Here you will find the emptiest beaches on the island and you can swim well into the autumn/winter months. Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. Although elements of the walk can be tiring, its most definitely worth it. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. Show Prices. Atlantica Kalliston Resort. 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. Check TUI for packages including hotels and flights. 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 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. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort has a Six Senses Spa, direct beach access, and a private 9-hole golf course. Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion Airport. Boat trips to Balos leave from the harbour. : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. Falassarna is located on the west coast of the island around a 2 hour 40 minute drive from Heraklion airport. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. 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. Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. #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 landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty.
THE 10 BEST Luxury Beach Resorts in Crete - Tripadvisor Did somebody say wine? Options are spread out along the vast beach so check the location before booking if you want to be closer to the castle for proximity to the few tavernas and cafes. However, dont let that put you off. Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel. 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. Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation.
WHERE TO STAY in CRETE - Best Areas and Towns - Santorini Dave 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. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. $148. Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. The KTEL bus station is in the new town, a 10-minute walk from the main harbour see PDF timetables. Kids go free to the Minoan Amusement Park. 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. There is a small airport serving flights to and from Athens. 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. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. Transfer time: 2hrs from Heraklion International airport, 10 minutes from Sitia Public Airport. This area is perfect for beach lovers (although its worth noting that the main beach does get very windy). 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. 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. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. Transfer time: 1hr 15 minutes from Heraklion airport.
The best quiet beach in Crete? - Crete Message Board - Tripadvisor 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! Agiofaraggo beach Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized, Nudism-Friendly View on map Location: 80 km south west of Heraklion Town Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . 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 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 coastline between these cities is the busiest and most developed part of the island. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." Service 4.3. The best beach in the area is at Anissaras, this is a 4 kms taxi ride west from Koutouloufari and any taxi driver will know where it is. Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. 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. 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. You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. It doesnt matter where you go you will always find greenery spots. } One of the main things to do in Heraklion is to catch a ferry to visit Santorini, Mykonos and other places. 4.4/5 Wonderful! Euphoria Resort 7. Angela Suites Boutique Hotel is all whites and blues and has a pool.
23 Best Beaches In Greece to Visit in 2023 - The Planet D Where to Stay on Rhodes: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide 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. Milatos is a small and low-key beach resort just beyond Sissi. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. Its known for its big waves, fishing heritage, and seafood tavernas set around a small crescent of beach. forms: { Yes: Sougia is the best quiet beach in Crete, without a doubt.
THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Resorts 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. 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. Packages to Stalis are available through TUI. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. Except for the blockbuster beaches that attract day trips, its not ideal for beach tourism. 2,101 reviews. There are also plenty of boat trips are available from its harbour. And theres an ancient Minoan site that youre likely to have to yourself. Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. 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. Nearby is the Palace of Malia, one of the best Minoan ruins on the island. The lazy river was a particular highlight. Parts of it are organised in the summer months though, and it does attract daytrippers. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. Accommodation is spacious and secluded, the best options have heated seawater pools, but all are utterly indulgent. 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. Honeymoons - This is . 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. Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. Some of the most beautiful and unique beaches are in the area nearby Damnoni is sandy with shallow clear waters, perfect for kids. 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. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. Suites have private pools. Boutique and luxury: Cressa Corona Boutique Hotel is the best address in town. 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. " 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 . Heading to the beautiful Greek island of Crete this year? {
THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Hotels of 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor Although almost every main beach gets busy in July and August, you can usually walk just a few minutes away to find a patch of heaven sans crowds. 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. . There are many dining options from Greek to Italian and the four bars serve up wonderful cocktails. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. You wont find parties and bars here, oh no. 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. Transfer time: 55 minutes from Heraklion International airport. S&K Villas near Amyrida has a modern white cubist design and pool. Theres plenty to keep older children entertained, including watersports and boat trips. But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price. A classy, modern hotel. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. Oceanfront Home With Views (7 guests): $325/night. However, Balos Beach caught our eye for its clean waters and beautiful offshore reefs. Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. A stunning contemporary five star resort that will leave you wanting for nothing! Even the briefest of strolls through the village will showcase many of the wonderful pottery studios.
THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Resorts 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor The famous Preveli Palm Beach with its exotic date palm forest at the end of Kourtaliotiko Gorge is 5km away. This is Crete off-the-beaten-track. Kalamaki is located on the south coast of the island around an hours drive from Heraklion airport. 1. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. 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. 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. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. Blue Palace Elounda 9. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. 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". With the exception of Paleochora, that is. Transfer time: 1hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. 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. Besides the beach, guests gather at the Olympic-sized pool and water park with a big slides for older kids and adults. The vibe is family-friendly thanks to its sheltered bay which is lined with a number of traditional tavernas. })(); 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. It has a sand-and-pebble beach and a handful of good tavernas to choose from. See More, Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. See More, A home-away-from-home set in a stunning rural spot with beaches, bars and tavernas a walk away. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. 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. It is truly non-commercialised, and we hope it stays that way. It has a slightly scruffy feel but there are two town beaches, an archaeological museum and some excellent restaurants to entertain you. 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. Mykonos is relatively small and you can easily drive around in a day. There are only a few places to stay in Plaka try Athina Villas, Plaka Beach Cottages, and Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International 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. The beaches here are small but this helps to keep the crowds away. 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. The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. 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). Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is home to the main airport of the island. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. 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. 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. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. You may have to head to the south coast when the wind is blowing. 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. Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. Balos Beach, Crete. The architecture of the village looks like it just sprang from a WWII novel, winding streets, brightly painted buildings, plenty of brick and crumbling plaster. Kalamaki is a relatively new town in Crete, it has more of a purpose-built feel to it. 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! 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. Grecotel Meli Palace and Kalimera Kriti Resort both have direct beach access.
Best 32 Beaches in Heraklion, Greece | Greeka A luxury beach holiday. Although the panorama can make you trigger happy with the camera, dont ignore the beauty right beside you on the path a Venetian fort, ancient churches, ancient cisterns, and the breath-taking remains of the ruined ancient town of Pikilassos, not to mention the beautiful flora and fauna that you encounter along the way, including lots of olive trees resist the urge to pillage! A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. 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. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. 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. Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. Some of the beach resorts along Rethymnon beach include: The area around Platanes is popular and sandy. The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! Pick the Nana Princess in Hersonissos for a relaxing getaway. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. 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. Mount Ida is the tallest peak of the range, named after the daughter of the King of Crete according to Greek mythology. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. 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.