best quiet beach resorts in crete
#14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. Luxury highlights: Domes Noruz in Kato Daratsa is the 5* pick beachfront location, private plunge pools and hot tubs are available. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. 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. If commercial isnt your thing then there are numerous guesthouses in the area, all offering their own unique brand of hospitality, many with floral and fragrant herb gardens. Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. Although elements of the walk can be tiring, its most definitely worth it. The Royal Blue Resort. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. Transfer time: 15 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Glika Nera Beach 190 Beaches By 849jeremyn 8. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. . The main village is set 1km back from the beach and is a popular area for villas and expats. Bored of sunning yourself? The lazy river was a particular highlight. It attracts independent travellers and plenty of returners and is a popular base for hiking in the area. The smaller of the two beaches, Small Triopetra (or Koumado), is more an enclosed, sandy, and rocky bay. 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. But the highlight is the peaceful and picture-perfect sugar cube village of Loutro, with its whitewashed walls and electric blue seas. See More, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies this luxury Cretan resort in Malia. 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. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. Essentially, Myrtos has something to offer everyone from a secluded, sandy seafront to a large dose of historical culture. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. The famous Preveli Palm Beach with its exotic date palm forest at the end of Kourtaliotiko Gorge is 5km away. What was once a small Greek village has now become a cosmopolitan town, with bars, restaurants and hotels surrounding picturesque Lake Voulismeni. With all these unique and unforgettable experiences lying across the island of Crete, it is hard not to feel guilty for so easily dismissing it into the realm of partying, disco balls, and all-nighters. 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. Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. 5. Sougia is a small village located by the Libyan sea, it can be a bit of a drive, especially from some of the more developed areas, but that was half the fun! callback: cb Myrtos village is located on the south coast of Crete an 1 hour 20 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. Some of the most beautiful and unique beaches are in the area nearby Damnoni is sandy with shallow clear waters, perfect for kids. Its super sedate. Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. 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. 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. #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete "Highlights were Excellent, clean sandy beach and lot of sun beds on beach, around pools etc. Cretes famous hippie beach is located on the south coast the name will be familiar to any fan of Joni Mitchell, who lived in the caves here for a short time as described in the song Carey. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel Show prices Enter dates to see prices 202 reviews 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. Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. 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. Grecotel Meli Palace and Kalimera Kriti Resort both have direct beach access. 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! 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. This is tucked away in a remote pocket of Crete's south-western corner, so you could be forgiven for thinking you might have it all to yourself. Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. 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. The most well-known landmark is the blush pink Yiali Tzami mosque on the waterfront, with the main (outer) harbour on one side and the Venetian (inner) harbour and arsenal on the other. Located 80km southwest of the town of Heraklion, it is much more secluded than your average beach, since it's just off the edge of (and sheltered by) a large gorge. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. There are a few tavernas and perhaps the occasional cafe bordering the shallow rocky beach. But there are plenty of alternatives if your budget doesnt stretch quite that far, have a look at Blue Bay Resort Hotel, Peninsula Resort Hotel, Pela Mare, Seascape Luxury Residences, and Acro Wellness Suites. Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. There are two routes to the beach by boat or for the most extreme, there is a path from Chora Sfakion and another from Loutro. 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 3* Villa Maxine Hotel is great value and has a chic poolside area. Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. Transfer time: 25 minutes from Heraklion International airport. #30 Best Value of 32 Crete Luxury Beach Resorts (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. 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. Start the day with farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride. Mid-range boutique: Casa Cook is a beach resort reimagined for the Instagram generation, with boho-chic minimalism up on the hills behind the beach in Kato Daratsa. Lasithi, the easternmost province of Crete, is home to some of its most luxurious hotels as well as its wildest and most traditional areas. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. The beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. Head west for quieter beaches at Amnisos or Tobrouk. If finding tucked-away coves and exploring craggy rocks appeals to you then Milatos a small quaint Crete village may be the place for you. See More, A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. #9 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete. Rapid growth resulted in some dense development around the small harbour, and the small beach is a 10-minute walk out of the village. Clearly, the island has so much more to offer aside from the famous mythology and legends, there are also sites of architectural, historical, and natural importance, that will leave any visitor completely enthralled! 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. Falassarna is located on the west coast of the island around a 2 hour 40 minute drive from Heraklion airport. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. See More, Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront. Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. The resort boasts an outdoor hot tub. It does attract some tourists, mainly from the continent. BEST HOTELS RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Domes Noruz, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, Domes of Elounda. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. Balos Beach, Crete. The Troulis Apart-hotel is excellent value. Heading to the beautiful Greek island of Crete this year? Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. Its not perhaps as quaint as some of the other places on this list but what it lacks in tradition it more than makes up for in swankiness and still manages to retain an air of what makes Crete so great. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. 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. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. There is an increasing number of upmarket resorts in Sissi. Falassarna Beach has 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. See More, An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. Very good. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. The majority of Bahamian beaches are safely in "paradise on Earth" territory. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { The walk can take upwards of two hours depending on ability and speed, but also inclination, make sure you take your time to soak up the beautiful views and atmosphere. And theres an ancient Minoan site that youre likely to have to yourself. Atlantica Kalliston Resort. : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. Mykonos is relatively small and you can easily drive around in a day. 26. 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. 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. If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. Sitia, windsurf and nice beaches For a taste of the less touristy places on the island, Sitia is your town where to stay in Crete. Here you will find the emptiest beaches on the island and you can swim well into the autumn/winter months. 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). Triopetra Beach is located on the south of the island around a 2 hour drive from Heraklion airport. The nearest rooms are a few miles away try the sereneGlykeria Hoteland Elafonisi Resort. } The landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty. If you are looking for a bit of space then Plakias offers one of the largest beaches in Crete. Top things to see and do in Agios Nikolaos include: Porto Maltese Boutique Estate is Ag Niks most stylish des res, with a waterfront location, courtyard, and sympathetic restoration. . Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. Cleanliness 4.3. 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. The beaches arent huge so they do get busy; Bali is larger than it looks and popular with the package tourism crowd and daytrippers from the wider area. ); It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. Not overly touristy (though all the amenities are present), it has a working town feel albeit one with an Ottoman mosque, Venetian Fortress, and Blue Flag Beach. Heraklion is Cretes capital and the largest city on the island. Elounda Gulf Villas provide a free transfer to a private beach club. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. This is part of a Greek holiday resort guide series and will cover: Roughly speaking, the north coast is developed and is home to the main cities and also most of the beach resort towns. 302 reviews. Its a year-round Greek town that attracts tourists and expats, rather than a purpose-built tourist town. NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. On a budget? 1. A spoiling stay. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. 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. } Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is home to the main airport of the island. 9. Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. If you like your beaches vast and often deserted then make a beeline for Frangokastello on the south coast. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. 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. The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. Utterly relaxing. The beaches here are small but this helps to keep the crowds away. ; EAST: The beaches past Elia are beyond the reach of the bus and water taxi network so things calm down considerably. The Spinalonga peninsula is connected to the town by a causeway the peninsula curves right around and the UNESCO-listed island sits at its tip, creating a natural harbour sheltered from the elements. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. 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). Isolated, authentic, and very tranquil, Lentas isnt for Crete thrill-seekers or partygoers. Service 4.3. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. Suites have private pools. You are properly in the land of Greek mythology, I expected Jason and his argonauts to pop over the horizon at any moment whilst we sat on the beach. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. Avli Luxury Apartments are sumptuously decorated and theres a rooftop pool. These hikes can be strenuous and at some moments, hair-raising but they are well maintained. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. Go in the shoulder months and youll be rewarded with a day trip to remember. #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." Special offer 2022 8. Crete Beach Resorts: Find 55281 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Oceanfront Hotels in Crete on Tripadvisor. Ligaria is located on the north coast of Crete around a 30 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. A spoiling beach treat! Palm-fringed Preveli is one of the most unique and beautiful beaches on Crete. 3,851 reviews. A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. I think it time for a bring visit back! See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. Bozzali. Top things to see and do in Heraklion include: Ammoudara is the easiest beach to reach from the city the line 12 bus runs throughout the day. all were excellent and we recommend this hotel with a true "vacation vibe" to all couples wanting a quiet and relaxing vacation on the wonderful beach of Crete". Crete is almost completely surrounded by beaches. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. 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. The prices in Hersonissos are very competitive, partially to lure customers out of the many all-inclusive hotels in the area. For initial visits to Crete, especially if you have limited time to travel, plan on staying in one of the 5 main settlements. There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. The hotel is all-inclusive but the food was of excellent quality." Breakfast included 2022 4. Elafonisi Lagoon is located on the west coast of the Greek island of Crete around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. Two Cretes minor islands Chryssi and Koufonisi are just off this part of the shore. The KTEL bus station is in the new town, a 10-minute walk from the main harbour see PDF timetables.
