Transfer time: 15 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. 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. Mythos Suites is another town highlight with a pool. 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. Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel Show prices Enter dates to see prices 202 reviews A spoiling beach treat! Utterly relaxing. The 3* Villa Maxine Hotel is great value and has a chic poolside area. 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. 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. But at the end of the day, Mexico will always be known as a beach destination - and for good reason. A good selection of bars and restaurants. Hailing from the Emerald Isle she calls a small coastal town near Dublin home, but has lived in a few countries including Saigon, Vietnam where she resided for over a year. The 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! Similar rooms are available at Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa. Ferries leave Sitia once a week for Rhodes, Karpathos, and Kassos. If youre planning on staying in the area for more than a few days in the summer then it makes sense to be out in one of Chanias coastal resorts, to take advantage of beach access and/or parking (which is very difficult in the centre). 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. The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. 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. ; 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. What was once a small Greek village has now become a cosmopolitan town, with bars, restaurants and hotels surrounding picturesque Lake Voulismeni. Show prices. Astoria Hotel is a small family-run hotel with sea views and coastal decor. Try the spotless Marina Hotel, or the beautiful white and blue decor and sea views atElektra. Glika Nera Beach 190 Beaches By 849jeremyn The coastline between these cities is the busiest and most developed part of the island. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. Home / Beautiful Places / Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs. But it would be a shame to miss out on the excellent tavernas in Panormo. 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. 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. For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect. 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. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. Honeymoons - This is . It can be as quiet or as rowdy as you like. Start the day with farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride. 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. 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. Whitewashed and chic Cyano Hotel is the best place to stay in Plakias rooms are spotless, the beds are comfy, and its a short walk to the shops and beach. And if you'd like your own private pool, as well as access to a private beach, Refine your search to our Guru's recommendations for. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. With the exception of Paleochora, that is. Boat trips to Balos leave from the harbour. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. Although, shell always have a special place in her heart for the city where she makes her annual pilgrimages Paris, her true city of lights. Milatos is a small and low-key beach resort just beyond Sissi. Check TUI for packages including hotels and flights. As Chania is a regional capital and in close proximity to so many beach resorts, it makes a great base to explore the west of the island. Palm-fringed Preveli is one of the most unique and beautiful beaches on Crete. Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. 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 large all-inclusive hotels in Panormo Iberostar Creta Marine and Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare being two of the larger ones. Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. Mykonos has the best beach clubs (and nightlife). Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. What delights visitors the most about the White Mountains is the central and southern part of the Lefka Ori which, due to the high altitude, resembles a lunar landscape and offers visiting hikers a surreal experience of walking on the moon which, is wholly unique to the northern hemisphere. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. 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, A home-away-from-home set in a stunning rural spot with beaches, bars and tavernas a walk away. There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. Heraklion itself is not quite an attractive destination in the same way that Chania and Rethymnon are much of its historic architecture was damaged during heavy bombing in WWII. $148. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. Isolated, authentic, and very tranquil, Lentas isnt for Crete thrill-seekers or partygoers. Total bliss. Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. 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. The hotel is all-inclusive but the food was of excellent quality." Breakfast included 2022 4. 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. 5. It has a sand-and-pebble beach and a handful of good tavernas to choose from. This ultra-luxurious haven combines the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. Some of the beach resorts along Rethymnon beach include: The area around Platanes is popular and sandy. 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. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. The one thing I would highly recommend is getting sea shoes as there are sea urchins on the rocks!! Grecotel Meli Palace and Kalimera Kriti Resort both have direct beach access. Most visitors wont venture far outside the old town, the nexus of which is the pretty 14th-century Venetian harbourfront, but surrounding it is a decent-sized the modern university city with a year-round population of 60,000 people. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. Its super sedate. 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. 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 can get beyond immediate appearances, it has a likeable vibe there are some excellent museums and a good bar and music scene propped up by the local student population. It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. On a budget? 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. So many people make a beeline for Rethymno that its surrounding villages are something of a hidden gem. 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. Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. Blue Palace Elounda 9. Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. " 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 . 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. 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. Aside from the peacefulness of the region, it is hard not to be astounded by the artwork the elements left behind- a series of terraces in the rock face which, will undoubtedly leave you awestruck. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. If you have a mix of old and young children or value convenience then Stalis is a solid option. 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. 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. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." 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. The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. } The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. 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. Its raw beauty is undeniable, with glassy aquamarine waters and swirls of pastel-pink sands kissing the shore - a natural phenomenon caused by thousands of . There are also plenty of boat trips are available from its harbour. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. Accommodation in Frangokastello is all self-catered and around the same price point. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. Its a relaxed resort town (well compared to its busier neighbours) and if you want a no-nonsense turn-up and relax on the beach holiday then this is a good choice. The lush Villa Octo is up in the hills behind the city and sleeps 6 in luxury. Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. 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 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. A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. 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. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. Lyttos Mare 5. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. #9 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete. Transfer time: 1 hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Mykonos is relatively small and you can easily drive around in a day. 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. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. Check out cheery Sunday Life. My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. } If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . of the rooms, the quality of the beach. on: function(evt, cb) { An adults-only hotel in a converted historic mansion, it has been elegantly restored and has its own hammam. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. Karavostasi Beach 432 Beaches By selsfield2003 Worth the walk ( or the ride on the mini train) Great beach - lovely clear water and 2 amazing tavernas. . The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. 1,438 reviews. Kalamaki is located on the south coast of the island around an hours drive from Heraklion airport. 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. 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. 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. Oceanfront Home With Views (7 guests): $325/night. 9. 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. Best Places in Crete to Stay for First-Timers and Sightseeing: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos. #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete . Although be warned, the walk takes five to seven hours and can be strenuous, especially at the peak of summer. If it tickles your fancy there is a naturist beach off to the east. 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. 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. 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. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. Many Chania beaches are among the best on the island, such as Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. Meanwhile, the main beach of the area, West Triopetra or Chatzi, is characterised by beautiful coarse sand which casts unusual colours across the beach and water. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. The landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty. The wonderful White Mountains are located in Western Crete, and their gleaming shine is the dominant feature of the region. The resort boasts an outdoor hot tub. But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. Small ferry boats make the run over to Spinalonga from both Plaka and Elounda. Transfer time: 1hr 30 minutes from Chania airport. Its friendly and authentic if you want to get away from mass tourism then this easternmost part of Crete is a good bet. 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. Coastal perfection. Its an easy and cheap bus ride to Knoss from Heraklion. Theres a wide selection of accommodation, easy transport links, a short airport transfer, and child-friendly shallow waters. Here, you can available of the offerings from the nearby tavernas and umbrellas are available. The infamous resort of Malia is known for its 24hr party scene its the best spot for nightlife on Crete, as legions of teenage boys well know. On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. If you are looking for a bit of space then Plakias offers one of the largest beaches in Crete. #30 Best Value of 32 Crete Luxury Beach Resorts From spending many breaks on this beautiful island, here is my choice for the quietest and most authentic and unspoiled places to visit in Crete which are perfect for travel snobs. forms: { Where to Stay on Corfu: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Kefalonia: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Lefkada: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Zakynthos: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Skiathos: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Rhodes: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Mallorca: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Ibiza: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Menorca: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on the Turkish Coast: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide. Located 80km southwest of the town of Heraklion, it is much more secluded than your average beach, since it's just off the edge of (and sheltered by) a large gorge. Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. 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. 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. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next beach break? But the highlight is the peaceful and picture-perfect sugar cube village of Loutro, with its whitewashed walls and electric blue seas. See More, A glamorous coastal property offering the upmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. An epic choice of restaurants and bars. As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. 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! A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. On a budget? 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. 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. Panormos is located on the North Coast of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Much of the south-west coast is rocky and inaccessible, with steep cliffs that drop dramatically into the sea and small beaches that form at the end of gorges. Theres a regular bus to Heraklion, and its possible to reach Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos for day trips too. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. The Troulis Apart-hotel is excellent value. 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. Myrtos village is located on the south coast of Crete an 1 hour 20 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. See more photos Add to shortlist. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. Stay in Makrigialos: White Pearl Apartments are right on the beach. Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. callback: cb Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. The KTEL bus station is in the new town, a 10-minute walk from the main harbour see PDF timetables. Another sleepy Crete village, Tsoutsouros is undeveloped and charming (just how we like it). Other options include Hotel Loutro Bay,SifisandDaskalogiannis Hotel. A wonderful place to visit and stay in Crete! The main village is set 1km back from the beach and is a popular area for villas and expats. 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. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. See More, An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. A luxury beach holiday. Transfer time: 2hrs from Heraklion International airport, 10 minutes from Sitia Public Airport. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. 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 . Check out Aspri Petra Apartments or Asterias Village. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. It attracts independent travellers and plenty of returners and is a popular base for hiking in the area. Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. })(); For all the legal bits go to myDisclaimer and Privacy Policy, Cretan cooking experience in the mountains, check rooms and availability on Booking.com, 10 Perfect Gifts for Foodies Who Love Greece (Ideal for a Hamper), 10 Best Places for a Sunny Winter City Break in Europe. 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. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. 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. Hostels: Chania has two gorgeous design hostel options Cocoon City Hostel and Kumba. Giannoulis - Grand Bay Beach Resort (Exclusive Adults Only) Kolymvari. 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. Ligaria is located on the north coast of Crete around a 30 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants.