Suites and private villas have personal pools. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. These vary greatly depending on the region and location: Snow white sand alternates with shell sand and fine gravel. Triopetra Beach is located on the south of the island around a 2 hour drive from Heraklion airport. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. #26 Best Value of 502 Quiet Hotels in Crete. The city of Rethymnon (you might also see it spelt Rethymno or Rethimno) is like a smaller, more chilled version of Chania. Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. Its a relaxed south coast village, about 30km from Agia Galini, and has a wide, sandy Blue Flag beach and a spacious feel. Coastal perfection. 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! The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. Best Quiet Resort - Crete Message Board - Tripadvisor Paleochora is located on a small peninsula with beaches on either side perfect for windsurfing as one of them will always be catching the wind. Some of the beach resorts along Rethymnon beach include: The area around Platanes is popular and sandy. An epic choice of restaurants and bars. The long-distance hiking route passes through the area, and there are several smaller gorges and empty beaches such as Sweetwater to discover. Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. 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. On a budget? Therefore it can be easier to decide on arrival airport/port first, or any attractions that you particularly want to visit, in order to narrow down where to stay. A spoiling stay. 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)! If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . Agree a time with him and he'll come back for you later. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. If you want to be closer to the beaches, Nostos Beach Boutique Hotel is freshly renovated and has a pool, beach bar and day beds. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. It gets very popular and usually attracts people who go there for clubbing. A good selection of bars and restaurants. 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 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 . 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. For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. #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." Visit hotel website 2022 8. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. It has a slightly scruffy feel but there are two town beaches, an archaeological museum and some excellent restaurants to entertain you. If you want to meet other travellers there are two hostels in town Intra Muros and So Young, but private rooms in traditional domatia or apartments can be foundfor a similar price. Oceanfront Home With Views (7 guests): $325/night. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. If you have a car then you might also want to consider accommodation up in Mirtios village above the bay. There is an increasing number of upmarket resorts in Sissi. Its deliciously quiet in shoulder season. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. Chora Sfakion: A few upmarket options here such as the No Problem Luxury Suite (it has a bathtub), and the excellent value Livikon Hotel and Samaria Hotel which both have fresh white and blue decor and seaview balconies. S&K Villas near Amyrida has a modern white cubist design and pool. Crossing the south of the island is difficult. As with the other northern cities, it has a Venetian Fortress (the Kazarma) and an Archaeological Museum. And you can find amazing rock formations nearby at Souda such as Calypso Bay. But it would be a shame to miss out on the excellent tavernas in Panormo. Dont expect anything in the way of amenities when you get there (its actually a nature reserve and is treated accordingly). 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. 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. One of the main things to do in Heraklion is to catch a ferry to visit Santorini, Mykonos and other places. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel. . Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. 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 Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. 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. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. There are also plenty of boat trips are available from its harbour. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. Giannoulis - Grand Bay Beach Resort (Exclusive Adults Only) Kolymvari. Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. 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. Not overly touristy (though all the amenities are present), it has a working town feel albeit one with an Ottoman mosque, Venetian Fortress, and Blue Flag Beach. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. What was once a small Greek village has now become a cosmopolitan town, with bars, restaurants and hotels surrounding picturesque Lake Voulismeni. Luxury highlights: Domes Noruz in Kato Daratsa is the 5* pick beachfront location, private plunge pools and hot tubs are available. 25 of the best places to stay in Greece and the Greek islands You wont find parties and bars here, oh no. Very good. 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. Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort 3. The KTEL bus station is in the new town, a 10-minute walk from the main harbour see PDF timetables. Despite the small size of Falassarna, its a popular spot and has a reputation for being one of the best beaches in Crete. The Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. 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. Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. A wonderful place to visit and stay in Crete! Greece has over 1000 islands of which only 227 are inhabited. Most visitors wont venture far outside the old town, the nexus of which is the pretty 14th-century Venetian harbourfront, but surrounding it is a decent-sized the modern university city with a year-round population of 60,000 people. On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. Elounda Gulf Villas provide a free transfer to a private beach club. Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. ". The 12 Best Crete Beach Hotels (Greece) | Oyster.com 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. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. 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. It can be as quiet or as rowdy as you like. An adults-only hotel in a converted historic mansion, it has been elegantly restored and has its own hammam. 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. Bozzali. Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. 16 best beaches in Mexico, from surf escapes to peaceful bays | CN Go in the shoulder months and youll be rewarded with a day trip to remember. There are a few large all-inclusive hotels in Panormo Iberostar Creta Marine and Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare being two of the larger ones. Suites have private pools. #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete . Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. 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. Heraklion itself is not quite an attractive destination in the same way that Chania and Rethymnon are much of its historic architecture was damaged during heavy bombing in WWII. Falassarna is located on the west coast of the island around a 2 hour 40 minute drive from Heraklion airport. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. 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. 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. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. For initial visits to Crete, especially if you have limited time to travel, plan on staying in one of the 5 main settlements. 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! Other options include Hotel Loutro Bay,SifisandDaskalogiannis Hotel. Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. Two Cretes minor islands Chryssi and Koufonisi are just off this part of the shore. Here, you can available of the offerings from the nearby tavernas and umbrellas are available. 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. Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. 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. 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. Balos beach Chania Balos is a fantastic location on the northwestern side of Crete, in the region of Chania. In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. Transfer time: 1hr 15 minutes from Heraklion airport. Milatos is a small and low-key beach resort just beyond Sissi. 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. 5* resort Domes of Elounda is one of Cretes most exclusive hotels and has access to a private sandy beach, VIP services, and a champagne bar. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. 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. Including the five star beach resorts, family friendly hotels on Crete and great value finds. Service 4.3. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. T Hotel Premium Suites is the most comfortable place in town. It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. 20 BEST Crete Beaches To Visit - The World Pursuit 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. 15 Best Resorts in Crete | U.S. News Travel The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. Where to Stay on Crete: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. It doesnt matter where you go you will always find greenery spots. 18. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. There are numerous beaches to visit, and if they are a bit far or you want to go further afield, as a bigger resort you can find hire cars for the standard rate. GEORGIOUPOLIS RESORT AQUAPARK AND SPA - Prices & Hotel Reviews (Greece) } There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. Koutouloufari is awash with luxury adults-only complexes. Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. 2,101 reviews.