This place is about as non-commercial as it gets on this island! This charming fishing village has managed to retain its authentic character and traditional Cretan atmosphere due to its more secluded setting and local lifestyle. Unlike some of its neighbours that have embraced mass tourism, I love that Sissi has an intimate, laid-back vibe with fewer large hotels and developments.
It’s located on the north coast of (around 41 km east of the island’s capital, Heraklion), it was everything I wanted from a pretty Mediterranean fishing village with traditional fishing boats bobbing in the harbour, white-washed houses and a charming port area all surrounded by olive groves and rugged hills.
The main beach, Boufos Beach, was mostly sand and equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas and the clear, turquoise waters were perfect for swimming and relaxation and there was also a wide range of accommodation ranging from low-rise hotels to guesthouses. I thought it was a blissful spot!
I stayed here for a week and there were no loud parties and lively bars here, so I spent a blissful time simply dining in traditional tavernas, relaxing on the beach, snorkelling and getting to know the friendly locals.
My favourite highlights…
- Staying at the dreamy Grecotel Meli Palace – I really loved the chic, white poolside cabanas!
- Spending relaxing afternoons at the idyllic Kalimera Kriti Beach and Boufos Beach where the calm waters were ideal for swimming.
2. Elounda
Elounda is home to upscale resorts and classy hotels! I have to say it doesn’t have the quaint, authentic charm of some of the other spots on this list but it does have a chic, cosmopolitan vibe instead!
It remains a more tranquil spot due to its upscale resorts and secluded location, which attract a more discerning crowd, ensuring that the natural beauty is more preserved. It’s also something of a celebrity hotspot and Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Rihanna have all been spotted holidaying here.
Located on the northeastern coast (near the town of Agios Nikolaos) it has truly breathtaking scenery with sparkling blue waters and a picturesque coastline dotted with luxurious resorts, charming bars and gourmet restaurants, with a backdrop of rugged mountains.
There are several sandy beaches including the main sandy (mixed in with a bit of shingle) Elounda Beach which had shallow waters but can get busy at times and the more secluded and tranquil Kolokithia Beach which is smaller but has fine paler sand and less tourists.
I spent a week here and strolled along the picturesque harbour lined with vibrant cafes and seafood restaurants, relaxed on the beautiful beaches, indulged in the luxurious spa resorts and went snorkelling to see the fascinating historic sunken city of Olous, all set against the stunning backdrop of Mirabello Bay.
My personal highlights…
- Staying at the chic Domes of Elounda – I loved the hot tub on the balcony and the very trendy decor!
- Taking a boat trip over to the famous Spinalonga Island which had stunning views across the bay to Plaka and Elounda.
- Dining on the terrace at the Lotus Eaters restaurant and gazing at the gorgeous sea views. The marinated roast peppers and fried potatoes were divine!
3. Agios Nikolaos
This is is a very picturesque coastal town! It maintains its quiet and unspoilt character through strict local planning and a commitment to preserving its natural beauty and cultural heritage. It does attract tourists but I love that it has more of a cosmopolitan vibe than being a huge party hotspot.
It’s located on the eastern coast of the island along the Gulf of Mirabello and it’s home to charming waterfront buildings with traditional Cretan architecture along the marina and lake, complemented by several sandy beaches and sparkling waters, all set against a gorgeous backdrop of rolling hills and lush vegetation.
I stayed for five days and explored the mystical Lake Voulismeni which is linked to many local legends, relaxed on the sandy beaches (my favorites were Vayu, Almiros and Voulisma beaches!), dined in traditional tavernas along the pretty marina, discovered ancient artifacts at the Archaeological Museum, explored ancient ruins of the Christian basilica and took a boat trip to the interesting Spinalonga Island which had an interesting ancient fortress and I also found out it was a former leper colony!
My personal highlights…
- Staying Minos Palace Hotel & Suites – I loved the gorgeous Insta-worthy design!
- Exploring the nearby Almiros Wetlands where I saw incredible flamingos!
- Exploring the Mediterranean Sea on a fun semi-submarine tour.
- Dining at the Gioma Meze, a trendy lakeside restaurant which served up traditional Cretan food with a modern twist. I loved the delicious grilled pitta bread with oregano and locally made olive oil!
- Visiting the nearby Cretan Olive Oil Farm and finding out how the local olive oil, wine, raki and pottery were made.
4. Panormos
Panormos is a small and charming traditional Cretan fishing village with a working harbour located on the northern coast. It does attract tourists but this place is much more undeveloped than other Crete resorts and I loved the laid back, authentic vibe this place had.
It’s spread across two sheltered bays and the sandy beaches are small and understated and it’s a protected area which is why the tourist masses haven’t flocked here yet.
In the village there are low rise accommodation options, traditional Greek tavernas, a handful of souvenir shops and some pretty historic buildings.
It’s not a flashy place by any means but if you’re looking for an alternative to the larger, more brash resorts then definitely consider this an option. Also, some of the boutique hotels located in the area are really beautiful!
My favourite highlights…
- Staying at The Royal Senses Resort – the personalised service was just incredible!
- Going on a cycling adventure through the scenic landscapes on an E-bike tour with JoyRide.
- Going wine tasting Klados Winery – the locally produced red wine was sublime!
- Visiting the nearby Geropotamos Beach which was a pretty and tranquil spot. There was an attractive stone arch to the west of the beach and to the east, a freshwater river runs directly into the sea.
5. Plakias
This small and charming coastal village offers two beaches, the quieter Limni Beach (which is pebbly) and the long wide Limenaki Beach, which is more popular. Although the sand was coarse at Limenaki Beach, the waters were shallow which made it a perfect spot for families.
What amazed me was just how quiet this place was. There were tourists here, but it’s definitely not a place that has thumping music or all-night parties, it’s just a very laid back spot.
As well as traditional tavernas and some souvenir shops, there were some cultural spots too such as the 16th century Monastery of Preveli and the pretty Church of Zoodochos Pigi which dates from the 12th century.
I also loved the traditional nearby villages of Asomatos and Mariou where we bought interesting local crafts (such as pretty metal pots) and the nearby hiking trails, especially to Kotsifos Gorge.
My favourite highlights…
- Capturing the iconic Plakias “Dragon” rock formations on camera, a striking spot which looks like a sleeping dragon when the sun goes down!
- Staying at the divine NERĒA Boutique Hotel – I loved the boho style decor and intimate, romantic vibe!
- Dining on home-made ravioli made with fresh herbs and tomatoes at Taverna Manousos.
6. Kato Zakros
Located on the eastern side of the island of Crete, this is a small and rustic fishing village. Its remote location compared to many other beach resorts on the island has allowed it to remain untouched and authentic.
The medium sized Kato Zakros Beach is a mix of shingle and sand and the village is surrounded by mountains and pretty olive groves.
The village itself has a few laid back restaurants, some independent shops and just a handful of boutique-style, low rise hotels and friendly guest houses.
They offer their own unique brand of boho and eco-friendly hospitality here and many of the guest houses have fragrant herb gardens.
I also loved the Minoan Palace of Zakros, which is a genuine archaeological site and the surrounding hiking trails, one of which took me to the nearby scenic Zakros Gorge.
My favourite highlights…
- Staying at the Terra Minoika Boutique resort – I thought the rustic-chic building made it really stand out!
- Walking along the scenic E4 path to explore the Gorge of the Dead and discovering several beautiful photo opportunities along the way.
- Relaxing on the beaches which are locally famous for their clear waters, and seeing the small pretty gardens which surrounded them.
7. Kalamaki
Kalamaki is a relatively new town in Crete (houses started being built here in the 1960’s) so it does have more of a purpose-built feel, but if you’re looking for a quieter beach resort away from the nightclubs then I personally think this is a good option.
The biggest attraction here is the long, wide beach which has fine golden sands but there are also traditional tavernas and shops offering food and unique souvenirs at very reasonable prices.
The beach is known for its calm waters, and for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. I also loved the nearby Phaistos Palace (an important Minoan archaeological site) and the intriguing Matala Caves which were a former hippy commune that once even housed Joni Mitchell!
My favourite highlights…
- Staying at the Golden Sun Resort – the private swimming pools made the experience superb!
- Spending an afternoon at Kommos Beach, a long sandy beach just a short walk from Kalamaki – it offered a quieter and less crowded alternative to the main Kalamaki Beach.
- Enjoying a traditional Greek salad at Taverna Zorbas, followed by a leisurely stroll to explore the evening entertainment along the main street.
- Hiring pedal boat and spotting one of the cute loggerhead sea turtles!
8. Sougia
Sougia is a tiny coastal village located along the Libyan Sea. Its remote location has helped preserve its authenticity and peaceful vibe, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a less developed destination.
It was a nearly a two hour drive from Chania airport but the views of the lush surrounding greenery made it a very pleasant trip. I loved the laid-back vibe and the long, sheltered beach which was made up of coarse sand, shingle and larger pebbles.
The town itself has some chilled tavernas, a few village shops and accommodation ranging form studio apartments to a stunning boutique retreat (pictured below).
I also recommend visiting the picturesque church (Agios Panteleimon), the nearby important archaeological site of the Ancient City of Elyros and the scenic Agia Irini Gorge.
My favourite highlights…
- Staying the characterful Monastery Estate Retreat – the modern decor made it really stand out!
