Stay in Makrigialos: White Pearl Apartments are right on the beach. Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach. 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. On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. Grecotel Meli Palace and Kalimera Kriti Resort both have direct beach access. 26. 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. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. 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. Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Show prices. Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. Its a 40-minute drive to Rethymno. "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.". Set in landscaped gardens, the freshly reinvented Radisson Blu Beach Resort has seven pools, direct beach acces, and is popular with families. The Ottoman influence is front and centre at the Hamam Oriental Suites, housed in a former hammam building some rooms have hot tubs. Theres no real village to speak of, but there are a few places to stay tucked away in the flat plain behind the beach. Theres a wide selection of accommodation, easy transport links, a short airport transfer, and child-friendly shallow waters. Plakias is located along the south coast of the island around an hour and 40 min drive from Heraklion Airport. Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. Balos beach Chania Balos is a fantastic location on the northwestern side of Crete, in the region of Chania. Elounda Gulf Villas provide a free transfer to a private beach club. The landscape is dry and barren, and the beaches largely empty. (178 reviews) "Very difficult to find in the Dark, as the entrance is down a dark alley, and the sins aren't lit up. One of the best beaches in the south coast of Crete, You can actually park the car by the beach, there are a couple o. This 5* property offers boutique accommodation decorated in a typically Mediterranean fashion and with either a private plunge pool or hot tub. If you think of a sleepy Greek fishing village, you probably have images of small boats bobbing in quartz waters, piles of multicoloured nets, and fishermen unloading their catch before nipping off to the Taverna for a cheeky ouzo. The Troulis Apart-hotel is excellent value. Its a perfect romantic destination for couples. A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. The scenery as you traverse the coast road with steep hills and lush greenery gives views that will take your breath away. Swanky Aspalathos Falassarna Villas has an infinity pool, hot tub and sauna. Mythology aside you can visit the ruins of the Minoan Zakros palace, which is a genuine archaeological site. 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. That said, there are bus links to Rethymno and Heraklion so car hire is not necessary. An adults-only hotel in a converted historic mansion, it has been elegantly restored and has its own hammam. It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. The 5-star hotels on the harbourfront are Scala de Faroand Domus Renier. Perhaps, Domatas unspoiled beauty has been preserved this long because the region has no roads or infrastructures. You can find private plunge pools at Miramare Resort & Spa. Blue Palace Luxury Collection has views across to Spinalonga, an extensive spa, and direct access to a pebble beach. Elafonisi Lagoon is located on the west coast of the Greek island of Crete around a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel 4. per night. Despite the small size of Falassarna, its a popular spot and has a reputation for being one of the best beaches in Crete. If you can get beyond immediate appearances, it has a likeable vibe there are some excellent museums and a good bar and music scene propped up by the local student population. Koutouloufari is awash with luxury adults-only complexes. It has a sand-and-pebble beach and a handful of good tavernas to choose from. Here you will find the emptiest beaches on the island and you can swim well into the autumn/winter months. The resorts here are some of the nicest places to stay on Crete. You can always visit the amazing chapel of Prophet Elias. 5. Agiofaraggo beach Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized, Nudism-Friendly View on map Location: 80 km south west of Heraklion Town Take a 15-minute walk uphill from the main town and you will find Koutouloufari and Piskopiano, two traditional villages that are increasingly popular for upmarket accommodation options. Balos Beach, Crete. 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. 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! } See More, A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. Just dont expect to find authentic Crete here. Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. It attracts independent travellers and plenty of returners and is a popular base for hiking in the area. Bozzali. Most hotels and rooms in Matala are simple and value. Myrtos village is located on the south coast of Crete an 1 hour 20 minutes drive from Heraklion Airport. #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete . Access to this haven can be achieved through E4 trail but the climb can be treacherous in places as it climbs to an altitude of 700m, so its not for the fainthearted but on arrival, you will no doubt agree that this is one of the finest beaches in all the Greek islands. 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. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. Essentially, Myrtos has something to offer everyone from a secluded, sandy seafront to a large dose of historical culture. Cool or what? 302 reviews. Transfer time: 15-45 minutes from Chania 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. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. On the beach itself, there is a tavern that sells local nibbles and drinks as well as sunbeds. The one thing I would highly recommend is getting sea shoes as there are sea urchins on the rocks!! The surrounding hillsides are home to a swathe of lovely resort hotels and a few minor beaches. Check the rooms and prices on Booking.com. Home / Beautiful Places / Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs. It feels a little like the end of the known world, and Sfakions are known for their fierce independence and excellent cheese pies. 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. Most likely, it will only be you, the sound of the lapping water, the bristling sun and the rustle of the pine trees. Enjoyed this post? Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. The beach is in a protected park and no development is allowed with 1km. In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. 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. 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. 