There is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. 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. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. . Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. A few Venetian buildings remain but most of the city is a modern concrete jungle that always seems to be dusty and full of building works that were halted during the crisis. Sougia is located on the South West coast of the island around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion airport. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. The area is also crisscrossed with donkey paths that make it fantastic for walking (its possible to walk to Plaka). 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. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. The local fare in many of the harbour tavernas is about as close as you can come to freshness, maybe even caught meters from where you sit. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. It gets very popular and usually attracts people who go there for clubbing. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. There are also plenty of boat trips are available from its harbour. Its a year-round Greek town that attracts tourists and expats, rather than a purpose-built tourist town. I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. 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. 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. See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. See More, A glamorous coastal property offering the upmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque 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. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport, 1 hr 10 minutes from Heraklion International Airport book a transfer. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. Grecotel Meli Palace and Kalimera Kriti Resort both have direct beach access. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. 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. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. . Agiofaraggo beach Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized, Nudism-Friendly View on map Location: 80 km south west of Heraklion Town 4.4/5 Wonderful! They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection Show prices Enter dates to see prices 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. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. 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. Candia Suites are close to the harbour with clean modern interiors and bicycle rental available. Libyan Princess is the most comfortable and modern hotel on the block. The landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty. Check the rooms and prices on Booking.com. But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. 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. Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. See More, Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. 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. These vary greatly depending on the region and location: Snow white sand alternates with shell sand and fine gravel. Not overly touristy (though all the amenities are present), it has a working town feel albeit one with an Ottoman mosque, Venetian Fortress, and Blue Flag Beach. Both a beautiful and quiet place to visit in Crete. It attracts independent travellers and plenty of returners and is a popular base for hiking in the area. The 3* Villa Maxine Hotel is great value and has a chic poolside area. The Akrotiri Peninsula is where youll find the airport, a swathe of villas, and a few spectacular beaches such as Stavros Bay and Seitan Limani. Mykonos is relatively small and you can easily drive around in a day. 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. Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion Airport. See More, A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. The Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. ); Home / Beautiful Places / Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. The most well-known landmark is the blush pink Yiali Tzami mosque on the waterfront, with the main (outer) harbour on one side and the Venetian (inner) harbour and arsenal on the other. The infamous resort of Malia is known for its 24hr party scene its the best spot for nightlife on Crete, as legions of teenage boys well know. With steep sandy-coloured rocks dropping directly into the sea in this horseshoe-shaped bay and crystal clear water it is postcard perfect. 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. ". But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is another beachfront blockbuster with private pools and daybeds. 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. 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. 9. 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. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. Parts of it are organised in the summer months though, and it does attract daytrippers. Transfer time: Ierapetra minutes from Heraklion airport, Makrigialos 1 hr 50 minutes from Heraklion airport. The White Houses are traditional waterfront houses decorated in local antiques and cool whites and blues. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. Its a 40-minute drive to Rethymno. Small ferry boats make the run over to Spinalonga from both Plaka and Elounda. This ultra-luxurious haven combines the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. 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. South coast Agia Galini is a small harbour town that was once the biggest resort town in the Rethymno region. Despite the small size of Falassarna, its a popular spot and has a reputation for being one of the best beaches in Crete. Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. It is truly non-commercialised, and we hope it stays that way. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. Although the hippies have long since been moved on, and the caves protected and closed to the public, the town retains a laidback feel despite the explosion of tourism here. Wonderful! In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. It does attract some tourists, mainly from the continent. Palm-fringed Preveli is one of the most unique and beautiful beaches on Crete. 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. Its deliciously quiet in shoulder season. There is an increasing number of upmarket resorts in Sissi. See More, A great getaway to an idyllic blue bay in a car-free village, right on the beach. Its a perfect romantic destination for couples. ; EAST: The beaches past Elia are beyond the reach of the bus and water taxi network so things calm down considerably. 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. Lyttos Mare 5. Those in search of the original 60s free-spirited vibe will be disappointed (though try nearby Red Beach), but Matala is a fun seaside town and is a good choice for younger couples looking for somewhere lively and photogenic. There are two routes to the beach by boat or for the most extreme, there is a path from Chora Sfakion and another from Loutro. For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect. The town isnt strictly a beach resort, so theres plenty to see and do besides basking. forms: { Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. 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. Just dont expect to find authentic Crete here. The majority of Bahamian beaches are safely in "paradise on Earth" territory. 8. 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. A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. 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. Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Each of these areas offers exceptional hotels, fantastic dining, and a wide range of nearby . It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. "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.". And its one of the warmest places in the Mediterranean in winter. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. Another sleepy Crete village, Tsoutsouros is undeveloped and charming (just how we like it). 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. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. This is Crete off-the-beaten-track. Its only a matter of steps to the beach. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. Transfer time: 15 minutes from Heraklion International airport. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the 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. Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. A classy, modern hotel. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. a rundown of Crete's quieter resorts and villages; the best places to stay for couples, families and nature CRETE OVERVIEW BEST LUXURY HOTELS: Domes of Elounda, Daios Cove, Abaton Island Resort and Spa, Domes Noruz. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. Some of the most beautiful and unique beaches are in the area nearby Damnoni is sandy with shallow clear waters, perfect for kids. Similar rooms are available at Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa. There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. Panormos is located on the North Coast of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is fantastic its worth visiting before you head out to the ancient sites if you can. 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. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. 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. Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. Its super sedate. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. There is also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. 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. As with the other northern cities, it has a Venetian Fortress (the Kazarma) and an Archaeological Museum. These hikes can be strenuous and at some moments, hair-raising but they are well maintained. 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. Oceanfront Home With Views (7 guests): $325/night. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. There are numerous beaches dotted about, and if you are staying for more than a few days it can be good fun to try a different one each day. Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. Koutouloufari is awash with luxury adults-only complexes. There are only a few places to stay in Plaka try Athina Villas, Plaka Beach Cottages, and Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. Including the five star beach resorts, family friendly hotels on Crete and great value finds. Coastal perfection. Many Chania beaches are among the best on the island, such as Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi. I think it time for a bring visit back! Blue Palace Elounda 9. Crete is almost completely surrounded by beaches. Show Prices. Transfer time: 1hr 45 minutes from Chania International airport. Even the briefest of strolls through the village will showcase many of the wonderful pottery studios. There are several beaches that you can reach by foot, and as the crowds thin out you can still find a few nudist beaches. Oceanview Designer Beach House (4 guests): $300/night. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. Belvedere Apartments are box fresh and have spa access. })(); 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. Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. If you have a car then you might also want to consider accommodation up in Mirtios village above the bay. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort has a Six Senses Spa, direct beach access, and a private 9-hole golf course. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site. It also provides stunning views from all angles. Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. Glyka Nera is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete and definitely one of the most unspoiled places to visit on the island, with deep blue water and fine white sands. Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Theres a regular bus to Heraklion, and its possible to reach Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos for day trips too. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. The lush Villa Octo is up in the hills behind the city and sleeps 6 in luxury. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. Our hotel experts have scoured the length and breadth of the island to bring you a collection of Crete's best beach hotels selected on their location, designs, service, and amenities. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. The beaches in the Rethymno province are some of the best not as dramatic as the west coast, but long and sandy and perfect for long, lazy beach days. The beach of Myrtos is a hidden treasure which, rarely gets crowded and provides a real opportunity to take a load off and truly relax. The resort offers 75 airy and well appointed rooms and suites fully equipped with satellite TV and minibar. Perhaps, Domatas unspoiled beauty has been preserved this long because the region has no roads or infrastructures. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort 3. Mount Ida is the tallest peak of the range, named after the daughter of the King of Crete according to Greek mythology. This area is perfect for beach lovers (although its worth noting that the main beach does get very windy). 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)! 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. Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. 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. 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. " 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 . Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. It can be as quiet or as rowdy as you like. Stay in Makrigialos: White Pearl Apartments are right on the beach. Enjoyed this post? But at the end of the day, Mexico will always be known as a beach destination - and for good reason. A wonderful place to visit and stay in Crete! But the highlight is the peaceful and picture-perfect sugar cube village of Loutro, with its whitewashed walls and electric blue seas. Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. Nearby is the Palace of Malia, one of the best Minoan ruins on the island. #9 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete. That said, they are exposed to the northwesterly Meltemi wind which blasts Greece throughout the summer beware big waves and undercurrents when the wind is blowing, pay attention to local advice. Transfer time: 20 minutes from Heraklion International airport. The best of the rest are: Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites, Villa Ippocampi,Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel,Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Cooks Club. Crete has some of Greece's best sandy beaches - many far from developed areas, so you can truly enjoy a remote holiday on the sand. Paleochora is located on a small peninsula with beaches on either side perfect for windsurfing as one of them will always be catching the wind. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. There are lots of lovely places to stay in Rethymnon. " The hotel is very relaxing and although it is a bit quiet a night it really is the perfect mix of 5 star luxury during the day with the authenticity of amazing local Greek Tavernas like Zachos . There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views. 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. 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. You can find private plunge pools at Miramare Resort & Spa. Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. 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. If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. All rooms come with an outdoor pool and private hot tubs. 5. Its also a good base if you want to rent a car as there are plenty of beaches to explore in the area and its only a 15-minute drive to Rethymnon. This 5* property offers boutique accommodation decorated in a typically Mediterranean fashion and with either a private plunge pool or hot tub. Lasithi, the easternmost province of Crete, is home to some of its most luxurious hotels as well as its wildest and most traditional areas. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. 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. Whether you are planning a getaway with the family, a couples' escape or a luxury break there is something to suit most tastes and budgets here. Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. It is slightly commercialised, but that said if you like the occasional deep-fried or sugary treat delivered to your lounger whilst you catch the sun, its not too bad at all! : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. The further out, the quieter it gets. Cool or what? The swankiest resort in town is the long-established Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort. 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.