16 Quiet Resorts to Stay in Crete for Travel Snobs

Sissi felt wonderfully raw and unspoiled – rare find on this island! I discovered that fishing village felt genuinely Cretan, with its secluded setting and local rhythm preserving its charm. While I saw nearby towns chased mass tourism, Sissi was intimate and authentic, with only a scattering of small hotels and tavernas.

I stumbled upon it, quietly tucked into 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 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 sandy with sun loungers and umbrellas, with clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming and unwinding, and the area offered a good mix of low‑rise hotels and charming guesthouses.

I drove 45 minutes east from Heraklion, passing quiet villages and rolling farmland, before arriving for a four‑day stay. With no loud parties or bustling bars, I spent my time blissfully dining in family‑run tavernas, unwinding on the beach, snorkelling in clear waters, and chatting with the warm, welcoming locals.

• Location: north coast
• Location Map

My favourite highlights…

• Staying at the dreamy 4-star Grecotel Meli Palace – I loved the chic decor, the poolside cabanas, the private beach exclusive access and how the pool had a gradual sloping entrance which made it easy to wade in with a cocktail in hand!
• Dining at Liofito Taverna – I loved savoring smoky eggplant saganaki, then finishing with pillowy kalitsounia pastries while relaxing on the charming outdoor patio!

4. Panormos 

I was totally charmed by this small, traditional fishing village! Although it does draw visitors, it has stayed far less developed than other resorts thanks to its protected status, and I loved the laid‑back, authentic vibe it has managed to preserve.

I stumbled upon this gem on Crete’s northern coast, roughly midway between Rethymno and Heraklion, where it nestles across two sheltered bays with small, laid‑back sandy beaches. I loved the traditional whitewashed buildings and narrow winding streets, the handful of low‑rise places to stay, and the pretty harbour dotted with colourful fishing boats, cosy cafés, and charming tavernas.

Just 50 minutes west of Heraklion along the northern coastal highway, I found myself in a place where three days slipped by easily—lounging on Timeaki and Limanaki beaches, sampling Cretan cuisine, exploring the post‑Byzantine church, and browsing tiny craft shops before lingering in the fishing harbour. It was a beautifully calm antidote to the island’s brasher resorts.

• Location: northern coast 
• Location Map

My favourite highlights…

• Staying at stunning and romantic The Royal Senses Resort – I was really impressed with the warm, personalised service, the several pools which included a small water park, the hilltop views and the spa where I experienced a deeply relaxing warm beeswax candle therapy!
• Trying a delicately floral Pink Blackbird (Kotsifali) dry rose wine wine tasting at the rustic Klados Winery!

5. Falassarna Beach 

This is often mentioned as being one of the most stunning beaches in Crete! I noticed it was popular with tourists, but I loved how it still felt relatively unspoiled thanks to its size and the protected surroundings. It’s spread out over a wide area, so I never felt crowded at all.

I discovered it near the village of Platanos on Crete’s northwest coast, where the beach boasted fine white sand with a pinkish tint in places and turquoise waters framed by rugged mountains and beautiful green hills. There were also excellent amenities, from sunbeds and parasols to public restrooms and a handful of relaxed beach bars and restaurants.

An hour’s drive west from Chania through sleepy villages and farmland brought me to the coast, where I stayed in the nearby charming 4-star Aphrodite Beach Hotel which was a 15-minute drive away. For four dreamy days I mostly lived on the beach, swapping between windsurfing, kitesurfing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

• Location: northwest coast 
• Location Map

My favourite highlights…

• Taking a boat trip to stunning Balos Lagoon, then on to Gramvousa to climb the Venetian castle ruins – from the top, I could see spooky shipwreck remnants near the shore!

6. Plakias 

I found this to be a small and very laid back village! There were tourists around, but I saw that it had avoided high‑rises and heavy commercialisation. Its more remote setting on Crete’s southern coast – far from the busy northern resorts – helped it retain a quaint, village‑like charm, and I loved its timeless feel.

I found it to be a gorgeous spot on the south coast, set against steep mountains and rugged gorges that lead down to a sandy, pebble‑speckled beach curving around the bay. The village was made up of low‑rise, traditional buildings overlooking clear turquoise waters, with olive groves and wildflowers blanketing the surrounding hills, adding to its dreamy rural charm.

After an hour and 20 minutes on the road south from Rethymno, I arrived for a magical short break. I split my time between lazy beach days, hiking the rugged Kourtaliotiko Gorge, and wandering to spectacular Preveli Beach. Add in plates of incredible local food and visits to the Monastery of Preveli and the Church of Zoodochos Pigi, and it felt unforgettable.

• Location: south coast 
• Location Map

My favourite highlights…

• Staying at the gorgeous NERĒA Boutique Hotel – I loved the boho style decor (especially the terracotta pots with wild grasses), the intimate, romantic vibe and my incredible Swim-Up Double room which had direct pool access!
• Dining on a rustic home-made of ravioli, fresh herbs and tomatoes which was finished with a drizzle of grassy Cretan olive oil at Taverna Manousos – I absolutely loved how it had lush greenery as decor, both inside and out! 

7. Kalamaki

This was both a tranquil coastal village and beach resort rolled into one! I discovered that it was a quieter alternative to the island’s party tourist hotspots, thanks to its secluded and remote location on the eastern coast.

Before my trip, I learned it’s a relatively new town that began developing in the 1960s, giving it more of a purpose‑built feel, yet I still found it to be an absolute gem.

Its highlight for me was the long, wide beach with fine golden sand and calm waters – a spot made even more special by the loggerhead sea turtles that nested here during breeding season. Lining the beach were a few traditional tavernas, small shops, and low‑rise places to stay.

I drove an hour south from Heraklion through the island’s interior and spent four easygoing days here – strolling the coast, exploring the fascinating ruins of Phaistos Palace, and wandering the famous Matala Caves, a former hippy haven that once even hosted Joni Mitchell.

• Location: southern coast 
• Location Map

My favourite highlights…

• Staying at the Insta‑worthy 4‑star Golden Sun Resort, I loved my private pool and jacuzzi, the spa with its Hammam, and thoughtful touches like local olive‑oil toiletries and Nef‑Nef robes..

8. Palaiochora 

I found that this another tranquil beachside resort town! It did attract tourists but I really liked how it still managed to maintain a relatively quiet atmosphere. The town’s layout, with its narrow streets and seaside promenades, along with careful local planning has helped preserve its laid-back charm and has prevented it from feeling overcrowded.

I discovered it tucked away on a small peninsula between two scenic bays on Crete’s southwestern coast, overlooking the Libyan Sea. It offered two main beaches – one sandy and lively, the other a quieter pebbly stretch. The town itself was dotted with traditional Cretan buildings and narrow streets lined with local shops, cafés, boutique stores, tavernas, and a few relaxed bars mostly frequented by locals rather than crowds of party-going tourists.

An hour and a half’s drive southwest from Chania over twisting mountain roads brought me to this gorgeous spot, where I spent a week staying at the modern 4-star boutique the Libyan Princess Hotel and mixing lazy beach days with epic outings – trekking through Samaria Gorge, wandering crumbling Venetian castle ruins, and sailing out to Gavdos Island and Elafonissi’s pink‑tinged sands.

• Location: southwest coast
• Location Map

My favourite highlights…

• Hiking an hour through thyme‑scented hills and rocky paths to the ruins of Lissos was fascinating – I found a trickling natural spring, fragments of faded mosaic floors, and the remains of a sanctuary once dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine! 

9. Elafonisi Lagoon 

I became a huge fan this gorgeous beauty spot! I saw that it had stayed wonderfully unspoiled, largely thanks to its setting on the island’s far southwestern tip – a corner that had escaped the mass tourism affecting so many other parts of Crete.

I learnt from locals that it was one of Crete’s best‑kept secrets, but these days I did see that a few more determined visitors make their way here – especially those keen to capture the perfect shot for their social feeds. I saw plenty of people snapping selfies!

I found a protected beach with striking pink sand – created by tiny Foraminifera microorganisms – and clear, shallow waters. As part of the Natura 2000 initiative, it’s carefully managed to safeguard its unique wildlife and fragile ecosystems. Facilities were minimal, but I did find parking, sunbed rentals, a few snack bars, and toilet facilities.

