Beautiful countryside inn with pool...Villa Kerasia Inn

Villa Kerasia quietly greets you - a most pleasing country house standing on the hillside. Even on the first visit it feels like seeing a trusted old friend again. Seven rooms, swimming pool and fantastic views in the wine-making heartland of Crete. Between Heraklion and the south coast; 35-50 minutes from the airport or Matala or Knossos.

Villa Kerasia Inn - full details

VENERATO/KERASIA: Venerato is the prime village in this area, just 22 km from Heraklion. This is an agricultural region of Crete with wine-making a growing and successful activity. Lush rolling hills, dry air, accessible to south coast archaeological sites of Gortyna and Phaestos, the Palliani Monastery and also the scenic villages on the drive to Amari. Read our >>Heraklion feature<<

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Boutique-style hotel in the small village of Sisi offers comfort and style 200 metres from the beach...Angela Suites Hotel

A chic modern hotel with design flair, suites individually styled, ranging from double to family size. Swimming pool and smaller pools for exclusive use of special suites, cafe and restaurant, in quieter (just away from sea) part of the village.

Angela Suites - full details

SISSI (SISI): Not so far from Heraklion (but thankfully well out reach of the noisy and tasteless street-bordello atmosphere of Hersonisos), Sissi village by the sea, with its small circus-like cluster of tavernas on the sea is a combination of commercial and quiet...one moment cute Crete village, the next mini golf and trinkets. You can choose which, by where you go to eat, dine and shop. Sissi is convenient for the airport and many key attractions and sights. Read our >>Agios Nikolaos feature<<

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Quality traditional restored stone houses, in romantic off-the-beaten-track village, fine views, pool...Samonas Inn

Samonas Inn: a group of craftsmen finished and appealingly designed maisonette-style houses with one bedroom, a living room with fully equipped kitchen and dining area. These stone buildings - old hewn stone with flower-decorated pathways in between, suggest a village in their own right. Each one provides spacious and stylish comfort, ideal for two people.

Samonas Inn - full details

SAMONAS [CHANIA]: A tiny village, a hamlet, with but a handful of houses. The village reveals the historic heart of Crete, it has the atmosphere of a "village in the hills" - a place to experience the scents, sounds and warmth of Crete. History, hospitality, mountain views, cool evenings, the gentle sounds of local life. One genuine local taverna. Beaches not far away and Chania is accessible via a choice of two scenic drives. Read our >>Chania feature<<

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Comfortable apartments in stone houses, with pool, small village setting...Natalia's Houses

Charming period apartments in a group of stone houses, in the small village of Douliana near Vamos and Chania. Self catering or eat at the small hotel-style taverna and cafe. A mini-market at your door makes things easy and many nearby, restaurants, beaches, scenic villages to enjoy.

Natalia's Houses - full details

DOULIANA [CHANIA]: One of the pleasant small villages, with many charming restored houses, on the Apokoronas peninsula between Chania and Georgioupoli. Near Vamos. The village has a kafeneio (small local cafe) and a taverna. Rolling hill views, sandy beaches, tavernas and cafes nearby. Read our >>Chania feature<<

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On the beach, just outside Chania, small hotel...Ammos Hotel

This charming small hotel with flair, sits on a picturesque beach 10 minutes from Chania's Venetian harbour. Studio-rooms are pleasant and each have their own balcony, most of them with direct sea view. A pool by the sea, a cafe and restaurant - with some truly tasty food - complete the picture perfect holiday setting. Stay....venture into Venetian history...stay and swim, relax or tour the area.

Ammos Hotel - full details

CHANIA: Host to the beautiful Venetian harbour with its waterfront tavernas, numerous good restaurants, unique accommodation in restored and modern buildings, intriguing narrow shopping streets. Nearby beach, resort and water park areas heading west. The Lefka Ori mountains are easily explored from here, along with many intriguing villages. Good shopping opportunities for handicrafts, clothes and more. Small - more easily digested museums! Read our >>Chania feature<<

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Beautifully restored hotel, both in town centre & on the beach, splendid local period architecture, sea views...Palazzo Apartments

Palazzo Apartments offers the rare town centre and beach location that will please both of you, all of you - "they" shop while you sunbathe and swim! Burnished wood, yacht-like fittings and chessboard mosaic tiles are restored to pristine condition, full kitchens and a hint of grande epoque style - yet a most economical place to stay. Good restaurant and cafe next door.

