The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. Greece has over 1000 islands of which only 227 are inhabited. If you want a bit of light culture there is a church (Agios Panteleimon) on the Western side of the village, it has a gorgeous mosaic floor and is not commercial in any way (if you want to see it youll have to go to the kiosk on Sougia beach and ask for the key yourselfseriously)! And you can find amazing rock formations nearby at Souda such as Calypso Bay. 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. 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. In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. One of the main things to do in Heraklion is to catch a ferry to visit Santorini, Mykonos and other places. Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. Crossing the south of the island is difficult. 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 few Venetian buildings remain but most of the city is a modern concrete jungle that always seems to be dusty and full of building works that were halted during the crisis. Our hotel experts have scoured the length and breadth of the island to bring you a collection of Crete's best beach hotels selected on their location, designs, service, and amenities. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. Crete has some of Greece's best sandy beaches - many far from developed areas, so you can truly enjoy a remote holiday on the sand. Transfer time: 20 minutes from Heraklion International airport. " 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 . 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. 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. Falassarna Beach has 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 beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. Luxury highlights: Domes Noruz in Kato Daratsa is the 5* pick beachfront location, private plunge pools and hot tubs are available. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. 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. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. Similar rooms are available at Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa. If you have a car then you might also want to consider accommodation up in Mirtios village above the bay. Its a busy tourist town dominated by resort hotels, with a small harbour and 4 organised beaches, and is packed with pretty bougainvillaea and colourful sun loungers. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort has a Six Senses Spa, direct beach access, and a private 9-hole golf course. 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. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. 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! Head west for quieter beaches at Amnisos or Tobrouk. Boasting four stars, rooms are dressed in a traditional style; premium linens complement exposed stone walls and the best suites have terraces with sea views. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. Other options include Hotel Loutro Bay,SifisandDaskalogiannis Hotel. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. per night. A network of small ferries connects Paleochora and Sfakia at either end, with the villages of Sougia, Agia Roumeli, and Loutro, and the island of Gavdos to the south. Grecotel Meli Palace and Kalimera Kriti Resort both have direct beach access. There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. Elafonisi Lagoon is located on the west coast of the Greek island of Crete around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Although be warned, the walk takes five to seven hours and can be strenuous, especially at the peak of summer. Anissaras beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/brownieboy27/4986950206/in/set-72157624948245648 Report inappropriate content roseyManchester manchester Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. Transfer time: 1hr from Heraklion International airport. Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. See More, Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. Show prices. 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). There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser. 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. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. 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. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. 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). And Plakias now has a youth hostel! See More, A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. 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! But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. 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. Show Prices. The best of the rest are: Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites, Villa Ippocampi,Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel,Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Cooks Club. 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. 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. Transfer time: 1 hr 40 minutes from both Chania and Heraklion airports. Panormos is located on the North Coast of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. on: function(evt, cb) { It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. 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 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. Top attractions and things to do in Chania include: Head west from the main harbour to hit the town beaches Nea Chora is the closest and a 15-minute walk, Chryssi Akti is the nicest. Crete is almost completely surrounded by beaches. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. Theres plenty to keep older children entertained, including watersports and boat trips. 17. #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. Boutique and luxury: Cressa Corona Boutique Hotel is the best address in town. The lazy river was a particular highlight. Go in the shoulder months and youll be rewarded with a day trip to remember. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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). Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. 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. 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. Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. For those who love to explore there are ruins all over the area dating from the Neolithic and Roman periods which, with a bit of tenacity can be uncovered and discovered. The coastline between these cities is the busiest and most developed part of the island. Theres a wide selection of accommodation, easy transport links, a short airport transfer, and child-friendly shallow waters. The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! So many people make a beeline for Rethymno that its surrounding villages are something of a hidden gem. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( As with the other northern cities, it has a Venetian Fortress (the Kazarma) and an Archaeological Museum. Suites, bungalows, and villas are light and airy with large swathes of glass and a modern take on Cretian design. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. 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. It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. 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. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. 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. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. 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. 3,851 reviews. I think it time for a bring visit back! 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. A spoiling stay. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . The infamous resort of Malia is known for its 24hr party scene its the best spot for nightlife on Crete, as legions of teenage boys well know.
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