best quiet beach resorts in crete

per night. Yes: Sougia is the best quiet beach in Crete, without a doubt. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. Here you will find the emptiest beaches on the island and you can swim well into the autumn/winter months. This is Crete off-the-beaten-track. 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World - Travel + Leisure 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. However, Balos Beach caught our eye for its clean waters and beautiful offshore reefs. Suites have private pools. No roads lead here and there are no nightclubs or nightlife. 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. The landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty. The town isnt strictly a beach resort, so theres plenty to see and do besides basking. See More, A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. Elafonisi Lagoon is located on the west coast of the Greek island of Crete around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Hotels of 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor 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. Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. Much of the south-west coast is rocky and inaccessible, with steep cliffs that drop dramatically into the sea and small beaches that form at the end of gorges. 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. 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. 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. 25 of the best places to stay in Greece and the Greek islands Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. 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. Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Some suites have access to a private hot tub on the roof terrave. Including the five star beach resorts, family friendly hotels on Crete and great value finds. Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel Show prices Enter dates to see prices 202 reviews The majority of Bahamian beaches are safely in "paradise on Earth" territory. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. The 12 Best Crete Beach Hotels (Greece) | Oyster.com Anissaras beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/brownieboy27/4986950206/in/set-72157624948245648 Report inappropriate content roseyManchester manchester Total bliss. 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. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. 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. 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. Even the briefest of strolls through the village will showcase many of the wonderful pottery studios. 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. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. Although elements of the walk can be tiring, its most definitely worth it. The main attraction in Stalis (or Stalida) is its 6km golden crescent of beach, and its proximity to party capital Malia (just a 30-minute walk). 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. Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. Mount Ida is the tallest peak of the range, named after the daughter of the King of Crete according to Greek mythology. " 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 . This is part of a Greek holiday resort guide series and will cover: Roughly speaking, the north coast is developed and is home to the main cities and also most of the beach resort towns. . 2,101 reviews. 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. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. The main town in the region is likeable Agios Nikolaos (or Ag Nik, as its affectionately known), which makes up the quartet of north coast main cities. Astoria Hotel is a small family-run hotel with sea views and coastal decor. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! See More, Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. Koutouloufari is awash with luxury adults-only complexes. Wonderful! Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. Sfakia is the nearest town for amenities. Its only a matter of steps to the beach. 17. For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. There are many dining options from Greek to Italian and the four bars serve up wonderful cocktails. } Bali is roughly halfway between Rethymno and Heraklion there are bus services both but not as frequent as other resorts. The beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. There are several beaches that you can reach by foot, and as the crowds thin out you can still find a few nudist beaches. Best 41 Beaches in Chania, Greece | Greeka Crete Quiet Resorts & Hotels : Book a Hotel Room at one of many Quiet Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. Avli Luxury Apartments are sumptuously decorated and theres a rooftop pool. The White Houses are traditional waterfront houses decorated in local antiques and cool whites and blues. The hotel is all-inclusive but the food was of excellent quality." Breakfast included 2022 4. Blue Palace Elounda 9. Those in search of the original 60s free-spirited vibe will be disappointed (though try nearby Red Beach), but Matala is a fun seaside town and is a good choice for younger couples looking for somewhere lively and photogenic. There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. The nation boasts nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, stretching along the warm Gulf of Mexico to the east and the . Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. 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. Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. Milatos is a small and low-key beach resort just beyond Sissi. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. But at the end of the day, Mexico will always be known as a beach destination - and for good reason. THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete - Mar 2023 (with Prices Visit Mosque of the Janissaries in Crete | Expedia 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. The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! Ranked as a top Travel Authority in the UK by Agility PR Solutions, Nominated as the best female travel blogger in the Teletext Holiday Awards 2019, British Annual Canada Travel Awards Finalist 2018, Nominated for the Best UK Travel Blog 2018, Cheapflights Travel Blog Awards Nominee 2017, GLOBAL GRASSHOPPER. Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore. Enjoyed this post? And if you'd like your own private pool, as well as access to a private beach, Refine your search to our Guru's recommendations for. Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. 3,851 reviews. Its a windswept and low-key kind of place, with remnants of a hippie vibe. This 5* property offers boutique accommodation decorated in a typically Mediterranean fashion and with either a private plunge pool or hot tub. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. It has a tranquil fishing village vibe, although the heart of the village does feel a bit commercialised, and there are some small beaches a short walk away (the main one is Boufos). 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. Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. 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. Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. Head west for quieter beaches at Amnisos or Tobrouk. T Hotel Premium Suites is the most comfortable place in town. See More, Impressive luxury resort, totally insulated from the outside world in semi-tropical gardens. 26. Theres a regular bus to Heraklion, and its possible to reach Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos for day trips too. The further out, the quieter it gets. 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. 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. Mar 20 - Mar 21. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. THE 10 BEST Crete Resorts of 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor 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). Agia Galini has a great selection of accommodation. 