St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. On the beach itself, there is a tavern that sells local nibbles and drinks as well as sunbeds. NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. 26. Euphoria Resort 7. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. . The most well-known landmark is the blush pink Yiali Tzami mosque on the waterfront, with the main (outer) harbour on one side and the Venetian (inner) harbour and arsenal on the other. Check out cheery Sunday Life. But there are plenty of returners from those days its warm seas, great views, and some of the best fishing in Greece make it particularly popular with expats. Paleochora is located on a small peninsula with beaches on either side perfect for windsurfing as one of them will always be catching the wind. Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel Show prices Enter dates to see prices 202 reviews Stay in Makrigialos: White Pearl Apartments are right on the beach. Classy Veneziano Boutique Hotel is in a beautifully renovated historic building. ". Inland Heraklion region is home to farmland and vineyards, whereas the coastline spreading east from Heraklion is also the most developed on Crete, and home to its most famous (and infamous resorts). There is a small airport serving flights to and from Athens. 18. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." Glyka Nera is located on the south coast of Crete a 2 hour 30 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. The beach is large and there are a range of tavernas and shops offering food at a very reasonable price. BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CRETE IN AGIOS NIKOLAOS ($$$) Minos Beach Art Hotel ($$) Miramare Resort & Spa ($) Ikaros Art Hotel FIND AGIOS NIKOLAOS HOTEL DEALS 5. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. 9 Theofanus Street, Chania, Crete Island, 731 00. The beauty of Margarites does not need to be explained or even described, the minute it comes into view- it will take your breath away. Margarites is located in the very centre of the island of Crete, its an unspoiled village surrounded by the vibrant green hills of the Rethymnon region and is as well known for its picturesque panorama as it is for its extensive pottery trade. You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. See More, Blue Palace, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies the luxury, Equally swish and perhaps just that little bit smarter the. Other options include Hotel Loutro Bay,SifisandDaskalogiannis Hotel. Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. The pink sands of Elafonisi are one of the main attractions in west Crete, with coachloads arriving every day to bathe in the glorious lagoon-like waters. A spoiling stay. The village itself is loaded with a rich history, including a museum which houses finds of Minoan archaeological importance found nearby and you can hear tales about the towns colourful past and folklore in the many local tavernas. Transfer time: 20 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Some of the beach resorts along Rethymnon beach include: The area around Platanes is popular and sandy. Georgioupolis Resort Aquapark & Spa offers a unique holiday experience to those that want to enjoy the incomparable Greek Hospitality whilst seeking top quality services in a relaxing environment, excellent gastronomy as well as a . If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. There are 3 main beaches and a long waterfront area thats full of seafood restaurants, bars and clubs, and is popular in the evening. Its friendly and authentic if you want to get away from mass tourism then this easternmost part of Crete is a good bet. See More, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies this luxury Cretan resort in Malia. If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. A wonderful place to visit and stay in Crete! Some swim-up rooms are available. Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel. Head west for quieter beaches at Amnisos or Tobrouk. Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. Its a perfect romantic destination for couples. 17. The beaches in the Rethymno province are some of the best not as dramatic as the west coast, but long and sandy and perfect for long, lazy beach days. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. 5* Minos Beach Art Hotel has 1km of beach access, spacious grounds, and calming minimalist decor. !" Breakfast included 2022 2. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. But it has everything you need its ideal if youre looking to enjoy one place for your holiday and dont feel the need to visit the larger towns. If youre bringing the familiy you may prefer a villa with a pool have a look at Philoxenia Villas which has fresh modern decor and is 200 yards from the beach. Pick the Nana Princess in Hersonissos for a relaxing getaway. There are several beaches that you can reach by foot, and as the crowds thin out you can still find a few nudist beaches. Atlantica Kalliston Resort. Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . Agia Pelagia is halfway between Bali and Heraklion and is the only real beach resort to the west of the capital, to which it is connected by a regular bus service which takes about 1 hr. })(); For all the legal bits go to myDisclaimer and Privacy Policy, Cretan cooking experience in the mountains, check rooms and availability on Booking.com, 10 Perfect Gifts for Foodies Who Love Greece (Ideal for a Hamper), 10 Best Places for a Sunny Winter City Break in Europe. Wonderful! On a budget? East of Sitia the crowds really thin out most tourists dont make it beyond this point. Its super sedate. And theres an ancient Minoan site that youre likely to have to yourself. A classy, modern hotel. On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. Its a 40-minute drive to Rethymno. Inside the old town: for historic charm check outBozzali Hotel with its whitewashed decor and cute courtyard, whereas Casa Delfino offers a modern take on the traditional Venetian mansion. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is fantastic its worth visiting before you head out to the ancient sites if you can. After a day at the (pebble) beach, you can step out in your Sunday best and pace up and down the walkway paralleling the seafront whilst wondering if you have time to look at the menu before you are accosted by the occupants (Im joking, they are lovely and generally friendly more than pushy). Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. Located to the eastern side of the island of Crete, Kato Zakros is a bit out of the way, but well worth the visit. Luxury highlights: Domes Noruz in Kato Daratsa is the 5* pick beachfront location, private plunge pools and hot tubs are available. There are churches tucked away in winding streets, and for those of you who want to enjoy a waterside view without the sand, the town is built around a beautiful lake (Lake Voulismeni), where you can take in the views, whilst also dining in style in one of a multitude of lakeside restaurants. What delights visitors the most about the White Mountains is the central and southern part of the Lefka Ori which, due to the high altitude, resembles a lunar landscape and offers visiting hikers a surreal experience of walking on the moon which, is wholly unique to the northern hemisphere. There are only a few places to stay in Plaka try Athina Villas, Plaka Beach Cottages, and Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. Although be warned, the walk takes five to seven hours and can be strenuous, especially at the peak of summer. If it gets a bit too quiet for you, Diskos is only around the corner, where tented villagers of camping earthy types take up half the beach, and you can buy handmade trinkets from pop-up hippy shops. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. It has a quiet and authentic atmosphere and a well-sheltered beach its one of the best places in Crete for families with small children. There are numerous beaches to visit, and if they are a bit far or you want to go further afield, as a bigger resort you can find hire cars for the standard rate. Here you will find the emptiest beaches on the island and you can swim well into the autumn/winter months. Its an easy and cheap bus ride to Knoss from Heraklion. listeners: [], The City Hotel & Suites is a clean and modern hotel offering excellent value at a lower price point, as are Menta City Boutique Hotel and Omiros Boutique Hotel. per night. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport, 1 hr 10 minutes from Heraklion International Airport book a transfer. Pick of the pack is the uber-chic Serenissima Boutique Hotel its located one block back from the main harbour in a 15th-century Venetian mansion. BEST LUXURY HOTELS: Lindos Blu, Casa Cook Rhodes, Boutique 5 Hotel and Spa BEST BUDGET HOTEL RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Delfini Beach Hotel BEST VILLAS: Kiotari Beach Villa, Axiotheaton Villas, SeaSide Suites BEST RESORT HOTELS FOR FAMILIES: Hotel Porto Angeli Beach Resort, Atlantica Aegean Family Resort, Rodos Princess Resort & Spa Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. " The hotel is very relaxing and although it is a bit quiet a night it really is the perfect mix of 5 star luxury during the day with the authenticity of amazing local Greek Tavernas like Zachos . An epic choice of restaurants and bars. Transfer time: 1hr 15 minutes from Heraklion airport. See More, A great getaway to an idyllic blue bay in a car-free village, right on the beach. Definitely one of the most unspoiled places to visit in Crete, the pretty peaceful village of Loutro evokes some strong emotion when you land here it is truly like stepping back in time! Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is home to the main airport of the island. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. Karavostasi Beach 432 Beaches By selsfield2003 Worth the walk ( or the ride on the mini train) Great beach - lovely clear water and 2 amazing tavernas. 5* resort Domes of Elounda is one of Cretes most exclusive hotels and has access to a private sandy beach, VIP services, and a champagne bar. Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. It is hardly surprising then that there are a world-class selection of beach hotels to choose from. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. It attracts independent travellers and plenty of returners and is a popular base for hiking in the area. Transfer time: 2hrs from Heraklion International airport, 10 minutes from Sitia Public Airport. #1 Best Value of 1,305 Crete Beach Hotels "Beach - Currently sitting on the beach I can tell you it is a little sun trap! The most famous part of the gorge is the stretch known as the Gates where the sides of the gorge close into a width of only four meters and soar up to a height of almost 300 meters. The city of Rethymnon (you might also see it spelt Rethymno or Rethimno) is like a smaller, more chilled version of Chania. Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. On a budget? This 5* property offers boutique accommodation decorated in a typically Mediterranean fashion and with either a private plunge pool or hot tub. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. Transfer time: 1 hr 40 minutes from both Chania and Heraklion airports. Coastal perfection. Plaka is also the gateway to the Spinalonga, the small fortress island that famously housed a leper colony and is now one of the main day trips in the area. See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. The resort offers 75 airy and well appointed rooms and suites fully equipped with satellite TV and minibar. