best quiet beach resorts in crete best quiet beach resorts in crete

Karavostasi Beach 432 Beaches By selsfield2003 Worth the walk ( or the ride on the mini train) Great beach - lovely clear water and 2 amazing tavernas. 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 surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. There is also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. The lazy river was a particular highlight. 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. With a summer season lasting well into October September is still considered high season and almost tropical-warmth seas at the height of summer, Crete has one of Europe's longest beach-holiday seasons. From spending many breaks on this beautiful island, here is my choice for the quietest and most authentic and unspoiled places to visit in Crete which are perfect for travel snobs. 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. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. Try the spotless Marina Hotel, or the beautiful white and blue decor and sea views atElektra. 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. 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. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. The most famous part of the gorge is the stretch known as the Gates where the sides of the gorge close into a width of only four meters and soar up to a height of almost 300 meters. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. Boat trips to Balos leave from the harbour. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. See More, A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. Wonderful! It doesnt matter where you go you will always find greenery spots. The town isnt strictly a beach resort, so theres plenty to see and do besides basking. If you can get beyond immediate appearances, it has a likeable vibe there are some excellent museums and a good bar and music scene propped up by the local student population. 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. per night. A spoiling beach treat! The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. You wont find parties and bars here, oh no. Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. On the beach itself, there is a tavern that sells local nibbles and drinks as well as sunbeds. Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay. The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. Location 3.9. Show Prices. Small ferry boats make the run over to Spinalonga from both Plaka and Elounda. 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. 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. 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)! If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. Elafonisi Lagoon is located on the west coast of the Greek island of Crete around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. Agia Galini has a great selection of accommodation. Located to the eastern side of the island of Crete, Kato Zakros is a bit out of the way, but well worth the visit. #30 Best Value of 32 Crete Luxury Beach Resorts It has a slightly scruffy feel but there are two town beaches, an archaeological museum and some excellent restaurants to entertain you. Here, you can available of the offerings from the nearby tavernas and umbrellas are available. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. Rapid growth resulted in some dense development around the small harbour, and the small beach is a 10-minute walk out of the village. 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. Sifaka & Gavaladon 5, Old Town, Chania, Crete Island, 73101. It attracts independent travellers and plenty of returners and is a popular base for hiking in the area. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey from Heraklion airport. You can always visit the amazing chapel of Prophet Elias. 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. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. Its perfect for mature couples who dont need excursions and are happy to rent a car to explore the south coast. The vibe is family-friendly thanks to its sheltered bay which is lined with a number of traditional tavernas. 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! 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. 1,438 reviews. Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. Check out cheery Sunday Life. Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Best Places in Crete to Stay for First-Timers and Sightseeing: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos. 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. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 30 minutes from Chania airport. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. Crete Beach Resorts: Find 55281 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Oceanfront Hotels in Crete on Tripadvisor. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. A good selection of bars and restaurants. 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. It does attract some tourists, mainly from the continent. Koutouloufari is awash with luxury adults-only complexes. East of Sitia the crowds really thin out most tourists dont make it beyond this point. There are more Minoan ruins worth discovering though head further afield to Malia and Phaistos. 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. #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! Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. Isolated, authentic, and very tranquil, Lentas isnt for Crete thrill-seekers or partygoers. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. Check TUI for packages including hotels and flights. Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views. Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel Show prices Enter dates to see prices 202 reviews of the rooms, the quality of the beach. 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 There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. Check out Aspri Petra Apartments or Asterias Village. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. 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). Outside this, its a large resort town with an excellent (though busy) beach, an unashamedly commercial centre, and a charming old quarter (Old Malia), where youll find traditional houses and tavernas. Beach bums are better off at Plakias (see below). Kalamaki is located on the south coast of the island around an hours drive from Heraklion airport. On a budget? Its a windswept and low-key kind of place, with remnants of a hippie vibe. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. Most visitors wont venture far outside the old town, the nexus of which is the pretty 14th-century Venetian harbourfront, but surrounding it is a decent-sized the modern university city with a year-round population of 60,000 people. 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. 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. If you have a car then you might also want to consider accommodation up in Mirtios village above the bay. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. Packages to Stalis are available through TUI. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. Its deliciously quiet in shoulder season. Its located just to the east of Heraklion, meaning it is easy to get to if you dont want to spend too much time with pesky transfers. Some swim-up rooms are available. There are plenty of options for self-catered too, likeVilla Niki. Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. 5km south of Plaka is the small beach town of Elounda, one of Cretes most characterful resorts and home to some of its premier luxury hotels. Similar rooms are available at Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa. The 3* Villa Maxine Hotel is great value and has a chic poolside area. Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. Hailing from the Emerald Isle she calls a small coastal town near Dublin home, but has lived in a few countries including Saigon, Vietnam where she resided for over a year. This area is perfect for beach lovers (although its worth noting that the main beach does get very windy). 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. One of the main things to do in Heraklion is to catch a ferry to visit Santorini, Mykonos and other places. Perhaps, Domatas unspoiled beauty has been preserved this long because the region has no roads or infrastructures. The best beach in the area is at Anissaras, this is a 4 kms taxi ride west from Koutouloufari and any taxi driver will know where it is. . 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. 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. She counts supping on Bloody Marys on a rooftop in Manhattan, downing Singapore slings at the Raffles Hotel, daring a paraglide on the Grand Cayman, spending an exotic Christmas in Malaysia and exploring the Angkor Wat, Cambodia as her all time favourite travel moments. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. 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! Discover our best beaches of Crete: Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, Vai in Lassithi, and more. Honeymoons - This is . Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. There are still many quieter, less commercialized resorts, villages, and secluded coves to explore and more hidden locations that are barely touched by tourism. I think it time for a bring visit back! Go in the shoulder months and youll be rewarded with a day trip to remember. Transfer time: 15-45 minutes from Chania International airport. And you can find amazing rock formations nearby at Souda such as Calypso Bay. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. As with the other northern cities, it has a Venetian Fortress (the Kazarma) and an Archaeological Museum. There are few roads in the area, and some of the villages are accessible only by boat. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. Enjoyed this post? 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. Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. Greece has over 1000 islands of which only 227 are inhabited. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. 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. #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. 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. With steep sandy-coloured rocks dropping directly into the sea in this horseshoe-shaped bay and crystal clear water it is postcard perfect. Each of these areas offers exceptional hotels, fantastic dining, and a wide range of nearby . Head west for quieter beaches at Amnisos or Tobrouk. Belvedere Apartments are box fresh and have spa access. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! Oceanfront Home With Views (7 guests): $325/night. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. Heres a complete rundown on where to stay in Crete to help you choose which part of the island to choose, which town, resort or beach is for you, and the best beach hotels, whether youre booking accommodation DIY or looking for a package vacation. Glyka Nera is located on the south coast of Crete a 2 hour 30 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. Although the hippies have long since been moved on, and the caves protected and closed to the public, the town retains a laidback feel despite the explosion of tourism here. #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.