts in Crete. The city is built around the Venetian fortress, which provides fantastic panoramic views from its hilltop location. Don't skip the artisan shops where you can find the perfect souvenir. 

No visit to Crete is complete without a visit to its capital, Heraklion . Here, visitors can check out numerous historic sites, the Archaeological Museum mentioned below, and all the city's bustling markets, cafes, and bars. And as a bonus, the Palace of Knossos is just a short drive away. 

Elisanth_/Getty Images

Explore the Palace of Knossos.

Dive into more than 4,000 years of Greek history at the Palace of Knossos , Crete's most iconic archaeological site. The ancient complex is absolutely massive, and it comes with a gorgeous view of the sea thanks to its position high on the hill. "Crete's most famous archaeological site is the great Minoan Palace of Knossos, the oldest, largest, and most elaborate of these sites," Peter Sommer of Peter Sommer Travels , shared. "In its wide courts, shaded colonnades, and intricate arrangements of room after room, floor after floor, one can really come to grips with a civilization from far back in the Bronze Age, and grapple with questions that are still hotly debated – what did these palaces look like, what were they for, who lived in them, and how did they function?"

Hike the Samaria Gorge.

Outdoor lovers will adore spending a day hiking through the Samaria Gorge, a lengthy hike through Crete's White Mountains. The hike stretches on for nearly 10 miles through ancient cypress and pine forests and the abandoned village of Samaria before ending at the sea. However, the most famous part of the hike has to be the "Gates," where the gorge is just 13 feet apart but is more than 1,500 feet high. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time if you plan to hike the entire trail. The park's official site estimates that it takes about five hours to complete the journey. 

David C Tomlinson/Getty Images

Visit the Old Venetian Harbor of Chania.

Take a stroll through the Old Venetian Harbor of Chania and take in all the colors of Greece. Travelers can walk past homes and buildings showcasing Crete's unique melding of history, including all its Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences. Shop in its boutiques, grab a frappe in a cafe, view the massive fortress, and dine on plenty of fresh ingredients (hello, Greek salads) at its waterfront restaurants. Just make sure to have your camera ready, as its colorful buildings make for the perfect Instagram backdrop. 

Learn something new at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Get an even deeper education on the island's history with a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum , which houses the world's most comprehensive collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilization. Its most famous exhibit is the Phaistos Disc, a clay disc sporting more than 240 symbols that is said to be more than 3,000 years old. As the museum notes, "experts have not yet a definitive conclusion of the contents of the inscription," so maybe you can uncover what it all means during your visit.

Elafonissi Beach

Get ready to step foot on one of the world's most beautiful and romantic beaches, Elafonissi Beach . The stretch of shoreline is well-known for its pink sand — created by millions of crushed seashells —that disappears into shallow, turquoise waters. The beach, which is part of a nature reserve, is an ideal spot for families with small children thanks to the calm waters, but there are also plenty of spots for adults to put down their towels and umbrellas for a quiet day at the beach. 

Balos Lagoon

One more brilliant beach to visit is Balos Lagoon , a beach made up of brilliant white sand that's lapped by unbelievably blue water. "One of the most popular must-see places in the Chania region is the Balos Lagoon with hypnotizing turquoise waters and a panoramic landscape," Alonso Marly, a travel expert at Skylux Travel , said. "I suggest visiting the beach early in the morning to experience the lagoon at its most tranquil and skip the tourist crowds." 

Find a different style of landscape at Vai Beach , famous for the palm forest lining the coast. Once again, it's a spot where travelers can find warm, sandy beaches and beautiful blue waters, just this time with the bonus of tree shade for the perfect beach snooze. 

Related: 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Greece

The best time to visit Crete is from June to August when the weather on the island is at its prime. As WeatherSpark notes, the warmest weather can be found between early June and late September, when the average daily high temperature hits above 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Things get particularly hot in July, when the average temperature hits 84 degrees. 

"When it comes to the best times to visit Crete, keep in mind that the island is seasonal, and during winter months, most of its attractions are closed," Marly added. "However, throughout the high season, it is full of life day and night." 

But, if you're looking to escape the crowds, try plotting a visit during the island's shoulder seasons, which fall over April to May and September to early October.  

 "If possible, I recommend visiting the island during the shoulder season when it's not too hot and crowded – from April to June or September through October — to make the most of your authentic Greek holiday, full of sunshine and unforgettable experiences," Marly said.  

Crete is accessible via its international airports in Heraklion (Heraklion International Airport, HER) and Chania (Chania International Airport, CHQ). Heraklion is the island's busiest airport, and it is also the second-largest airport in Greece, just behind Athens. Several major airlines fly into the airport, including Emirates, Aegean, RyanAir, EasyJet, and KLM. 

For those looking to avoid the airport, there is a ferry option, but be warned: It's a long ride. Travelers can hop aboard a ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens to Heraklion or Chania, but the ride can take between nine and 10 hours.

Related: Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Perfect Greek Islands Vacation

The best and easiest way to get around Crete is with your own car. Remember, this is Greece's largest island, so if you want to explore more widely, you will need some wheels. There are a ton of rental car companies on the island, including big names like Avis, Budget, and Hertz, all ready to loan you a ride. 

Public Transit

Crete also has a robust public bus system that can get you to most points of interest. Just note the buses here tend to move more slowly than cars, but it's also a rather affordable option, with rides starting at just a few euros. 

Scooters are also a rather popular mode of transportation here, as they are in almost all of the Greek islands. Visitors do need a valid license to rent scooters and must wear a helmet while riding. 

• Responsible Travel
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• South Africa
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• Summer Mountains
• Northern Ireland
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Discover Simpson Travel family holidays with childcare to fit your holiday style

Simpson Travel give you the choice of family hotel or villa holidays. They travel to every idyllic European and Mediterranean destination you care to mention, and offer flexible childcare from crèches and kids clubs to private nanny services. Plus, their Trustpilot score is one of the UK travel industry’s highest. Here are a few more reasons to book a family holiday with Simpson Travel this year.

New holiday friends are just one reason kids love Simpson Travel holidays

Simpson Travel really understand family holidays

If you had all the time in the world to handcraft your own perfect family holiday, we think it would probably come out looking a lot like a Simpson Travel family holiday.

In fact, it’s really not going too far to say they think of everything, right down to all those little details only parents notice. So it won’t come as much of a surprise to learn that it’s parents who’re in charge of family holidays at Simpson Travel. And it’s that first hand knowledge of what’s important which really makes a difference. Especially when it comes to the trickier holiday plans which involve kids of different ages or several generations of the same family.

Agios Stephanos, Corfu

Luxury villas or beach hotels all over Europe, you choose

However, don’t imagine making the organisation of a holiday easy means you don’t have a lot of choice.

Quite the opposite. Not only do Simpson Travel offer  luxury family villas throughout Europe and the Mediterranean , they also feature a selection of  family-friendly hotels  too.

Another benefit of having Simpson Travel parents look after your holiday is there’s no guesswork for you and definitely no sense of, ‘hope for the best’. All villas are carefully curated into holiday styles. So when you want a car-free break or you’re holidaying with teens, there are villas to fit. If you need childcare or the grandparents are joining, you’ll find the perfect property.  And if it’s a holiday with babies or toddlers in the mix, villas designed to make life easy are a Simpson Travel speciality.

Simpson Kids flexible childcare for under 11s

Flexible childcare and peace of mind make for great family holidays

The warm, friendly and understanding approach to family holidays is also what makes Simpson Travel crèches and kids’ clubs really stand out. Again a lot of thought has gone into creating space, activities and an atmosphere that’s aligned to different age groups. There’s no one-size-fits-all. So you can breathe easy, knowing your children are having a great time, making new holiday friends and being lavished with care and attention.

