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. 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. Start the day with farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride. But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. 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. 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. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. "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.". Kalamaki is located on the south coast of the island around an hours drive from Heraklion airport. Mykonos is relatively small and you can easily drive around in a day. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. Elounda Gulf Villas provide a free transfer to a private beach club. Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. 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. The local fare in many of the harbour tavernas is about as close as you can come to freshness, maybe even caught meters from where you sit. Once youve driven (carefully) to the town youll find a laid-back vibe and easy-going atmosphere that is synonymous with most of the lesser-known spots on the island. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. } A luxury beach holiday. 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 . !" Breakfast included 2022 2. You may have to head to the south coast when the wind is blowing. Balos Beach, Crete. Crossing the south of the island is difficult. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. Two Cretes minor islands Chryssi and Koufonisi are just off this part of the shore. Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is another beachfront blockbuster with private pools and daybeds. 9.8/5 (157 reviews) "The bed was so comfortable. The swankiest resort in town is the long-established Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort. Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . 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. There is also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. Concur with these, we love Crete. The other top choice in Rethymnon is Rimondi Estate whose courtyard swimming pool is becoming an Instagram star in its own right. The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. Outside this, its a large resort town with an excellent (though busy) beach, an unashamedly commercial centre, and a charming old quarter (Old Malia), where youll find traditional houses and tavernas. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. 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. Boutique and luxury: Cressa Corona Boutique Hotel is the best address in town. 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. Luxury highlights: Domes Noruz in Kato Daratsa is the 5* pick beachfront location, private plunge pools and hot tubs are available. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. This 5* property offers boutique accommodation decorated in a typically Mediterranean fashion and with either a private plunge pool or hot tub. event : evt, Pick the Nana Princess in Hersonissos for a relaxing getaway. Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa. Most of the accommodation in this area is in traditional rooms and studios. 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. Kids go free to the Minoan Amusement Park. Or the clean and modern Central City Hotel and Aeolios Design Hotel. The hotel is all-inclusive but the food was of excellent quality." Breakfast included 2022 4. Parts of it are organised in the summer months though, and it does attract daytrippers. 17. The resorts here are some of the nicest places to stay on Crete. Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. The wonderful White Mountains are located in Western Crete, and their gleaming shine is the dominant feature of the region. 5* Minos Beach Art Hotel has 1km of beach access, spacious grounds, and calming minimalist decor. Agios Nikolaos Best for families A favourite of package holiday companies, Agios Nikolaos is one of Crete's biggest but most charming resorts, making it a great choice for families. Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. The 3* Villa Maxine Hotel is great value and has a chic poolside area. #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. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. A network of small ferries connects Paleochora and Sfakia at either end, with the villages of Sougia, Agia Roumeli, and Loutro, and the island of Gavdos to the south. Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection 6. Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort 3. The majority of Bahamian beaches are safely in "paradise on Earth" territory. per night. Blue Palace Elounda 9. Although the panorama can make you trigger happy with the camera, dont ignore the beauty right beside you on the path a Venetian fort, ancient churches, ancient cisterns, and the breath-taking remains of the ruined ancient town of Pikilassos, not to mention the beautiful flora and fauna that you encounter along the way, including lots of olive trees resist the urge to pillage! Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa 2. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. Rapid growth resulted in some dense development around the small harbour, and the small beach is a 10-minute walk out of the village. Agiofaraggo beach Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized, Nudism-Friendly View on map Location: 80 km south west of Heraklion Town 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! Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. 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. (function() { Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. 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. Glika Nera Beach 190 Beaches By 849jeremyn Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. } See More, A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. Transfer time: 20 minutes from Heraklion International airport. PRIVACY POLICY TERMS & CONDITION, Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs, Minos Palace Hotel & Suites Adults Only, The Royal Senses Resort Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton, Explore the Mediterranean Sea in a different way with, After a fun-filled day, relax and rejuvenate with, Discover peaceful, uncrowded scenery walking through, Learn about the architectural treasures from around the area and history of the village at, Dont leave without buying a piece of handcrafted pottery as, Find a spot near a bar or taverna along the beach to. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. Its a windswept and low-key kind of place, with remnants of a hippie vibe. . Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. On the beach itself, there is a tavern that sells local nibbles and drinks as well as sunbeds. Transfer time: 1 hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. Those in search of the original 60s free-spirited vibe will be disappointed (though try nearby Red Beach), but Matala is a fun seaside town and is a good choice for younger couples looking for somewhere lively and photogenic. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. Its not particularly health and safety friendly, but if you are brave enough youll be rewarded with a view of a hidden church built within the caves. The vibe is family-friendly thanks to its sheltered bay which is lined with a number of traditional tavernas. . 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! Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. Numerous beautiful beaches with soft sand or colored pebbles are found in the prefecture of Chania in western Crete. But the highlight is the peaceful and picture-perfect sugar cube village of Loutro, with its whitewashed walls and electric blue seas. The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey from Heraklion 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. 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. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. 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. It gets very popular and usually attracts people who go there for clubbing. Another sleepy Crete village, Tsoutsouros is undeveloped and charming (just how we like it). Plaka is also the gateway to the Spinalonga, the small fortress island that famously housed a leper colony and is now one of the main day trips in the area. 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. It doesnt matter where you go you will always find greenery spots. See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. The small city of Sitia is a working port town with a pleasant seafront promenade, a sandy town beach, and a slow lifestyle. Lyttos Mare 5. 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. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. of the rooms, the quality of the beach. See more photos Add to shortlist. Value 4.1. It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. 4.4/5 Wonderful! #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. Myrtos village is located on the south coast of Crete an 1 hour 20 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. 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). 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). Wonderful! The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. An adults-only hotel in a converted historic mansion, it has been elegantly restored and has its own hammam. Heraklion itself is not quite an attractive destination in the same way that Chania and Rethymnon are much of its historic architecture was damaged during heavy bombing in WWII. The resort boasts an outdoor hot tub. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. 5km south of Plaka is the small beach town of Elounda, one of Cretes most characterful resorts and home to some of its premier luxury hotels. Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. 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. Inside the old town: for historic charm check outBozzali Hotel with its whitewashed decor and cute courtyard, whereas Casa Delfino offers a modern take on the traditional Venetian mansion. Ierapetra is known as the capital of the south coast as its the biggest town along the coast, and one of the southernmost towns in Europe. Transfer time: 25 minutes to the main harbour from Chania International airport. 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. Just dont expect to find authentic Crete here. That said, there are bus links to Rethymno and Heraklion so car hire is not necessary. Best Places in Crete to Stay for First-Timers and Sightseeing: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos. Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. 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. On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. With all these unique and unforgettable experiences lying across the island of Crete, it is hard not to feel guilty for so easily dismissing it into the realm of partying, disco balls, and all-nighters. Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. Oceanfront Home With Views (7 guests): $325/night. Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. Panormos is located on the North Coast of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. The beauty of Margarites does not need to be explained or even described, the minute it comes into view- it will take your breath away. On a budget? Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. 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). A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. Hostels: Chania has two gorgeous design hostel options Cocoon City Hostel and Kumba. There are some quieter beaches in the area if youre up for a bit of scrambling, and things calm down in the evening once the coaches have packed up for the day. Mount Ida is the tallest peak of the range, named after the daughter of the King of Crete according to Greek mythology. See More, A home-away-from-home set in a stunning rural spot with beaches, bars and tavernas a walk away. Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection Show prices Enter dates to see prices Essentially, Myrtos has something to offer everyone from a secluded, sandy seafront to a large dose of historical culture. The infamous resort of Malia is known for its 24hr party scene its the best spot for nightlife on Crete, as legions of teenage boys well know. Beach bums are better off at Plakias (see below). The KTEL bus station is in the new town, a 10-minute walk from the main harbour see PDF timetables. Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. What was once a small Greek village has now become a cosmopolitan town, with bars, restaurants and hotels surrounding picturesque Lake Voulismeni. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. 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. 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 smaller of the two beaches, Small Triopetra (or Koumado), is more an enclosed, sandy, and rocky bay. Some of the most beautiful and unique beaches are in the area nearby Damnoni is sandy with shallow clear waters, perfect for kids. If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. 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. One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. The south is wild and remote with a spectacularly rocky coast and a few standout beach resorts. Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. The 5-star hotels on the harbourfront are Scala de Faroand Domus Renier. Check the rooms and prices on Booking.com. It also provides stunning views from all angles. Very good. However, dont let that put you off. Be aware that roads and bus routes in the south are sparse, its easier to plan an itinerary that takes in one region or travels along the north coast. But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. Enjoy the many dining options, good spa and lots of activities - tennis, water sports and nearby nightlife. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. The prices in Hersonissos are very competitive, partially to lure customers out of the many all-inclusive hotels in the area. Naxos has the best beaches (but little nightlife). Angela Suites Boutique Hotel is all whites and blues and has a pool. FalassarnaBeachhas 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. #3 Best Value of 119 Crete Resorts "The mini water park within the hotel is excellent, with plenty of slides for younger and older kids. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. Transfer time: 25 minutes from Heraklion International airport. This ultra-luxurious haven combines the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. 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 it has everything you need its ideal if youre looking to enjoy one place for your holiday and dont feel the need to visit the larger towns. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. Mar 20 - Mar 21. 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. ". 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. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. With the exception of Paleochora, that is. Balos beach Chania Balos is a fantastic location on the northwestern side of Crete, in the region of Chania. Cleanliness 4.3. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. The nation boasts nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, stretching along the warm Gulf of Mexico to the east and the . See More, An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. It is hardly surprising then that there are a world-class selection of beach hotels to choose from. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. 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. You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. See More, Impressive luxury resort, totally insulated from the outside world in semi-tropical gardens. Here, you can available of the offerings from the nearby tavernas and umbrellas are available. #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete . Bozzali. callback: cb Try the spotless Marina Hotel, or the beautiful white and blue decor and sea views atElektra. There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. See More, Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront. Home / Beautiful Places / Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs. Including the five star beach resorts, family friendly hotels on Crete and great value finds. Ideal for totally relaxing. 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. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. Ferries leave Sitia once a week for Rhodes, Karpathos, and Kassos. Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. Transfer time: 1hr 30 minutes from Chania airport. Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. With steep sandy-coloured rocks dropping directly into the sea in this horseshoe-shaped bay and crystal clear water it is postcard perfect. Heres a complete rundown on where to stay in Crete to help you choose which part of the island to choose, which town, resort or beach is for you, and the best beach hotels, whether youre booking accommodation DIY or looking for a package vacation. Utterly relaxing. The pink sands of Elafonisi are one of the main attractions in west Crete, with coachloads arriving every day to bathe in the glorious lagoon-like waters.