Slap bang in the middle of the northern coastline, the city of Heraklion (also spelt Iraklio or Iraklion) is the capital and its surrounding coastline is some of the busiest and most developed on Crete. See More, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies this luxury Cretan resort in Malia. But there are plenty of returners from those days its warm seas, great views, and some of the best fishing in Greece make it particularly popular with expats. 1. 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 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. Located to the eastern side of the island of Crete, Kato Zakros is a bit out of the way, but well worth the visit. 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. 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. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. One of the main things to do in Heraklion is to catch a ferry to visit Santorini, Mykonos and other places. There is an increasing number of upmarket resorts in Sissi. On a budget? Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey from Heraklion airport. 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. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. Transfer time: 55 minutes from Heraklion International airport. A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. The famous Preveli Palm Beach with its exotic date palm forest at the end of Kourtaliotiko Gorge is 5km away. Head west for quieter beaches at Amnisos or Tobrouk. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. The swankiest resort in town is the long-established Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( See More, Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront. Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. 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. 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. Try the spotless Marina Hotel, or the beautiful white and blue decor and sea views atElektra. } Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. BEST LUXURY HOTELS: Lindos Blu, Casa Cook Rhodes, Boutique 5 Hotel and Spa BEST BUDGET HOTEL RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Delfini Beach Hotel BEST VILLAS: Kiotari Beach Villa, Axiotheaton Villas, SeaSide Suites BEST RESORT HOTELS FOR FAMILIES: Hotel Porto Angeli Beach Resort, Atlantica Aegean Family Resort, Rodos Princess Resort & Spa Another sleepy Crete village, Tsoutsouros is undeveloped and charming (just how we like it). It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. 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. In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. There are few roads in the area, and some of the villages are accessible only by boat. Agia Galini has a great selection of accommodation. "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.". Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel. Youll find the standard Greek beachside fare if you want to have a halftime break, and nestled in its backstreets are a multitude of boutique-style shops selling some handmade, and some not-so-handmade trinkets. The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. Kids go free to the Minoan Amusement Park. 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. Home / Beautiful Places / Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs. Besides the beach, guests gather at the Olympic-sized pool and water park with a big slides for older kids and adults. One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. Suites and private villas have personal pools. 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. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. Blue Palace Elounda 9. Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. Its a 40-minute drive to Rethymno. 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. It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. 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. 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. 5. Elafonisi Lagoon is located on the west coast of the Greek island of Crete around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. #3 in Best Resorts in Crete Tripadvisor (921) 1 critic awards 5.0-star Hotel Class Free WiFi Overview Reviews Deals Rooms Kalimera Kriti Hotel Village Resort is a 5 star hotel located. 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. Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore. Many Chania beaches are among the best on the island, such as Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi. Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. Mar 20 - Mar 21. The town isnt strictly a beach resort, so theres plenty to see and do besides basking. Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion 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. Greece has over 1000 islands of which only 227 are inhabited. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. of the rooms, the quality of the beach. 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. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. 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. As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. The smaller of the two beaches, Small Triopetra (or Koumado), is more an enclosed, sandy, and rocky bay. 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. Some swim-up rooms are available. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. 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. 17. The majority of Bahamian beaches are safely in "paradise on Earth" territory. T Hotel Premium Suites is the most comfortable place in town. Transfer time: 20 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Its an easy and cheap bus ride to Knoss from Heraklion. Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. There are several beaches that you can reach by foot, and as the crowds thin out you can still find a few nudist beaches. 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). { See More, An ultra-luxurious haven combining the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. 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. It gets very popular and usually attracts people who go there for clubbing. Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. Elounda Gulf Villas provide a free transfer to a private beach club. For initial visits to Crete, especially if you have limited time to travel, plan on staying in one of the 5 main settlements. forms: { Although, shell always have a special place in her heart for the city where she makes her annual pilgrimages Paris, her true city of lights. It also provides stunning views from all angles. 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. Pick of the pack is the uber-chic Serenissima Boutique Hotel its located one block back from the main harbour in a 15th-century Venetian mansion. Euphoria Resort 7. 4.4/5 Wonderful! Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. 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. Greeces largest island has quickly developed a reputation as a party island with crowds of revellers in the busier resorts looking for their next shot of ouzo, but you shouldnt let that put you off visiting this sun-soaked island. #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. Bali is roughly halfway between Rethymno and Heraklion there are bus services both but not as frequent as other resorts. 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. The prices in Hersonissos are very competitive, partially to lure customers out of the many all-inclusive hotels in the area. Dont expect anything in the way of amenities when you get there (its actually a nature reserve and is treated accordingly). See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. And you can find amazing rock formations nearby at Souda such as Calypso Bay. Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. S&K Villas near Amyrida has a modern white cubist design and pool. Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. That said, there are bus links to Rethymno and Heraklion so car hire is not necessary. #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. Bored of sunning yourself? The city of Rethymnon (you might also see it spelt Rethymno or Rethimno) is like a smaller, more chilled version of Chania. Other options include Hotel Loutro Bay,SifisandDaskalogiannis Hotel. A good selection of bars and restaurants. Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. Cool or what? See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. $148. Its not perhaps as quaint as some of the other places on this list but what it lacks in tradition it more than makes up for in swankiness and still manages to retain an air of what makes Crete so great. It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. Enter dates to see prices. The area is popular with locals, which should tell you something, and as a result, the beachside cuisine in the local tavernas is to a pretty high standard. Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. 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. There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. See more photos Add to shortlist. Utterly relaxing. 9 Theofanus Street, Chania, Crete Island, 731 00. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. However, if you would like to sit outside one of its handful of tavernas with a carafe of the local red and a plate of vine leaves then this is the quiet place to visit in Crete for you! For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. Including the five star beach resorts, family friendly hotels on Crete and great value finds. Honeymoons - This is . Several of the Elounda luxury resorts are actually in Plaka. 9. So many people make a beeline for Rethymno that its surrounding villages are something of a hidden gem. Its known for its big waves, fishing heritage, and seafood tavernas set around a small crescent of beach. This area is perfect for beach lovers (although its worth noting that the main beach does get very windy). Show Prices. Best Places in Crete to Stay for First-Timers and Sightseeing: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos. Kalamaki is a relatively new town in Crete, it has more of a purpose-built feel to it. 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. 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. There are more Minoan ruins worth discovering though head further afield to Malia and Phaistos. Pick the Nana Princess in Hersonissos for a relaxing getaway. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. 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. Suites have private pools. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. If you want to be closer to the beaches, Nostos Beach Boutique Hotel is freshly renovated and has a pool, beach bar and day beds. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. Agree a time with him and he'll come back for you later. And Plakias now has a youth hostel! If you have a car then you might also want to consider accommodation up in Mirtios village above the bay. Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. callback: cb #7 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete "The resort location gives quiet seclusion and comfort with its own small beach, sun terraces and infinity pool all with beautiful views over Mirabello Bay." "Secluded enough to be quiet and relaxing but also close enough to the picturesque town of Agios St Nikolas." Special offer 2022 8. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. 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. " Clean, spacious rooms, quiet sandy beach with amazing panorama, pools of different sizes and located in different areas of the resort, great waterpark with many . Wonderful! The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! The one thing I would highly recommend is getting sea shoes as there are sea urchins on the rocks!! Crete Beach Resorts: Find 55281 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Oceanfront Hotels in Crete on Tripadvisor. 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. Its a popular day-trip destination and the crowds somewhat marr the incredible natural landscape with its towering rock formations. 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! They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. Despite its proximity to larger resorts, the bus service to Sissi is limited, so its better suited to couples looking for a quiet place to stay in Crete or those wanting to explore the wild Agios Ioannis peninsula by car. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. . There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. listeners: [], The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. Margarites is located in the very centre of the island of Crete, its an unspoiled village surrounded by the vibrant green hills of the Rethymnon region and is as well known for its picturesque panorama as it is for its extensive pottery trade. 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. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . This is tucked away in a remote pocket of Crete's south-western corner, so you could be forgiven for thinking you might have it all to yourself. See More, A great getaway to an idyllic blue bay in a car-free village, right on the beach. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. 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. The Troulis Apart-hotel is excellent value. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. Packages to Stalis are available through TUI. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. East of Sitia the crowds really thin out most tourists dont make it beyond this point. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. 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. 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. 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. Total bliss. These hikes can be strenuous and at some moments, hair-raising but they are well maintained. #1 Best Value of 1,305 Crete Beach Hotels "Beach - Currently sitting on the beach I can tell you it is a little sun trap! Milatos is a small and low-key beach resort just beyond Sissi. 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. The other top choice in Rethymnon is Rimondi Estate whose courtyard swimming pool is becoming an Instagram star in its own right. With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. The small city of Sitia is a working port town with a pleasant seafront promenade, a sandy town beach, and a slow lifestyle. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay. On a budget? It is hardly surprising then that there are a world-class selection of beach hotels to choose from. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Although be warned, the walk takes five to seven hours and can be strenuous, especially at the peak of summer. Enjoy the many dining options, good spa and lots of activities - tennis, water sports and nearby nightlife. all were excellent and we recommend this hotel with a true "vacation vibe" to all couples wanting a quiet and relaxing vacation on the wonderful beach of Crete". (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. There are a few tavernas and perhaps the occasional cafe bordering the shallow rocky beach. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. 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). The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. 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 beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. And if you'd like your own private pool, as well as access to a private beach, Refine your search to our Guru's recommendations for. Mythos Suites is another town highlight with a pool. Value 4.1. 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. Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. A luxury beach holiday. 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.