Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion Airport. With the exception of Paleochora, that is. Very good. Top things to see and do in Agios Nikolaos include: Porto Maltese Boutique Estate is Ag Niks most stylish des res, with a waterfront location, courtyard, and sympathetic restoration. 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. on: function(evt, cb) { 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. 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. 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. Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey from Heraklion airport. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. There are few roads in the area, and some of the villages are accessible only by boat. You wont find parties and bars here, oh no. However, dont let that put you off. Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. Including the five star beach resorts, family friendly hotels on Crete and great value finds. But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. But what you will find is a collection of properly local eateries, a few small and sandy beaches, and crystal clear water if you want to go for a dip. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. The lagoon itself is actually an island that can be reached by paddling out to it. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. On a budget? 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. 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. " 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 . 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. Agia Galini has a great selection of accommodation. 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. If you like your beaches vast and often deserted then make a beeline for Frangokastello on the south coast. Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is home to the main airport of the island. Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort 3. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. Accommodation is spacious and secluded, the best options have heated seawater pools, but all are utterly indulgent. 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. 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). Several of the Elounda luxury resorts are actually in Plaka. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. Concur with these, we love Crete. Balos beach Chania Balos is a fantastic location on the northwestern side of Crete, in the region of Chania. A stunning contemporary five star resort that will leave you wanting for nothing! #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete "Highlights were Excellent, clean sandy beach and lot of sun beds on beach, around pools etc. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. See More, A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. Try the spotless Marina Hotel, or the beautiful white and blue decor and sea views atElektra. Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. Location 3.9. Theres plenty to keep older children entertained, including watersports and boat trips. See More, A glamorous coastal property offering the upmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. Two Cretes minor islands Chryssi and Koufonisi are just off this part of the shore. Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Bali is roughly halfway between Rethymno and Heraklion there are bus services both but not as frequent as other resorts. 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. But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price. 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. Greece has over 1000 islands of which only 227 are inhabited. Mexico is one of those well-rounded countries that offer a little bit of everything: food, culture, gorgeous landscapes, and some of the best hotels and resorts in the entire world. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Numerous beautiful beaches with soft sand or colored pebbles are found in the prefecture of Chania in western Crete. Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. 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. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. Its a busy tourist town dominated by resort hotels, with a small harbour and 4 organised beaches, and is packed with pretty bougainvillaea and colourful sun loungers. Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. Stay in Makrigialos: White Pearl Apartments are right on the beach. 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. 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. 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. If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. It has a tranquil fishing village vibe, although the heart of the village does feel a bit commercialised, and there are some small beaches a short walk away (the main one is Boufos). But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. 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 5-star hotels on the harbourfront are Scala de Faroand Domus Renier. 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. 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, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. BEST HOTELS RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Domes Noruz, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, Domes of Elounda. It also provides stunning views from all angles. It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. 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. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Its a windswept and low-key kind of place, with remnants of a hippie vibe. Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. The lazy river was a particular highlight. The further out, the quieter it gets. There are many dining options from Greek to Italian and the four bars serve up wonderful cocktails. The lush Villa Octo is up in the hills behind the city and sleeps 6 in luxury. 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). . Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. Mythos Suites is another town highlight with a pool. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. 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. #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. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. Transfer time: Ierapetra minutes from Heraklion airport, Makrigialos 1 hr 50 minutes from Heraklion airport. Sougia is located on the South West coast of the island around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion airport. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. ". } See More, An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( But it would be a shame to miss out on the excellent tavernas in Panormo. Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. There are a few tavernas and perhaps the occasional cafe bordering the shallow rocky beach. Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. 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. Oceanview Designer Beach House (4 guests): $300/night. 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. Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. 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. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. })(); For all the legal bits go to myDisclaimer and Privacy Policy, Cretan cooking experience in the mountains, check rooms and availability on Booking.com, 10 Perfect Gifts for Foodies Who Love Greece (Ideal for a Hamper), 10 Best Places for a Sunny Winter City Break in Europe. What delights visitors the most about the White Mountains is the central and southern part of the Lefka Ori which, due to the high altitude, resembles a lunar landscape and offers visiting hikers a surreal experience of walking on the moon which, is wholly unique to the northern hemisphere. The vibe is family-friendly thanks to its sheltered bay which is lined with a number of traditional tavernas. The beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. Ideal for totally relaxing. Hailing from the Emerald Isle she calls a small coastal town near Dublin home, but has lived in a few countries including Saigon, Vietnam where she resided for over a year. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. Sfakia is the nearest town for amenities. #9 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete. NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. 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. The famous Preveli Palm Beach with its exotic date palm forest at the end of Kourtaliotiko Gorge is 5km away. Enter dates to see prices. Start the day with farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride. Theres a regular bus to Heraklion, and its possible to reach Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos for day trips too. Balos Beach, Crete. A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. 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. 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. 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. What was once a small Greek village has now become a cosmopolitan town, with bars, restaurants and hotels surrounding picturesque Lake Voulismeni. 8. Crete is almost completely surrounded by beaches. 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. Transfer time: 1 hr 40 minutes from both Chania and Heraklion airports. T Hotel Premium Suites is the most comfortable place in town. Again due to its relative remoteness, youll be able to leave your disco shoes at home as well have none of that here, thanks very much. S&K Villas near Amyrida has a modern white cubist design and pool. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. Top attractions and things to do in Chania include: Head west from the main harbour to hit the town beaches Nea Chora is the closest and a 15-minute walk, Chryssi Akti is the nicest. Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. Or the clean and modern Central City Hotel and Aeolios Design Hotel. 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. You can find private plunge pools at Miramare Resort & Spa. 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. From spending many breaks on this beautiful island, here is my choice for the quietest and most authentic and unspoiled places to visit in Crete which are perfect for travel snobs. Transfer time: 15-45 minutes from Chania International airport. 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. There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views. Mar 20 - Mar 21. 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. 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 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. Kalamaki is located on the south coast of the island around an hours drive from Heraklion airport. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . Georgioupolis Resort Aquapark & Spa offers a unique holiday experience to those that want to enjoy the incomparable Greek Hospitality whilst seeking top quality services in a relaxing environment, excellent gastronomy as well as a . : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. Triopetra Beach is located on the south of the island around a 2 hour drive from Heraklion 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. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. 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. There are 3 main beaches and a long waterfront area thats full of seafood restaurants, bars and clubs, and is popular in the evening. (function() { 3,851 reviews. Besides the beach, guests gather at the Olympic-sized pool and water park with a big slides for older kids and adults. See More, Impressive luxury resort, totally insulated from the outside world in semi-tropical gardens. 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. But the highlight is the peaceful and picture-perfect sugar cube village of Loutro, with its whitewashed walls and electric blue seas. Luxury highlights: Domes Noruz in Kato Daratsa is the 5* pick beachfront location, private plunge pools and hot tubs are available. See More, Domes Noruz Chania boasts a spectacular location on the coast of Crete. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel Show prices Enter dates to see prices 202 reviews Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. Kalamaki is a relatively new town in Crete, it has more of a purpose-built feel to it. Each of these areas offers exceptional hotels, fantastic dining, and a wide range of nearby .