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. Beach bums are better off at Plakias (see below). THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor 15 Best Resorts in Crete | U.S. News Travel Panormos is located on the North Coast of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. A few Venetian buildings remain but most of the city is a modern concrete jungle that always seems to be dusty and full of building works that were halted during the crisis. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. These hikes can be strenuous and at some moments, hair-raising but they are well maintained. Crete Beach Resorts: Find 55281 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Oceanfront Hotels in Crete on Tripadvisor. Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. The south is wild and remote with a spectacularly rocky coast and a few standout beach resorts. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is home to the main airport of the island. Its raw beauty is undeniable, with glassy aquamarine waters and swirls of pastel-pink sands kissing the shore - a natural phenomenon caused by thousands of . Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. See More, An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. Several of Eloundas top luxury hotels are actually in Plaka, so read the section above if you havent already. Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Rooms mirror the outdoors, blue and breezy, some suites come with terraces and pools. Most of the accommodation in this area is in traditional rooms and studios. If you want a bit of light culture there is a church (Agios Panteleimon) on the Western side of the village, it has a gorgeous mosaic floor and is not commercial in any way (if you want to see it youll have to go to the kiosk on Sougia beach and ask for the key yourselfseriously)! 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. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." 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. It can be as quiet or as rowdy as you like. Balos beach Chania Balos is a fantastic location on the northwestern side of Crete, in the region of Chania. Transfer time: 15 minutes from Heraklion International airport. The vibe is family-friendly thanks to its sheltered bay which is lined with a number of traditional tavernas. (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. Boat trips to Balos leave from the harbour. 15 Best Luxury Crete Resorts on the Beach - overseas attractions #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! 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). Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. A luxurious hideaway near Rethymnon. Check out cheery Sunday Life. 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. There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. Its a perfect romantic destination for couples. 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! The most well-known landmark is the blush pink Yiali Tzami mosque on the waterfront, with the main (outer) harbour on one side and the Venetian (inner) harbour and arsenal on the other. Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. PRIVACY POLICY TERMS & CONDITION, Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs, Minos Palace Hotel & Suites Adults Only, The Royal Senses Resort Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton, Explore the Mediterranean Sea in a different way with, After a fun-filled day, relax and rejuvenate with, Discover peaceful, uncrowded scenery walking through, Learn about the architectural treasures from around the area and history of the village at, Dont leave without buying a piece of handcrafted pottery as, Find a spot near a bar or taverna along the beach to. Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. And oh the food! 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. And theres an ancient Minoan site that youre likely to have to yourself. 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! 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. 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. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. There are 3 main beaches and a long waterfront area thats full of seafood restaurants, bars and clubs, and is popular in the evening. Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. Crossing the south of the island is difficult. Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay. 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. Its a popular day-trip destination and the crowds somewhat marr the incredible natural landscape with its towering rock formations. Show Prices. Lyttos Mare 5. 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. Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. 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 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! On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. 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. See More, This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. Inside the old town: for historic charm check outBozzali Hotel with its whitewashed decor and cute courtyard, whereas Casa Delfino offers a modern take on the traditional Venetian mansion. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. This area is perfect for beach lovers (although its worth noting that the main beach does get very windy). La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort has a Six Senses Spa, direct beach access, and a private 9-hole golf course. 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. If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. 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. Location 3.9. 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. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next beach break? There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser. Triopetra Beach is located on the south of the island around a 2 hour drive from Heraklion airport. #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. If you have a car then you might also want to consider accommodation up in Mirtios village above the bay. This ultra-luxurious haven combines the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. Here, you can available of the offerings from the nearby tavernas and umbrellas are available. 16 best beaches in Mexico, from surf escapes to peaceful bays | CN You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. Many Chania beaches are among the best on the island, such as Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. Sitia, windsurf and nice beaches For a taste of the less touristy places on the island, Sitia is your town where to stay in Crete. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. Where to Stay on Crete: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. THE 10 BEST Crete Luxury Resorts 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor 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. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. The wonderful White Mountains are located in Western Crete, and their gleaming shine is the dominant feature of the region. But there are plenty of alternatives if your budget doesnt stretch quite that far, have a look at Blue Bay Resort Hotel, Peninsula Resort Hotel, Pela Mare, Seascape Luxury Residences, and Acro Wellness Suites. The main cities and towns on the north coast are linked by regular buses each regional capital has buses going to the south of its region. An adults-only hotel in a converted historic mansion, it has been elegantly restored and has its own hammam. Nearby is the Palace of Malia, one of the best Minoan ruins on the island. { Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection Show prices Enter dates to see prices 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. See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. See More, Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. 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. 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. Tourism here peaked in the 90s and as such it has a slightly careworn feel and is friendly but not busy. 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 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.



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