The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. What delights visitors the most about the White Mountains is the central and southern part of the Lefka Ori which, due to the high altitude, resembles a lunar landscape and offers visiting hikers a surreal experience of walking on the moon which, is wholly unique to the northern hemisphere. A good selection of bars and restaurants. Transfer time: 25 minutes to the main harbour from Chania International 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. And its one of the warmest places in the Mediterranean in winter. Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . Anissaras beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/brownieboy27/4986950206/in/set-72157624948245648 Report inappropriate content roseyManchester manchester !" Breakfast included 2022 2. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. Accommodation is spacious and secluded, the best options have heated seawater pools, but all are utterly indulgent. Heraklion is Cretes capital and the largest city on the island. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. Enjoy the many dining options, good spa and lots of activities - tennis, water sports and nearby nightlife. Ideal for totally relaxing. 18. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. The famous Preveli Palm Beach with its exotic date palm forest at the end of Kourtaliotiko Gorge is 5km away. Its a relaxed south coast village, about 30km from Agia Galini, and has a wide, sandy Blue Flag beach and a spacious feel. The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. 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! Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. Myrtos village is located on the south coast of Crete an 1 hour 20 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. 5. 9. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. Oceanfront Home With Views (7 guests): $325/night. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. Transfer time: 1hr 45 minutes from Chania International airport. See More, A great getaway to an idyllic blue bay in a car-free village, right on the beach. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. ; EAST: The beaches past Elia are beyond the reach of the bus and water taxi network so things calm down considerably. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. Its perfect for mature couples who dont need excursions and are happy to rent a car to explore the south coast. The landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. Hailing from the Emerald Isle she calls a small coastal town near Dublin home, but has lived in a few countries including Saigon, Vietnam where she resided for over a year. Access to this haven can be achieved through E4 trail but the climb can be treacherous in places as it climbs to an altitude of 700m, so its not for the fainthearted but on arrival, you will no doubt agree that this is one of the finest beaches in all the Greek islands. 302 reviews. And Plakias now has a youth hostel! I think it time for a bring visit back! 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. } Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel. The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! Mykonos is relatively small and you can easily drive around in a day. ); 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. 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 coast Agia Galini is a small harbour town that was once the biggest resort town in the Rethymno region. Honeymoons - This is . On the beach itself, there is a tavern that sells local nibbles and drinks as well as sunbeds. A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. Bored of sunning yourself? Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. 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 . See More, Domes Noruz Chania boasts a spectacular location on the coast of Crete. 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. 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. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. Oceanview Designer Beach House (4 guests): $300/night. Slap bang in the middle of the northern coastline, the city of Heraklion (also spelt Iraklio or Iraklion) is the capital and its surrounding coastline is some of the busiest and most developed on Crete. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. Boat trips to Balos leave from the harbour. BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CRETE IN AGIOS NIKOLAOS ($$$) Minos Beach Art Hotel ($$) Miramare Resort & Spa ($) Ikaros Art Hotel FIND AGIOS NIKOLAOS HOTEL DEALS 5. So many people make a beeline for Rethymno that its surrounding villages are something of a hidden gem. You may have to head to the south coast when the wind is blowing. The resorts here are some of the nicest places to stay on Crete. Georgioupolis Resort Aquapark & Spa offers a unique holiday experience to those that want to enjoy the incomparable Greek Hospitality whilst seeking top quality services in a relaxing environment, excellent gastronomy as well as a . 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. Greece has over 1000 islands of which only 227 are inhabited. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. An epic choice of restaurants and bars. Cool or what? Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa 2. The Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. If youve braved the paddle (or walked over the sandbar leading to the island) youll be rewarded with water that is the temperature of bathwater, soft pink sand (particular to this area only), and pictures that youll treasurePrizes awarded for spotting a sea turtleand deducted for duckface Instagram postsenjoy! Accommodation in Frangokastello is all self-catered and around the same price point. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. If you are staying one or more nights, you dont need to worry about thumping music or all-night parties. One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. 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. 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. Small ferry boats make the run over to Spinalonga from both Plaka and Elounda. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. BEST HOTELS RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Domes Noruz, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, Domes of Elounda. Giannoulis - Grand Bay Beach Resort (Exclusive Adults Only) Kolymvari. Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. 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! 4.4/5 Wonderful! Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. Located to the eastern side of the island of Crete, Kato Zakros is a bit out of the way, but well worth the visit. Beach bums are better off at Plakias (see below). Transfer time: 1hr from Heraklion International airport. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Plaka is also the gateway to the Spinalonga, the small fortress island that famously housed a leper colony and is now one of the main day trips in the area. Its known for its big waves, fishing heritage, and seafood tavernas set around a small crescent of beach. Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. 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. Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is another beachfront blockbuster with private pools and daybeds. 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. 1. 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. The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. Grecotel Meli Palace and Kalimera Kriti Resort both have direct beach access. 