Palazzo Apartments Hotel - full details

AGIOS NIKOLAOS: The marina (the only international-standard marina in Crete) and the port, the "lake", all hang from or sit beneath the hills that form the town that once was called Lato Kamara, Voulismeni and at another time Mandraki. Like many in Crete, it had its periods of Venetian and Turkish dominion. The church of Agios Nikolaos has given the multi-faceted town its current name. The famously deep "lake" is a natural congregating point for waterfront cafes and eating places. Shops cover a range of styles, interesting items can be found on sale in the town centre. Cafes cater for tastes from regular nightlife to a literary bent. Nearby attractions include Spinalonga, Kritsa village and Katharos plateau - and the wonderfully scenic "corniche" coastal route to Sitia. Good beaches within the town and on the east coast. A new stretch of road means this is just one hour from Heraklion airport.
Read our >>Agios Nikolaos feature<<

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Good quality studios, above Falasarna beach, with wonderful sea views...Roubini Hotel

Ten spacious modern studios with kitchenette, wonderful views, balconies. Open view cafe and hotel lounge areas. Perched above the sweep of beach and endless sea on the way down to Falasarna beach. Magnificent sunset views.

Roubini Hotel - full details

FALASARNA (FALASSARNA): Falasarna's west coast of Crete location, offering a quiet, un-crowded area to enjoy with its endless, wild sandy beaches facing an endless sea. You can choose a patch of beach to suit, sandy, sand and craggy rock, cafe by the beach, private or with sun umbrellas and beach chairs if you prefer. Several tavernas feed you amply right by the beach. Dramatic scenery on hikes, winding roads through unspoiled west coast villages, passing both pebble and sandy beaches if you take the scenic and adventurous route to Elafonisi's quasi-tropical beach and islet. Read our >>Chania feature<<

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Small apartment hotel, with pool, by Sitia beach...Sitia Bay Hotel

Opened in 2005. A good, modern, bright, quality small hotel that Sitia much needed. Advantageously located both near the town centre and few steps from the sandy beach. All 19 rooms well finished, with direct sea views and kitchens. Swimming pool, lots of flowers, parking spaces for guests.

Sitia Bay Hotel - full details

SITIA: A very pleasurable small town in the east of Crete: nice waterfront and harbour, quaint streets and a fortress, many good tavernas, cafes, tasteful bars, shops and a sandy beach a few metres from the main seafront square. Active year round but not "touristy". Uncrowded. An excellent base to explore east and south-east Crete from. Visit from Sitia: Toplou Monastery, Faneromeni Monastery, beautiful sandy beaches further east (Vai, Itanos, Kouremenos), Palace of Zakros, Kato Zakros, Xerokambos beach in the south, Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra towns and interesting villages like Mochlos and Etia. Read our >>Sitia feature<<

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Traditional pensione-style inn with pool..."Villa Kynthia" Hotel

Villa Kynthia is lovingly converted from an old house into this "style of Florence inn". Centre of the village with just five different rooms or suites, decorated with antiques, rugs and murals. A pool and quiet courtyard with a delightful, coach-house style breakfast room off it. There is also a cafe-bar with spacious indoor seating or an outdoor terrace. An Italian influence is felt in the early-century marble bathrooms and the quality but homely "pensione" style.

"Villa Kynthia" Hotel - full details

PANORMOS: A very central location on the north coast - this is one of the smaller charming villages which has for the most part, tourism on a smaller scale than many. Quieter but alive and with a super location. It has two beaches, both sandy, and many restaurants and a variety of village seaside shops. Only a twenty minute drive from Rethymno and an hour from Heraklion, even the slightly longer stretch to Chania is just 90 minutes away.

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Luxury, boutique suites & restaurant...Avli Suites

Seven splendid, spacious suites, in old Venetian buildings. Jacuzzis, stylish decor & romantic character. Honeymoon ideal. With gourmet restaurant, wine-bar and wine-shop. In the heart of Rethymno's old town, near the harbour and beach.

