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. 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. Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. 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. There is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. Libyan Princess is the most comfortable and modern hotel on the block. Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. 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! Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. Therefore it can be easier to decide on arrival airport/port first, or any attractions that you particularly want to visit, in order to narrow down where to stay. 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. A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. Greeces largest island has quickly developed a reputation as a party island with crowds of revellers in the busier resorts looking for their next shot of ouzo, but you shouldnt let that put you off visiting this sun-soaked island. Except for the blockbuster beaches that attract day trips, its not ideal for beach tourism. Return to simpler times at this beautiful hideaway on Crete. For those who dont fancy a steep, heady climb on their holidays, it is possible to hire a fishing boat in Agia Roumeli to take you to Domata. #26 Best Value of 502 Quiet Hotels in Crete. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. 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. 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. Koutouloufari is awash with luxury adults-only complexes. South coast Agia Galini is a small harbour town that was once the biggest resort town in the Rethymno region. Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay. The Troulis Apart-hotel is excellent value. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 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. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. 17. Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection Show prices Enter dates to see prices Its a popular day-trip destination and the crowds somewhat marr the incredible natural landscape with its towering rock formations. 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. 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)! Balos beach Chania Balos is a fantastic location on the northwestern side of Crete, in the region of Chania. The long-distance hiking route passes through the area, and there are several smaller gorges and empty beaches such as Sweetwater to discover. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. Parts of it are organised in the summer months though, and it does attract daytrippers. Paleochora is located on a small peninsula with beaches on either side perfect for windsurfing as one of them will always be catching the wind. Wonderful! Check out cheery Sunday Life. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. Coastal perfection. Other options include Hotel Loutro Bay,SifisandDaskalogiannis Hotel. forms: { The majority of Bahamian beaches are safely in "paradise on Earth" territory. Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price. There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. #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. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. But what you will find is a collection of properly local eateries, a few small and sandy beaches, and crystal clear water if you want to go for a dip. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. 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. A spoiling stay. Its a 40-minute drive to Rethymno. See More, Blue Palace, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies the luxury, Equally swish and perhaps just that little bit smarter the. 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. Most of the accommodation in this area is in traditional rooms and studios. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. BEST HOTELS RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Domes Noruz, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, Domes of Elounda. With the exception of Paleochora, that is. Crete Beach Resorts: Find 55281 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Oceanfront Hotels in Crete on Tripadvisor. But there are plenty of returners from those days its warm seas, great views, and some of the best fishing in Greece make it particularly popular with expats. As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. Sissi is located on the north coast of Crete a 40-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. 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. 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. 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. { Here you will find the emptiest beaches on the island and you can swim well into the autumn/winter months. The resort offers 75 airy and well appointed rooms and suites fully equipped with satellite TV and minibar. Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion Airport. Located to the eastern side of the island of Crete, Kato Zakros is a bit out of the way, but well worth the visit. Options are spread out along the vast beach so check the location before booking if you want to be closer to the castle for proximity to the few tavernas and cafes. It doesnt matter where you go you will always find greenery spots. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is fantastic its worth visiting before you head out to the ancient sites if you can. It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is another beachfront blockbuster with private pools and daybeds. The five restaurants serve a range of food from sushi to Greek and there's a fabulous spa too. See More, Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. 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. Accommodation is spacious and secluded, the best options have heated seawater pools, but all are utterly indulgent. Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. The 5-star hotels on the harbourfront are Scala de Faroand Domus Renier. 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. See More, Domes Noruz Chania boasts a spectacular location on the coast of Crete.