Suites, bungalows, and villas are light and airy with large swathes of glass and a modern take on Cretian design. It attracts independent travellers and plenty of returners and is a popular base for hiking in the area. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. Myrtos village is located on the south coast of Crete an 1 hour 20 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. Transfer time: 1hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. There are plenty of options for self-catered too, likeVilla Niki. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. Ideal for totally relaxing. Its a windswept and low-key kind of place, with remnants of a hippie vibe. If you want to meet other travellers there are two hostels in town Intra Muros and So Young, but private rooms in traditional domatia or apartments can be foundfor a similar price. Mount Ida is the tallest peak of the range, named after the daughter of the King of Crete according to Greek mythology. Triopetra Beach is located on the south of the island around a 2 hour drive from Heraklion airport. Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. The five restaurants serve a range of food from sushi to Greek and there's a fabulous spa too. Clearly, the island has so much more to offer aside from the famous mythology and legends, there are also sites of architectural, historical, and natural importance, that will leave any visitor completely enthralled! This is tucked away in a remote pocket of Crete's south-western corner, so you could be forgiven for thinking you might have it all to yourself. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. There are a few tavernas and perhaps the occasional cafe bordering the shallow rocky beach. Wonderful! 302 reviews. See More, A home-away-from-home set in a stunning rural spot with beaches, bars and tavernas a walk away. 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. An epic choice of restaurants and bars. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. Options are spread out along the vast beach so check the location before booking if you want to be closer to the castle for proximity to the few tavernas and cafes. Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. The prices in Hersonissos are very competitive, partially to lure customers out of the many all-inclusive hotels in the area. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. Lasithi, the easternmost province of Crete, is home to some of its most luxurious hotels as well as its wildest and most traditional areas. Transfer time: 1hr 30 minutes from Chania airport. The area is also crisscrossed with donkey paths that make it fantastic for walking (its possible to walk to Plaka). The walk between these two areas is truly stunning, the path along the way is marked with cairns to guide your route thankfully as it is easy to get distracted by the views! What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. 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. BEST HOTELS RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Domes Noruz, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, Domes of Elounda. 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. Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. The swankiest resort in town is the long-established Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort. Pick the Nana Princess in Hersonissos for a relaxing getaway. Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. 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. Outside this, its a large resort town with an excellent (though busy) beach, an unashamedly commercial centre, and a charming old quarter (Old Malia), where youll find traditional houses and tavernas. Lyttos Mare 5. 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. 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. A luxurious hideaway near Rethymnon. 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. Show Prices. Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey from Heraklion airport. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. #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. For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. The wonderful White Mountains are located in Western Crete, and their gleaming shine is the dominant feature of the region. Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. event : evt, 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. Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. Its a year-round Greek town that attracts tourists and expats, rather than a purpose-built tourist town. With that and the relative peace and quiet, its an ideal spot to just be on this wonderful island. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. South coast Agia Galini is a small harbour town that was once the biggest resort town in the Rethymno region. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { ); Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. Besides the beach, guests gather at the Olympic-sized pool and water park with a big slides for older kids and adults. #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. 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. 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. Other options include Hotel Loutro Bay,SifisandDaskalogiannis Hotel. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. Elounda Gulf Villas provide a free transfer to a private beach club. Enjoyed this post? Candia Suites are close to the harbour with clean modern interiors and bicycle rental available. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. Fortunately, the prices in Elounda dont have a Hollywood price tag. Slap bang in the middle of the northern coastline, the city of Heraklion (also spelt Iraklio or Iraklion) is the capital and its surrounding coastline is some of the busiest and most developed on Crete. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. Go in the shoulder months and youll be rewarded with a day trip to remember. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. Ferries leave Sitia once a week for Rhodes, Karpathos, and Kassos. Top things to see and do in Rethymno include: And possible day trips in the area include: Rethymnon Beach is Cretes longest sandy beach at 12km long, and as it extends east from the city it swallows up villages that have long since morphed into suburban beach resorts. A good selection of bars and restaurants. 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. I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. Euphoria Resort 7. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. I think it time for a bring visit back! Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay. 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! S&K Villas near Amyrida has a modern white cubist design and pool. Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. 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. Its a relaxed south coast village, about 30km from Agia Galini, and has a wide, sandy Blue Flag beach and a spacious feel. Perhaps, Domatas unspoiled beauty has been preserved this long because the region has no roads or infrastructures. 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. My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. 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. Mykonos is relatively small and you can easily drive around in a day. A luxury beach holiday. It doesnt matter where you go you will always find greenery spots. Transfer time: 20 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. Rooms mirror the outdoors, blue and breezy, some suites come with terraces and pools. Accommodation is spacious and secluded, the best options have heated seawater pools, but all are utterly indulgent. Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. Show Prices. 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. 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. With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. 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. 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. 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. 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. #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete . Inside the old town: for historic charm check outBozzali Hotel with its whitewashed decor and cute courtyard, whereas Casa Delfino offers a modern take on the traditional Venetian mansion. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. The beaches here are small but this helps to keep the crowds away. 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. Glika Nera Beach 190 Beaches By 849jeremyn Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. Top things to see and do in Agios Nikolaos include: Porto Maltese Boutique Estate is Ag Niks most stylish des res, with a waterfront location, courtyard, and sympathetic restoration. Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. There is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. The main cities and towns on the north coast are linked by regular buses each regional capital has buses going to the south of its region. The 5-star hotels on the harbourfront are Scala de Faroand Domus Renier. You can always visit the amazing chapel of Prophet Elias. But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price. GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. Several of the Elounda luxury resorts are actually in Plaka. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. Its a 40-minute drive to Rethymno. A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. So many people make a beeline for Rethymno that its surrounding villages are something of a hidden gem. Ligaria is located on the north coast of Crete around a 30 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. Several of Eloundas top luxury hotels are actually in Plaka, so read the section above if you havent already. ". East of Sitia the crowds really thin out most tourists dont make it beyond this point. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay. Bozzali. Anissaras beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/brownieboy27/4986950206/in/set-72157624948245648 Report inappropriate content roseyManchester manchester 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 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.". 1,438 reviews. 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. 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. Sifaka & Gavaladon 5, Old Town, Chania, Crete Island, 73101. With steep sandy-coloured rocks dropping directly into the sea in this horseshoe-shaped bay and crystal clear water it is postcard perfect. With the exception of Paleochora, that is. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser. A classy, modern hotel. The main attraction in Stalis (or Stalida) is its 6km golden crescent of beach, and its proximity to party capital Malia (just a 30-minute walk). See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. 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. Including the five star beach resorts, family friendly hotels on Crete and great value finds. 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. Heraklion is Cretes capital and the largest city on the island. on: function(evt, cb) { And oh the food! Plaka is also the gateway to the Spinalonga, the small fortress island that famously housed a leper colony and is now one of the main day trips in the area. 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. Honeymoons - This is . Check TUI for packages including hotels and flights. 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. There are also plenty of boat trips are available from its harbour. Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. 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. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. Transfer time: 1hr from Heraklion International airport. 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. 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. However, dont let that put you off. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. Bali is roughly halfway between Rethymno and Heraklion there are bus services both but not as frequent as other resorts. This is Crete off-the-beaten-track. 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. Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. listeners: [], Utterly relaxing. Value 4.1. Agia Pelagia is halfway between Bali and Heraklion and is the only real beach resort to the west of the capital, to which it is connected by a regular bus service which takes about 1 hr. The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. Classy Veneziano Boutique Hotel is in a beautifully renovated historic building. Some suites have access to a private hot tub on the roof terrave. Agree a time with him and he'll come back for you later. 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. A spoiling beach treat! Head east from Sitia and you eventually reach is Paleokastro, a windswept resort with an edge-of-the-world feel and some of the best windsurfing in Europe. There is a small airport serving flights to and from Athens. 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. There are only a few places to stay in Plaka try Athina Villas, Plaka Beach Cottages, and Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. 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. 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!

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