on: function(evt, cb) { . Theres a regular bus to Heraklion, and its possible to reach Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos for day trips too. The other top choice in Rethymnon is Rimondi Estate whose courtyard swimming pool is becoming an Instagram star in its own right. If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. Theres plenty to keep older children entertained, including watersports and boat trips. One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. What was once a small Greek village has now become a cosmopolitan town, with bars, restaurants and hotels surrounding picturesque Lake Voulismeni. #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. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. 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. Its friendly and authentic if you want to get away from mass tourism then this easternmost part of Crete is a good bet. Packages to Stalis are available through TUI. For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect. 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. One of the main things to do in Heraklion is to catch a ferry to visit Santorini, Mykonos and other places. Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. Where to Stay on Crete: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. See More, An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. There are lots of lovely places to stay in Rethymnon. Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. Agia Roumeli: Lots of budget rooms all around the same price point thanks to the proliferation of walkers tryAgia Roumeli Hotel or Gigilos which are both right on the beach. Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion Airport. Blue Palace Elounda 9. There is a small airport serving flights to and from Athens. Essentially, Myrtos has something to offer everyone from a secluded, sandy seafront to a large dose of historical culture. There are a few tavernas and perhaps the occasional cafe bordering the shallow rocky beach. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is fantastic its worth visiting before you head out to the ancient sites if you can. It is flanked by steep, mountainsides, home to a sizable herd of goats (judging from the clinking of bells) as well as a tepid sea, sheltered by a lush bay. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. #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 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 ultra-luxurious haven combines the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. From spending many breaks on this beautiful island, here is my choice for the quietest and most authentic and unspoiled places to visit in Crete which are perfect for travel snobs. 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. Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. #30 Best Value of 32 Crete Luxury Beach Resorts Agree a time with him and he'll come back for you later. A classy, modern hotel. Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. } A good selection of bars and restaurants. However, Balos Beach caught our eye for its clean waters and beautiful offshore reefs. Agiofaraggo beach Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized, Nudism-Friendly View on map Location: 80 km south west of Heraklion Town #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. On a budget? 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 beaches in the Rethymno province are some of the best not as dramatic as the west coast, but long and sandy and perfect for long, lazy beach days. Here, you can available of the offerings from the nearby tavernas and umbrellas are available. Transfer time: 1hr 15 minutes from Heraklion airport. 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. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. 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. THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete - Mar 2023 (with Prices 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. Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay. 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. Isolated, authentic, and very tranquil, Lentas isnt for Crete thrill-seekers or partygoers. per night. Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. Theres no real village to speak of, but there are a few places to stay tucked away in the flat plain behind the beach. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. 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 beaches here are small but this helps to keep the crowds away. The beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. } 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 12 Best Crete Beach Hotels (Greece) | Oyster.com NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. The main village is set 1km back from the beach and is a popular area for villas and expats. Enjoyed this post? Its perfect for mature couples who dont need excursions and are happy to rent a car to explore the south coast. Classy Veneziano Boutique Hotel is in a beautifully renovated historic building. Several of Eloundas top luxury hotels are actually in Plaka, so read the section above if you havent already. Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Theres a wide selection of accommodation, easy transport links, a short airport transfer, and child-friendly shallow waters. It can be as quiet or as rowdy as you like. 25 of the best places to stay in Greece and the Greek islands Boutique and luxury: Cressa Corona Boutique Hotel is the best address in town. 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. Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. Coastal perfection. Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is another beachfront blockbuster with private pools and daybeds. The best quiet beach in Crete? - Crete Message Board - Tripadvisor Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is home to the main airport of the island. Elounda Gulf Villas provide a free transfer to a private beach club. There is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." " 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 . Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. 15 Best Resorts in Crete | U.S. News Travel Its a popular day-trip destination and the crowds somewhat marr the incredible natural landscape with its towering rock formations. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. Service 4.3. Kids go free to the Minoan Amusement Park. Heading to the beautiful Greek island of Crete this year? 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. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. 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 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. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. BEST HOTELS RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Domes Noruz, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, Domes of Elounda. Its not particularly health and safety friendly, but if you are brave enough youll be rewarded with a view of a hidden church built within the caves. A stunning contemporary five star resort that will leave you wanting for nothing! Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. 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. 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! THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Hotels of 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor 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. Lyttos Mare 5. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. The Troulis Apart-hotel is excellent value. A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. 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. ; EAST: The beaches past Elia are beyond the reach of the bus and water taxi network so things calm down considerably. See More, A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. The city of Rethymnon (you might also see it spelt Rethymno or Rethimno) is like a smaller, more chilled version of Chania. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. Visit Mosque of the Janissaries in Crete | Expedia WHERE TO STAY in CRETE - Best Areas and Towns - Santorini Dave Transfer time: 1 hr 40 minutes from both Chania and Heraklion airports. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. Anissaras beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/brownieboy27/4986950206/in/set-72157624948245648 Report inappropriate content roseyManchester manchester This is Crete off-the-beaten-track. GEORGIOUPOLIS RESORT AQUAPARK AND SPA - Prices & Hotel Reviews (Greece) THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. The 3* Villa Maxine Hotel is great value and has a chic poolside area. Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. Crete's Best Beach Hotels | The Hotel Guru Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. See More, Domes Noruz Chania boasts a spectacular location on the coast of Crete. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. Oceanview Designer Beach House (4 guests): $300/night. Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. Pick of the pack is the uber-chic Serenissima Boutique Hotel its located one block back from the main harbour in a 15th-century Venetian mansion. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next beach break? All rooms come with an outdoor pool and private hot tubs. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. Lyttos Beach Resort is a 150-acre family-friendly hotel with dated interior spaces but beautiful grounds, including a sandy beach with free loungers and a lifeguard. Sougia is a small village located by the Libyan sea, it can be a bit of a drive, especially from some of the more developed areas, but that was half the fun! The south is wild and remote with a spectacularly rocky coast and a few standout beach resorts. The area is also crisscrossed with donkey paths that make it fantastic for walking (its possible to walk to Plaka). On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. 9. Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. Giannoulis - Grand Bay Beach Resort (Exclusive Adults Only) Kolymvari. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. These vary greatly depending on the region and location: Snow white sand alternates with shell sand and fine gravel. If you have a car then you might also want to consider accommodation up in Mirtios village above the bay. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. The swankiest resort in town is the long-established Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort. 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. 1. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. See More, This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. 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. The nearest rooms are a few miles away try the sereneGlykeria Hoteland Elafonisi Resort. Ligaria is located on the north coast of Crete around a 30 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort has a Six Senses Spa, direct beach access, and a private 9-hole golf course. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. Its a windswept and low-key kind of place, with remnants of a hippie vibe. As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. Grecotel Meli Palace and Kalimera Kriti Resort both have direct beach access. These hikes can be strenuous and at some moments, hair-raising but they are well maintained. Its known for its big waves, fishing heritage, and seafood tavernas set around a small crescent of beach. A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. Myrtos village is located on the south coast of Crete an 1 hour 20 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort 3. 9.8/5 (157 reviews) "The bed was so comfortable. If you have a mix of old and young children or value convenience then Stalis is a solid option. It has a sand-and-pebble beach and a handful of good tavernas to choose from. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. 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. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . It gets very popular and usually attracts people who go there for clubbing. Where to Stay on Rhodes: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide Palm-fringed Preveli is one of the most unique and beautiful beaches on Crete. #1 Best Value of 1,305 Crete Beach Hotels "Beach - Currently sitting on the beach I can tell you it is a little sun trap! 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. 18. 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. 1,438 reviews. #9 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete. 302 reviews. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. 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 . And oh the food! The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection 6. Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site.
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