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1. Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. If you like your beaches vast and often deserted then make a beeline for Frangokastello on the south coast. You wont find parties and bars here, oh no. Service 4.3. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. Its an easy and cheap bus ride to Knoss from Heraklion. 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. 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. Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel Show prices Enter dates to see prices 202 reviews THE 10 BEST Crete Beaches (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Packages to Stalis are available through TUI. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. 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. event : evt, The nearest rooms are a few miles away try the sereneGlykeria Hoteland Elafonisi Resort. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. 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. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. Best 32 Beaches in Heraklion, Greece | Greeka The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. And its one of the warmest places in the Mediterranean in winter. 2,101 reviews. 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. 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. I think it time for a bring visit back! Blue Palace Elounda 9. The famous Preveli Palm Beach with its exotic date palm forest at the end of Kourtaliotiko Gorge is 5km away. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. See More, An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. Transfer time: 1 hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. #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. 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. 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. Youll find the standard Greek beachside fare if you want to have a halftime break, and nestled in its backstreets are a multitude of boutique-style shops selling some handmade, and some not-so-handmade trinkets. A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. 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. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport, 1 hr 10 minutes from Heraklion International Airport book a transfer. Heading to the beautiful Greek island of Crete this year? There are several beaches that you can reach by foot, and as the crowds thin out you can still find a few nudist beaches. There are a few large all-inclusive hotels in Panormo Iberostar Creta Marine and Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare being two of the larger ones. #26 Best Value of 502 Quiet Hotels in Crete. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. Giannoulis - Grand Bay Beach Resort (Exclusive Adults Only) Kolymvari. Glika Nera Beach 190 Beaches By 849jeremyn Mar 20 - Mar 21. 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World - Travel + Leisure These hikes can be strenuous and at some moments, hair-raising but they are well maintained. The best quiet beach in Crete? - Crete Message Board - Tripadvisor An epic choice of restaurants and bars. Koutouloufari is awash with luxury adults-only complexes. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. Fortunately, the prices in Elounda dont have a Hollywood price tag. Crete is almost completely surrounded by beaches. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. 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. As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. 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! Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. A luxury beach holiday. Milatos is a small and low-key beach resort just beyond Sissi. There are numerous beaches dotted about, and if you are staying for more than a few days it can be good fun to try a different one each day. Transfer time: 1hr 30 minutes from Chania airport. ); Sifaka & Gavaladon 5, Old Town, Chania, Crete Island, 73101. 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. 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). #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. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. Heraklion is Cretes capital and the largest city on the island. Transfer time: 25 minutes to the main harbour from Chania International airport. Suites, bungalows, and villas are light and airy with large swathes of glass and a modern take on Cretian design. Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. BEST HOTELS RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Domes Noruz, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, Domes of Elounda. Mount Ida is the tallest peak of the range, named after the daughter of the King of Crete according to Greek mythology. 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. 8. Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. Karavostasi Beach 432 Beaches By selsfield2003 Worth the walk ( or the ride on the mini train) Great beach - lovely clear water and 2 amazing tavernas. Mid-range boutique: Casa Cook is a beach resort reimagined for the Instagram generation, with boho-chic minimalism up on the hills behind the beach in Kato Daratsa. It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. 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. 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. Meanwhile, the main beach of the area, West Triopetra or Chatzi, is characterised by beautiful coarse sand which casts unusual colours across the beach and water. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. 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)! Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. Even the briefest of strolls through the village will showcase many of the wonderful pottery studios. There is no shortage of boutique in the winding Venetian streets of the old town. The long-distance hiking route passes through the area, and there are several smaller gorges and empty beaches such as Sweetwater to discover. The landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty. Once youve driven (carefully) to the town youll find a laid-back vibe and easy-going atmosphere that is synonymous with most of the lesser-known spots on the island. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International airport. The best beaches and coves in Crete incl. insider tips - Corissia 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. With the exception of Paleochora, that is. 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". Coastal perfection. There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. Ligaria is located on the north coast of Crete around a 30 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Rooms mirror the outdoors, blue and breezy, some suites come with terraces and pools. 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. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Resorts 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor Show prices. T Hotel Premium Suites is the most comfortable place in town. 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. Highly discreet, with striking designs, each hotel is different. These vary greatly depending on the region and location: Snow white sand alternates with shell sand and fine gravel. A good selection of bars and restaurants. Enter dates to see prices. 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). 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. Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . The area is also crisscrossed with donkey paths that make it fantastic for walking (its possible to walk to Plaka). Its a relaxed south coast village, about 30km from Agia Galini, and has a wide, sandy Blue Flag beach and a spacious feel. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. 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. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. 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. 7 Of The Best Resorts In Crete | TravelSupermarket 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. Transfer time: 1 hr 40 minutes from both Chania and Heraklion airports. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. Very good. There are still many quieter, less commercialized resorts, villages, and secluded coves to explore and more hidden locations that are barely touched by tourism. On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. 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 . Total bliss. Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. 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. Oceanview Designer Beach House (4 guests): $300/night. 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. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. The best beaches in Crete | CN Traveller See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. That said, there are bus links to Rethymno and Heraklion so car hire is not necessary. If you are staying one or more nights, you dont need to worry about thumping music or all-night parties. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. What was once a small Greek village has now become a cosmopolitan town, with bars, restaurants and hotels surrounding picturesque Lake Voulismeni. 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. This 5* property offers boutique accommodation decorated in a typically Mediterranean fashion and with either a private plunge pool or hot tub. 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! I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. If you are looking for a bit of space then Plakias offers one of the largest beaches in Crete. A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. 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. Elounda Gulf Villas provide a free transfer to a private beach club. 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. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. Perhaps, Domatas unspoiled beauty has been preserved this long because the region has no roads or infrastructures. The hotel is all-inclusive but the food was of excellent quality." Breakfast included 2022 4. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. Its a popular day-trip destination and the crowds somewhat marr the incredible natural landscape with its towering rock formations. Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. For initial visits to Crete, especially if you have limited time to travel, plan on staying in one of the 5 main settlements. 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. Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. See More, A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. 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. For all intents and purposes its a real treasure. 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.