The famous Preveli Palm Beach with its exotic date palm forest at the end of Kourtaliotiko Gorge is 5km away. Ligaria is located on the north coast of Crete around a 30 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. 1,438 reviews. On a budget? " 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 . Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. Giannoulis - Grand Bay Beach Resort (Exclusive Adults Only) Kolymvari. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. 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. But the highlight is the peaceful and picture-perfect sugar cube village of Loutro, with its whitewashed walls and electric blue seas. For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. 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. 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. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 45 minutes from Chania International airport. 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 . Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. As Chania is a regional capital and in close proximity to so many beach resorts, it makes a great base to explore the west of the island. Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. Mar 20 - Mar 21. Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. There are a few large all-inclusive hotels in Panormo Iberostar Creta Marine and Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare being two of the larger ones. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . of the rooms, the quality of the beach. Oceanfront Home With Views (7 guests): $325/night. Meanwhile, the main beach of the area, West Triopetra or Chatzi, is characterised by beautiful coarse sand which casts unusual colours across the beach and water. 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. Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa. Most of the accommodation in this area is in traditional rooms and studios. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is fantastic its worth visiting before you head out to the ancient sites if you can. 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. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. Bored of sunning yourself? event : evt, Theres no real village to speak of, but there are a few places to stay tucked away in the flat plain behind the beach. Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the 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. Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel. Although be warned, the walk takes five to seven hours and can be strenuous, especially at the peak of summer. 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. 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. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { 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. With the exception of Paleochora, that is. 9 Theofanus Street, Chania, Crete Island, 731 00. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. Even the briefest of strolls through the village will showcase many of the wonderful pottery studios. And Plakias now has a youth hostel! Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. The south is wild and remote with a spectacularly rocky coast and a few standout beach resorts. 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. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. In addition to 14 freshwater outdoor and indoor pools, it has a 350-meter beach with umbrellas, beach chairs, water sports (for a fee), beach volleyball, and beach parties hosted by the entertainment team. Transfer time: 55 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Several of Eloundas top luxury hotels are actually in Plaka, so read the section above if you havent already. There are some quieter beaches in the area if youre up for a bit of scrambling, and things calm down in the evening once the coaches have packed up for the day. Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay. South coast Agia Galini is a small harbour town that was once the biggest resort town in the Rethymno region. Sfakia is the nearest town for amenities. 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. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. Theres plenty to keep older children entertained, including watersports and boat trips. 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. 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. 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! Show Prices. 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. Show Prices. 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. : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. Transfer time: Ierapetra minutes from Heraklion airport, Makrigialos 1 hr 50 minutes from Heraklion airport. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. 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. Suites and private villas have personal pools. Its also a good base if you want to rent a car as there are plenty of beaches to explore in the area and its only a 15-minute drive to Rethymnon. 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). Crete Beach Resorts: Find 55281 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Oceanfront Hotels in Crete on Tripadvisor. 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. The wonderful White Mountains are located in Western Crete, and their gleaming shine is the dominant feature of the region. The White Houses are traditional waterfront houses decorated in local antiques and cool whites and blues. This ultra-luxurious haven combines the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. 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. Naxos has the best beaches (but little nightlife). I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. Mythos Suites is another town highlight with a pool. Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa 2. You can find private plunge pools at Miramare Resort & Spa. Transfer time: 1hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. (function() { Enter dates to see prices. Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. 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 it tickles your fancy there is a naturist beach off to the east. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. Packages to Stalis are available through TUI. Anissaras beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/brownieboy27/4986950206/in/set-72157624948245648 Report inappropriate content roseyManchester manchester Small ferry boats make the run over to Spinalonga from both Plaka and Elounda. A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. Sougia is located on the South West coast of the island around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion airport. 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. A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. . Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. Libyan Princess is the most comfortable and modern hotel on the block. forms: { Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. Enjoy the many dining options, good spa and lots of activities - tennis, water sports and nearby nightlife. 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. There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. There is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. It has a sand-and-pebble beach and a handful of good tavernas to choose from. There are only a few places to stay in Plaka try Athina Villas, Plaka Beach Cottages, and Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. The LATO Boutique Hotel is more modern and has harbour views. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay. 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. Its a year-round Greek town that attracts tourists and expats, rather than a purpose-built tourist town. on: function(evt, cb) { Suites have private pools. Start the day with farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. Stavros Bay aerial: Mike Drosos / Shutterstock, Matala rocks: Georgios Tsichlis / Shutterstock, Map of Crete: The Mediterranean Traveller, Map of Chania region The Mediterranean Traveller, Elafonissi: Zakhar Marunov / Adobe Stock, Paleochora: Vladimir1984 / Shutterstock, Map of Rethymnon region The Mediterranean Traveller, Panormo: Jaroslav Moravcik / Shutterstock, Agia Galini: Georgios Kritsotakis / Shutterstock, Map of Heraklion region The Mediterranean Traveller, Agia Pelagia: Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock, Map of Lasithi region The Mediterranean Traveller, Agios Nikolaos: olgaarkhipenko / Adobe Stock, Elounda: Georgios Tsichlis / Shutterstock. 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. The nearest rooms are a few miles away try the sereneGlykeria Hoteland Elafonisi Resort. #30 Best Value of 32 Crete Luxury Beach Resorts Fortunately, the prices in Elounda dont have a Hollywood price tag. 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. On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. !" Breakfast included 2022 2. And its one of the warmest places in the Mediterranean in winter. Bozzali. With steep sandy-coloured rocks dropping directly into the sea in this horseshoe-shaped bay and crystal clear water it is postcard perfect. Atlantica Kalliston Resort. However, Balos Beach caught our eye for its clean waters and beautiful offshore reefs. 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. Its a perfect romantic destination for couples. Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. The beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. Check out Aspri Petra Apartments or Asterias Village. Agree a time with him and he'll come back for you later. 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. Greeces largest island has quickly developed a reputation as a party island with crowds of revellers in the busier resorts looking for their next shot of ouzo, but you shouldnt let that put you off visiting this sun-soaked island. 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. NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. ; EAST: The beaches past Elia are beyond the reach of the bus and water taxi network so things calm down considerably. 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. Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. 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. 8. 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. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. Similar rooms are available at Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa. Walking through the forest is sublime, and the river that cuts through it is clean enough to swim in (we should hope so as it leads directly out onto Plakias beach). One of the main things to do in Heraklion is to catch a ferry to visit Santorini, Mykonos and other places. Its only a matter of steps to the beach. " 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 . You are properly in the land of Greek mythology, I expected Jason and his argonauts to pop over the horizon at any moment whilst we sat on the beach.

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