Essentially, Myrtos has something to offer everyone from a secluded, sandy seafront to a large dose of historical culture. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. 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. Highly discreet, with striking designs, each hotel is different. forms: { This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. These hikes can be strenuous and at some moments, hair-raising but they are well maintained. 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. Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. On the beach itself, there is a tavern that sells local nibbles and drinks as well as sunbeds. 18. There are lots of lovely places to stay in Rethymnon. Transfer time: 25 minutes to the main harbour from Chania International airport. 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. Angela Suites Boutique Hotel is all whites and blues and has a pool. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. On a budget? 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). Mykonos has the best beach clubs (and nightlife). Top things to see and do in Agios Nikolaos include: Porto Maltese Boutique Estate is Ag Niks most stylish des res, with a waterfront location, courtyard, and sympathetic restoration. Pick the Nana Princess in Hersonissos for a relaxing getaway. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. The majority of Bahamian beaches are safely in "paradise on Earth" territory. 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. : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. 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. Despite the small size of Falassarna, its a popular spot and has a reputation for being one of the best beaches in Crete. 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". South coast Agia Galini is a small harbour town that was once the biggest resort town in the Rethymno region. 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. But there are plenty of returners from those days its warm seas, great views, and some of the best fishing in Greece make it particularly popular with expats. If you are staying one or more nights, you dont need to worry about thumping music or all-night parties. 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. ); Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. 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. There are two routes to the beach by boat or for the most extreme, there is a path from Chora Sfakion and another from Loutro. Go in the shoulder months and youll be rewarded with a day trip to remember. There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser. 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. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. Definitely one of the most unspoiled places to visit in Crete, the pretty peaceful village of Loutro evokes some strong emotion when you land here it is truly like stepping back in time! A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. The upmarket vibe of Elounda is rubbing off on the small nearby village of Plaka, which is ideal with those looking for a quiet and peaceful holiday. Located 80km southwest of the town of Heraklion, it is much more secluded than your average beach, since it's just off the edge of (and sheltered by) a large gorge. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. For initial visits to Crete, especially if you have limited time to travel, plan on staying in one of the 5 main settlements. The vibe is family-friendly thanks to its sheltered bay which is lined with a number of traditional tavernas. Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. Transfer time: 1hr 30 minutes from Chania airport. GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. Boutique and luxury: Cressa Corona Boutique Hotel is the best address in town. See More, A great getaway to an idyllic blue bay in a car-free village, right on the beach. Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. 3,851 reviews. No roads lead here and there are no nightclubs or nightlife. It does attract some tourists, mainly from the continent. Milatos is a small and low-key beach resort just beyond Sissi. Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa. Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. 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. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. 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. callback: cb The LATO Boutique Hotel is more modern and has harbour views. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. There is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. Astoria Hotel is a small family-run hotel with sea views and coastal decor. Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. 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. However, dont let that put you off. 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. Several of the Elounda luxury resorts are actually in Plaka. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. 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. Enjoy the many dining options, good spa and lots of activities - tennis, water sports and nearby nightlife. 1,438 reviews. 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. However, Balos Beach caught our eye for its clean waters and beautiful offshore reefs. . 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. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. 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. There is also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. On a budget? Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. 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. 26. See More, A home-away-from-home set in a stunning rural spot with beaches, bars and tavernas a walk away. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. 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 other top choice in Rethymnon is Rimondi Estate whose courtyard swimming pool is becoming an Instagram star in its own right. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. Ideal for totally relaxing. 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. Blue Palace Elounda 9. 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. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. Heraklion is Cretes capital and the largest city on the island. 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. It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. 302 reviews. 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. 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. 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. Some of the most beautiful and unique beaches are in the area nearby Damnoni is sandy with shallow clear waters, perfect for kids. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. Transfer time: 1 hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Parts of it are organised in the summer months though, and it does attract daytrippers. Its only a matter of steps to the beach. 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 coastline is developed on either side, but it was the introduction of budget flights to Chania airport that really put it on the map. There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. . Elafonisi Lagoon is located on the west coast of the Greek island of Crete around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. But there is also an ecological interest Falassarna is part of the Natura 2000 network due to the extensive array of flora and fauna the area has to offer. 9 Theofanus Street, Chania, Crete Island, 731 00. #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. Lasithi, the easternmost province of Crete, is home to some of its most luxurious hotels as well as its wildest and most traditional areas. 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. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. 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 Troulis Apart-hotel is excellent value. This ultra-luxurious haven combines the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. Plaka is also the gateway to the Spinalonga, the small fortress island that famously housed a leper colony and is now one of the main day trips in the area. Panormos a small and charming traditional Cretan fishing village located on the northern coast has a few little extra bits that make it attractive, and a winery, it also has guided tours and tasting as well making it an attractive proposition indeed. As with the other northern cities, it has a Venetian Fortress (the Kazarma) and an Archaeological Museum. Except for the blockbuster beaches that attract day trips, its not ideal for beach tourism. It attracts independent travellers and plenty of returners and is a popular base for hiking in the area. Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is another beachfront blockbuster with private pools and daybeds. It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. If you have a mix of old and young children or value convenience then Stalis is a solid option. 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. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. Mythos Suites is another town highlight with a pool. A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. } Nearby is the Palace of Malia, one of the best Minoan ruins on the island. And you can find amazing rock formations nearby at Souda such as Calypso Bay. Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect. } Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. See More, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies this luxury Cretan resort in Malia. 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. There is an increasing number of upmarket resorts in Sissi. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. 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! "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.". A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. Again due to its relative remoteness, youll be able to leave your disco shoes at home as well have none of that here, thanks very much. 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. Rooms mirror the outdoors, blue and breezy, some suites come with terraces and pools. Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey from Heraklion airport. 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. #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. 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. See More, An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. The swankiest resort in town is the long-established Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort. 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. Glyka Nera is located on the south coast of Crete a 2 hour 30 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. 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. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. 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 . Return to simpler times at this beautiful hideaway on Crete. Euphoria Resort 7. 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. 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!
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