Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. THE 10 BEST Crete Beaches (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. Heraklion is Cretes capital and the largest city on the island. event : evt, But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. Panormos is located on the North Coast of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Theres plenty to keep older children entertained, including watersports and boat trips. If it tickles your fancy there is a naturist beach off to the east. Wonderful! 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. Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. 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. Its an easy and cheap bus ride to Knoss from Heraklion. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. 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! Most of the accommodation in this area is in traditional rooms and studios. The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. 9.8/5 (157 reviews) "The bed was so comfortable. For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect. Crete Quiet Resorts & Hotels : Book a Hotel Room at one of many Quiet Crete's Best Beach Hotels | The Hotel Guru The beach of Myrtos is a hidden treasure which, rarely gets crowded and provides a real opportunity to take a load off and truly relax. Transfer time: Ierapetra minutes from Heraklion airport, Makrigialos 1 hr 50 minutes from Heraklion airport. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. Suites have private pools. Whether you are planning a getaway with the family, a couples' escape or a luxury break there is something to suit most tastes and budgets here. The City Hotel & Suites is a clean and modern hotel offering excellent value at a lower price point, as are Menta City Boutique Hotel and Omiros Boutique Hotel. Transfer time: 25 minutes to the main harbour from Chania International airport. Another sleepy Crete village, Tsoutsouros is undeveloped and charming (just how we like it). 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. Check TUI for packages including hotels and flights. 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! For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. Libyan Princess is the most comfortable and modern hotel on the block. And theres an ancient Minoan site that youre likely to have to yourself. 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. Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa 2. Transfer time: 1hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. The one thing I would highly recommend is getting sea shoes as there are sea urchins on the rocks!! With the exception of Paleochora, that is. Fortunately, the prices in Elounda dont have a Hollywood price tag. 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. My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. 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. THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Resorts 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor Head east from Sitia and you eventually reach is Paleokastro, a windswept resort with an edge-of-the-world feel and some of the best windsurfing in Europe. Location 3.9. 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. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. Show Prices. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. Check out Aspri Petra Apartments or Asterias Village. Astoria Hotel is a small family-run hotel with sea views and coastal decor. 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. 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. Heres a complete rundown on where to stay in Crete to help you choose which part of the island to choose, which town, resort or beach is for you, and the best beach hotels, whether youre booking accommodation DIY or looking for a package vacation. Best Quiet Resort - Crete Message Board - Tripadvisor Whitewashed and chic Cyano Hotel is the best place to stay in Plakias rooms are spotless, the beds are comfy, and its a short walk to the shops and beach. 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). 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. " 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 . Triopetra Beach is located on the south of the island around a 2 hour drive from Heraklion airport. As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. Parts of it are organised in the summer months though, and it does attract daytrippers. The wonderful White Mountains are located in Western Crete, and their gleaming shine is the dominant feature of the region. 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. You can always visit the amazing chapel of Prophet Elias. ". (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. 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. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. But there are plenty of alternatives if your budget doesnt stretch quite that far, have a look at Blue Bay Resort Hotel, Peninsula Resort Hotel, Pela Mare, Seascape Luxury Residences, and Acro Wellness Suites. Giannoulis - Grand Bay Beach Resort (Exclusive Adults Only) Kolymvari. Its a relaxed resort town (well compared to its busier neighbours) and if you want a no-nonsense turn-up and relax on the beach holiday then this is a good choice. Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Myrtos village is located on the south coast of Crete an 1 hour 20 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. 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! 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. 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. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. Stay in Makrigialos: White Pearl Apartments are right on the beach. Did somebody say wine? Lyttos Beach Resort is a 150-acre family-friendly hotel with dated interior spaces but beautiful grounds, including a sandy beach with free loungers and a lifeguard. 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. Inland Heraklion region is home to farmland and vineyards, whereas the coastline spreading east from Heraklion is also the most developed on Crete, and home to its most famous (and infamous resorts). The smaller of the two beaches, Small Triopetra (or Koumado), is more an enclosed, sandy, and rocky bay. I think it time for a bring visit back! 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. 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. 1. It doesnt matter where you go you will always find greenery spots. The lazy river was a particular highlight. Despite its proximity to larger resorts, the bus service to Sissi is limited, so its better suited to couples looking for a quiet place to stay in Crete or those wanting to explore the wild Agios Ioannis peninsula by car. The resorts here are some of the nicest places to stay on Crete. 8. Check out cheery Sunday Life. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Hotels of 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor Tourism here peaked in the 90s and as such it has a slightly careworn feel and is friendly but not busy. East of Sitia the crowds really thin out most tourists dont make it beyond this point. Besides the beach, guests gather at the Olympic-sized pool and water park with a big slides for older kids and adults. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. Top things to see and do in Heraklion include: Ammoudara is the easiest beach to reach from the city the line 12 bus runs throughout the day. Many Chania beaches are among the best on the island, such as Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi. Head west for quieter beaches at Amnisos or Tobrouk. A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. The long-distance hiking route passes through the area, and there are several smaller gorges and empty beaches such as Sweetwater to discover. Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. Packages to Stalis are available through TUI. Agiofaraggo beach Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized, Nudism-Friendly View on map Location: 80 km south west of Heraklion Town The gorge became a national park in 1962, particularly as a refuge for the rare kri-kri (Cretan goat), which is elusive on the rest of 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. It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. There are also plenty of boat trips are available from its harbour. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. 4.4/5 Wonderful! The landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty. Total bliss. Its friendly and authentic if you want to get away from mass tourism then this easternmost part of Crete is a good bet. 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. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. The 3* Villa Maxine Hotel is great value and has a chic poolside area. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Its a 40-minute drive to Rethymno. Although the hippies have long since been moved on, and the caves protected and closed to the public, the town retains a laidback feel despite the explosion of tourism here. With all these unique and unforgettable experiences lying across the island of Crete, it is hard not to feel guilty for so easily dismissing it into the realm of partying, disco balls, and all-nighters. 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). 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. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. ; SOUTH: Most of the main beach resorts are on the south coast, busier on the west side and getting quieter the further east you get. 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. 7 Of The Best Resorts In Crete | TravelSupermarket 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. 9 Theofanus Street, Chania, Crete Island, 731 00. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. Sfakia is the nearest town for amenities. Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. Grecotel Meli Palace and Kalimera Kriti Resort both have direct beach access. Value 4.1. WHERE TO STAY in CRETE - Best Areas and Towns - Santorini Dave You wont find parties and bars here, oh no. })(); 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. Candia Suites are close to the harbour with clean modern interiors and bicycle rental available. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. One of the main things to do in Heraklion is to catch a ferry to visit Santorini, Mykonos and other places. 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! #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. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. forms: { But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. Some of the most beautiful and unique beaches are in the area nearby Damnoni is sandy with shallow clear waters, perfect for kids. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is fantastic its worth visiting before you head out to the ancient sites if you can. Suites, bungalows, and villas are light and airy with large swathes of glass and a modern take on Cretian design. You may have to head to the south coast when the wind is blowing. This ultra-luxurious haven combines the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. 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. Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. 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.