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. This is tucked away in a remote pocket of Crete's south-western corner, so you could be forgiven for thinking you might have it all to yourself. However, dont let that put you off. The Troulis Apart-hotel is excellent value. But at the end of the day, Mexico will always be known as a beach destination - and for good reason. Its not particularly health and safety friendly, but if you are brave enough youll be rewarded with a view of a hidden church built within the caves. "The location is perfect as is one of the best beaches on the island, being quiet yet with locals around, and close enough to the Venetian Harbour for day or evening trips.". The architecture of the village looks like it just sprang from a WWII novel, winding streets, brightly painted buildings, plenty of brick and crumbling plaster. Best Places in Crete to Stay for First-Timers and Sightseeing: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos. For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect. Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. Meanwhile, the main beach of the area, West Triopetra or Chatzi, is characterised by beautiful coarse sand which casts unusual colours across the beach and water. There is also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. The lagoon itself is actually an island that can be reached by paddling out to it. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. The infamous resort of Malia is known for its 24hr party scene its the best spot for nightlife on Crete, as legions of teenage boys well know. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. The best of the rest are: Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites, Villa Ippocampi,Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel,Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Cooks Club. There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser. Once youve driven (carefully) to the town youll find a laid-back vibe and easy-going atmosphere that is synonymous with most of the lesser-known spots on the island. Again due to its relative remoteness, youll be able to leave your disco shoes at home as well have none of that here, thanks very much. One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. Agios Nikolaos Best for families A favourite of package holiday companies, Agios Nikolaos is one of Crete's biggest but most charming resorts, making it a great choice for families. #30 Best Value of 32 Crete Luxury Beach Resorts Lyttos Mare 5. But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. Chora Sfakion: A few upmarket options here such as the No Problem Luxury Suite (it has a bathtub), and the excellent value Livikon Hotel and Samaria Hotel which both have fresh white and blue decor and seaview balconies. } What was once a small Greek village has now become a cosmopolitan town, with bars, restaurants and hotels surrounding picturesque Lake Voulismeni. There are two routes to the beach by boat or for the most extreme, there is a path from Chora Sfakion and another from Loutro. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete . Parts of it are organised in the summer months though, and it does attract daytrippers. Although almost every main beach gets busy in July and August, you can usually walk just a few minutes away to find a patch of heaven sans crowds. If you want to be closer to the beaches, Nostos Beach Boutique Hotel is freshly renovated and has a pool, beach bar and day beds. Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. Triopetra is surrounded by Siderotas mountain, olives groves, and of course, the seafront, the area is named after the three majestic rocks that rise out of the ocean at the edge of the peninsula. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. It is flanked by steep, mountainsides, home to a sizable herd of goats (judging from the clinking of bells) as well as a tepid sea, sheltered by a lush bay. As with the other northern cities, it has a Venetian Fortress (the Kazarma) and an Archaeological Museum. Kalamaki is a relatively new town in Crete, it has more of a purpose-built feel to it. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. There are still many quieter, less commercialized resorts, villages, and secluded coves to explore and more hidden locations that are barely touched by tourism. Palm-fringed Preveli is one of the most unique and beautiful beaches on Crete. Boasting four stars, rooms are dressed in a traditional style; premium linens complement exposed stone walls and the best suites have terraces with sea views. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. Its located just to the east of Heraklion, meaning it is easy to get to if you dont want to spend too much time with pesky transfers. The south is wild and remote with a spectacularly rocky coast and a few standout beach resorts. The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. Its a windswept and low-key kind of place, with remnants of a hippie vibe. Agios Nikolaos has four sandy beaches though theyre all a little way out of the city Kitroplateira is the most central, Almiros is the nicest. Access to this haven can be achieved through E4 trail but the climb can be treacherous in places as it climbs to an altitude of 700m, so its not for the fainthearted but on arrival, you will no doubt agree that this is one of the finest beaches in all the Greek islands. Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection Show prices Enter dates to see prices Panormos is located on the North Coast of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. There are more Minoan ruins worth discovering though head further afield to Malia and Phaistos. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. A luxury beach holiday. Start the day with farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride. Its perfect for mature couples who dont need excursions and are happy to rent a car to explore the south coast. Crete has some of Greece's best sandy beaches - many far from developed areas, so you can truly enjoy a remote holiday on the sand. The nation boasts nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, stretching along the warm Gulf of Mexico to the east and the . The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. Glyka Nera is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete and definitely one of the most unspoiled places to visit on the island, with deep blue water and fine white sands. There are many dining options from Greek to Italian and the four bars serve up wonderful cocktails. 1. The White Houses are traditional waterfront houses decorated in local antiques and cool whites and blues. Its not perhaps as quaint as some of the other places on this list but what it lacks in tradition it more than makes up for in swankiness and still manages to retain an air of what makes Crete so great. } Transfer time: 25 minutes from Heraklion International airport. The area is popular with locals, which should tell you something, and as a result, the beachside cuisine in the local tavernas is to a pretty high standard. Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. The beach of Myrtos is a hidden treasure which, rarely gets crowded and provides a real opportunity to take a load off and truly relax. The walk can take upwards of two hours depending on ability and speed, but also inclination, make sure you take your time to soak up the beautiful views and atmosphere. If you are staying one or more nights, you dont need to worry about thumping music or all-night parties. The walk between these two areas is truly stunning, the path along the way is marked with cairns to guide your route thankfully as it is easy to get distracted by the views! From spending many breaks on this beautiful island, here is my choice for the quietest and most authentic and unspoiled places to visit in Crete which are perfect for travel snobs. With all these unique and unforgettable experiences lying across the island of Crete, it is hard not to feel guilty for so easily dismissing it into the realm of partying, disco balls, and all-nighters. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. There is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. All rooms come with an outdoor pool and private hot tubs. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next beach break? #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. If youve braved the paddle (or walked over the sandbar leading to the island) youll be rewarded with water that is the temperature of bathwater, soft pink sand (particular to this area only), and pictures that youll treasurePrizes awarded for spotting a sea turtleand deducted for duckface Instagram postsenjoy! As Chania is a regional capital and in close proximity to so many beach resorts, it makes a great base to explore the west of the island. Lyttos Beach Resort is a 150-acre family-friendly hotel with dated interior spaces but beautiful grounds, including a sandy beach with free loungers and a lifeguard. "If you are looking for delicious food, spacious luxury rooms, a marvellous location directly on the beach and an excellent service, Mitsis Laguna is the answer.". But what you will find is a collection of properly local eateries, a few small and sandy beaches, and crystal clear water if you want to go for a dip. Theres a wide selection of accommodation, easy transport links, a short airport transfer, and child-friendly shallow waters. But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price. However, if you would like to sit outside one of its handful of tavernas with a carafe of the local red and a plate of vine leaves then this is the quiet place to visit in Crete for you! There is the standard selection of resort hotels in the surrounding coastal areas stylish Cretan Malia Park is one of the best, with beachfront access, boho chic decor, and family-friendly facilities. Try the spotless Marina Hotel, or the beautiful white and blue decor and sea views atElektra. #3 in Best Resorts in Crete Tripadvisor (921) 1 critic awards 5.0-star Hotel Class Free WiFi Overview Reviews Deals Rooms Kalimera Kriti Hotel Village Resort is a 5 star hotel located. With a summer season lasting well into October September is still considered high season and almost tropical-warmth seas at the height of summer, Crete has one of Europe's longest beach-holiday seasons. Transfer time: 15 minutes from Heraklion International airport. See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. She counts supping on Bloody Marys on a rooftop in Manhattan, downing Singapore slings at the Raffles Hotel, daring a paraglide on the Grand Cayman, spending an exotic Christmas in Malaysia and exploring the Angkor Wat, Cambodia as her all time favourite travel moments. See More, Impressive luxury resort, totally insulated from the outside world in semi-tropical gardens. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . Perhaps, Domatas unspoiled beauty has been preserved this long because the region has no roads or infrastructures. My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. Up until fairly recently, Elafonisi was one of Cretes best-kept secrets, sadly social media selfie-lovers got a firm grasp of it, so it can get seriously busy in the high seasons. Mount Ida is the tallest peak of the range, named after the daughter of the King of Crete according to Greek mythology. The main cities and towns on the north coast are linked by regular buses each regional capital has buses going to the south of its region. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. This ultra-luxurious haven combines the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools.
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