; 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. Some of the most beautiful and unique beaches are in the area nearby Damnoni is sandy with shallow clear waters, perfect for kids. #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. The famous Preveli Palm Beach with its exotic date palm forest at the end of Kourtaliotiko Gorge is 5km away. Concur with these, we love Crete. A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. There are a few tavernas and perhaps the occasional cafe bordering the shallow rocky beach. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. " 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 . See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. 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. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. Milatos is a small and low-key beach resort just beyond Sissi. Try the spotless Marina Hotel, or the beautiful white and blue decor and sea views atElektra. Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort 3. See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. Its a 40-minute drive to Rethymno. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. For those who dont fancy a steep, heady climb on their holidays, it is possible to hire a fishing boat in Agia Roumeli to take you to Domata. See more photos Add to shortlist. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa 2. 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. Its known for its big waves, fishing heritage, and seafood tavernas set around a small crescent of beach. Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. Mythos Suites is another town highlight with a pool. If you want to meet other travellers there are two hostels in town Intra Muros and So Young, but private rooms in traditional domatia or apartments can be foundfor a similar price. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. Therefore it can be easier to decide on arrival airport/port first, or any attractions that you particularly want to visit, in order to narrow down where to stay. Elounda Gulf Villas provide a free transfer to a private beach club. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. Crete Beach Resorts: Find 55281 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Oceanfront Hotels in Crete on Tripadvisor. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. 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. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. Glika Nera Beach 190 Beaches By 849jeremyn Mar 20 - Mar 21. 302 reviews. With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. 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. Similar rooms are available at Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa. Mykonos is relatively small and you can easily drive around in a day. So many people make a beeline for Rethymno that its surrounding villages are something of a hidden gem. For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. 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. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. Belvedere Apartments are box fresh and have spa access. The majority of Bahamian beaches are safely in "paradise on Earth" territory. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. If you have a mix of old and young children or value convenience then Stalis is a solid option. As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. Transfer time: 25 minutes to the main harbour from Chania International airport. 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. Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. Its perfect for mature couples who dont need excursions and are happy to rent a car to explore the south coast. There are a few large all-inclusive hotels in Panormo Iberostar Creta Marine and Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare being two of the larger ones. See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. } And if you'd like your own private pool, as well as access to a private beach, Refine your search to our Guru's recommendations for. Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. On the beach itself, there is a tavern that sells local nibbles and drinks as well as sunbeds. Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site. 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. S&K Villas near Amyrida has a modern white cubist design and pool. A good selection of bars and restaurants. 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. One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. " Clean, spacious rooms, quiet sandy beach with amazing panorama, pools of different sizes and located in different areas of the resort, great waterpark with many . The Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. For all intents and purposes its a real treasure. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is fantastic its worth visiting before you head out to the ancient sites if you can. Its a popular day-trip destination and the crowds somewhat marr the incredible natural landscape with its towering rock formations. 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. Transfer time: 20 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. But what you will find is a collection of properly local eateries, a few small and sandy beaches, and crystal clear water if you want to go for a dip. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. Rooms mirror the outdoors, blue and breezy, some suites come with terraces and pools. #26 Best Value of 502 Quiet Hotels in Crete. Show Prices. The town isnt strictly a beach resort, so theres plenty to see and do besides basking. Z Boutique Hotel has comfortable rooms and a small pool. If you like your beaches vast and often deserted then make a beeline for Frangokastello on the south coast. The beach of Myrtos is a hidden treasure which, rarely gets crowded and provides a real opportunity to take a load off and truly relax. The resort boasts an outdoor hot tub. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. Transfer time: 1 hr 40 minutes from both Chania and Heraklion airports. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. Did somebody say wine? That said, there are bus links to Rethymno and Heraklion so car hire is not necessary. Pick the Nana Princess in Hersonissos for a relaxing getaway. The coastline between these cities is the busiest and most developed part of the island. listeners: [], Theres a wide selection of accommodation, easy transport links, a short airport transfer, and child-friendly shallow waters. The Royal Blue Resort. The south is wild and remote with a spectacularly rocky coast and a few standout beach resorts. Several of the Elounda luxury resorts are actually in Plaka. 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. Euphoria Resort 7. Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. 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. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay. The nearest rooms are a few miles away try the sereneGlykeria Hoteland Elafonisi Resort. Return to simpler times at this beautiful hideaway on Crete. 9. Rapid growth resulted in some dense development around the small harbour, and the small beach is a 10-minute walk out of the village. Go in the shoulder months and youll be rewarded with a day trip to remember. Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. 1. #1 Best Value of 1,305 Crete Beach Hotels "Beach - Currently sitting on the beach I can tell you it is a little sun trap! The long-distance hiking route passes through the area, and there are several smaller gorges and empty beaches such as Sweetwater to discover. Even the briefest of strolls through the village will showcase many of the wonderful pottery studios. 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. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. . A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. 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. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. 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. 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. Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. 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. Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. The lush Villa Octo is up in the hills behind the city and sleeps 6 in luxury. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. 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. No roads lead here and there are no nightclubs or nightlife. It does attract some tourists, mainly from the continent. See More, This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion Airport. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. A wonderful place to visit and stay in Crete! See More, Blue Palace, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies the luxury, Equally swish and perhaps just that little bit smarter the. Its popular as a boat trip destination the summer months can see an influx of tour boats from nearby Malia and Hersonissos but relatively few actually stay there, and those that do tend to love it. Angela Suites Boutique Hotel is all whites and blues and has a pool. The area is also crisscrossed with donkey paths that make it fantastic for walking (its possible to walk to Plaka). Falassarna is located on the west coast of the island around a 2 hour 40 minute drive from Heraklion airport. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. Mexico is one of those well-rounded countries that offer a little bit of everything: food, culture, gorgeous landscapes, and some of the best hotels and resorts in the entire world. On a budget? Ferries leave Sitia once a week for Rhodes, Karpathos, and Kassos. It has a sand-and-pebble beach and a handful of good tavernas to choose from. 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. 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. . } Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. Enter dates to see prices. Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel. But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. Sifaka & Gavaladon 5, Old Town, Chania, Crete Island, 73101. If you are looking for a bit of space then Plakias offers one of the largest beaches in Crete. 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 Cleanliness 4.3. The small city of Sitia is a working port town with a pleasant seafront promenade, a sandy town beach, and a slow lifestyle. There are still many quieter, less commercialized resorts, villages, and secluded coves to explore and more hidden locations that are barely touched by tourism. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. On a budget? A luxury beach holiday. Dont expect anything in the way of amenities when you get there (its actually a nature reserve and is treated accordingly). 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. Value 4.1. Cool or what? The lagoon itself is actually an island that can be reached by paddling out to it. 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 . Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. 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. For initial visits to Crete, especially if you have limited time to travel, plan on staying in one of the 5 main settlements. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. 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. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. Naxos has the best beaches (but little nightlife). Enjoy the many dining options, good spa and lots of activities - tennis, water sports and nearby nightlife. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. Classy Veneziano Boutique Hotel is in a beautifully renovated historic building. The pink sands of Elafonisi are one of the main attractions in west Crete, with coachloads arriving every day to bathe in the glorious lagoon-like waters.