Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. 3,851 reviews. 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. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. See More, This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. { But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. Several of the Elounda luxury resorts are actually in Plaka. Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. The beach is large and there are a range of tavernas and shops offering food at a very reasonable price. Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. Another sleepy Crete village, Tsoutsouros is undeveloped and charming (just how we like it). 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. Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. "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 best quiet beach in Crete? - Crete Message Board - Tripadvisor 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. Transfer time: 1hr 45 minutes from Chania International airport. Despite the small size of Falassarna, its a popular spot and has a reputation for being one of the best beaches in Crete. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. 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. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. Best 41 Beaches in Chania, Greece | Greeka Theres a regular bus to Heraklion, and its possible to reach Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos for day trips too. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. 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. The wonderful White Mountains are located in Western Crete, and their gleaming shine is the dominant feature of the region. Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is another beachfront blockbuster with private pools and daybeds. It has a sand-and-pebble beach and a handful of good tavernas to choose from. 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. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. 9 Theofanus Street, Chania, Crete Island, 731 00. 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. ; EAST: The beaches past Elia are beyond the reach of the bus and water taxi network so things calm down considerably. 4.4/5 Wonderful! Inland Heraklion region is home to farmland and vineyards, whereas the coastline spreading east from Heraklion is also the most developed on Crete, and home to its most famous (and infamous resorts). Best 32 Beaches in Heraklion, Greece | Greeka Show prices. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. Milatos is a small and low-key beach resort just beyond Sissi. } THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Resorts 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. The long-distance hiking route passes through the area, and there are several smaller gorges and empty beaches such as Sweetwater to discover. See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. On a budget? #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete . See More, Domes Noruz Chania boasts a spectacular location on the coast of Crete. See More, A great getaway to an idyllic blue bay in a car-free village, right on the beach. It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. The landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty. Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection 6. If it tickles your fancy there is a naturist beach off to the east. This is Crete off-the-beaten-track. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. 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. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . 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. forms: { There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser. 16 best beaches in Mexico, from surf escapes to peaceful bays | CN If you have a car then you might also want to consider accommodation up in Mirtios village above the bay. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. Best 20 Beaches on Crete island, Greece | Greeka Crete Quiet Resorts & Hotels : Book a Hotel Room at one of many Quiet window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is home to the main airport of the island. There are a few tavernas and perhaps the occasional cafe bordering the shallow rocky beach. 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 coastline is developed on either side, but it was the introduction of budget flights to Chania airport that really put it on the map. Its deliciously quiet in shoulder season. The five restaurants serve a range of food from sushi to Greek and there's a fabulous spa too. #30 Best Value of 32 Crete Luxury Beach Resorts 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). The gorge became a national park in 1962, particularly as a refuge for the rare kri-kri (Cretan goat), which is elusive on the rest of the island. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. Transfer time: 25 minutes from Heraklion International airport. You may have to head to the south coast when the wind is blowing. The famous Preveli Palm Beach with its exotic date palm forest at the end of Kourtaliotiko Gorge is 5km away. Lasithi, the easternmost province of Crete, is home to some of its most luxurious hotels as well as its wildest and most traditional areas. The KTEL bus station is in the new town, a 10-minute walk from the main harbour see PDF timetables. Sifaka & Gavaladon 5, Old Town, Chania, Crete Island, 73101. The smaller of the two beaches, Small Triopetra (or Koumado), is more an enclosed, sandy, and rocky bay. of the rooms, the quality of the beach. South coast Agia Galini is a small harbour town that was once the biggest resort town in the Rethymno region. 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. 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. Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort 3. 20 BEST Crete Beaches To Visit - The World Pursuit 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! Numerous beautiful beaches with soft sand or colored pebbles are found in the prefecture of Chania in western Crete. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. Mythos Suites is another town highlight with a pool. 5* Minos Beach Art Hotel has 1km of beach access, spacious grounds, and calming minimalist decor. For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. Rapid growth resulted in some dense development around the small harbour, and the small beach is a 10-minute walk out of the village. 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. Panormos is the first beach resort that you hit east of Rethymnon that has a proper village feel and isnt just an outpost of the city. 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. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. 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. A good selection of bars and restaurants. That said, there are bus links to Rethymno and Heraklion so car hire is not necessary. But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. No roads lead here and there are no nightclubs or nightlife. THE 10 BEST Quiet Hotels in Crete 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor Balos Beach, Crete. There is also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. These hikes can be strenuous and at some moments, hair-raising but they are well maintained. THE 10 BEST Crete Resorts of 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor 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. listeners: [], Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection Show prices Enter dates to see prices The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. But the highlight is the peaceful and picture-perfect sugar cube village of Loutro, with its whitewashed walls and electric blue seas. Tourism here peaked in the 90s and as such it has a slightly careworn feel and is friendly but not busy. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. The city of Rethymnon (you might also see it spelt Rethymno or Rethimno) is like a smaller, more chilled version of Chania. