Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. Theres plenty to keep older children entertained, including watersports and boat trips. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. Very good. The city of Rethymnon (you might also see it spelt Rethymno or Rethimno) is like a smaller, more chilled version of Chania. 1,438 reviews. Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. } Transfer time: 20 minutes from Heraklion International airport. See More, A home-away-from-home set in a stunning rural spot with beaches, bars and tavernas a walk away. 1. But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price. Each of these areas offers exceptional hotels, fantastic dining, and a wide range of nearby . Classy Veneziano Boutique Hotel is in a beautifully renovated historic building. 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. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. Its a windswept and low-key kind of place, with remnants of a hippie vibe. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. callback: cb The upmarket vibe of Elounda is rubbing off on the small nearby village of Plaka, which is ideal with those looking for a quiet and peaceful holiday. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. 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. For initial visits to Crete, especially if you have limited time to travel, plan on staying in one of the 5 main settlements. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. Value 4.1. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. 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. Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. } But what you will find is a collection of properly local eateries, a few small and sandy beaches, and crystal clear water if you want to go for a dip. Accommodation in Frangokastello is all self-catered and around the same price point. Rapid growth resulted in some dense development around the small harbour, and the small beach is a 10-minute walk out of the village. The wonderful White Mountains are located in Western Crete, and their gleaming shine is the dominant feature of the region. 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. Check the rooms and prices on Booking.com. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. The Royal Blue Resort. The coastline between these cities is the busiest and most developed part of the island. Some suites have access to a private hot tub on the roof terrave. Euphoria Resort 7. The Troulis Apart-hotel is excellent value. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. Transfer time: 2hrs from Heraklion International airport, 10 minutes from Sitia Public Airport. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. 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! As with the other northern cities, it has a Venetian Fortress (the Kazarma) and an Archaeological Museum. There are two routes to the beach by boat or for the most extreme, there is a path from Chora Sfakion and another from Loutro. Boutique and luxury: Cressa Corona Boutique Hotel is the best address in town. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( It has a slightly scruffy feel but there are two town beaches, an archaeological museum and some excellent restaurants to entertain you. 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. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. Cool or what? This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. There is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. 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. Not overly touristy (though all the amenities are present), it has a working town feel albeit one with an Ottoman mosque, Venetian Fortress, and Blue Flag Beach. In addition to 14 freshwater outdoor and indoor pools, it has a 350-meter beach with umbrellas, beach chairs, water sports (for a fee), beach volleyball, and beach parties hosted by the entertainment team. And oh the food! So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next beach break? 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. 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. My favourite was Geropotamos Beach, there is a rather attractive stone arch to the west and, on the east, a freshwater river running directly into the sea. 17. Candia Suites are close to the harbour with clean modern interiors and bicycle rental available. This ultra-luxurious haven combines the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. 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. Most of the accommodation in this area is in traditional rooms and studios. Check out cheery Sunday Life. 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. { 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. For all intents and purposes its a real treasure. Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. Crete is almost completely surrounded by beaches. See More, A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. 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. There are many dining options from Greek to Italian and the four bars serve up wonderful cocktails. on: function(evt, cb) { La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. 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 . Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. Transfer time: 1hr 15 minutes from Heraklion airport. See More, Impressive luxury resort, totally insulated from the outside world in semi-tropical gardens. Its a year-round Greek town that attracts tourists and expats, rather than a purpose-built tourist town. Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. A stunning contemporary five star resort that will leave you wanting for nothing! There are lots of lovely places to stay in Rethymnon. There are some quieter beaches in the area if youre up for a bit of scrambling, and things calm down in the evening once the coaches have packed up for the day. 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. See More, Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront. Although elements of the walk can be tiring, its most definitely worth it. 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. 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! The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. Belvedere Apartments are box fresh and have spa access. 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. Rooms mirror the outdoors, blue and breezy, some suites come with terraces and pools. Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection Show prices Enter dates to see prices 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. It also provides stunning views from all angles. 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. Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. It's quiet not only because the village is quiet and the people who go there are quiet, but because it's so big: 1.3 km long, and very wide, so that even in high season you can feel that you've got it almost to yourself. Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. Agiofaraggo beach Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized, Nudism-Friendly View on map Location: 80 km south west of Heraklion Town Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa. Although, shell always have a special place in her heart for the city where she makes her annual pilgrimages Paris, her true city of lights. 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. Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion Airport. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. On the harbour: If youre after a harbourfront hotel with a sea views balcony just bear in mind that noise and light from the restaurants below go on until late. Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. Check out Aspri Petra Apartments or Asterias Village. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. 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. 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. 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. 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. A good selection of bars and restaurants. Show prices. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa 2. 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. Several of Eloundas top luxury hotels are actually in Plaka, so read the section above if you havent already. On a budget? Top things to see and do in Rethymno include: And possible day trips in the area include: Rethymnon Beach is Cretes longest sandy beach at 12km long, and as it extends east from the city it swallows up villages that have long since morphed into suburban beach resorts. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. 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. Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. Blue Palace Elounda 9. A luxurious hideaway near Rethymnon. 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. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. 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. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. The main attraction in Stalis (or Stalida) is its 6km golden crescent of beach, and its proximity to party capital Malia (just a 30-minute walk). There are only a few places to stay in Plaka try Athina Villas, Plaka Beach Cottages, and Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. And Plakias now has a youth hostel! 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. Naxos has the best beaches (but little nightlife). It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. Definitely one of the most unspoiled places to visit in Crete, the pretty peaceful village of Loutro evokes some strong emotion when you land here it is truly like stepping back in time! Grecotel Meli Palace and Kalimera Kriti Resort both have direct beach access. Mykonos has the best beach clubs (and nightlife). Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. Try the spotless Marina Hotel, or the beautiful white and blue decor and sea views atElektra. Its only a matter of steps to the beach. There are several beaches that you can reach by foot, and as the crowds thin out you can still find a few nudist beaches.
