Where to Stay on Rhodes: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect. Isolated, authentic, and very tranquil, Lentas isnt for Crete thrill-seekers or partygoers. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. Up until fairly recently, Elafonisi was one of Cretes best-kept secrets, sadly social media selfie-lovers got a firm grasp of it, so it can get seriously busy in the high seasons. Its an easy and cheap bus ride to Knoss from Heraklion. Agios Nikolaos Best for families A favourite of package holiday companies, Agios Nikolaos is one of Crete's biggest but most charming resorts, making it a great choice for families. 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. See more photos Add to shortlist. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. 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. 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. 17. And theres an ancient Minoan site that youre likely to have to yourself. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. 9 Theofanus Street, Chania, Crete Island, 731 00. 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. Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. 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. Several of Eloundas top luxury hotels are actually in Plaka, so read the section above if you havent already. It also provides stunning views from all angles. 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. 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. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. 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. See More, Impressive luxury resort, totally insulated from the outside world in semi-tropical gardens. 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 city of Rethymnon (you might also see it spelt Rethymno or Rethimno) is like a smaller, more chilled version of Chania. Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. There is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. Kalamaki is located on the south coast of the island around an hours drive from Heraklion airport. 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! If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Ligaria is located on the north coast of Crete around a 30 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Kids go free to the Minoan Amusement Park. See More, A great getaway to an idyllic blue bay in a car-free village, right on the beach. Lyttos Beach Resort is a 150-acre family-friendly hotel with dated interior spaces but beautiful grounds, including a sandy beach with free loungers and a lifeguard. 4.4/5 Wonderful! Here you will find the emptiest beaches on the island and you can swim well into the autumn/winter months. 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. "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.". Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. 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! 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. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. Boat trips to Balos leave from the harbour. Best 20 Beaches on Crete island, Greece | Greeka THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor If you are looking for a bit of space then Plakias offers one of the largest beaches in Crete. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. Transfer time: 1hr from Heraklion International airport. Where to Stay on Crete: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. A luxurious hideaway near Rethymnon. The Best Luxury Hotels on Crete, Greece | The Hotel Guru Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. The 12 Best Crete Beach Hotels (Greece) | Oyster.com Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. 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. ; SOUTH: Most of the main beach resorts are on the south coast, busier on the west side and getting quieter the further east you get. 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. It is slightly commercialised, but that said if you like the occasional deep-fried or sugary treat delivered to your lounger whilst you catch the sun, its not too bad at all! 25 of the best places to stay in Greece and the Greek islands 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. 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. 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. #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! 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. It can be as quiet or as rowdy as you like. 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. 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. See More, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies this luxury Cretan resort in Malia. Theres plenty to keep older children entertained, including watersports and boat trips. Chora Sfakion: A few upmarket options here such as the No Problem Luxury Suite (it has a bathtub), and the excellent value Livikon Hotel and Samaria Hotel which both have fresh white and blue decor and seaview balconies. The main village is set 1km back from the beach and is a popular area for villas and expats. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. Cool or what? 2,101 reviews. Its a perfect romantic destination for couples. 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. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. 15 Best Resorts in Crete | U.S. News Travel There are more Minoan ruins worth discovering though head further afield to Malia and Phaistos. Transfer time: 1hr 30 minutes from Chania airport. Although the hippies have long since been moved on, and the caves protected and closed to the public, the town retains a laidback feel despite the explosion of tourism here. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. Falassarna is located on the west coast of the island around a 2 hour 40 minute drive from Heraklion airport. Agia Roumeli: Lots of budget rooms all around the same price point thanks to the proliferation of walkers tryAgia Roumeli Hotel or Gigilos which are both right on the beach. There are many dining options from Greek to Italian and the four bars serve up wonderful cocktails. Although elements of the walk can be tiring, its most definitely worth it. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. There are plenty of options for self-catered too, likeVilla Niki. 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). on: function(evt, cb) { The Top 3 Best Crete Family Resorts | Oyster.com There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser. Panormos is located on the North Coast of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. It has a slightly scruffy feel but there are two town beaches, an archaeological museum and some excellent restaurants to entertain you. A wonderful place to visit and stay in Crete! Agia Galini has a great selection of accommodation. There is a small airport serving flights to and from Athens. It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. The beauty of Margarites does not need to be explained or even described, the minute it comes into view- it will take your breath away. } 16 best beaches in Mexico, from surf escapes to peaceful bays | CN This ultra-luxurious haven combines the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. But there are plenty of returners from those days its warm seas, great views, and some of the best fishing in Greece make it particularly popular with expats. 