Similar rooms are available at Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa. on: function(evt, cb) { One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. Value 4.1. On the beach itself, there is a tavern that sells local nibbles and drinks as well as sunbeds. " The hotel is very relaxing and although it is a bit quiet a night it really is the perfect mix of 5 star luxury during the day with the authenticity of amazing local Greek Tavernas like Zachos . 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. Some suites have access to a private hot tub on the roof terrave. For initial visits to Crete, especially if you have limited time to travel, plan on staying in one of the 5 main settlements. The gorge became a national park in 1962, particularly as a refuge for the rare kri-kri (Cretan goat), which is elusive on the rest of the island. With that and the relative peace and quiet, its an ideal spot to just be on this wonderful island. Kalamaki is located on the south coast of the island around an hours drive from Heraklion airport. Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion Airport. Up until fairly recently, Elafonisi was one of Cretes best-kept secrets, sadly social media selfie-lovers got a firm grasp of it, so it can get seriously busy in the high seasons. Check the rooms and prices on Booking.com. See More, Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. #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. Cleanliness 4.3. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. A good selection of bars and restaurants. 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 resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. Location 3.9. Although elements of the walk can be tiring, its most definitely worth it. Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection 6. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. Ligaria is located on the north coast of Crete around a 30 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. The vibe is family-friendly thanks to its sheltered bay which is lined with a number of traditional tavernas. Atlantica Kalliston Resort. You can find private plunge pools at Miramare Resort & Spa. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Coastal perfection. ; EAST: The beaches past Elia are beyond the reach of the bus and water taxi network so things calm down considerably. Nearby is the Palace of Malia, one of the best Minoan ruins on the island. Astoria Hotel is a small family-run hotel with sea views and coastal decor. On a budget? See More, A home-away-from-home set in a stunning rural spot with beaches, bars and tavernas a walk away. There are churches tucked away in winding streets, and for those of you who want to enjoy a waterside view without the sand, the town is built around a beautiful lake (Lake Voulismeni), where you can take in the views, whilst also dining in style in one of a multitude of lakeside restaurants. Inland Heraklion region is home to farmland and vineyards, whereas the coastline spreading east from Heraklion is also the most developed on Crete, and home to its most famous (and infamous resorts). Head west for quieter beaches at Amnisos or Tobrouk. And oh the food! Bali is roughly halfway between Rethymno and Heraklion there are bus services both but not as frequent as other resorts. 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! Some swim-up rooms are available. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. Transfer time: 15 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Despite its proximity to larger resorts, the bus service to Sissi is limited, so its better suited to couples looking for a quiet place to stay in Crete or those wanting to explore the wild Agios Ioannis peninsula by car. With the exception of Paleochora, that is. The lush Villa Octo is up in the hills behind the city and sleeps 6 in luxury. Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. Each of these areas offers exceptional hotels, fantastic dining, and a wide range of nearby . Clearly, the island has so much more to offer aside from the famous mythology and legends, there are also sites of architectural, historical, and natural importance, that will leave any visitor completely enthralled! 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! Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. Home / Beautiful Places / Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs. Even the briefest of strolls through the village will showcase many of the wonderful pottery studios. 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. It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. Bored of sunning yourself? Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel. 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. #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. You wont find parties and bars here, oh no. Transfer time: 1 hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. per night. Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel Show prices Enter dates to see prices 202 reviews 9.8/5 (157 reviews) "The bed was so comfortable. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. A wonderful place to visit and stay in Crete! Enter dates to see prices. Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. forms: { Its super sedate. Oceanfront Home With Views (7 guests): $325/night. "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.". The 5-star hotels on the harbourfront are Scala de Faroand Domus Renier. Grecotel Meli Palace and Kalimera Kriti Resort both have direct beach access. Essentially, Myrtos has something to offer everyone from a secluded, sandy seafront to a large dose of historical culture. Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. 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. Isolated, authentic, and very tranquil, Lentas isnt for Crete thrill-seekers or partygoers. ); There are more Minoan ruins worth discovering though head further afield to Malia and Phaistos. An epic choice of restaurants and bars. My favourite was Geropotamos Beach, there is a rather attractive stone arch to the west and, on the east, a freshwater river running directly into the sea. The one thing I would highly recommend is getting sea shoes as there are sea urchins on the rocks!! I think it time for a bring visit back! It doesnt matter where you go you will always find greenery spots. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. See More, A glamorous coastal property offering the upmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. You may have to head to the south coast when the wind is blowing. This 5* property offers boutique accommodation decorated in a typically Mediterranean fashion and with either a private plunge pool or hot tub. Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. 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. 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. #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. Panormos is located on the North Coast of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. If finding tucked-away coves and exploring craggy rocks appeals to you then Milatos a small quaint Crete village may be the place for you. 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. Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. 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. Options are spread out along the vast beach so check the location before booking if you want to be closer to the castle for proximity to the few tavernas and cafes. Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. Slap bang in the middle of the northern coastline, the city of Heraklion (also spelt Iraklio or Iraklion) is the capital and its surrounding coastline is some of the busiest and most developed on Crete. Its 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. GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { Yes: Sougia is the best quiet beach in Crete, without a doubt. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. Other options include Hotel Loutro Bay,SifisandDaskalogiannis Hotel. 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. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. 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. On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. 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. The nearest rooms are a few miles away try the sereneGlykeria Hoteland Elafonisi Resort. 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. Its an easy and cheap bus ride to Knoss from Heraklion. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. 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. 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 . of the rooms, the quality of the beach. There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. Lyttos Mare 5. Angela Suites Boutique Hotel is all whites and blues and has a pool. The further out, the quieter it gets. Suites and private villas have personal pools. Service 4.3. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. There are only a few places to stay in Plaka try Athina Villas, Plaka Beach Cottages, and Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. Transfer time: 20 minutes from Heraklion International airport. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. 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.