Avli Luxury Suites - full details

Boutique, stylish hotel of 8 suites, by the sea...Hotel Civitas

A renovated historic building becomes a small boutique-style, quality, intimate hotel in the centre of things - equidistant to Rethymno's long sandy beach and the Venetian harbour - both are a 5 minute stroll along the seafront. Comfortable, lush suites, with luxurious fabrics and convenient kitchenettes.

Hotel Civitas Rethymnae - full details NEW Addition

High quality, charming small hotel...Palazzino di Corina

Close to Rethymno harbour, a hotel superbly adapted from an ancient, traditional building. Peace and calm with quality. Comfortable, fine suites with antique decor. Delightful indoor breakfast patio and outdoor courtyard with pool (heated in the winter).

Palazzino di Corina Hotel - full details 

Historic, delightful vintage inn, centre of Rethymno in the old town by the cathedral, 5 minute walk to harbour and beach...Vetera Suites

Only four suites form this unusually pretty inn, with antique furniture and comfort, excellent location for walking historic town centre, each suite has kitchenette, breakfast area a pleasure. Oldest & best restored building in Rethymno. Charm defined.

Vetera Suites - full details

Hotel in historic Venetian building...Veneto Hotel

When a Venetian merchant invites you to stay in his home - this could be it. Traditional suites of character in a faithfully restored building. Studios and suites have basic cooking facilities, the hotel has a fine restaurant.  

Veneto Hotel - full details  

RETHYMNO: Blessed with an almost endless sandy beach (home to bathers and turtles alike) and its old town, which is marked by the ancient fortress, old harbour, historic walk-streets and waterside fish restaurants, cafes, bars and a few clubs. One of the main towns of Crete, central coast position convenient for mountain villages, Arkadi Monastery, trips to Chania & south coast. Read our >>Rethymno feature<<

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Small hotel in quiet location, with swimming pool...Calypso Hotel

Overlooking the valley, on the edge of the village of Matala - enjoy its pool, gardens and cafe. Family run, 20 room hotel. 300 m from Matala sandy beach.

Calypso Hotel - full details 

MATALA: Wonderful, wide sandy beach, famous caves carved into the rocks. Good swimming - many waterside cafes, gift-shops & tavernas. Calm in spring and fall, busy & bustling in summer. It's close to the archaeological sites at Kommos, Gortys and Phaestos; also it's a short drive to Agia Gallini for a change of setting. Wonderful sunsets! Absence of large hotels, relaxed & very casual.  

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First class suites in Venetian Mansion...Casa Delfino

A gem of style & tranquility in Chania's Old Town and Venetian Harbour. Individually designed suites, classical style, quality; with marble and palatial decor & flair, some with jacuzzis. Delightful courtyard and cafe, roof terrace views. Calm oasis & luxury in the heart of Chania's romantic and historic pedestrianized streets. Well worth choosing the Penthouse suite, to feast upon unparalleled harbour views from your private terrace. Best in Chania. 

Casa Delfino - full details  

Fantastic location overlooking Chania harbour...Pandora Suites

The "pensione" experience...Pandora Suites is a small, straightforward hotel, with sizeable rooms, attractive courtyard, wonderful views of Chania, roof terrace and just the thought of breakfast with that view is enough!

Pandora Suites - full details

Venetian building, suites with flair and design, in quiet Chania Old Town location, a pin-drop from the harbour...Ionas Hotel

Quality and design combine to meld the ancient stone walls, the crafted wood beams, original design doors and well honed steel and wood staircases. The small cafe & breakfast area, roof terrace and 9 smart chic rooms with upscale bathrooms make this a new small hotel to delight in - an oasis close to the Venetian harbour.

Ionas Hotel - full details

Small Chania hotel in handsomely restored traditional building on Venetian Harbour, historic features...Belmondo Hotel

Belmondo Hotel is a find. A small hotel with just 8 rooms, some with balcony or terrace, some overlook the Venetian Harbour. Rooms are all interesting, simply and tastefully furnished, well-finished. One of the original Venetian waterfront buildings.

