Some of the most beautiful and unique beaches are in the area nearby Damnoni is sandy with shallow clear waters, perfect for kids. Wonderful! Lyttos Mare 5. See More, Impressive luxury resort, totally insulated from the outside world in semi-tropical gardens. 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 it tickles your fancy there is a naturist beach off to the east. Value 4.1. 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. Highly discreet, with striking designs, each hotel is different. See More, Blue Palace, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies the luxury, Equally swish and perhaps just that little bit smarter the. Show Prices. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next beach break? See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. 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. 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. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. See more photos Add to shortlist. 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! 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. Perhaps, Domatas unspoiled beauty has been preserved this long because the region has no roads or infrastructures. One of the main things to do in Heraklion is to catch a ferry to visit Santorini, Mykonos and other places. Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. If you like your beaches vast and often deserted then make a beeline for Frangokastello on the south coast. If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. Boat trips to Balos leave from the harbour. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. Numerous beautiful beaches with soft sand or colored pebbles are found in the prefecture of Chania in western Crete. Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is another beachfront blockbuster with private pools and daybeds. Kids go free to the Minoan Amusement Park. #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! #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. ". And you can find amazing rock formations nearby at Souda such as Calypso Bay. Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. It is flanked by steep, mountainsides, home to a sizable herd of goats (judging from the clinking of bells) as well as a tepid sea, sheltered by a lush bay. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay. One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. 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. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. It is hardly surprising then that there are a world-class selection of beach hotels to choose from. And Plakias now has a youth hostel! Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. Kalamaki is located on the south coast of the island around an hours drive from Heraklion airport. See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. . 3,851 reviews. 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. (function() { Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is fantastic its worth visiting before you head out to the ancient sites if you can. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. Triopetra Beach is located on the south of the island around a 2 hour drive from Heraklion airport. callback: cb Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. 17. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport, 1 hr 10 minutes from Heraklion International Airport book a transfer. Although the panorama can make you trigger happy with the camera, dont ignore the beauty right beside you on the path a Venetian fort, ancient churches, ancient cisterns, and the breath-taking remains of the ruined ancient town of Pikilassos, not to mention the beautiful flora and fauna that you encounter along the way, including lots of olive trees resist the urge to pillage! Check out cheery Sunday Life. event : evt, 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. There are several beaches that you can reach by foot, and as the crowds thin out you can still find a few nudist beaches. You wont find parties and bars here, oh no. Transfer time: 1 hr 40 minutes from both Chania and Heraklion airports. Tourism here peaked in the 90s and as such it has a slightly careworn feel and is friendly but not busy. 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. Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. 2,101 reviews. 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. A classy, modern hotel. This 5* property offers boutique accommodation decorated in a typically Mediterranean fashion and with either a private plunge pool or hot tub. Z Boutique Hotel has comfortable rooms and a small pool. Elafonisi Lagoon is located on the west coast of the Greek island of Crete around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. Mykonos has the best beach clubs (and nightlife). 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. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. Lasithi, the easternmost province of Crete, is home to some of its most luxurious hotels as well as its wildest and most traditional areas. Many boat trips, excursions, and day tours are available, and its possible to make some journeys (such as hiking the Samaria Gorge) yourself by bus. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. Therefore it can be easier to decide on arrival airport/port first, or any attractions that you particularly want to visit, in order to narrow down where to stay. But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. The prices in Hersonissos are very competitive, partially to lure customers out of the many all-inclusive hotels in the area. Its perfect for mature couples who dont need excursions and are happy to rent a car to explore the south coast. The wonderful White Mountains are located in Western Crete, and their gleaming shine is the dominant feature of the region. Glyka Nera is located on the south coast of Crete a 2 hour 30 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. Some suites have access to a private hot tub on the roof terrave. The lush Villa Octo is up in the hills behind the city and sleeps 6 in luxury. Suites and private villas have personal pools. Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. Similar rooms are available at Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa. A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. 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 is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. 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. Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion Airport. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. Heraklion itself is not quite an attractive destination in the same way that Chania and Rethymnon are much of its historic architecture was damaged during heavy bombing in WWII. Most of the accommodation in this area is in traditional rooms and studios. Panormos is located on the North Coast of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 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! 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. 26. Including the five star beach resorts, family friendly hotels on Crete and great value finds. See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. "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.". Try the spotless Marina Hotel, or the beautiful white and blue decor and sea views atElektra. Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. "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.". Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. Even the briefest of strolls through the village will showcase many of the wonderful pottery studios. 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. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. On a budget? Its known for its big waves, fishing heritage, and seafood tavernas set around a small crescent of beach. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. The best of the rest are: Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites, Villa Ippocampi,Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel,Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Cooks Club. Greece has over 1000 islands of which only 227 are inhabited. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. Nearby is the Palace of Malia, one of the best Minoan ruins on the island. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. It has a slightly scruffy feel but there are two town beaches, an archaeological museum and some excellent restaurants to entertain you. 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. The resorts here are some of the nicest places to stay on Crete. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. The hotel is all-inclusive but the food was of excellent quality." Breakfast included 2022 4. 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. That said, there are bus links to Rethymno and Heraklion so car hire is not necessary. Once youve driven (carefully) to the town youll find a laid-back vibe and easy-going atmosphere that is synonymous with most of the lesser-known spots on the island. Transfer time: 1hr 45 minutes from Chania International airport. Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site. East of Sitia the crowds really thin out most tourists dont make it beyond this point. Its a 40-minute drive to Rethymno. Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. The nearest rooms are a few miles away try the sereneGlykeria Hoteland Elafonisi Resort. Parts of it are organised in the summer months though, and it does attract daytrippers. I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. On a budget? Transfer time: 15-45 minutes from Chania International airport. A spoiling stay. The Royal Blue Resort. Glika Nera Beach 190 Beaches By 849jeremyn Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. Except for the blockbuster beaches that attract day trips, its not ideal for beach tourism. Giannoulis - Grand Bay Beach Resort (Exclusive Adults Only) Kolymvari. Pick the Nana Princess in Hersonissos for a relaxing getaway. See More, A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. 5. Transfer time: 55 minutes from Heraklion International airport. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. 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. See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. 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 . } For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect. 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. Mar 20 - Mar 21. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. 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. 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. Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. 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. 1,438 reviews. 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. Transfer time: Ierapetra minutes from Heraklion airport, Makrigialos 1 hr 50 minutes from Heraklion airport. #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. A good selection of bars and restaurants. Transfer time: 25 minutes to the main harbour from Chania International airport. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. 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. There are lots of lovely places to stay in Rethymnon. Its a perfect romantic destination for couples. Libyan Princess is the most comfortable and modern hotel on the block. Cleanliness 4.3. Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. 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. 18. The city of Rethymnon (you might also see it spelt Rethymno or Rethimno) is like a smaller, more chilled version of Chania. On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. #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. 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. This is tucked away in a remote pocket of Crete's south-western corner, so you could be forgiven for thinking you might have it all to yourself. Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is home to the main airport of the island. Sifaka & Gavaladon 5, Old Town, Chania, Crete Island, 73101. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast.

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