The best beaches and coves in Crete incl. insider tips - Corissia This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. 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. Besides the beach, guests gather at the Olympic-sized pool and water park with a big slides for older kids and adults. Glyka Nera is located on the south coast of Crete a 2 hour 30 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. A wonderful place to visit and stay in Crete! Crete's Best Beach Hotels | The Hotel Guru Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. 5km south of Plaka is the small beach town of Elounda, one of Cretes most characterful resorts and home to some of its premier luxury hotels. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. Lyttos Mare 5. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 30 minutes from Chania airport. Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. It doesnt matter where you go you will always find greenery spots. 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. If you have a mix of old and young children or value convenience then Stalis is a solid option. Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. For all intents and purposes its a real treasure. 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. #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete "Highlights were Excellent, clean sandy beach and lot of sun beds on beach, around pools etc. Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. 8. On the beach itself, there is a tavern that sells local nibbles and drinks as well as sunbeds. 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. Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. Where to Stay on Mykonos: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide The one thing I would highly recommend is getting sea shoes as there are sea urchins on the rocks!! It has a slightly scruffy feel but there are two town beaches, an archaeological museum and some excellent restaurants to entertain you. 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. Go in the shoulder months and youll be rewarded with a day trip to remember. Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. See More, A great getaway to an idyllic blue bay in a car-free village, right on the beach. Just dont expect to find authentic Crete here. See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. There is no shortage of boutique in the winding Venetian streets of the old town. Triopetra is surrounded by Siderotas mountain, olives groves, and of course, the seafront, the area is named after the three majestic rocks that rise out of the ocean at the edge of the peninsula. Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. Stay in Makrigialos: White Pearl Apartments are right on the beach. Despite its proximity to larger resorts, the bus service to Sissi is limited, so its better suited to couples looking for a quiet place to stay in Crete or those wanting to explore the wild Agios Ioannis peninsula by car. #7 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete "The resort location gives quiet seclusion and comfort with its own small beach, sun terraces and infinity pool all with beautiful views over Mirabello Bay." "Secluded enough to be quiet and relaxing but also close enough to the picturesque town of Agios St Nikolas." Special offer 2022 8. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. 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. With all these unique and unforgettable experiences lying across the island of Crete, it is hard not to feel guilty for so easily dismissing it into the realm of partying, disco balls, and all-nighters. 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). Best 41 Beaches in Chania, Greece | Greeka If it gets a bit too quiet for you, Diskos is only around the corner, where tented villagers of camping earthy types take up half the beach, and you can buy handmade trinkets from pop-up hippy shops. There are several beaches that you can reach by foot, and as the crowds thin out you can still find a few nudist beaches. 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. Value 4.1. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. 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. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. Classy Veneziano Boutique Hotel is in a beautifully renovated historic building. 16 best beaches in Mexico, from surf escapes to peaceful bays | CN Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Essentially, Myrtos has something to offer everyone from a secluded, sandy seafront to a large dose of historical culture. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. WHERE TO STAY in CRETE - Best Areas and Towns - Santorini Dave 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. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. #7 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete "The resort location gives quiet seclusion and comfort with its own small beach, sun terraces and infinity pool all with beautiful views over Mirabello Bay." "Secluded enough to be quiet and relaxing but also close enough to the picturesque town of Agios St Nikolas." Visit hotel website 2022 8. . And theres an ancient Minoan site that youre likely to have to yourself. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. Two Cretes minor islands Chryssi and Koufonisi are just off this part of the shore. Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort 3. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. Best Quiet Resort - Crete Message Board - Tripadvisor Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. The area is also crisscrossed with donkey paths that make it fantastic for walking (its possible to walk to Plaka). Both a beautiful and quiet place to visit in Crete. 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. 5* Minos Beach Art Hotel has 1km of beach access, spacious grounds, and calming minimalist decor. I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore. Candia Suites are close to the harbour with clean modern interiors and bicycle rental available. 20 BEST Crete Beaches To Visit - The World Pursuit On a budget? 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. See More, An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. Several of the Elounda luxury resorts are actually in Plaka. Its a windswept and low-key kind of place, with remnants of a hippie vibe. 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. There are only a few places to stay in Plaka try Athina Villas, Plaka Beach Cottages, and Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. 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. There is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. Small ferry boats make the run over to Spinalonga from both Plaka and Elounda. Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is home to the main airport of the island. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is fantastic its worth visiting before you head out to the ancient sites if you can. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. 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. Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. 1,438 reviews. The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. You can find private plunge pools at Miramare Resort & Spa. Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel. 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. Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. Show Prices. 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. South coast Agia Galini is a small harbour town that was once the biggest resort town in the Rethymno region. 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. 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. . Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. Crete Beach Resorts: Find 55281 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Oceanfront Hotels in Crete on Tripadvisor. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Hotels of 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor } Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection 6. Although be warned, the walk takes five to seven hours and can be strenuous, especially at the peak of summer. With the exception of Paleochora, that is. THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Resorts 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Resorts 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor 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. 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. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. 15 Best Luxury Crete Resorts on the Beach - overseas attractions 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. Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. !" Breakfast included 2022 2. If you like your beaches vast and often deserted then make a beeline for Frangokastello on the south coast. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. 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. The most well-known landmark is the blush pink Yiali Tzami mosque on the waterfront, with the main (outer) harbour on one side and the Venetian (inner) harbour and arsenal on the other. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. 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. Transfer time: Ierapetra minutes from Heraklion airport, Makrigialos 1 hr 50 minutes from Heraklion airport. 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. Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. 23 Best Beaches In Greece to Visit in 2023 - The Planet D 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. Its super sedate. Mykonos is relatively small and you can easily drive around in a day. 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. 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. 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. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. The Best Luxury Hotels on Crete, Greece | The Hotel Guru Bozzali. #26 Best Value of 502 Quiet Hotels in Crete. 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 . 3,851 reviews. The Troulis Apart-hotel is excellent value. } Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. Transfer time: 2hrs from Heraklion International airport, 10 minutes from Sitia Public Airport. 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. Or the clean and modern Central City Hotel and Aeolios Design Hotel. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa. 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. 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. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Its a 40-minute drive to Rethymno. A classy, modern hotel. 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. 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World - Travel + Leisure Nearby is the Palace of Malia, one of the best Minoan ruins on the island. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next beach break? Its a busy tourist town dominated by resort hotels, with a small harbour and 4 organised beaches, and is packed with pretty bougainvillaea and colourful sun loungers. There is an increasing number of upmarket resorts in Sissi. 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! on: function(evt, cb) { all were excellent and we recommend this hotel with a true "vacation vibe" to all couples wanting a quiet and relaxing vacation on the wonderful beach of Crete". Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. Crete's Best Beach Hotels | The Hotel Guru A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. Although the panorama can make you trigger happy with the camera, dont ignore the beauty right beside you on the path a Venetian fort, ancient churches, ancient cisterns, and the breath-taking remains of the ruined ancient town of Pikilassos, not to mention the beautiful flora and fauna that you encounter along the way, including lots of olive trees resist the urge to pillage! On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. 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. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . Some swim-up rooms are available. 9. 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. Coastal perfection. Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. Falassarna is located on the west coast of the island around a 2 hour 40 minute drive from Heraklion airport. Including the five star beach resorts, family friendly hotels on Crete and great value finds. And its one of the warmest places in the Mediterranean in winter. Crete Quiet Resorts & Hotels : Book a Hotel Room at one of many Quiet })(); For all the legal bits go to myDisclaimer and Privacy Policy, Cretan cooking experience in the mountains, check rooms and availability on Booking.com, 10 Perfect Gifts for Foodies Who Love Greece (Ideal for a Hamper), 10 Best Places for a Sunny Winter City Break in Europe. See More, A glamorous coastal property offering the upmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. Milatos is a small and low-key beach resort just beyond Sissi. 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. There are more Minoan ruins worth discovering though head further afield to Malia and Phaistos. Best 20 Beaches on Crete island, Greece | Greeka 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. Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . On a budget? 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. Enjoyed this post? 9.8/5 (157 reviews) "The bed was so comfortable. Enjoy the many dining options, good spa and lots of activities - tennis, water sports and nearby nightlife. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! 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. Rooms mirror the outdoors, blue and breezy, some suites come with terraces and pools. Hostels: Chania has two gorgeous design hostel options Cocoon City Hostel and Kumba.