For initial visits to Crete, especially if you have limited time to travel, plan on staying in one of the 5 main settlements. Angela Suites Boutique Hotel is all whites and blues and has a pool. Several of Eloundas top luxury hotels are actually in Plaka, so read the section above if you havent already. Its a windswept and low-key kind of place, with remnants of a hippie vibe. It is truly non-commercialised, and we hope it stays that way. 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. Go in the shoulder months and youll be rewarded with a day trip to remember. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. Z Boutique Hotel has comfortable rooms and a small pool. 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! Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. It doesnt matter where you go you will always find greenery spots. Mykonos is relatively small and you can easily drive around in a day. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. 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. Concur with these, we love Crete. 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. Ligaria is located on the north coast of Crete around a 30 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. 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. So many people make a beeline for Rethymno that its surrounding villages are something of a hidden gem. If you have a mix of old and young children or value convenience then Stalis is a solid option. There are more Minoan ruins worth discovering though head further afield to Malia and Phaistos. 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. 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. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. 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. Numerous beautiful beaches with soft sand or colored pebbles are found in the prefecture of Chania in western Crete. Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. Small ferry boats make the run over to Spinalonga from both Plaka and Elounda. It can be as quiet or as rowdy as you like. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. If you want a bit of light culture there is a church (Agios Panteleimon) on the Western side of the village, it has a gorgeous mosaic floor and is not commercial in any way (if you want to see it youll have to go to the kiosk on Sougia beach and ask for the key yourselfseriously)! Both a beautiful and quiet place to visit 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. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. Balos Beach, Crete. 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. 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 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. It attracts independent travellers and plenty of returners and is a popular base for hiking in the area. Classy Veneziano Boutique Hotel is in a beautifully renovated historic building. But the highlight is the peaceful and picture-perfect sugar cube village of Loutro, with its whitewashed walls and electric blue seas. Transfer time: 25 minutes from Heraklion International airport. You can find private plunge pools at Miramare Resort & Spa. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. 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. There is no shortage of boutique in the winding Venetian streets of the old town. 5. Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. 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. If you like your beaches vast and often deserted then make a beeline for Frangokastello on the south coast. 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. The resort boasts an outdoor hot tub. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. 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. ; EAST: The beaches past Elia are beyond the reach of the bus and water taxi network so things calm down considerably. The small city of Sitia is a working port town with a pleasant seafront promenade, a sandy town beach, and a slow lifestyle. Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. Sougia is located on the South West coast of the island around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion airport. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. Suites, bungalows, and villas are light and airy with large swathes of glass and a modern take on Cretian design. Its friendly and authentic if you want to get away from mass tourism then this easternmost part of Crete is a good bet. 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. 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. Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection Show prices Enter dates to see prices If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. The beaches here are small but this helps to keep the crowds away. 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. Transfer time: 1 hr 40 minutes from both Chania and Heraklion airports. Blue Palace Elounda 9. One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. 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 Royal Blue Resort. See More, Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. 302 reviews. 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. Check out cheery Sunday Life. 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. Candia Suites are close to the harbour with clean modern interiors and bicycle rental available. Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort 3. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. #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! Cleanliness 4.3. 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. per night. See More, This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. Many Chania beaches are among the best on the island, such as Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi. Its super sedate. It has a pretty setting in the Gulf of Mirabello with waterfront bars encircling a small lake its made for people watching, and there is a cosmopolitan cafe-bar scene. There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. 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. The Troulis Apart-hotel is excellent value. The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. The 5-star hotels on the harbourfront are Scala de Faroand Domus Renier. Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. Bored of sunning yourself? And theres an ancient Minoan site that youre likely to have to yourself. Nearby is the Palace of Malia, one of the best Minoan ruins on the island. There is a small airport serving flights to and from Athens. If you have a car then you might also want to consider accommodation up in Mirtios village above the bay. The main cities and towns on the north coast are linked by regular buses each regional capital has buses going to the south of its region. Just dont expect to find authentic Crete here. #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. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. Mythos Suites is another town highlight with a pool. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. The upmarket vibe of Elounda is rubbing off on the small nearby village of Plaka, which is ideal with those looking for a quiet and peaceful holiday. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. callback: cb #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete . And Plakias now has a youth hostel! It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. Some of the most beautiful and unique beaches are in the area nearby Damnoni is sandy with shallow clear waters, perfect for kids. 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. 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). Enjoy the many dining options, good spa and lots of activities - tennis, water sports and nearby nightlife. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. Service 4.3. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International airport. $148. Falassarna Beach has 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. It also provides stunning views from all angles. Several of the Elounda luxury resorts are actually in Plaka. There are also plenty of boat trips are available from its harbour. Its a relaxed south coast village, about 30km from Agia Galini, and has a wide, sandy Blue Flag beach and a spacious feel. There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. Kalamaki is a relatively new town in Crete, it has more of a purpose-built feel to it. Enter dates to see prices. 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 beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. Koutouloufari is awash with luxury adults-only complexes. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. 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 majority of Bahamian beaches are safely in "paradise on Earth" territory. 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. See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. 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. Some suites have access to a private hot tub on the roof terrave. The area is also crisscrossed with donkey paths that make it fantastic for walking (its possible to walk to Plaka). On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. 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. } This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. There is the standard selection of resort hotels in the surrounding coastal areas stylish Cretan Malia Park is one of the best, with beachfront access, boho chic decor, and family-friendly facilities. 17. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. If youre planning on staying in the area for more than a few days in the summer then it makes sense to be out in one of Chanias coastal resorts, to take advantage of beach access and/or parking (which is very difficult in the centre). A spoiling beach treat! There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views. 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. Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. Sifaka & Gavaladon 5, Old Town, Chania, Crete Island, 73101. Transfer time: 15-45 minutes from Chania International airport. GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. Isolated, authentic, and very tranquil, Lentas isnt for Crete thrill-seekers or partygoers. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. Balos beach Chania Balos is a fantastic location on the northwestern side of Crete, in the region of Chania. The other top choice in Rethymnon is Rimondi Estate whose courtyard swimming pool is becoming an Instagram star in its own right. It has a quiet and authentic atmosphere and a well-sheltered beach its one of the best places in Crete for families with small children. The beach is large and there are a range of tavernas and shops offering food at a very reasonable price. Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. Theres a wide selection of accommodation, easy transport links, a short airport transfer, and child-friendly shallow waters. I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. Transfer time: 1hr 45 minutes from Chania International airport. Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. On a budget? My favourite was Geropotamos Beach, there is a rather attractive stone arch to the west and, on the east, a freshwater river running directly into the sea. Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site. Perhaps, Domatas unspoiled beauty has been preserved this long because the region has no roads or infrastructures. 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. Location 3.9. Mar 20 - Mar 21. Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. Try the spotless Marina Hotel, or the beautiful white and blue decor and sea views atElektra. Lasithi, the easternmost province of Crete, is home to some of its most luxurious hotels as well as its wildest and most traditional areas. 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. Stay in Makrigialos: White Pearl Apartments are right on the beach. 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). Its only a matter of steps to the beach. 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 . Located 80km southwest of the town of Heraklion, it is much more secluded than your average beach, since it's just off the edge of (and sheltered by) a large gorge. 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. 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. 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. Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { Oceanfront Home With Views (7 guests): $325/night. 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. Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. Head west for quieter beaches at Amnisos or Tobrouk. If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. 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. Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. See More, A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. } Grecotel Meli Palace and Kalimera Kriti Resort both have direct beach access. There are still many quieter, less commercialized resorts, villages, and secluded coves to explore and more hidden locations that are barely touched by tourism. Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. Access to this haven can be achieved through E4 trail but the climb can be treacherous in places as it climbs to an altitude of 700m, so its not for the fainthearted but on arrival, you will no doubt agree that this is one of the finest beaches in all the Greek islands. 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. 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. Visitors here can simply detox from life and tackle long-awaited books, take walks along the stunning scenery or simply eat, drink and be merry. Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. The lush Villa Octo is up in the hills behind the city and sleeps 6 in luxury. 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. For those who love to explore there are ruins all over the area dating from the Neolithic and Roman periods which, with a bit of tenacity can be uncovered and discovered. 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. 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. Hostels: Chania has two gorgeous design hostel options Cocoon City Hostel and Kumba. 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. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( #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. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort has a Six Senses Spa, direct beach access, and a private 9-hole golf course. But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! Libyan Princess is the most comfortable and modern hotel on the block. It is hardly surprising then that there are a world-class selection of beach hotels to choose from. 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. If you are looking for a bit of space then Plakias offers one of the largest beaches in Crete. Euphoria Resort 7. Even the briefest of strolls through the village will showcase many of the wonderful pottery studios. There are many dining options from Greek to Italian and the four bars serve up wonderful cocktails. 26. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. Agia Galini has a great selection of accommodation. 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. 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. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. (function() { 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. Boutique and luxury: Cressa Corona Boutique Hotel is the best address in town. Wonderful! Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection 6. These vary greatly depending on the region and location: Snow white sand alternates with shell sand and fine gravel. #26 Best Value of 502 Quiet Hotels in Crete. Highly discreet, with striking designs, each hotel is different. The one thing I would highly recommend is getting sea shoes as there are sea urchins on the rocks!! There is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. Honeymoons - This is . With the exception of Paleochora, that is. 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. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. These hikes can be strenuous and at some moments, hair-raising but they are well maintained. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. With that and the relative peace and quiet, its an ideal spot to just be on this wonderful island.