Go in the shoulder months and youll be rewarded with a day trip to remember. Fortunately, the prices in Elounda dont have a Hollywood price tag. 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. There is an increasing number of upmarket resorts in Sissi. Ierapetra is known as the capital of the south coast as its the biggest town along the coast, and one of the southernmost towns in Europe. 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. Including the five star beach resorts, family friendly hotels on Crete and great value finds. Transfer time: 15-45 minutes from Chania International airport. 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. I loved Ligaria a small and charming seaside village located on the north side of Crete especially its lovely beach which has the same name. There is the standard selection of resort hotels in the surrounding coastal areas stylish Cretan Malia Park is one of the best, with beachfront access, boho chic decor, and family-friendly facilities. Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. Heading to the beautiful Greek island of Crete this year? Nearby is the Palace of Malia, one of the best Minoan ruins on the island. 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. 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). 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. 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. Cool or what? 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. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. Although, shell always have a special place in her heart for the city where she makes her annual pilgrimages Paris, her true city of lights. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. The Akrotiri Peninsula is where youll find the airport, a swathe of villas, and a few spectacular beaches such as Stavros Bay and Seitan Limani. 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. Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. forms: { 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. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. 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. A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. Where to Stay on Rhodes: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide 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. There are several beaches that you can reach by foot, and as the crowds thin out you can still find a few nudist beaches. THE 10 BEST Crete Beaches (with Photos) - Tripadvisor 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! Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel Show prices Enter dates to see prices 202 reviews It can be as quiet or as rowdy as you like. Transfer time: 20 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. Transfer time: 1 hr 40 minutes from both Chania and Heraklion airports. Here you will find the emptiest beaches on the island and you can swim well into the autumn/winter months. 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. Lasithi, the easternmost province of Crete, is home to some of its most luxurious hotels as well as its wildest and most traditional areas. A luxurious hideaway near Rethymnon. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. "The location is perfect as is one of the best beaches on the island, being quiet yet with locals around, and close enough to the Venetian Harbour for day or evening trips.". There is a small airport serving flights to and from Athens. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 30 minutes from Chania airport. WHERE TO STAY in CRETE - Best Areas and Towns - Santorini Dave Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. Candia Suites are close to the harbour with clean modern interiors and bicycle rental available. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. })(); 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. Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. So many people make a beeline for Rethymno that its surrounding villages are something of a hidden gem. 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. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. You can always visit the amazing chapel of Prophet Elias. Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is another beachfront blockbuster with private pools and daybeds. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. Yes: Sougia is the best quiet beach in Crete, without a doubt. The Royal Blue Resort. Its only a matter of steps to the beach. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. The village itself is loaded with a rich history, including a museum which houses finds of Minoan archaeological importance found nearby and you can hear tales about the towns colourful past and folklore in the many local tavernas. 1,438 reviews. callback: cb 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. There are still many quieter, less commercialized resorts, villages, and secluded coves to explore and more hidden locations that are barely touched by tourism. } Best 41 Beaches in Chania, Greece | Greeka THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Hotels of 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor 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. 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)! THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Resorts 2023 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor Check out cheery Sunday Life. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. Check out Aspri Petra Apartments or Asterias Village. 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. Mexico is one of those well-rounded countries that offer a little bit of everything: food, culture, gorgeous landscapes, and some of the best hotels and resorts in the entire world. Enter dates to see prices. 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! Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. On a budget? Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort has a Six Senses Spa, direct beach access, and a private 9-hole golf course. Transfer time: 1hr from Heraklion International airport. There are 3 main beaches and a long waterfront area thats full of seafood restaurants, bars and clubs, and is popular in the evening. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. 4.4/5 Wonderful! Essentially, Myrtos has something to offer everyone from a secluded, sandy seafront to a large dose of historical culture. Just dont expect to find authentic Crete here. Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. The lush Villa Octo is up in the hills behind the city and sleeps 6 in luxury. On the harbour: If youre after a harbourfront hotel with a sea views balcony just bear in mind that noise and light from the restaurants below go on until late. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. Besides the beach, guests gather at the Olympic-sized pool and water park with a big slides for older kids and adults.