Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. 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. Big Sur's craggy cliffs are breathtaking, but for an equally beautiful and less crowded California alternative, try this quiet spot tucked between Monterey and Carmel. per night. There are many dining options from Greek to Italian and the four bars serve up wonderful cocktails. 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. Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is home to the main airport of the island. On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. The lazy river was a particular highlight. In addition to 14 freshwater outdoor and indoor pools, it has a 350-meter beach with umbrellas, beach chairs, water sports (for a fee), beach volleyball, and beach parties hosted by the entertainment team. 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. Best Places in Crete to Stay for First-Timers and Sightseeing: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos. 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. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. Palm-fringed Preveli is one of the most unique and beautiful beaches on Crete. 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 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. The Troulis Apart-hotel is excellent value. It has a sand-and-pebble beach and a handful of good tavernas to choose from. Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. 5* resort Domes of Elounda is one of Cretes most exclusive hotels and has access to a private sandy beach, VIP services, and a champagne bar. : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. Transfer time: 2hrs from Heraklion International airport, 10 minutes from Sitia Public Airport. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. 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. 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. Go in the shoulder months and youll be rewarded with a day trip to remember. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." Enter dates to see prices. 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. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. 20 BEST Crete Beaches To Visit - The World Pursuit The further out, the quieter it gets. The best beaches and coves in Crete incl. insider tips - Corissia Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort 3. T Hotel Premium Suites is the most comfortable place in town. There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser. 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. Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. Agiofaraggo beach Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized, Nudism-Friendly View on map Location: 80 km south west of Heraklion Town The city of Rethymnon (you might also see it spelt Rethymno or Rethimno) is like a smaller, more chilled version of Chania. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. 5. A spoiling stay. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. For initial visits to Crete, especially if you have limited time to travel, plan on staying in one of the 5 main settlements. If you are staying one or more nights, you dont need to worry about thumping music or all-night parties. Crete is almost completely surrounded by beaches. What was once a small Greek village has now become a cosmopolitan town, with bars, restaurants and hotels surrounding picturesque Lake Voulismeni. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. 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. If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. forms: { Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 45 minutes from Chania International airport. It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. If it tickles your fancy there is a naturist beach off to the east. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. on: function(evt, cb) { Elounda Gulf Villas provide a free transfer to a private beach club. Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection 6. The 5-star hotels on the harbourfront are Scala de Faroand Domus Renier. Its a year-round Greek town that attracts tourists and expats, rather than a purpose-built tourist town. (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. Mykonos is relatively small and you can easily drive around in a day. Mykonos has the best beach clubs (and nightlife). 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. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. Lyttos Mare 5. Koutouloufari is awash with luxury adults-only complexes. Its an easy and cheap bus ride to Knoss from Heraklion. Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. Oceanfront Home With Views (7 guests): $325/night. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. Balos beach Chania Balos is a fantastic location on the northwestern side of Crete, in the region of Chania. These hikes can be strenuous and at some moments, hair-raising but they are well maintained. Agia Roumeli: Lots of budget rooms all around the same price point thanks to the proliferation of walkers tryAgia Roumeli Hotel or Gigilos which are both right on the beach. 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. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. Concur with these, we love Crete. 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. Blue Palace Elounda 9. Best 41 Beaches in Chania, Greece | Greeka Packages to Stalis are available through TUI. The Royal Blue Resort. 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. Its only a matter of steps to the beach. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. Here, you can available of the offerings from the nearby tavernas and umbrellas are available. The LATO Boutique Hotel is more modern and has harbour views. A stunning contemporary five star resort that will leave you wanting for nothing! 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. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. 9 Theofanus Street, Chania, Crete Island, 731 00. 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. It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families.