My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. listeners: [], There are several beaches that you can reach by foot, and as the crowds thin out you can still find a few nudist beaches. This ultra-luxurious haven combines the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa 2. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. 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. a rundown of Crete's quieter resorts and villages; the best places to stay for couples, families and nature CRETE OVERVIEW BEST LUXURY HOTELS: Domes of Elounda, Daios Cove, Abaton Island Resort and Spa, Domes Noruz. The 5-star hotels on the harbourfront are Scala de Faroand Domus Renier. Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Heading to the beautiful Greek island of Crete this year? 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. If you have a mix of old and young children or value convenience then Stalis is a solid option. Beach bums are better off at Plakias (see below). Small ferry boats make the run over to Spinalonga from both Plaka and Elounda. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. Except for the blockbuster beaches that attract day trips, its not ideal for beach tourism. That said, there are bus links to Rethymno and Heraklion so car hire is not necessary. Agia Galini has a great selection of accommodation. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is fantastic its worth visiting before you head out to the ancient sites if you can. The one thing I would highly recommend is getting sea shoes as there are sea urchins on the rocks!! The nearest rooms are a few miles away try the sereneGlykeria Hoteland Elafonisi Resort. Transfer time: 2hrs from Heraklion International airport, 10 minutes from Sitia Public 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. 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. The KTEL bus station is in the new town, a 10-minute walk from the main harbour see PDF timetables. 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. 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. Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. On a budget? The hotel is all-inclusive but the food was of excellent quality." Breakfast included 2022 4. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. If you are staying one or more nights, you dont need to worry about thumping music or all-night parties. I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. Accommodation in Kissamos tends to look a bit dated but you can find good value in the surrounding beaches such as resort-style Balos Beach Hotel, Galini Beach Hotel, and the simpler Maria Beach Hotel. Even the briefest of strolls through the village will showcase many of the wonderful pottery studios. There are lots of lovely places to stay in Rethymnon. If you are looking for a bit of space then Plakias offers one of the largest beaches in Crete. Lyttos Mare 5. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. With that and the relative peace and quiet, its an ideal spot to just be on this wonderful island. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. 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. Heraklion is Cretes capital and the largest city on the island. Bored of sunning yourself? Oceanview Designer Beach House (4 guests): $300/night. Euphoria Resort 7. 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! Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is home to the main airport of the island. A good selection of bars and restaurants. Transfer time: 1 hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Ideal for totally relaxing. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. 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. There are 3 main beaches and a long waterfront area thats full of seafood restaurants, bars and clubs, and is popular in the evening. See More, Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. Highly discreet, with striking designs, each hotel is different. The best of the rest are: Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites, Villa Ippocampi,Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel,Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Cooks Club. Show Prices. The nation boasts nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, stretching along the warm Gulf of Mexico to the east and the . As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. You can find private plunge pools at Miramare Resort & Spa. 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. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. BEST HOTELS RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Domes Noruz, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, Domes of Elounda. 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. Its deliciously quiet in shoulder season. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. Another sleepy Crete village, Tsoutsouros is undeveloped and charming (just how we like it). 3,851 reviews. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( 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. 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. If you want a bit of light culture there is a church (Agios Panteleimon) on the Western side of the village, it has a gorgeous mosaic floor and is not commercial in any way (if you want to see it youll have to go to the kiosk on Sougia beach and ask for the key yourselfseriously)! Take a 15-minute walk uphill from the main town and you will find Koutouloufari and Piskopiano, two traditional villages that are increasingly popular for upmarket accommodation options. On a budget? callback: cb There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. 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). All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. 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. And oh the food! Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. A luxury beach holiday. Inside the old town: for historic charm check outBozzali Hotel with its whitewashed decor and cute courtyard, whereas Casa Delfino offers a modern take on the traditional Venetian mansion. 17. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 30 minutes from Chania airport. A classy, modern hotel. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. Agiofaraggo beach Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized, Nudism-Friendly View on map Location: 80 km south west of Heraklion Town Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. 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. " The hotel is very relaxing and although it is a bit quiet a night it really is the perfect mix of 5 star luxury during the day with the authenticity of amazing local Greek Tavernas like Zachos . Packages to Stalis are available through TUI. See more photos Add to shortlist. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. A luxurious hideaway near Rethymnon. Theres no real village to speak of, but there are a few places to stay tucked away in the flat plain behind the beach. Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. T Hotel Premium Suites is the most comfortable place in town. 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. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. Check out Aspri Petra Apartments or Asterias Village. Ferries leave Sitia once a week for Rhodes, Karpathos, and Kassos. See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. 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. 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. Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. Numerous beautiful beaches with soft sand or colored pebbles are found in the prefecture of Chania in western Crete. Did somebody say wine? The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. 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. 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. 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. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. See More, A great getaway to an idyllic blue bay in a car-free village, right on the beach. Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { 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. Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. Each of these areas offers exceptional hotels, fantastic dining, and a wide range of nearby . Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. . And you can find amazing rock formations nearby at Souda such as Calypso Bay. Cretes famous hippie beach is located on the south coast the name will be familiar to any fan of Joni Mitchell, who lived in the caves here for a short time as described in the song Carey. "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.". Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. Elafonisi Lagoon is located on the west coast of the Greek island of Crete around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. See More, This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. Mythos Suites is another town highlight with a pool. 4.4/5 Wonderful! The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. Libyan Princess is the most comfortable and modern hotel on the block. Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. The prices in Hersonissos are very competitive, partially to lure customers out of the many all-inclusive hotels in the area. Avli Luxury Apartments are sumptuously decorated and theres a rooftop pool. 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! #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. Pick of the pack is the uber-chic Serenissima Boutique Hotel its located one block back from the main harbour in a 15th-century Venetian mansion. There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views. Best Places in Crete to Stay for First-Timers and Sightseeing: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos. Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. It can be as quiet or as rowdy as you like. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. 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. Anissaras beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/brownieboy27/4986950206/in/set-72157624948245648 Report inappropriate content roseyManchester manchester At Finikounda in south-western Peloponnese, it's a simple beach resort with honey-hued beaches, space for 80 campers, and 16 sizeable bungalows with their own bathrooms, cooking facilities. Theres plenty to keep older children entertained, including watersports and boat trips. : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. (function() { Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. Its a relaxed south coast village, about 30km from Agia Galini, and has a wide, sandy Blue Flag beach and a spacious feel. 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. The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. Head west for quieter beaches at Amnisos or Tobrouk. Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay. 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. Hostels: Chania has two gorgeous design hostel options Cocoon City Hostel and Kumba. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. 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. 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. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. 5* Minos Beach Art Hotel has 1km of beach access, spacious grounds, and calming minimalist decor. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. forms: { The lazy river was a particular highlight. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. Transfer time: 1hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. For all intents and purposes its a real treasure. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. 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 lagoon itself is actually an island that can be reached by paddling out to it. Although elements of the walk can be tiring, its most definitely worth it. Boutique and luxury: Cressa Corona Boutique Hotel is the best address in town. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. 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. 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. 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. You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. 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. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. An adults-only hotel in a converted historic mansion, it has been elegantly restored and has its own hammam. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. Transfer time: 1hr 15 minutes from Heraklion airport. The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. Rapid growth resulted in some dense development around the small harbour, and the small beach is a 10-minute walk out of the village. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. The Troulis Apart-hotel is excellent value. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. 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. 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 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. The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. Mexico is one of those well-rounded countries that offer a little bit of everything: food, culture, gorgeous landscapes, and some of the best hotels and resorts in the entire world. Theres a wide selection of accommodation, easy transport links, a short airport transfer, and child-friendly shallow waters. Perhaps, Domatas unspoiled beauty has been preserved this long because the region has no roads or infrastructures. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. ; EAST: The beaches past Elia are beyond the reach of the bus and water taxi network so things calm down considerably. 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. Its a windswept and low-key kind of place, with remnants of a hippie vibe. !" Breakfast included 2022 2. 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. Its super sedate. Both a beautiful and quiet place to visit in Crete. However, dont let that put you off. Its friendly and authentic if you want to get away from mass tourism then this easternmost part of Crete is a good bet. But it would be a shame to miss out on the excellent tavernas in Panormo. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times.

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