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! Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CRETE IN AGIOS NIKOLAOS ($$$) Minos Beach Art Hotel ($$) Miramare Resort & Spa ($) Ikaros Art Hotel FIND AGIOS NIKOLAOS HOTEL DEALS 5. There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. 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. Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. Crossing the south of the island is difficult. Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. Oceanfront Home With Views (7 guests): $325/night. Theres no real village to speak of, but there are a few places to stay tucked away in the flat plain behind the beach. 9 Theofanus Street, Chania, Crete Island, 731 00. Enjoyed this post? 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 . Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. There are lots of lovely places to stay in Rethymnon. See More, A glamorous coastal property offering the upmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. And you can find amazing rock formations nearby at Souda such as Calypso Bay. Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. Accommodation is spacious and secluded, the best options have heated seawater pools, but all are utterly indulgent. . 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. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. There are a few large all-inclusive hotels in Panormo Iberostar Creta Marine and Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare being two of the larger ones. 8. Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. The White Houses are traditional waterfront houses decorated in local antiques and cool whites and blues. 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. 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. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. But there are plenty of alternatives if your budget doesnt stretch quite that far, have a look at Blue Bay Resort Hotel, Peninsula Resort Hotel, Pela Mare, Seascape Luxury Residences, and Acro Wellness Suites. Paleochora is located on a small peninsula with beaches on either side perfect for windsurfing as one of them will always be catching the wind. There is also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. 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. Both a beautiful and quiet place to visit in Crete. Just dont expect to find authentic Crete here. Although elements of the walk can be tiring, its most definitely worth it. Mar 20 - Mar 21. Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. There is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. Transfer time: 2hrs from Heraklion International airport, 10 minutes from Sitia Public Airport. Mykonos is relatively small and you can easily drive around in a day. One of the best beaches in the south coast of Crete, You can actually park the car by the beach, there are a couple o. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 26. Although almost every main beach gets busy in July and August, you can usually walk just a few minutes away to find a patch of heaven sans crowds. These hikes can be strenuous and at some moments, hair-raising but they are well maintained. 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. Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. Ferries leave Sitia once a week for Rhodes, Karpathos, and Kassos. Triopetra Beach is located on the south of the island around a 2 hour drive from Heraklion airport. A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. Transfer time: 15 minutes from Heraklion International airport. The main village is set 1km back from the beach and is a popular area for villas and expats. 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. 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. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. The long-distance hiking route passes through the area, and there are several smaller gorges and empty beaches such as Sweetwater to discover. 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). Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. The area is also crisscrossed with donkey paths that make it fantastic for walking (its possible to walk to Plaka). The gorge became a national park in 1962, particularly as a refuge for the rare kri-kri (Cretan goat), which is elusive on the rest of the island. 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. Glyka Nera is located on the south coast of Crete a 2 hour 30 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. Anissaras beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/brownieboy27/4986950206/in/set-72157624948245648 Report inappropriate content roseyManchester manchester A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. 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. The lazy river was a particular highlight. Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. 9. Heraklion is Cretes capital and the largest city on the island. There are a few tavernas and perhaps the occasional cafe bordering the shallow rocky beach. With the exception of Paleochora, that is. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. It attracts independent travellers and plenty of returners and is a popular base for hiking in the area. 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. Balos Beach, Crete. You may have to head to the south coast when the wind is blowing. 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. There are many dining options from Greek to Italian and the four bars serve up wonderful cocktails. 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. 2,101 reviews. Ideal for totally relaxing. Rooms mirror the outdoors, blue and breezy, some suites come with terraces and pools. 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). Much of the south-west coast is rocky and inaccessible, with steep cliffs that drop dramatically into the sea and small beaches that form at the end of gorges. If you are looking for a bit of space then Plakias offers one of the largest beaches in Crete. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. 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. Kids go free to the Minoan Amusement Park. Mythos Suites is another town highlight with a pool. There are also plenty of boat trips are available from its harbour. For all intents and purposes its a real treasure. 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. Cool or what? As with the other northern cities, it has a Venetian Fortress (the Kazarma) and an Archaeological Museum. Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. Many Chania beaches are among the best on the island, such as Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi. 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. forms: { The hotel is all-inclusive but the food was of excellent quality." Breakfast included 2022 4. My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. 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. It doesnt matter where you go you will always find greenery spots. The majority of Bahamian beaches are safely in "paradise on Earth" territory. Beach bums are better off at Plakias (see below). This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. The nearest rooms are a few miles away try the sereneGlykeria Hoteland Elafonisi Resort. 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. Suites and private villas have personal pools. 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. 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. Most of the accommodation in this area is in traditional rooms and studios. . See More, An ultra-luxurious haven combining the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. Candia Suites are close to the harbour with clean modern interiors and bicycle rental available. Its a 40-minute drive to Rethymno. It is hardly surprising then that there are a world-class selection of beach hotels to choose from. Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. An adults-only hotel in a converted historic mansion, it has been elegantly restored and has its own hammam. 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. 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 . There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. You wont find parties and bars here, oh no. What was once a small Greek village has now become a cosmopolitan town, with bars, restaurants and hotels surrounding picturesque Lake Voulismeni. Transfer time: 1hr 15 minutes from Heraklion airport. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. (function() { Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. Astoria Hotel is a small family-run hotel with sea views and coastal decor. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. The prices in Hersonissos are very competitive, partially to lure customers out of the many all-inclusive hotels in the area. 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. The famous Preveli Palm Beach with its exotic date palm forest at the end of Kourtaliotiko Gorge is 5km away. 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. Another sleepy Crete village, Tsoutsouros is undeveloped and charming (just how we like it). See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. Transfer time: 1hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. On a budget? It is truly non-commercialised, and we hope it stays that way. Other options include Hotel Loutro Bay,SifisandDaskalogiannis Hotel. Its a perfect romantic destination for couples. Transfer time: Ierapetra minutes from Heraklion airport, Makrigialos 1 hr 50 minutes from Heraklion airport. 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. Similar rooms are available at Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa. Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site. 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 modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. 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. Several of Eloundas top luxury hotels are actually in Plaka, so read the section above if you havent already. See More, This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. Lasithi, the easternmost province of Crete, is home to some of its most luxurious hotels as well as its wildest and most traditional areas. 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. Honeymoons - This is . See More, A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. 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. Belvedere Apartments are box fresh and have spa access. 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. 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. Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. Value 4.1. 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. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. Its friendly and authentic if you want to get away from mass tourism then this easternmost part of Crete is a good bet. It does attract some tourists, mainly from the continent. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. 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. There are more Minoan ruins worth discovering though head further afield to Malia and Phaistos. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. 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. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel. event : evt, These vary greatly depending on the region and location: Snow white sand alternates with shell sand and fine gravel. Yes: Sougia is the best quiet beach in Crete, without a doubt. 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 Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. 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. If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. Naxos has the best beaches (but little nightlife). 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. 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. Check out Aspri Petra Apartments or Asterias Village. 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). Tourism here peaked in the 90s and as such it has a slightly careworn feel and is friendly but not busy. 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). Giannoulis - Grand Bay Beach Resort (Exclusive Adults Only) Kolymvari. There are 3 main beaches and a long waterfront area thats full of seafood restaurants, bars and clubs, and is popular in the evening. The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. Where to Stay on Corfu: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Kefalonia: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Lefkada: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Zakynthos: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Skiathos: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Rhodes: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Mallorca: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Ibiza: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Menorca: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on the Turkish Coast: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide. Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 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. 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. Numerous beautiful beaches with soft sand or colored pebbles are found in the prefecture of Chania in western Crete. 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. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. The city of Rethymnon (you might also see it spelt Rethymno or Rethimno) is like a smaller, more chilled version of Chania. Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort 3. The 3* Villa Maxine Hotel is great value and has a chic poolside area. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. Fortunately, the prices in Elounda dont have a Hollywood price tag. But at the end of the day, Mexico will always be known as a beach destination - and for good reason. The south is wild and remote with a spectacularly rocky coast and a few standout beach resorts. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection 6. A luxury beach holiday. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. However, dont let that put you off. Transfer time: 55 minutes from Heraklion International airport. NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. 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)! } The swankiest resort in town is the long-established Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort. 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. 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. 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. 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. Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. 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. There are few roads in the area, and some of the villages are accessible only by boat. Kalamaki is located on the south coast of the island around an hours drive from Heraklion airport.