Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. The landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty. #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete "Highlights were Excellent, clean sandy beach and lot of sun beds on beach, around pools etc. 8. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Libyan Princess is the most comfortable and modern hotel on the block. But at the end of the day, Mexico will always be known as a beach destination - and for good reason. 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. The resorts here are some of the nicest places to stay on Crete. But the highlight is the peaceful and picture-perfect sugar cube village of Loutro, with its whitewashed walls and electric blue seas. 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. Coastal perfection. } Astoria Hotel is a small family-run hotel with sea views and coastal decor. Mythos Suites is another town highlight with a pool. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey from Heraklion airport. Atlantica Kalliston Resort. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. Sifaka & Gavaladon 5, Old Town, Chania, Crete Island, 73101. 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. So many people make a beeline for Rethymno that its surrounding villages are something of a hidden gem. Where to Stay in Crete: 14 Best Areas - The Nomadvisor Whether you are planning a getaway with the family, a couples' escape or a luxury break there is something to suit most tastes and budgets here. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. Several of Eloundas top luxury hotels are actually in Plaka, so read the section above if you havent already. Sougia is located on the South West coast of the island around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion airport. In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. per night. Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. Transfer time: 2hrs from Heraklion International airport, 10 minutes from Sitia Public Airport. On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. The smaller of the two beaches, Small Triopetra (or Koumado), is more an enclosed, sandy, and rocky bay. A classy, modern hotel. Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort 3. Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. The nation boasts nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, stretching along the warm Gulf of Mexico to the east and the . 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World - Travel + Leisure Transfer time: 1hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. Total bliss. Options are spread out along the vast beach so check the location before booking if you want to be closer to the castle for proximity to the few tavernas and cafes. Sitia, windsurf and nice beaches For a taste of the less touristy places on the island, Sitia is your town where to stay in Crete. Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." 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. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. } Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. See More, This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. Panormos is the first beach resort that you hit east of Rethymnon that has a proper village feel and isnt just an outpost of the city. 1. Aside from the peacefulness of the region, it is hard not to be astounded by the artwork the elements left behind- a series of terraces in the rock face which, will undoubtedly leave you awestruck. 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. Despite the small size of Falassarna, its a popular spot and has a reputation for being one of the best beaches in Crete. The best beaches in Crete | CN Traveller Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side 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. 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. })(); 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. An epic choice of restaurants and bars. It's quiet not only because the village is quiet and the people who go there are quiet, but because it's so big: 1.3 km long, and very wide, so that even in high season you can feel that you've got it almost to yourself. Visit Mosque of the Janissaries in Crete | Expedia Besides the beach, guests gather at the Olympic-sized pool and water park with a big slides for older kids and adults. It attracts independent travellers and plenty of returners and is a popular base for hiking in the area. Milatos is a small and low-key beach resort just beyond Sissi. 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. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. On a budget? THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Resorts 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. 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. Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay. And its one of the warmest places in the Mediterranean in winter. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. If you are staying one or more nights, you dont need to worry about thumping music or all-night parties. 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. 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. Top attractions and things to do in Chania include: Head west from the main harbour to hit the town beaches Nea Chora is the closest and a 15-minute walk, Chryssi Akti is the nicest. Several of the Elounda luxury resorts are actually in Plaka. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next beach break? Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. As with the other northern cities, it has a Venetian Fortress (the Kazarma) and an Archaeological Museum. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. 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. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is fantastic its worth visiting before you head out to the ancient sites if you can. Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Ierapetra is known as the capital of the south coast as its the biggest town along the coast, and one of the southernmost towns in Europe. See more photos Add to shortlist. The nearest rooms are a few miles away try the sereneGlykeria Hoteland Elafonisi Resort. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. 302 reviews. Elafonisi Lagoon is located on the west coast of the Greek island of Crete around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. The Royal Blue Resort. If youre planning on staying in the area for more than a few days in the summer then it makes sense to be out in one of Chanias coastal resorts, to take advantage of beach access and/or parking (which is very difficult in the centre). If it tickles your fancy there is a naturist beach off to the east. 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. The lazy river was a particular highlight. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. Theres no real village to speak of, but there are a few places to stay tucked away in the flat plain behind the beach. 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. 25 of the best places to stay in Greece and the Greek islands Sfakia is the nearest town for amenities. On a budget? There is an increasing number of upmarket resorts in Sissi. Where to Stay on Crete: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide THE 10 BEST Luxury Beach Resorts in Crete - Tripadvisor Try the spotless Marina Hotel, or the beautiful white and blue decor and sea views atElektra. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Hotels of 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor The best quiet beach in Crete? - Crete Message Board - Tripadvisor A good selection of bars and restaurants. Kalamaki is located on the south coast of the island around an hours drive from Heraklion airport. Whitewashed and chic Cyano Hotel is the best place to stay in Plakias rooms are spotless, the beds are comfy, and its a short walk to the shops and beach. This is Crete off-the-beaten-track. See More, A great getaway to an idyllic blue bay in a car-free village, right on the beach. Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. Yes: Sougia is the best quiet beach in Crete, without a doubt. 