- Visiting the Agios Panteleimon which was located on the west side of the village; it has a gorgeous mosaic floor and I loved that we had to go to the kiosk on Sougia Beach and ask for the door key!
- Taking a boat trip Sougia and discovering hidden coves and secluded nearby beaches. They also took us snorkelling!
9. Falassarna Beach
Located near the village of Platanos on the northwest coast of Crete, this is a truly gorgeous spot and one of the most stunning beaches on the island. It’s known for its fine white sand which has a pinkish hue in places and its clear turquoise waters.
It’s not attached to a busy resort so it remains a tranquil spot but it still has great amenities for visitors such as sun beds, parasols, public restrooms and a handful of laid-back beach bars and restaurants.
If you want to stay nearby, then head for Platanos Village and Kissamos Town which offer a range of accommodation options mostly in the form of apartment rentals and small low-rise hotels.
My favourite highlights…
- Experiencing a paragliding ride overlooking the coast, the views of the island were incredible!
- Taking a cruise and exploring the Balos Lagoon filled with brilliant turquoise water before heading to the historic site of Gramvousa.
- Taking a surf lesson and (trying!) to ride a few waves whilst looking back over the stunning coastline.
10. Triopetra Beach
Located near the popular coastal village Agia Galini (which is around 30 kilometers away), this is a naturally beautiful beach and because it’s not attached to a major tourist resort, it has a quieter and more relaxed vibe.
There are actually two parts, and “Little Triopetra” (otherwise known as Koumado) is the smaller of the two beaches and it is enclosed in a rocky bay.
Both have a mix of coarse sand and small pebbles and there are a handful of traditional taverns and small beach-side cafes.
The surrounding scenery is stunning and is made up of the Siderotas Mountain, rocky hills and lush green olive groves. I highly recommend visiting the nearby chapel of The Chapel of the Prophet Elias which is located on hill and offers scenic panoramic views.
My favourite highlights…
- Admiring the breathtaking rock formations along the coast.
- Going snorkelling in the clear waters and seeing urchins, starfish and pretty blue damselfish.
- Having a picnic whilst watching the sunset, the sunsets here are really stunning!
11. Elafonisi Lagoon
I love this seriously stunning natural beauty spot! It was once one of Crete’s best-kept secrets but now lots of social media lovers have also discovered it which means it can get busy during peak times with lots of people taking selfies!
We parked close to the beach and the lagoon island is that can be reached by paddling out to it. There are very limited amenities here as it’s a protected nature reserve and is treated accordingly.
The scenery here is unique and beautiful with warm crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches which have a pinkish tone due the microorganisms that reside here (Foraminifera).
My favourite highlights…
- Relaxing and taking photographs of the unique pink sand surrounded by crystal-clear lagoon waters.
- Hiking across the gorgeous dunes and seeing a high-up perspective of the lagoon.
12. Plaka
This is a charming and picturesque coastal village located in the Lassithi region of Crete. It does attract tourists like all the other places mentioned on this list but it has a low-key, quiet vibe.
It’s home to a few tavernas offering traditional Cretan dishes, seafood restaurants, and a handful of convenience stores, souvenir and craft shops.
There’s a long stretch of beach filled with white pebbles and handy sun beds and parasols and other notable attractions include the historic Spinalonga Island (which was a former leper colony) and the nearby Elounda Beach which is more sandy than the main Plaka beach.
My favourite highlights…
- Going for a swim in the shallow crystal clear waters at Plaka Beach.
- Trying waterskiing with Plaka Watersports which was an exhilarating experience!
- Browsing the craft and gift shops along the backstreets, my favourite was the pretty handcrafted rugs for sale at “The Loom” shop.
13. Glyka Nera
Located between Chora Sfakion and Loutro, this a stunning beach with a relaxed tranquil vibe. It’s sheltered by steep, towering rocks and it’s a peaceful spot because it’s actually very tricky to get to.
You can take two routes to the beach, you can either travel there by boat or take a more hair-raising journey along a rocky coastal path from Chora Sfakion (45 minute) or Loutro (a 90 minute hike). The hike was a little strenuous but the paths was well maintained and the sea views were sublime!
Once there we saw a gorgeous beach with clear turquoise waters and white pebbles. There was also a tavern selling light bites, drinks, and sun bed rentals but the whole place has a very relaxed, intimate feel.
My highlights…
- Spending an afternoon relaxing on the beach and going snorkelling where I spotted urchins and groupers.
- Going wild camping and pitching up a tent in the shade of the surrounding tamarisk trees.
14. Tripiti to Sougia Coastline
The hike between Tripiti and Sougia is truly breathtaking and it actually forms part of the E4 European long-distance path. The route features rocky terrain, stunning coastal views, and hidden beaches. Due to the trail’s steep sections, it’s best suited for experienced hikers.
