Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. See More, A home-away-from-home set in a stunning rural spot with beaches, bars and tavernas a walk away. Its a relaxed resort town (well compared to its busier neighbours) and if you want a no-nonsense turn-up and relax on the beach holiday then this is a good choice. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. 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. 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 swankiest resort in town is the long-established Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. 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. Essentially, Myrtos has something to offer everyone from a secluded, sandy seafront to a large dose of historical culture. See More, Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront. These vary greatly depending on the region and location: Snow white sand alternates with shell sand and fine gravel. Koutouloufari is awash with luxury adults-only complexes. Cleanliness 4.3. Show prices. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. 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. Those in search of the original 60s free-spirited vibe will be disappointed (though try nearby Red Beach), but Matala is a fun seaside town and is a good choice for younger couples looking for somewhere lively and photogenic. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. But the main attraction that brings tourists to Heraklion is the nearby ancient Minoan site of Knossos the biggest and most well-known on the island. The most famous part of the gorge is the stretch known as the Gates where the sides of the gorge close into a width of only four meters and soar up to a height of almost 300 meters. 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. As Chania is a regional capital and in close proximity to so many beach resorts, it makes a great base to explore the west of the island. Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. The Top 3 Best Crete Family Resorts | Oyster.com There is an increasing number of upmarket resorts in Sissi. It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. Triopetra Beach is located on the south of the island around a 2 hour drive from Heraklion airport. Palm-fringed Preveli is one of the most unique and beautiful beaches on Crete. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. It doesnt matter where you go you will always find greenery spots. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. The smaller of the two beaches, Small Triopetra (or Koumado), is more an enclosed, sandy, and rocky bay. Several celebrities (including Brad and Angelina in happier days) have been spotted walking on its sandy shores, this combined with it being a hotspot for European dignitaries just adds to the appeal. Another sleepy Crete village, Tsoutsouros is undeveloped and charming (just how we like it). Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. Blue Palace Elounda 9. 302 reviews. Oceanfront Home With Views (7 guests): $325/night. The Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. forms: { #26 Best Value of 502 Quiet Hotels in Crete. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. A spoiling stay. See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. Euphoria Resort 7. 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. } Suites and private villas have personal pools. 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. 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). The Best Luxury Hotels on Crete, Greece | The Hotel Guru 15 Best Luxury Crete Resorts on the Beach - overseas attractions 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. Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa 2. 1. Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. But the highlight is the peaceful and picture-perfect sugar cube village of Loutro, with its whitewashed walls and electric blue seas. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . 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. 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! 4.4/5 Wonderful! Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. 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. Each of these areas offers exceptional hotels, fantastic dining, and a wide range of nearby . 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. If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. Boat trips to Balos leave from the harbour. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. 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. WHERE TO STAY in CRETE - Best Areas and Towns - Santorini Dave : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. 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. One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. Its a year-round Greek town that attracts tourists and expats, rather than a purpose-built tourist town. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Transfer time: 20 minutes from Heraklion International airport. It has a slightly scruffy feel but there are two town beaches, an archaeological museum and some excellent restaurants to entertain you. 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. Value 4.1. Heading to the beautiful Greek island of Crete this year? Crete's Best Beach Hotels | The Hotel Guru 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. 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. Crete has some of Greece's best sandy beaches - many far from developed areas, so you can truly enjoy a remote holiday on the sand. 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. One of the main things to do in Heraklion is to catch a ferry to visit Santorini, Mykonos and other places. You may have to head to the south coast when the wind is blowing. #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 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. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. ); per night. Astoria Hotel is a small family-run hotel with sea views and coastal decor. 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! Many Chania beaches are among the best on the island, such as Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi. There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. Head west for quieter beaches at Amnisos or Tobrouk. . The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. A good selection of bars and restaurants. Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. 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. Some of the beach resorts along Rethymnon beach include: The area around Platanes is popular and sandy. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. Its deliciously quiet in shoulder season. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. on: function(evt, cb) { #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. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. The hotel is all-inclusive but the food was of excellent quality." Breakfast included 2022 4. BEST HOTELS RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Domes Noruz, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, Domes of Elounda. Mykonos has the best beach clubs (and nightlife). Mythos Suites is another town highlight with a pool. Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. Angela Suites Boutique Hotel is all whites and blues and has a pool. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Transfer time: Ierapetra minutes from Heraklion airport, Makrigialos 1 hr 50 minutes from Heraklion airport. 1. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. The other top choice in Rethymnon is Rimondi Estate whose courtyard swimming pool is becoming an Instagram star in its own right. For initial visits to Crete, especially if you have limited time to travel, plan on staying in one of the 5 main settlements. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. 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. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. And Plakias now has a youth hostel! 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. 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 10 BEST Crete Beach Hotels of 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor 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). The long-distance hiking route passes through the area, and there are several smaller gorges and empty beaches such as Sweetwater to discover. The famous Preveli Palm Beach with its exotic date palm forest at the end of Kourtaliotiko Gorge is 5km away. What was once a small Greek village has now become a cosmopolitan town, with bars, restaurants and hotels surrounding picturesque Lake Voulismeni. Some suites have access to a private hot tub on the roof terrave. Transfer time: 25 minutes to the main harbour from Chania International airport. 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. Some of the most beautiful and unique beaches are in the area nearby Damnoni is sandy with shallow clear waters, perfect for kids. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. All rooms come with an outdoor pool and private hot tubs. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. Crete's Best Beach Hotels | The Hotel Guru There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. Agree a time with him and he'll come back for you later. 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. On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is home to the main airport of the island. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. 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). See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. Transfer time: 55 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. See More, A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. The lazy river was a particular highlight. 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. Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. Yes: Sougia is the best quiet beach in Crete, without a doubt. 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. 20 BEST Crete Beaches To Visit - The World Pursuit Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Falassarna is located on the west coast of the island around a 2 hour 40 minute drive from Heraklion airport. NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. An adults-only hotel in a converted historic mansion, it has been elegantly restored and has its own hammam. Two Cretes minor islands Chryssi and Koufonisi are just off this part of the shore. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. There are still many quieter, less commercialized resorts, villages, and secluded coves to explore and more hidden locations that are barely touched by tourism. Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. 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. On a budget? The only parking is on the street which is very limited. Go in the shoulder months and youll be rewarded with a day trip to remember. 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. } 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 Milatos is a small and low-key beach resort just beyond Sissi. 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. Accommodation is spacious and secluded, the best options have heated seawater pools, but all are utterly indulgent. See More, Domes Noruz Chania boasts a spectacular location on the coast of Crete. 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. East of Sitia the crowds really thin out most tourists dont make it beyond this point. Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site. It is hardly surprising then that there are a world-class selection of beach hotels to choose from. 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. 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. 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. The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. With steep sandy-coloured rocks dropping directly into the sea in this horseshoe-shaped bay and crystal clear water it is postcard perfect. Try the spotless Marina Hotel, or the beautiful white and blue decor and sea views atElektra. Nearby is the Palace of Malia, one of the best Minoan ruins on the island. The lagoon itself is actually an island that can be reached by paddling out to it. Its super sedate. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. 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. 9 Theofanus Street, Chania, Crete Island, 731 00. 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. Start the day with farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride. There is the standard selection of resort hotels in the surrounding coastal areas stylish Cretan Malia Park is one of the best, with beachfront access, boho chic decor, and family-friendly facilities. Agia Galini has a great selection of accommodation. Grecotel Meli Palace and Kalimera Kriti Resort both have direct beach access. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. Check the rooms and prices on Booking.com. Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. The vibe is family-friendly thanks to its sheltered bay which is lined with a number of traditional tavernas.

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