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. The resort boasts an outdoor hot tub. Rooms mirror the outdoors, blue and breezy, some suites come with terraces and pools. Crete Beach Resorts: Find 55281 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Oceanfront Hotels in Crete on Tripadvisor. Sfakia is the nearest town for amenities. Here, you can available of the offerings from the nearby tavernas and umbrellas are available. Highly discreet, with striking designs, each hotel is different. Its a 40-minute drive to Rethymno. There is a small airport serving flights to and from Athens. Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. Elafonisi Lagoon is located on the west coast of the Greek island of Crete around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. 5* Minos Beach Art Hotel has 1km of beach access, spacious grounds, and calming minimalist decor. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. 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. 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. Similar rooms are available at Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa. 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. ; 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. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. There are more Minoan ruins worth discovering though head further afield to Malia and Phaistos. However, Balos Beach caught our eye for its clean waters and beautiful offshore reefs. 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. Transfer time: 15-45 minutes from Chania International airport. There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. The KTEL bus station is in the new town, a 10-minute walk from the main harbour see PDF timetables. Its only a matter of steps to the beach. Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. Enter dates to see prices. of the rooms, the quality of the beach. Naxos has the best beaches (but little nightlife). Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. T Hotel Premium Suites is the most comfortable place in town. It has a slightly scruffy feel but there are two town beaches, an archaeological museum and some excellent restaurants to entertain you. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. 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. The 3* Villa Maxine Hotel is great value and has a chic poolside area. Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa. One of the main things to do in Heraklion is to catch a ferry to visit Santorini, Mykonos and other places. Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. It can be as quiet or as rowdy as you like. A luxurious hideaway near Rethymnon. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. But at the end of the day, Mexico will always be known as a beach destination - and for good reason. . Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay. ". For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. The beaches in the Rethymno province are some of the best not as dramatic as the west coast, but long and sandy and perfect for long, lazy beach days. Its an easy and cheap bus ride to Knoss from Heraklion. The best of the rest are: Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites, Villa Ippocampi,Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel,Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Cooks Club. 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. " Clean, spacious rooms, quiet sandy beach with amazing panorama, pools of different sizes and located in different areas of the resort, great waterpark with many . 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. The architecture of the village looks like it just sprang from a WWII novel, winding streets, brightly painted buildings, plenty of brick and crumbling plaster. Transfer time: 15 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Transfer time: 1 hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. The smaller of the two beaches, Small Triopetra (or Koumado), is more an enclosed, sandy, and rocky bay. Nearby is the Palace of Malia, one of the best Minoan ruins on the island. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. The beach is large and there are a range of tavernas and shops offering food at a very reasonable price. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. 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. Some of the beach resorts along Rethymnon beach include: The area around Platanes is popular and sandy. Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. 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). Some swim-up rooms are available. Visitors to the area might be shocked to find that it retains its snowcaps until the middle of spring and offers innumerable hiking opportunities from the Samaria Gorge to the Askifou plateau to Mount Ida herself. { The majority of Bahamian beaches are safely in "paradise on Earth" territory. 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. It is an absolute must for visitors to Crete is to complete the walk down the gorge from the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea, at which point tourists sail to the nearby village of Sougia or Hora Sfakion, where they could spend a night or they could catch a coach back to Chania. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. As Chania is a regional capital and in close proximity to so many beach resorts, it makes a great base to explore the west of the island. If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. The town isnt strictly a beach resort, so theres plenty to see and do besides basking. 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. The south is wild and remote with a spectacularly rocky coast and a few standout beach resorts. The main village is set 1km back from the beach and is a popular area for villas and expats. 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. 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. Its deliciously quiet in shoulder season. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. Yes: Sougia is the best quiet beach in Crete, without a doubt. listeners: [], Home / Beautiful Places / Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs. Check out cheery Sunday Life. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. . 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. There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views. Show Prices. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. 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. There are few roads in the area, and some of the villages are accessible only by boat. Location 3.9. 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. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. Dont expect anything in the way of amenities when you get there (its actually a nature reserve and is treated accordingly). Suites and private villas have personal pools. 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. Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. Transfer time: 20 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. Each of these areas offers exceptional hotels, fantastic dining, and a wide range of nearby . Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. 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. 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. It also provides stunning views from all angles. #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. A wonderful place to visit and stay in Crete! Avli Luxury Apartments are sumptuously decorated and theres a rooftop pool. 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. Here you will find the emptiest beaches on the island and you can swim well into the autumn/winter months. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. The LATO Boutique Hotel is more modern and has harbour views. Belvedere Apartments are box fresh and have spa access. 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. 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. Rapid growth resulted in some dense development around the small harbour, and the small beach is a 10-minute walk out of the village.