There is a small airport serving flights to and from Athens. Accommodation in Frangokastello is all self-catered and around the same price point. With all these unique and unforgettable experiences lying across the island of Crete, it is hard not to feel guilty for so easily dismissing it into the realm of partying, disco balls, and all-nighters. The beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. There are some quieter beaches in the area if youre up for a bit of scrambling, and things calm down in the evening once the coaches have packed up for the day. 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. Despite the small size of Falassarna, its a popular spot and has a reputation for being one of the best beaches in Crete. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. Transfer time: 25 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Transfer time: 20 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. Z Boutique Hotel has comfortable rooms and a small pool. See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. The nation boasts nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, stretching along the warm Gulf of Mexico to the east and the . 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. } event : evt, 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. The coastline between these cities is the busiest and most developed part of the island. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. This area is perfect for beach lovers (although its worth noting that the main beach does get very windy). Its a popular day-trip destination and the crowds somewhat marr the incredible natural landscape with its towering rock formations. There are only a few places to stay in Plaka try Athina Villas, Plaka Beach Cottages, and Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. The harbourfront is lined with restaurants and smart boutiques, and the narrow alleys filled with souvenir shops, and the colourful tables and twinkly lights of tavernas vying for your trade. Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel Show prices Enter dates to see prices 202 reviews Dont expect anything in the way of amenities when you get there (its actually a nature reserve and is treated accordingly). Naxos has the best beaches (but little nightlife). 17. Cool or what? Kalamaki is located on the south coast of the island around an hours drive from Heraklion airport. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. S&K Villas near Amyrida has a modern white cubist design and pool. 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. You can find private plunge pools at Miramare Resort & Spa. For those who dont fancy a steep, heady climb on their holidays, it is possible to hire a fishing boat in Agia Roumeli to take you to Domata. Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. Another sleepy Crete village, Tsoutsouros is undeveloped and charming (just how we like it). 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. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. 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. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 45 minutes from Chania International airport. Value 4.1. 2,101 reviews. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. 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. By that, I mean you want to indulge in some serious chilling, but also maybe want to have a good time in the evening too. On the harbour: If youre after a harbourfront hotel with a sea views balcony just bear in mind that noise and light from the restaurants below go on until late. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. This 5* property offers boutique accommodation decorated in a typically Mediterranean fashion and with either a private plunge pool or hot tub. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. Astoria Hotel is a small family-run hotel with sea views and coastal decor. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. This ultra-luxurious haven combines the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. And Plakias now has a youth hostel! 302 reviews. There are actually three beaches within walking distance from the cobbled stone street village, all of which are pretty shallow and nestled amongst some really lovely local topography, allowing for some rather nice snorkelling experiences. 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. A luxurious hideaway near Rethymnon. Return to simpler times at this beautiful hideaway on Crete. That said, there are bus links to Rethymno and Heraklion so car hire is not necessary. 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. You are properly in the land of Greek mythology, I expected Jason and his argonauts to pop over the horizon at any moment whilst we sat on the beach. The LATO Boutique Hotel is more modern and has harbour views. Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore. Head west for quieter beaches at Amnisos or Tobrouk. Beach bums are better off at Plakias (see below). Although, shell always have a special place in her heart for the city where she makes her annual pilgrimages Paris, her true city of lights. One of the best beaches in the south coast of Crete, You can actually park the car by the beach, there are a couple o. Elafonisi Lagoon is located on the west coast of the Greek island of Crete around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. Crete is almost completely surrounded by beaches. 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. 18. Its perfect for mature couples who dont need excursions and are happy to rent a car to explore the south coast. Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. Several of Eloundas top luxury hotels are actually in Plaka, so read the section above if you havent already. It is truly non-commercialised, and we hope it stays that way. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. 1. Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. } It also provides stunning views from all angles. Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection 6. NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. "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.". One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. Candia Suites are close to the harbour with clean modern interiors and bicycle rental available. There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. Mar 20 - Mar 21. Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. There are a few tavernas and perhaps the occasional cafe bordering the shallow rocky beach. 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. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. Or the clean and modern Central City Hotel and Aeolios Design Hotel. of the rooms, the quality of the beach. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. 