By the way, you might consider traveling to Crete in the traditional, romantic, and leisurely way - sail from Pireas (Athens' port) in the late evening, dine onboard and enjoy your deluxe cabin - plied with fresh fruit, a full double bed and forward view of the delights to come. [see our Athens guide]
Luxury Tour of the island
Where should you start a tour of Crete?
At CreteTravel.com we have crafted a splendid itinerary starting in Chania, pausing for a couple of nights in a boutique hotel in Heraklion (to enjoy a calm base for visiting the archaeological museum, Knossos, Phaestos and the Natural History Museum).
Continue to Elounda in luxury suites (visit Agios Nikolaos, Spinalonga, and all points east - including the Toplou monastery, Vai beach, and Sitia).
Drive yourself along Crete's scenic roads or travel with a polite, knowledgeable, and helpful driver - see the special things you wish to see, the places and moments that create great experiences and wondrous memories.
See all the details in our new Luxury Tour of Crete section.
Hotels
Minos Beach Art Hotel, luxurious stay in minimalist surroundings, a little piece of magic and tranquility in lovely Crete... a place to experience nature and creativity. Nature, luxury and art combine at five-star Minos Beach Art Hotel, located on its own private peninsula by the Aegean sea in Agios Nikolaos, eastern Crete.
Elounda Gulf Luxury Suites- A unique option, combining exquisite decor and room facilities of the highest standards with a calm, boutique hotel atmosphere. Only 10 exclusive deluxe suites. A superbly elegant restaurant and a magnificent infinity pool complete the experience of intimacy and serenity.
Casa Delfino Luxury Suites - A gem of style 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 & quality in the heart of Chania's romantic and historic pedestrianized streets. Go for a suite or, best of all, the Penthouse Suite and its stunning, romantic harbor views.
Avli Suites - Seven boutiques, spacious suites, in old Venetian buildings. Jacuzzis, stylish decor & romantic character. Honeymoon ideal. With a gourmet restaurant, wine-bar and wine-shop. In the heart of Rethymno's old town, near the harbor and beach.
St. Nicolas Bay Hotel - Small luxury hotel in Agios Nikolaos. 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. 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 private sandy beach.
Villas
Elea Villa Saint Antoine, set on a hill overlooking Soud Bay of Chania, Crete, a supreme combination of minimalist aesthetics and breathtaking vistas, Villa Saint Antoine is the ideal getaway for discerning travellers with a discreet taste for luxury. A great option for families or groups of up to 12 people.
The Ultimate luxury villas, with private swimming pools, near Elounda. A collection of cascading villa units with wonderful views, private pools, select and elegant interiors, antiques. All possible comforts and modern luxury amenities are included. Interiors are sumptuous. Pools are opulent and form the center-point of the indoor-outdoor pampered experience. The Royal Villa, the best of these, is especially worthwhile for those who can afford to and those who wish to celebrate....life!
Luxury villas, magnificent sea views, private pools, sandy beach. An estate of three 3-bedroom villas, 150 m from Almirida's sandy beach. A truly privileged, quiet location. With inspiring panoramic sea views, sizeable private pools. Interiors and furnishings of high quality. For family holidays or romantic breaks for couples and honeymoons. Easy access to Chania.
Villas with superb sea views, luxury by the sea, on the outskirts of Agios Nikolaos - Thalassa Villas Six exclusive villas with majestic sea views, with three or four bedrooms. Well-designed luxury villas, sea-edge views, fine pools, fully equipped and well furnished. Within a three minute stroll of sister hotel and its facilities, restaurants, and spa.
Mountain & rural
A group of traditional, restored stone houses of high quality - Samonas Inn Maisonette-style houses each with one bedroom, a living room with fireplace, kitchen and dining area. Shared swimming pool and private terraces, spacious and stylish comfort, quiet, romantic. In the tiny, off-the-beaten-track village of Samonas, with fine valley & mountain views, 28 km from Chania. Open year-round.
Milia Traditional Village, simplicity, harmony, clean air, warm hospitality, relaxed atmosphere, home-cooking!
Country Hotel Velani, lying serenely next to the village of Avdou, in a rural area in hidden valleys of Crete just beside the Kermes protected oak forest. Eco-friendly, rural, remote, rustic, idyllic, romantic, serene, peaceful – there are so many ways to describe Velani, a little hide-away in the foothills of the Dikti Mountains that overlooks the Langada Valley.
Gourmet Treat
In Heraklion Dine at:
Odos Egeou ("Aegean street"). Delicious and creative seafood dishes and fresh fish. This is the premier exotic fish restaurant and the most stylish in Heraklion. Great relaxing views across the harbor, as the occasional ship glides into port. Seafood salads are all good, grilled baby calamari with lemon is splendid. Ask for the day's fresh catch. The restaurant is elevated above the port frontage road, 3 minutes east of the centre.
Parasies - one of the best places in Heraklion for the last 5 years. A warm, cozy restaurant with comfortable chairs and an open wood-burning grill kitchen that takes center stage. In the summer, dining is also on the bustling Historical Museum Square with a sea breeze accompanying each meal. Reputation: Very Good.
Ladokolla at Marinelli 13(parallel to 25th August street), on any given day, there are at least 7-8 fresh fish plus many original items you don't find anywhere else, like wild Ray filet, smoked & grilled Mackerel, Herring dip, and Tope shark. Look for seasonal shellfish and year-round you can enjoy kinds of pasta and risottos with fish/seafood. House wines are well chosen.
Kouzinerie the young Chef/Owner creates some compelling dishes with the supreme taste of slowly-cooked foods in an ironstone wood oven. The Wine List has a good selection of the best local producers.
Book your Car Rental (Quality Cars at Good Prices) via our sister website: Crete-Car-Rental.com and maybe you would like to have a look for your flights here.
We are here to help you.
Warmly,
Yiannis
