Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. The beach is large and there are a range of tavernas and shops offering food at a very reasonable price. See More, Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 15 minutes from Heraklion airport. Best 20 Beaches on Crete island, Greece | Greeka Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. On a budget? 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. It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. " 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 . The beach of Myrtos is a hidden treasure which, rarely gets crowded and provides a real opportunity to take a load off and truly relax. With that and the relative peace and quiet, its an ideal spot to just be on this wonderful island. There are churches tucked away in winding streets, and for those of you who want to enjoy a waterside view without the sand, the town is built around a beautiful lake (Lake Voulismeni), where you can take in the views, whilst also dining in style in one of a multitude of lakeside restaurants. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. 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. Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. It is truly non-commercialised, and we hope it stays that way. Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. The Royal Blue Resort. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. 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! Cleanliness 4.3. 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. #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. As with the other northern cities, it has a Venetian Fortress (the Kazarma) and an Archaeological Museum. 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. Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. 1. Utterly relaxing. See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. 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. Mar 20 - Mar 21. 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 city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. 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. Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. Sougia is located on the South West coast of the island around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion airport. Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. 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. Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. Glyka Nera is located on the south coast of Crete a 2 hour 30 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. Ligaria is located on the north coast of Crete around a 30 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. There are a few tavernas and perhaps the occasional cafe bordering the shallow rocky beach. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. Ideal for totally relaxing. Highly discreet, with striking designs, each hotel is different. 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. There is an increasing number of upmarket resorts in Sissi. 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. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. There are many dining options from Greek to Italian and the four bars serve up wonderful cocktails. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Elafonisi Lagoon is located on the west coast of the Greek island of Crete around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. That said, they are exposed to the northwesterly Meltemi wind which blasts Greece throughout the summer beware big waves and undercurrents when the wind is blowing, pay attention to local advice. Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. See More, A home-away-from-home set in a stunning rural spot with beaches, bars and tavernas a walk away. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. Crossing the south of the island is difficult. 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. Show Prices. Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. The nation boasts nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, stretching along the warm Gulf of Mexico to the east and the . Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. 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. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey from Heraklion airport. Its deliciously quiet in shoulder season. A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . event : evt, 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. Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore. 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. Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. Enjoy the many dining options, good spa and lots of activities - tennis, water sports and nearby nightlife. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. 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. Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. 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. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. Pick the Nana Princess in Hersonissos for a relaxing getaway. Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. 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. The hotel is all-inclusive but the food was of excellent quality." Breakfast included 2022 4. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. Its a busy tourist town dominated by resort hotels, with a small harbour and 4 organised beaches, and is packed with pretty bougainvillaea and colourful sun loungers. 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. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. Falassarna is located on the west coast of the island around a 2 hour 40 minute drive from Heraklion airport. Transfer time: 15-45 minutes from Chania International airport. Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours 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. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. Some swim-up rooms are available. These vary greatly depending on the region and location: Snow white sand alternates with shell sand and fine gravel. Oceanfront Home With Views (7 guests): $325/night. The Best Luxury Hotels on Crete, Greece | The Hotel Guru listeners: [], 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 10 BEST Crete Resorts of 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor The best beach in the area is at Anissaras, this is a 4 kms taxi ride west from Koutouloufari and any taxi driver will know where it is. Sitia, windsurf and nice beaches For a taste of the less touristy places on the island, Sitia is your town where to stay in Crete. So many people make a beeline for Rethymno that its surrounding villages are something of a hidden gem. One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort 3. Best 41 Beaches in Chania, Greece | Greeka 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. Boat trips to Balos leave from the harbour. 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. Agia Galini has a great selection of accommodation. on: function(evt, cb) { 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. 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. 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. If it tickles your fancy there is a naturist beach off to the east. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. And theres an ancient Minoan site that youre likely to have to yourself. The lagoon itself is actually an island that can be reached by paddling out to it. 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. 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. Service 4.3. 15 Best Luxury Crete Resorts on the Beach - overseas attractions : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. Belvedere Apartments are box fresh and have spa access. 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. 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.