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. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { 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. 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. But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. It has a quiet and authentic atmosphere and a well-sheltered beach its one of the best places in Crete for families with small children. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. 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 . on: function(evt, cb) { There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. 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. 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. There is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. 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. Check the rooms and prices on Booking.com. Candia Suites are close to the harbour with clean modern interiors and bicycle rental available. Its deliciously quiet in shoulder season. Transfer time: 1hr 30 minutes from Chania 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. Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion Airport. "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.". There are churches tucked away in winding streets, and for those of you who want to enjoy a waterside view without the sand, the town is built around a beautiful lake (Lake Voulismeni), where you can take in the views, whilst also dining in style in one of a multitude of lakeside restaurants. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. Transfer time: 15-45 minutes from Chania International airport. Transfer time: 1hr 45 minutes from Chania International airport. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." There are also plenty of boat trips are available from its harbour. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete - Mar 2023 (with Prices Sfakia is the nearest town for amenities. Its a windswept and low-key kind of place, with remnants of a hippie vibe. 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. You may have to head to the south coast when the wind is blowing. . Rooms mirror the outdoors, blue and breezy, some suites come with terraces and pools. 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. Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. The City Hotel & Suites is a clean and modern hotel offering excellent value at a lower price point, as are Menta City Boutique Hotel and Omiros Boutique Hotel. The beaches here are small but this helps to keep the crowds away. THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Resorts 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor A stunning contemporary five star resort that will leave you wanting for nothing! Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. 1. The lazy river was a particular highlight. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. The local fare in many of the harbour tavernas is about as close as you can come to freshness, maybe even caught meters from where you sit. Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. 19 Best Beaches in Greece - Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. Classy Veneziano Boutique Hotel is in a beautifully renovated historic building. See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. 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. Glyka Nera is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete and definitely one of the most unspoiled places to visit on the island, with deep blue water and fine white sands. #30 Best Value of 32 Crete Luxury Beach Resorts Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. Home / Beautiful Places / Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs. With the exception of Paleochora, that is. 16 best beaches in Mexico, from surf escapes to peaceful bays | CN A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. There are plenty of options for self-catered too, likeVilla Niki. Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. 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. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. Astoria Hotel is a small family-run hotel with sea views and coastal decor. 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. The south is wild and remote with a spectacularly rocky coast and a few standout beach resorts. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( If you are staying one or more nights, you dont need to worry about thumping music or all-night parties. Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. The nation boasts nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, stretching along the warm Gulf of Mexico to the east and the . Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs On the beach itself, there is a tavern that sells local nibbles and drinks as well as sunbeds. A classy, modern hotel. 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. Hostels: Chania has two gorgeous design hostel options Cocoon City Hostel and Kumba. Blue Palace Elounda 9. Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. 7 Of The Best Resorts In Crete | TravelSupermarket 9. T Hotel Premium Suites is the most comfortable place in town. Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. 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. Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. The Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. This is part of a Greek holiday resort guide series and will cover: Roughly speaking, the north coast is developed and is home to the main cities and also most of the beach resort towns. THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. Show Prices. 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. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. For those who love to explore there are ruins all over the area dating from the Neolithic and Roman periods which, with a bit of tenacity can be uncovered and discovered. Some suites have access to a private hot tub on the roof terrave. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Hotels of 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor With that and the relative peace and quiet, its an ideal spot to just be on this wonderful island. 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. Cleanliness 4.3. Here, you can available of the offerings from the nearby tavernas and umbrellas are available. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. 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. 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. Anissaras beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/brownieboy27/4986950206/in/set-72157624948245648 Report inappropriate content roseyManchester manchester Value 4.1. Koutouloufari is awash with luxury adults-only complexes. 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. 25 of the best places to stay in Greece and the Greek islands Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. Bozzali. It doesnt matter where you go you will always find greenery spots. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. 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. For all intents and purposes its a real treasure. Lasithi, the easternmost province of Crete, is home to some of its most luxurious hotels as well as its wildest and most traditional areas. 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. ". But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. 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. Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. Its also a good base if you want to rent a car as there are plenty of beaches to explore in the area and its only a 15-minute drive to Rethymnon. 8. 1,438 reviews. Giannoulis - Grand Bay Beach Resort (Exclusive Adults Only) Kolymvari. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. 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. It has a slightly scruffy feel but there are two town beaches, an archaeological museum and some excellent restaurants to entertain you. Except for the blockbuster beaches that attract day trips, its not ideal for beach tourism. The 12 Best Crete Beach Hotels (Greece) | Oyster.com A good selection of bars and restaurants. 