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. And Plakias now has a youth hostel! The further out, the quieter it gets. Most of these are connected to town by regular bus. And theres an ancient Minoan site that youre likely to have to yourself. Mykonos has the best beach clubs (and nightlife). Honeymoons - This is . Enjoy the many dining options, good spa and lots of activities - tennis, water sports and nearby nightlife. 8. It has the same old-world charms with its colourful Venetian harbourfront, relics of Turkish rule, student population, and tangle of tiny alleys. See More, Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. See More, Impressive luxury resort, totally insulated from the outside world in semi-tropical gardens. } Rooms mirror the outdoors, blue and breezy, some suites come with terraces and pools. Its known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. #14 of 51 hotels in Georgioupolis. { 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. Its friendly and authentic if you want to get away from mass tourism then this easternmost part of Crete is a good bet. Ligaria is located on the north coast of Crete around a 30 minute drive from Heraklion Airport. On a budget? Z Boutique Hotel has comfortable rooms and a small pool. There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. There are only a few places to stay in Plaka try Athina Villas, Plaka Beach Cottages, and Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. Paleochora is the main resort town on the south-west coast. } NORTH: Rugged and unpopulated, with quiet but windy beaches. Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection 6. Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion International airport. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. 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. Abaton Island Resort & Spa 10. Fortunately, the prices in Elounda dont have a Hollywood price tag. 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. Another sleepy Crete village, Tsoutsouros is undeveloped and charming (just how we like it). Theres an excellent selection of tavernas, and its a short drive to Agios Nikolaos for city delights. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilties for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. There is no shortage of boutique in the winding Venetian streets of the old town. Stay in Ierapetra: The Cretan Villa Hotel is a handsome restored 18th century building, or try apartments like the Big Blue Suites. Both a beautiful and quiet place to visit in Crete. Some of the beach resorts along Rethymnon beach include: The area around Platanes is popular and sandy. The main tourist street is Odos Halidon, which divides the old and new city. Kissamos is a working port town on the northwestern edge of Crete. Start the day with farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride. Hersonissos is the biggest resort in Crete, its a large and lively resort town with something to suit every taste and budget. 5. 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. All rooms come with an outdoor pool and private hot tubs. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { If you're looking for a quiet, isolated experience . Apart from organized beaches in Chania Greece, there are also plenty of deserted coves and lovely bays to enjoy total privacy. Head west for quieter beaches at Amnisos or Tobrouk. 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. 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. Its still a 30-minute drive from Sitia. A lively beach town, the resort of Bali is set around a handful of coves in a scenic bay. Its not perhaps as quaint as some of the other places on this list but what it lacks in tradition it more than makes up for in swankiness and still manages to retain an air of what makes Crete so great. Most of the beach is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars, but with easy acces to the city. 1. An adults-only hotel in a converted historic mansion, it has been elegantly restored and has its own hammam. 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. The best of the rest are: Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites, Villa Ippocampi,Casa Bianca Boutique Hotel,Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Cooks Club. Courgette balls, broad beans, moussaka and mezedakia. This is Crete off-the-beaten-track. Wonderful! La Maison Ottomane brings a touch of Ottoman decadence meets modern style. 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 . The beaches in this area are all sandy, clean and stretch as far as the eye can see! 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. Here you will find the emptiest beaches on the island and you can swim well into the autumn/winter months. Boutique and luxury: Cressa Corona Boutique Hotel is the best address in town. The city has an airport which makes this place a number one spot to start exploring the area. Kato Zakros is located on the east coast of the island around a 3 hour journey from Heraklion airport. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Transfer time: 50 minutes from Chania International airport. 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. Kids go free to the Minoan Amusement Park. There are of resort hotels in Bali strung out along the coast many are looking a bit dated but there are a few standouts. See More, Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront. A wonderful place to visit and stay in Crete! Dorm rooms are available for the budget traveller at Rethymno Youth Hostel. Stay in Makrigialos: White Pearl Apartments are right on the beach. Something of the original working fishing harbour feel remains, and traditional domatia and cheap cafes sit alongside bijou boutiques and expensive seafood restaurants. Its a bit of a trek from Chania airport, so if youre going, fly to Heraklion. Some beaches are considered 'insider tips' among locals and tourists and can only be reached on foot, while other beach areas regularly host large numbers of sun-hungry visitors. Karavostasi Beach 432 Beaches By selsfield2003 Worth the walk ( or the ride on the mini train) Great beach - lovely clear water and 2 amazing tavernas. Numerous beautiful beaches with soft sand or colored pebbles are found in the prefecture of Chania in western Crete. The KTEL bus station is in the new town, a 10-minute walk from the main harbour see PDF timetables. Drive 10 minutes south from Agios Nikolaos for the stunning 5* resort Daios Cove, which has its own beach and private seawater plunge pools. Sfakia is the nearest town for amenities. Due to the presence of cold spring water streams, the seawater can be cold, even in summer but the beach itself is stunning. Transfer time: 1hr 30 minutes from Chania airport. See More, This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. The beach is large and there are a range of tavernas and shops offering food at a very reasonable price. 302 reviews. 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. 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! Top hotel pick is Palazzo Greco, a small hotel with a boutique feel the terrace pool and balconies have impressive sea views. 