#30 Best Value of 32 Crete Luxury Beach Resorts The south is wild and remote with a spectacularly rocky coast and a few standout beach resorts. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa. Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. The Akrotiri Peninsula is where youll find the airport, a swathe of villas, and a few spectacular beaches such as Stavros Bay and Seitan Limani. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. PRIVACY POLICY TERMS & CONDITION, Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs, Minos Palace Hotel & Suites Adults Only, The Royal Senses Resort Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton, Explore the Mediterranean Sea in a different way with, After a fun-filled day, relax and rejuvenate with, Discover peaceful, uncrowded scenery walking through, Learn about the architectural treasures from around the area and history of the village at, Dont leave without buying a piece of handcrafted pottery as, Find a spot near a bar or taverna along the beach to. 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. Hostels: Chania has two gorgeous design hostel options Cocoon City Hostel and Kumba. So many people make a beeline for Rethymno that its surrounding villages are something of a hidden gem. 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 White Houses are traditional waterfront houses decorated in local antiques and cool whites and blues. 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. The LATO Boutique Hotel is more modern and has harbour views. Transfer time: 25 minutes to the main harbour from Chania International airport. 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. T Hotel Premium Suites is the most comfortable place in town. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Transfer time: 15-45 minutes from Chania International airport. Mykonos has the best beach clubs (and nightlife). From spending many breaks on this beautiful island, here is my choice for the quietest and most authentic and unspoiled places to visit in Crete which are perfect for travel snobs. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. . Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey from Heraklion airport. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. There are still many quieter, less commercialized resorts, villages, and secluded coves to explore and more hidden locations that are barely touched by tourism. Lyttos Mare 5. And theres an ancient Minoan site that youre likely to have to yourself. But at the end of the day, Mexico will always be known as a beach destination - and for good reason.
THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { Glyka Nera is located on the south coast of Crete a 2 hour 30 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. The landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty. Elafonisi Lagoon is located on the west coast of the Greek island of Crete around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort has a Six Senses Spa, direct beach access, and a private 9-hole golf course.
Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs Naxos has the best beaches (but little nightlife). Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay. 3,851 reviews. ; SOUTH: Most of the main beach resorts are on the south coast, busier on the west side and getting quieter the further east you get. FalassarnaBeachhas 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. 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. 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. 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. Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. 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. Small ferry boats make the run over to Spinalonga from both Plaka and Elounda. 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. Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. Stay in Makrigialos: White Pearl Apartments are right on the beach. The smaller of the two beaches, Small Triopetra (or Koumado), is more an enclosed, sandy, and rocky bay. 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. Highly discreet, with striking designs, each hotel is different. Z Boutique Hotel has comfortable rooms and a small pool. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. 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.
Crete's Best Beach Hotels | The Hotel Guru What was once a small Greek village has now become a cosmopolitan town, with bars, restaurants and hotels surrounding picturesque Lake Voulismeni. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Panormos is located on the North Coast of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. However, if you would like to sit outside one of its handful of tavernas with a carafe of the local red and a plate of vine leaves then this is the quiet place to visit in Crete for you! Several of the Elounda luxury resorts are actually in Plaka. Suites have private pools. The beach is large and there are a range of tavernas and shops offering food at a very reasonable price. 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). . Palm-fringed Preveli is one of the most unique and beautiful beaches on Crete. 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 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! Location 3.9. Top attractions and things to do in Chania include: Head west from the main harbour to hit the town beaches Nea Chora is the closest and a 15-minute walk, Chryssi Akti is the nicest. Mid-range boutique: Casa Cook is a beach resort reimagined for the Instagram generation, with boho-chic minimalism up on the hills behind the beach in Kato Daratsa. These vary greatly depending on the region and location: Snow white sand alternates with shell sand and fine gravel.
The 12 Best Crete Beach Hotels (Greece) | Oyster.com A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete .
19 Best Beaches in Greece - Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes The small city of Sitia is a working port town with a pleasant seafront promenade, a sandy town beach, and a slow lifestyle. Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. Go in the shoulder months and youll be rewarded with a day trip to remember. Did somebody say wine? See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. Mythos Suites is another town highlight with a pool. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. 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. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. " 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 . Mount Ida is the tallest peak of the range, named after the daughter of the King of Crete according to Greek mythology. Accommodation is spacious and secluded, the best options have heated seawater pools, but all are utterly indulgent. Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. 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. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. 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. See More, An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula.
The best beaches and coves in Crete incl. insider tips - Corissia Euphoria Resort 7. Angela Suites Boutique Hotel is all whites and blues and has a pool.
15 Best Resorts in Crete | U.S. News Travel Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. 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. The lagoon itself is actually an island that can be reached by paddling out to it. There are several beaches that you can reach by foot, and as the crowds thin out you can still find a few nudist beaches. 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. The other top choice in Rethymnon is Rimondi Estate whose courtyard swimming pool is becoming an Instagram star in its own right. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next beach break? Very good. Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort 3. Boat trips to Balos leave from the harbour. Suites and private villas have personal pools. With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. 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 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! They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get.