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. The area is also crisscrossed with donkey paths that make it fantastic for walking (its possible to walk to Plaka). Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. 9 Theofanus Street, Chania, Crete Island, 731 00. Lasithi, the easternmost province of Crete, is home to some of its most luxurious hotels as well as its wildest and most traditional areas. What was once a small Greek village has now become a cosmopolitan town, with bars, restaurants and hotels surrounding picturesque Lake Voulismeni. 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. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. forms: { Transfer time: 15-45 minutes from Chania International airport. ". On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. 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. 1,438 reviews. Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Some swim-up rooms are available. Pick the Nana Princess in Hersonissos for a relaxing getaway. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. (function() { 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). Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Transfer time: Ierapetra minutes from Heraklion airport, Makrigialos 1 hr 50 minutes from Heraklion airport. 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. Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. #26 Best Value of 502 Quiet Hotels in Crete. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. " 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 . Start the day with farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride. 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. Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. Utterly relaxing. Some of the most beautiful and unique beaches are in the area nearby Damnoni is sandy with shallow clear waters, perfect for kids. But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price. 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. Accommodation is spacious and secluded, the best options have heated seawater pools, but all are utterly indulgent. on: function(evt, cb) { It is hardly surprising then that there are a world-class selection of beach hotels to choose from. 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. Euphoria Resort 7. 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 See More, Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. Location 3.9. #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. The upmarket vibe of Elounda is rubbing off on the small nearby village of Plaka, which is ideal with those looking for a quiet and peaceful holiday. Wonderful! Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. The swankiest resort in town is the long-established Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort. If you are staying one or more nights, you dont need to worry about thumping music or all-night parties. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. You can always visit the amazing chapel of Prophet Elias. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. Transfer time: 1hr 15 minutes from Heraklion airport. The five restaurants serve a range of food from sushi to Greek and there's a fabulous spa too. For all intents and purposes its a real treasure. Service 4.3. Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. 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. A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. Agia Galini has a great selection of accommodation. "If you are looking for delicious food, spacious luxury rooms, a marvellous location directly on the beach and an excellent service, Mitsis Laguna is the answer.". 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. The Spinalonga peninsula is connected to the town by a causeway the peninsula curves right around and the UNESCO-listed island sits at its tip, creating a natural harbour sheltered from the elements. Sfakia is the nearest town for amenities. 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. 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. See More, An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. 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. 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. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. Suites, bungalows, and villas are light and airy with large swathes of glass and a modern take on Cretian design. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort has a Six Senses Spa, direct beach access, and a private 9-hole golf course. 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. Other options include Hotel Loutro Bay,SifisandDaskalogiannis Hotel. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. Kalamaki is a relatively new town in Crete, it has more of a purpose-built feel to it. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. One of the main things to do in Heraklion is to catch a ferry to visit Santorini, Mykonos and other places. GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. 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. Many boat trips, excursions, and day tours are available, and its possible to make some journeys (such as hiking the Samaria Gorge) yourself by bus. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. { And theres an ancient Minoan site that youre likely to have to yourself. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. 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. 9.8/5 (157 reviews) "The bed was so comfortable. Where to Stay on Corfu: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Kefalonia: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Lefkada: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Zakynthos: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Skiathos: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Rhodes: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Mallorca: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Ibiza: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on Menorca: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide, Where to Stay on the Turkish Coast: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide. It can be as quiet or as rowdy as you like. 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. Belvedere Apartments are box fresh and have spa access. 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. The resort boasts an outdoor hot tub. With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. Myrtos village is located on the south coast of Crete an 1 hour 20 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. The beaches arent huge so they do get busy; Bali is larger than it looks and popular with the package tourism crowd and daytrippers from the wider area. 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!