Belmondo Hotel - full details

Distinctly designed rooms, suave cafe & courtyard, in new part of Chania by the Old Town...Splanzia Hotel

Eight quality rooms with antique and modern furniture well-matched. The small smart, chic, yet family-run, town hotel in a traditional Venetian building with modern quality finishes. A 3 minute walk to the marina, 10 minutes to the hub of the Venetian Chania harbour. Fine restaurants nearby.

Splanzia Hotel - full details

CHANIA: Host to the beautiful Venetian harbour with its waterfront tavernas, numerous good restaurants, unique accommodation in restored and modern buildings, intriguing narrow shopping streets. Nearby beach, resort and water park areas heading west. The Lefka Ori mountains explorable from here, along with many intriguing villages. Good shopping opportunities for handicrafts, clothes and more. Small - more easily digested museums! Read our >>Chania feature<<

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Nine bedroom quality traditional inn, sweeping views & gardens...Elia

Skillfully converted from the remains of an ancient building on a hillside between Chania and Kissamos. Rooms have a feel of a period house with traditional decor. A pool to swim in while enjoying the same views.

Available turkish bath & sauna. Special "feel" and relaxing rural atmosphere. Quick access to Chania.

Elia - full details   

KOLYMBARI [CHANIA]: This area sets the stage for hills and mountains between the north coast and Paleochora. Has many remarkably untouched villages, interesting beaches and uncrowded areas. The hillsides are lush and have wonderful fruit trees and nature thrives. Kolymbari village by the sea offers a long beach, shops, many tavernas and an exceptional cafe on the waterfront (open year round), as well as the fascinating Odigitrias Gonias Monastery with worthwhile icons.

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Ten exclusive boutique suites...Elounda Gulf Luxury Suites

Created by the same professionals who have made Elounda Gulf Villas so popular, these ten luxury suites have luxurious marble bathrooms, gorgeous furniture, balconies or terraces. You enjoy the use of an outdoor jacuzzi, workout room, swimming pool, fine restaurant - all with stunning views and service above the norm. The individuality of suites with the nature of a small luxury hotel. Amongst the best.

Elounda Gulf Suites - full details

ELOUNDA: Home of the most select luxurious resorts in Crete. The village itself has some attractive restaurants and cafes and a pleasant seafront square. Nearby attractions include Spinalonga island, water sports, boat trips, the town of Agios Nikolaos and the quiet east coast region of Sitia. Read our >>Agios Nikolaos feature<<

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Zaros mountainside bungalow apartments with spacious gardens, pool & restaurant, horse riding...Eleonas Inn

Zaros is just 20 minutes from the south coast, has a well-walked gorge, lake, trout farms & the old village. Start of the scenic Amari route. Eleonas offers rural simplicity just outside the village, horse riding at the Inn and a restaurant and pool. Romance & family holidays both fit in here. In the midst of the nature and beauty of rugged hillsides.

Eleonas Inn - full details

At the foot of the mountain, near the gorge, in Zaros village...Idi Hotel

Between the interesting central village and the lake of Zaros. This simple hotel is set in gardens with indoor and outdoor pools. Wonderful position for exploring numerous old villages and also a 45 minute drive to south coast resorts and beaches.

Idi Hotel - full details

In the heart of Zaros mountain village...Keramos Hotel    

Very friendly family owned and run, with neat rooms, some balconies and the treat of home baked and family-produced breakfast pastries! Middle of the village, but they'll show you the gorge and lake and you can explore old villages or be at the sea in 45 minutes.

Keramos Hotel - full details

ZAROS: Up in the mountains, with a lake, a small body of water set in interesting surroundings in a picturesque area. From the lake starts the path to the Rouvas forest - a walk worth taking. Many lovely villages around, like Gergeri and Kamares (with a cave), provide extra sightseeing. Fresh trout is available in most tavernas in Zaros!

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Traditional style studios by the sea...Komis Studios

Komis Studios is a unique cluster of interestingly furnished & unique studios in traditional style. It has a view of the beach and the sea, which is only 10 metres/yards away. In the centre of peaceful Keratokambos coastal village. 

