Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. Mar 20 - Mar 21. With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. But the highlight is the peaceful and picture-perfect sugar cube village of Loutro, with its whitewashed walls and electric blue seas. There is also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. 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. #26 Best Value of 502 Quiet Hotels in Crete. Agree a time with him and he'll come back for you later. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. 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. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. Check TUI for packages including hotels and flights. The main village is set 1km back from the beach and is a popular area for villas and expats. Show Prices. A luxury beach holiday. Agia Pelagia is halfway between Bali and Heraklion and is the only real beach resort to the west of the capital, to which it is connected by a regular bus service which takes about 1 hr. No roads lead here and there are no nightclubs or nightlife. Transfer time: 25 minutes to the main harbour from Chania International airport. } Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport, 1 hr 10 minutes from Heraklion International Airport book a transfer. As with the other northern cities, it has a Venetian Fortress (the Kazarma) and an Archaeological Museum. " 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 . A spoiling stay. Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. Some swim-up rooms are available. 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. Isolated, authentic, and very tranquil, Lentas isnt for Crete thrill-seekers or partygoers. Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. 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. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. See More, Impressive luxury resort, totally insulated from the outside world in semi-tropical gardens. The area is popular with locals, which should tell you something, and as a result, the beachside cuisine in the local tavernas is to a pretty high standard. 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. 8. See more photos Add to shortlist. On a budget? Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. See More, Domes Noruz Chania boasts a spectacular location on the coast of Crete. On the beach itself, there is a tavern that sells local nibbles and drinks as well as sunbeds. One of the main things to do in Heraklion is to catch a ferry to visit Santorini, Mykonos and other places. Walking through the forest is sublime, and the river that cuts through it is clean enough to swim in (we should hope so as it leads directly out onto Plakias beach). But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. 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". The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. 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. GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. Boutique and luxury: Cressa Corona Boutique Hotel is the best address in town. 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. Although elements of the walk can be tiring, its most definitely worth it. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. 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. 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. 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! Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. 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. 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. A luxurious hideaway near Rethymnon. 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. 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. Ideal for totally relaxing. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. Transfer time: 55 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Transfer time: 15 minutes from Heraklion International airport. That said, there are bus links to Rethymno and Heraklion so car hire is not necessary. A good selection of bars and restaurants. Boat trips to Balos leave from the harbour. The nation boasts nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, stretching along the warm Gulf of Mexico to the east and the . 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. Located to the eastern side of the island of Crete, Kato Zakros is a bit out of the way, but well worth the visit. 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. 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! #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." Visit hotel website 2022 8. Astoria Hotel is a small family-run hotel with sea views and coastal decor. 1. Falassarna is located on the west coast of the island around a 2 hour 40 minute drive from Heraklion airport. Both a beautiful and quiet place to visit in Crete. Paleochora is located on a small peninsula with beaches on either side perfect for windsurfing as one of them will always be catching the wind. Start the day with farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride. Its an easy and cheap bus ride to Knoss from Heraklion. Check out Aspri Petra Apartments or Asterias Village. Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. The vibe is family-friendly thanks to its sheltered bay which is lined with a number of traditional tavernas. 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. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is home to the main airport of the island. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. And theres an ancient Minoan site that youre likely to have to yourself. See More, This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. Some of the most beautiful and unique beaches are in the area nearby Damnoni is sandy with shallow clear waters, perfect for kids. Transfer time: 1hr 15 minutes from Heraklion airport. Try the spotless Marina Hotel, or the beautiful white and blue decor and sea views atElektra. 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. Inside the old town: for historic charm check outBozzali Hotel with its whitewashed decor and cute courtyard, whereas Casa Delfino offers a modern take on the traditional Venetian mansion. Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. 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. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. 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. Its a year-round Greek town that attracts tourists and expats, rather than a purpose-built tourist town. 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. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. 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. 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. 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. But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price. 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. Its a 40-minute drive to Rethymno. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . Value 4.1. ; EAST: The beaches past Elia are beyond the reach of the bus and water taxi network so things calm down considerably. 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. "The location is perfect as is one of the best beaches on the island, being quiet yet with locals around, and close enough to the Venetian Harbour for day or evening trips.". There are a few tavernas and perhaps the occasional cafe bordering the shallow rocky beach. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! Kalamaki is located on the south coast of the island around an hours drive from Heraklion airport. " The hotel is very relaxing and although it is a bit quiet a night it really is the perfect mix of 5 star luxury during the day with the authenticity of amazing local Greek Tavernas like Zachos . Beach bums are better off at Plakias (see below). 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. per night. The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. 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 great getaway to an idyllic blue bay in a car-free village, right on the beach. Show prices. With that and the relative peace and quiet, its an ideal spot to just be on this wonderful island. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. There are plenty of options for self-catered too, likeVilla Niki. { 3,851 reviews. The beach is large and there are a range of tavernas and shops offering food at a very reasonable price. See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. Its a popular day-trip destination and the crowds somewhat marr the incredible natural landscape with its towering rock formations. 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. ); Lyttos Mare 5. For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect. The Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. Panormos is located on the North Coast of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. 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. #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. 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. 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. Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. #3 Best Value of 119 Crete Resorts "The mini water park within the hotel is excellent, with plenty of slides for younger and older kids. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. A stunning contemporary five star resort that will leave you wanting for nothing! } Another sleepy Crete village, Tsoutsouros is undeveloped and charming (just how we like it). Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. 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. Located 80km southwest of the town of Heraklion, it is much more secluded than your average beach, since it's just off the edge of (and sheltered by) a large gorge. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Lasithi, the easternmost province of Crete, is home to some of its most luxurious hotels as well as its wildest and most traditional areas. 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. Anissaras beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/brownieboy27/4986950206/in/set-72157624948245648 Report inappropriate content roseyManchester manchester See More, A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. See More, A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. By that, I mean you want to indulge in some serious chilling, but also maybe want to have a good time in the evening too. Other options include Hotel Loutro Bay,SifisandDaskalogiannis Hotel. Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. 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. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. Although be warned, the walk takes five to seven hours and can be strenuous, especially at the peak of summer. Its perfect for mature couples who dont need excursions and are happy to rent a car to explore the south coast. 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. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. Yes: Sougia is the best quiet beach in Crete, without a doubt. You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa. It is hardly surprising then that there are a world-class selection of beach hotels to choose from. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. (function() { Crete is almost completely surrounded by beaches. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. BEST HOTELS RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Domes Noruz, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, Domes of Elounda. For those on a smaller budget, have a look at the small and friendly Nostos Hotel which is a few minutes from the main harbour. 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. 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. Rapid growth resulted in some dense development around the small harbour, and the small beach is a 10-minute walk out of the village. On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. Agia Roumeli is the most visited village in the area as it forms the exit point for the popular Samaria Gorge hike every day in the summer hundreds pop out of the gorge and onto a ferry to X where they can reconnect with the road system. There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser. . Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." Besides the beach, guests gather at the Olympic-sized pool and water park with a big slides for older kids and adults. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. 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. Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty.
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