The path is well-marked, ensuring you stay on track, even as you become mesmerized by the views (like I did)! While some sections can be tiring, in my opinion, the journey is definitely worth the effort.
There’s lots of unique flora and fauna to enjoy here as well as pretty olive groves and historic sites such as an ancient Venetian fort, picturesque churches, and the impressive remains of the ruined city of Pikilassos.
The walk can take up to two hours depending on your ability, speed, and how many times you stop to gaze at the views!
My favourite highlights…
- Stopping and admiring the historical sites along the way.
- Soaking up the gorgeous coastal views.
15. Myrtos Village
This is a tranquil and pretty white-washed village full of traditional charm located near the town of Ierapetra on the southern coast of Crete.
I found it to be a friendly spot and it’s a great option for those seeking a more authentic place to stay with just a handful of pretty tavernas and small low-key hotels mixed in with charming architecture and fragrant flowers.
The Myrtos Beach is long and wide with a mix of coarse sand and pebbles and the town has some interesting historic attractions including an ancient Minoan settlement, a small museum (containing archaeological exhibits) and the ruins of a Minoan Palace.
My highlights…
- Seeing the ancient pottery found in the area displayed at the local village museum.
- Taking a drive to the nearby Selakano Forest (which is 30 kilometers north of the village) and exploring the hiking trails which lead to stunning waterfalls.
16. Ligaria Beach
This is a beautiful, quiet beach located on northern coast of Crete not far from the popular seaside resort of Agia Pelagia (it’s only a few kilometers away).
Popular with locals as well as a few tourists, it’s a sheltered spot with shallow, clear water and a mix of fine, golden sand and small pebbles.
There’s sun beds on offer as well as a handful of beachside tavernas offering good quality cuisine. Water activities here include paddle-boarding, jet skiing, swimming and snorkelling.
My favourite highlights…
- Experiencing traditional Cretan dishes at Atatoah Taverna Liguria, their tomato salad was divine!
- Trying jet skiing, which was a lot of fun!
- Visiting the fascinating nearby Monastery of Panagia Deligara which is built on the ruins of the original monastery.
17. Milatos
This is a very small and quaint Crete village and working fishing port located on northeastern coast of the island.
The beach here isn’t particularly beautiful and is a mix of golden sand and pebbles but development has been kept to a minimum here so it offers a more authentic Cretan stay.
Here I stumbled upon traditional tavernas and seafood restaurants, traditional Cretan architecture, hidden coves, craggy rocks and the interesting Milatos Caves.
The caves aren’t very health and safety friendly, but it’s an intriguing place as this is where locals hid during the Ottoman invasion in 1823. There’s also a small church built within the caves!
My personal highlights…
- Exploring the Milatos Cave after walking up a scenic trail to the entrance.
- Indulging in great food and wine at Meltemi Taverna whilst watching a breathtaking sunset over the Mediterranean Sea. The mezze option was seriously delicious!
18. Paleochora
Paleochora is a beachside resort town located on the southwest coast of the island. Its beaches are a big draw and there’s a large beach (Pachia Ammos) filled with fine golden sand and a smaller pebbly beach.
There are plenty of great restaurants, cafes, traditional tavernas, boutique shops and although there are some bars they are mostly filled with locals rather than rowdy tourists.
I also loved the historic attractions which included the interesting ruins of a 13th-century Venetian fortress and the ruins of the ancient city of Lissos where there also was a therapeutic natural spring.
My favourite highlights…
- Lazing around on Pachia Ammos Beach which has the reputation of being one of the best beaches along the South Coast.
- Visiting the Paleochora Castle (the Venetian fortress) and capturing the stunning panoramic views on camera.
19. Loutro Village
When I visited this pretty, peaceful village located on the located on the southern coast, I felt like I stepped back in time!
It’s very charming with picturesque white-washed houses, gently bobbing fishing boats, traditional tavernas, a church and a handful of shops, restaurants and low rise hotels, this really is a low-key and authentic spot!
Surrounded by steep mountainsides, it’s also home to a sizable herd of goats (judging from the clinking of bells I always heard!) and a small pebbly beach with very clear turquoise green waters.
No roads lead here (it’s accessible only by boat or by hiking), and there are no nightlife so you can really detox from modern life, tackle long-awaited books, take walks along the stunning coastline, or just eat, drink, and be merry!
My personal highlights…
- Renting a boat and exploring the breathtaking southern coastline.
- Visiting the historic Koules of Loutro fortress ruins.
- Wandering around the town’s pretty streets and sampling the street food. The typical Greek salads which came with locally grown fresh black olives were divine!