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. The other top choice in Rethymnon is Rimondi Estate whose courtyard swimming pool is becoming an Instagram star in its own right. Beach bums are better off at Plakias (see below). (function() { 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. #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. Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. Brilliant choice of restaurants, easy to book each morning Popi the waitress in the main Cosmos restaurant was so att." 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. Most of the accommodation in this area is in traditional rooms and studios. It has a tranquil fishing village vibe, although the heart of the village does feel a bit commercialised, and there are some small beaches a short walk away (the main one is Boufos). Transfer time: 15 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. I just want to mention dont confuse your Plakas, as there are two, one of which is inhabited and built purely for ex-pats. Did somebody say wine? Plaka is located on the coast on the east of Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. #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. { Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. Honeymoons - This is . 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. If you want to explore the culinary, you will have a vast variety of restaurants and amazing coffee shops. 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. Agios Nikolaos, Or just Agios if you prefer, is a bustling town and working port. Check out cheery Sunday Life. 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. 17. Lyttos Mare 5. Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. Transfer time: 1hr 45 minutes from Chania International airport. The upmarket vibe of Elounda is rubbing off on the small nearby village of Plaka, which is ideal with those looking for a quiet and peaceful holiday. Its located on the western end of the north coast, withpeaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) providing a dramatic backdrop. GBP $ USD EUR $ AUD $ CAD. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. 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 . If you want to meet other travellers there are two hostels in town Intra Muros and So Young, but private rooms in traditional domatia or apartments can be foundfor a similar price. On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. Suites and private villas have personal pools. Including the five star beach resorts, family friendly hotels on Crete and great value finds. The 680-room Creta Maris Beach Resort is a beachfront all-inclusive resort a 10-minute walk from Limenas Hersonissos village. And its one of the warmest places in the Mediterranean in winter. There are several beaches that you can reach by foot, and as the crowds thin out you can still find a few nudist beaches. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. Anissaras beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/brownieboy27/4986950206/in/set-72157624948245648 Report inappropriate content roseyManchester manchester 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. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. 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). 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! Monastery Estate is a beautiful new conversion with Turkish hammam. 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. 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. 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. A stunning contemporary five star resort that will leave you wanting for nothing! Mykonos is relatively small and you can easily drive around in a day. Ferries leave Sitia once a week for Rhodes, Karpathos, and Kassos. Transfer time: 1hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Several of Eloundas top luxury hotels are actually in Plaka, so read the section above if you havent already. Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa 2. A small town located on a small peninsula in southwest Crete, Paleochora is ideal if you want a bit of both. Both a beautiful and quiet place to visit in Crete. 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. Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore. If you like your beaches vast and often deserted then make a beeline for Frangokastello on the south coast. ; 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. Its vulnerable to high winds but on the other hand, this makes it ideal for surfers. Heraklion is Cretes capital and the largest city on the island. Boutique and luxury: Cressa Corona Boutique Hotel is the best address in town. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. Located in the south-eastern corner of the island is this tranquil, pristine, white-washed village full of traditional charm. Transfer time: 1hr from Heraklion International airport. It gets very popular and usually attracts people who go there for clubbing. 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. Here, you can available of the offerings from the nearby tavernas and umbrellas are available. But the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. The outskirts of Hersonissos are home to some of Cretes swankiest 5* resort hotels. 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. La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. Several of the Elounda luxury resorts are actually in Plaka. Fortunately, the prices in Elounda dont have a Hollywood price tag. The beach here is better than any at Hersonissos, which is 5km away. Transfer time: 1 hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. There are few roads in the area, and some of the villages are accessible only by boat. The main village is set 1km back from the beach and is a popular area for villas and expats. Cleanliness 4.3. See More, A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. 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. Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa. 1,438 reviews. Check TUI for packages including hotels and flights. Some of the beach resorts along Rethymnon beach include: The area around Platanes is popular and sandy. Well, you dont need to imagine, as youve just thought of Sissi in beautiful Crete! There are only a few places to stay in Plaka try Athina Villas, Plaka Beach Cottages, and Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. On a budget? In the small grid of streets behind the main beach, you will find souvenir shops, mini-markets, and small hotels/rooms to let. Whether you are planning a getaway with the family, a couples' escape or a luxury break there is something to suit most tastes and budgets here. Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. 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. Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. Crete's Best Beach Hotels as chosen by the independent experts at The Hotel Guru. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. callback: cb An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. Most accommodation is in Paleokastro village which is a short drive from several excellent beaches including Kouremenos, Hiona, and Mandati. 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. There are no luxury hotels in the area, but an excellent selection of traditional family-run hotels and pensions, many with sea views. 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. Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort 3. 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. There are actually three beaches within walking distance from the cobbled stone street village, all of which are pretty shallow and nestled amongst some really lovely local topography, allowing for some rather nice snorkelling experiences. Another sleepy Crete village, Tsoutsouros is undeveloped and charming (just how we like it). Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of 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. See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. 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. #8 Best Value of 35 Exclusive Resorts in Crete. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. 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. Triopetra Beach is located on the south of the island around a 2 hour drive from Heraklion airport. Candia Suites are close to the harbour with clean modern interiors and bicycle rental available. #9 Best Value of 66 Quiet Resorts in Crete. 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). It does attract some tourists, mainly from the continent. 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. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is fantastic its worth visiting before you head out to the ancient sites if you can. Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. Atlantica Kalliston Resort. Enter dates to see prices. 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. Small ferry boats make the run over to Spinalonga from both Plaka and Elounda. Palm-fringed Preveli is one of the most unique and beautiful beaches on Crete. 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 But its also possible to use Plakias as a base for walking and hiking. It is famous for its never-ending stretch of sand, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. See More, Impressive luxury resort, totally insulated from the outside world in semi-tropical gardens. 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. But almost every island has at least a few great swimming beaches. Heading to the beautiful Greek island of Crete this year? Its super sedate. A luxurious hideaway near Rethymnon. 5km south of Plaka is the small beach town of Elounda, one of Cretes most characterful resorts and home to some of its premier luxury hotels. Heraklion itself is not quite an attractive destination in the same way that Chania and Rethymnon are much of its historic architecture was damaged during heavy bombing in WWII. NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. All rooms come with an outdoor pool and private hot tubs. A luxury beach holiday. Two Cretes minor islands Chryssi and Koufonisi are just off this part of the shore. 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. Elounda is a good middle ground for those who dont want utter isolation, but still want to keep their break fairly relaxed. With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. Chania (pronounced Hania and sometimes spelt Xania), with its old Venetian streets, is the gem of Crete and its nicest city. The nation boasts nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, stretching along the warm Gulf of Mexico to the east and the . 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. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next beach break? See More, A vast contemporary beach resort with all the trimmings, lush grounds, four pools and private beach area. Transfer time: 1hr 10 minutes from Chania International airport, 1 hr 10 minutes from Heraklion International Airport book a transfer. Suites have private pools. And you can find amazing rock formations nearby at Souda such as Calypso Bay. Numerous beautiful beaches with soft sand or colored pebbles are found in the prefecture of Chania in western Crete. To the west of Sitia is the small coastal village of Mochlos which sports two islets with Minoan excavations. 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. 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. There are plenty of options for self-catered too, likeVilla Niki. Mykonos has the best beach clubs (and nightlife). Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. The beaches here are small but this helps to keep the crowds away. Description: Malia is the most popular beach resort of Heraklion and the most famous nightlife spot in Crete. 8. Transfer time: 1hr 35 minutes from Chania International airport. You cant miss it, its called Youth Hostel Plakias. If commercial isnt your thing then there are numerous guesthouses in the area, all offering their own unique brand of hospitality, many with floral and fragrant herb gardens. 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 beach of Myrtos is a hidden treasure which, rarely gets crowded and provides a real opportunity to take a load off and truly relax. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. Much of the south-west coast is rocky and inaccessible, with steep cliffs that drop dramatically into the sea and small beaches that form at the end of gorges. However, dont let that put you off. Location 3.9. Dont expect anything in the way of amenities when you get there (its actually a nature reserve and is treated accordingly). The small city of Sitia is a working port town with a pleasant seafront promenade, a sandy town beach, and a slow lifestyle. The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! The wonderful White Mountains are located in Western Crete, and their gleaming shine is the dominant feature of the region. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. Theres plenty to keep older children entertained, including watersports and boat trips. If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . Transfer time: 50 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. Even the briefest of strolls through the village will showcase many of the wonderful pottery studios. Sissi is a small resort thats on the coast between Malia and Plaka, known for its pretty harbour and seafood tavernas. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. 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. 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. 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. 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. However, Balos Beach caught our eye for its clean waters and beautiful offshore reefs.