But at the end of the day, Mexico will always be known as a beach destination - and for good reason. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. Angela Suites Boutique Hotel is all whites and blues and has a pool. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. The smaller of the two beaches, Small Triopetra (or Koumado), is more an enclosed, sandy, and rocky bay. See More, Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. Just dont expect to find authentic Crete here. Except for the blockbuster beaches that attract day trips, its not ideal for beach tourism. 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. But the highlight is the peaceful and picture-perfect sugar cube village of Loutro, with its whitewashed walls and electric blue seas. Located to the eastern side of the island of Crete, Kato Zakros is a bit out of the way, but well worth the visit. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. 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. Some of the most beautiful and unique beaches are in the area nearby Damnoni is sandy with shallow clear waters, perfect for kids. All rooms come with an outdoor pool and private hot tubs. 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. #30 Best Value of 32 Crete Luxury Beach Resorts They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. 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. The famous Preveli Palm Beach with its exotic date palm forest at the end of Kourtaliotiko Gorge is 5km away. } Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. An adults-only hotel in a converted historic mansion, it has been elegantly restored and has its own hammam. The majority of Bahamian beaches are safely in "paradise on Earth" territory. Parts of it are organised in the summer months though, and it does attract daytrippers. In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is home to the main airport of the island. 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 it has everything you need its ideal if youre looking to enjoy one place for your holiday and dont feel the need to visit the larger towns. For all intents and purposes its a real treasure. 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 beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. Balos beach Chania Balos is a fantastic location on the northwestern side of Crete, in the region of Chania. Oceanfront Home With Views (7 guests): $325/night. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. A classy, modern hotel. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. The one thing I would highly recommend is getting sea shoes as there are sea urchins on the rocks!! Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore. Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. 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. 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. The five restaurants serve a range of food from sushi to Greek and there's a fabulous spa too. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. See More, An ultra-luxurious haven combining the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. Two Cretes minor islands Chryssi and Koufonisi are just off this part of the shore. It gets very popular and usually attracts people who go there for clubbing. These hikes can be strenuous and at some moments, hair-raising but they are well maintained. 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. 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. On a budget? If you think of a sleepy Greek fishing village, you probably have images of small boats bobbing in quartz waters, piles of multicoloured nets, and fishermen unloading their catch before nipping off to the Taverna for a cheeky ouzo. Koutouloufari is awash with luxury adults-only complexes. Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. 26. The town isnt strictly a beach resort, so theres plenty to see and do besides basking. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. 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. 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. On a budget? Wonderful! 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 . Most of the accommodation in this area is in traditional rooms and studios. Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. Fortunately, the prices in Elounda dont have a Hollywood price tag. See more photos Add to shortlist. 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. 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. 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. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. Best Places in Crete to Stay for First-Timers and Sightseeing: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos. There are more Minoan ruins worth discovering though head further afield to Malia and Phaistos. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. { It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. Suites and private villas have personal pools. The KTEL bus station is in the new town, a 10-minute walk from the main harbour see PDF timetables. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. Agiofaraggo beach Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized, Nudism-Friendly View on map Location: 80 km south west of Heraklion Town Anissaras beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/brownieboy27/4986950206/in/set-72157624948245648 Report inappropriate content roseyManchester manchester 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. There are lots of lovely places to stay in Rethymnon. Mykonos is relatively small and you can easily drive around in a day. The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. Bozzali. Pick the Nana Princess in Hersonissos for a relaxing getaway. Its known for its big waves, fishing heritage, and seafood tavernas set around a small crescent of beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Palm-fringed Preveli is one of the most unique and beautiful beaches on Crete. Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. 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. For those who dont fancy a steep, heady climb on their holidays, it is possible to hire a fishing boat in Agia Roumeli to take you to Domata. There are a few large all-inclusive hotels in Panormo Iberostar Creta Marine and Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare being two of the larger ones. There are a few tavernas and perhaps the occasional cafe bordering the shallow rocky beach. Avli Luxury Apartments are sumptuously decorated and theres a rooftop pool. 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. This area is perfect for beach lovers (although its worth noting that the main beach does get very windy). If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. There are numerous beaches dotted about, and if you are staying for more than a few days it can be good fun to try a different one each day. 