The most famous part of the gorge is the stretch known as the Gates where the sides of the gorge close into a width of only four meters and soar up to a height of almost 300 meters. Suites have private pools. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. 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. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa 2. The town isnt strictly a beach resort, so theres plenty to see and do besides basking. 2,101 reviews. Similar rooms are available at Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." The landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty. 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. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. Its a relaxed resort town (well compared to its busier neighbours) and if you want a no-nonsense turn-up and relax on the beach holiday then this is a good choice. #3 Best Value of 119 Crete Resorts "The mini water park within the hotel is excellent, with plenty of slides for younger and older kids. 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. 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. But it would be a shame to miss out on the excellent tavernas in Panormo. Triopetra is surrounded by Siderotas mountain, olives groves, and of course, the seafront, the area is named after the three majestic rocks that rise out of the ocean at the edge of the peninsula. If you are looking for a bit of space then Plakias offers one of the largest beaches in Crete. She counts supping on Bloody Marys on a rooftop in Manhattan, downing Singapore slings at the Raffles Hotel, daring a paraglide on the Grand Cayman, spending an exotic Christmas in Malaysia and exploring the Angkor Wat, Cambodia as her all time favourite travel moments. Z Boutique Hotel has comfortable rooms and a small pool. 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. Accommodation in Frangokastello is all self-catered and around the same price point. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. 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! If you have a car then you might also want to consider accommodation up in Mirtios village above the bay. Anissaras beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/brownieboy27/4986950206/in/set-72157624948245648 Report inappropriate content roseyManchester manchester 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. Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. Balos beach Chania Balos is a fantastic location on the northwestern side of Crete, in the region of Chania. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next beach break? The upmarket vibe of Elounda is rubbing off on the small nearby village of Plaka, which is ideal with those looking for a quiet and peaceful holiday. See More, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies this luxury Cretan resort in Malia. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. 20 BEST Crete Beaches To Visit - The World Pursuit Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. Crete Beach Resorts: Find 55281 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Oceanfront Hotels in Crete on Tripadvisor. 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. Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. The gorge became a national park in 1962, particularly as a refuge for the rare kri-kri (Cretan goat), which is elusive on the rest of the island. Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. 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. 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. 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). The resort boasts an outdoor hot tub. 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. Fortunately, the prices in Elounda dont have a Hollywood price tag. The best of the rest are: Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites, Villa Ippocampi,Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel,Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Cooks Club. See More, This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. A network of small ferries connects Paleochora and Sfakia at either end, with the villages of Sougia, Agia Roumeli, and Loutro, and the island of Gavdos to the south. See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. Best 32 Beaches in Heraklion, Greece | Greeka 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. 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. Angela Suites Boutique Hotel is all whites and blues and has a pool. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 25 of the best places to stay in Greece and the Greek islands THE 10 BEST Crete Beach Resorts 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor 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. 1. . 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. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. of the rooms, the quality of the beach. #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. "The location is perfect as is one of the best beaches on the island, being quiet yet with locals around, and close enough to the Venetian Harbour for day or evening trips.". Best Quiet Resort - Crete Message Board - Tripadvisor Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. Both a beautiful and quiet place to visit in Crete. 9 Theofanus Street, Chania, Crete Island, 731 00. THE 10 BEST Luxury Beach Resorts in Crete - Tripadvisor Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. S&K Villas near Amyrida has a modern white cubist design and pool. 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. Enter dates to see prices. On the beach itself, there is a tavern that sells local nibbles and drinks as well as sunbeds. Lyttos Beach Resort is a 150-acre family-friendly hotel with dated interior spaces but beautiful grounds, including a sandy beach with free loungers and a lifeguard. A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. An adults-only hotel in a converted historic mansion, it has been elegantly restored and has its own hammam. Show Prices. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. 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. Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. But the highlight is the peaceful and picture-perfect sugar cube village of Loutro, with its whitewashed walls and electric blue seas. 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. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. Agiofaraggo beach Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized, Nudism-Friendly View on map Location: 80 km south west of Heraklion Town It is slightly commercialised, but that said if you like the occasional deep-fried or sugary treat delivered to your lounger whilst you catch the sun, its not too bad at all! 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. 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. Sfakia is the nearest town for amenities. Where to Stay in Crete: 14 Best Areas - The Nomadvisor There are also plenty of boat trips are available from its harbour. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. Glika Nera Beach 190 Beaches By 849jeremyn The vibe is family-friendly thanks to its sheltered bay which is lined with a number of traditional tavernas. 15 Quiet Beach Towns in America - PureWow Isolated, authentic, and very tranquil, Lentas isnt for Crete thrill-seekers or partygoers. The walk between these two areas is truly stunning, the path along the way is marked with cairns to guide your route thankfully as it is easy to get distracted by the views! Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. Agia Roumeli: Lots of budget rooms all around the same price point thanks to the proliferation of walkers tryAgia Roumeli Hotel or Gigilos which are both right on the beach. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! Pick the Nana Princess in Hersonissos for a relaxing getaway. On a budget? 18. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. 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. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. Avli Luxury Apartments are sumptuously decorated and theres a rooftop pool. Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. 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. On a budget? The 10 Best Resorts in Chania, Greece | Booking.com Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. Up until fairly recently, Elafonisi was one of Cretes best-kept secrets, sadly social media selfie-lovers got a firm grasp of it, so it can get seriously busy in the high seasons. The Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. 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. Essentially, Myrtos has something to offer everyone from a secluded, sandy seafront to a large dose of historical culture. Kids go free to the Minoan Amusement Park. Transfer time: 55 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Best Places in Crete to Stay for First-Timers and Sightseeing: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. 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. Crete's Best Beach Hotels | The Hotel Guru There are a few tavernas and perhaps the occasional cafe bordering the shallow rocky beach. Triopetra Beach is located on the south of the island around a 2 hour drive from Heraklion airport. 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. Its a perfect romantic destination for couples. Its perfect for mature couples who dont need excursions and are happy to rent a car to explore the south coast. GEORGIOUPOLIS RESORT AQUAPARK AND SPA - Prices & Hotel Reviews (Greece) 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. Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway. Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. 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. Mar 20 - Mar 21. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. Euphoria Resort 7. Here you will find the emptiest beaches on the island and you can swim well into the autumn/winter months. The nearest rooms are a few miles away try the sereneGlykeria Hoteland Elafonisi Resort. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. Small ferry boats make the run over to Spinalonga from both Plaka and Elounda. Cool or what? Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. } Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. South coast Agia Galini is a small harbour town that was once the biggest resort town in the Rethymno region. The beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. 16 best beaches in Mexico, from surf escapes to peaceful bays | CN 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. 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. The one thing I would highly recommend is getting sea shoes as there are sea urchins on the rocks!! Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. 15 Best Luxury Crete Resorts on the Beach - overseas attractions Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. Head east from Sitia and you eventually reach is Paleokastro, a windswept resort with an edge-of-the-world feel and some of the best windsurfing in Europe. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. If youre planning on staying in the area for more than a few days in the summer then it makes sense to be out in one of Chanias coastal resorts, to take advantage of beach access and/or parking (which is very difficult in the centre). There is a Venetian architrave, Byzantine churches, frescos from the 14th century, and oodles of lush green countryside as a backdrop. The best beaches and coves in Crete incl. insider tips - Corissia 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. Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. Visit Mosque of the Janissaries in Crete | Expedia Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast.