Elysia

If you relish the idea of stepping back in time, escaping the bustle of modern life and retreating to a traditional Cretan village for a week of simple pleasures, Elysia is for you. This delightfully renovated house offers a stylish and comfortable base for relaxation, exploration and the art of slow living. Set amongst the narrow streets of Pefki, a charming hillside village with majestic views down the Pefki Gorge to the Libyan Sea, Elysia sparkles amongst the maze of whitewashed houses, their walls weathered by the centuries. The scent of wild herbs fills the air and the only sounds to intrude upon the serene tranquillity of this special spot are the soft chatter of the locals or the distant goat bells rising from the olive groves beneath. And high above, Stavromenos Chapel stands proud at the mountain summit, sentinel-like, glistening in the sunlight as if standing watch over the village beneath.

Elysia has been expertly renovated by Founder Graham Simpson and his wife Yianna, the first step in their long-held dream to bring the magic of Pefki to Simpson clients who value the road less travelled. The accommodation is beautifully appointed, comfortable, with some delightfully indulgent extras including a small gym and a separate study/reading room. The kitchen and living room on the ground floor offer access to two separate terraces both with truly mesmerising views across the village to Crete’s southern shoreline and there’s also a single bedroom on the same floor, suitable for an adult or a child aged 14 and above. The inviting master bedroom is upstairs, accessed externally via the rear terrace with splendid panoramic views, whilst French doors lead from the bedroom to yet another terrace, ideal for morning coffee. 

A five-minute stroll from the house leads to Piperia, the village taverna renowned for being one of the best for traditional fare in the area. The owner Fanis uses only local ingredients – wild greens, artichokes, pomegranates, mushrooms, fresh thyme and honey straight from the hive – all collected on the nearby hillsides at different times of the year. It’s one of the best places we know to experience Cretan hospitality at its very best; unhurried, unpretentious and utterly delicious.

Walking in eastern Crete, and particularly along the Pefki Gorge, is a breathtaking and immersive education in the island’s rugged beauty. It offers a chance to connect deeply with the spirit of the island, its history and traditions. The gorge trail winds from the bottom of the village through a dramatic landscape of steep cliffs and fragrant pine forests, with striking views of the Libyan Sea, to arrive in Makrigialos and a return to the more familiar sights and sounds of the 21^st century. Whether you feel ready to embrace these or not, a refreshing drink by the lovely sandy beach and a swim in the sea is always welcome. There are some appealing options for lunch or dinner too – in particular, the beachfront taverna at Diaskari which is a must at some point during your visit.

There is a good selection of shops, cafés, and restaurants in Makrigialos and boat trips along the coast are readily available from here too. But if you are looking to leave the mainstream behind for a week or two, the wider area has much to offer, including a rich collection of archaeological sites. Head to the impressive Moni Kapsa Monastery, the Toplou Monastery and vineyard, Kato Zakros or Xerokambos and discover the rich cultural history of this extraordinary region.

Elysia is an exceptionally lovely addition to the Simpson portfolio offering something increasingly hard to find. It has romance, class and style in abundance, yet its connection to the modest, unspoilt village of Pefki, offers a chance to step back and reset under the spell of a way of life that remains largely unchanged for hundreds of years. To find out more about the area, watch our Hidden Crete video here.

Looking for 10 nights..? Why not add a 3-night stay in a boutique hotel to your villa holiday. To find out more, view our 10-night holidays in Greece.

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.