If youve braved the paddle (or walked over the sandbar leading to the island) youll be rewarded with water that is the temperature of bathwater, soft pink sand (particular to this area only), and pictures that youll treasurePrizes awarded for spotting a sea turtleand deducted for duckface Instagram postsenjoy! Big Sur's craggy cliffs are breathtaking, but for an equally beautiful and less crowded California alternative, try this quiet spot tucked between Monterey and Carmel. If you want to be closer to the beaches, Nostos Beach Boutique Hotel is freshly renovated and has a pool, beach bar and day beds. You can find private plunge pools at Miramare Resort & Spa. 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. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. The only parking is on the street which is very limited.
Best 41 Beaches in Chania, Greece | Greeka Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. Many Chania beaches are among the best on the island, such as Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser. 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). Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. Check out Aspri Petra Apartments or Asterias Village. Balos beach Chania Balos is a fantastic location on the northwestern side of Crete, in the region of Chania. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. A spoiling stay. 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. Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. 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. Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats.
THE 10 BEST Crete Resorts of 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor The further out, the quieter it gets. If you are looking for a bit of space then Plakias offers one of the largest beaches in Crete. 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. Essentially, Myrtos has something to offer everyone from a secluded, sandy seafront to a large dose of historical culture. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. } Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. 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. It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. Parts of it are organised in the summer months though, and it does attract daytrippers. Service 4.3. 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! 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.
The Best Luxury Hotels on Crete, Greece | The Hotel Guru This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. See More, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies this luxury Cretan resort in Malia. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. Transfer time: 2hrs from Heraklion International airport, 10 minutes from Sitia Public Airport. Transfer time: 1hr from Heraklion International airport. This ultra-luxurious haven combines the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. #26 Best Value of 502 Quiet Hotels in Crete. of the rooms, the quality of the beach. 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. Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Perhaps, Domatas unspoiled beauty has been preserved this long because the region has no roads or infrastructures. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. Oceanfront Home With Views (7 guests): $325/night. There are many dining options from Greek to Italian and the four bars serve up wonderful cocktails. Its also a good base if you want to rent a car as there are plenty of beaches to explore in the area and its only a 15-minute drive to Rethymnon. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. Home / Beautiful Places / Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs. The coastline is developed on either side, but it was the introduction of budget flights to Chania airport that really put it on the map. 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. 1. Similar rooms are available at Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. Not overly touristy (though all the amenities are present), it has a working town feel albeit one with an Ottoman mosque, Venetian Fortress, and Blue Flag Beach. ; EAST: The beaches past Elia are beyond the reach of the bus and water taxi network so things calm down considerably. A luxury beach holiday. 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. It gets very popular and usually attracts people who go there for clubbing.
Best beaches in Crete - Lonely Planet ALL RIGHTS RESERVED On a budget? It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. Transfer time: 1hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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 Yes: Sougia is the best quiet beach in Crete, without a doubt. Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. For initial visits to Crete, especially if you have limited time to travel, plan on staying in one of the 5 main settlements. The best beach in the area is at Anissaras, this is a 4 kms taxi ride west from Koutouloufari and any taxi driver will know where it is. Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. 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 . The lush Villa Octo is up in the hills behind the city and sleeps 6 in luxury. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. 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. Beach bums are better off at Plakias (see below).
THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. Its not perhaps as quaint as some of the other places on this list but what it lacks in tradition it more than makes up for in swankiness and still manages to retain an air of what makes Crete so great. Or the clean and modern Central City Hotel and Aeolios Design Hotel. A classy, modern hotel. Transfer time: 15 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Best Places in Crete to Stay for First-Timers and Sightseeing: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos. The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. Dont expect anything in the way of amenities when you get there (its actually a nature reserve and is treated accordingly). 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. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. 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.
THE 10 BEST Luxury Beach Resorts in Crete - Tripadvisor 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. Candia Suites are close to the harbour with clean modern interiors and bicycle rental available. 5* Minos Beach Art Hotel has 1km of beach access, spacious grounds, and calming minimalist decor. The area is also crisscrossed with donkey paths that make it fantastic for walking (its possible to walk to Plaka).
The 10 Best Resorts in Chania, Greece | Booking.com Mar 20 - Mar 21. As with the other northern cities, it has a Venetian Fortress (the Kazarma) and an Archaeological Museum. Anissaras beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/brownieboy27/4986950206/in/set-72157624948245648 Report inappropriate content roseyManchester manchester Transfer time: 20 minutes from Heraklion International airport.
Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa 2. Accommodation in Frangokastello is all self-catered and around the same price point. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. Most visitors wont venture far outside the old town, the nexus of which is the pretty 14th-century Venetian harbourfront, but surrounding it is a decent-sized the modern university city with a year-round population of 60,000 people. Balos Beach, Crete. The KTEL bus station is in the new town, a 10-minute walk from the main harbour see PDF timetables.
Visit Mosque of the Janissaries in Crete | Expedia 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. 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 a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. 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)! It has a sand-and-pebble beach and a handful of good tavernas to choose from. Each of these areas offers exceptional hotels, fantastic dining, and a wide range of nearby . Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. 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. Its a relaxed south coast village, about 30km from Agia Galini, and has a wide, sandy Blue Flag beach and a spacious feel.
23 Best Beaches In Greece to Visit in 2023 - The Planet D The resort offers 75 airy and well appointed rooms and suites fully equipped with satellite TV and minibar.
25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World - Travel + Leisure