See More, Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa 2. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. Classy Veneziano Boutique Hotel is in a beautifully renovated historic building. 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). For initial visits to Crete, especially if you have limited time to travel, plan on staying in one of the 5 main settlements. St Nicholas Bay Resort Hotels & Villas is a large 5* complex with direct beach access. The Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. Location 3.9. Nearby is the Palace of Malia, one of the best Minoan ruins on the island. 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 . 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. And Plakias now has a youth hostel! 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. on: function(evt, cb) { On a budget? Enjoy the many dining options, good spa and lots of activities - tennis, water sports and nearby nightlife. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Some suites have access to a private hot tub on the roof terrave. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . ; 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. Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is another beachfront blockbuster with private pools and daybeds. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. 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. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. #3 in Best Resorts in Crete Tripadvisor (921) 1 critic awards 5.0-star Hotel Class Free WiFi Overview Reviews Deals Rooms Kalimera Kriti Hotel Village Resort is a 5 star hotel located. 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. But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. The 3* Villa Maxine Hotel is great value and has a chic poolside area. 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 Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. The beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort 3. Inland Heraklion region is home to farmland and vineyards, whereas the coastline spreading east from Heraklion is also the most developed on Crete, and home to its most famous (and infamous resorts). Transfer time: 1hr from Heraklion International airport. Transfer time: 1hr 40 minutes from Chania International airport. In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. 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. Angela Suites Boutique Hotel is all whites and blues and has a pool. Parts of it are organised in the summer months though, and it does attract daytrippers. #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." Visit hotel website 2022 8. If you have a mix of old and young children or value convenience then Stalis is a solid option. 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. 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). But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. See More, A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. Enjoyed this post? Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. Belvedere Apartments are box fresh and have spa access. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! 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. 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. South coast Agia Galini is a small harbour town that was once the biggest resort town in the Rethymno region. 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. For a mix of the two - great beaches and some nightlife - Paros is perfect. Boat trips to Balos leave from the harbour. Sfakia is the nearest town for amenities. Go in the shoulder months and youll be rewarded with a day trip to remember. Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. 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. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. The nearest rooms are a few miles away try the sereneGlykeria Hoteland Elafonisi Resort. Total bliss. The five restaurants serve a range of food from sushi to Greek and there's a fabulous spa too. Transfer time: 1hr 15 minutes from Heraklion airport. The only parking is on the street which is very limited. } There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. 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. 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. 1,438 reviews. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. 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. BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CRETE IN AGIOS NIKOLAOS ($$$) Minos Beach Art Hotel ($$) Miramare Resort & Spa ($) Ikaros Art Hotel FIND AGIOS NIKOLAOS HOTEL DEALS 5. Outside this, its a large resort town with an excellent (though busy) beach, an unashamedly commercial centre, and a charming old quarter (Old Malia), where youll find traditional houses and tavernas. Its only a matter of steps to the beach. 9.8/5 (157 reviews) "The bed was so comfortable. Despite its size, Pacific Grove has more B&Bs than any other coastal . Return to simpler times at this beautiful hideaway on Crete. Including the five star beach resorts, family friendly hotels on Crete and great value finds. Transfer time: 1 hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. Boutique and luxury: Cressa Corona Boutique Hotel is the best address in town. A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. With steep sandy-coloured rocks dropping directly into the sea in this horseshoe-shaped bay and crystal clear water it is postcard perfect. For those who love to explore there are ruins all over the area dating from the Neolithic and Roman periods which, with a bit of tenacity can be uncovered and discovered. 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. Accommodation is spacious and secluded, the best options have heated seawater pools, but all are utterly indulgent. Lasithi, the easternmost province of Crete, is home to some of its most luxurious hotels as well as its wildest and most traditional areas. Cool or what? Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. of the rooms, the quality of the beach. Although elements of the walk can be tiring, its most definitely worth it. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. The beautiful unspoilt Samari Gorge is a major tourist attraction of the island and was created by a small river running through the White Mountains. 1. Beach bums are better off at Plakias (see below). Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. Value 4.1. Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey from Heraklion airport. See More, Blue Palace, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies the luxury, Equally swish and perhaps just that little bit smarter the. If you are looking for a bit of space then Plakias offers one of the largest beaches in Crete. 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). On the beach itself, there is a tavern that sells local nibbles and drinks as well as sunbeds. Its a perfect romantic destination for couples. Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. Falassarna is located on the west coast of the island around a 2 hour 40 minute drive from Heraklion airport. Crete Beach Resorts: Find 55281 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Oceanfront Hotels in Crete on Tripadvisor. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. Its an easy and cheap bus ride to Knoss from Heraklion. Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. 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. It gets very popular and usually attracts people who go there for clubbing. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. 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. Heres a complete rundown on where to stay in Crete to help you choose which part of the island to choose, which town, resort or beach is for you, and the best beach hotels, whether youre booking accommodation DIY or looking for a package vacation. Packages to Stalis are available through TUI. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. Bali is roughly halfway between Rethymno and Heraklion there are bus services both but not as frequent as other resorts. The swankiest resort in town is the long-established Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort. I think it time for a bring visit back! Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. Suites have private pools. Accommodation in Frangokastello is all self-catered and around the same price point. 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. Located to the eastern side of the island of Crete, Kato Zakros is a bit out of the way, but well worth the visit. Avli Luxury Apartments are sumptuously decorated and theres a rooftop pool. Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel. A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. The other top choice in Rethymnon is Rimondi Estate whose courtyard swimming pool is becoming an Instagram star in its own right. Bored of sunning yourself? Some of the most beautiful and unique beaches are in the area nearby Damnoni is sandy with shallow clear waters, perfect for kids. Transfer time: Ierapetra minutes from Heraklion airport, Makrigialos 1 hr 50 minutes from Heraklion airport. Transfer time: 1hr 45 minutes from Chania International airport. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { 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. } 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. BEST HOTELS RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Domes Noruz, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, Domes of Elounda. And oh the food! A spoiling beach treat! 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! Greece has over 1000 islands of which only 227 are inhabited. })(); 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. See More, A home-away-from-home set in a stunning rural spot with beaches, bars and tavernas a walk away. 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. 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. 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. Mount Ida is the tallest peak of the range, named after the daughter of the King of Crete according to Greek mythology. A spoiling stay. The beach of Myrtos is a hidden treasure which, rarely gets crowded and provides a real opportunity to take a load off and truly relax. Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. Check the rooms and prices on Booking.com. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. 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. On the harbour: If youre after a harbourfront hotel with a sea views balcony just bear in mind that noise and light from the restaurants below go on until late. 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 majority of Bahamian beaches are safely in "paradise on Earth" territory. 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. Its popular as a boat trip destination the summer months can see an influx of tour boats from nearby Malia and Hersonissos but relatively few actually stay there, and those that do tend to love it. 9 Theofanus Street, Chania, Crete Island, 731 00. 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. The local fare in many of the harbour tavernas is about as close as you can come to freshness, maybe even caught meters from where you sit. An epic choice of restaurants and bars. #9 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete. 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. 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. Sifaka & Gavaladon 5, Old Town, Chania, Crete Island, 73101. Rethymno Beach is also one of Cretes most important turtle nesting grounds. You may have to head to the south coast when the wind is blowing. 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. Sumptuous suites and villas have cool contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. It can be as quiet or as rowdy as you like. Bozzali. Glika Nera Beach 190 Beaches By 849jeremyn Each of these areas offers exceptional hotels, fantastic dining, and a wide range of nearby . Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. 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. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 30 minutes from Chania airport. 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). Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. The lagoon itself is actually an island that can be reached by paddling out to it. Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. Kalamaki is a relatively new town in Crete, it has more of a purpose-built feel to it. 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. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. 17. Its super sedate. Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. 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. 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. Transfer time: 1 hr 40 minutes from both Chania and Heraklion airports. ; EAST: The beaches past Elia are beyond the reach of the bus and water taxi network so things calm down considerably. all were excellent and we recommend this hotel with a true "vacation vibe" to all couples wanting a quiet and relaxing vacation on the wonderful beach of Crete". Plaka has a lovely beach, especially lovely if you dont like sand getting everywhere, as its made from pebbles. Although the panorama can make you trigger happy with the camera, dont ignore the beauty right beside you on the path a Venetian fort, ancient churches, ancient cisterns, and the breath-taking remains of the ruined ancient town of Pikilassos, not to mention the beautiful flora and fauna that you encounter along the way, including lots of olive trees resist the urge to pillage! Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. The smaller of the two beaches, Small Triopetra (or Koumado), is more an enclosed, sandy, and rocky bay. a rundown of Crete's quieter resorts and villages; the best places to stay for couples, families and nature CRETE OVERVIEW BEST LUXURY HOTELS: Domes of Elounda, Daios Cove, Abaton Island Resort and Spa, Domes Noruz. Check Paleochora rooms and prices on Booking.com. 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. It is flanked by steep, mountainsides, home to a sizable herd of goats (judging from the clinking of bells) as well as a tepid sea, sheltered by a lush bay. 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. Also along the main harbour, youll find the stylish Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel and the funky Alcanea Boutique Hotel. 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. A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. Oceanview Designer Beach House (4 guests): $300/night. The nation boasts nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, stretching along the warm Gulf of Mexico to the east and the . 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. Triopetra Beach is located on the south of the island around a 2 hour drive from Heraklion airport. Glyka Nera is located on the south coast of Crete a 2 hour 30 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. #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! See More, An ultra-luxurious haven combining the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion Airport. There are so many luxury hotels in Elounda that its impossible to list them all. The Akrotiri Peninsula is where youll find the airport, a swathe of villas, and a few spectacular beaches such as Stavros Bay and Seitan Limani. Several of Eloundas top luxury hotels are actually in Plaka, so read the section above if you havent already. A good selection of bars and restaurants. 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. There is also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. Balos beach Chania Balos is a fantastic location on the northwestern side of Crete, in the region of Chania. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. The 5-star hotels on the harbourfront are Scala de Faroand Domus Renier. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. See More, A glamorous coastal property offering the upmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. 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. It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. Theres plenty to keep older children entertained, including watersports and boat trips. Small ferry boats make the run over to Spinalonga from both Plaka and Elounda. Sougia is located on the South West coast of the island around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion airport. Honeymoons - A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay. 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. You can always visit the amazing chapel of Prophet Elias. Similar rooms are available at Elysium Boutique Hotel & Spa. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. 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! !" Breakfast included 2022 2. The thrum centres around the Venetian harbour, the cafe-packed backstreets, and the extensive beach which extends to the east. There are still many quieter, less commercialized resorts, villages, and secluded coves to explore and more hidden locations that are barely touched by tourism. (function() { Transfer time: 55 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Euphoria Resort 7. #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. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Honeymoons - This is . You wont find parties and bars here, oh no. Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. There are plenty of options for self-catered too, likeVilla Niki. 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. It is truly non-commercialised, and we hope it stays that way. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. The lush Villa Octo is up in the hills behind the city and sleeps 6 in luxury.