Where to Stay on Mykonos: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide Transfer time: 1hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. On a budget? 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! You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. On a budget? With that and the relative peace and quiet, its an ideal spot to just be on this wonderful island. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. The resorts here are some of the nicest places to stay on Crete. Start the day with farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride. My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. Walking through the forest is sublime, and the river that cuts through it is clean enough to swim in (we should hope so as it leads directly out onto Plakias beach). The 3* Villa Maxine Hotel is great value and has a chic poolside area. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. Glyka Nera is located on the south coast of Crete a 2 hour 30 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. The other top choice in Rethymnon is Rimondi Estate whose courtyard swimming pool is becoming an Instagram star in its own right. 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. There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore.
THE 10 BEST Crete Beaches (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. The lazy river was a particular highlight. The south is wild and remote with a spectacularly rocky coast and a few standout beach resorts. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. 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. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. 5* Minos Beach Art Hotel has 1km of beach access, spacious grounds, and calming minimalist decor. Visitors to the area might be shocked to find that it retains its snowcaps until the middle of spring and offers innumerable hiking opportunities from the Samaria Gorge to the Askifou plateau to Mount Ida herself. 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. Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. Perhaps, Domatas unspoiled beauty has been preserved this long because the region has no roads or infrastructures. 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). 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. No roads lead here and there are no nightclubs or nightlife. If you want to meet other travellers there are two hostels in town Intra Muros and So Young, but private rooms in traditional domatia or apartments can be foundfor a similar price. 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. The further out, the quieter it gets.
THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor Bozzali. 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. For those who dont fancy a steep, heady climb on their holidays, it is possible to hire a fishing boat in Agia Roumeli to take you to Domata. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. See More, Domes Noruz Chania boasts a spectacular location on the coast of Crete. I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. There is also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. Cool or what? There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. 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. On the harbour: If youre after a harbourfront hotel with a sea views balcony just bear in mind that noise and light from the restaurants below go on until late. Agia Roumeli: Lots of budget rooms all around the same price point thanks to the proliferation of walkers tryAgia Roumeli Hotel or Gigilos which are both right on the beach. Its a relaxed south coast village, about 30km from Agia Galini, and has a wide, sandy Blue Flag beach and a spacious feel. Best Places in Crete to Stay for First-Timers and Sightseeing: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos. 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". Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. 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. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. If you are looking for a bit of space then Plakias offers one of the largest beaches in Crete. With steep sandy-coloured rocks dropping directly into the sea in this horseshoe-shaped bay and crystal clear water it is postcard perfect. Kalamaki is a relatively new town in Crete, it has more of a purpose-built feel to it. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. Its deliciously quiet in shoulder season. The lagoon itself is actually an island that can be reached by paddling out to it. Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. Another sleepy Crete village, Tsoutsouros is undeveloped and charming (just how we like it). The Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. Theres a wide selection of accommodation, easy transport links, a short airport transfer, and child-friendly shallow waters. 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. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort has a Six Senses Spa, direct beach access, and a private 9-hole golf course. Balos Beach, Crete. A good selection of bars and restaurants. Transfer time: 1hr 30 minutes from Chania 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. In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. of the rooms, the quality of the beach. 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. Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . Suites and private villas have personal pools. Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows.
15 Best Luxury Crete Resorts on the Beach - overseas attractions Wonderful! It lacks the sweeping white sand of some of our other suggestions, but it also lacks the footfall, making it ideal for a day trip. 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. On a budget? 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. Location 3.9. The main attraction in Stalis (or Stalida) is its 6km golden crescent of beach, and its proximity to party capital Malia (just a 30-minute walk). Hostels: Chania has two gorgeous design hostel options Cocoon City Hostel and Kumba. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. 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.
15 Quiet Beach Towns in America - PureWow THE 10 BEST Quiet Hotels in Crete 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor Enjoyed this post? #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. 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 . #7 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete "The resort location gives quiet seclusion and comfort with its own small beach, sun terraces and infinity pool all with beautiful views over Mirabello Bay." "Secluded enough to be quiet and relaxing but also close enough to the picturesque town of Agios St Nikolas." Special offer 2022 8. On the beach itself, there is a tavern that sells local nibbles and drinks as well as sunbeds. Giannoulis - Grand Bay Beach Resort (Exclusive Adults Only) Kolymvari. If you think of a sleepy Greek fishing village, you probably have images of small boats bobbing in quartz waters, piles of multicoloured nets, and fishermen unloading their catch before nipping off to the Taverna for a cheeky ouzo. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site. Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. 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. But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price. GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. 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! Despite the small size of Falassarna, its a popular spot and has a reputation for being one of the best beaches in Crete. "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.". But it would be a shame to miss out on the excellent tavernas in Panormo.
25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World - Travel + Leisure A wonderful place to visit and stay in Crete! The nearest rooms are a few miles away try the sereneGlykeria Hoteland Elafonisi Resort. Just dont expect to find authentic Crete here. Transfer time: 1hr 45 minutes from Chania International airport. Hailing from the Emerald Isle she calls a small coastal town near Dublin home, but has lived in a few countries including Saigon, Vietnam where she resided for over a year. The KTEL bus station is in the new town, a 10-minute walk from the main harbour see PDF timetables. Some swim-up rooms are available. 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. There are numerous beaches dotted about, and if you are staying for more than a few days it can be good fun to try a different one each day. Rapid growth resulted in some dense development around the small harbour, and the small beach is a 10-minute walk out of the village. Including the five star beach resorts, family friendly hotels on Crete and great value finds. It is truly non-commercialised, and we hope it stays that way. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. See More, This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete.