Speaking of peace of mind, you’ll be pleased to know that all Simpson Travel package holidays are ATOL protected, and accommodation-only holidays are covered by ABTA bonding.

Reviews also speak volumes about the quality of service, choice and sheer parental delight experienced on family holidays. So it’s also good to know that no other UK travel company scores as well as Simpson Travel on Trustpilot.

Villa Georgia, Corfu, Greece

Simpson Kids: Simpson Travel holidays designed for under 11s

Spending time together without a care in the world is the essence of a great family holiday. Ever understanding Simpson Travel get that, which is why Simpson Kids works brilliantly for families with children aged 11 or under.

Villa holidays are always a good choice with kids. You can give younger ones more freedom, there’s the bliss of your own space, and you get to do what you want, when you want.

Adding to that heavenly holiday vibe, Simpson Travel offer villas with fenced pools, as well as a pool fencing service in Mallorca, if required. Enclosed gardens are another feature that takes priority, complete with boxes of toys as well as garden games. And, as we said, they think of everything. So if you’re travelling with babies or toddlers, complimentary infant packs let you pack almost as light as you did in your pre-parent days. There’s even a nappy-ordering service available. And, because Simpson Travel believe everyone should have some me-time on holiday, at villas in both Mallorca and Corfu, guests also have access to excellent private nanny services.

Kids Club at Mousses, Lefkada

Flexible childcare to fit your day-to-day holiday plans

However, Simpson Kids really excels when it comes to holidays with childcare .

Think about a Greek island holiday and you benefit from the care, attention and sheer fun of Simpson Travel hotel crèches and kids clubs in Lefkada, Corfu and Crete.

• Hatchlings is the Simpson Travel boutique crèche for Babies and toddlers from six months to three years. Staffed by professional, fully qualified nannies it sticks strictly to the UK 1:3 care ratio and a choice of morning, afternoon and evening sessions gives you the freedom to plan your days.
• Turtles Club for four to six year olds tailors activities, play and even quiet time to the personality of your child. So whether you’ve an extrovert who won’t miss you for a minute or a shyer kid, they’ll be wonderfully at home here.
• Dolphins for seven to 11 year olds focuses on fun, lots and lots of fun, all under the careful supervision of the fully qualified Club Leader, of course.

Pool and sea views from Mousses, Lefkada, Greece

Mousses, Lefkada: home of Simpson Kids crèches and kids clubs

You’ll find Mousses on the beautiful Ionian island of Lefkada. A collection of two and three bedroom villas set in lovely grounds, it’s designed just for families with younger kids. The large swimming pool is safely gated. Flexible childcare is available for children aged from six months to 11 years. And nearby beaches underscore Lefkada’s reputation for laid-back loveliness.

• Choose from two or three bedroom villas, all with private terraces.
• Set in sub-tropical gardens, Mousses features a large, gated pool as well as a poolside bar.
• There’s also an on-site taverna which offers both restaurant service or food delivery to your villa.
• Agios Ioannis beach is a short walk from Mousses, and historic Lefkada Town is nearby too.

Explore Mousses on Lefkada

Beach Life summer holiday fun with Simpson Travel

School holiday plans? Add Simpson Travel Beach Life to the mix

You probably don’t need much persuasion to convince you that Crete or Corfu are incredible holiday destinations for families. However, if you do need a little extra, Simpson Travel Beach Life is all that.

Available at GK Beach Hotel in Crete and Bella Mare Hotel in Corfu, Beach Life is the complimentary activity club designed for five to 11 year olds which operates during school summer holidays.

A range of carefully planned activities mean kids can get up to anything on holiday from disc golf and mini-fencing to pottery making and learning circus skills. Naturally the beautiful beaches of Corfu and Crete come into play too, so there’s plenty of outdoor adventure. And of course the pool is another playground, so expect kids to be coming back with tall tales of tournaments and water games.

Each Beach Life session lasts two hours and all activities are fully supervised by the qualified Simpson Travel childcare team. Did we mention Beach Life is also complimentary? Maybe, but it’s certainly worth repeating.