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. An adults-only hotel in a converted historic mansion, it has been elegantly restored and has its own hammam. And Plakias now has a youth hostel! The beautiful unspoilt Samari Gorge is a major tourist attraction of the island and was created by a small river running through the White Mountains. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! #9 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete. Ideal for totally relaxing. Even the briefest of strolls through the village will showcase many of the wonderful pottery studios. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. Crete is almost completely surrounded by beaches. It is slightly commercialised, but that said if you like the occasional deep-fried or sugary treat delivered to your lounger whilst you catch the sun, its not too bad at all! One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. The Top 3 Best Crete Family Resorts | Oyster.com Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. The lush Villa Octo is up in the hills behind the city and sleeps 6 in luxury. Although the hippies have long since been moved on, and the caves protected and closed to the public, the town retains a laidback feel despite the explosion of tourism here. There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. Theres a regular bus to Heraklion, and its possible to reach Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos for day trips too. Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. For initial visits to Crete, especially if you have limited time to travel, plan on staying in one of the 5 main settlements. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. Elounda Gulf Villas provide a free transfer to a private beach club. Check out Aspri Petra Apartments or Asterias Village. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views. 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. Head west for quieter beaches at Amnisos or Tobrouk. The White Houses are traditional waterfront houses decorated in local antiques and cool whites and blues. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. Both a beautiful and quiet place to visit in Crete. Glyka Nera is located on the south coast of Crete a 2 hour 30 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. . Be aware that roads and bus routes in the south are sparse, its easier to plan an itinerary that takes in one region or travels along the north coast. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. The upmarket vibe of Elounda is rubbing off on the small nearby village of Plaka, which is ideal with those looking for a quiet and peaceful holiday. Its perfect for mature couples who dont need excursions and are happy to rent a car to explore the south coast. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. 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. On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. 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! Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. 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 . BEST HOTELS RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Domes Noruz, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, Domes of Elounda. Euphoria Resort 7. 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. 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! $148. Location 3.9. Its a relaxed resort town (well compared to its busier neighbours) and if you want a no-nonsense turn-up and relax on the beach holiday then this is a good choice. #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. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. There are lots of lovely places to stay in Rethymnon. However, dont let that put you off. Its a popular day-trip destination and the crowds somewhat marr the incredible natural landscape with its towering rock formations. There is no shortage of boutique in the winding Venetian streets of the old town. 20 BEST Crete Beaches To Visit - The World Pursuit 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 city of Rethymnon (you might also see it spelt Rethymno or Rethimno) is like a smaller, more chilled version of Chania. 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. And oh the food! Where to Stay on Corfu: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Kefalonia: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Lefkada: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Zakynthos: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Skiathos: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Rhodes: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Mallorca: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Ibiza: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Menorca: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on the Turkish Coast: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa 2. The beach is large and there are a range of tavernas and shops offering food at a very reasonable price. 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. !" Breakfast included 2022 2. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. The other top choice in Rethymnon is Rimondi Estate whose courtyard swimming pool is becoming an Instagram star in its own right. Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. Lasithi, the easternmost province of Crete, is home to some of its most luxurious hotels as well as its wildest and most traditional areas. Home / Beautiful Places / Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs. Where to Stay on Rhodes: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide . Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. Outside this, its a large resort town with an excellent (though busy) beach, an unashamedly commercial centre, and a charming old quarter (Old Malia), where youll find traditional houses and tavernas. 26. All rooms come with an outdoor pool and private hot tubs. Highly discreet, with striking designs, each hotel is different. Chanias maze of old town streets have been prettied up for the tourists, but they still retain a charming atmosphere especially if you can catch them in spring before the masses arrive. East of Sitia the crowds really thin out most tourists dont make it beyond this point. Palm-fringed Preveli is one of the most unique and beautiful beaches on Crete. Its friendly and authentic if you want to get away from mass tourism then this easternmost part of Crete is a good bet. If you have a mix of old and young children or value convenience then Stalis is a solid option. 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. 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. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. Heading to the beautiful Greek island of Crete this year? The resort offers 75 airy and well appointed rooms and suites fully equipped with satellite TV and minibar. 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. Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. The prices in Hersonissos are very competitive, partially to lure customers out of the many all-inclusive hotels in the area. But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price. The best of the rest are: Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites, Villa Ippocampi,Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel,Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Cooks Club. Kids go free to the Minoan Amusement Park. Each of these areas offers exceptional hotels, fantastic dining, and a wide range of nearby . 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. There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. #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! Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel. Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. Some of the beach resorts along Rethymnon beach include: The area around Platanes is popular and sandy. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. 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. 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. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. Many boat trips, excursions, and day tours are available, and its possible to make some journeys (such as hiking the Samaria Gorge) yourself by bus. 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. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. 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