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. Its a relaxed south coast village, about 30km from Agia Galini, and has a wide, sandy Blue Flag beach and a spacious feel. 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 landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. Coastal perfection. Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel Show prices Enter dates to see prices 202 reviews 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. Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. 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! Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. 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. From spending many breaks on this beautiful island, here is my choice for the quietest and most authentic and unspoiled places to visit in Crete which are perfect for travel snobs. The city of Rethymnon (you might also see it spelt Rethymno or Rethimno) is like a smaller, more chilled version of Chania. Some swim-up rooms are available. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. It gets very popular and usually attracts people who go there for clubbing. The White Houses are traditional waterfront houses decorated in local antiques and cool whites and blues. Suites and private villas have personal pools. The main attraction in Stalis (or Stalida) is its 6km golden crescent of beach, and its proximity to party capital Malia (just a 30-minute walk). It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. 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. See more photos Add to shortlist. Its known for its big waves, fishing heritage, and seafood tavernas set around a small crescent of beach. 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. Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. Transfer time: 1hr 15 minutes from Heraklion airport. 26. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. 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. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. Panormos is the first beach resort that you hit east of Rethymnon that has a proper village feel and isnt just an outpost of the city. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. 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. Transfer time: 20 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. Transfer time: 2hrs from Heraklion International airport, 10 minutes from Sitia Public Airport. There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. 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. If you like your beaches vast and often deserted then make a beeline for Frangokastello on the south coast. Transfer time: 1 hr 40 minutes from both Chania and Heraklion airports. One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. Enjoyed this post? Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. Mar 20 - Mar 21. It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. Theres no real village to speak of, but there are a few places to stay tucked away in the flat plain behind the beach. Several of Eloundas top luxury hotels are actually in Plaka, so read the section above if you havent already. Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. Enter dates to see prices. 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. If it gets a bit too quiet for you, Diskos is only around the corner, where tented villagers of camping earthy types take up half the beach, and you can buy handmade trinkets from pop-up hippy shops. Cool or what? Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. "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.". Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chania. Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection 6. A spoiling stay. Atlantica Kalliston Resort. 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. And Plakias now has a youth hostel! The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. 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. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. There is also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. 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. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. See More, This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. Even the briefest of strolls through the village will showcase many of the wonderful pottery studios. Malliotakis Beach Hotel and Aggelo Boutique Hotel are both close to the beach and offer stylish places to lay your head. It also provides stunning views from all angles. 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. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos, Crete 129 rooms from 336. Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. The one we are talking about is ideal if youve decided to stay in or near Agios, as its just around the bay. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. Libyan Princess is the most comfortable and modern hotel on the block. . 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. } A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. Wonderful! The resort offers 75 airy and well appointed rooms and suites fully equipped with satellite TV and minibar. If you are staying one or more nights, you dont need to worry about thumping music or all-night parties. S&K Villas near Amyrida has a modern white cubist design and pool. #7 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete "The resort location gives quiet seclusion and comfort with its own small beach, sun terraces and infinity pool all with beautiful views over Mirabello Bay." "Secluded enough to be quiet and relaxing but also close enough to the picturesque town of Agios St Nikolas." Special offer 2022 8. Lyttos Mare 5. Theres a regular bus to Heraklion, and its possible to reach Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos for day trips too. Heraklion is located on the north coast of Crete and is home to the main airport of the island. Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore. The walk can take upwards of two hours depending on ability and speed, but also inclination, make sure you take your time to soak up the beautiful views and atmosphere. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. (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 coastline is developed on either side, but it was the introduction of budget flights to Chania airport that really put it on the map. But there are many places offering rooms and studios at a great price. But there is also an ecological interest Falassarna is part of the Natura 2000 network due to the extensive array of flora and fauna the area has to offer. The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! Euphoria Resort 7. 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. Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! Transfer time: 15-45 minutes from Chania International airport. 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. Its a year-round Greek town that attracts tourists and expats, rather than a purpose-built tourist town. The beach is large and there are a range of tavernas and shops offering food at a very reasonable price. Crete Beach Resorts: Find 55281 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Oceanfront Hotels in Crete on Tripadvisor. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. 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. 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. Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. The famous Preveli Palm Beach with its exotic date palm forest at the end of Kourtaliotiko Gorge is 5km away. In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. } 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.