What delights visitors the most about the White Mountains is the central and southern part of the Lefka Ori which, due to the high altitude, resembles a lunar landscape and offers visiting hikers a surreal experience of walking on the moon which, is wholly unique to the northern hemisphere. Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. 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. listeners: [], See More, Domes Noruz Chania boasts a spectacular location on the coast of Crete. But the highlight is the peaceful and picture-perfect sugar cube village of Loutro, with its whitewashed walls and electric blue seas. Here you will find the emptiest beaches on the island and you can swim well into the autumn/winter months. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. Suites have private pools. See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. But the main attraction that brings tourists to Heraklion is the nearby ancient Minoan site of Knossos the biggest and most well-known on the island. 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). Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. Theres a wide selection of accommodation, easy transport links, a short airport transfer, and child-friendly shallow waters. See More, A home-away-from-home set in a stunning rural spot with beaches, bars and tavernas a walk away. Myrtos village is located on the south coast of Crete an 1 hour 20 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. 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! Take a 15-minute walk uphill from the main town and you will find Koutouloufari and Piskopiano, two traditional villages that are increasingly popular for upmarket accommodation options. Its super sedate. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. Even the briefest of strolls through the village will showcase many of the wonderful pottery studios. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. Start the day with farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride. Mythos Suites is another town highlight with a pool. Plaka is also the gateway to the Spinalonga, the small fortress island that famously housed a leper colony and is now one of the main day trips in the area. South coast Agia Galini is a small harbour town that was once the biggest resort town in the Rethymno region. The nation boasts nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, stretching along the warm Gulf of Mexico to the east and the . See More, An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. 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. Elafonisi Lagoon is located on the west coast of the Greek island of Crete around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. For initial visits to Crete, especially if you have limited time to travel, plan on staying in one of the 5 main settlements. 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. 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. In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . 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. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. Transfer time: 2hrs from Heraklion International airport, 10 minutes from Sitia Public Airport. . On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. It has a tranquil fishing village vibe, although the heart of the village does feel a bit commercialised, and there are some small beaches a short walk away (the main one is Boufos). If it tickles your fancy there is a naturist beach off to the east. If you are a true adventurer take your flashlight and head up to Milatos caves. Mykonos has the best beach clubs (and nightlife). The small city of Sitia is a working port town with a pleasant seafront promenade, a sandy town beach, and a slow lifestyle. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. 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. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. 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. Check out Aspri Petra Apartments or Asterias Village. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. Except for the blockbuster beaches that attract day trips, its not ideal for beach tourism. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. 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. Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. Location 3.9. 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. Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. 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. There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. Agree a time with him and he'll come back for you later. Elounda Gulf Villas provide a free transfer to a private beach club. 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! Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. per night. The White Houses are traditional waterfront houses decorated in local antiques and cool whites and blues. There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser. 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. I think it time for a bring visit back! Transfer time: 15 minutes from Heraklion International airport. By that, I mean you want to indulge in some serious chilling, but also maybe want to have a good time in the evening too. Bali is roughly halfway between Rethymno and Heraklion there are bus services both but not as frequent as other resorts. 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. Whether you are planning a getaway with the family, a couples' escape or a luxury break there is something to suit most tastes and budgets here. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. 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. It gets very popular and usually attracts people who go there for clubbing. Greece has over 1000 islands of which only 227 are inhabited. 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. Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection 6. #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. Agia Pelagia is halfway between Bali and Heraklion and is the only real beach resort to the west of the capital, to which it is connected by a regular bus service which takes about 1 hr. 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. 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. Z Boutique Hotel has comfortable rooms and a small pool. 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. 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. callback: cb Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site. However, Balos Beach caught our eye for its clean waters and beautiful offshore reefs. That said, there are bus links to Rethymno and Heraklion so car hire is not necessary. For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. Some swim-up rooms are available. 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. It is truly non-commercialised, and we hope it stays that way. Transfer time: 1hr 30 minutes from Chania airport. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. Agia Galini has a great selection of accommodation. See More, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies this luxury Cretan resort in Malia. Yes: Sougia is the best quiet beach in Crete, without a doubt. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. Koutouloufari is awash with luxury adults-only complexes.