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There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. This is Crete off-the-beaten-track. 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. Mount Ida is the tallest peak of the range, named after the daughter of the King of Crete according to Greek mythology. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. 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. My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. 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. It has a slightly scruffy feel but there are two town beaches, an archaeological museum and some excellent restaurants to entertain you. Check TUI for packages including hotels and flights. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. "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.". 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. Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. 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. Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel Show prices Enter dates to see prices 202 reviews Despite the small size of Falassarna, its a popular spot and has a reputation for being one of the best beaches in Crete. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. With the exception of Paleochora, that is. 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. It has a tranquil fishing village vibe, although the heart of the village does feel a bit commercialised, and there are some small beaches a short walk away (the main one is Boufos). 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. 17. 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. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. 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. The coastline between these cities is the busiest and most developed part of the island. 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. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. Agios Nikolaos Best for families A favourite of package holiday companies, Agios Nikolaos is one of Crete's biggest but most charming resorts, making it a great choice for families. Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours 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. If you are staying one or more nights, you dont need to worry about thumping music or all-night parties. Balos Beach, Crete. on: function(evt, cb) { Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. East of Sitia the crowds really thin out most tourists dont make it beyond this point. 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)! Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. 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. Sifaka & Gavaladon 5, Old Town, Chania, Crete Island, 73101. #3 in Best Resorts in Crete Tripadvisor (921) 1 critic awards 5.0-star Hotel Class Free WiFi Overview Reviews Deals Rooms Kalimera Kriti Hotel Village Resort is a 5 star hotel located. 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. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. The resort offers 75 airy and well appointed rooms and suites fully equipped with satellite TV and minibar. A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. 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. Numerous beautiful beaches with soft sand or colored pebbles are found in the prefecture of Chania in western Crete. Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey from Heraklion airport. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. 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. (function() { Elounda Gulf Villas provide a free transfer to a private beach club. Crossing the south of the island is difficult. For all intents and purposes its a real treasure. #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. . Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. And Plakias now has a youth hostel! If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. Pick of the pack is the uber-chic Serenissima Boutique Hotel its located one block back from the main harbour in a 15th-century Venetian mansion. ; EAST: The beaches past Elia are beyond the reach of the bus and water taxi network so things calm down considerably. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site. 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. #9 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. There are few roads in the area, and some of the villages are accessible only by boat. 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 lagoon itself is actually an island that can be reached by paddling out to it. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. No roads lead here and there are no nightclubs or nightlife. 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. !" Breakfast included 2022 2. A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. all were excellent and we recommend this hotel with a true "vacation vibe" to all couples wanting a quiet and relaxing vacation on the wonderful beach of Crete". Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. If you are looking for a bit of space then Plakias offers one of the largest beaches in Crete. Two Cretes minor islands Chryssi and Koufonisi are just off this part of the shore. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. Service 4.3. . 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. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. Boat trips to Balos leave from the harbour. 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. Here, you can available of the offerings from the nearby tavernas and umbrellas are available. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. S&K Villas near Amyrida has a modern white cubist design and pool. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort has a Six Senses Spa, direct beach access, and a private 9-hole golf course. On a budget? If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. 1. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next beach break? The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. 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! Some suites have access to a private hot tub on the roof terrave. Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection Show prices Enter dates to see prices Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. Kalamaki is a relatively new town in Crete, it has more of a purpose-built feel to it. However, Balos Beach caught our eye for its clean waters and beautiful offshore reefs. 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. The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. 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. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. } 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. 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. Transfer time: 1 hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. 3,851 reviews. 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. 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 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). See More, An ultra-luxurious haven combining the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. The KTEL bus station is in the new town, a 10-minute walk from the main harbour see PDF timetables. 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. #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete . 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. Cool or what? Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. 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. Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. 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. Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. 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. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. per night. It is hardly surprising then that there are a world-class selection of beach hotels to choose from. But it would be a shame to miss out on the excellent tavernas in Panormo. Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. A good selection of bars and restaurants. 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! Besides the beach, guests gather at the Olympic-sized pool and water park with a big slides for older kids and adults. 1. The walk can take upwards of two hours depending on ability and speed, but also inclination, make sure you take your time to soak up the beautiful views and atmosphere. Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. 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 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. Utterly relaxing. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. } With steep sandy-coloured rocks dropping directly into the sea in this horseshoe-shaped bay and crystal clear water it is postcard perfect. It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. Parts of it are organised in the summer months though, and it does attract daytrippers. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. Suites and private villas have personal pools. There is also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. Take a 15-minute walk uphill from the main town and you will find Koutouloufari and Piskopiano, two traditional villages that are increasingly popular for upmarket accommodation options. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. Transfer time: 55 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Similar rooms are available at Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa. 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. 1,438 reviews. The resort boasts an outdoor hot tub. 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. As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. It doesnt matter where you go you will always find greenery spots. Inland Heraklion region is home to farmland and vineyards, whereas the coastline spreading east from Heraklion is also the most developed on Crete, and home to its most famous (and infamous resorts). Belvedere Apartments are box fresh and have spa access. The City Hotel & Suites is a clean and modern hotel offering excellent value at a lower price point, as are Menta City Boutique Hotel and Omiros Boutique Hotel. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. See More, This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. This 5* property offers boutique accommodation decorated in a typically Mediterranean fashion and with either a private plunge pool or hot tub. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. The long-distance hiking route passes through the area, and there are several smaller gorges and empty beaches such as Sweetwater to discover. 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. On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. 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. These vary greatly depending on the region and location: Snow white sand alternates with shell sand and fine gravel. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. The lush Villa Octo is up in the hills behind the city and sleeps 6 in luxury. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. 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. What was once a small Greek village has now become a cosmopolitan town, with bars, restaurants and hotels surrounding picturesque Lake Voulismeni. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. There is an increasing number of upmarket resorts in Sissi. Both a beautiful and quiet place to visit in Crete. As with the other northern cities, it has a Venetian Fortress (the Kazarma) and an Archaeological Museum. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . 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. 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.