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. A luxurious hideaway near Rethymnon. Except for the blockbuster beaches that attract day trips, its not ideal for beach tourism. This 5* property offers boutique accommodation decorated in a typically Mediterranean fashion and with either a private plunge pool or hot tub. There are few roads in the area, and some of the villages are accessible only by boat. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. 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. Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion Airport. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. T Hotel Premium Suites is the most comfortable place in town. 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. 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. Bored of sunning yourself? 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. Try the spotless Marina Hotel, or the beautiful white and blue decor and sea views atElektra. An adults-only hotel in a converted historic mansion, it has been elegantly restored and has its own hammam. Youre most likely to end up here if youre catching a ferry to Kythira or to Gythio on the mainland, or if youre using it as a base to explore the nearby beaches at Balos and Falassarna. Start the day with farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride. A small village consisting simply of a few hotels and tavernas, shops and restaurants, and a church, but what Loutro lacks in modernity it makes up for in nostalgia and panorama. Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. Packages to Stalis are available through TUI. Its a year-round Greek town that attracts tourists and expats, rather than a purpose-built tourist town. } There are a few tavernas and perhaps the occasional cafe bordering the shallow rocky beach. ; EAST: The beaches past Elia are beyond the reach of the bus and water taxi network so things calm down considerably. Its a perfect romantic destination for couples. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. There is an increasing number of upmarket resorts in Sissi. Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. 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. Youll find the standard Greek beachside fare if you want to have a halftime break, and nestled in its backstreets are a multitude of boutique-style shops selling some handmade, and some not-so-handmade trinkets. 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. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price. $148. 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. } ; 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. 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). Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. If you have a car then you might also want to consider accommodation up in Mirtios village above the bay. Kalamaki is a relatively new town in Crete, it has more of a purpose-built feel to it. Agree a time with him and he'll come back for you later. See more photos Add to shortlist. Concur with these, we love Crete. Small ferry boats make the run over to Spinalonga from both Plaka and Elounda. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. Numerous beautiful beaches with soft sand or colored pebbles are found in the prefecture of Chania in western Crete. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay. Our hotel experts have scoured the length and breadth of the island to bring you a collection of Crete's best beach hotels selected on their location, designs, service, and amenities. The resort boasts an outdoor hot tub. However, dont let that put you off. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Top things to see and do in Rethymno include: And possible day trips in the area include: Rethymnon Beach is Cretes longest sandy beach at 12km long, and as it extends east from the city it swallows up villages that have long since morphed into suburban beach resorts. If you have a mix of old and young children or value convenience then Stalis is a solid option. Theres plenty to keep older children entertained, including watersports and boat trips. 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. Beach bums are better off at Plakias (see below). Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. Cool or what? If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. 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. Its a windswept and low-key kind of place, with remnants of a hippie vibe. Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa 2. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. 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. Some of the beach resorts along Rethymnon beach include: The area around Platanes is popular and sandy. The beauty of Margarites does not need to be explained or even described, the minute it comes into view- it will take your breath away. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. The beach is large and there are a range of tavernas and shops offering food at a very reasonable price. Besides the beach, guests gather at the Olympic-sized pool and water park with a big slides for older kids and adults. For all intents and purposes its a real treasure. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. Theres a regular bus to Heraklion, and its possible to reach Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos for day trips too. On a budget? Enjoyed this post? If you like your beaches vast and often deserted then make a beeline for Frangokastello on the south coast. Glyka Nera is located on the south coast of Crete a 2 hour 30 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. 4.4/5 Wonderful! As Chania is a regional capital and in close proximity to so many beach resorts, it makes a great base to explore the west of the island. The City Hotel & Suites is a clean and modern hotel offering excellent value at a lower price point, as are Menta City Boutique Hotel and Omiros Boutique Hotel. Libyan Princess is the most comfortable and modern hotel on the block. Visitors to the area might be shocked to find that it retains its snowcaps until the middle of spring and offers innumerable hiking opportunities from the Samaria Gorge to the Askifou plateau to Mount Ida herself. Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. A spoiling beach treat! 1,438 reviews. 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. Oceanview Designer Beach House (4 guests): $300/night. There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser. Its super sedate. Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. The White Houses are traditional waterfront houses decorated in local antiques and cool whites and blues. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 30 minutes from Chania 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 harbourfront is lined with restaurants and smart boutiques, and the narrow alleys filled with souvenir shops, and the colourful tables and twinkly lights of tavernas vying for your trade. 8. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. Several of the Elounda luxury resorts are actually in Plaka. With steep sandy-coloured rocks dropping directly into the sea in this horseshoe-shaped bay and crystal clear water it is postcard perfect. The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. The architecture of the village looks like it just sprang from a WWII novel, winding streets, brightly painted buildings, plenty of brick and crumbling plaster. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. 