Did somebody say wine? Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. 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. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. There are many dining options from Greek to Italian and the four bars serve up wonderful cocktails. The majority of Bahamian beaches are safely in "paradise on Earth" territory. 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. 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. Glika Nera Beach 190 Beaches By 849jeremyn Visitors here can simply detox from life and tackle long-awaited books, take walks along the stunning scenery or simply eat, drink and be merry. Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay. A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. 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. Transfer time: 1 hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. This 5* property offers boutique accommodation decorated in a typically Mediterranean fashion and with either a private plunge pool or hot tub. Here you will find the emptiest beaches on the island and you can swim well into the autumn/winter months. The vibe is family-friendly thanks to its sheltered bay which is lined with a number of traditional tavernas. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. If you are looking for a bit of space then Plakias offers one of the largest beaches in Crete. If commercial isnt your thing then there are numerous guesthouses in the area, all offering their own unique brand of hospitality, many with floral and fragrant herb gardens. A spoiling beach treat! 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. 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. Rapid growth resulted in some dense development around the small harbour, and the small beach is a 10-minute walk out of the village. If you have a car then you might also want to consider accommodation up in Mirtios village above the bay. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. On a budget? Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. Or the clean and modern Central City Hotel and Aeolios Design Hotel. ); You wont find parties and bars here, oh no. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. South coast Agia Galini is a small harbour town that was once the biggest resort town in the Rethymno region. Another sleepy Crete village, Tsoutsouros is undeveloped and charming (just how we like it). Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion Airport. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. 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. Naxos has the best beaches (but little nightlife). Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. Oceanview Designer Beach House (4 guests): $300/night. Transfer time: 20 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. 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. This ultra-luxurious haven combines the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. There is a small airport serving flights to and from Athens. 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. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. It has a tranquil fishing village vibe, although the heart of the village does feel a bit commercialised, and there are some small beaches a short walk away (the main one is Boufos). Show Prices. 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. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. 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. Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. 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. In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. The town isnt strictly a beach resort, so theres plenty to see and do besides basking. Start the day with farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride. Check out cheery Sunday Life. Its raw beauty is undeniable, with glassy aquamarine waters and swirls of pastel-pink sands kissing the shore - a natural phenomenon caused by thousands of . Falassarna Beach has 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. 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 several beaches that you can reach by foot, and as the crowds thin out you can still find a few nudist beaches. 2,101 reviews. A stunning contemporary five star resort that will leave you wanting for nothing! Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. Honeymoons - This is . Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. There are few roads in the area, and some of the villages are accessible only by boat. The Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. 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. Mar 20 - Mar 21. 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. Anissaras beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/brownieboy27/4986950206/in/set-72157624948245648 Report inappropriate content roseyManchester manchester of the rooms, the quality of the beach. The one thing I would highly recommend is getting sea shoes as there are sea urchins on the rocks!! The prices in Hersonissos are very competitive, partially to lure customers out of the many all-inclusive hotels in the area. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. Clearly, the island has so much more to offer aside from the famous mythology and legends, there are also sites of architectural, historical, and natural importance, that will leave any visitor completely enthralled! 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. Its a popular day-trip destination and the crowds somewhat marr the incredible natural landscape with its towering rock formations. Parts of it are organised in the summer months though, and it does attract daytrippers. Take a 15-minute walk uphill from the main town and you will find Koutouloufari and Piskopiano, two traditional villages that are increasingly popular for upmarket accommodation options. Sfakia is the nearest town for amenities. One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. Euphoria Resort 7. Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. Perhaps, Domatas unspoiled beauty has been preserved this long because the region has no roads or infrastructures. Definitely one of the most unspoiled places to visit in Crete, the pretty peaceful village of Loutro evokes some strong emotion when you land here it is truly like stepping back in time! See more photos Add to shortlist. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. Bozzali. } Concur with these, we love Crete. . Agia Roumeli is the most visited village in the area as it forms the exit point for the popular Samaria Gorge hike every day in the summer hundreds pop out of the gorge and onto a ferry to X where they can reconnect with the road system. 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. Agia Pelagia is halfway between Bali and Heraklion and is the only real beach resort to the west of the capital, to which it is connected by a regular bus service which takes about 1 hr. 