Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. See more photos Add to shortlist. You are properly in the land of Greek mythology, I expected Jason and his argonauts to pop over the horizon at any moment whilst we sat on the beach. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. For those on a smaller budget, have a look at the small and friendly Nostos Hotel which is a few minutes from the main harbour. 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. Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. Coastal perfection. 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. Belvedere Apartments are box fresh and have spa access. The main village is set 1km back from the beach and is a popular area for villas and expats. Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. Wonderful! La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. Beach bums are better off at Plakias (see below). There are plenty of options for self-catered too, likeVilla Niki. Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. See More, A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is home to the main airport of the island. Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is another beachfront blockbuster with private pools and daybeds. 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. Where to Stay in Crete: 14 Best Areas - The Nomadvisor 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. Bored of sunning yourself? This is Crete off-the-beaten-track. . A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. 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. Koutouloufari is awash with luxury adults-only complexes. 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). 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. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. 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 . 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. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. 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. Ligaria is located on the north coast of Crete around a 30 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. #26 Best Value of 502 Quiet Hotels in Crete. Boat trips to Balos leave from the harbour. 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: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. Small ferry boats make the run over to Spinalonga from both Plaka and Elounda. Paleochora is located on a small peninsula with beaches on either side perfect for windsurfing as one of them will always be catching the wind. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. Theres a regular bus to Heraklion, and its possible to reach Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos for day trips too. Avli Luxury Apartments are sumptuously decorated and theres a rooftop pool. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. On a budget? Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. Here, you can available of the offerings from the nearby tavernas and umbrellas are available. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. If you are looking for a bit of space then Plakias offers one of the largest beaches in Crete. " 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 . One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. Up until fairly recently, Elafonisi was one of Cretes best-kept secrets, sadly social media selfie-lovers got a firm grasp of it, so it can get seriously busy in the high seasons. See More, A great getaway to an idyllic blue bay in a car-free village, right on the beach. Where to Stay on Rhodes: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide A few Venetian buildings remain but most of the city is a modern concrete jungle that always seems to be dusty and full of building works that were halted during the crisis. Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Top 3 Best Crete Family Resorts | Oyster.com There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. 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. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. Euphoria Resort 7. Giannoulis - Grand Bay Beach Resort (Exclusive Adults Only) Kolymvari. #30 Best Value of 32 Crete Luxury Beach Resorts A wonderful place to visit and stay in Crete! Another sleepy Crete village, Tsoutsouros is undeveloped and charming (just how we like it). (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. Check out cheery Sunday Life. 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. A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. Ideal for totally relaxing. Astoria Hotel is a small family-run hotel with sea views and coastal decor. Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Crete's Best Beach Hotels | The Hotel Guru Oceanview Designer Beach House (4 guests): $300/night. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. Highly discreet, with striking designs, each hotel is different. The Akrotiri Peninsula is where youll find the airport, a swathe of villas, and a few spectacular beaches such as Stavros Bay and Seitan Limani. 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. The town isnt strictly a beach resort, so theres plenty to see and do besides basking. On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. ". Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." Where to Stay on Crete: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. 8. Blue Palace Elounda 9. The best of the rest are: Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites, Villa Ippocampi,Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel,Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Cooks Club. 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. 23 Best Beaches In Greece to Visit in 2023 - The Planet D Some of the most beautiful and unique beaches are in the area nearby Damnoni is sandy with shallow clear waters, perfect for kids. The lazy river was a particular highlight. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. 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. A good selection of bars and restaurants. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. However, if you would like to sit outside one of its handful of tavernas with a carafe of the local red and a plate of vine leaves then this is the quiet place to visit in Crete for you! 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. 16 best beaches in Mexico, from surf escapes to peaceful bays | CN See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. Candia Suites are close to the harbour with clean modern interiors and bicycle rental available. Cool or what? Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. The other top choice in Rethymnon is Rimondi Estate whose courtyard swimming pool is becoming an Instagram star in its own right. 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! 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. That said, there are bus links to Rethymno and Heraklion so car hire is not necessary. Crossing the south of the island is difficult. Sifaka & Gavaladon 5, Old Town, Chania, Crete Island, 73101. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. 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. 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. Tourism here peaked in the 90s and as such it has a slightly careworn feel and is friendly but not busy. You may have to head to the south coast when the wind is blowing. A luxury beach holiday. Transfer time: 15 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs 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. What was once a small Greek village has now become a cosmopolitan town, with bars, restaurants and hotels surrounding picturesque Lake Voulismeni. 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. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. 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. Best Quiet Resort - Crete Message Board - Tripadvisor THE 10 BEST Crete Beaches (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. Location 3.9. A luxurious hideaway near Rethymnon. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. Its known for its big waves, fishing heritage, and seafood tavernas set around a small crescent of beach. Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Resorts 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor 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. THE 10 BEST Crete Luxury Resorts 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor However, dont let that put you off. So many people make a beeline for Rethymno that its surrounding villages are something of a hidden gem. Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. The further out, the quieter it gets. 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. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. The best quiet beach in Crete? - Crete Message Board - Tripadvisor 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. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. Milatos is a small and low-key beach resort just beyond Sissi. forms: { Very good. Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. Essentially, Myrtos has something to offer everyone from a secluded, sandy seafront to a large dose of historical culture. Show prices. Transfer time: 1hr 30 minutes from Chania airport. Grecotel Meli Palace and Kalimera Kriti Resort both have direct beach access. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. Try the spotless Marina Hotel, or the beautiful white and blue decor and sea views atElektra. of the rooms, the quality of the beach. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. Anissaras beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/brownieboy27/4986950206/in/set-72157624948245648 Report inappropriate content roseyManchester manchester Check TUI for packages including hotels and flights. Several of Eloundas top luxury hotels are actually in Plaka, so read the section above if you havent already. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. 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. It can be as quiet or as rowdy as you like. 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. 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. Visitors here can simply detox from life and tackle long-awaited books, take walks along the stunning scenery or simply eat, drink and be merry. 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. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. Luxury highlights: Domes Noruz in Kato Daratsa is the 5* pick beachfront location, private plunge pools and hot tubs are available. Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site. A classy, modern hotel. #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! Value 4.1. Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete - Mar 2023 (with Prices Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. 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. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . No roads lead here and there are no nightclubs or nightlife. Mykonos has the best beach clubs (and nightlife). Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. GEORGIOUPOLIS RESORT AQUAPARK AND SPA - Prices & Hotel Reviews (Greece) Its a relaxed south coast village, about 30km from Agia Galini, and has a wide, sandy Blue Flag beach and a spacious feel. 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.

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