Kids go free to the Minoan Amusement Park. Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. 5km south of Plaka is the small beach town of Elounda, one of Cretes most characterful resorts and home to some of its premier luxury hotels. 23 Best Beaches In Greece to Visit in 2023 - The Planet D Walking through the forest is sublime, and the river that cuts through it is clean enough to swim in (we should hope so as it leads directly out onto Plakias beach). With that and the relative peace and quiet, its an ideal spot to just be on this wonderful island. 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. Value 4.1. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. But at the end of the day, Mexico will always be known as a beach destination - and for good reason. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. And Plakias now has a youth hostel! There is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. 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. Show Prices. 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. Classy Veneziano Boutique Hotel is in a beautifully renovated historic building. 1. Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa. The Best Luxury Hotels on Crete, Greece | The Hotel Guru An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. all were excellent and we recommend this hotel with a true "vacation vibe" to all couples wanting a quiet and relaxing vacation on the wonderful beach of Crete". Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay. Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel Show prices Enter dates to see prices 202 reviews The resorts here are some of the nicest places to stay on Crete. 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 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. There are also plenty of boat trips are available from its harbour. The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. Even the briefest of strolls through the village will showcase many of the wonderful pottery studios. Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is another beachfront blockbuster with private pools and daybeds. Enjoyed this post? Transfer time: 1 hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 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. GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. And you can find amazing rock formations nearby at Souda such as Calypso Bay. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. 3,851 reviews. The resort boasts an outdoor hot tub. Including the five star beach resorts, family friendly hotels on Crete and great value finds. It doesnt matter where you go you will always find greenery spots. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( 16 best beaches in Mexico, from surf escapes to peaceful bays | CN The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. 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. Belvedere Apartments are box fresh and have spa access. In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. Utterly relaxing. See More, A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. 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! It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. 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. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. 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. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. Tourism here peaked in the 90s and as such it has a slightly careworn feel and is friendly but not busy. Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. THE 10 BEST Crete Resorts of 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor Ierapetra is known as the capital of the south coast as its the biggest town along the coast, and one of the southernmost towns in Europe. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. 26. 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 architecture of the village looks like it just sprang from a WWII novel, winding streets, brightly painted buildings, plenty of brick and crumbling plaster. Where to Stay in Crete: 14 Best Areas - The Nomadvisor Accommodation is spacious and secluded, the best options have heated seawater pools, but all are utterly indulgent. Home / Beautiful Places / Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs. If you think of a sleepy Greek fishing village, you probably have images of small boats bobbing in quartz waters, piles of multicoloured nets, and fishermen unloading their catch before nipping off to the Taverna for a cheeky ouzo. Essentially, Myrtos has something to offer everyone from a secluded, sandy seafront to a large dose of historical culture. 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. Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. Whether you are planning a getaway with the family, a couples' escape or a luxury break there is something to suit most tastes and budgets here. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. If you like your beaches vast and often deserted then make a beeline for Frangokastello on the south coast. 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. Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. It has a sand-and-pebble beach and a handful of good tavernas to choose from. Rooms mirror the outdoors, blue and breezy, some suites come with terraces and pools. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. Theres a regular bus to Heraklion, and its possible to reach Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos for day trips too. The best beaches in Crete | CN Traveller Agia Roumeli: Lots of budget rooms all around the same price point thanks to the proliferation of walkers tryAgia Roumeli Hotel or Gigilos which are both right on the beach. 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. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { 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. The prices in Hersonissos are very competitive, partially to lure customers out of the many all-inclusive hotels in the area. Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. However, Balos Beach caught our eye for its clean waters and beautiful offshore reefs. 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. The 12 Best Crete Beach Hotels (Greece) | Oyster.com THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete - Mar 2023 (with Prices The smaller of the two beaches, Small Triopetra (or Koumado), is more an enclosed, sandy, and rocky bay. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. A small village consisting simply of a few hotels and tavernas, shops and restaurants, and a church, but what Loutro lacks in modernity it makes up for in nostalgia and panorama. 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. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. The nation boasts nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, stretching along the warm Gulf of Mexico to the east and the . 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). Rapid growth resulted in some dense development around the small harbour, and the small beach is a 10-minute walk out of the village. That said, there are bus links to Rethymno and Heraklion so car hire is not necessary. See More, A great getaway to an idyllic blue bay in a car-free village, right on the beach. Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. Its a perfect romantic destination for couples. 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. 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! The beautiful unspoilt Samari Gorge is a major tourist attraction of the island and was created by a small river running through the White Mountains. Crete Quiet Resorts & Hotels : Book a Hotel Room at one of many Quiet Its a popular day-trip destination and the crowds somewhat marr the incredible natural landscape with its towering rock formations. 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. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. Suites, bungalows, and villas are light and airy with large swathes of glass and a modern take on Cretian design. Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. Here, you can available of the offerings from the nearby tavernas and umbrellas are available. See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. Packages to Stalis are available through TUI. Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. 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. This area is perfect for beach lovers (although its worth noting that the main beach does get very windy). The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. 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. The town isnt strictly a beach resort, so theres plenty to see and do besides basking. Anissaras beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/brownieboy27/4986950206/in/set-72157624948245648 Report inappropriate content roseyManchester manchester 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. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. Suites and private villas have personal pools. 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 . Best 41 Beaches in Chania, Greece | Greeka You wont find parties and bars here, oh no. Glyka Nera is located on the south coast of Crete a 2 hour 30 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. 5. Stay in Makrigialos: White Pearl Apartments are right on the beach. Visit Mosque of the Janissaries in Crete | Expedia Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. There are a few large all-inclusive hotels in Panormo Iberostar Creta Marine and Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare being two of the larger ones. See More, A glamorous coastal property offering the upmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. There are some quieter beaches in the area if youre up for a bit of scrambling, and things calm down in the evening once the coaches have packed up for the day. The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. 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. See More, A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. . Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. Its only a matter of steps to the beach. There are many dining options from Greek to Italian and the four bars serve up wonderful cocktails. Some suites have access to a private hot tub on the roof terrave. Sfakia is the nearest town for amenities. Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. In addition to 14 freshwater outdoor and indoor pools, it has a 350-meter beach with umbrellas, beach chairs, water sports (for a fee), beach volleyball, and beach parties hosted by the entertainment team. ; EAST: The beaches past Elia are beyond the reach of the bus and water taxi network so things calm down considerably. You may have to head to the south coast when the wind is blowing. Mykonos has the best beach clubs (and nightlife). 15 Best Luxury Crete Resorts on the Beach - overseas attractions Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey from Heraklion airport. Best Quiet Resort - Crete Message Board - Tripadvisor 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. Some swim-up rooms are available. #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. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. The beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. Crete has some of Greece's best sandy beaches - many far from developed areas, so you can truly enjoy a remote holiday on the sand. One of the main things to do in Heraklion is to catch a ferry to visit Santorini, Mykonos and other places. 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. #26 Best Value of 502 Quiet Hotels in Crete. See More, Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. You can always visit the amazing chapel of Prophet Elias. 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. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. On a budget? Sougia is located on the South West coast of the island around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion airport. Mar 20 - Mar 21. Once youve driven (carefully) to the town youll find a laid-back vibe and easy-going atmosphere that is synonymous with most of the lesser-known spots on the island. Balos beach Chania Balos is a fantastic location on the northwestern side of Crete, in the region of Chania. Theres a wide selection of accommodation, easy transport links, a short airport transfer, and child-friendly shallow waters. It is truly non-commercialised, and we hope it stays that way. 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. 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 surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. #3 Best Value of 119 Crete Resorts "The mini water park within the hotel is excellent, with plenty of slides for younger and older kids. 7 Of The Best Resorts In Crete | TravelSupermarket 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! The 5-star hotels on the harbourfront are Scala de Faroand Domus Renier.