best quiet beach resorts in crete

The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. This is a natural beauty spot which is an absolute pearl, but youve got to time it right. This is part of a Greek holiday resort guide series and will cover: Roughly speaking, the north coast is developed and is home to the main cities and also most of the beach resort towns. 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. 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. Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. Check TUI for packages including hotels and flights. 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. 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. 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. 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. See More, A great getaway to an idyllic blue bay in a car-free village, right on the beach. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. What was once a small Greek village has now become a cosmopolitan town, with bars, restaurants and hotels surrounding picturesque Lake Voulismeni. Its a busy tourist town dominated by resort hotels, with a small harbour and 4 organised beaches, and is packed with pretty bougainvillaea and colourful sun loungers. Transfer time: 1hr 15 minutes from Heraklion airport. Cool or what? Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa. (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. 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. If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. 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! Small ferry boats make the run over to Spinalonga from both Plaka and Elounda. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. Enter dates to see prices. 2,101 reviews. Not overly touristy (though all the amenities are present), it has a working town feel albeit one with an Ottoman mosque, Venetian Fortress, and Blue Flag Beach. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. 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. But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price. Candia Suites are close to the harbour with clean modern interiors and bicycle rental available. 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. On the beach itself, there is a tavern that sells local nibbles and drinks as well as sunbeds. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( The lazy river was a particular highlight. 5. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. Stay in Makrigialos: White Pearl Apartments are right on the beach. 1. Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion Airport. The 5-star hotels on the harbourfront are Scala de Faroand Domus Renier. See More, An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. 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. Chanias maze of old town streets have been prettied up for the tourists, but they still retain a charming atmosphere especially if you can catch them in spring before the masses arrive. Agree a time with him and he'll come back for you later. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. The area is popular with locals, which should tell you something, and as a result, the beachside cuisine in the local tavernas is to a pretty high standard. Both a beautiful and quiet place to visit in Crete. "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.". Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. 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. Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. 4.4/5 Wonderful! Oceanview Designer Beach House (4 guests): $300/night. $148. Classy Veneziano Boutique Hotel is in a beautifully renovated historic building. This ultra-luxurious haven combines the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. Mar 20 - Mar 21. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . The vibe is family-friendly thanks to its sheltered bay which is lined with a number of traditional tavernas. Check the rooms and prices on Booking.com. Mythos Suites is another town highlight with a pool. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. #9 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete. listeners: [], Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. 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. The further out, the quieter it gets. The beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. The one thing I would highly recommend is getting sea shoes as there are sea urchins on the rocks!! Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. 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. Atlantica Kalliston Resort. of the rooms, the quality of the beach. Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. Sitia, windsurf and nice beaches For a taste of the less touristy places on the island, Sitia is your town where to stay in Crete. There is a small airport serving flights to and from Athens. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. !" Breakfast included 2022 2. Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . Transfer time: 20 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Other options include Hotel Loutro Bay,SifisandDaskalogiannis Hotel. This 5* property offers boutique accommodation decorated in a typically Mediterranean fashion and with either a private plunge pool or hot tub. Aside from the peacefulness of the region, it is hard not to be astounded by the artwork the elements left behind- a series of terraces in the rock face which, will undoubtedly leave you awestruck. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. The area is also crisscrossed with donkey paths that make it fantastic for walking (its possible to walk to Plaka). With that and the relative peace and quiet, its an ideal spot to just be on this wonderful island. There are numerous beaches dotted about, and if you are staying for more than a few days it can be good fun to try a different one each day. Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore. Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. 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. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. 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. Its friendly and authentic if you want to get away from mass tourism then this easternmost part of Crete is a good bet. Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. It gets very popular and usually attracts people who go there for clubbing. Bali is roughly halfway between Rethymno and Heraklion there are bus services both but not as frequent as other resorts. per night. Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. Transfer time: 35 minutes from Heraklion airport. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. Avli Luxury Apartments are sumptuously decorated and theres a rooftop pool. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. "If you are looking for delicious food, spacious luxury rooms, a marvellous location directly on the beach and an excellent service, Mitsis Laguna is the answer.". See More, A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. 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. 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. Ferries leave Sitia once a week for Rhodes, Karpathos, and Kassos. But there are plenty of alternatives if your budget doesnt stretch quite that far, have a look at Blue Bay Resort Hotel, Peninsula Resort Hotel, Pela Mare, Seascape Luxury Residences, and Acro Wellness Suites. The small city of Sitia is a working port town with a pleasant seafront promenade, a sandy town beach, and a slow lifestyle. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport, 1 hr 10 minutes from Heraklion International Airport book a transfer. The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. { Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. 17. 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. The prices in Hersonissos are very competitive, partially to lure customers out of the many all-inclusive hotels in the area. As with the other northern cities, it has a Venetian Fortress (the Kazarma) and an Archaeological Museum. 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. Transfer time: 55 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Sifaka & Gavaladon 5, Old Town, Chania, Crete Island, 73101. The south is wild and remote with a spectacularly rocky coast and a few standout beach resorts. Some suites have access to a private hot tub on the roof terrave. Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. The lush Villa Octo is up in the hills behind the city and sleeps 6 in luxury. Highly discreet, with striking designs, each hotel is different. Check out cheery Sunday Life. Another sleepy Crete village, Tsoutsouros is undeveloped and charming (just how we like it). For initial visits to Crete, especially if you have limited time to travel, plan on staying in one of the 5 main settlements. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. 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). Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. The famous Preveli Palm Beach with its exotic date palm forest at the end of Kourtaliotiko Gorge is 5km away. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. Show Prices. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 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. 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 Beach Resorts: Find 55281 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Oceanfront Hotels in Crete on Tripadvisor. In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. 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. Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. 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! 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. It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. 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). The lagoon itself is actually an island that can be reached by paddling out to it. It has a slightly scruffy feel but there are two town beaches, an archaeological museum and some excellent restaurants to entertain you. 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). Milatos is a small and low-key beach resort just beyond Sissi. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. 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 beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. Stavros Bay aerial: Mike Drosos / Shutterstock, Matala rocks: Georgios Tsichlis / Shutterstock, Map of Crete: The Mediterranean Traveller, Map of Chania region The Mediterranean Traveller, Elafonissi: Zakhar Marunov / Adobe Stock, Paleochora: Vladimir1984 / Shutterstock, Map of Rethymnon region The Mediterranean Traveller, Panormo: Jaroslav Moravcik / Shutterstock, Agia Galini: Georgios Kritsotakis / Shutterstock, Map of Heraklion region The Mediterranean Traveller, Agia Pelagia: Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock, Map of Lasithi region The Mediterranean Traveller, Agios Nikolaos: olgaarkhipenko / Adobe Stock, Elounda: Georgios Tsichlis / Shutterstock. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey from Heraklion airport. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. There is also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. Packages to Stalis are available through TUI. A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. Transfer time: 15-45 minutes from Chania International airport. 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. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site. Agia Galini has a great selection of accommodation. 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. The beaches here are small but this helps to keep the crowds away. Historically all of the tourist accommodation has been outside the city in the summer resorts. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. Agia Roumeli is the most visited village in the area as it forms the exit point for the popular Samaria Gorge hike every day in the summer hundreds pop out of the gorge and onto a ferry to X where they can reconnect with the road system. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. Kalamaki is a relatively new town in Crete, it has more of a purpose-built feel to it. But the highlight is the peaceful and picture-perfect sugar cube village of Loutro, with its whitewashed walls and electric blue seas. Definitely one of the most unspoiled places to visit in Crete, the pretty peaceful village of Loutro evokes some strong emotion when you land here it is truly like stepping back in time! 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. Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection Show prices Enter dates to see prices 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. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. 302 reviews. Dont expect anything in the way of amenities when you get there (its actually a nature reserve and is treated accordingly). That said, they are exposed to the northwesterly Meltemi wind which blasts Greece throughout the summer beware big waves and undercurrents when the wind is blowing, pay attention to local advice. Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. Despite the small size of Falassarna, its a popular spot and has a reputation for being one of the best beaches in Crete. 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. Here you will find the emptiest beaches on the island and you can swim well into the autumn/winter months. 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. 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. No roads lead here and there are no nightclubs or nightlife. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. 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. 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.