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. No roads lead here and there are no nightclubs or nightlife. Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Highly discreet, with striking designs, each hotel is different. 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. The five restaurants serve a range of food from sushi to Greek and there's a fabulous spa too. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. 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". An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. With that and the relative peace and quiet, its an ideal spot to just be on this wonderful island. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. callback: cb Mykonos is relatively small and you can easily drive around in a day. Except for the blockbuster beaches that attract day trips, its not ideal for beach tourism. 18. Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort has a Six Senses Spa, direct beach access, and a private 9-hole golf course. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. 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. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. And you can find amazing rock formations nearby at Souda such as Calypso Bay. Here, you can available of the offerings from the nearby tavernas and umbrellas are available. per night. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. 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. The Troulis Apart-hotel is excellent value. Boasting four stars, rooms are dressed in a traditional style; premium linens complement exposed stone walls and the best suites have terraces with sea views. #9 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete. See More, A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. " The hotel is very relaxing and although it is a bit quiet a night it really is the perfect mix of 5 star luxury during the day with the authenticity of amazing local Greek Tavernas like Zachos . Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. It is hardly surprising then that there are a world-class selection of beach hotels to choose from. 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. It does attract some tourists, mainly from the continent. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. The best of the rest are: Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites, Villa Ippocampi,Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel,Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Cooks Club. Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. . The beaches here are small but this helps to keep the crowds away. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. 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! 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. Try the spotless Marina Hotel, or the beautiful white and blue decor and sea views atElektra. Crete's Best Beach Hotels | The Hotel Guru The other top choice in Rethymnon is Rimondi Estate whose courtyard swimming pool is becoming an Instagram star in its own right. 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. Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. Many boat trips, excursions, and day tours are available, and its possible to make some journeys (such as hiking the Samaria Gorge) yourself by bus. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. Enter dates to see prices. 15 Quiet Beach Towns in America - PureWow Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. Some beaches are considered 'insider tips' among locals and tourists and can only be reached on foot, while other beach areas regularly host large numbers of sun-hungry visitors. Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. Hostels: Chania has two gorgeous design hostel options Cocoon City Hostel and Kumba. 5* Minos Beach Art Hotel has 1km of beach access, spacious grounds, and calming minimalist decor. Show prices. Check TUI for packages including hotels and flights. #3 Best Value of 119 Crete Resorts "The mini water park within the hotel is excellent, with plenty of slides for younger and older kids. 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. 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. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. The south is wild and remote with a spectacularly rocky coast and a few standout beach resorts. . If youre planning on staying in the area for more than a few days in the summer then it makes sense to be out in one of Chanias coastal resorts, to take advantage of beach access and/or parking (which is very difficult in the centre). Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. There are few roads in the area, and some of the villages are accessible only by boat. forms: { Some suites have access to a private hot tub on the roof terrave. If you have a car then you might also want to consider accommodation up in Mirtios village above the bay. 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. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. The long-distance hiking route passes through the area, and there are several smaller gorges and empty beaches such as Sweetwater to discover. You are properly in the land of Greek mythology, I expected Jason and his argonauts to pop over the horizon at any moment whilst we sat on the beach. GEORGIOUPOLIS RESORT AQUAPARK AND SPA - Prices & Hotel Reviews (Greece) Utterly relaxing. 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. A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. Including the five star beach resorts, family friendly hotels on Crete and great value finds. 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. 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. 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. The vibe is family-friendly thanks to its sheltered bay which is lined with a number of traditional tavernas. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." Blue Palace Elounda 9. Panormos a small and charming traditional Cretan fishing village located on the northern coast has a few little extra bits that make it attractive, and a winery, it also has guided tours and tasting as well making it an attractive proposition indeed. The nation boasts nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, stretching along the warm Gulf of Mexico to the east and the . I loved Ligaria a small and charming seaside village located on the north side of Crete especially its lovely beach which has the same name. 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. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. Or the clean and modern Central City Hotel and Aeolios Design Hotel.