best quiet beach resorts in crete best quiet beach resorts in crete

It attracts independent travellers and plenty of returners and is a popular base for hiking in the area. 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. Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. of the rooms, the quality of the beach. 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. 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 . 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. #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! The prices in Hersonissos are very competitive, partially to lure customers out of the many all-inclusive hotels in the area. Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. Top things to see and do in Heraklion include: Ammoudara is the easiest beach to reach from the city the line 12 bus runs throughout the day. 1. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. 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. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. 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. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. Milatos is a small and low-key beach resort just beyond Sissi. (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. 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. Or the clean and modern Central City Hotel and Aeolios Design Hotel. Two Cretes minor islands Chryssi and Koufonisi are just off this part of the shore. There are only a few places to stay in Plaka try Athina Villas, Plaka Beach Cottages, and Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. There are actually three beaches within walking distance from the cobbled stone street village, all of which are pretty shallow and nestled amongst some really lovely local topography, allowing for some rather nice snorkelling experiences. 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. (function() { Astoria Hotel is a small family-run hotel with sea views and coastal decor. 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 home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. 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. This ultra-luxurious haven combines the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. 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. 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. 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. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. The walk can take upwards of two hours depending on ability and speed, but also inclination, make sure you take your time to soak up the beautiful views and atmosphere. Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Grecotel Meli Palace and Kalimera Kriti Resort both have direct beach access. 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. But it would be a shame to miss out on the excellent tavernas in Panormo. 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. Most of the accommodation in this area is in traditional rooms and studios. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. This area is perfect for beach lovers (although its worth noting that the main beach does get very windy). 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. Crossing the south of the island is difficult. 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! Small ferry boats make the run over to Spinalonga from both Plaka and Elounda. Fortunately, the prices in Elounda dont have a Hollywood price tag. The 5-star hotels on the harbourfront are Scala de Faroand Domus Renier. Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. Giannoulis - Grand Bay Beach Resort (Exclusive Adults Only) Kolymvari. 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! 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. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. 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". Go in the shoulder months and youll be rewarded with a day trip to remember. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." 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! Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. The Akrotiri Peninsula is where youll find the airport, a swathe of villas, and a few spectacular beaches such as Stavros Bay and Seitan Limani. T Hotel Premium Suites is the most comfortable place in town. Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. #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. The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. Enjoyed this post? Parts of it are organised in the summer months though, and it does attract daytrippers. Located to the eastern side of the island of Crete, Kato Zakros is a bit out of the way, but well worth the visit. } There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views. Accommodation is spacious and secluded, the best options have heated seawater pools, but all are utterly indulgent. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. The five restaurants serve a range of food from sushi to Greek and there's a fabulous spa too. See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. Despite the small size of Falassarna, its a popular spot and has a reputation for being one of the best beaches in Crete. forms: { Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. 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. Some swim-up rooms are available. Boat trips to Balos leave from the harbour. . Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. A stunning contemporary five star resort that will leave you wanting for nothing! 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. Balos beach Chania Balos is a fantastic location on the northwestern side of Crete, in the region of Chania. The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. The beach of Myrtos is a hidden treasure which, rarely gets crowded and provides a real opportunity to take a load off and truly relax. It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. See more photos Add to shortlist. The beaches here are small but this helps to keep the crowds away. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. The landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty. Packages to Stalis are available through TUI. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort 3. Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. Panormos is the first beach resort that you hit east of Rethymnon that has a proper village feel and isnt just an outpost of the city. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. It does attract some tourists, mainly from the continent. } ". Agia Galini has a great selection of accommodation. Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. 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. See More, A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. Its a year-round Greek town that attracts tourists and expats, rather than a purpose-built tourist town. Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. That said, there are bus links to Rethymno and Heraklion so car hire is not necessary. There is no shortage of boutique in the winding Venetian streets of the old town. 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. 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. 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. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. #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. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser. Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore. !" Breakfast included 2022 2. . With all these unique and unforgettable experiences lying across the island of Crete, it is hard not to feel guilty for so easily dismissing it into the realm of partying, disco balls, and all-nighters. Its only a matter of steps to the beach. The resort boasts an outdoor hot tub. Sfakia is the nearest town for amenities. Outside this, its a large resort town with an excellent (though busy) beach, an unashamedly commercial centre, and a charming old quarter (Old Malia), where youll find traditional houses and tavernas. Its a relaxed south coast village, about 30km from Agia Galini, and has a wide, sandy Blue Flag beach and a spacious feel. The swankiest resort in town is the long-established Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort. 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. If you like your beaches vast and often deserted then make a beeline for Frangokastello on the south coast. Just dont expect to find authentic Crete here. 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. Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. 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! Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. 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. 9.8/5 (157 reviews) "The bed was so comfortable. 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. Whether you are planning a getaway with the family, a couples' escape or a luxury break there is something to suit most tastes and budgets here. 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. 17. The Royal Blue Resort. Balos Beach, Crete. Luxury highlights: Domes Noruz in Kato Daratsa is the 5* pick beachfront location, private plunge pools and hot tubs are available. And its one of the warmest places in the Mediterranean in winter. Tourism here peaked in the 90s and as such it has a slightly careworn feel and is friendly but not busy. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Kalamaki is located on the south coast of the island around an hours drive from Heraklion airport. 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. See More, Domes Noruz Chania boasts a spectacular location on the coast of Crete. 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. 9. Transfer time: 1hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Ideal for totally relaxing. East of Sitia the crowds really thin out most tourists dont make it beyond this point. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Koutouloufari is awash with luxury adults-only complexes. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Oceanview Designer Beach House (4 guests): $300/night. Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. 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. The remote area of Sfakia on the southern coast is one of the most beautiful parts of Crete but you have to be prepared for an adventure to get there. If you can get beyond immediate appearances, it has a likeable vibe there are some excellent museums and a good bar and music scene propped up by the local student population. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. 5. There are lots of lovely places to stay in Rethymnon. She counts supping on Bloody Marys on a rooftop in Manhattan, downing Singapore slings at the Raffles Hotel, daring a paraglide on the Grand Cayman, spending an exotic Christmas in Malaysia and exploring the Angkor Wat, Cambodia as her all time favourite travel moments. 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. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. Cretes famous hippie beach is located on the south coast the name will be familiar to any fan of Joni Mitchell, who lived in the caves here for a short time as described in the song Carey. Besides the beach, guests gather at the Olympic-sized pool and water park with a big slides for older kids and adults. Palm-fringed Preveli is one of the most unique and beautiful beaches on Crete. 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. An adults-only hotel in a converted historic mansion, it has been elegantly restored and has its own hammam. There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Kids go free to the Minoan Amusement Park. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. Theres plenty to keep older children entertained, including watersports and boat trips. Many Chania beaches are among the best on the island, such as Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi. Service 4.3. Rooms mirror the outdoors, blue and breezy, some suites come with terraces and pools. You may have to head to the south coast when the wind is blowing. For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect. Numerous beautiful beaches with soft sand or colored pebbles are found in the prefecture of Chania in western Crete. 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. 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. The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs.