best quiet beach resorts in cretebest quiet beach resorts in crete

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. 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. The White Houses are traditional waterfront houses decorated in local antiques and cool whites and blues. 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. Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel Show prices Enter dates to see prices 202 reviews It gets very popular and usually attracts people who go there for clubbing. Its a busy tourist town dominated by resort hotels, with a small harbour and 4 organised beaches, and is packed with pretty bougainvillaea and colourful sun loungers. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. The beaches here are small but this helps to keep the crowds away. Mar 20 - Mar 21. Its popular as a boat trip destination the summer months can see an influx of tour boats from nearby Malia and Hersonissos but relatively few actually stay there, and those that do tend to love it. The area is also crisscrossed with donkey paths that make it fantastic for walking (its possible to walk to Plaka). And Plakias now has a youth hostel! Euphoria Resort 7. Lasithi, the easternmost province of Crete, is home to some of its most luxurious hotels as well as its wildest and most traditional areas. The coastline is developed on either side, but it was the introduction of budget flights to Chania airport that really put it on the map. Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. Its known for its big waves, fishing heritage, and seafood tavernas set around a small crescent of beach. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next beach break? Its a year-round Greek town that attracts tourists and expats, rather than a purpose-built tourist town. 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. Sfakia is the nearest town for amenities. 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. 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. Bored of sunning yourself? You can always visit the amazing chapel of Prophet Elias. The long-distance hiking route passes through the area, and there are several smaller gorges and empty beaches such as Sweetwater to discover. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. of the rooms, the quality of the beach. See More, A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. 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. A luxurious hideaway near Rethymnon. But it has everything you need its ideal if youre looking to enjoy one place for your holiday and dont feel the need to visit the larger towns. Its not particularly health and safety friendly, but if you are brave enough youll be rewarded with a view of a hidden church built within the caves. BEST HOTELS RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Domes Noruz, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, Domes of Elounda. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. 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. See More, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies this luxury Cretan resort in Malia. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. 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. One of the main things to do in Heraklion is to catch a ferry to visit Santorini, Mykonos and other places. Rooms mirror the outdoors, blue and breezy, some suites come with terraces and pools. Enjoyed this post? I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. #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. In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. 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. One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. 26. But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. Total bliss. Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. ; SOUTH: Most of the main beach resorts are on the south coast, busier on the west side and getting quieter the further east you get. The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. 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. 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. If you are looking for a bit of space then Plakias offers one of the largest beaches in Crete. Crete has some of Greece's best sandy beaches - many far from developed areas, so you can truly enjoy a remote holiday on the sand. See More, An ultra-luxurious haven combining the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. If you like your beaches vast and often deserted then make a beeline for Frangokastello on the south coast. There are few roads in the area, and some of the villages are accessible only by boat. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! The majority of Bahamian beaches are safely in "paradise on Earth" territory. Utterly relaxing. See More, A home-away-from-home set in a stunning rural spot with beaches, bars and tavernas a walk away. Agree a time with him and he'll come back for you later. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. Mykonos is relatively small and you can easily drive around in a day. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. Both a beautiful and quiet place to visit in Crete. Two Cretes minor islands Chryssi and Koufonisi are just off this part of the shore. per night. The resort offers 75 airy and well appointed rooms and suites fully equipped with satellite TV and minibar. There is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. 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. 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. There are numerous beaches dotted about, and if you are staying for more than a few days it can be good fun to try a different one each day. 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. The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. Despite the small size of Falassarna, its a popular spot and has a reputation for being one of the best beaches in Crete. a rundown of Crete's quieter resorts and villages; the best places to stay for couples, families and nature CRETE OVERVIEW BEST LUXURY HOTELS: Domes of Elounda, Daios Cove, Abaton Island Resort and Spa, Domes Noruz. Avli Luxury Apartments are sumptuously decorated and theres a rooftop pool. Coastal perfection. As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. 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. 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. There is no shortage of boutique in the winding Venetian streets of the old town. Concur with these, we love Crete. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. The pink sands of Elafonisi are one of the main attractions in west Crete, with coachloads arriving every day to bathe in the glorious lagoon-like waters. Candia Suites are close to the harbour with clean modern interiors and bicycle rental available. 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. 5. Cleanliness 4.3. Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. Numerous beautiful beaches with soft sand or colored pebbles are found in the prefecture of Chania in western Crete. The KTEL bus station is in the new town, a 10-minute walk from the main harbour see PDF timetables. : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. Go in the shoulder months and youll be rewarded with a day trip to remember. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. If youve braved the paddle (or walked over the sandbar leading to the island) youll be rewarded with water that is the temperature of bathwater, soft pink sand (particular to this area only), and pictures that youll treasurePrizes awarded for spotting a sea turtleand deducted for duckface Instagram postsenjoy! The five restaurants serve a range of food from sushi to Greek and there's a fabulous spa too. 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. Belvedere Apartments are box fresh and have spa access. !" Breakfast included 2022 2. Its super sedate. Another sleepy Crete village, Tsoutsouros is undeveloped and charming (just how we like it). 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. Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. Oceanview Designer Beach House (4 guests): $300/night. It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. Transfer time: 25 minutes to the main harbour from Chania International airport. Theres a regular bus to Heraklion, and its possible to reach Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos for day trips too. It also provides stunning views from all angles. But it would be a shame to miss out on the excellent tavernas in Panormo. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. 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. 1. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. Its a perfect romantic destination for couples. Check the rooms and prices on Booking.com. Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. 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. 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. Aside from the peacefulness of the region, it is hard not to be astounded by the artwork the elements left behind- a series of terraces in the rock face which, will undoubtedly leave you awestruck. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. 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. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. 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. Naxos has the best beaches (but little nightlife). Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. 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. Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. #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. Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. 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. The further out, the quieter it gets. Giannoulis - Grand Bay Beach Resort (Exclusive Adults Only) Kolymvari. 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. It has a slightly scruffy feel but there are two town beaches, an archaeological museum and some excellent restaurants to entertain you. 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. 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. I think it time for a bring visit back! Boasting four stars, rooms are dressed in a traditional style; premium linens complement exposed stone walls and the best suites have terraces with sea views. The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. Its a popular day-trip destination and the crowds somewhat marr the incredible natural landscape with its towering rock formations. 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. Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is home to the main airport of the island. ". 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. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort has a Six Senses Spa, direct beach access, and a private 9-hole golf course. Service 4.3. Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. 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. Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. 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. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. Agiofaraggo beach Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized, Nudism-Friendly View on map Location: 80 km south west of Heraklion Town 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. Bali is roughly halfway between Rethymno and Heraklion there are bus services both but not as frequent as other resorts. Parts of it are organised in the summer months though, and it does attract daytrippers. 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). The beautiful unspoilt Samari Gorge is a major tourist attraction of the island and was created by a small river running through the White Mountains. Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. Falassarna is located on the west coast of the island around a 2 hour 40 minute drive from Heraklion airport. . If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. 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. Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. 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. The coastline between these cities is the busiest and most developed part of the island. 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. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. South coast Agia Galini is a small harbour town that was once the biggest resort town in the Rethymno region. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. It is slightly commercialised, but that said if you like the occasional deep-fried or sugary treat delivered to your lounger whilst you catch the sun, its not too bad at all! 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. Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. 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. There are more Minoan ruins worth discovering though head further afield to Malia and Phaistos. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. 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. 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. For initial visits to Crete, especially if you have limited time to travel, plan on staying in one of the 5 main settlements. The Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. The one thing I would highly recommend is getting sea shoes as there are sea urchins on the rocks!! 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 3* Villa Maxine Hotel is great value and has a chic poolside area. Packages to Stalis are available through TUI. forms: { BEST LUXURY HOTELS: Lindos Blu, Casa Cook Rhodes, Boutique 5 Hotel and Spa BEST BUDGET HOTEL RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Delfini Beach Hotel BEST VILLAS: Kiotari Beach Villa, Axiotheaton Villas, SeaSide Suites BEST RESORT HOTELS FOR FAMILIES: Hotel Porto Angeli Beach Resort, Atlantica Aegean Family Resort, Rodos Princess Resort & Spa The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. There are a few tavernas and perhaps the occasional cafe bordering the shallow rocky 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. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy.

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