Although be warned, the walk takes five to seven hours and can be strenuous, especially at the peak of summer. If youre used to staying in small villages then you may find Bali too busy and commercialised. 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. A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is another beachfront blockbuster with private pools and daybeds. With that and the relative peace and quiet, its an ideal spot to just be on this wonderful island. 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. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. Enter dates to see prices. It has a quiet and authentic atmosphere and a well-sheltered beach its one of the best places in Crete for families with small children. Triopetra Beach is located on the south of the island around a 2 hour drive from Heraklion airport. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. #26 Best Value of 502 Quiet Hotels in Crete. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. 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. It attracts independent travellers and plenty of returners and is a popular base for hiking in the area. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. East of Sitia the crowds really thin out most tourists dont make it beyond this point. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. 9 Theofanus Street, Chania, Crete Island, 731 00. So many people make a beeline for Rethymno that its surrounding villages are something of a hidden gem. My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. Except for the blockbuster beaches that attract day trips, its not ideal for beach tourism. Agios Nikolaos Best for families A favourite of package holiday companies, Agios Nikolaos is one of Crete's biggest but most charming resorts, making it a great choice for families. Theres plenty to keep older children entertained, including watersports and boat trips. The beaches in the Rethymno province are some of the best not as dramatic as the west coast, but long and sandy and perfect for long, lazy beach days. 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. Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. Accommodation in Frangokastello is all self-catered and around the same price point. Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. The 3* Villa Maxine Hotel is great value and has a chic poolside area. Enjoyed this post? The pink sands of Elafonisi are one of the main attractions in west Crete, with coachloads arriving every day to bathe in the glorious lagoon-like waters. Although almost every main beach gets busy in July and August, you can usually walk just a few minutes away to find a patch of heaven sans crowds. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. The further out, the quieter it gets. 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. One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. The local fare in many of the harbour tavernas is about as close as you can come to freshness, maybe even caught meters from where you sit. Transfer time: 55 minutes from Heraklion International airport. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. Numerous beautiful beaches with soft sand or colored pebbles are found in the prefecture of Chania in western Crete. 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. Its a year-round Greek town that attracts tourists and expats, rather than a purpose-built tourist town. Its friendly and authentic if you want to get away from mass tourism then this easternmost part of Crete is a good bet. Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. 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! All rooms come with an outdoor pool and private hot tubs. } Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. It is flanked by steep, mountainsides, home to a sizable herd of goats (judging from the clinking of bells) as well as a tepid sea, sheltered by a lush bay. (function() { The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. 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. Located to the eastern side of the island of Crete, Kato Zakros is a bit out of the way, but well worth the visit. . Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. The remote area of Sfakia on the southern coast is one of the most beautiful parts of Crete but you have to be prepared for an adventure to get there. Avli Luxury Apartments are sumptuously decorated and theres a rooftop pool. Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel Show prices Enter dates to see prices 202 reviews Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. 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. Although elements of the walk can be tiring, its most definitely worth it.
Best 41 Beaches in Chania, Greece | Greeka 19 Best Beaches in Greece - Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. Location 3.9. For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect. 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. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. Once youve driven (carefully) to the town youll find a laid-back vibe and easy-going atmosphere that is synonymous with most of the lesser-known spots on the island.
25 of the best places to stay in Greece and the Greek islands #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete . The village itself is loaded with a rich history, including a museum which houses finds of Minoan archaeological importance found nearby and you can hear tales about the towns colourful past and folklore in the many local tavernas. event : evt, Its raw beauty is undeniable, with glassy aquamarine waters and swirls of pastel-pink sands kissing the shore - a natural phenomenon caused by thousands of . 5* Minos Beach Art Hotel has 1km of beach access, spacious grounds, and calming minimalist decor. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. The beach is large and there are a range of tavernas and shops offering food at a very reasonable price. Heading to the beautiful Greek island of Crete this year? 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. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. Beach bums are better off at Plakias (see below).
Where to Stay on Mykonos: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide Packages to Stalis are available through TUI. 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. 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! 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. 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. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. 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)!
Best beaches in Crete - Lonely Planet Very good. The Royal Blue Resort. Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. If you want to meet other travellers there are two hostels in town Intra Muros and So Young, but private rooms in traditional domatia or apartments can be foundfor a similar price. Check the rooms and prices on Booking.com. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay. For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort has a Six Senses Spa, direct beach access, and a private 9-hole golf course. 1. Many boat trips, excursions, and day tours are available, and its possible to make some journeys (such as hiking the Samaria Gorge) yourself by bus. Mykonos has the best beach clubs (and nightlife). Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. Boat trips to Balos leave from the harbour. And Plakias now has a youth hostel! These hikes can be strenuous and at some moments, hair-raising but they are well maintained. Go in the shoulder months and youll be rewarded with a day trip to remember. " Clean, spacious rooms, quiet sandy beach with amazing panorama, pools of different sizes and located in different areas of the resort, great waterpark with many . #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.