Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. With a summer season lasting well into October September is still considered high season and almost tropical-warmth seas at the height of summer, Crete has one of Europe's longest beach-holiday seasons. 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. Crete's Best Beach Hotels | The Hotel Guru As with the other northern cities, it has a Venetian Fortress (the Kazarma) and an Archaeological Museum. { Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay. GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. With steep sandy-coloured rocks dropping directly into the sea in this horseshoe-shaped bay and crystal clear water it is postcard perfect. Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. T Hotel Premium Suites is the most comfortable place in town. 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 . Crete Quiet Resorts & Hotels : Book a Hotel Room at one of many Quiet And its one of the warmest places in the Mediterranean in winter. Mount Ida is the tallest peak of the range, named after the daughter of the King of Crete according to Greek mythology. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. Bozzali. Best beaches in Crete - Lonely Planet Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. Astoria Hotel is a small family-run hotel with sea views and coastal decor. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. 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. 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. Show prices. The resort offers 75 airy and well appointed rooms and suites fully equipped with satellite TV and minibar. Theres a regular bus to Heraklion, and its possible to reach Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos for day trips too. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. 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 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. 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. Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. 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. 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. Some of the beach resorts along Rethymnon beach include: The area around Platanes is popular and sandy. Very good. Isolated, authentic, and very tranquil, Lentas isnt for Crete thrill-seekers or partygoers. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. Its super sedate. For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. Boutique and luxury: Cressa Corona Boutique Hotel is the best address in town. 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. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. } Blue Palace Elounda 9. Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. On a budget? One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. 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. Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. See More, Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. 3,851 reviews. 26. But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. There are numerous beaches to visit, and if they are a bit far or you want to go further afield, as a bigger resort you can find hire cars for the standard rate. Located to the eastern side of the island of Crete, Kato Zakros is a bit out of the way, but well worth the visit. Agiofaraggo beach Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized, Nudism-Friendly View on map Location: 80 km south west of Heraklion Town There is a small airport serving flights to and from Athens. Enjoyed this post? Value 4.1. Suites, bungalows, and villas are light and airy with large swathes of glass and a modern take on Cretian design. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete "Highlights were Excellent, clean sandy beach and lot of sun beds on beach, around pools etc. 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. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. 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. Hostels: Chania has two gorgeous design hostel options Cocoon City Hostel and Kumba. Angela Suites Boutique Hotel is all whites and blues and has a pool. A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. 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. The Royal Blue Resort. 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. On a budget? Euphoria Resort 7. Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. #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. Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa. 9.8/5 (157 reviews) "The bed was so comfortable. on: function(evt, cb) { Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. Several of the Elounda luxury resorts are actually in Plaka. You can find private plunge pools at Miramare Resort & Spa. Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. For all intents and purposes its a real treasure. 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 Spinalonga peninsula is connected to the town by a causeway the peninsula curves right around and the UNESCO-listed island sits at its tip, creating a natural harbour sheltered from the elements. The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. Transfer time: 1hr from Heraklion International airport. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. Where to Stay on Mykonos: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide 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. On a budget? Pick the Nana Princess in Hersonissos for a relaxing getaway. 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. Suites and private villas have personal pools. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. Atlantica Kalliston Resort. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. BEST HOTELS RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Domes Noruz, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, Domes of Elounda. . Go in the shoulder months and youll be rewarded with a day trip to remember. Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection 6. Return to simpler times at this beautiful hideaway on Crete. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. The Top 3 Best Crete Family Resorts | Oyster.com On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. See More, Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront. And oh the food! 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. The best beaches and coves in Crete incl. insider tips - Corissia Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. But the highlight is the peaceful and picture-perfect sugar cube village of Loutro, with its whitewashed walls and electric blue seas. 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. 