best quiet beach resorts in crete

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best quiet beach resorts in cretedelgado family name origin

I think it time for a bring visit back! Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International 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. 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. For all intents and purposes its a real treasure. Some of the beach resorts along Rethymnon beach include: The area around Platanes is popular and sandy. Loutro:Porto Loutro On the Hill has the best position with balcony rooms looking out over the bay. Sougia is a small village located by the Libyan sea, it can be a bit of a drive, especially from some of the more developed areas, but that was half the fun! Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. Theres a wide selection of accommodation, easy transport links, a short airport transfer, and child-friendly shallow waters. An epic choice of restaurants and bars. 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. Most of the accommodation in this area is in traditional rooms and studios. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. The one thing I would highly recommend is getting sea shoes as there are sea urchins on the rocks!! $148. Whitewashed and chic Cyano Hotel is the best place to stay in Plakias rooms are spotless, the beds are comfy, and its a short walk to the shops and beach. 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. Its super sedate. Cleanliness 4.3. You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. #3 Best Value of 119 Crete Resorts "The mini water park within the hotel is excellent, with plenty of slides for younger and older kids. Some of the most beautiful and unique beaches are in the area nearby Damnoni is sandy with shallow clear waters, perfect for kids. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. Or the clean and modern Central City Hotel and Aeolios Design Hotel. Suites, bungalows, and villas are light and airy with large swathes of glass and a modern take on Cretian design. Transfer time: 1hr from Heraklion International airport. NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. And you can find amazing rock formations nearby at Souda such as Calypso Bay. There are several beaches that you can reach by foot, and as the crowds thin out you can still find a few nudist beaches. It has a slightly scruffy feel but there are two town beaches, an archaeological museum and some excellent restaurants to entertain you. My must-do highlights of Falassarna Experience a paragliding ride overlooking the coast to admire the island from a different perspective. Beach balls aside there is more to Plakias than sand and sunshine. 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. 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. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. 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! If you have a car then you might also want to consider accommodation up in Mirtios village above the bay. Ferries leave Sitia once a week for Rhodes, Karpathos, and Kassos. Lyttos Mare 5. Isolated, authentic, and very tranquil, Lentas isnt for Crete thrill-seekers or partygoers. Small ferry boats make the run over to Spinalonga from both Plaka and Elounda. Swimmers will prefer the deep water at Episkopi. The hotel is all-inclusive but the food was of excellent quality." Breakfast included 2022 4. Crete is a large island the fifth largest in the Mediterranean and you can find whatever youre looking for in each region. per night. 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. Transfer time: 1hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. Best Places in Crete to Stay for First-Timers and Sightseeing: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos. See More, A glamorous coastal property offering the upmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. There is a small airport serving flights to and from Athens. See More, Domes Noruz Chania boasts a spectacular location on the coast of Crete. These hikes can be strenuous and at some moments, hair-raising but they are well maintained. Naxos has the best beaches (but little nightlife). Sougia is located on the South West Coast of Crete around 3 hour and 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! 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. Mykonos is relatively small and you can easily drive around in a day. The main airports in Crete are Chania International and Heraklion International, both well served by budget airlines. Its raw beauty is undeniable, with glassy aquamarine waters and swirls of pastel-pink sands kissing the shore - a natural phenomenon caused by thousands of . 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. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. There are plenty of options for self-catered too, likeVilla Niki. Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. And oh the food! 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. 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. Atlantica Kalliston Resort. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. 2,101 reviews. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. 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. There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. 3,851 reviews. Its a year-round Greek town that attracts tourists and expats, rather than a purpose-built tourist town. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort has a Six Senses Spa, direct beach access, and a private 9-hole golf course. 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. Enjoy the many dining options, good spa and lots of activities - tennis, water sports and nearby nightlife. Mexico is one of those well-rounded countries that offer a little bit of everything: food, culture, gorgeous landscapes, and some of the best hotels and resorts in the entire world. See More, An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. Transfer time: 1 hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. Hostels: Chania has two gorgeous design hostel options Cocoon City Hostel and Kumba. The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. (function() { If you are staying one or more nights, you dont need to worry about thumping music or all-night parties. Kalamaki is a relatively new town in Crete, it has more of a purpose-built feel to it. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. Cretes famous hippie beach is located on the south coast the name will be familiar to any fan of Joni Mitchell, who lived in the caves here for a short time as described in the song Carey. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. The resorts here are some of the nicest places to stay on Crete. But the highlight is the peaceful and picture-perfect sugar cube village of Loutro, with its whitewashed walls and electric blue seas. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. Ligaria is located on the north coast of Crete around a 30 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. It has a sand-and-pebble beach and a handful of good tavernas to choose from. Crete Beach Resorts: Find 55281 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Oceanfront Hotels in Crete on Tripadvisor. event : evt, 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. Mar 20 - Mar 21. Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Good value rooms and family-run studios abound check rooms and availability on Booking.com. Other options include Hotel Loutro Bay,SifisandDaskalogiannis Hotel. 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. The south is wild and remote with a spectacularly rocky coast and a few standout beach resorts. 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. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. Crete is divided into four provinces, each headed up by a regional capital on the north coast Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. Rooms mirror the outdoors, blue and breezy, some suites come with terraces and pools. Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. Kids go free to the Minoan Amusement Park. But it has everything you need its ideal if youre looking to enjoy one place for your holiday and dont feel the need to visit the larger towns. 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. Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa 2. Its deliciously quiet in shoulder season. You wont find parties and bars here, oh no. 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. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. There are still many quieter, less commercialized resorts, villages, and secluded coves to explore and more hidden locations that are barely touched by tourism. One of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece, Chania is unsurprisingly a popular tourist destination. The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel. (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. Mykonos has the best beach clubs (and nightlife). Show prices. A network of small ferries connects Paleochora and Sfakia at either end, with the villages of Sougia, Agia Roumeli, and Loutro, and the island of Gavdos to the south. Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. Heraklion is Cretes capital and the largest city on the island. Mid-range boutique: Casa Cook is a beach resort reimagined for the Instagram generation, with boho-chic minimalism up on the hills behind the beach in Kato Daratsa. 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! Head west for quieter beaches at Amnisos or Tobrouk. Located 80km southwest of the town of Heraklion, it is much more secluded than your average beach, since it's just off the edge of (and sheltered by) a large gorge. Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. Astoria Hotel is a small family-run hotel with sea views and coastal decor. 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. Grecotel Meli Palace and Kalimera Kriti Resort both have direct beach access. Numerous beautiful beaches with soft sand or colored pebbles are found in the prefecture of Chania in western Crete. 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 long-distance hiking route passes through the area, and there are several smaller gorges and empty beaches such as Sweetwater to discover. 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. Service 4.3. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. #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. of the rooms, the quality of the beach. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. #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. Angela Suites Boutique Hotel is all whites and blues and has a pool. She counts supping on Bloody Marys on a rooftop in Manhattan, downing Singapore slings at the Raffles Hotel, daring a paraglide on the Grand Cayman, spending an exotic Christmas in Malaysia and exploring the Angkor Wat, Cambodia as her all time favourite travel moments. Transfer time: 1hr 45 minutes from Chania International airport. 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. A few Venetian buildings remain but most of the city is a modern concrete jungle that always seems to be dusty and full of building works that were halted during the crisis. But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. listeners: [], Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. 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. Mount Ida is the tallest peak of the range, named after the daughter of the King of Crete according to Greek mythology. Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. !" Breakfast included 2022 2. There are few roads in the area, and some of the villages are accessible only by boat. Balos beach Chania Balos is a fantastic location on the northwestern side of Crete, in the region of Chania. T Hotel Premium Suites is the most comfortable place in town. 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. Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection Show prices Enter dates to see prices Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. But most options are traditional apartment complexes such as Petritos Rooms or small houses like Arodamos Sea House. 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". If youre bringing the familiy you may prefer a villa with a pool have a look at Philoxenia Villas which has fresh modern decor and is 200 yards from the beach. Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Balos Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece if you want that fine white sand aesthetic. A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. 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. Perhaps, Domatas unspoiled beauty has been preserved this long because the region has no roads or infrastructures. Top things to see and do in Heraklion include: Ammoudara is the easiest beach to reach from the city the line 12 bus runs throughout the day. Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. 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. Crete is almost completely surrounded by beaches. Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. Transfer time: 25 minutes to the main harbour from Chania International airport. Captains House is in a traditional building by the waterfront a friendly welcome, fantastic sea views, and comfy beds. A luxury beach holiday. Crossing the south of the island is difficult. Many Chania beaches are among the best on the island, such as Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi. 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. Its a relaxed resort town (well compared to its busier neighbours) and if you want a no-nonsense turn-up and relax on the beach holiday then this is a good choice. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. Boutique and luxury: Cressa Corona Boutique Hotel is the best address in town. BEST HOTELS RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Domes Noruz, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, Domes of Elounda. Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. The swankiest resort in town is the long-established Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort. Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. Luxury highlights: Domes Noruz in Kato Daratsa is the 5* pick beachfront location, private plunge pools and hot tubs are available. There is an increasing number of upmarket resorts in Sissi. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. 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! If you are looking for a bit of space then Plakias offers one of the largest beaches in Crete. Value 4.1. A classy, modern hotel. } The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. Very good. If you chose to arrive by boat, the route and views are particularly beautiful. But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. 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. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. The resorts spread out in either direction along the coast. 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. } Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. 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). Panormos a small and charming traditional Cretan fishing village located on the northern coast has a few little extra bits that make it attractive, and a winery, it also has guided tours and tasting as well making it an attractive proposition indeed. Malia can be a great option for cheap last minute packages keep an eye on Lastminute.com for deals. 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. Agree a time with him and he'll come back for you later. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport. Triopetra Beach is located on the south of the island around a 2 hour drive from Heraklion airport. There are a few large all-inclusive hotels in Panormo Iberostar Creta Marine and Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare being two of the larger ones. Home / Beautiful Places / Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs. The White Houses are traditional waterfront houses decorated in local antiques and cool whites and blues. GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. On a budget? Heading to the beautiful Greek island of Crete this year? Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. The main village is set 1km back from the beach and is a popular area for villas and expats. 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. For something different, highly rated Ammos Hotel in Agioi Apostoli brings a touch of Scandi cool to proceedings. It is truly non-commercialised, and we hope it stays that way. The town isnt strictly a beach resort, so theres plenty to see and do besides basking. 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. #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. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. There are some bars, but they are more likely to be full of civilised locals than your standard 18-30 gangs. Falassarna is located on the west coast of the island around a 2 hour 40 minute drive from Heraklion airport. The resort itself is sleepy but like most in the area the beach gets very busy in the summer. A luxurious hideaway near Rethymnon. Bozzali. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. What was once a small Greek village has now become a cosmopolitan town, with bars, restaurants and hotels surrounding picturesque Lake Voulismeni. 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. 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. 1. There are 3 main beaches and a long waterfront area thats full of seafood restaurants, bars and clubs, and is popular in the evening. #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete . 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. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . Agiofaraggo beach Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized, Nudism-Friendly View on map Location: 80 km south west of Heraklion Town 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. See more photos Add to shortlist. Clearly, the island has so much more to offer aside from the famous mythology and legends, there are also sites of architectural, historical, and natural importance, that will leave any visitor completely enthralled! 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. The other top choice in Rethymnon is Rimondi Estate whose courtyard swimming pool is becoming an Instagram star in its own right. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. 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. 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. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. The area is also crisscrossed with donkey paths that make it fantastic for walking (its possible to walk to Plaka). For those on a smaller budget, have a look at the small and friendly Nostos Hotel which is a few minutes from the main harbour. 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. FalassarnaBeachhas 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. ); Fortunately, the prices in Elounda dont have a Hollywood price tag. If you want a bit of light culture there is a church (Agios Panteleimon) on the Western side of the village, it has a gorgeous mosaic floor and is not commercial in any way (if you want to see it youll have to go to the kiosk on Sougia beach and ask for the key yourselfseriously)! As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. The famous Preveli Palm Beach with its exotic date palm forest at the end of Kourtaliotiko Gorge is 5km away.

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