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. The beaches in the Rethymno province are some of the best not as dramatic as the west coast, but long and sandy and perfect for long, lazy beach days. Luxury highlights: Domes Noruz in Kato Daratsa is the 5* pick beachfront location, private plunge pools and hot tubs are available. Set in landscaped tropical gardens, it has 7 pools, a spa, and access to a rocky private beach. There are a few tavernas and perhaps the occasional cafe bordering the shallow rocky beach. Although the hippies have long since been moved on, and the caves protected and closed to the public, the town retains a laidback feel despite the explosion of tourism here. Their wild and remote location and lack of road access have helped to preserve their beauty. Beach bums are better off at Plakias (see below). It is a port city that offers an urban vibe with a touch of nature. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next beach break? Lasithi, the easternmost province of Crete, is home to some of its most luxurious hotels as well as its wildest and most traditional areas. But the rowdy bars are largely confined to one strip the Malia Mile, and the party doesnt start until later in the evening. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 8. Few make it out this far, despite its calling card the impressive (but empty) Venetian castle on its shore. } 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). 3,851 reviews. !" Breakfast included 2022 2. See more photos Add to shortlist. ); Kalamaki is a relatively new town in Crete, it has more of a purpose-built feel to it. Euphoria Resort 7. Utterly relaxing. Heraklion is Cretes capital and the largest city on the island. Transfer time: 30 minutes from Heraklion airport. A typical routine is to eat dinner in the old village and then head down towards the waterfront for evening drinks. 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. This ultra-luxurious haven combines the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. The lush Villa Octo is up in the hills behind the city and sleeps 6 in luxury. Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. And oh the food! 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. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. Lyttos Mare 5. There are lots of lovely places to stay in Rethymnon. (function() { Its super sedate. And if you'd like your own private pool, as well as access to a private beach, Refine your search to our Guru's recommendations for. In certain lights as well, Balos Beach has a hint of pink sand. With the exception of Paleochora, that is. Budget alternatives include Axos Hotel and Swell Boutique Hotel. The small city of Sitia is a working port town with a pleasant seafront promenade, a sandy town beach, and a slow lifestyle. See More, A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. Falassarna is home to one of the best beaches on Crete vast, sandy, and relatively undeveloped. BEST HOTELS RIGHT ON THE BEACH: Domes Noruz, Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, Domes of Elounda. " The hotel is very relaxing and although it is a bit quiet a night it really is the perfect mix of 5 star luxury during the day with the authenticity of amazing local Greek Tavernas like Zachos . There are a number of hotels right on the beach such as the modern and comfortable Sofia Hotel. Elounda Gulf Villas provide a free transfer to a private beach club. Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. listeners: [], These hikes can be strenuous and at some moments, hair-raising but they are well maintained. : Effi Apartments are a steal and right on the beach in Platanias. #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! 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). 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. What really amazed when I was in Crete was how quiet it is. 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. Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. A perfect miniature island-hopping adventure. 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. 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. The nation boasts nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, stretching along the warm Gulf of Mexico to the east and the . 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. Home / Beautiful Places / Top 26 Unspoilt Places to Visit in Crete for Travel Snobs. The area is also crisscrossed with donkey paths that make it fantastic for walking (its possible to walk to Plaka). Plakias is one of the nicest small resorts on Crete. 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 pink sands of Elafonisi are one of the main attractions in west Crete, with coachloads arriving every day to bathe in the glorious lagoon-like waters. Nearby is the Palace of Malia, one of the best Minoan ruins on the island. The beach is a mix of shingle and sand, and the water is crystal clear and calm. Considering you are only down the road from one of Cretes busiest towns, its pretty quiet and relaxing. Palazzo Duca is one block behind the harbour and is clean and modern with comfortable Cocomat mattresses. Kalamaki is located on the south coast of the island around an hours drive from Heraklion airport. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. 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. Shark Creek Beach, Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands, The Bahamas. Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel Show prices Enter dates to see prices 202 reviews On the Venetian harbour: is the 5 star Ambassadors Residence which has rooftop hot tubs. 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 the lagoon beach is known to many island regulars, and gets busy on a summer weekend. 17. 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. East of Sitia the crowds really thin out most tourists dont make it beyond this point. But it would be a shame to miss out on the excellent tavernas in Panormo. The 5-star hotels on the harbourfront are Scala de Faroand Domus Renier. 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! 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. Value 4.1. They get progressively smaller, more village-like and quieter the further out you get. Suites and private villas have personal pools. Its a purpose-built resort and essentially a quieter outpost of Malia though, with lots of the same English breakfast cafes and Irish bars. 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. Visitors to the area might be shocked to find that it retains its snowcaps until the middle of spring and offers innumerable hiking opportunities from the Samaria Gorge to the Askifou plateau to Mount Ida herself. Its unsurprisingly popular with returnees. Heading to the beautiful Greek island of Crete this year? Margarites is located in the very centre of the island of Crete, its an unspoiled village surrounded by the vibrant green hills of the Rethymnon region and is as well known for its picturesque panorama as it is for its extensive pottery trade. Its perfect for mature couples who dont need excursions and are happy to rent a car to explore the south coast. 