These vary greatly depending on the region and location: Snow white sand alternates with shell sand and fine gravel. 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. Accommodation in Frangokastello is all self-catered and around the same price point. The village itself is loaded with a rich history, including a museum which houses finds of Minoan archaeological importance found nearby and you can hear tales about the towns colourful past and folklore in the many local tavernas. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. 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. 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! 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. On a budget? 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. The wonderful White Mountains are located in Western Crete, and their gleaming shine is the dominant feature of the region. Boat trips to Balos leave from the harbour. The Akrotiri Peninsula is where youll find the airport, a swathe of villas, and a few spectacular beaches such as Stavros Bay and Seitan Limani. 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. Kids go free to the Minoan Amusement Park. The coastline between these cities is the busiest and most developed part of the island. Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. GEORGIOUPOLIS RESORT AQUAPARK AND SPA - Prices & Hotel Reviews (Greece) Transfer time: 25 minutes to the main harbour from Chania International airport. 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). Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. For those who dont fancy a steep, heady climb on their holidays, it is possible to hire a fishing boat in Agia Roumeli to take you to Domata. The nearest rooms are a few miles away try the sereneGlykeria Hoteland Elafonisi Resort. Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. Suites, bungalows, and villas are light and airy with large swathes of glass and a modern take on Cretian design. 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. (function() { Falassarna is located on the west coast of the island around a 2 hour 40 minute drive from Heraklion airport. 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. There are numerous beaches dotted about, and if you are staying for more than a few days it can be good fun to try a different one each day. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. The landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty. Enjoy the many dining options, good spa and lots of activities - tennis, water sports and nearby nightlife. THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. And oh the food! 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. THE 10 BEST Luxury Beach Resorts in Crete - Tripadvisor You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. Its perfect for mature couples who dont need excursions and are happy to rent a car to explore the south coast. T Hotel Premium Suites is the most comfortable place in town. Theres plenty to keep older children entertained, including watersports and boat trips. 15 Best Resorts in Crete | U.S. News Travel See More, An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. Best 41 Beaches in Chania, Greece | Greeka Astoria Hotel is a small family-run hotel with sea views and coastal decor. A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. Angela Suites Boutique Hotel is all whites and blues and has a pool. 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. A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. 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. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. Balos Beach, Crete. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. Some suites have access to a private hot tub on the roof terrave. Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. Several celebrities (including Brad and Angelina in happier days) have been spotted walking on its sandy shores, this combined with it being a hotspot for European dignitaries just adds to the appeal. Crete is almost completely surrounded by beaches. This area is perfect for beach lovers (although its worth noting that the main beach does get very windy). With that and the relative peace and quiet, its an ideal spot to just be on this wonderful island. Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. And Plakias now has a youth hostel! 1,438 reviews. There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views. And its one of the warmest places in the Mediterranean in winter. 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. In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. Agios Nikolaos has four sandy beaches though theyre all a little way out of the city Kitroplateira is the most central, Almiros is the nicest. 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. South of the Lasithi Peninsula, this part of Crete has its own climate its drier, hotter, and more barren than the rest of the island. See More, A glamorous coastal property offering the upmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. See More, This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. The City Hotel & Suites is a clean and modern hotel offering excellent value at a lower price point, as are Menta City Boutique Hotel and Omiros Boutique Hotel. There are 3 main beaches and a long waterfront area thats full of seafood restaurants, bars and clubs, and is popular in the evening. 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. #9 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete. If youve braved the paddle (or walked over the sandbar leading to the island) youll be rewarded with water that is the temperature of bathwater, soft pink sand (particular to this area only), and pictures that youll treasurePrizes awarded for spotting a sea turtleand deducted for duckface Instagram postsenjoy! For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect. Try the spotless Marina Hotel, or the beautiful white and blue decor and sea views atElektra. Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. . "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.". Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. Tourism here peaked in the 90s and as such it has a slightly careworn feel and is friendly but not busy. 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. Euphoria Resort 7. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. The 3* Villa Maxine Hotel is great value and has a chic poolside area. Elafonisi Lagoon is located on the west coast of the Greek island of Crete around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. Its a relaxed south coast village, about 30km from Agia Galini, and has a wide, sandy Blue Flag beach and a spacious feel. The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. Concur with these, we love Crete. Its a perfect romantic destination for couples. per night. (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. A wonderful place to visit and stay in Crete! If it tickles your fancy there is a naturist beach off to the east. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. S&K Villas near Amyrida has a modern white cubist design and pool. 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. Chora Sfakion: A few upmarket options here such as the No Problem Luxury Suite (it has a bathtub), and the excellent value Livikon Hotel and Samaria Hotel which both have fresh white and blue decor and seaview balconies. Pick the Nana Princess in Hersonissos for a relaxing getaway. If you have a car then you might also want to consider accommodation up in Mirtios village above the bay. 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. 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. #26 Best Value of 502 Quiet Hotels in Crete. 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. 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. A good selection of bars and restaurants. The town isnt strictly a beach resort, so theres plenty to see and do besides basking. Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. A luxury beach holiday. " The hotel is very relaxing and although it is a bit quiet a night it really is the perfect mix of 5 star luxury during the day with the authenticity of amazing local Greek Tavernas like Zachos . The one thing I would highly recommend is getting sea shoes as there are sea urchins on the rocks!! 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. Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. Return to simpler times at this beautiful hideaway on Crete. } Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. Its an easy and cheap bus ride to Knoss from Heraklion. 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. I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. See More, A great getaway to an idyllic blue bay in a car-free village, right on the beach. But it would be a shame to miss out on the excellent tavernas in Panormo. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. 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. . Some swim-up rooms are available. 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. 5* resort Domes of Elounda is one of Cretes most exclusive hotels and has access to a private sandy beach, VIP services, and a champagne bar. It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. 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. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. Although be warned, the walk takes five to seven hours and can be strenuous, especially at the peak of summer. One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. On the beach itself, there is a tavern that sells local nibbles and drinks as well as sunbeds. These hikes can be strenuous and at some moments, hair-raising but they are well maintained. #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World - Travel + Leisure 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. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. There are only a few places to stay in Plaka try Athina Villas, Plaka Beach Cottages, and Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. There are lots of lovely places to stay in Rethymnon. Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. 7 Of The Best Resorts In Crete | TravelSupermarket Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. 9 Theofanus Street, Chania, Crete Island, 731 00. An epic choice of restaurants and bars. A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. 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. See More, Domes Noruz Chania boasts a spectacular location on the coast of Crete. 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. Paleochora is located on a small peninsula with beaches on either side perfect for windsurfing as one of them will always be catching the wind. 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. Transfer time: 20 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Not overly touristy (though all the amenities are present), it has a working town feel albeit one with an Ottoman mosque, Venetian Fortress, and Blue Flag Beach. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. There are still many quieter, less commercialized resorts, villages, and secluded coves to explore and more hidden locations that are barely touched by tourism. Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. 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. 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. Mount Ida is the tallest peak of the range, named after the daughter of the King of Crete according to Greek mythology. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. 9.8/5 (157 reviews) "The bed was so comfortable. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. Parts of it are organised in the summer months though, and it does attract daytrippers. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. THE 10 BEST Crete Beaches (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. Besides the beach, guests gather at the Olympic-sized pool and water park with a big slides for older kids and adults. 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. Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. Oceanview Designer Beach House (4 guests): $300/night. 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 resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. The lazy river was a particular highlight. There are more Minoan ruins worth discovering though head further afield to Malia and Phaistos. Numerous beautiful beaches with soft sand or colored pebbles are found in the prefecture of Chania in western Crete. 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. Small ferry boats make the run over to Spinalonga from both Plaka and Elounda. Some of the most beautiful and unique beaches are in the area nearby Damnoni is sandy with shallow clear waters, perfect for kids. 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. The Royal Blue Resort. See More, A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. There are several beaches that you can reach by foot, and as the crowds thin out you can still find a few nudist beaches. Although elements of the walk can be tiring, its most definitely worth it. Despite the small size of Falassarna, its a popular spot and has a reputation for being one of the best beaches in Crete. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. 16 best beaches in Mexico, from surf escapes to peaceful bays | CN Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. See More, Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront. The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. Coastal perfection. There are many dining options from Greek to Italian and the four bars serve up wonderful cocktails. Although the hippies have long since been moved on, and the caves protected and closed to the public, the town retains a laidback feel despite the explosion of tourism here. Bali is roughly halfway between Rethymno and Heraklion there are bus services both but not as frequent as other resorts.