Luxury highlights: Domes Noruz in Kato Daratsa is the 5* pick beachfront location, private plunge pools and hot tubs are available. Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." #30 Best Value of 32 Crete Luxury Beach Resorts Theres no real village to speak of, but there are a few places to stay tucked away in the flat plain behind the beach. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. Location 3.9. You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. 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. 3,851 reviews. Coastal perfection. Oceanview Designer Beach House (4 guests): $300/night. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Resorts 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor On a budget? Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. 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. I loved Ligaria a small and charming seaside village located on the north side of Crete especially its lovely beach which has the same name. See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. #26 Best Value of 502 Quiet Hotels in Crete. Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. 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). Heading to the beautiful Greek island of Crete this year? 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. Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. There is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. Where to Stay in Crete: 14 Best Areas - The Nomadvisor Sfakia is the nearest town for amenities. Atlantica Kalliston Resort. Its popular as a boat trip destination the summer months can see an influx of tour boats from nearby Malia and Hersonissos but relatively few actually stay there, and those that do tend to love it. Kalamaki is a relatively new town in Crete, it has more of a purpose-built feel to it. It gets very popular and usually attracts people who go there for clubbing. The further out, the quieter it gets. Its a year-round Greek town that attracts tourists and expats, rather than a purpose-built tourist town. Pick the Nana Princess in Hersonissos for a relaxing getaway. It has a tranquil fishing village vibe, although the heart of the village does feel a bit commercialised, and there are some small beaches a short walk away (the main one is Boufos). Avli Luxury Apartments are sumptuously decorated and theres a rooftop pool. Astoria Hotel is a small family-run hotel with sea views and coastal decor. Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. Total bliss. { Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. See More, Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront. 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". Value 4.1. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. There are many dining options from Greek to Italian and the four bars serve up wonderful cocktails. 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. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. Transfer time: 2hrs from Heraklion International airport, 10 minutes from Sitia Public Airport. Theres a regular bus to Heraklion, and its possible to reach Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos for day trips too. Its also a good base if you want to rent a car as there are plenty of beaches to explore in the area and its only a 15-minute drive to Rethymnon. THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Resorts 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor And oh the food! It does attract some tourists, mainly from the continent. GEORGIOUPOLIS RESORT AQUAPARK AND SPA - Prices & Hotel Reviews (Greece) Theres a wide selection of accommodation, easy transport links, a short airport transfer, and child-friendly shallow waters. FalassarnaBeachhas won prizes for being the most beautiful beach in Crete and is always one of the top ten beaches in Europe, with its wonderful, fine white sand and warm, crystal-clear water. Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is another beachfront blockbuster with private pools and daybeds. THE 10 BEST Crete Beaches (with Photos) - Tripadvisor But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. It has a sand-and-pebble beach and a handful of good tavernas to choose from. See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. Mythos Suites is another town highlight with a pool. 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. THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. 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. 25 of the best places to stay in Greece and the Greek islands Youre most likely to end up here if youre catching a ferry to Kythira or to Gythio on the mainland, or if youre using it as a base to explore the nearby beaches at Balos and Falassarna. Several of the Elounda luxury resorts are actually in Plaka. Lasithi, the easternmost province of Crete, is home to some of its most luxurious hotels as well as its wildest and most traditional areas. For those who love to explore there are ruins all over the area dating from the Neolithic and Roman periods which, with a bit of tenacity can be uncovered and discovered. Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort 3. Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. So many people make a beeline for Rethymno that its surrounding villages are something of a hidden gem. A spoiling beach treat! 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 Royal Blue Resort. 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. Another sleepy Crete village, Tsoutsouros is undeveloped and charming (just how we like it). For all intents and purposes its a real treasure. 5* Minos Beach Art Hotel has 1km of beach access, spacious grounds, and calming minimalist decor. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. 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 also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. See More, A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. 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. 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! Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. These hikes can be strenuous and at some moments, hair-raising but they are well maintained. Balos Beach, Crete. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. The 5-star hotels on the harbourfront are Scala de Faroand Domus Renier. . The swankiest resort in town is the long-established Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. Here you will find the emptiest beaches on the island and you can swim well into the autumn/winter months. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. "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.". 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. } It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. The majority of Bahamian beaches are safely in "paradise on Earth" territory. Boutique and luxury: Cressa Corona Boutique Hotel is the best address in town. On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. 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. Bored of sunning yourself? 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. And theres an ancient Minoan site that youre likely to have to yourself. The one thing I would highly recommend is getting sea shoes as there are sea urchins on the rocks!! 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! 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. Glyka Nera is located on the south coast of Crete a 2 hour 30 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. 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. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. See More, A great getaway to an idyllic blue bay in a car-free village, right on the beach. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. Agree a time with him and he'll come back for you later. T Hotel Premium Suites is the most comfortable place in town. Glika Nera Beach 190 Beaches By 849jeremyn The nation boasts nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, stretching along the warm Gulf of Mexico to the east and the . 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. 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. 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. If you have a car then you might also want to consider accommodation up in Mirtios village above the bay. Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection 6. WHERE TO STAY in CRETE - Best Areas and Towns - Santorini Dave See More, A glamorous coastal property offering the upmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. Milatos is a small and low-key beach resort just beyond Sissi. Transfer time: Ierapetra minutes from Heraklion airport, Makrigialos 1 hr 50 minutes from Heraklion airport. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. } #9 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete. Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. Myrtos village is located on the south coast of Crete an 1 hour 20 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. My favourite was Geropotamos Beach, there is a rather attractive stone arch to the west and, on the east, a freshwater river running directly into the sea. 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. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. 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. A network of small ferries connects Paleochora and Sfakia at either end, with the villages of Sougia, Agia Roumeli, and Loutro, and the island of Gavdos to the south. There are a few tavernas and perhaps the occasional cafe bordering the shallow rocky beach. 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 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! Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. A stunning contemporary five star resort that will leave you wanting for nothing! 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. Best Quiet Resort - Crete Message Board - Tripadvisor 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. Several celebrities (including Brad and Angelina in happier days) have been spotted walking on its sandy shores, this combined with it being a hotspot for European dignitaries just adds to the appeal. 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. Some suites have access to a private hot tub on the roof terrave. S&K Villas near Amyrida has a modern white cubist design and pool. The wonderful White Mountains are located in Western Crete, and their gleaming shine is the dominant feature of the region. Most of the accommodation in this area is in traditional rooms and studios. Beach bums are better off at Plakias (see below). : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. 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! #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. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. 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. Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. Blue Palace Elounda 9. The best quiet beach in Crete? - Crete Message Board - Tripadvisor See More, A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. 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. This is part of a Greek holiday resort guide series and will cover: Roughly speaking, the north coast is developed and is home to the main cities and also most of the beach resort towns. 17. 23 Best Beaches In Greece to Visit in 2023 - The Planet D 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. Its friendly and authentic if you want to get away from mass tourism then this easternmost part of Crete is a good bet. Head west for quieter beaches at Amnisos or Tobrouk. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. Hostels: Chania has two gorgeous design hostel options Cocoon City Hostel and Kumba. Small ferry boats make the run over to Spinalonga from both Plaka and Elounda. 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 Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. 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 Youll find the standard Greek beachside fare if you want to have a halftime break, and nestled in its backstreets are a multitude of boutique-style shops selling some handmade, and some not-so-handmade trinkets. 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. 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. Lyttos Mare 5. Boat trips to Balos leave from the harbour. 9.8/5 (157 reviews) "The bed was so comfortable. Although be warned, the walk takes five to seven hours and can be strenuous, especially at the peak of summer. Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. Where to Stay on Crete: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. Nearby is the Palace of Malia, one of the best Minoan ruins on the island. #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. 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. Kids go free to the Minoan Amusement Park. Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection Show prices Enter dates to see prices Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. The town isnt strictly a beach resort, so theres plenty to see and do besides basking. But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. But there are plenty of alternatives if your budget doesnt stretch quite that far, have a look at Blue Bay Resort Hotel, Peninsula Resort Hotel, Pela Mare, Seascape Luxury Residences, and Acro Wellness Suites. If you like your beaches vast and often deserted then make a beeline for Frangokastello on the south coast. Rapid growth resulted in some dense development around the small harbour, and the small beach is a 10-minute walk out of the village. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. One of the main things to do in Heraklion is to catch a ferry to visit Santorini, Mykonos and other places. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. The five restaurants serve a range of food from sushi to Greek and there's a fabulous spa too. 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. 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World - Travel + Leisure Transfer time: 1hr from Heraklion International airport. 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. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. ; SOUTH: Most of the main beach resorts are on the south coast, busier on the west side and getting quieter the further east you get. 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 seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser. Show prices. 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. Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. There are a few large all-inclusive hotels in Panormo Iberostar Creta Marine and Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare being two of the larger ones. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. 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. Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa 2. Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. Check the rooms and prices on Booking.com. 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. And its one of the warmest places in the Mediterranean in winter. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. Angela Suites Boutique Hotel is all whites and blues and has a pool. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next beach break? Fortunately, the prices in Elounda dont have a Hollywood price tag. Check out cheery Sunday Life. Check TUI for packages including hotels and flights. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor It is hardly surprising then that there are a world-class selection of beach hotels to choose from. In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. Giannoulis - Grand Bay Beach Resort (Exclusive Adults Only) Kolymvari. The other top choice in Rethymnon is Rimondi Estate whose courtyard swimming pool is becoming an Instagram star in its own right. The resorts here are some of the nicest places to stay on Crete. Other options include Hotel Loutro Bay,SifisandDaskalogiannis Hotel. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. per night. ); Mykonos has the best beach clubs (and nightlife). A luxurious hideaway near Rethymnon. Honeymoons - This is . However, Balos Beach caught our eye for its clean waters and beautiful offshore reefs. 9 Theofanus Street, Chania, Crete Island, 731 00. On a budget? South coast Agia Galini is a small harbour town that was once the biggest resort town in the Rethymno region. Bali is roughly halfway between Rethymno and Heraklion there are bus services both but not as frequent as other resorts. There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Hotels of 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor 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. THE 10 BEST Crete Luxury Resorts 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor Transfer time: 1hr 45 minutes from Chania International airport. 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. With that and the relative peace and quiet, its an ideal spot to just be on this wonderful island. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. A luxury beach holiday. Crete's Best Beach Hotels | The Hotel Guru
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