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. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. 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. 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. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. The beach is sandy and the sea is calm, though the south coast does get fierce winds at times. Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa. On the beach: Check out LUX.ME White Palace and Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort for sheer whitewashed bliss right on the beach. It attracts a younger crowd than Agia Galini, more families and independent travellers. See More, Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. Crete is filled with fine beaches, ancient treasures, dreamy villages, wonderful cuisine, and hospitable locals who hold their traditional culture in high regard. Its an easy and cheap bus ride to Knoss from Heraklion. 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. 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. #1 Best Value of 80 Beach Resorts in Crete . In addition to 14 freshwater outdoor and indoor pools, it has a 350-meter beach with umbrellas, beach chairs, water sports (for a fee), beach volleyball, and beach parties hosted by the entertainment team. 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. 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. . Offering plenty of five-star luxury, Elounda is stuffed with beautiful resorts and classy hotels. The southeast coast is one of the least touristed parts of the island. T Hotel Premium Suites is the most comfortable place in town. Most of the visitors are locals in the high summer months. Koutouloufari is awash with luxury adults-only complexes. 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. 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. South coast Agia Galini is a small harbour town that was once the biggest resort town in the Rethymno region. 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! Blue Palace Elounda 9. There are several beaches that you can reach by foot, and as the crowds thin out you can still find a few nudist beaches. 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. Agios Nikolaos is located on the east side of the island around a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. If you are staying one or more nights, you dont need to worry about thumping music or all-night parties. Elounda is located in east Crete around an hours drive from Heraklion Airport. 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. Theres a wide selection of accommodation, easy transport links, a short airport transfer, and child-friendly shallow waters. Essentially, Myrtos has something to offer everyone from a secluded, sandy seafront to a large dose of historical culture. On the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, 20 km from the city of Chania, lies Grand Bay Beach Resort. Despite the small size of Falassarna, its a popular spot and has a reputation for being one of the best beaches in Crete. Elounda is a lively harbour town thats surrounded by beautiful scenery and a sandy Blue Flag town beach. 2,101 reviews. 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. 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. There are more Minoan ruins worth discovering though head further afield to Malia and Phaistos. 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. There are two routes to the beach by boat or for the most extreme, there is a path from Chora Sfakion and another from Loutro. As about as non-commercial as it gets, Sissi is everything you want from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village. Tourism here peaked in the 90s and as such it has a slightly careworn feel and is friendly but not busy. Crete Beach Resorts: Find 55281 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Oceanfront Hotels in Crete on Tripadvisor. Falassarna is located on the west coast of the island around a 2 hour 40 minute drive from Heraklion airport. Concur with these, we love Crete. 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. There is also a domestic airport in Sitia with flights from Athens. The older part of town (Ano Hersonissos or Palia Hersonissos) is set back from the coast and has lots of little family-run tavernas. Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is another beachfront blockbuster with private pools and daybeds. For a private beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining, try the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. 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. 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. Transfer time: 25 minutes from Heraklion International airport. Outside Heraklion centre is the vast and swanky kid-friendly resort Amirandes Hotel. The lagoon itself is actually an island that can be reached by paddling out to it. Sifaka & Gavaladon 5, Old Town, Chania, Crete Island, 73101. Top choice is the IG-friendly swim-up rooms at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is fantastic its worth visiting before you head out to the ancient sites if you can. Agree a time with him and he'll come back for you later. Ideal for totally relaxing. There are also plenty of boat trips are available from its harbour. There are 3 main beaches and a long waterfront area thats full of seafood restaurants, bars and clubs, and is popular in the evening. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. } Agiofarago Beach / Best Beaches in Crete Agiofarago Beach is the perfect beach in Crete if you want to sidestep the crowds. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. Transfer time: 1hr 5 minutes from Heraklion International airport. 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. The coastline between these cities is the busiest and most developed part of the island. per night. There are enough family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants that you can eat out somewhere different every night for a fortnight. 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. Makrigialis, on the other hand, is a small and friendly traditional beach resort. See More, A glamorous coastal property offering the upmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. On a budget? 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. . 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. 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. A stunning contemporary five star resort that will leave you wanting for nothing! Development is focused around a small harbour and excellent beach sandy, with shallow child-friendly waters. Its set back from the town but is 4* and modern, with 3 pools and spacious rooms. 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. 4.4/5 Wonderful! The south is wild and remote with a spectacularly rocky coast and a few standout beach resorts. As with the other northern cities, it has a Venetian Fortress (the Kazarma) and an Archaeological Museum. 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.
