Bozzali. Pick the Nana Princess in Hersonissos for a relaxing getaway. See More, Blue Palace, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies the luxury, Equally swish and perhaps just that little bit smarter the. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. 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. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. Some swim-up rooms are available. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. See More, Domes Noruz Chania boasts a spectacular location on the coast of Crete. All rooms come with an outdoor pool and private hot tubs. 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. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. Packages to Stalis are available through TUI. 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. The main town in the region is likeable Agios Nikolaos (or Ag Nik, as its affectionately known), which makes up the quartet of north coast main cities. Dont expect anything in the way of amenities when you get there (its actually a nature reserve and is treated accordingly). 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. Very good. Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection 6. Its only a matter of steps to the beach. GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. 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. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. Transfer time: 25 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. 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. A good selection of bars and restaurants. Transfer time: 15 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Its friendly and authentic if you want to get away from mass tourism then this easternmost part of Crete is a good bet. 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. It has a slightly scruffy feel but there are two town beaches, an archaeological museum and some excellent restaurants to entertain you. })(); 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. 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. It can be as quiet or as rowdy as you like. : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. 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. Total bliss. . The KTEL bus station is in the new town, a 10-minute walk from the main harbour see PDF timetables. Stay in Makrigialos: White Pearl Apartments are right on the beach. Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. Its a windswept and low-key kind of place, with remnants of a hippie vibe. These hikes can be strenuous and at some moments, hair-raising but they are well maintained. The nearest rooms are a few miles away try the sereneGlykeria Hoteland Elafonisi Resort. The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. The walk between these two areas is truly stunning, the path along the way is marked with cairns to guide your route thankfully as it is easy to get distracted by the views! Some suites have access to a private hot tub on the roof terrave. You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. Show Prices. Several of the Elounda luxury resorts are actually in Plaka. 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. See More, Impressive luxury resort, totally insulated from the outside world in semi-tropical gardens. 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. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. } #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. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Mar 20 - Mar 21. Cool or what? Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views. 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). Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. A spoiling stay. Essentially, Myrtos has something to offer everyone from a secluded, sandy seafront to a large dose of historical culture. "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.". Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. Honeymoons - This is . There are plenty of options for self-catered too, likeVilla Niki. 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. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. 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. If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. Lyttos Beach Resort is a 150-acre family-friendly hotel with dated interior spaces but beautiful grounds, including a sandy beach with free loungers and a lifeguard. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. See More, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies this luxury Cretan resort in Malia. It attracts independent travellers and plenty of returners and is a popular base for hiking in the area. Besides the beach, guests gather at the Olympic-sized pool and water park with a big slides for older kids and adults. A spoiling beach treat! Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. 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 city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. Agia Pelagia is halfway between Bali and Heraklion and is the only real beach resort to the west of the capital, to which it is connected by a regular bus service which takes about 1 hr. Or the clean and modern Central City Hotel and Aeolios Design Hotel. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. 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. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. It does attract some tourists, mainly from the continent. There are a few tavernas and perhaps the occasional cafe bordering the shallow rocky beach. Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. If it tickles your fancy there is a naturist beach off to the east. 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. Heading to the beautiful Greek island of Crete this year? There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. 8. The beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. It's quiet not only because the village is quiet and the people who go there are quiet, but because it's so big: 1.3 km long, and very wide, so that even in high season you can feel that you've got it almost to yourself. An adults-only hotel in a converted historic mansion, it has been elegantly restored and has its own hammam. 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. Crossing the south of the island is difficult. Located to the eastern side of the island of Crete, Kato Zakros is a bit out of the way, but well worth the visit. With the exception of Paleochora, that is. Wonderful! #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. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. 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. 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. Kalamaki is a relatively new town in Crete, it has more of a purpose-built feel to it. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. A wonderful place to visit and stay in Crete! Palm-fringed Preveli is one of the most unique and beautiful beaches on Crete. The 3* Villa Maxine Hotel is great value and has a chic poolside area. } That said, there are bus links to Rethymno and Heraklion so car hire is not necessary. 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! Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. There are 3 main beaches and a long waterfront area thats full of seafood restaurants, bars and clubs, and is popular in the evening. 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. It also provides stunning views from all angles. But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. Value 4.1. Return to simpler times at this beautiful hideaway on Crete. 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! This 5* property offers boutique accommodation decorated in a typically Mediterranean fashion and with either a private plunge pool or hot tub. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. There are a few large all-inclusive hotels in Panormo Iberostar Creta Marine and Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare being two of the larger ones. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. See More, This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. There are several beaches that you can reach by foot, and as the crowds thin out you can still find a few nudist beaches. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. The five restaurants serve a range of food from sushi to Greek and there's a fabulous spa too. 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 harbourfront is lined with restaurants and smart boutiques, and the narrow alleys filled with souvenir shops, and the colourful tables and twinkly lights of tavernas vying for your trade. 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. 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. listeners: [], The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. #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. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort has a Six Senses Spa, direct beach access, and a private 9-hole golf course. Theres a regular bus to Heraklion, and its possible to reach Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos for day trips too. 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. The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. 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. Accommodation in Frangokastello is all self-catered and around the same price point. 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. However, dont let that put you off. Transfer time: Ierapetra minutes from Heraklion airport, Makrigialos 1 hr 50 minutes from Heraklion airport. The other top choice in Rethymnon is Rimondi Estate whose courtyard swimming pool is becoming an Instagram star in its own right. A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. Fortunately, the prices in Elounda dont have a Hollywood price tag. Transfer time: 1hr 15 minutes from Heraklion airport. Its super sedate. A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. 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. Sougia is located on the South West coast of the island around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion airport. 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. One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. Boutique and luxury: Cressa Corona Boutique Hotel is the best address in town. The lazy river was a particular highlight. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. Some of the most beautiful and unique beaches are in the area nearby Damnoni is sandy with shallow clear waters, perfect for kids. Glyka Nera is located on the south coast of Crete a 2 hour 30 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. A stunning contemporary five star resort that will leave you wanting for nothing! The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. Show Prices. 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. 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". The best beach in the area is at Anissaras, this is a 4 kms taxi ride west from Koutouloufari and any taxi driver will know where it is. Mykonos is relatively small and you can easily drive around in a day. Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. The main village is set 1km back from the beach and is a popular area for villas and expats. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! Triopetra Beach is located on the south of the island around a 2 hour drive from Heraklion airport. Libyan Princess is the most comfortable and modern hotel on the block. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International 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 . Similar rooms are available at Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa. 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.
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