Best beaches in Crete - Lonely Planet It is hardly surprising then that there are a world-class selection of beach hotels to choose from. Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. 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. It does attract some tourists, mainly from the continent. Big Sur's craggy cliffs are breathtaking, but for an equally beautiful and less crowded California alternative, try this quiet spot tucked between Monterey and Carmel. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. A spoiling beach treat! You can always visit the amazing chapel of Prophet Elias.
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. 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. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access.
Best Quiet Resort - Crete Message Board - Tripadvisor Heraklion Archaeological Museum is fantastic its worth visiting before you head out to the ancient sites if you can. Although be warned, the walk takes five to seven hours and can be strenuous, especially at the peak of summer. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. And if you'd like your own private pool, as well as access to a private beach, Refine your search to our Guru's recommendations for. The swankiest resort in town is the long-established Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort. There is no shortage of boutique in the winding Venetian streets of the old town. " Clean, spacious rooms, quiet sandy beach with amazing panorama, pools of different sizes and located in different areas of the resort, great waterpark with many . Luxury highlights: Domes Noruz in Kato Daratsa is the 5* pick beachfront location, private plunge pools and hot tubs are available. Ideal for totally relaxing. There are a few large all-inclusive hotels in Panormo Iberostar Creta Marine and Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare being two of the larger ones. Transfer time: Ierapetra minutes from Heraklion airport, Makrigialos 1 hr 50 minutes from Heraklion airport. 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. Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. An adults-only hotel in a converted historic mansion, it has been elegantly restored and has its own hammam. Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. The majority of Bahamian beaches are safely in "paradise on Earth" territory. The area is also crisscrossed with donkey paths that make it fantastic for walking (its possible to walk to Plaka). Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. . Value 4.1. Transfer time: 1hr from Heraklion International airport. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. } Its a 40-minute drive to Rethymno. It gets very popular and usually attracts people who go there for clubbing. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. Libyan Princess is the most comfortable and modern hotel on the block. Those in search of the original 60s free-spirited vibe will be disappointed (though try nearby Red Beach), but Matala is a fun seaside town and is a good choice for younger couples looking for somewhere lively and photogenic. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. Did somebody say wine? Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. Here you will find the emptiest beaches on the island and you can swim well into the autumn/winter months. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. Two Cretes minor islands Chryssi and Koufonisi are just off this part of the shore. There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. 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. Besides the beach, guests gather at the Olympic-sized pool and water park with a big slides for older kids and adults. Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. 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! Packages to Stalis are available through TUI. The best beach in the area is at Anissaras, this is a 4 kms taxi ride west from Koutouloufari and any taxi driver will know where it is. Head east from Sitia and you eventually reach is Paleokastro, a windswept resort with an edge-of-the-world feel and some of the best windsurfing in Europe. Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. Return to simpler times at this beautiful hideaway on Crete. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. 5km south of Plaka is the small beach town of Elounda, one of Cretes most characterful resorts and home to some of its premier luxury hotels. Crossing the south of the island is difficult. But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. Except for the blockbuster beaches that attract day trips, its not ideal for beach tourism. Transfer time: 25 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Blue Palace Elounda 9. Oceanfront Home With Views (7 guests): $325/night. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. It has a pretty setting in the Gulf of Mirabello with waterfront bars encircling a small lake its made for people watching, and there is a cosmopolitan cafe-bar scene. The best of the rest are: Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites, Villa Ippocampi,Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel,Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Cooks Club. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. The hotel is all-inclusive but the food was of excellent quality." Breakfast included 2022 4. Top things to see and do in Heraklion include: Ammoudara is the easiest beach to reach from the city the line 12 bus runs throughout the day. And theres an ancient Minoan site that youre likely to have to yourself. Mar 20 - Mar 21. 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. There is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. The 5-star hotels on the harbourfront are Scala de Faroand Domus Renier.
Where to Stay in Crete: 14 Best Areas - The Nomadvisor Home / Beautiful Places / Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs. The main village is set 1km back from the beach and is a popular area for villas and expats. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. If you can get beyond immediate appearances, it has a likeable vibe there are some excellent museums and a good bar and music scene propped up by the local student population. #26 Best Value of 502 Quiet Hotels in Crete. Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay. 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. I think it time for a bring visit back! Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. It also provides stunning views from all angles. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. Elounda Gulf Villas provide a free transfer to a private beach club.
THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor Very good. There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views. See More, A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. The local fare in many of the harbour tavernas is about as close as you can come to freshness, maybe even caught meters from where you sit. !" Breakfast included 2022 2.
Visit Mosque of the Janissaries in Crete | Expedia 3,851 reviews. The LATO Boutique Hotel is more modern and has harbour views. Glika Nera Beach 190 Beaches By 849jeremyn 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. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. Sougia is a small village located by the Libyan sea, it can be a bit of a drive, especially from some of the more developed areas, but that was half the fun!
7 Of The Best Resorts In Crete | TravelSupermarket