Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. Agree a time with him and he'll come back for you later. Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. A luxury beach holiday. Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. The lush Villa Octo is up in the hills behind the city and sleeps 6 in luxury. The vibe is family-friendly thanks to its sheltered bay which is lined with a number of traditional tavernas. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. Transfer time: 15-45 minutes from Chania International airport. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay. Mykonos has the best beach clubs (and nightlife). Crete Beach Resorts: Find 55281 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Oceanfront Hotels in Crete on Tripadvisor. Heading to the beautiful Greek island of Crete this year? See More, This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. Except for the blockbuster beaches that attract day trips, its not ideal for beach tourism. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. #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." Visit hotel website 2022 8. Its a popular day-trip destination and the crowds somewhat marr the incredible natural landscape with its towering rock formations. The best of the rest are: Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites, Villa Ippocampi,Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel,Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Cooks Club. Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. } Check the rooms and prices on Booking.com. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. Check TUI for packages including hotels and flights. 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). An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. 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. Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. } A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. A classy, modern hotel. 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. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. Enjoy the many dining options, good spa and lots of activities - tennis, water sports and nearby nightlife. Concur with these, we love Crete. . On the beach itself, there is a tavern that sells local nibbles and drinks as well as sunbeds. Enjoyed this post? })(); 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. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. Sougia is located on the South West coast of the island around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion airport. You wont find parties and bars here, oh no. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. Several of the Elounda luxury resorts are actually in Plaka. Head west for quieter beaches at Amnisos or Tobrouk. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. Transfer time: 1 hr 40 minutes from both Chania and Heraklion airports. 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. 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. A spoiling stay. 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. Service 4.3. 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. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. The remote area of Sfakia on the southern coast is one of the most beautiful parts of Crete but you have to be prepared for an adventure to get there. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. The hotel is all-inclusive but the food was of excellent quality." Breakfast included 2022 4. Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. And theres an ancient Minoan site that youre likely to have to yourself. The LATO Boutique Hotel is more modern and has harbour views. 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). 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. Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. Greece has over 1000 islands of which only 227 are inhabited. Luxury highlights: Domes Noruz in Kato Daratsa is the 5* pick beachfront location, private plunge pools and hot tubs are available. See More, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies this luxury Cretan resort in Malia. Accommodation is spacious and secluded, the best options have heated seawater pools, but all are utterly indulgent. Did somebody say wine? If you are looking for a bit of space then Plakias offers one of the largest beaches in Crete. There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser. There are still many quieter, less commercialized resorts, villages, and secluded coves to explore and more hidden locations that are barely touched by tourism. 1. Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. It is hardly surprising then that there are a world-class selection of beach hotels to choose from. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. 5* Minos Beach Art Hotel has 1km of beach access, spacious grounds, and calming minimalist decor. 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. Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. per night. If you want to be closer to the beaches, Nostos Beach Boutique Hotel is freshly renovated and has a pool, beach bar and day beds. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. So many people make a beeline for Rethymno that its surrounding villages are something of a hidden gem. Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CRETE IN AGIOS NIKOLAOS ($$$) Minos Beach Art Hotel ($$) Miramare Resort & Spa ($) Ikaros Art Hotel FIND AGIOS NIKOLAOS HOTEL DEALS 5. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. 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. 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. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. Although be warned, the walk takes five to seven hours and can be strenuous, especially at the peak of summer. It has a slightly scruffy feel but there are two town beaches, an archaeological museum and some excellent restaurants to entertain you. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. 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. Anissaras beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/brownieboy27/4986950206/in/set-72157624948245648 Report inappropriate content roseyManchester manchester It also provides stunning views from all angles. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey from Heraklion airport. 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. If you have a car then you might also want to consider accommodation up in Mirtios village above the bay. The main village is set 1km back from the beach and is a popular area for villas and expats. 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. Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site. Agios Nikolaos has four sandy beaches though theyre all a little way out of the city Kitroplateira is the most central, Almiros is the nicest. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next beach break? You can find private plunge pools at Miramare Resort & Spa. If it gets a bit too quiet for you, Diskos is only around the corner, where tented villagers of camping earthy types take up half the beach, and you can buy handmade trinkets from pop-up hippy shops. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. See More, Domes Noruz Chania boasts a spectacular location on the coast of Crete. In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. 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. 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. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. 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 beach resorts along Rethymnon beach include: The area around Platanes is popular and sandy. And you can find amazing rock formations nearby at Souda such as Calypso Bay. 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.