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. 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. 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. If you have a mix of old and young children or value convenience then Stalis is a solid option. East of Sitia the crowds really thin out most tourists dont make it beyond this point. But the main attraction that brings tourists to Heraklion is the nearby ancient Minoan site of Knossos the biggest and most well-known on the island. There are lots of lovely places to stay in Rethymnon. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. Utterly relaxing.
Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs 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. 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. Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. 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. But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price. Panormos a small and charming traditional Cretan fishing village located on the northern coast has a few little extra bits that make it attractive, and a winery, it also has guided tours and tasting as well making it an attractive proposition indeed. Perhaps, Domatas unspoiled beauty has been preserved this long because the region has no roads or infrastructures. 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. Some of the beach resorts along Rethymnon beach include: The area around Platanes is popular and sandy. On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. There is no shortage of boutique in the winding Venetian streets of the old town. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach.
Check out cheery Sunday Life. There is an increasing number of upmarket resorts in Sissi. The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. Transfer time: 1hr 45 minutes from Chania International airport. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. 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. Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. It lacks the sweeping white sand of some of our other suggestions, but it also lacks the footfall, making it ideal for a day trip. See More, A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. There is the standard selection of resort hotels in the surrounding coastal areas stylish Cretan Malia Park is one of the best, with beachfront access, boho chic decor, and family-friendly facilities. 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. The famous Preveli Palm Beach with its exotic date palm forest at the end of Kourtaliotiko Gorge is 5km away. 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. Lasithi, the easternmost province of Crete, is home to some of its most luxurious hotels as well as its wildest and most traditional areas. Bored of sunning yourself? The south is wild and remote with a spectacularly rocky coast and a few standout beach resorts. There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views.
THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Resorts 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. 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. A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. A luxurious hideaway near Rethymnon. Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel Show prices Enter dates to see prices 202 reviews Wonderful! Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. See More, A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. 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. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape.
THE 10 BEST Luxury Beach Resorts in Crete - Tripadvisor 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). The beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. 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. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. 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. Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion Airport. #7 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete "The resort location gives quiet seclusion and comfort with its own small beach, sun terraces and infinity pool all with beautiful views over Mirabello Bay." "Secluded enough to be quiet and relaxing but also close enough to the picturesque town of Agios St Nikolas." Special offer 2022 8. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. There is a small airport serving flights to and from Athens. Head east from Sitia and you eventually reach is Paleokastro, a windswept resort with an edge-of-the-world feel and some of the best windsurfing in Europe. There are two routes to the beach by boat or for the most extreme, there is a path from Chora Sfakion and another from Loutro. 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. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. A luxury beach holiday. Kalamaki is a relatively new town in Crete, it has more of a purpose-built feel to it. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. Its a windswept and low-key kind of place, with remnants of a hippie vibe. Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. 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. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. Clearly, the island has so much more to offer aside from the famous mythology and legends, there are also sites of architectural, historical, and natural importance, that will leave any visitor completely enthralled! Cool or what? forms: { Enjoy the many dining options, good spa and lots of activities - tennis, water sports and nearby nightlife. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. You wont find parties and bars here, oh no. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. Options are spread out along the vast beach so check the location before booking if you want to be closer to the castle for proximity to the few tavernas and cafes. See More, Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. "If you are looking for delicious food, spacious luxury rooms, a marvellous location directly on the beach and an excellent service, Mitsis Laguna is the answer.". 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. Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey from Heraklion airport. 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. As with the other northern cities, it has a Venetian Fortress (the Kazarma) and an Archaeological Museum. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east.