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. The beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. Kalamaki is located on the south coast of the island around an hours drive from Heraklion airport. 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! The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. Honeymoons - This is . 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. The 12 Best Crete Beach Hotels (Greece) | Oyster.com Angela Suites Boutique Hotel is all whites and blues and has a pool. 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. 9.8/5 (157 reviews) "The bed was so comfortable. 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. Transfer time: 55 minutes from Heraklion International airport. It is an absolute must for visitors to Crete is to complete the walk down the gorge from the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea, at which point tourists sail to the nearby village of Sougia or Hora Sfakion, where they could spend a night or they could catch a coach back to Chania. Some of the beach resorts along Rethymnon beach include: The area around Platanes is popular and sandy. 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. Service 4.3. Even the briefest of strolls through the village will showcase many of the wonderful pottery studios. 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. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. But at the end of the day, Mexico will always be known as a beach destination - and for good reason. The nearest rooms are a few miles away try the sereneGlykeria Hoteland Elafonisi Resort. Located to the eastern side of the island of Crete, Kato Zakros is a bit out of the way, but well worth the visit. 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. This area is perfect for beach lovers (although its worth noting that the main beach does get very windy). Its friendly and authentic if you want to get away from mass tourism then this easternmost part of Crete is a good bet. . Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. 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 . Most of the accommodation in this area is in traditional rooms and studios. 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! 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. Check TUI for packages including hotels and flights. Visit Mosque of the Janissaries in Crete | Expedia See More, Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront. Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 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). 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. 8. Crossing the south of the island is difficult. Transfer time: 1hr from Heraklion International airport. 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. 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. Euphoria Resort 7. Koutouloufari is awash with luxury adults-only complexes. See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. Rooms mirror the outdoors, blue and breezy, some suites come with terraces and pools. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Mount Ida is the tallest peak of the range, named after the daughter of the King of Crete according to Greek mythology. Concur with these, we love Crete. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. The resort boasts an outdoor hot tub. For those who love to explore there are ruins all over the area dating from the Neolithic and Roman periods which, with a bit of tenacity can be uncovered and discovered. The main cities and towns on the north coast are linked by regular buses each regional capital has buses going to the south of its region. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. S&K Villas near Amyrida has a modern white cubist design and pool. 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. Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. The coastline between these cities is the busiest and most developed part of the island. Triopetra is surrounded by Siderotas mountain, olives groves, and of course, the seafront, the area is named after the three majestic rocks that rise out of the ocean at the edge of the peninsula. Theres no real village to speak of, but there are a few places to stay tucked away in the flat plain behind the beach. Although be warned, the walk takes five to seven hours and can be strenuous, especially at the peak of summer. The beaches here are small but this helps to keep the crowds away. If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. 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. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. Enjoy the many dining options, good spa and lots of activities - tennis, water sports and nearby nightlife. 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. Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay. There are also plenty of boat trips are available from its harbour. 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. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay. Its a popular day-trip destination and the crowds somewhat marr the incredible natural landscape with its towering rock formations. There are several beaches that you can reach by foot, and as the crowds thin out you can still find a few nudist beaches. A classy, modern hotel. The White Houses are traditional waterfront houses decorated in local antiques and cool whites and blues. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. Value 4.1. It also provides stunning views from all angles. 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. The lazy river was a particular highlight. callback: cb One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. Lyttos Mare 5. By that, I mean you want to indulge in some serious chilling, but also maybe want to have a good time in the evening too. Karavostasi Beach 432 Beaches By selsfield2003 Worth the walk ( or the ride on the mini train) Great beach - lovely clear water and 2 amazing tavernas. 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. Its a relaxed resort town (well compared to its busier neighbours) and if you want a no-nonsense turn-up and relax on the beach holiday then this is a good choice. } ; 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. Balos beach Chania Balos is a fantastic location on the northwestern side of Crete, in the region of Chania. . Home / Beautiful Places / Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. Similar rooms are available at Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa. See More, A home-away-from-home set in a stunning rural spot with beaches, bars and tavernas a walk away. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. 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. The remote area of Sfakia on the southern coast is one of the most beautiful parts of Crete but you have to be prepared for an adventure to get there. 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. The further out, the quieter it gets. 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. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. Best Places in Crete to Stay for First-Timers and Sightseeing: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos. See More, A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. 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. See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. 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. Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. WHERE TO STAY in CRETE - Best Areas and Towns - Santorini Dave 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. Crete's Best Beach Hotels | The Hotel Guru Where to Stay on Crete: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide There are a few large all-inclusive hotels in Panormo Iberostar Creta Marine and Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare being two of the larger ones. 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 in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. Transfer time: 15 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. Total bliss. (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Resorts 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony.
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