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. Mid-range boutique: Casa Cook is a beach resort reimagined for the Instagram generation, with boho-chic minimalism up on the hills behind the beach in Kato Daratsa. If you like your beaches vast and often deserted then make a beeline for Frangokastello on the south coast. Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. Transfer time: 15-45 minutes from Chania International airport. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. #26 Best Value of 502 Quiet Hotels in Crete. Elafonisi Lagoon is located on the west coast of the Greek island of Crete around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. The remote area of Sfakia on the southern coast is one of the most beautiful parts of Crete but you have to be prepared for an adventure to get there. This is Crete off-the-beaten-track. There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. 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. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. Stay in Makrigialos: White Pearl Apartments are right on the beach. BEST HOTELS RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Domes Noruz, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, Domes of Elounda. (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. #3 Best Value of 119 Crete Resorts "The mini water park within the hotel is excellent, with plenty of slides for younger and older kids. 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. The Troulis Apart-hotel is excellent value. Go in the shoulder months and youll be rewarded with a day trip to remember. Classy Veneziano Boutique Hotel is in a beautifully renovated historic building. 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. 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! Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. Slap bang in the middle of the northern coastline, the city of Heraklion (also spelt Iraklio or Iraklion) is the capital and its surrounding coastline is some of the busiest and most developed on Crete. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. Milatos is a small and low-key beach resort just beyond Sissi. Each of these areas offers exceptional hotels, fantastic dining, and a wide range of nearby . 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. The coastline is developed on either side, but it was the introduction of budget flights to Chania airport that really put it on the map. Our hotel experts have scoured the length and breadth of the island to bring you a collection of Crete's best beach hotels selected on their location, designs, service, and amenities. ". Its only a matter of steps to the beach. See More, A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. Mexico is one of those well-rounded countries that offer a little bit of everything: food, culture, gorgeous landscapes, and some of the best hotels and resorts in the entire world. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. Ligaria is located on the north coast of Crete around a 30 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. Accommodation in Kissamos tends to look a bit dated but you can find good value in the surrounding beaches such as resort-style Balos Beach Hotel, Galini Beach Hotel, and the simpler Maria Beach Hotel. Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. It has a slightly scruffy feel but there are two town beaches, an archaeological museum and some excellent restaurants to entertain you. One of the main things to do in Heraklion is to catch a ferry to visit Santorini, Mykonos and other places. These vary greatly depending on the region and location: Snow white sand alternates with shell sand and fine gravel. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. Even the briefest of strolls through the village will showcase many of the wonderful pottery studios. Agiofaraggo beach Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized, Nudism-Friendly View on map Location: 80 km south west of Heraklion Town Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. On a budget? Total bliss. The gorge became a national park in 1962, particularly as a refuge for the rare kri-kri (Cretan goat), which is elusive on the rest of the island. Coastal perfection. "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.". South of the Lasithi Peninsula, this part of Crete has its own climate its drier, hotter, and more barren than the rest of the island. The KTEL bus station is in the new town, a 10-minute walk from the main harbour see PDF timetables. . Ideal for totally relaxing. Atlantica Kalliston Resort. The smaller of the two beaches, Small Triopetra (or Koumado), is more an enclosed, sandy, and rocky bay. See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. 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. Ranked as a top Travel Authority in the UK by Agility PR Solutions, Nominated as the best female travel blogger in the Teletext Holiday Awards 2019, British Annual Canada Travel Awards Finalist 2018, Nominated for the Best UK Travel Blog 2018, Cheapflights Travel Blog Awards Nominee 2017, GLOBAL GRASSHOPPER. 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. ); Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. Stavros Bay aerial: Mike Drosos / Shutterstock, Matala rocks: Georgios Tsichlis / Shutterstock, Map of Crete: The Mediterranean Traveller, Map of Chania region The Mediterranean Traveller, Elafonissi: Zakhar Marunov / Adobe Stock, Paleochora: Vladimir1984 / Shutterstock, Map of Rethymnon region The Mediterranean Traveller, Panormo: Jaroslav Moravcik / Shutterstock, Agia Galini: Georgios Kritsotakis / Shutterstock, Map of Heraklion region The Mediterranean Traveller, Agia Pelagia: Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock, Map of Lasithi region The Mediterranean Traveller, Agios Nikolaos: olgaarkhipenko / Adobe Stock, Elounda: Georgios Tsichlis / Shutterstock. It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. Take a 15-minute walk uphill from the main town and you will find Koutouloufari and Piskopiano, two traditional villages that are increasingly popular for upmarket accommodation options. But it would be a shame to miss out on the excellent tavernas in Panormo. Transfer time: Ierapetra minutes from Heraklion airport, Makrigialos 1 hr 50 minutes from Heraklion airport. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. 5* Minos Beach Art Hotel has 1km of beach access, spacious grounds, and calming minimalist decor. All rooms come with an outdoor pool and private hot tubs. 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. 9. Falassarna is located on the west coast of the island around a 2 hour 40 minute drive from Heraklion airport. 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. 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. The beaches here are small but this helps to keep the crowds away. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. If it tickles your fancy there is a naturist beach off to the east. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. all were excellent and we recommend this hotel with a true "vacation vibe" to all couples wanting a quiet and relaxing vacation on the wonderful beach of Crete". Agia Galini has a great selection of accommodation. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. There are actually three beaches within walking distance from the cobbled stone street village, all of which are pretty shallow and nestled amongst some really lovely local topography, allowing for some rather nice snorkelling experiences. This ultra-luxurious haven combines the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. Except for the blockbuster beaches that attract day trips, its not ideal for beach tourism. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. 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. You may have to head to the south coast when the wind is blowing. Sougia is located on the South West coast of the island around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion airport. Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. Cool or what? On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. Avli Luxury Apartments are sumptuously decorated and theres a rooftop pool. See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. #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. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. 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. Heres a complete rundown on where to stay in Crete to help you choose which part of the island to choose, which town, resort or beach is for you, and the best beach hotels, whether youre booking accommodation DIY or looking for a package vacation. There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views. If you have a mix of old and young children or value convenience then Stalis is a solid option. There are more Minoan ruins worth discovering though head further afield to Malia and Phaistos. The nearest rooms are a few miles away try the sereneGlykeria Hoteland Elafonisi Resort. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. Just dont expect to find authentic Crete here. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. The city of Rethymnon (you might also see it spelt Rethymno or Rethimno) is like a smaller, more chilled version of Chania. The long-distance hiking route passes through the area, and there are several smaller gorges and empty beaches such as Sweetwater to discover. Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. South coast Agia Galini is a small harbour town that was once the biggest resort town in the Rethymno region. By that, I mean you want to indulge in some serious chilling, but also maybe want to have a good time in the evening too. Anissaras beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/brownieboy27/4986950206/in/set-72157624948245648 Report inappropriate content roseyManchester manchester Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. 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. Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. Despite its proximity to larger resorts, the bus service to Sissi is limited, so its better suited to couples looking for a quiet place to stay in Crete or those wanting to explore the wild Agios Ioannis peninsula by car. Heraklion itself is not quite an attractive destination in the same way that Chania and Rethymnon are much of its historic architecture was damaged during heavy bombing in WWII. Some of the beach resorts along Rethymnon beach include: The area around Platanes is popular and sandy. Accommodation is spacious and secluded, the best options have heated seawater pools, but all are utterly indulgent. 9.8/5 (157 reviews) "The bed was so comfortable. In addition to 14 freshwater outdoor and indoor pools, it has a 350-meter beach with umbrellas, beach chairs, water sports (for a fee), beach volleyball, and beach parties hosted by the entertainment team. PRIVACY POLICY TERMS & CONDITION, Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs, Minos Palace Hotel & Suites Adults Only, The Royal Senses Resort Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton, Explore the Mediterranean Sea in a different way with, After a fun-filled day, relax and rejuvenate with, Discover peaceful, uncrowded scenery walking through, Learn about the architectural treasures from around the area and history of the village at, Dont leave without buying a piece of handcrafted pottery as, Find a spot near a bar or taverna along the beach to. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. And you can find amazing rock formations nearby at Souda such as Calypso Bay. Naxos has the best beaches (but little nightlife). 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. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. Kalamaki is a relatively new town in Crete, it has more of a purpose-built feel to it. 4.4/5 Wonderful! Top things to see and do in Rethymno include: And possible day trips in the area include: Rethymnon Beach is Cretes longest sandy beach at 12km long, and as it extends east from the city it swallows up villages that have long since morphed into suburban beach resorts. 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. of the rooms, the quality of the beach. Check out cheery Sunday Life. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey from Heraklion airport. Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. However, dont let that put you off. Its raw beauty is undeniable, with glassy aquamarine waters and swirls of pastel-pink sands kissing the shore - a natural phenomenon caused by thousands of . 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. It gets very popular and usually attracts people who go there for clubbing. That said, they are exposed to the northwesterly Meltemi wind which blasts Greece throughout the summer beware big waves and undercurrents when the wind is blowing, pay attention to local advice. Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. Most visitors wont venture far outside the old town, the nexus of which is the pretty 14th-century Venetian harbourfront, but surrounding it is a decent-sized the modern university city with a year-round population of 60,000 people. Panormos is located on the North Coast of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. I think it time for a bring visit back! Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. 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. Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is home to the main airport of the island. Agia Roumeli is the most visited village in the area as it forms the exit point for the popular Samaria Gorge hike every day in the summer hundreds pop out of the gorge and onto a ferry to X where they can reconnect with the road system. Transfer time: 1 hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. On a budget? #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. Transfer time: 25 minutes to the main harbour from Chania International airport. The further out, the quieter it gets. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. Although the panorama can make you trigger happy with the camera, dont ignore the beauty right beside you on the path a Venetian fort, ancient churches, ancient cisterns, and the breath-taking remains of the ruined ancient town of Pikilassos, not to mention the beautiful flora and fauna that you encounter along the way, including lots of olive trees resist the urge to pillage! Glyka Nera is located on the south coast of Crete a 2 hour 30 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. Tourism here peaked in the 90s and as such it has a slightly careworn feel and is friendly but not busy. Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. 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. 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. 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. Some beaches are considered 'insider tips' among locals and tourists and can only be reached on foot, while other beach areas regularly host large numbers of sun-hungry visitors. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay. Panormos a small and charming traditional Cretan fishing village located on the northern coast has a few little extra bits that make it attractive, and a winery, it also has guided tours and tasting as well making it an attractive proposition indeed. The beaches arent huge so they do get busy; Bali is larger than it looks and popular with the package tourism crowd and daytrippers from the wider area. If you want a bit of light culture there is a church (Agios Panteleimon) on the Western side of the village, it has a gorgeous mosaic floor and is not commercial in any way (if you want to see it youll have to go to the kiosk on Sougia beach and ask for the key yourselfseriously)! Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Kalamaki is located on the south coast of the island around an hours drive from Heraklion airport. One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. Similar rooms are available at Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa. Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. The best of the rest are: Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites, Villa Ippocampi,Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel,Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Cooks Club. 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. With the exception of Paleochora, that is. Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. Its a perfect romantic destination for couples. 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. Start the day with farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride. Palm-fringed Preveli is one of the most unique and beautiful beaches on Crete. a rundown of Crete's quieter resorts and villages; the best places to stay for couples, families and nature CRETE OVERVIEW BEST LUXURY HOTELS: Domes of Elounda, Daios Cove, Abaton Island Resort and Spa, Domes Noruz. Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. Transfer time: 1hr 45 minutes from Chania International airport. See More, Impressive luxury resort, totally insulated from the outside world in semi-tropical gardens. Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. 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!
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