25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World - Travel + Leisure Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. 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. The five restaurants serve a range of food from sushi to Greek and there's a fabulous spa too. An adults-only hotel in a converted historic mansion, it has been elegantly restored and has its own hammam. 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). See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. 1. Accommodation is spacious and secluded, the best options have heated seawater pools, but all are utterly indulgent. Numerous beautiful beaches with soft sand or colored pebbles are found in the prefecture of Chania in western Crete. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. 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. Avli Luxury Apartments are sumptuously decorated and theres a rooftop pool. On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. If you have a car then you might also want to consider accommodation up in Mirtios village above the bay. "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.". Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . The wonderful White Mountains are located in Western Crete, and their gleaming shine is the dominant feature of the region. The upmarket vibe of Elounda is rubbing off on the small nearby village of Plaka, which is ideal with those looking for a quiet and peaceful holiday. Check TUI for packages including hotels and flights. Visitors to the area might be shocked to find that it retains its snowcaps until the middle of spring and offers innumerable hiking opportunities from the Samaria Gorge to the Askifou plateau to Mount Ida herself. Transfer time: 2hrs from Heraklion International airport, 10 minutes from Sitia Public Airport. As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. callback: cb Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. The long-distance hiking route passes through the area, and there are several smaller gorges and empty beaches such as Sweetwater to discover. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site. If it tickles your fancy there is a naturist beach off to the east. It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. Crossing the south of the island is difficult. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is fantastic its worth visiting before you head out to the ancient sites if you can. The resort boasts an outdoor hot tub. " 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 . There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Naxos has the best beaches (but little nightlife). Suites, bungalows, and villas are light and airy with large swathes of glass and a modern take on Cretian design. No roads lead here and there are no nightclubs or nightlife. If you are looking for a bit of space then Plakias offers one of the largest beaches in Crete.
THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete - Mar 2023 (with Prices Z Boutique Hotel has comfortable rooms and a small pool. Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised.
Best 32 Beaches in Heraklion, Greece | Greeka Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Its also a good base if you want to rent a car as there are plenty of beaches to explore in the area and its only a 15-minute drive to Rethymnon. Each of these areas offers exceptional hotels, fantastic dining, and a wide range of nearby .
The best beaches and coves in Crete incl. insider tips - Corissia 18. Its a relaxed south coast village, about 30km from Agia Galini, and has a wide, sandy Blue Flag beach and a spacious feel. (function() { And its one of the warmest places in the Mediterranean in winter. Located to the eastern side of the island of Crete, Kato Zakros is a bit out of the way, but well worth the visit. 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. 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. 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! Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. Libyan Princess is the most comfortable and modern hotel on the block. It is truly non-commercialised, and we hope it stays that way. Including the five star beach resorts, family friendly hotels on Crete and great value finds. 1. Transfer time: 15-45 minutes from Chania International airport. Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. Several of the Elounda luxury resorts are actually in Plaka. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. 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. 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. 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. Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. There are more Minoan ruins worth discovering though head further afield to Malia and Phaistos. For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. Just dont expect to find authentic Crete here. Transfer time: 1hr 15 minutes from Heraklion airport. Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. 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. Although elements of the walk can be tiring, its most definitely worth it. 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. The small city of Sitia is a working port town with a pleasant seafront promenade, a sandy town beach, and a slow lifestyle. Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. A good selection of bars and restaurants. The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. 17. Classy Veneziano Boutique Hotel is in a beautifully renovated historic building. #7 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete "The resort location gives quiet seclusion and comfort with its own small beach, sun terraces and infinity pool all with beautiful views over Mirabello Bay." "Secluded enough to be quiet and relaxing but also close enough to the picturesque town of Agios St Nikolas." Visit hotel website 2022 8. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. Show Prices. 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. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. On a budget? On the beach itself, there is a tavern that sells local nibbles and drinks as well as sunbeds. Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms.
16 best beaches in Mexico, from surf escapes to peaceful bays | CN Enjoyed this post? I think it time for a bring visit back! But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. On a budget? Here you will find the emptiest beaches on the island and you can swim well into the autumn/winter months. 9.8/5 (157 reviews) "The bed was so comfortable. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. 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! Definitely one of the most unspoiled places to visit in Crete, the pretty peaceful village of Loutro evokes some strong emotion when you land here it is truly like stepping back in time! Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore. Concur with these, we love Crete.
Visit Mosque of the Janissaries in Crete | Expedia Nearby is the Palace of Malia, one of the best Minoan ruins on the island. Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. 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. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. Koutouloufari is awash with luxury adults-only complexes. 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 main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines.
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