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. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. 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. 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. 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. 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 from Heraklion International airport. Located 80km southwest of the town of Heraklion, it is much more secluded than your average beach, since it's just off the edge of (and sheltered by) a large gorge. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. Hostels: Chania has two gorgeous design hostel options Cocoon City Hostel and Kumba. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. See More, This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort has a Six Senses Spa, direct beach access, and a private 9-hole golf course. 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. The Spinalonga peninsula is connected to the town by a causeway the peninsula curves right around and the UNESCO-listed island sits at its tip, creating a natural harbour sheltered from the elements. And theres an ancient Minoan site that youre likely to have to yourself. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next beach break? Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. The beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. 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 . 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. 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 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. 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 Troulis Apart-hotel is excellent value. 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. Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. 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. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. #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. Transfer time: 15 minutes from Heraklion International airport. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. per night. The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete . 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. At Finikounda in south-western Peloponnese, it's a simple beach resort with honey-hued beaches, space for 80 campers, and 16 sizeable bungalows with their own bathrooms, cooking facilities. 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. 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. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. A spoiling stay. 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. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. Inside the old town: for historic charm check outBozzali Hotel with its whitewashed decor and cute courtyard, whereas Casa Delfino offers a modern take on the traditional Venetian mansion. One of the main things to do in Heraklion is to catch a ferry to visit Santorini, Mykonos and other places. In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. 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. There is no shortage of boutique in the winding Venetian streets of the old town. Location 3.9. You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. 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! It has a sand-and-pebble beach and a handful of good tavernas to choose from. Its deliciously quiet in shoulder season. Each of these areas offers exceptional hotels, fantastic dining, and a wide range of nearby . Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. Show prices. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. There are still many quieter, less commercialized resorts, villages, and secluded coves to explore and more hidden locations that are barely touched by tourism. Its an easy and cheap bus ride to Knoss from Heraklion. 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. The lush Villa Octo is up in the hills behind the city and sleeps 6 in luxury. A small village consisting simply of a few hotels and tavernas, shops and restaurants, and a church, but what Loutro lacks in modernity it makes up for in nostalgia and panorama. Best Places in Crete to Stay for First-Timers and Sightseeing: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos. Our hotel experts have scoured the length and breadth of the island to bring you a collection of Crete's best beach hotels selected on their location, designs, service, and amenities. event : evt, There are also plenty of boat trips are available from its harbour. The further out, the quieter it gets. Show Prices. Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. 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. Luxury highlights: Domes Noruz in Kato Daratsa is the 5* pick beachfront location, private plunge pools and hot tubs are available. My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. The main town in the region is likeable Agios Nikolaos (or Ag Nik, as its affectionately known), which makes up the quartet of north coast main cities. 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! 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. 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. It also provides stunning views from all angles. Even the briefest of strolls through the village will showcase many of the wonderful pottery studios. On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International airport. See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. callback: cb 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. The swankiest resort in town is the long-established Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort. Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. 1. Except for the blockbuster beaches that attract day trips, its not ideal for beach tourism. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. There is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. (function() { If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. 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)! Theres a wide selection of accommodation, easy transport links, a short airport transfer, and child-friendly shallow waters. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views. 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). Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport, 1 hr 10 minutes from Heraklion International Airport book a transfer. On a budget? 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. : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. . Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel. If you like your beaches vast and often deserted then make a beeline for Frangokastello on the south coast. "The location is perfect as is one of the best beaches on the island, being quiet yet with locals around, and close enough to the Venetian Harbour for day or evening trips.".
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