Komis Studios - full details 

KERATOKAMBOS: Beach and sea. Fresh fish in tavernas. Spectacular mountain scenery nearby. Explore. Relax, swim, read, write or paint or just spend quality time with someone special. A favourite with local and foreign visitors. Read our >>Keratokambos feature<<

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Boutique hotel with harbour views...Lato Hotel Heraklion

Our favourite for a stay in Heraklion - near to the must-see attractions of Knossos, museums and shops of Crete's main city. Lato Hotel is truly a boutique hotel - elegant, swish and stylish, professional, calm and enjoyable. Many sea view rooms and suites. Good service and convenient location.

Lato Hotel - full details

HERAKLION: Crete's biggest, bustling and noisy city. Cafes, clubs, designer shops and many cultural centres. The most important of Crete's Archaeological museums, wonderful museum of Natural History and others. Nearby Palace of Knossos, frequency of flights, ferries and access to other islands. Many nearby contrasts in pace and aesthetics - mountain villages, beaches and clubs at Amoudara or Malia/Hersonisos. Great base for shorter routes to south coast destinations such as Agia Galini, Matala and Lentas. Read our >>Heraklion feature<<

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Unique mountain retreat (with horseback riding facility)...Lefkoritis Resort

Unique in Crete, mountain resort/hideaway. Attractive stone-built suites of one or two bedrooms with mountain views. Marble bathrooms, elegant furnishings, some fireplaces. Horseback riding, skeet shooting and range of sports activities provided on request. The warm south coast is a short mountain drive, the E4 path and Imbros gorge minutes away. 

Lefkoritis Resort - full details  

ASKIFOU: In the heart of the Lefka Ori (white mountains), before you reach Imbros from where many choose to walk the Imbros Gorge, is another village where the Sfakian pies are good, local fresh foods can be had and the welcome is warm and inviting. Lefkoritis is above and on the edge of the village and has an excellent view to the Askifou plateau and mountain peaks. Read our >>Sfakia feature<<

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Unique recreated old village with traditional style stone houses...Milia traditional village

Up in the mountains, with endless hiking paths, wooded hillsides and away from it all. The alternative, ecologically sound collection of stone buildings with matching taverna and natural foods - somehow just staying here should prove meaningful.

Milia traditional village - full details

MILIA: In the well-forested mountains between Kissamos in the north and Elafonisi in the south. A recreated "village" of traditional stone houses. Endless walking trails, mountain air and if anything is a "retreat" this is it. Not only are houses traditional, most everything else is: heating by wood-burning boilers, lighting by gas/oil lamps or candles, traditional food and a real alternative feel.

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Quality in the south, sea views...On The Rocks Hotel

Paleochora has been waiting for a decent small hotel. Welcome to the new On The Rocks. Standard rooms all have direct sea view balconies. For a little more space, suites do the trick, and for a more luxurious treat one of the two penthouse suites offer character, views, fully equipped kitchens and delightful decor (they really are penthouse/loft-style). Breakfast or drinks on the front terrace cafe - a joy!

On The Rocks Hotel - full details

PALEOCHORA: A finger of land juts into the Libyan sea, sporting a pebble and rock beach to the east and extensive sandy beach on its west side. Wonderful cafes - including newly opened Water's Edge and the kafeneio where they heat Greek coffee in the traditional hot sand system. A proximity to some pleasant mountain villages and relative closeness for a trip to Elafonisos. A friendly place to be. Also a point to set sail to the southernmost island of Gavdos from, go whale or dolphin watching.

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Venetian building, near the harbour...Porto Del Colombo Hotel

A 600 year old building, converted to a comfortable hotel with rooms and suites, attractively decorated. Many of the rooms have views to the Venetian harbour and sea.

Porto Del Colombo Hotel - full details

CHANIA: Host to the beautiful Venetian harbour with its waterfront tavernas, numerous good restaurants, unique accommodation in restored and modern buildings, intriguing narrow shopping streets. Nearby beach, resort and water park areas heading west. The Lefka Ori mountains explorable from here, along with many intriguing villages. Good shopping opportunities for handicrafts, clothes and more. Small - more easily digested museums! Read our >>Chania feature<<

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Exceptional location and views - truly unique...Hotel Porto Loutro

A choice of two distinct buildings of crisp and bright style - beach or elevated on the hillside, this is the established and desirable home from home, immersed in the relaxed magic of Loutro. Rejuvenate with walks or gazing at mountain and sea. 