15 Best Resorts in Crete | U.S. News Travel The smaller of the two beaches, Small Triopetra (or Koumado), is more an enclosed, sandy, and rocky bay. Heading to the beautiful Greek island of Crete this year? 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! A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views. The town isnt strictly a beach resort, so theres plenty to see and do besides basking. See More, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies this luxury Cretan resort in Malia. { 9 Theofanus Street, Chania, Crete Island, 731 00. Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey 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. 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. . Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay. 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. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. 23 Best Beaches In Greece to Visit in 2023 - The Planet D "If you are looking for delicious food, spacious luxury rooms, a marvellous location directly on the beach and an excellent service, Mitsis Laguna is the answer.". See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. It is truly non-commercialised, and we hope it stays that way. Libyan Princess is the most comfortable and modern hotel on the block. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. Although be warned, the walk takes five to seven hours and can be strenuous, especially at the peak of summer. 26. 9.8/5 (157 reviews) "The bed was so comfortable. #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. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. Suites, bungalows, and villas are light and airy with large swathes of glass and a modern take on Cretian design. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. Transfer time: 20 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete . 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. Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. However, dont let that put you off. That said, there are bus links to Rethymno and Heraklion so car hire is not necessary. Beach bums are better off at Plakias (see below). As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. Paleochora is located on a small peninsula with beaches on either side perfect for windsurfing as one of them will always be catching the wind. Where to Stay on Rhodes: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide 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. There is a small airport serving flights to and from Athens. So many people make a beeline for Rethymno that its surrounding villages are something of a hidden gem. An epic choice of restaurants and bars. 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. #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. Angela Suites Boutique Hotel is all whites and blues and has a pool. Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. The gorge became a national park in 1962, particularly as a refuge for the rare kri-kri (Cretan goat), which is elusive on the rest of the island. And you can find amazing rock formations nearby at Souda such as Calypso Bay. 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. Nearby is the Palace of Malia, one of the best Minoan ruins on the island. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. Honeymoons - This is . The lush Villa Octo is up in the hills behind the city and sleeps 6 in luxury. See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. Did somebody say wine? The majority of Bahamian beaches are safely in "paradise on Earth" territory. Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. Bored of sunning yourself? 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! Essentially, Myrtos has something to offer everyone from a secluded, sandy seafront to a large dose of historical culture. 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. Accommodation in Kissamos tends to look a bit dated but you can find good value in the surrounding beaches such as resort-style Balos Beach Hotel, Galini Beach Hotel, and the simpler Maria Beach Hotel. It can be as quiet or as rowdy as you like. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. The best quiet beach in Crete? - Crete Message Board - Tripadvisor The one thing I would highly recommend is getting sea shoes as there are sea urchins on the rocks!! 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. 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. Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. 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! Luxury highlights: Domes Noruz in Kato Daratsa is the 5* pick beachfront location, private plunge pools and hot tubs are available. #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. A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort 3. A few Venetian buildings remain but most of the city is a modern concrete jungle that always seems to be dusty and full of building works that were halted during the crisis. Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. THE 10 BEST Crete Beaches (with Photos) - Tripadvisor 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. Transfer time: 15 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Its a year-round Greek town that attracts tourists and expats, rather than a purpose-built tourist town. There are still many quieter, less commercialized resorts, villages, and secluded coves to explore and more hidden locations that are barely touched by tourism. 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. The wonderful White Mountains are located in Western Crete, and their gleaming shine is the dominant feature of the region. If you want to be closer to the beaches, Nostos Beach Boutique Hotel is freshly renovated and has a pool, beach bar and day beds. 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)! 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. 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. 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. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. 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. Despite the small size of Falassarna, its a popular spot and has a reputation for being one of the best beaches in Crete. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. Parts of it are organised in the summer months though, and it does attract daytrippers. Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site. (function() { Located to the eastern side of the island of Crete, Kato Zakros is a bit out of the way, but well worth the visit. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. 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. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. The best of the rest are: Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites, Villa Ippocampi,Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel,Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Cooks Club. A network of small ferries connects Paleochora and Sfakia at either end, with the villages of Sougia, Agia Roumeli, and Loutro, and the island of Gavdos to the south. Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. 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. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. On a budget? Suites have private pools. Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. 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). Numerous beautiful beaches with soft sand or colored pebbles are found in the prefecture of Chania in western Crete. Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. THE 10 BEST Crete Resorts of 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Total bliss. You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. The other top choice in Rethymnon is Rimondi Estate whose courtyard swimming pool is becoming an Instagram star in its own right. Enjoy the many dining options, good spa and lots of activities - tennis, water sports and nearby nightlife. This is Crete off-the-beaten-track. #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. Crete Beach Resorts: Find 55281 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Oceanfront Hotels in Crete on Tripadvisor. Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection Show prices Enter dates to see prices My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. ); event : evt, 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.