Youll find the standard Greek beachside fare if you want to have a halftime break, and nestled in its backstreets are a multitude of boutique-style shops selling some handmade, and some not-so-handmade trinkets. The 3* Villa Maxine Hotel is great value and has a chic poolside area. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. The Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. Check out cheery Sunday Life. The White Houses are traditional waterfront houses decorated in local antiques and cool whites and blues. 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. Mythos Suites is another town highlight with a pool. Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey from Heraklion airport. " 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 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. Transfer time: 15 minutes from Heraklion International airport. The small city of Sitia is a working port town with a pleasant seafront promenade, a sandy town beach, and a slow lifestyle. Including the five star beach resorts, family friendly hotels on Crete and great value finds. The nation boasts nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, stretching along the warm Gulf of Mexico to the east and the . 18. Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore. Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. Accommodation is spacious and secluded, the best options have heated seawater pools, but all are utterly indulgent. A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. Other options include Hotel Loutro Bay,SifisandDaskalogiannis Hotel. 5* Minos Beach Art Hotel has 1km of beach access, spacious grounds, and calming minimalist decor. 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. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. 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. Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. The Royal Blue Resort. The main village is set 1km back from the beach and is a popular area for villas and expats. However, dont let that put you off. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. Belvedere Apartments are box fresh and have spa access. Theres no real village to speak of, but there are a few places to stay tucked away in the flat plain behind the beach. 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. 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. Tourism here peaked in the 90s and as such it has a slightly careworn feel and is friendly but not busy. 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. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. There is a small airport serving flights to and from Athens. Plaka is also the gateway to the Spinalonga, the small fortress island that famously housed a leper colony and is now one of the main day trips in the area. 9 Theofanus Street, Chania, Crete Island, 731 00. 26. #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 the main resort town on the south-west coast. An adults-only hotel in a converted historic mansion, it has been elegantly restored and has its own hammam. Both a beautiful and quiet place to visit in Crete. With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. See More, A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay. See More, A glamorous coastal property offering the upmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. See More, An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. 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. Several of Eloundas top luxury hotels are actually in Plaka, so read the section above if you havent already. Candia Suites are close to the harbour with clean modern interiors and bicycle rental available. 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. Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. With a summer season lasting well into October September is still considered high season and almost tropical-warmth seas at the height of summer, Crete has one of Europe's longest beach-holiday seasons. Here, you can available of the offerings from the nearby tavernas and umbrellas are available. Avli Luxury Apartments are sumptuously decorated and theres a rooftop pool. The city of Rethymnon (you might also see it spelt Rethymno or Rethimno) is like a smaller, more chilled version of Chania. Ideal for totally relaxing. 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. 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. Agios Nikolaos Best for families A favourite of package holiday companies, Agios Nikolaos is one of Crete's biggest but most charming resorts, making it a great choice for families. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. 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. Transfer time: 25 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. Although the hippies have long since been moved on, and the caves protected and closed to the public, the town retains a laidback feel despite the explosion of tourism here. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. But at the end of the day, Mexico will always be known as a beach destination - and for good reason. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. 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. 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. 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 . Essentially, Myrtos has something to offer everyone from a secluded, sandy seafront to a large dose of historical culture. 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. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. Cleanliness 4.3. See More, Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront. 5. #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. There is the standard selection of resort hotels in the surrounding coastal areas stylish Cretan Malia Park is one of the best, with beachfront access, boho chic decor, and family-friendly facilities. } Panormos is located on the North Coast of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. 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. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. 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. See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. It is truly non-commercialised, and we hope it stays that way. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. Enjoyed this post? Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. Try the spotless Marina Hotel, or the beautiful white and blue decor and sea views atElektra. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort has a Six Senses Spa, direct beach access, and a private 9-hole golf course. Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . ". 1. Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. forms: { It gets very popular and usually attracts people who go there for clubbing. Very good. But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. This ultra-luxurious haven combines the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. 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. listeners: [], 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. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. Ligaria is located on the north coast of Crete around a 30 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. Triopetra Beach is located on the south of the island around a 2 hour drive from Heraklion airport. 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. It is an absolute must for visitors to Crete is to complete the walk down the gorge from the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea, at which point tourists sail to the nearby village of Sougia or Hora Sfakion, where they could spend a night or they could catch a coach back to Chania. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. The swankiest resort in town is the long-established Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort. Bozzali. Several of the Elounda luxury resorts are actually in Plaka. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. 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. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. Head west for quieter beaches at Amnisos or Tobrouk. Its deliciously quiet in shoulder season. Greece has over 1000 islands of which only 227 are inhabited. Crete is almost completely surrounded by beaches. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. 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. If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. 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. 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). A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. Rooms mirror the outdoors, blue and breezy, some suites come with terraces and pools. Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. The village itself is loaded with a rich history, including a museum which houses finds of Minoan archaeological importance found nearby and you can hear tales about the towns colourful past and folklore in the many local tavernas. See More, This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. . If you are looking for a bit of space then Plakias offers one of the largest beaches in Crete. #30 Best Value of 32 Crete Luxury Beach Resorts !" Breakfast included 2022 2. See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. 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". Coastal perfection. Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. But the highlight is the peaceful and picture-perfect sugar cube village of Loutro, with its whitewashed walls and electric blue seas. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. On a budget? Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. Perhaps, Domatas unspoiled beauty has been preserved this long because the region has no roads or infrastructures. The five restaurants serve a range of food from sushi to Greek and there's a fabulous spa too. Crossing the south of the island is difficult. Triopetra is surrounded by Siderotas mountain, olives groves, and of course, the seafront, the area is named after the three majestic rocks that rise out of the ocean at the edge of the peninsula. Show prices. The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. Similar rooms are available at Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. 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. It also provides stunning views from all angles. Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Even the briefest of strolls through the village will showcase many of the wonderful pottery studios. 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. With steep sandy-coloured rocks dropping directly into the sea in this horseshoe-shaped bay and crystal clear water it is postcard perfect. There are still many quieter, less commercialized resorts, villages, and secluded coves to explore and more hidden locations that are barely touched by tourism. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. The landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty.