Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. Transfer time: 15-45 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. Karavostasi Beach 432 Beaches By selsfield2003 Worth the walk ( or the ride on the mini train) Great beach - lovely clear water and 2 amazing tavernas. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. 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. Atlantica Kalliston Resort. Transfer time: 1hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. 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! You can find private plunge pools at Miramare Resort & Spa. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort has a Six Senses Spa, direct beach access, and a private 9-hole golf course. 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. Enter dates to see prices. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. Transfer time: 1 hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. })(); 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. Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. 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. 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. Here, you can available of the offerings from the nearby tavernas and umbrellas are available. Kalamaki is a relatively new town in Crete, it has more of a purpose-built feel to it. A wonderful place to visit and stay in Crete! Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. It also provides stunning views from all angles. #9 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete. There are some quieter beaches in the area if youre up for a bit of scrambling, and things calm down in the evening once the coaches have packed up for the day. 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. 18. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. Several of the Elounda luxury resorts are actually in Plaka. Crete is almost completely surrounded by beaches. 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. Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is another beachfront blockbuster with private pools and daybeds. The town isnt strictly a beach resort, so theres plenty to see and do besides basking. See More, Domes Noruz Chania boasts a spectacular location on the coast of Crete. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. Tourism here peaked in the 90s and as such it has a slightly careworn feel and is friendly but not busy. Agiofaraggo beach Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized, Nudism-Friendly View on map Location: 80 km south west of Heraklion Town 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. Cleanliness 4.3. See more photos Add to shortlist. 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. In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Transfer time: 25 minutes to the main harbour from Chania International airport. 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. 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. Each of these areas offers exceptional hotels, fantastic dining, and a wide range of nearby . And you can find amazing rock formations nearby at Souda such as Calypso Bay. See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. on: function(evt, cb) { Euphoria Resort 7. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. Dont expect anything in the way of amenities when you get there (its actually a nature reserve and is treated accordingly). Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. 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. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. Meanwhile, the main beach of the area, West Triopetra or Chatzi, is characterised by beautiful coarse sand which casts unusual colours across the beach and water. The lush Villa Octo is up in the hills behind the city and sleeps 6 in luxury. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. Boat trips to Balos leave from the harbour. Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. Packages to Stalis are available through TUI. Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. 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. The lagoon itself is actually an island that can be reached by paddling out to it. There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. Elounda Gulf Villas provide a free transfer to a private beach club. Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. ; EAST: The beaches past Elia are beyond the reach of the bus and water taxi network so things calm down considerably. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. Heading to the beautiful Greek island of Crete this year? Crossing the south of the island is difficult. The best of the rest are: Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites, Villa Ippocampi,Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel,Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Cooks Club. Transfer time: 15 minutes from Heraklion International airport. listeners: [], GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. Belvedere Apartments are box fresh and have spa access. Definitely one of the most unspoiled places to visit in Crete, the pretty peaceful village of Loutro evokes some strong emotion when you land here it is truly like stepping back in time! But the main attraction that brings tourists to Heraklion is the nearby ancient Minoan site of Knossos the biggest and most well-known on the island. The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! 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. There are more Minoan ruins worth discovering though head further afield to Malia and Phaistos. 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. Here you will find the emptiest beaches on the island and you can swim well into the autumn/winter months. 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. There are also plenty of boat trips are available from its harbour. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. Theres a regular bus to Heraklion, and its possible to reach Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos for day trips too. The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. 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. A spoiling beach treat! Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. 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. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. 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. On a budget? With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. The smaller of the two beaches, Small Triopetra (or Koumado), is more an enclosed, sandy, and rocky bay. Agia Roumeli is the most visited village in the area as it forms the exit point for the popular Samaria Gorge hike every day in the summer hundreds pop out of the gorge and onto a ferry to X where they can reconnect with the road system. There are lots of lovely places to stay in Rethymnon. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. The landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty. Despite the small size of Falassarna, its a popular spot and has a reputation for being one of the best beaches in Crete. 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! The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. Coastal perfection. Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. Perhaps, Domatas unspoiled beauty has been preserved this long because the region has no roads or infrastructures. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. Many Chania beaches are among the best on the island, such as Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi. 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. Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. 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. Whitewashed and chic Cyano Hotel is the best place to stay in Plakias rooms are spotless, the beds are comfy, and its a short walk to the shops and beach. . Isolated, authentic, and very tranquil, Lentas isnt for Crete thrill-seekers or partygoers. Theres no real village to speak of, but there are a few places to stay tucked away in the flat plain behind the beach. 5* resort Domes of Elounda is one of Cretes most exclusive hotels and has access to a private sandy beach, VIP services, and a champagne bar. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. 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. Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. Location 3.9. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. It can be as quiet or as rowdy as you like. Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay. There are few roads in the area, and some of the villages are accessible only by boat. If it tickles your fancy there is a naturist beach off to the east. Its a windswept and low-key kind of place, with remnants of a hippie vibe. ; SOUTH: Most of the main beach resorts are on the south coast, busier on the west side and getting quieter the further east you get. 17. Kids go free to the Minoan Amusement Park. 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. Transfer time: 1hr from Heraklion International airport. You wont find parties and bars here, oh no. Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. 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. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. Theres a wide selection of accommodation, easy transport links, a short airport transfer, and child-friendly shallow waters. Lyttos Mare 5. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. Check the rooms and prices on Booking.com. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. Cool or what? The beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. It gets very popular and usually attracts people who go there for clubbing. 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. With steep sandy-coloured rocks dropping directly into the sea in this horseshoe-shaped bay and crystal clear water it is postcard perfect. 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. Sifaka & Gavaladon 5, Old Town, Chania, Crete Island, 73101. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport, 1 hr 10 minutes from Heraklion International Airport book a transfer. Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore. Return to simpler times at this beautiful hideaway on Crete. 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. callback: cb Palm-fringed Preveli is one of the most unique and beautiful beaches on Crete. 26. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. The Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. If you think of a sleepy Greek fishing village, you probably have images of small boats bobbing in quartz waters, piles of multicoloured nets, and fishermen unloading their catch before nipping off to the Taverna for a cheeky ouzo. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. See More, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies this luxury Cretan resort in Malia. The LATO Boutique Hotel is more modern and has harbour views. 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. See More, An ultra-luxurious haven combining the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. Aside from the peacefulness of the region, it is hard not to be astounded by the artwork the elements left behind- a series of terraces in the rock face which, will undoubtedly leave you awestruck. Rooms mirror the outdoors, blue and breezy, some suites come with terraces and pools. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. A luxury beach holiday. You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. BEST LUXURY HOTELS: Lindos Blu, Casa Cook Rhodes, Boutique 5 Hotel and Spa BEST BUDGET HOTEL RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Delfini Beach Hotel BEST VILLAS: Kiotari Beach Villa, Axiotheaton Villas, SeaSide Suites BEST RESORT HOTELS FOR FAMILIES: Hotel Porto Angeli Beach Resort, Atlantica Aegean Family Resort, Rodos Princess Resort & Spa