Kalamaki is located on the south coast of the island around an hours drive from Heraklion airport. Triopetra Beach is located on the south of the island around a 2 hour drive from Heraklion airport. Its an easy and cheap bus ride to Knoss from Heraklion. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. Its a year-round Greek town that attracts tourists and expats, rather than a purpose-built tourist town. BEST HOTELS RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Domes Noruz, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, Domes of Elounda. See More, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies this luxury Cretan resort in Malia. Show prices. 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. 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. 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. And theres an ancient Minoan site that youre likely to have to yourself. A network of small ferries connects Paleochora and Sfakia at either end, with the villages of Sougia, Agia Roumeli, and Loutro, and the island of Gavdos to the south. per night. } Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa. Z Boutique Hotel has comfortable rooms and a small pool. : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. 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. Giannoulis - Grand Bay Beach Resort (Exclusive Adults Only) Kolymvari. Accommodation is spacious and secluded, the best options have heated seawater pools, but all are utterly indulgent. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. "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.". Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. Glyka Nera is located on the south coast of Crete a 2 hour 30 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. 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. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. { . Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. 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. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. 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. Accommodation in Frangokastello is all self-catered and around the same price point. The KTEL bus station is in the new town, a 10-minute walk from the main harbour see PDF timetables. Enjoy the many dining options, good spa and lots of activities - tennis, water sports and nearby nightlife. But it has everything you need its ideal if youre looking to enjoy one place for your holiday and dont feel the need to visit the larger towns. on: function(evt, cb) { 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. The beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. Lyttos Mare 5. But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price. Fortunately, the prices in Elounda dont have a Hollywood price tag. Start the day with farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride. Most of the accommodation in this area is in traditional rooms and studios. of the rooms, the quality of the beach. Libyan Princess is the most comfortable and modern hotel on the block. The hotel is all-inclusive but the food was of excellent quality." Breakfast included 2022 4. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. 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. The lush Villa Octo is up in the hills behind the city and sleeps 6 in luxury. Transfer time: 1hr 45 minutes from Chania International airport. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. She counts supping on Bloody Marys on a rooftop in Manhattan, downing Singapore slings at the Raffles Hotel, daring a paraglide on the Grand Cayman, spending an exotic Christmas in Malaysia and exploring the Angkor Wat, Cambodia as her all time favourite travel moments. Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. See More, Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. Heraklion is Cretes capital and the largest city on the island. A spoiling beach treat! They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. This is part of a Greek holiday resort guide series and will cover: Roughly speaking, the north coast is developed and is home to the main cities and also most of the beach resort towns. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. 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. Avli Luxury Apartments are sumptuously decorated and theres a rooftop pool. Theres a regular bus to Heraklion, and its possible to reach Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos for day trips too. But there is also an ecological interest Falassarna is part of the Natura 2000 network due to the extensive array of flora and fauna the area has to offer. Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa 2. Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. 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. 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. 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 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. Value 4.1. The landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty. See More, An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. Transfer time: 25 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Heading to the beautiful Greek island of Crete this year? The further out, the quieter it gets. Stavros Bay aerial: Mike Drosos / Shutterstock, Matala rocks: Georgios Tsichlis / Shutterstock, Map of Crete: The Mediterranean Traveller, Map of Chania region The Mediterranean Traveller, Elafonissi: Zakhar Marunov / Adobe Stock, Paleochora: Vladimir1984 / Shutterstock, Map of Rethymnon region The Mediterranean Traveller, Panormo: Jaroslav Moravcik / Shutterstock, Agia Galini: Georgios Kritsotakis / Shutterstock, Map of Heraklion region The Mediterranean Traveller, Agia Pelagia: Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock, Map of Lasithi region The Mediterranean Traveller, Agios Nikolaos: olgaarkhipenko / Adobe Stock, Elounda: Georgios Tsichlis / Shutterstock. 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). 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 Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. 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. Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. Oceanview Designer Beach House (4 guests): $300/night. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. Ligaria is located on the north coast of Crete around a 30 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. 1,438 reviews. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. 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. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. 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. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. Panormos a small and charming traditional Cretan fishing village located on the northern coast has a few little extra bits that make it attractive, and a winery, it also has guided tours and tasting as well making it an attractive proposition indeed. Other options include Hotel Loutro Bay,SifisandDaskalogiannis Hotel. Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. 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. A good selection of bars and restaurants. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. Its only a matter of steps to the beach. Check TUI for packages including hotels and flights. Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. This is Crete off-the-beaten-track. Transfer time: 1hr from Heraklion International airport. Margarites is located in the very centre of the island of Crete, its an unspoiled village surrounded by the vibrant green hills of the Rethymnon region and is as well known for its picturesque panorama as it is for its extensive pottery trade. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. 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. It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. 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. Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. The harbourfront is lined with restaurants and smart boutiques, and the narrow alleys filled with souvenir shops, and the colourful tables and twinkly lights of tavernas vying for your trade. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. Some of the most beautiful and unique beaches are in the area nearby Damnoni is sandy with shallow clear waters, perfect for kids. Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. Show Prices. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. } Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey from Heraklion airport. And its one of the warmest places in the Mediterranean in winter. Youre most likely to end up here if youre catching a ferry to Kythira or to Gythio on the mainland, or if youre using it as a base to explore the nearby beaches at Balos and Falassarna. The 5-star hotels on the harbourfront are Scala de Faroand Domus Renier. 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. It lacks the sweeping white sand of some of our other suggestions, but it also lacks the footfall, making it ideal for a day trip. 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. Grecotel Meli Palace and Kalimera Kriti Resort both have direct beach access. Best Places in Crete to Stay for First-Timers and Sightseeing: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos. There is also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. 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! Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. 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. 1. You may have to head to the south coast when the wind is blowing. 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. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. 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. Bali is roughly halfway between Rethymno and Heraklion there are bus services both but not as frequent as other resorts. I loved Ligaria a small and charming seaside village located on the north side of Crete especially its lovely beach which has the same name. Crete is almost completely surrounded by beaches. The coastline between these cities is the busiest and most developed part of the island. On a budget? NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. 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! Top attractions and things to do in Chania include: Head west from the main harbour to hit the town beaches Nea Chora is the closest and a 15-minute walk, Chryssi Akti is the nicest. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. If you have a mix of old and young children or value convenience then Stalis is a solid option. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. 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. Although elements of the walk can be tiring, its most definitely worth it. The long-distance hiking route passes through the area, and there are several smaller gorges and empty beaches such as Sweetwater to discover. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. !" Breakfast included 2022 2. But it would be a shame to miss out on the excellent tavernas in Panormo. Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. 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. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection Show prices Enter dates to see prices Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. This area is perfect for beach lovers (although its worth noting that the main beach does get very windy). 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. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. 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. Both a beautiful and quiet place to visit in Crete. See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. See More, A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. Blue Palace Elounda 9. 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. Georgioupolis Resort Aquapark & Spa offers a unique holiday experience to those that want to enjoy the incomparable Greek Hospitality whilst seeking top quality services in a relaxing environment, excellent gastronomy as well as a . 8. Bored of sunning yourself? See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. Stay in Makrigialos: White Pearl Apartments are right on the beach. Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . 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. 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. Again due to its relative remoteness, youll be able to leave your disco shoes at home as well have none of that here, thanks very much. The town isnt strictly a beach resort, so theres plenty to see and do besides basking. #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! Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. Suites have private pools. 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. Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. Ideal for totally relaxing. Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 5* Minos Beach Art Hotel has 1km of beach access, spacious grounds, and calming minimalist decor. Several celebrities (including Brad and Angelina in happier days) have been spotted walking on its sandy shores, this combined with it being a hotspot for European dignitaries just adds to the appeal. 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. Transfer time: Ierapetra minutes from Heraklion airport, Makrigialos 1 hr 50 minutes from Heraklion airport. Palm-fringed Preveli is one of the most unique and beautiful beaches on Crete. See More, Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront. 4.4/5 Wonderful! Yes: Sougia is the best quiet beach in Crete, without a doubt. Although be warned, the walk takes five to seven hours and can be strenuous, especially at the peak of summer. The majority of Bahamian beaches are safely in "paradise on Earth" territory. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. 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. 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. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. See More, An ultra-luxurious haven combining the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. 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. 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). Rapid growth resulted in some dense development around the small harbour, and the small beach is a 10-minute walk out of the village.