Hotel Porto Loutro - full details

LOUTRO: Like no other. No cars - no mopeds. A special place. Perfect place to relax, walk, hike, select your beach for the day! Many places to stay - all simple, just what you need. A gem on the south coast of Crete. Read a book, paddle in a canoe, gaze at the mountains and the sea. Read our >>Loutro feature<<

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On the beach, charming apartments...Romantika Apartments

Just wonderful - if you had stumbled across this garden-setting, on-the-sandy-beach group of six apartments you would know you are a lucky traveler. Neat, modern and tidy with only-sea views. A few steps and you are sitting sipping a drink or eating at the family run beach cafe/taverna. Here you have a peaceful haven and a short stretch away, the beach town of Agia Galini itself.

Romantika Apartments - full details 

AGIA GALINI: Has a feeling of being very separate from the surrounding area, with a well-used harbour. From the harbourside restaurants and cafes, this small town climbs with some shops and small hotels, steeply uphill. A closely-built place, with two beaches stretching to the east of the town. You can travel in about an hour to Rethymno on the north coast, sample its old Venetian and Turkish history, visiting the beautiful Spili and Amari villages on the way. Matala with its sandy beach and nearby Kommos with its extensive and quiet beach with an archaeological site, are just over half an hour away.

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Quality traditional village hotel...Spilia Village

Built in the middle of the village, including several Venetian buildings and an olive press within its solid stone walls. Comfortable snug rooms and larger suites, large swimming pool and bar, fine (seasonal) restaurant. In the hills with some good views, 30 minutes west of Chania. 

Spilia Village - full details  

KOLYMBARI [CHANIA]: This area sets the stage for hills and mountains between the north coast and Paleochora. Has many remarkably untouched villages, interesting beaches and uncrowded areas. The hillsides are lush and have wonderful fruit trees and nature thrives. Kolymbari village by the sea offers a long beach, shops, many tavernas and an exceptional cafe on the waterfront (open year round), as well as the fascinating Odigitrias Gonias Monastery with worthwhile icons.

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Early Cretan, traditional houses in a protected gorge...Aspros Potamos

Here, you are staying in a real old Cretan hamlet...very old! A few minutes from the pace of Makrigialos on the south coast, ages away in feel. One of the calmest and most  relaxing places just "to be". This really is back to nature and it has to be said also "back to beauty". A unique experience.

Aspros Potamos - full details   

MAKRIGIALOS: Some way from any major or developed tourist towns, it lies east of Ierapetra, along a coastline with secluded bays and beaches. Easy access to and from Sitia. The harbour area has character. "Local" and not excessively tourist-trodden atmosphere. Read our >>Makrigialos feature<<

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Small quality hotel in Agios Nikolaos...St. Nicolas Bay Hotel

If it is to be a special hotel, we say it should have some atmosphere, character and style - St. Nicolas Bay achieves all of this together with very high standards of service, location and design. The flavour of Crete with much natural stone, contrasting with with white walls and numerous magical "areas" to lounge, read, whisper, cuddle or relax. Indoor heated pool, delightful natural outdoor pool area. Lounge chairs on natural rock platforms hover at sea's edge from which you step onto the small sandy private beach.
Dining choices for both cuisine and style, position, location and mood are enough to satisfy the moment, the wish - your desire fulfilled we think.

St Nicolas Bay Hotel - full details

AGIOS NIKOLAOS: The marina (the only international-standard marina in Crete) and the port, the "lake", all hang from or sit beneath the hills that form the town that once was called Lato Kamara, Voulismeni and at another time Mandraki. Like many in Crete, it had its periods of Venetian and Turkish dominion. The church of Agios Nikolaos has given the multi-faceted town its current name. The famously deep "lake" is a natural congregating point for waterfront cafes and eating places. Shops cover a range of styles, interesting items can be found on sale in the town centre. Cafes cater for tastes from regular nightlife to a literary bent. Nearby attractions include Spinalonga, Kritsa village and Katharos plateau - and the wonderfully scenic "corniche" coastal route to Sitia. Good beaches within the town and on the east coast. A new stretch of road means this is just one hour from Heraklion airport.
Read our >>Agios Nikolaos feature<<

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