Mykonos is relatively small and you can easily drive around in a day. 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. Ideal for totally relaxing. Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. 1. There are lots of lovely places to stay in Rethymnon. See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. See More, Impressive luxury resort, totally insulated from the outside world in semi-tropical gardens. A wonderful place to visit and stay in Crete! 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. 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. Crete Beach Resorts: Find 55281 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Oceanfront Hotels in Crete on Tripadvisor. Its friendly and authentic if you want to get away from mass tourism then this easternmost part of Crete is a good bet. Balos beach Chania Balos is a fantastic location on the northwestern side of Crete, in the region of Chania. See More, A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. Yes: Sougia is the best quiet beach in Crete, without a doubt. The best of the rest are: Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites, Villa Ippocampi,Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel,Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Cooks Club. 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. 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. After a day at the (pebble) beach, you can step out in your Sunday best and pace up and down the walkway paralleling the seafront whilst wondering if you have time to look at the menu before you are accosted by the occupants (Im joking, they are lovely and generally friendly more than pushy). Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway.
20 BEST Crete Beaches To Visit - The World Pursuit On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience .
16 best beaches in Mexico, from surf escapes to peaceful bays | CN 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.
25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World - Travel + Leisure Karavostasi Beach 432 Beaches By selsfield2003 Worth the walk ( or the ride on the mini train) Great beach - lovely clear water and 2 amazing tavernas.
The best quiet beach in Crete? - Crete Message Board - Tripadvisor The Royal Blue Resort. Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. For initial visits to Crete, especially if you have limited time to travel, plan on staying in one of the 5 main settlements. per night. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas.
The 12 Best Crete Beach Hotels (Greece) | Oyster.com Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati.
THE 10 BEST Quiet Hotels in Crete 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor 19 Best Beaches in Greece - Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. But it would be a shame to miss out on the excellent tavernas in Panormo. 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. Check TUI for packages including hotels and flights. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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). 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. 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. Isolated, authentic, and very tranquil, Lentas isnt for Crete thrill-seekers or partygoers. Giannoulis - Grand Bay Beach Resort (Exclusive Adults Only) Kolymvari. Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. On a budget? Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. The famous Preveli Palm Beach with its exotic date palm forest at the end of Kourtaliotiko Gorge is 5km away. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. Agree a time with him and he'll come back for you later. 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. Its super sedate. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. A classy, modern hotel. For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. The nation boasts nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, stretching along the warm Gulf of Mexico to the east and the . That said, they are exposed to the northwesterly Meltemi wind which blasts Greece throughout the summer beware big waves and undercurrents when the wind is blowing, pay attention to local advice. Bored of sunning yourself? It is hardly surprising then that there are a world-class selection of beach hotels to choose from. The area is also crisscrossed with donkey paths that make it fantastic for walking (its possible to walk to Plaka). Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. But there are plenty of returners from those days its warm seas, great views, and some of the best fishing in Greece make it particularly popular with expats. The best beach in the area is at Anissaras, this is a 4 kms taxi ride west from Koutouloufari and any taxi driver will know where it is. 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 two routes to the beach by boat or for the most extreme, there is a path from Chora Sfakion and another from Loutro. A luxury beach holiday. } Its a year-round Greek town that attracts tourists and expats, rather than a purpose-built tourist town. It is truly non-commercialised, and we hope it stays that way. Show Prices. 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. #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. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. 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. There is a small airport serving flights to and from Athens. It doesnt matter where you go you will always find greenery spots. The smaller of the two beaches, Small Triopetra (or Koumado), is more an enclosed, sandy, and rocky bay. Libyan Princess is the most comfortable and modern hotel on the block. 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. Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. The landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. Show prices. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. 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. The coastline between these cities is the busiest and most developed part of the island. There are a few tavernas and perhaps the occasional cafe bordering the shallow rocky beach. There is an increasing number of upmarket resorts in Sissi.
The best beaches and coves in Crete incl. insider tips - Corissia 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. 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. Value 4.1. A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. 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. 3,851 reviews. A network of small ferries connects Paleochora and Sfakia at either end, with the villages of Sougia, Agia Roumeli, and Loutro, and the island of Gavdos to the south. 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. Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. 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. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is fantastic its worth visiting before you head out to the ancient sites if you can. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel.
Crete's Best Beach Hotels | The Hotel Guru Our hotel experts have scoured the length and breadth of the island to bring you a collection of Crete's best beach hotels selected on their location, designs, service, and amenities. See More, A great getaway to an idyllic blue bay in a car-free village, right on the beach. 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. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. Check out cheery Sunday Life. 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. Atlantica Kalliston Resort. Georgioupolis Resort Aquapark & Spa offers a unique holiday experience to those that want to enjoy the incomparable Greek Hospitality whilst seeking top quality services in a relaxing environment, excellent gastronomy as well as a . You wont find parties and bars here, oh no. On a budget? Its a relaxed south coast village, about 30km from Agia Galini, and has a wide, sandy Blue Flag beach and a spacious feel. Fortunately, the prices in Elounda dont have a Hollywood price tag. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. As with the other northern cities, it has a Venetian Fortress (the Kazarma) and an Archaeological Museum. If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. 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. 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. 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. Crossing the south of the island is difficult. 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. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. . 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. For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect. Heading to the beautiful Greek island of Crete this year? Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. 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.
Best 32 Beaches in Heraklion, Greece | Greeka You can find private plunge pools at Miramare Resort & Spa. Panormos is the first beach resort that you hit east of Rethymnon that has a proper village feel and isnt just an outpost of the city. Greeces largest island has quickly developed a reputation as a party island with crowds of revellers in the busier resorts looking for their next shot of ouzo, but you shouldnt let that put you off visiting this sun-soaked island. Transfer time: 1hr 30 minutes from Chania airport. All rooms come with an outdoor pool and private hot tubs. 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.
15 Quiet Beach Towns in America - PureWow 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. #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.
Visit Mosque of the Janissaries in Crete | Expedia The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. 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. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. Anissaras beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/brownieboy27/4986950206/in/set-72157624948245648 Report inappropriate content roseyManchester manchester 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. There are also plenty of boat trips are available from its harbour. There is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. If youre bringing the familiy you may prefer a villa with a pool have a look at Philoxenia Villas which has fresh modern decor and is 200 yards from the beach. NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. With that and the relative peace and quiet, its an ideal spot to just be on this wonderful island. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. The resort offers 75 airy and well appointed rooms and suites fully equipped with satellite TV and minibar. 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. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. The swankiest resort in town is the long-established Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort. 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. Tourism here peaked in the 90s and as such it has a slightly careworn feel and is friendly but not busy. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. Each of these areas offers exceptional hotels, fantastic dining, and a wide range of nearby . Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours 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. Stavros Bay aerial: Mike Drosos / Shutterstock, Matala rocks: Georgios Tsichlis / Shutterstock, Map of Crete: The Mediterranean Traveller, Map of Chania region The Mediterranean Traveller, Elafonissi: Zakhar Marunov / Adobe Stock, Paleochora: Vladimir1984 / Shutterstock, Map of Rethymnon region The Mediterranean Traveller, Panormo: Jaroslav Moravcik / Shutterstock, Agia Galini: Georgios Kritsotakis / Shutterstock, Map of Heraklion region The Mediterranean Traveller, Agia Pelagia: Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock, Map of Lasithi region The Mediterranean Traveller, Agios Nikolaos: olgaarkhipenko / Adobe Stock, Elounda: Georgios Tsichlis / Shutterstock.
25 of the best places to stay in Greece and the Greek islands Lyttos Mare 5. If you have a mix of old and young children or value convenience then Stalis is a solid option. }
Where to Stay on Mykonos: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide Bali is roughly halfway between Rethymno and Heraklion there are bus services both but not as frequent as other resorts. Another sleepy Crete village, Tsoutsouros is undeveloped and charming (just how we like it). So many people make a beeline for Rethymno that its surrounding villages are something of a hidden gem. A spoiling beach treat! #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete . Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey from Heraklion airport.
THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Resorts 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. Elounda Gulf Villas provide a free transfer to a private beach club. Myrtos village is located on the south coast of Crete an 1 hour 20 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. See More, A glamorous coastal property offering the upmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. There are few roads in the area, and some of the villages are accessible only by boat. Greece has over 1000 islands of which only 227 are inhabited. Crete is almost completely surrounded by beaches. For all intents and purposes its a real treasure.
The Best Luxury Hotels on Crete, Greece | The Hotel Guru 302 reviews. East of Sitia the crowds really thin out most tourists dont make it beyond this point. 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. Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Its a 40-minute drive to Rethymno. See More, This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. The beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. The further out, the quieter it gets. There are plenty of options for self-catered too, likeVilla Niki. 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. ; 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. ); If you have a car then you might also want to consider accommodation up in Mirtios village above the bay. And Plakias now has a youth hostel! 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. Did somebody say wine? Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa 2. Transfer time: 25 minutes to the main harbour from Chania International airport. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. However, dont let that put you off. Mount Ida is the tallest peak of the range, named after the daughter of the King of Crete according to Greek mythology. 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. 5* Minos Beach Art Hotel has 1km of beach access, spacious grounds, and calming minimalist decor. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay. Check out Aspri Petra Apartments or Asterias Village. #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. #9 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete. But at the end of the day, Mexico will always be known as a beach destination - and for good reason.
THE 10 BEST Crete Beaches (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Rapid growth resulted in some dense development around the small harbour, and the small beach is a 10-minute walk out of the village.
7 Of The Best Resorts In Crete | TravelSupermarket Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. The main cities and towns on the north coast are linked by regular buses each regional capital has buses going to the south of its region. 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. #30 Best Value of 32 Crete Luxury Beach Resorts The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! It gets very popular and usually attracts people who go there for clubbing. Several of the Elounda luxury resorts are actually in Plaka. Transfer time: 1hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Cool or what? Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. 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. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. Visitors here can simply detox from life and tackle long-awaited books, take walks along the stunning scenery or simply eat, drink and be merry. See More, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies this luxury Cretan resort in Malia. Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. . 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. Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. { 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.
THE 10 BEST Crete Resorts of 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor The small city of Sitia is a working port town with a pleasant seafront promenade, a sandy town beach, and a slow lifestyle. Nearby is the Palace of Malia, one of the best Minoan ruins on the island. Transfer time: 20 minutes from Heraklion International airport. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. } Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. The main village is set 1km back from the beach and is a popular area for villas and expats.
The 10 Best Resorts in Chania, Greece | Booking.com 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. There is also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Some suites have access to a private hot tub on the roof terrave. Return to simpler times at this beautiful hideaway on Crete. Oceanview Designer Beach House (4 guests): $300/night.