This is Crete off-the-beaten-track. Blue Palace Elounda 9. A good selection of bars and restaurants. For initial visits to Crete, especially if you have limited time to travel, plan on staying in one of the 5 main settlements. 8. 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. Bozzali. Service 4.3. The one thing I would highly recommend is getting sea shoes as there are sea urchins on the rocks!! Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. The best beaches in Crete | CN Traveller 7 Of The Best Resorts In Crete | TravelSupermarket The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. 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. Small ferry boats make the run over to Spinalonga from both Plaka and Elounda. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. Boutique and luxury: Cressa Corona Boutique Hotel is the best address in town. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. The beaches here are small but this helps to keep the crowds away. The Royal Blue Resort. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. On a budget? The wonderful White Mountains are located in Western Crete, and their gleaming shine is the dominant feature of the region. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. Show prices. Agios Nikolaos has four sandy beaches though theyre all a little way out of the city Kitroplateira is the most central, Almiros is the nicest. Oceanview Designer Beach House (4 guests): $300/night. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. Accommodation in Frangokastello is all self-catered and around the same price point. 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. Even the briefest of strolls through the village will showcase many of the wonderful pottery studios. 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. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. 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. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. 16 best beaches in Mexico, from surf escapes to peaceful bays | CN BEST HOTELS RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Domes Noruz, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, Domes of Elounda. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. The remote area of Sfakia on the southern coast is one of the most beautiful parts of Crete but you have to be prepared for an adventure to get there. Panormos is located on the North Coast of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. 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. Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. The Top 3 Best Crete Family Resorts | Oyster.com Crete is almost completely surrounded by beaches. 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. Transfer time: 1hr from Heraklion International airport. Agiofaraggo beach Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized, Nudism-Friendly View on map Location: 80 km south west of Heraklion Town 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. Crete Quiet Resorts & Hotels : Book a Hotel Room at one of many Quiet The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. 23 Best Beaches In Greece to Visit in 2023 - The Planet D Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. Utterly relaxing. Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel Show prices Enter dates to see prices 202 reviews #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. 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. And you can find amazing rock formations nearby at Souda such as Calypso Bay. 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World - Travel + Leisure 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. The village itself is loaded with a rich history, including a museum which houses finds of Minoan archaeological importance found nearby and you can hear tales about the towns colourful past and folklore in the many local tavernas. Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. It is flanked by steep, mountainsides, home to a sizable herd of goats (judging from the clinking of bells) as well as a tepid sea, sheltered by a lush bay. 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. 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. 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. For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. Theres a wide selection of accommodation, easy transport links, a short airport transfer, and child-friendly shallow waters. Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. Accommodation in Kissamos tends to look a bit dated but you can find good value in the surrounding beaches such as resort-style Balos Beach Hotel, Galini Beach Hotel, and the simpler Maria Beach Hotel. Ideal for totally relaxing. Visit Mosque of the Janissaries in Crete | Expedia Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. . 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. Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. Giannoulis - Grand Bay Beach Resort (Exclusive Adults Only) Kolymvari. 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. But it would be a shame to miss out on the excellent tavernas in Panormo. } There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. If commercial isnt your thing then there are numerous guesthouses in the area, all offering their own unique brand of hospitality, many with floral and fragrant herb gardens. Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore. Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs 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. Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. 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. Kalamaki is located on the south coast of the island around an hours drive from Heraklion 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. Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. 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! 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. The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! per night. 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. WHERE TO STAY in CRETE - Best Areas and Towns - Santorini Dave Heraklion is Cretes capital and the largest city on the island. 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. This 5* property offers boutique accommodation decorated in a typically Mediterranean fashion and with either a private plunge pool or hot tub. Ligaria is located on the north coast of Crete around a 30 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. #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. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. Best 20 Beaches on Crete island, Greece | Greeka The main attraction in Stalis (or Stalida) is its 6km golden crescent of beach, and its proximity to party capital Malia (just a 30-minute walk). You may have to head to the south coast when the wind is blowing. Except for the blockbuster beaches that attract day trips, its not ideal for beach tourism. Z Boutique Hotel has comfortable rooms and a small pool. 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. 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. Visitors to the area might be shocked to find that it retains its snowcaps until the middle of spring and offers innumerable hiking opportunities from the Samaria Gorge to the Askifou plateau to Mount Ida herself. However, dont let that put you off. It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. Sfakia is the nearest town for amenities. Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. 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. See More, Domes Noruz Chania boasts a spectacular location on the coast of Crete. Candia Suites are close to the harbour with clean modern interiors and bicycle rental available. See More, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies this luxury Cretan resort in Malia. 9.8/5 (157 reviews) "The bed was so comfortable. Best beaches in Crete - Lonely Planet 17. 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! THE 10 BEST Crete Luxury Resorts 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor Euphoria Resort 7. Crete's Best Beach Hotels | The Hotel Guru It can be as quiet or as rowdy as you like. Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. Did somebody say wine? Greece has over 1000 islands of which only 227 are inhabited. Therefore it can be easier to decide on arrival airport/port first, or any attractions that you particularly want to visit, in order to narrow down where to stay. 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. 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. Nearby is the Palace of Malia, one of the best Minoan ruins on the island. 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. There are only a few places to stay in Plaka try Athina Villas, Plaka Beach Cottages, and Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. No roads lead here and there are no nightclubs or nightlife. 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. Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. Start the day with farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. See More, An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. On a budget? of the rooms, the quality of the beach. By that, I mean you want to indulge in some serious chilling, but also maybe want to have a good time in the evening too. 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. As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. Total bliss. If youre bringing the familiy you may prefer a villa with a pool have a look at Philoxenia Villas which has fresh modern decor and is 200 yards from the beach. T Hotel Premium Suites is the most comfortable place in town. The LATO Boutique Hotel is more modern and has harbour views. A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. Transfer time: 1hr 15 minutes from Heraklion 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. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. Value 4.1. And Plakias now has a youth hostel! It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. The famous Preveli Palm Beach with its exotic date palm forest at the end of Kourtaliotiko Gorge is 5km away. Heading to the beautiful Greek island of Crete this year? Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. Concur with these, we love Crete. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach.
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