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As with the other northern cities, it has a Venetian Fortress (the Kazarma) and an Archaeological Museum. Its friendly and authentic if you want to get away from mass tourism then this easternmost part of Crete is a good bet. 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. See More, Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. Essentially, Myrtos has something to offer everyone from a secluded, sandy seafront to a large dose of historical culture. The KTEL bus station is in the new town, a 10-minute walk from the main harbour see PDF timetables. 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 a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. The long-distance hiking route passes through the area, and there are several smaller gorges and empty beaches such as Sweetwater to discover. Elafonisi Lagoon is located on the west coast of the Greek island of Crete around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. 5* Minos Beach Art Hotel has 1km of beach access, spacious grounds, and calming minimalist decor. The coastline is developed on either side, but it was the introduction of budget flights to Chania airport that really put it on the map. Walking through the forest is sublime, and the river that cuts through it is clean enough to swim in (we should hope so as it leads directly out onto Plakias beach). 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. Avli Luxury Apartments are sumptuously decorated and theres a rooftop pool. 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)! Elounda Gulf Villas provide a free transfer to a private beach club. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. See More, An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. If it tickles your fancy there is a naturist beach off to the east. Where to Stay on Crete: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. 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. Where to Stay on Rhodes: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide 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. 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. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. Theres no real village to speak of, but there are a few places to stay tucked away in the flat plain behind the beach. Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. Boat trips to Balos leave from the harbour. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! 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! 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. Despite the small size of Falassarna, its a popular spot and has a reputation for being one of the best beaches in Crete. . You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. #26 Best Value of 502 Quiet Hotels in Crete. A good selection of bars and restaurants. 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. The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. Many Chania beaches are among the best on the island, such as Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. Most of the accommodation in this area is in traditional rooms and studios. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. Heraklion itself is not quite an attractive destination in the same way that Chania and Rethymnon are much of its historic architecture was damaged during heavy bombing in WWII. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. Dont expect anything in the way of amenities when you get there (its actually a nature reserve and is treated accordingly). 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. There are more Minoan ruins worth discovering though head further afield to Malia and Phaistos. Panormos is located on the North Coast of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Candia Suites are close to the harbour with clean modern interiors and bicycle rental available. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. Big Sur's craggy cliffs are breathtaking, but for an equally beautiful and less crowded California alternative, try this quiet spot tucked between Monterey and Carmel. Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. The LATO Boutique Hotel is more modern and has harbour views. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. There is a small airport serving flights to and from Athens. Heading to the beautiful Greek island of Crete this year? 26. 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. There are only a few places to stay in Plaka try Athina Villas, Plaka Beach Cottages, and Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. Even the briefest of strolls through the village will showcase many of the wonderful pottery studios. THE 10 BEST Crete Beaches (with Photos) - Tripadvisor It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. 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. 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. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is home to the main airport of the island. 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. A few Venetian buildings remain but most of the city is a modern concrete jungle that always seems to be dusty and full of building works that were halted during the crisis. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. Sifaka & Gavaladon 5, Old Town, Chania, Crete Island, 73101. Although be warned, the walk takes five to seven hours and can be strenuous, especially at the peak of summer. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. The wonderful White Mountains are located in Western Crete, and their gleaming shine is the dominant feature of the region. Boutique and luxury: Cressa Corona Boutique Hotel is the best address in town. 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. Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. Some swim-up rooms are available. Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. On a budget? Agios Nikolaos has four sandy beaches though theyre all a little way out of the city Kitroplateira is the most central, Almiros is the nicest. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. The majority of Bahamian beaches are safely in "paradise on Earth" territory. 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. 17. One of the main things to do in Heraklion is to catch a ferry to visit Santorini, Mykonos and other places. 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. There is also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. And its one of the warmest places in the Mediterranean in winter. Similar rooms are available at Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa. A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. 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. One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. The Top 3 Best Crete Family Resorts | Oyster.com Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. Bozzali. Theres a wide selection of accommodation, easy transport links, a short airport transfer, and child-friendly shallow waters. The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. Transfer time: 1hr 45 minutes from Chania International airport. However, if you would like to sit outside one of its handful of tavernas with a carafe of the local red and a plate of vine leaves then this is the quiet place to visit in Crete for you! Except for the blockbuster beaches that attract day trips, its not ideal for beach tourism. It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. Falassarna is located on the west coast of the island around a 2 hour 40 minute drive from Heraklion airport. And theres an ancient Minoan site that youre likely to have to yourself. See More, A great getaway to an idyllic blue bay in a car-free village, right on the beach. This 5* property offers boutique accommodation decorated in a typically Mediterranean fashion and with either a private plunge pool or hot tub. Again due to its relative remoteness, youll be able to leave your disco shoes at home as well have none of that here, thanks very much. Glyka Nera is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete and definitely one of the most unspoiled places to visit on the island, with deep blue water and fine white sands. Access to this haven can be achieved through E4 trail but the climb can be treacherous in places as it climbs to an altitude of 700m, so its not for the fainthearted but on arrival, you will no doubt agree that this is one of the finest beaches in all the Greek islands. 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. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. This is Crete off-the-beaten-track. Here, you can available of the offerings from the nearby tavernas and umbrellas are available. Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. $148. Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. It attracts independent travellers and plenty of returners and is a popular base for hiking in the area. Naxos has the best beaches (but little nightlife). Its only a matter of steps to the beach. Belvedere Apartments are box fresh and have spa access. However, dont let that put you off. 9. And if you'd like your own private pool, as well as access to a private beach, Refine your search to our Guru's recommendations for. Rapid growth resulted in some dense development around the small harbour, and the small beach is a 10-minute walk out of the village. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. Isolated, authentic, and very tranquil, Lentas isnt for Crete thrill-seekers or partygoers. Atlantica Kalliston Resort. 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. The nation boasts nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, stretching along the warm Gulf of Mexico to the east and the . Its a 40-minute drive to Rethymno. 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. Much of the south-west coast is rocky and inaccessible, with steep cliffs that drop dramatically into the sea and small beaches that form at the end of gorges. 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! ); THE 10 BEST Quiet Resorts in Crete 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor 25 of the best places to stay in Greece and the Greek islands Cleanliness 4.3. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. Balos beach Chania Balos is a fantastic location on the northwestern side of Crete, in the region of Chania. These vary greatly depending on the region and location: Snow white sand alternates with shell sand and fine gravel. Its super sedate. Accommodation in Kissamos tends to look a bit dated but you can find good value in the surrounding beaches such as resort-style Balos Beach Hotel, Galini Beach Hotel, and the simpler Maria Beach Hotel. 15 Quiet Beach Towns in America - PureWow ; SOUTH: Most of the main beach resorts are on the south coast, busier on the west side and getting quieter the further east you get. 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. 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. Sfakia is the nearest town for amenities. The Royal Blue Resort. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. Inside the old town: for historic charm check outBozzali Hotel with its whitewashed decor and cute courtyard, whereas Casa Delfino offers a modern take on the traditional Venetian mansion. My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. 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. Packages to Stalis are available through TUI. Its a relaxed south coast village, about 30km from Agia Galini, and has a wide, sandy Blue Flag beach and a spacious feel. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next beach break? 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. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed.