The most well-known landmark is the blush pink Yiali Tzami mosque on the waterfront, with the main (outer) harbour on one side and the Venetian (inner) harbour and arsenal on the other. 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! The White Houses are traditional waterfront houses decorated in local antiques and cool whites and blues. 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. $148. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. Two Cretes minor islands Chryssi and Koufonisi are just off this part of the shore. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. 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. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. 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). A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. But the main attraction that brings tourists to Heraklion is the nearby ancient Minoan site of Knossos the biggest and most well-known on the island. 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. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. A luxury beach holiday. 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. Check out Aspri Petra Apartments or Asterias Village. 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. 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). Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( There are only a few places to stay in Plaka try Athina Villas, Plaka Beach Cottages, and Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. See More, A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. Its not particularly health and safety friendly, but if you are brave enough youll be rewarded with a view of a hidden church built within the caves. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. One of the best beaches in the south coast of Crete, You can actually park the car by the beach, there are a couple o. Its an easy and cheap bus ride to Knoss from Heraklion. Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs The best beaches in Crete | CN Traveller Where to Stay on Rhodes: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide Try the spotless Marina Hotel, or the beautiful white and blue decor and sea views atElektra. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. The 10 Best Resorts in Chania, Greece | Booking.com Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. Koutouloufari is awash with luxury adults-only complexes. #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete . Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. All rooms come with an outdoor pool and private hot tubs. Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. Luxury highlights: Domes Noruz in Kato Daratsa is the 5* pick beachfront location, private plunge pools and hot tubs are available. It has a slightly scruffy feel but there are two town beaches, an archaeological museum and some excellent restaurants to entertain you. 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. 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. Mykonos has the best beach clubs (and nightlife). For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. 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. So many people make a beeline for Rethymno that its surrounding villages are something of a hidden gem. } For all intents and purposes its a real treasure. Mount Ida is the tallest peak of the range, named after the daughter of the King of Crete according to Greek mythology. 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. A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. With the exception of Paleochora, that is. 5* Minos Beach Art Hotel has 1km of beach access, spacious grounds, and calming minimalist decor. 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. #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. Start the day with farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. Greeces largest island has quickly developed a reputation as a party island with crowds of revellers in the busier resorts looking for their next shot of ouzo, but you shouldnt let that put you off visiting this sun-soaked island. It is an absolute must for visitors to Crete is to complete the walk down the gorge from the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea, at which point tourists sail to the nearby village of Sougia or Hora Sfakion, where they could spend a night or they could catch a coach back to Chania. Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. Honeymoons - This is . Transfer time: 1hr 30 minutes from Chania airport. For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect. With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. 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. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. The main village is set 1km back from the beach and is a popular area for villas and expats. 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World - Travel + Leisure Dont expect anything in the way of amenities when you get there (its actually a nature reserve and is treated accordingly). But there is also an ecological interest Falassarna is part of the Natura 2000 network due to the extensive array of flora and fauna the area has to offer. 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! The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. 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 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. It also provides stunning views from all angles. Falassarna Beach has 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. The swankiest resort in town is the long-established Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort. Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. Best Places in Crete to Stay for First-Timers and Sightseeing: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. Mar 20 - Mar 21. The south is wild and remote with a spectacularly rocky coast and a few standout beach resorts. Transfer time: 25 minutes to the main harbour from Chania International airport. 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. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. It has a sand-and-pebble beach and a handful of good tavernas to choose from. The lazy river was a particular highlight. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. Enter dates to see prices. There is a small airport serving flights to and from Athens. 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. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. Utterly relaxing. Myrtos village is located on the south coast of Crete an 1 hour 20 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. Agia Galini has a great selection of accommodation. Show prices. 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. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. 25 of the best places to stay in Greece and the Greek islands Check the rooms and prices on Booking.com. 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. #9 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete. 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. Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. The one thing I would highly recommend is getting sea shoes as there are sea urchins on the rocks!! Return to simpler times at this beautiful hideaway on Crete. Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is home to the main airport of the island. { With steep sandy-coloured rocks dropping directly into the sea in this horseshoe-shaped bay and crystal clear water it is postcard perfect. If commercial isnt your thing then there are numerous guesthouses in the area, all offering their own unique brand of hospitality, many with floral and fragrant herb gardens. The KTEL bus station is in the new town, a 10-minute walk from the main harbour see PDF timetables. Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. For initial visits to Crete, especially if you have limited time to travel, plan on staying in one of the 5 main settlements. #30 Best Value of 32 Crete Luxury Beach Resorts Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. The harbourfront is lined with restaurants and smart boutiques, and the narrow alleys filled with souvenir shops, and the colourful tables and twinkly lights of tavernas vying for your trade. 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. Its a popular day-trip destination and the crowds somewhat marr the incredible natural landscape with its towering rock formations. 23 Best Beaches In Greece to Visit in 2023 - The Planet D BEST HOTELS RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Domes Noruz, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, Domes of Elounda. A luxurious hideaway near Rethymnon. 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. Elounda Gulf Villas provide a free transfer to a private beach club. There are a few large all-inclusive hotels in Panormo Iberostar Creta Marine and Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare being two of the larger ones. The Royal Blue Resort. But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. The coastline between these cities is the busiest and most developed part of the island. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. After a day at the (pebble) beach, you can step out in your Sunday best and pace up and down the walkway paralleling the seafront whilst wondering if you have time to look at the menu before you are accosted by the occupants (Im joking, they are lovely and generally friendly more than pushy). The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. 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. Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. Fortunately, the prices in Elounda dont have a Hollywood price tag. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. Show Prices. Naxos has the best beaches (but little nightlife). There are also plenty of boat trips are available from its harbour. THE 10 BEST Luxury Beach Resorts in Crete - Tripadvisor There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. Falassarna is located on the west coast of the island around a 2 hour 40 minute drive from Heraklion airport. 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. Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. The majority of Bahamian beaches are safely in "paradise on Earth" territory. You can find private plunge pools at Miramare Resort & Spa. 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! Enjoy the many dining options, good spa and lots of activities - tennis, water sports and nearby nightlife. Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. See More, Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. 9.8/5 (157 reviews) "The bed was so comfortable. It doesnt matter where you go you will always find greenery spots. Hostels: Chania has two gorgeous design hostel options Cocoon City Hostel and Kumba. 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. 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. What was once a small Greek village has now become a cosmopolitan town, with bars, restaurants and hotels surrounding picturesque Lake Voulismeni. The Spinalonga peninsula is connected to the town by a causeway the peninsula curves right around and the UNESCO-listed island sits at its tip, creating a natural harbour sheltered from the elements. Triopetra Beach is located on the south of the island around a 2 hour drive from Heraklion 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. But at the end of the day, Mexico will always be known as a beach destination - and for good reason. 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. 15 Best Resorts in Crete | U.S. News Travel If finding tucked-away coves and exploring craggy rocks appeals to you then Milatos a small quaint Crete village may be the place for you. THE 10 BEST Crete Luxury Resorts 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. 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. The five restaurants serve a range of food from sushi to Greek and there's a fabulous spa too. If you like your beaches vast and often deserted then make a beeline for Frangokastello on the south coast. 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. Lasithi, the easternmost province of Crete, is home to some of its most luxurious hotels as well as its wildest and most traditional areas. You can always visit the amazing chapel of Prophet Elias. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. The hotel is all-inclusive but the food was of excellent quality." Breakfast included 2022 4. The prices in Hersonissos are very competitive, partially to lure customers out of the many all-inclusive hotels in the area. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. 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 10 BEST Crete Beach Resorts 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. 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. The small city of Sitia is a working port town with a pleasant seafront promenade, a sandy town beach, and a slow lifestyle. Cleanliness 4.3. #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." Visit hotel website 2022 8. Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa 2. Atlantica Kalliston Resort. . 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. 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. Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. Agree a time with him and he'll come back for you later. WHERE TO STAY in CRETE - Best Areas and Towns - Santorini Dave Heraklion is Cretes capital and the largest city on the island. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. Ideal for totally relaxing. In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. The smaller of the two beaches, Small Triopetra (or Koumado), is more an enclosed, sandy, and rocky bay. It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. See More, A glamorous coastal property offering the upmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. 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. 26. Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Therefore it can be easier to decide on arrival airport/port first, or any attractions that you particularly want to visit, in order to narrow down where to stay. If it gets a bit too quiet for you, Diskos is only around the corner, where tented villagers of camping earthy types take up half the beach, and you can buy handmade trinkets from pop-up hippy shops. 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. 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.
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