A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. Best beaches in Crete - Lonely Planet Two Cretes minor islands Chryssi and Koufonisi are just off this part of the shore. South of the Lasithi Peninsula, this part of Crete has its own climate its drier, hotter, and more barren than the rest of the island. 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. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. #1 Best Value of 1,305 Crete Beach Hotels "Beach - Currently sitting on the beach I can tell you it is a little sun trap! The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. The best beaches in Crete | CN Traveller Panormos a small and charming traditional Cretan fishing village located on the northern coast has a few little extra bits that make it attractive, and a winery, it also has guided tours and tasting as well making it an attractive proposition indeed. The resort offers 75 airy and well appointed rooms and suites fully equipped with satellite TV and minibar. 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. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. See More, A glamorous coastal property offering the upmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. Luxury highlights: Domes Noruz in Kato Daratsa is the 5* pick beachfront location, private plunge pools and hot tubs are available. Very good. See More, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies this luxury Cretan resort in Malia. The lagoon itself is actually an island that can be reached by paddling out to it. There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Wonderful! Tourism here peaked in the 90s and as such it has a slightly careworn feel and is friendly but not busy. 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. 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. A spoiling stay. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. Slap bang in the middle of the northern coastline, the city of Heraklion (also spelt Iraklio or Iraklion) is the capital and its surrounding coastline is some of the busiest and most developed on Crete. The city of Rethymnon (you might also see it spelt Rethymno or Rethimno) is like a smaller, more chilled version of Chania. 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. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. Where to Stay in Crete: 14 Best Areas - The Nomadvisor A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. The LATO Boutique Hotel is more modern and has harbour views. Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. And you can find amazing rock formations nearby at Souda such as Calypso Bay. Naxos has the best beaches (but little nightlife). See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. At Finikounda in south-western Peloponnese, it's a simple beach resort with honey-hued beaches, space for 80 campers, and 16 sizeable bungalows with their own bathrooms, cooking facilities. Some of the beach resorts along Rethymnon beach include: The area around Platanes is popular and sandy. Its a year-round Greek town that attracts tourists and expats, rather than a purpose-built tourist town. Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. 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. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. It doesnt matter where you go you will always find greenery spots. Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. Show Prices. 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. 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. With the exception of Paleochora, that is. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. } Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. 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. Myrtos village is located on the south coast of Crete an 1 hour 20 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. It's quiet not only because the village is quiet and the people who go there are quiet, but because it's so big: 1.3 km long, and very wide, so that even in high season you can feel that you've got it almost to yourself. Mar 20 - Mar 21. 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. If it tickles your fancy there is a naturist beach off to the east. Suites have private pools. Both a beautiful and quiet place to visit in Crete. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. BEST LUXURY HOTELS: Lindos Blu, Casa Cook Rhodes, Boutique 5 Hotel and Spa BEST BUDGET HOTEL RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Delfini Beach Hotel BEST VILLAS: Kiotari Beach Villa, Axiotheaton Villas, SeaSide Suites BEST RESORT HOTELS FOR FAMILIES: Hotel Porto Angeli Beach Resort, Atlantica Aegean Family Resort, Rodos Princess Resort & Spa See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. Triopetra Beach is located on the south of the island around a 2 hour drive from Heraklion airport. And its one of the warmest places in the Mediterranean in winter. There is also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. See More, Domes Noruz Chania boasts a spectacular location on the coast of Crete. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. Crete Quiet Resorts & Hotels : Book a Hotel Room at one of many Quiet 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. 23 Best Beaches In Greece to Visit in 2023 - The Planet D For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. Margarites is located in the very centre of the island of Crete, its an unspoiled village surrounded by the vibrant green hills of the Rethymnon region and is as well known for its picturesque panorama as it is for its extensive pottery trade. 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. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. It has a pretty setting in the Gulf of Mirabello with waterfront bars encircling a small lake its made for people watching, and there is a cosmopolitan cafe-bar scene. Start the day with farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International 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: 2hrs from Heraklion International airport, 10 minutes from Sitia Public Airport. Transfer time: 1hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. The City Hotel & Suites is a clean and modern hotel offering excellent value at a lower price point, as are Menta City Boutique Hotel and Omiros Boutique Hotel. The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! Honeymoons - This is . Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. 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. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. Bored of sunning yourself? The other top choice in Rethymnon is Rimondi Estate whose courtyard swimming pool is becoming an Instagram star in its own right. 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. In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. ); Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. The resort boasts an outdoor hot tub. See more photos Add to shortlist. See More, Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront.

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