Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. { Z Boutique Hotel has comfortable rooms and a small pool. It is truly non-commercialised, and we hope it stays that way. Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. 4.4/5 Wonderful! Kids go free to the Minoan Amusement Park. 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. 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 lush Villa Octo is up in the hills behind the city and sleeps 6 in luxury. 18. You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. Heraklion is Cretes capital and the largest city on the island. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. The city of Rethymnon (you might also see it spelt Rethymno or Rethimno) is like a smaller, more chilled version of Chania. Highly discreet, with striking designs, each hotel is different. 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. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. See more photos Add to shortlist. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. Its a 40-minute drive to Rethymno. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is fantastic its worth visiting before you head out to the ancient sites if you can. A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. The one thing I would highly recommend is getting sea shoes as there are sea urchins on the rocks!! Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Cleanliness 4.3. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. 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. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views. Sougia is located on the South West coast of the island around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion airport. With that and the relative peace and quiet, its an ideal spot to just be on this wonderful island. 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. 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. #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. 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. Besides the beach, guests gather at the Olympic-sized pool and water park with a big slides for older kids and adults. Heres a complete rundown on where to stay in Crete to help you choose which part of the island to choose, which town, resort or beach is for you, and the best beach hotels, whether youre booking accommodation DIY or looking for a package vacation. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. 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. Except for the blockbuster beaches that attract day trips, its not ideal for beach tourism. "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.". 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 has a pretty setting in the Gulf of Mirabello with waterfront bars encircling a small lake its made for people watching, and there is a cosmopolitan cafe-bar scene. Although be warned, the walk takes five to seven hours and can be strenuous, especially at the peak of summer. Whitewashed and chic Cyano Hotel is the best place to stay in Plakias rooms are spotless, the beds are comfy, and its a short walk to the shops and beach. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport, 1 hr 10 minutes from Heraklion International Airport book a transfer. . With steep sandy-coloured rocks dropping directly into the sea in this horseshoe-shaped bay and crystal clear water it is postcard perfect. })(); For all the legal bits go to myDisclaimer and Privacy Policy, Cretan cooking experience in the mountains, check rooms and availability on Booking.com, 10 Perfect Gifts for Foodies Who Love Greece (Ideal for a Hamper), 10 Best Places for a Sunny Winter City Break in Europe. 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. 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. 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. My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. Enter dates to see prices. Very good. 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. In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. Astoria Hotel is a small family-run hotel with sea views and coastal decor. 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. The swankiest resort in town is the long-established Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort. callback: cb 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. Its a relaxed south coast village, about 30km from Agia Galini, and has a wide, sandy Blue Flag beach and a spacious feel. The Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. Pick the Nana Princess in Hersonissos for a relaxing getaway. #30 Best Value of 32 Crete Luxury Beach Resorts Crossing the south of the island is difficult. The Royal Blue Resort. There are also plenty of boat trips are available from its harbour. Palm-fringed Preveli is one of the most unique and beautiful beaches on Crete. There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. 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. There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." This area is perfect for beach lovers (although its worth noting that the main beach does get very windy). Bali is roughly halfway between Rethymno and Heraklion there are bus services both but not as frequent as other resorts. 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. Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. Parts of it are organised in the summer months though, and it does attract daytrippers. Theres a regular bus to Heraklion, and its possible to reach Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos for day trips too. The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. 2,101 reviews. A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. The wonderful White Mountains are located in Western Crete, and their gleaming shine is the dominant feature of the region. Transfer time: 1 hr 40 minutes from both Chania and Heraklion airports. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. Despite its proximity to larger resorts, the bus service to Sissi is limited, so its better suited to couples looking for a quiet place to stay in Crete or those wanting to explore the wild Agios Ioannis peninsula by car. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. 302 reviews. 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. : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. 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. Check out Aspri Petra Apartments or Asterias Village. Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey from Heraklion airport. There are still many quieter, less commercialized resorts, villages, and secluded coves to explore and more hidden locations that are barely touched by tourism. Theres plenty to keep older children entertained, including watersports and boat trips. Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. The nearest rooms are a few miles away try the sereneGlykeria Hoteland Elafonisi Resort. 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 . 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. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay. 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. Utterly relaxing. There are many dining options from Greek to Italian and the four bars serve up wonderful cocktails. Its a perfect romantic destination for couples. 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. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. The coastline between these cities is the busiest and most developed part of the island. 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. 5* Minos Beach Art Hotel has 1km of beach access, spacious grounds, and calming minimalist decor. It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. See More, Domes Noruz Chania boasts a spectacular location on the coast of Crete. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. See More, A glamorous coastal property offering the upmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. Check out cheery Sunday Life. But there is also an ecological interest Falassarna is part of the Natura 2000 network due to the extensive array of flora and fauna the area has to offer. Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. 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. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. See More, Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. Luxury highlights: Domes Noruz in Kato Daratsa is the 5* pick beachfront location, private plunge pools and hot tubs are available. Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. Sfakia is the nearest town for amenities. . Coastal perfection. 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. If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. 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. 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. There are several beaches that you can reach by foot, and as the crowds thin out you can still find a few nudist beaches. Triopetra Beach is located on the south of the island around a 2 hour drive from Heraklion airport. That said, there are bus links to Rethymno and Heraklion so car hire is not necessary. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next beach break? 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. #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 is almost completely surrounded by beaches. 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. The further out, the quieter it gets. 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. 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. But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. 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. 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. 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. Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Grecotel Meli Palace and Kalimera Kriti Resort both have direct beach access. Location 3.9. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. 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. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion 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. The smaller of the two beaches, Small Triopetra (or Koumado), is more an enclosed, sandy, and rocky bay. Atlantica Kalliston Resort. It doesnt matter where you go you will always find greenery spots. (function() { Check the rooms and prices on Booking.com. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. The lagoon itself is actually an island that can be reached by paddling out to it. A wonderful place to visit and stay in Crete! However, dont let that put you off. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. If you have a mix of old and young children or value convenience then Stalis is a solid option. Koutouloufari is awash with luxury adults-only complexes. See More, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies this luxury Cretan resort in Malia. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. 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. Classy Veneziano Boutique Hotel is in a beautifully renovated historic building. 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. Enjoyed this post? Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection Show prices Enter dates to see prices Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. Mount Ida is the tallest peak of the range, named after the daughter of the King of Crete according to Greek mythology. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. 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. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. Here, you can available of the offerings from the nearby tavernas and umbrellas are available. Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is another beachfront blockbuster with private pools and daybeds. It attracts independent travellers and plenty of returners and is a popular base for hiking in the area. If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. Show Prices. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. On a budget? Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. 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 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.