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. 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. Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. With a summer season lasting well into October September is still considered high season and almost tropical-warmth seas at the height of summer, Crete has one of Europe's longest beach-holiday seasons. There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views. The Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. Service 4.3. 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. It is hardly surprising then that there are a world-class selection of beach hotels to choose from. Transfer time: 1 hr 40 minutes from both Chania and Heraklion airports. 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. Accommodation is spacious and secluded, the best options have heated seawater pools, but all are utterly indulgent. This is Crete off-the-beaten-track. 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. Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. 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 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. 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. Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel. 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). Greece has over 1000 islands of which only 227 are inhabited. Up until fairly recently, Elafonisi was one of Cretes best-kept secrets, sadly social media selfie-lovers got a firm grasp of it, so it can get seriously busy in the high seasons. 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. However, Balos Beach caught our eye for its clean waters and beautiful offshore reefs. Although be warned, the walk takes five to seven hours and can be strenuous, especially at the peak of summer. 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 . Concur with these, we love Crete. Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. Visitors to the area might be shocked to find that it retains its snowcaps until the middle of spring and offers innumerable hiking opportunities from the Samaria Gorge to the Askifou plateau to Mount Ida herself. There are several beaches that you can reach by foot, and as the crowds thin out you can still find a few nudist beaches. Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. 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. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. However, dont let that put you off. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. Its located just to the east of Heraklion, meaning it is easy to get to if you dont want to spend too much time with pesky transfers. Transfer time: 25 minutes to the main harbour from Chania International airport. 9.8/5 (157 reviews) "The bed was so comfortable. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 15 minutes from Heraklion airport. The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! 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. The nearest rooms are a few miles away try the sereneGlykeria Hoteland Elafonisi Resort. Transfer time: 25 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Agia Pelagia is halfway between Bali and Heraklion and is the only real beach resort to the west of the capital, to which it is connected by a regular bus service which takes about 1 hr. 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. Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. 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. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. 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. 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. The best of the rest are: Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites, Villa Ippocampi,Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel,Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Cooks Club. The main town in the region is likeable Agios Nikolaos (or Ag Nik, as its affectionately known), which makes up the quartet of north coast main cities. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. The south is wild and remote with a spectacularly rocky coast and a few standout beach resorts. Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. Its not perhaps as quaint as some of the other places on this list but what it lacks in tradition it more than makes up for in swankiness and still manages to retain an air of what makes Crete so great. Transfer time: 1 hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. I think it time for a bring visit back! The Royal Blue Resort. 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. There is an increasing number of upmarket resorts in Sissi. What was once a small Greek village has now become a cosmopolitan town, with bars, restaurants and hotels surrounding picturesque Lake Voulismeni. 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. 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. 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". Transfer time: 20 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. Go in the shoulder months and youll be rewarded with a day trip to remember. If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. Candia Suites are close to the harbour with clean modern interiors and bicycle rental available. Check TUI for packages including hotels and flights. If it tickles your fancy there is a naturist beach off to the east. The long-distance hiking route passes through the area, and there are several smaller gorges and empty beaches such as Sweetwater to discover. " 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 . There are only a few places to stay in Plaka try Athina Villas, Plaka Beach Cottages, and Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. Ligaria is located on the north coast of Crete around a 30 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Although elements of the walk can be tiring, its most definitely worth it. 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. 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. 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. Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. 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. Despite the small size of Falassarna, its a popular spot and has a reputation for being one of the best beaches in Crete. The lagoon itself is actually an island that can be reached by paddling out to it. A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. A good selection of bars and restaurants. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. 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. 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.

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