Bella Mare Hotel, Corfu

Bella Mare Hotel: the north east of Corfu with Simpson Travel

All of Corfu is magical, but the island’s north east is particularly lovely. So it’s no surprise to find Bella Mare Hotel there, sitting right on beautiful Aviaki Beach. Like all Simpson Travel beach hotels, this one is carefully chosen for its stunning views, outstanding facilities and exceptional service. In fact, the cast and crew of ITV’s reality tv show, Mamma Mia, recently stayed at Bella Mare Hotel while they were filming the series.

• Simpson Travel Beach Life for five to 11 year olds available during school summer holidays.
• As well as access to Aviaki Beach, Bella Mare has large gardens and a very generous swimming pool.
• All family rooms at the hotel come with sea views and some are also available with a kitchenette and fridge.
• The town of Kassiopi is just a five minute drive away for waterfront restaurants and shops.
• The pretty town of Agios Stephanos is nearby too for a larger choice of tavernas and shopping.
• Energetic older kids will be pleased to discover kayaks and SUP for hire on Aviaki Beach.

Take a look at Bella Mare Hotel, Corfu

GK Beach Hotel, Crete

GK Beach Hotel, Crete: holidays between the mountains and the sea

Some would argue that the north west has some of Crete’s best beaches. But nobody would dispute the idyllic setting of GK Beach Hotel on this part of the island. Set against a backdrop of the legendary White Mountains and facing on to flawless sands, it’s pretty much perfect. If you can bear to tear yourself away, hiking and gorge walking in this area are wonderful in spring and autumn. Although, nearby Chania runs some stiff day-out competition with its historic Venetian Harbour, charming traditional architecture and pretty streets.

• Another Greek island hotel with Simpson Travel Beach Life for five to 11 year olds during the summer holidays.
• The choice of accommodation here includes family suites with sea views.
• The hotel’s concierge service makes light work of organising days out or activities with kids.
• Surrounded by lush gardens, the hotel also has a large swimming pool with a terrace where breakfast is served.
• The beach is perfect for younger kids with soft sands and a shallow entry to the sea for paddling.

Find out more about GK Beach Hotel, Crete

Villa Kuzey, Kalkan, Turkey

Simpson Travel holidays are great for teenagers

Too old for kids’ clubs but still not quite old enough for complete independence, getting a holiday right for teens is no small triumph. Fortunately, Simpson Travel are experts in that field as several members of the team have personal experience.

So if their recommendation is Kalkan on Turkey’s southerly Turquoise Coast, we’re inclined to follow that lead. A mix of old town charm, some low key nightlife and a selection of smart beach clubs, sounds just about perfect for teenagers.

As well as the appeal of the town itself, families have the choice of either luxury villas or superb beach hotels in Kalkan. Then, as an added treat, every Simpson Travel holiday here includes a day sail along the magnificent coast on a traditional Turkish gullet. And if that isn’t tempting enough, families also receive a complimentary Hammam  experience at the Kalkan Regency and entry to Indigo Beach Club, which has an excellent and very teen-friendly water sports centre.

Explore Simpson Travel holidays in Kalkan

Now you know family holidays with flexible childcare are a great idea, visit simpson travel and find your perfect family hotel or villa holiday for spring, summer or autumn., love to travel with your family.

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Distinctive, charming, unique...

• Distinctive accommodation • Beautiful location • B&B • Short stays available • Concierge services

Distinctive, intimate and truly individual, our boutique Simpson Hotels never compromise on the personalised service that makes your stay a pleasure from start to finish. Exclusive to us, each has been carefully chosen for its idyllic location, and whether you are metres from golden sands or gazing out over crystal clear coves, you'll find the same thoughtfully designed accommodation, a dedicated Simpson Concierge, cool cotton bedlinen and days that begin with a delicious home-cooked breakfast. And for honeymoons, anniversaries or quality time with the one who matters most, we invite you to explore our Adult Only Hotels : child-free spaces where our guests find the companionship of like-minds only adds to the pleasure of the experience.

