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. Mar 20 - Mar 21. If you have a mix of old and young children or value convenience then Stalis is a solid option. With steep sandy-coloured rocks dropping directly into the sea in this horseshoe-shaped bay and crystal clear water it is postcard perfect. The Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. 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. 17. Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. Giannoulis - Grand Bay Beach Resort (Exclusive Adults Only) Kolymvari. on: function(evt, cb) { 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. There is an increasing number of upmarket resorts in Sissi. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. No roads lead here and there are no nightclubs or nightlife. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Yes: Sougia is the best quiet beach in Crete, without a doubt. If you are staying one or more nights, you dont need to worry about thumping music or all-night parties. 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. 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: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. But the highlight is the peaceful and picture-perfect sugar cube village of Loutro, with its whitewashed walls and electric blue seas. 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. The resort offers 75 airy and well appointed rooms and suites fully equipped with satellite TV and minibar. A wonderful place to visit and stay in Crete! The vibe is family-friendly thanks to its sheltered bay which is lined with a number of traditional tavernas. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." The further out, the quieter it gets. Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. 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. Transfer time: Ierapetra minutes from Heraklion airport, Makrigialos 1 hr 50 minutes from Heraklion airport. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. Sougia is located on the South West coast of the island around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion airport. All rooms come with an outdoor pool and private hot tubs. 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. The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. 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. She counts supping on Bloody Marys on a rooftop in Manhattan, downing Singapore slings at the Raffles Hotel, daring a paraglide on the Grand Cayman, spending an exotic Christmas in Malaysia and exploring the Angkor Wat, Cambodia as her all time favourite travel moments. 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)! It attracts independent travellers and plenty of returners and is a popular base for hiking in the area. Grecotel Meli Palace and Kalimera Kriti Resort both have direct beach access. 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 beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 30 minutes from Chania 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. Ranked as a top Travel Authority in the UK by Agility PR Solutions, Nominated as the best female travel blogger in the Teletext Holiday Awards 2019, British Annual Canada Travel Awards Finalist 2018, Nominated for the Best UK Travel Blog 2018, Cheapflights Travel Blog Awards Nominee 2017, GLOBAL GRASSHOPPER. "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.". See More, Impressive luxury resort, totally insulated from the outside world in semi-tropical gardens. Wonderful! Panormos is located on the North Coast of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. On a budget? For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect. The beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. Crete Beach Resorts: Find 55281 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Oceanfront Hotels in Crete on Tripadvisor. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. Z Boutique Hotel has comfortable rooms and a small pool. Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price. There are numerous beaches to visit, and if they are a bit far or you want to go further afield, as a bigger resort you can find hire cars for the standard rate. Fortunately, the prices in Elounda dont have a Hollywood price tag. Packages to Stalis are available through TUI. 9 Theofanus Street, Chania, Crete Island, 731 00. Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. This area is perfect for beach lovers (although its worth noting that the main beach does get very windy). This 5* property offers boutique accommodation decorated in a typically Mediterranean fashion and with either a private plunge pool or hot tub. Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. See more photos Add to shortlist. Blue Palace Elounda 9. 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. Check out Aspri Petra Apartments or Asterias Village. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. Located to the eastern side of the island of Crete, Kato Zakros is a bit out of the way, but well worth the visit. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. Theres a wide selection of accommodation, easy transport links, a short airport transfer, and child-friendly shallow waters. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. And theres an ancient Minoan site that youre likely to have to yourself. In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. 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! Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is fantastic its worth visiting before you head out to the ancient sites if you can. 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. With that and the relative peace and quiet, its an ideal spot to just be on this wonderful island. Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. It is truly non-commercialised, and we hope it stays that way. Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection 6. Bored of sunning yourself? The best of the rest are: Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites, Villa Ippocampi,Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel,Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Cooks Club. S&K Villas near Amyrida has a modern white cubist design and pool. 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. But there is also an ecological interest Falassarna is part of the Natura 2000 network due to the extensive array of flora and fauna the area has to offer. See More, A glamorous coastal property offering the upmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. With the exception of Paleochora, that is. 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. 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. Glika Nera Beach 190 Beaches By 849jeremyn Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. ; 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. Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. Dont expect anything in the way of amenities when you get there (its actually a nature reserve and is treated accordingly). 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). 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. Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. 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. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. There are actually three beaches within walking distance from the cobbled stone street village, all of which are pretty shallow and nestled amongst some really lovely local topography, allowing for some rather nice snorkelling experiences. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. Greece has over 1000 islands of which only 227 are inhabited. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. Luxury highlights: Domes Noruz in Kato Daratsa is the 5* pick beachfront location, private plunge pools and hot tubs are available. What was once a small Greek village has now become a cosmopolitan town, with bars, restaurants and hotels surrounding picturesque Lake Voulismeni. #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. 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. Glyka Nera is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete and definitely one of the most unspoiled places to visit on the island, with deep blue water and fine white sands. A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion Airport. The prices in Hersonissos are very competitive, partially to lure customers out of the many all-inclusive hotels in the area. Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. 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. See More, An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. 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. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. Sifaka & Gavaladon 5, Old Town, Chania, Crete Island, 73101. 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. 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. The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! The White Houses are traditional waterfront houses decorated in local antiques and cool whites and blues. The coastline between these cities is the busiest and most developed part of the island. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. It also provides stunning views from all angles. 4.4/5 Wonderful! 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. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. Utterly relaxing. Many Chania beaches are among the best on the island, such as Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi. 5. But at the end of the day, Mexico will always be known as a beach destination - and for good reason. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. 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. 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. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay. There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser. 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. 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. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. There is also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. 1. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. Did somebody say wine? A spoiling stay. Heres a complete rundown on where to stay in Crete to help you choose which part of the island to choose, which town, resort or beach is for you, and the best beach hotels, whether youre booking accommodation DIY or looking for a package vacation. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. The LATO Boutique Hotel is more modern and has harbour views. Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. 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". See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. 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. 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. 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). The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. Location 3.9. On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. 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. 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. Transfer time: 1hr from Heraklion International airport. Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. The landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty. Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. See More, This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. 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! The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. 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). Very good. 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. Parts of it are organised in the summer months though, and it does attract daytrippers. Small ferry boats make the run over to Spinalonga from both Plaka and Elounda. Its deliciously quiet in shoulder season. Highly discreet, with striking designs, each hotel is different. Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. 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. Its perfect for mature couples who dont need excursions and are happy to rent a car to explore the south coast. Slap bang in the middle of the northern coastline, the city of Heraklion (also spelt Iraklio or Iraklion) is the capital and its surrounding coastline is some of the busiest and most developed on Crete. The famous Preveli Palm Beach with its exotic date palm forest at the end of Kourtaliotiko Gorge is 5km away. 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. of the rooms, the quality of the beach. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. There is no shortage of boutique in the winding Venetian streets of the old town. BEST LUXURY HOTELS: Lindos Blu, Casa Cook Rhodes, Boutique 5 Hotel and Spa BEST BUDGET HOTEL RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Delfini Beach Hotel BEST VILLAS: Kiotari Beach Villa, Axiotheaton Villas, SeaSide Suites BEST RESORT HOTELS FOR FAMILIES: Hotel Porto Angeli Beach Resort, Atlantica Aegean Family Resort, Rodos Princess Resort & Spa Ferries leave Sitia once a week for Rhodes, Karpathos, and Kassos. . The lazy river was a particular highlight. 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. Libyan Princess is the most comfortable and modern hotel on the block. #30 Best Value of 32 Crete Luxury Beach Resorts Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. Some swim-up rooms are available. 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. Each of these areas offers exceptional hotels, fantastic dining, and a wide range of nearby . The main town in the region is likeable Agios Nikolaos (or Ag Nik, as its affectionately known), which makes up the quartet of north coast main cities. Transfer time: 1 hr 40 minutes from both Chania and Heraklion airports. 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. 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. A classy, modern hotel. The beach is large and there are a range of tavernas and shops offering food at a very reasonable price. Candia Suites are close to the harbour with clean modern interiors and bicycle rental available. Theres a regular bus to Heraklion, and its possible to reach Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos for day trips too. Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. But there are plenty of returners from those days its warm seas, great views, and some of the best fishing in Greece make it particularly popular with expats. Kids go free to the Minoan Amusement Park. (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. Enjoyed this post? Bali is roughly halfway between Rethymno and Heraklion there are bus services both but not as frequent as other resorts. !" Breakfast included 2022 2. Show Prices. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort.
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