If youre planning on staying in the area for more than a few days in the summer then it makes sense to be out in one of Chanias coastal resorts, to take advantage of beach access and/or parking (which is very difficult in the centre). Grecotel Meli Palace and Kalimera Kriti Resort both have direct beach access. There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser.
25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World - Travel + Leisure See More, A home-away-from-home set in a stunning rural spot with beaches, bars and tavernas a walk away. Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site. Try the spotless Marina Hotel, or the beautiful white and blue decor and sea views atElektra. There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views. 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. Its a popular day-trip destination and the crowds somewhat marr the incredible natural landscape with its towering rock formations. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers.
THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Hotels of 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor 5* Minos Beach Art Hotel has 1km of beach access, spacious grounds, and calming minimalist decor. on: function(evt, cb) { Here you will find the emptiest beaches on the island and you can swim well into the autumn/winter months. Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. Transfer time: 1hr 45 minutes from Chania International airport. Show Prices. Both a beautiful and quiet place to visit in Crete. Some of the beach resorts along Rethymnon beach include: The area around Platanes is popular and sandy. The five restaurants serve a range of food from sushi to Greek and there's a fabulous spa too. One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. A spoiling beach treat! Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. 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. Head west for quieter beaches at Amnisos or Tobrouk. Similar rooms are available at Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa. 302 reviews. per night. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. 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. 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 Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. 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. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. " 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 . 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. Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore. Transfer time: 1hr from Heraklion International airport. 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. 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. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is another beachfront blockbuster with private pools and daybeds. Top things to see and do in Heraklion include: Ammoudara is the easiest beach to reach from the city the line 12 bus runs throughout the day. 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. Chora Sfakion: A few upmarket options here such as the No Problem Luxury Suite (it has a bathtub), and the excellent value Livikon Hotel and Samaria Hotel which both have fresh white and blue decor and seaview balconies. Although elements of the walk can be tiring, its most definitely worth it. It doesnt matter where you go you will always find greenery spots. If commercial isnt your thing then there are numerous guesthouses in the area, all offering their own unique brand of hospitality, many with floral and fragrant herb gardens. Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. This 5* property offers boutique accommodation decorated in a typically Mediterranean fashion and with either a private plunge pool or hot tub. 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. Cleanliness 4.3. #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete . See More, Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. 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. Coastal perfection. Check the rooms and prices on Booking.com. Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. Transfer time: 1hr 30 minutes from Chania airport. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. On a budget? And oh the food! But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price.
THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete - Mar 2023 (with Prices Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. S&K Villas near Amyrida has a modern white cubist design and pool. 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. Dont expect anything in the way of amenities when you get there (its actually a nature reserve and is treated accordingly).
Visit Mosque of the Janissaries in Crete | Expedia You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. Top things to see and do in Agios Nikolaos include: Porto Maltese Boutique Estate is Ag Niks most stylish des res, with a waterfront location, courtyard, and sympathetic restoration. 9.8/5 (157 reviews) "The bed was so comfortable. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. Blue Palace Elounda 9. If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. #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. Its a year-round Greek town that attracts tourists and expats, rather than a purpose-built tourist town. 1. There is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport, 1 hr 10 minutes from Heraklion International Airport book a transfer. Essentially, Myrtos has something to offer everyone from a secluded, sandy seafront to a large dose of historical culture. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. Palm-fringed Preveli is one of the most unique and beautiful beaches on Crete. Youre most likely to end up here if youre catching a ferry to Kythira or to Gythio on the mainland, or if youre using it as a base to explore the nearby beaches at Balos and Falassarna. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. 17. Pick the Nana Princess in Hersonissos for a relaxing getaway. 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. For initial visits to Crete, especially if you have limited time to travel, plan on staying in one of the 5 main settlements. The hotel is all-inclusive but the food was of excellent quality." Breakfast included 2022 4. The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs.
THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor Honeymoons - This is . Wonderful! The White Houses are traditional waterfront houses decorated in local antiques and cool whites and blues. Angela Suites Boutique Hotel is all whites and blues and has a pool. The City Hotel & Suites is a clean and modern hotel offering excellent value at a lower price point, as are Menta City Boutique Hotel and Omiros Boutique Hotel. Ierapetra is known as the capital of the south coast as its the biggest town along the coast, and one of the southernmost towns in Europe. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. 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. Isolated, authentic, and very tranquil, Lentas isnt for Crete thrill-seekers or partygoers. 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. Its known for its big waves, fishing heritage, and seafood tavernas set around a small crescent of beach. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. 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! The KTEL bus station is in the new town, a 10-minute walk from the main harbour see PDF timetables. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. Mykonos has the best beach clubs (and nightlife). Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. 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. See More, A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. 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! Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. 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. There are also plenty of boat trips are available from its harbour.
This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. Suites and private villas have personal pools. But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. Some beaches are considered 'insider tips' among locals and tourists and can only be reached on foot, while other beach areas regularly host large numbers of sun-hungry visitors. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. })(); For all the legal bits go to myDisclaimer and Privacy Policy, Cretan cooking experience in the mountains, check rooms and availability on Booking.com, 10 Perfect Gifts for Foodies Who Love Greece (Ideal for a Hamper), 10 Best Places for a Sunny Winter City Break in Europe. Fortunately, the prices in Elounda dont have a Hollywood price tag. 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. There are 3 main beaches and a long waterfront area thats full of seafood restaurants, bars and clubs, and is popular in the evening. 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. However, Balos Beach caught our eye for its clean waters and beautiful offshore reefs. Lyttos Mare 5. East of Sitia the crowds really thin out most tourists dont make it beyond this point. The prices in Hersonissos are very competitive, partially to lure customers out of the many all-inclusive hotels in the area. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. Two Cretes minor islands Chryssi and Koufonisi are just off this part of the shore. Besides the beach, guests gather at the Olympic-sized pool and water park with a big slides for older kids and adults.
The 10 Best Resorts in Chania, Greece | Booking.com Sfakia is the nearest town for amenities. Bored of sunning yourself? That said, there are bus links to Rethymno and Heraklion so car hire is not necessary. Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. There is a small airport serving flights to and from Athens. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa 2. Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. Avli Luxury Apartments are sumptuously decorated and theres a rooftop pool. The LATO Boutique Hotel is more modern and has harbour views. Numerous beautiful beaches with soft sand or colored pebbles are found in the prefecture of Chania in western Crete.
Crete Quiet Resorts & Hotels : Book a Hotel Room at one of many Quiet Best 32 Beaches in Heraklion, Greece | Greeka If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience .
THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Resorts 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor Falassarna is located on the west coast of the island around a 2 hour 40 minute drive from Heraklion airport. listeners: [], 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. Just dont expect to find authentic Crete here. 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. And Plakias now has a youth hostel! Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. These vary greatly depending on the region and location: Snow white sand alternates with shell sand and fine gravel. 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. Be aware that roads and bus routes in the south are sparse, its easier to plan an itinerary that takes in one region or travels along the north coast. Beach bums are better off at Plakias (see below). 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. Rapid growth resulted in some dense development around the small harbour, and the small beach is a 10-minute walk out of the village. 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. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. 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. Chanias maze of old town streets have been prettied up for the tourists, but they still retain a charming atmosphere especially if you can catch them in spring before the masses arrive. Agree a time with him and he'll come back for you later. One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. 1,438 reviews.
23 Best Beaches In Greece to Visit in 2023 - The Planet D You can find private plunge pools at Miramare Resort & Spa. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. Its a windswept and low-key kind of place, with remnants of a hippie vibe. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. But at the end of the day, Mexico will always be known as a beach destination - and for good reason. 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.
The Top 3 Best Crete Family Resorts | Oyster.com If it gets a bit too quiet for you, Diskos is only around the corner, where tented villagers of camping earthy types take up half the beach, and you can buy handmade trinkets from pop-up hippy shops.