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"Simpson gave us a wonderful holiday yet again. Katouna Suites were wonderfully designed and excellently situated. But most of all we would like to thank Lindsay Ross who couldn't have been more helpful, and all the very friendly staff. Simpson has to be the best!" Roger & Jacky, Katouna Suites, Lefkada

"What a fantastic place! Great staff, fab room, lovely pools, right on the beach, great service, food fantastic, couldn’t ask for more. Five stars! Will be back." Sheila Williams, Bella Mare Hotel, Corfu

"Simpson Travel was exceptional. Responsive, knowledgeable and courteous; I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to our friends and family. The Kalkan Regency was sublime... You are treated like family from the moment you set foot in the splendid surroundings." Tim Andrews and Laura Watts, Kalkan Regency, Turkey

"Our week at GK gave us everything we were looking for – a very comfortable suite with a really good pool right on the beach within walking distance of three tavernas. Staff were a delight and very efficient. The place was sparkling clean. A very happy week." M A Law, GK Beach Hotel, Crete

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Simpson Travel in the media

‘[Simpson Travel] specialise in the sort of magical, unspoilt destinations my family loves’ Author: The Telegraph

‘So how did we find the near-perfection that was Villa Cabanellas in Mallorca? The first step was to approach… Simpson Travel… we needed expertise, not just blinding choice.’ Author: Sunday Times Travel Magazine, The Villas Handbook

‘The Simpson Travel check-in at Heathrow’s Terminal 5 was seamless.’ Author: Family Traveller, Katy Hill

‘Where Simpson [Exclusive] really excels is in its first-hand knowledge of properties and destinations’ Author: House & Garden

‘Simpson [Exclusive] delivers holidays that combine sunshine, five-star luxury and friendly service’ Author: House & Garden

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Our Specialists in Crete

The largest of the Greek islands has everything you would hope for in a holiday to this ancient land; from the spectacular White Mountains in the west to the unspoilt beaches in the far east, there is so much to see and do. And since our specialists live in Crete year-round, you’ll benefit from their expert knowledge and enduring passion for the country they call home.

Susan Johnson

Operations Manager Crete

Greece is so diverse and offers so much beauty in such a small geographical area. Each island has its own unique character both in the landscape and in the culture. I love explaining the differences to our guests so that they can observe and sense as much as possible during their visit. Crete has such a rich history and culture, and if you search for the details you will discover treasures.

More about Susan

SPECIALIST RECOMMENDATIONS

Muses Beach Villas – Cleo Palekastro & Far East Crete , 1 bedroom You have to go there to understand the energy of the unspoilt Kouremenos region in eastern Crete and these villas, together with our Glaros Beach Suites, are the very best way to experience it.

GK Beach Hotel Chania & West Crete , 23 suites Located on a wide sandy beach on the edge of the working village of Kalyves, it’s a perfect location for a family holiday.

Arosmari Village Hotel Chania & West Crete , 10 cottages Traditional cottages peacefully located on the edge of the ‘quaint’ village of Vamos with tavernas, coffee shops and plenty of walks – a perfect couples retreat.

Simpson Travel in the media

‘[Simpson Travel] specialise in the sort of magical, unspoilt destinations my family loves’ Author: The Telegraph

‘So how did we find the near-perfection that was Villa Cabanellas in Mallorca? The first step was to approach… Simpson Travel… we needed expertise, not just blinding choice.’ Author: Sunday Times Travel Magazine, The Villas Handbook

‘The Simpson Travel check-in at Heathrow’s Terminal 5 was seamless.’ Author: Family Traveller, Katy Hill

‘Where Simpson [Exclusive] really excels is in its first-hand knowledge of properties and destinations’ Author: House & Garden

‘Simpson [Exclusive] delivers holidays that combine sunshine, five-star luxury and friendly service’ Author: House & Garden

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