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All rooms come with an outdoor pool and private hot tubs. })(); 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. You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. 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. 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. The coastline between these cities is the busiest and most developed part of the island. Hostels: Chania has two gorgeous design hostel options Cocoon City Hostel and Kumba. Try the spotless Marina Hotel, or the beautiful white and blue decor and sea views atElektra. Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Dont expect anything in the way of amenities when you get there (its actually a nature reserve and is treated accordingly). The resort boasts an outdoor hot tub. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. "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.". Go in the shoulder months and youll be rewarded with a day trip to remember. Bored of sunning yourself? On a budget? Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion Airport. There are also plenty of boat trips are available from its harbour. 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. Boutique and luxury: Cressa Corona Boutique Hotel is the best address in town. 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. 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. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. This area is perfect for beach lovers (although its worth noting that the main beach does get very windy). Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. It is slightly commercialised, but that said if you like the occasional deep-fried or sugary treat delivered to your lounger whilst you catch the sun, its not too bad at all! } If you have a mix of old and young children or value convenience then Stalis is a solid option. If you can get beyond immediate appearances, it has a likeable vibe there are some excellent museums and a good bar and music scene propped up by the local student population. Show Prices. With the exception of Paleochora, that is. The White Houses are traditional waterfront houses decorated in local antiques and cool whites and blues. Crete is almost completely surrounded by beaches. The city of Rethymnon (you might also see it spelt Rethymno or Rethimno) is like a smaller, more chilled version of Chania. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. . 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. There are lots of lovely places to stay in Rethymnon. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. The KTEL bus station is in the new town, a 10-minute walk from the main harbour see PDF timetables. At Finikounda in south-western Peloponnese, it's a simple beach resort with honey-hued beaches, space for 80 campers, and 16 sizeable bungalows with their own bathrooms, cooking facilities. Transfer time: 25 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Although elements of the walk can be tiring, its most definitely worth it. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. 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 Troulis Apart-hotel is excellent value. Myrtos village is located on the south coast of Crete an 1 hour 20 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. If you are staying one or more nights, you dont need to worry about thumping music or all-night parties. This 5* property offers boutique accommodation decorated in a typically Mediterranean fashion and with either a private plunge pool or hot tub. The wonderful White Mountains are located in Western Crete, and their gleaming shine is the dominant feature of the region. event : evt, Several celebrities (including Brad and Angelina in happier days) have been spotted walking on its sandy shores, this combined with it being a hotspot for European dignitaries just adds to the appeal. 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. all were excellent and we recommend this hotel with a true "vacation vibe" to all couples wanting a quiet and relaxing vacation on the wonderful beach of Crete". A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. Transfer time: 15-45 minutes from Chania International airport. Best Places in Crete to Stay for First-Timers and Sightseeing: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos. These vary greatly depending on the region and location: Snow white sand alternates with shell sand and fine gravel. There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. There are plenty of options for self-catered too, likeVilla Niki. Agios Nikolaos Best for families A favourite of package holiday companies, Agios Nikolaos is one of Crete's biggest but most charming resorts, making it a great choice for families. The best of the rest are: Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites, Villa Ippocampi,Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel,Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Cooks Club. The infamous resort of Malia is known for its 24hr party scene its the best spot for nightlife on Crete, as legions of teenage boys well know. A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection Show prices Enter dates to see prices Koutouloufari is awash with luxury adults-only complexes. There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. For those on a smaller budget, have a look at the small and friendly Nostos Hotel which is a few minutes from the main harbour. 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. 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. 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. 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. Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. For all intents and purposes its a real treasure. A wonderful place to visit and stay in Crete! See More, A home-away-from-home set in a stunning rural spot with beaches, bars and tavernas a walk away. 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. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. 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. Greece has over 1000 islands of which only 227 are inhabited. Including the five star beach resorts, family friendly hotels on Crete and great value finds. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. 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. Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. Its only a matter of steps to the beach. 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). Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. 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. A classy, modern hotel. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. } Classy Veneziano Boutique Hotel is in a beautifully renovated historic building. 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). The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. 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. Check TUI for packages including hotels and flights. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. callback: cb Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. The hotel is all-inclusive but the food was of excellent quality." Breakfast included 2022 4. 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. Glika Nera Beach 190 Beaches By 849jeremyn Bali is roughly halfway between Rethymno and Heraklion there are bus services both but not as frequent as other resorts. See More, A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. It doesnt matter where you go you will always find greenery spots. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. #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." Special offer 2022 8. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. The 3* Villa Maxine Hotel is great value and has a chic poolside area. The Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. Mythos Suites is another town highlight with a pool. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. 18. 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. 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. There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser. Or the clean and modern Central City Hotel and Aeolios Design Hotel. Falassarna is located on the west coast of the island around a 2 hour 40 minute drive from Heraklion airport. See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. You may have to head to the south coast when the wind is blowing. "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 area is also crisscrossed with donkey paths that make it fantastic for walking (its possible to walk to Plaka). 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. Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. The LATO Boutique Hotel is more modern and has harbour views. The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. For those who love to explore there are ruins all over the area dating from the Neolithic and Roman periods which, with a bit of tenacity can be uncovered and discovered. 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. 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. a rundown of Crete's quieter resorts and villages; the best places to stay for couples, families and nature CRETE OVERVIEW BEST LUXURY HOTELS: Domes of Elounda, Daios Cove, Abaton Island Resort and Spa, Domes Noruz. If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. 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 local fare in many of the harbour tavernas is about as close as you can come to freshness, maybe even caught meters from where you sit. 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. forms: { See More, Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. 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. Did somebody say wine? The beach is large and there are a range of tavernas and shops offering food at a very reasonable price. The prices in Hersonissos are very competitive, partially to lure customers out of the many all-inclusive hotels in the area. 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. See more photos Add to shortlist. Show prices. You can find private plunge pools at Miramare Resort & Spa. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. #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. Aside from the peacefulness of the region, it is hard not to be astounded by the artwork the elements left behind- a series of terraces in the rock face which, will undoubtedly leave you awestruck. Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. There are only a few places to stay in Plaka try Athina Villas, Plaka Beach Cottages, and Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. The landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. 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. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. A luxurious hideaway near Rethymnon. 1,438 reviews. Blue Palace Elounda 9. See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. 302 reviews. Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. Its a perfect romantic destination for couples. Euphoria Resort 7. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. Numerous beautiful beaches with soft sand or colored pebbles are found in the prefecture of Chania in western Crete. Home / Beautiful Places / Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs. Its deliciously quiet in shoulder season. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. Agiofaraggo beach Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized, Nudism-Friendly View on map Location: 80 km south west of Heraklion Town 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. Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. 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. #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete . Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. 8. This is Crete off-the-beaten-track. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. 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. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. 17. Glyka Nera is located on the south coast of Crete a 2 hour 30 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. Some suites have access to a private hot tub on the roof terrave. Here you will find the emptiest beaches on the island and you can swim well into the autumn/winter months. 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. It is truly non-commercialised, and we hope it stays that way. It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. 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! Agia Galini has a great selection of accommodation. It also provides stunning views from all angles. Agree a time with him and he'll come back for you later. orange county stabbing victim, royal london hospital staff accommodation,