20 BEST Crete Beaches To Visit - The World Pursuit 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. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. 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). If you have a car then you might also want to consider accommodation up in Mirtios village above the bay. However, dont let that put you off. If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. The nearest rooms are a few miles away try the sereneGlykeria Hoteland Elafonisi Resort. : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. It is flanked by steep, mountainsides, home to a sizable herd of goats (judging from the clinking of bells) as well as a tepid sea, sheltered by a lush bay. Other options include Hotel Loutro Bay,SifisandDaskalogiannis Hotel. If you are staying one or more nights, you dont need to worry about thumping music or all-night parties. THE 10 BEST Luxury Beach Resorts in Crete - Tripadvisor 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. ); 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. THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Resorts 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor 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. In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. Up until fairly recently, Elafonisi was one of Cretes best-kept secrets, sadly social media selfie-lovers got a firm grasp of it, so it can get seriously busy in the high seasons. Heres a complete rundown on where to stay in Crete to help you choose which part of the island to choose, which town, resort or beach is for you, and the best beach hotels, whether youre booking accommodation DIY or looking for a package vacation. Suites have private pools. Oceanview Designer Beach House (4 guests): $300/night. But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. $148. Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. The lazy river was a particular highlight. A classy, modern hotel. 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)! Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. Chanias maze of old town streets have been prettied up for the tourists, but they still retain a charming atmosphere especially if you can catch them in spring before the masses arrive. This area is perfect for beach lovers (although its worth noting that the main beach does get very windy). Where to Stay on Rhodes: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. Transfer time: 1hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Crete Beach Resorts: Find 55281 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Oceanfront Hotels in Crete on Tripadvisor. Lyttos Mare 5. } #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! 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. 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. 19 Best Beaches in Greece - Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes Bali is roughly halfway between Rethymno and Heraklion there are bus services both but not as frequent as other resorts. Although the panorama can make you trigger happy with the camera, dont ignore the beauty right beside you on the path a Venetian fort, ancient churches, ancient cisterns, and the breath-taking remains of the ruined ancient town of Pikilassos, not to mention the beautiful flora and fauna that you encounter along the way, including lots of olive trees resist the urge to pillage! Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. Youll find the standard Greek beachside fare if you want to have a halftime break, and nestled in its backstreets are a multitude of boutique-style shops selling some handmade, and some not-so-handmade trinkets. 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. These vary greatly depending on the region and location: Snow white sand alternates with shell sand and fine gravel. Wonderful! Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. You wont find parties and bars here, oh no. There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. WHERE TO STAY in CRETE - Best Areas and Towns - Santorini Dave Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. Location 3.9. Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. 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. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. I think it time for a bring visit back! Tourism here peaked in the 90s and as such it has a slightly careworn feel and is friendly but not busy. Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. Show Prices. Its deliciously quiet in shoulder season. Honeymoons - This is . On a budget? " 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 . Sougia is located on the South West coast of the island around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion airport. 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. Numerous beautiful beaches with soft sand or colored pebbles are found in the prefecture of Chania in western Crete. Although elements of the walk can be tiring, its most definitely worth it. 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. Fortunately, the prices in Elounda dont have a Hollywood price tag. Check out Aspri Petra Apartments or Asterias Village. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. There are lots of lovely places to stay in Rethymnon. I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. Check the rooms and prices on Booking.com. There are a few tavernas and perhaps the occasional cafe bordering the shallow rocky beach. With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views. 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. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. Transfer time: 55 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. Did somebody say wine? The beaches here are small but this helps to keep the crowds away. There is an increasing number of upmarket resorts in Sissi. THE 10 BEST Crete Resorts of 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor Agia Galini has a great selection of accommodation. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. Transfer time: 1hr 45 minutes from Chania International airport. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor Its an easy and cheap bus ride to Knoss from Heraklion. A luxury beach holiday. See More, A great getaway to an idyllic blue bay in a car-free village, right on the beach. Milatos is a small and low-key beach resort just beyond Sissi. })(); 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. Top things to see and do in Heraklion include: Ammoudara is the easiest beach to reach from the city the line 12 bus runs throughout the day. There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser.
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