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. BEST LUXURY HOTELS: Lindos Blu, Casa Cook Rhodes, Boutique 5 Hotel and Spa BEST BUDGET HOTEL RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Delfini Beach Hotel BEST VILLAS: Kiotari Beach Villa, Axiotheaton Villas, SeaSide Suites BEST RESORT HOTELS FOR FAMILIES: Hotel Porto Angeli Beach Resort, Atlantica Aegean Family Resort, Rodos Princess Resort & Spa Its a 40-minute drive to Rethymno. Accommodation in Frangokastello is all self-catered and around the same price point. The main cities and towns on the north coast are linked by regular buses each regional capital has buses going to the south of its region. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. It has a slightly scruffy feel but there are two town beaches, an archaeological museum and some excellent restaurants to entertain you. Transfer time: Ierapetra minutes from Heraklion airport, Makrigialos 1 hr 50 minutes from Heraklion airport. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is fantastic its worth visiting before you head out to the ancient sites if you can. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. 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. Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. Dont expect anything in the way of amenities when you get there (its actually a nature reserve and is treated accordingly). And its one of the warmest places in the Mediterranean in winter. " 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 . 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. Hostels: Chania has two gorgeous design hostel options Cocoon City Hostel and Kumba. Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. The further out, the quieter it gets. Another sleepy Crete village, Tsoutsouros is undeveloped and charming (just how we like it). Top attractions and things to do in Chania include: Head west from the main harbour to hit the town beaches Nea Chora is the closest and a 15-minute walk, Chryssi Akti is the nicest. GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. 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. Its a relaxed south coast village, about 30km from Agia Galini, and has a wide, sandy Blue Flag beach and a spacious feel. 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. Kids go free to the Minoan Amusement Park. The resort offers 75 airy and well appointed rooms and suites fully equipped with satellite TV and minibar. 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. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. Elounda Gulf Villas provide a free transfer to a private beach club. } A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. Boutique and luxury: Cressa Corona Boutique Hotel is the best address in town. } Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. 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. Those in search of the original 60s free-spirited vibe will be disappointed (though try nearby Red Beach), but Matala is a fun seaside town and is a good choice for younger couples looking for somewhere lively and photogenic. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. Highly discreet, with striking designs, each hotel is different. PRIVACY POLICY TERMS & CONDITION, Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs, Minos Palace Hotel & Suites Adults Only, The Royal Senses Resort Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton, Explore the Mediterranean Sea in a different way with, After a fun-filled day, relax and rejuvenate with, Discover peaceful, uncrowded scenery walking through, Learn about the architectural treasures from around the area and history of the village at, Dont leave without buying a piece of handcrafted pottery as, Find a spot near a bar or taverna along the beach to. For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. Lyttos Mare 5. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. There is the standard selection of resort hotels in the surrounding coastal areas stylish Cretan Malia Park is one of the best, with beachfront access, boho chic decor, and family-friendly facilities. Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. Many Chania beaches are among the best on the island, such as Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi. You wont find parties and bars here, oh no. Some suites have access to a private hot tub on the roof terrave. The main town in the region is likeable Agios Nikolaos (or Ag Nik, as its affectionately known), which makes up the quartet of north coast main cities. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. Two Cretes minor islands Chryssi and Koufonisi are just off this part of the shore. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. Mykonos is relatively small and you can easily drive around in a day. Naxos has the best beaches (but little nightlife). The lagoon itself is actually an island that can be reached by paddling out to it. })(); For all the legal bits go to myDisclaimer and Privacy Policy, Cretan cooking experience in the mountains, check rooms and availability on Booking.com, 10 Perfect Gifts for Foodies Who Love Greece (Ideal for a Hamper), 10 Best Places for a Sunny Winter City Break in Europe. 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. 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. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. The main village is set 1km back from the beach and is a popular area for villas and expats. Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay. And Plakias now has a youth hostel! Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. You may have to head to the south coast when the wind is blowing. These vary greatly depending on the region and location: Snow white sand alternates with shell sand and fine gravel. The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. Yes: Sougia is the best quiet beach in Crete, without a doubt. ". There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. Georgioupolis Resort Aquapark & Spa offers a unique holiday experience to those that want to enjoy the incomparable Greek Hospitality whilst seeking top quality services in a relaxing environment, excellent gastronomy as well as a . #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. Although, shell always have a special place in her heart for the city where she makes her annual pilgrimages Paris, her true city of lights. So many people make a beeline for Rethymno that its surrounding villages are something of a hidden gem. 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. Or the clean and modern Central City Hotel and Aeolios Design Hotel. You can find private plunge pools at Miramare Resort & Spa. 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. Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. 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. There are lots of good value hotels in Sitia, though in general decor is a tad dated check Booking.com for prices and availability. Lasithi, the easternmost province of Crete, is home to some of its most luxurious hotels as well as its wildest and most traditional areas. Show Prices. The lush Villa Octo is up in the hills behind the city and sleeps 6 in luxury. 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. And you can find amazing rock formations nearby at Souda such as Calypso Bay. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. Located to the eastern side of the island of Crete, Kato Zakros is a bit out of the way, but well worth the visit.