best quiet beach resorts in crete
One of the main attractions of this part of Crete is Vai Beach, the famously exotic palm beach and former hippie colony. Atlantica Kalliston Resort. You wont find parties and bars here, oh no. 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. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. Panormos is located on the North Coast of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Its perfect for mature couples who dont need excursions and are happy to rent a car to explore the south coast. Its known for its big waves, fishing heritage, and seafood tavernas set around a small crescent of beach. 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. And its one of the warmest places in the Mediterranean in winter. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next beach break? 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. Some suites have access to a private hot tub on the roof terrave. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. 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. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. The smaller of the two beaches, Small Triopetra (or Koumado), is more an enclosed, sandy, and rocky bay. 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. There are few roads in the area, and some of the villages are accessible only by boat. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { 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. Including the five star beach resorts, family friendly hotels on Crete and great value finds. 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! Ierapetra is known as the capital of the south coast as its the biggest town along the coast, and one of the southernmost towns in Europe. Naxos has the best beaches (but little nightlife). #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. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. The Troulis Apart-hotel is excellent value. Some beaches are considered 'insider tips' among locals and tourists and can only be reached on foot, while other beach areas regularly host large numbers of sun-hungry visitors. 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. Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. #30 Best Value of 32 Crete Luxury Beach Resorts Lasithi, the easternmost province of Crete, is home to some of its most luxurious hotels as well as its wildest and most traditional areas. Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. Rapid growth resulted in some dense development around the small harbour, and the small beach is a 10-minute walk out of the village. There is no shortage of boutique in the winding Venetian streets of the old town. 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. 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. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. There are a few large all-inclusive hotels in Panormo Iberostar Creta Marine and Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare being two of the larger ones. $148. Classy Veneziano Boutique Hotel is in a beautifully renovated historic building. Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. Its a relaxed south coast village, about 30km from Agia Galini, and has a wide, sandy Blue Flag beach and a spacious feel. Be aware that roads and bus routes in the south are sparse, its easier to plan an itinerary that takes in one region or travels along the north coast. listeners: [], 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 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. 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. Bozzali. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. No roads lead here and there are no nightclubs or nightlife. The landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty. Visitors here can simply detox from life and tackle long-awaited books, take walks along the stunning scenery or simply eat, drink and be merry. : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. 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. Lyttos Mare 5. If you are staying one or more nights, you dont need to worry about thumping music or all-night parties. The resort offers 75 airy and well appointed rooms and suites fully equipped with satellite TV and minibar. There are only a few places to stay in Plaka try Athina Villas, Plaka Beach Cottages, and Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. Isolated, authentic, and very tranquil, Lentas isnt for Crete thrill-seekers or partygoers. Theres plenty to keep older children entertained, including watersports and boat trips. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. At Finikounda in south-western Peloponnese, it's a simple beach resort with honey-hued beaches, space for 80 campers, and 16 sizeable bungalows with their own bathrooms, cooking facilities. Start the day with farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride. 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. Mount Ida is the tallest peak of the range, named after the daughter of the King of Crete according to Greek mythology. Utterly relaxing. Pick of the pack is the uber-chic Serenissima Boutique Hotel its located one block back from the main harbour in a 15th-century Venetian mansion. Show prices. As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. 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. "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.". The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. 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. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. See More, A glamorous coastal property offering the upmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. There are churches tucked away in winding streets, and for those of you who want to enjoy a waterside view without the sand, the town is built around a beautiful lake (Lake Voulismeni), where you can take in the views, whilst also dining in style in one of a multitude of lakeside restaurants. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. This is Crete off-the-beaten-track. 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. It can be as quiet or as rowdy as you like. Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. The hotel is all-inclusive but the food was of excellent quality." Breakfast included 2022 4. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. If you like your beaches vast and often deserted then make a beeline for Frangokastello on the south coast. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. With the exception of Paleochora, that is. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. With that and the relative peace and quiet, its an ideal spot to just be on this wonderful island. Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. 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. Its an easy and cheap bus ride to Knoss from Heraklion. There are 3 main beaches and a long waterfront area thats full of seafood restaurants, bars and clubs, and is popular in the evening. 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). 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. Z Boutique Hotel has comfortable rooms and a small pool. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. It is home to a substantial palm date forest, which is accessible by foot or by car. Parts of it are organised in the summer months though, and it does attract daytrippers. Its a perfect romantic destination for couples. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. Falassarna Beach has won prizes for being the most beautiful beach in Crete and is always one of the top ten beaches in Europe, with its wonderful, fine white sand and warm, crystal-clear water. #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. Glyka Nera is located on the south coast of Crete a 2 hour 30 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. The prices in Hersonissos are very competitive, partially to lure customers out of the many all-inclusive hotels in the area. #26 Best Value of 502 Quiet Hotels in Crete. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. Although be warned, the walk takes five to seven hours and can be strenuous, especially at the peak of summer. 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. Most of the accommodation in this area is in traditional rooms and studios. If you have a mix of old and young children or value convenience then Stalis is a solid option. #1 Best Value of 1,305 Crete Beach Hotels "Beach - Currently sitting on the beach I can tell you it is a little sun trap! Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. Theres a regular bus to Heraklion, and its possible to reach Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos for day trips too. Pick the Nana Princess in Hersonissos for a relaxing getaway. 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. 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. In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. Nearby is the Palace of Malia, one of the best Minoan ruins on the island. 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! The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. Balos beach Chania Balos is a fantastic location on the northwestern side of Crete, in the region of Chania. Oceanfront Home With Views (7 guests): $325/night. 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. 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. The resort boasts an outdoor hot tub. 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. Paleochora is located on a small peninsula with beaches on either side perfect for windsurfing as one of them will always be catching the wind. Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site. " The hotel is very relaxing and although it is a bit quiet a night it really is the perfect mix of 5 star luxury during the day with the authenticity of amazing local Greek Tavernas like Zachos . There are still many quieter, less commercialized resorts, villages, and secluded coves to explore and more hidden locations that are barely touched by tourism. On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. 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. It has a sand-and-pebble beach and a handful of good tavernas to choose from. 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. See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. There are plenty of options for self-catered too, likeVilla Niki. You can find private plunge pools at Miramare Resort & Spa. Libyan Princess is the most comfortable and modern hotel on the block. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. 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. 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. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. In addition to 14 freshwater outdoor and indoor pools, it has a 350-meter beach with umbrellas, beach chairs, water sports (for a fee), beach volleyball, and beach parties hosted by the entertainment team. Did somebody say wine? It is hardly surprising then that there are a world-class selection of beach hotels to choose from. 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. Ferries leave Sitia once a week for Rhodes, Karpathos, and Kassos. There is also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. The main village is set 1km back from the beach and is a popular area for villas and expats. 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! 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! The only parking is on the street which is very limited. 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. See More, A great getaway to an idyllic blue bay in a car-free village, right on the beach. There are some quieter beaches in the area if youre up for a bit of scrambling, and things calm down in the evening once the coaches have packed up for the day. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. "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.". For all intents and purposes its a real treasure. Return to simpler times at this beautiful hideaway on Crete. Yes: Sougia is the best quiet beach in Crete, without a doubt. 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. Kids go free to the Minoan Amusement Park. 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. 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. For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect.
