Meanwhile, the main beach of the area, West Triopetra or Chatzi, is characterised by beautiful coarse sand which casts unusual colours across the beach and water. Ideal for totally relaxing. If you like your beaches vast and often deserted then make a beeline for Frangokastello on the south coast. 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. Bored of sunning yourself? Chanias maze of old town streets have been prettied up for the tourists, but they still retain a charming atmosphere especially if you can catch them in spring before the masses arrive. 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. event : evt, The Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. Ranked as a top Travel Authority in the UK by Agility PR Solutions, Nominated as the best female travel blogger in the Teletext Holiday Awards 2019, British Annual Canada Travel Awards Finalist 2018, Nominated for the Best UK Travel Blog 2018, Cheapflights Travel Blog Awards Nominee 2017, GLOBAL GRASSHOPPER. 8. Its a relaxed south coast village, about 30km from Agia Galini, and has a wide, sandy Blue Flag beach and a spacious feel. 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. Crossing the south of the island is difficult. 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. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. See More, Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront. However, Balos Beach caught our eye for its clean waters and beautiful offshore reefs. On the harbour: If youre after a harbourfront hotel with a sea views balcony just bear in mind that noise and light from the restaurants below go on until late. The LATO Boutique Hotel is more modern and has harbour views. All rooms come with an outdoor pool and private hot tubs. 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. An epic choice of restaurants and bars. By that, I mean you want to indulge in some serious chilling, but also maybe want to have a good time in the evening too. Heraklion is Cretes capital and the largest city on the island. } Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. 3,851 reviews. Visitors to the area might be shocked to find that it retains its snowcaps until the middle of spring and offers innumerable hiking opportunities from the Samaria Gorge to the Askifou plateau to Mount Ida herself. You wont find parties and bars here, oh no. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. } The nation boasts nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, stretching along the warm Gulf of Mexico to the east and the . 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. Enjoyed this post? Stavros Bay aerial: Mike Drosos / Shutterstock, Matala rocks: Georgios Tsichlis / Shutterstock, Map of Crete: The Mediterranean Traveller, Map of Chania region The Mediterranean Traveller, Elafonissi: Zakhar Marunov / Adobe Stock, Paleochora: Vladimir1984 / Shutterstock, Map of Rethymnon region The Mediterranean Traveller, Panormo: Jaroslav Moravcik / Shutterstock, Agia Galini: Georgios Kritsotakis / Shutterstock, Map of Heraklion region The Mediterranean Traveller, Agia Pelagia: Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock, Map of Lasithi region The Mediterranean Traveller, Agios Nikolaos: olgaarkhipenko / Adobe Stock, Elounda: Georgios Tsichlis / Shutterstock. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. Its a 40-minute drive to Rethymno. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. 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. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. The Royal Blue Resort. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. Both a beautiful and quiet place to visit in Crete. See More, This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel. 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. On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. You can find private plunge pools at Miramare Resort & Spa. You may have to head to the south coast when the wind is blowing. The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. Check TUI for packages including hotels and flights. Kalamaki is a relatively new town in Crete, it has more of a purpose-built feel to it. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. In addition to 14 freshwater outdoor and indoor pools, it has a 350-meter beach with umbrellas, beach chairs, water sports (for a fee), beach volleyball, and beach parties hosted by the entertainment team. The hotel is all-inclusive but the food was of excellent quality." Breakfast included 2022 4. 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)! Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection 6. ); 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! Although elements of the walk can be tiring, its most definitely worth it. 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. 2,101 reviews. Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. 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 East of Sitia the crowds really thin out most tourists dont make it beyond this point. 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. 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. Its perfect for mature couples who dont need excursions and are happy to rent a car to explore the south coast. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. Enjoy the many dining options, good spa and lots of activities - tennis, water sports and nearby nightlife. Value 4.1. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. The area is also crisscrossed with donkey paths that make it fantastic for walking (its possible to walk to Plaka). The coastline between these cities is the busiest and most developed part of the island. Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. The smaller of the two beaches, Small Triopetra (or Koumado), is more an enclosed, sandy, and rocky bay. The beautiful unspoilt Samari Gorge is a major tourist attraction of the island and was created by a small river running through the White Mountains. And its one of the warmest places in the Mediterranean in winter. Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. Two Cretes minor islands Chryssi and Koufonisi are just off this part of the shore. 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. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. Avli Luxury Apartments are sumptuously decorated and theres a rooftop pool. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is fantastic its worth visiting before you head out to the ancient sites if you can. Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay. Its an easy and cheap bus ride to Knoss from Heraklion. 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. 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. 4.4/5 Wonderful! 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. It is an absolute must for visitors to Crete is to complete the walk down the gorge from the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea, at which point tourists sail to the nearby village of Sougia or Hora Sfakion, where they could spend a night or they could catch a coach back to Chania. Bali is roughly halfway between Rethymno and Heraklion there are bus services both but not as frequent as other resorts. Oceanfront Home With Views (7 guests): $325/night. Very good. 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. Did somebody say wine? There are numerous beaches dotted about, and if you are staying for more than a few days it can be good fun to try a different one each day. Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is another beachfront blockbuster with private pools and daybeds. 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. Nearby is the Palace of Malia, one of the best Minoan ruins on the island. Enter dates to see prices. Theres plenty to keep older children entertained, including watersports and boat trips. Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. See more photos Add to shortlist. It has a sand-and-pebble beach and a handful of good tavernas to choose from. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. 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. If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. 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. Show prices. With the exception of Paleochora, that is. Isolated, authentic, and very tranquil, Lentas isnt for Crete thrill-seekers or partygoers. Transfer time: 1 hr 40 minutes from both Chania and Heraklion airports. Transfer time: 25 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Transfer time: 15 minutes from Heraklion International airport. #9 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. Transfer time: 2hrs from Heraklion International airport, 10 minutes from Sitia Public Airport. Agiofaraggo beach Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized, Nudism-Friendly View on map Location: 80 km south west of Heraklion Town Similar rooms are available at Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa. 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. The village itself is loaded with a rich history, including a museum which houses finds of Minoan archaeological importance found nearby and you can hear tales about the towns colourful past and folklore in the many local tavernas. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. Lyttos Mare 5. Utterly relaxing. 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. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. See More, An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. The city of Rethymnon (you might also see it spelt Rethymno or Rethimno) is like a smaller, more chilled version of Chania. Head west for quieter beaches at Amnisos or Tobrouk. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. 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. But the highlight is the peaceful and picture-perfect sugar cube village of Loutro, with its whitewashed walls and electric blue seas. 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. 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. GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. callback: cb See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. The beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. forms: { Agios Nikolaos has four sandy beaches though theyre all a little way out of the city Kitroplateira is the most central, Almiros is the nicest. The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. 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. 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! Margarites is located in the very centre of the island of Crete, its an unspoiled village surrounded by the vibrant green hills of the Rethymnon region and is as well known for its picturesque panorama as it is for its extensive pottery trade. 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). Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . Including the five star beach resorts, family friendly hotels on Crete and great value finds. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. See More, Impressive luxury resort, totally insulated from the outside world in semi-tropical gardens. 18. 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. After a day at the (pebble) beach, you can step out in your Sunday best and pace up and down the walkway paralleling the seafront whilst wondering if you have time to look at the menu before you are accosted by the occupants (Im joking, they are lovely and generally friendly more than pushy). Theres a wide selection of accommodation, easy transport links, a short airport transfer, and child-friendly shallow waters. Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. Its deliciously quiet in shoulder season. There are a few large all-inclusive hotels in Panormo Iberostar Creta Marine and Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare being two of the larger ones. 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. Several of Eloundas top luxury hotels are actually in Plaka, so read the section above if you havent already. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. On a budget? . Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. Tourism here peaked in the 90s and as such it has a slightly careworn feel and is friendly but not busy. Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. 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. See More, A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. If youre bringing the familiy you may prefer a villa with a pool have a look at Philoxenia Villas which has fresh modern decor and is 200 yards from the beach.