I drove one hour 40 minutes from Chania over rugged hills and stayed at the nearby chic and modern Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family. After parking by the beach, I waded across calm shallows to reach the gorgeous lagoon island – then spent my time swimming, snorkelling, and soaking up its dreamy coastal walks! 

• Location: southwest coast 
• Location Map

My favourite highlights…

• Hiking along sandy dune paths lined with sea daffodils and low shrubs, and then reaching a high vantage point where I admired the lagoon’s stunning views of pink‑tinged sand, shallow turquoise inlets, and tiny islets.

10. Triopetra Beach 

This place was dotted with zen-like yoga retreats! It had stayed pristine and understated largely thanks to its remote spot on the southern coast, a part of the island that I found harder to reach but it was far less commercialised when I finally reached it. I really enjoyed its laid‑back boho vibe and the focus on eco and nature‑based activities.

I discovered this gem near the popular coastal village of Agia Galini which was around 30 kilometres away. The beach was split into two sections – the larger main stretch and “Little Triopetra,” a smaller cove tucked into a sheltered rocky bay. Both were sandy and beautifully framed by the Siderotas Mountain, rocky hills, and gorgeous olive groves.

I headed an hour out of Rethymno along quiet rural lanes and spent five dreamy days at the chic 4-star beachfront Villa Thalassa – there were lazy hours on the sand, a soul‑soothing session at Triopetra Yoga Retreat, and evenings spent in traditional tavernas.

• Location: south coast
• Location Map

My favourite highlights…

• Going snorkelling in the ultra-clear waters and spotting sea urchins, starfish and pretty blue damselfish.
• Climbing the thyme‑scented hill and old stone steps to the whitewashed Chapel of the Prophet Elias and being rewarded at the top with sweeping views of the Libyan Sea and distant fishing boats.

11. Plaka 

This was a pretty but quiet place! I noticed it had thankfully been spared from large-scale tourism and development, thanks to its remote location and the dedication of the local community to preserving the traditional Cretan way of life – I loved that it still felt like an authentic little fishing village!

Just 10 minutes north of Elounda along a peaceful coastal road, I settled in for an idyllic week at the Insta-worthy D3 Milos, took a boat over to historic Spinalonga, browsed handcrafted jewellery and ceramics, and spent time on the soft sands of Elounda Beach.

• Location: northwest coast 
• Location Map

My favourite highlights…

• Wandering the village backstreets to browse its little craft and gift shops, I especially loved “The Loom,” where intricately woven handcrafted rugs in rich Cretan patterns caught my eye! 

12. Sougia 

This was a tiny and very secluded coastal village! I found it tucked away in a remote spot, reached by a winding road, and that very seclusion was why it had remained so unspoilt, uncrowded, and wonderfully laid-back!

• Location: southern coast 
• Location Map

My favourite highlights…

• Staying the characterful Monastery Estate Retreat – the superb modern decor, my private guest room swimming pool and the holistic spa – especially the diktamos infused herbal bath – made my stay seriously dreamy!
• Visiting Agios Panteleimon Church, built on the remnants of an ancient temple, I admired the visible ruins in the courtyard, the beautiful mosaic floor, and the quirky touch of having to get the door key from a kiosk on Sougia Beach! 

13. Myrtos Village

I thought this quaint little gem was full of charm! The village’s dedication to preserving its authentic character and keeping development low-key meant it had never drawn big crowds. There were some tourists around, but I loved how it still felt genuinely traditional, with a wonderfully slow pace of life.

After a 75‑minute drive southeast from Heraklion through calm inland routes, I unwound on this peaceful stretch of coast at the chic and modern 4-star Myrtos Mare Suites and explored a historic Minoan settlement, a tiny museum packed with artefacts, and the atmospheric remains of a former Minoan Palace.

• Location: south coast 
• Location Map

My highlights…

• Driving 30 km north to Selakano Forest where I hiked shady pine‑lined trails past trickling streams and patches of dittany (Cretan dittany). It was also great to stop at hidden waterfalls where mist rose over mossy rocks and wooden footbridges! 

14. Loutro Village

This unique gem was a place where I truly escaped the crowds! When I visited this pretty, peaceful coastal village on the southern coast, I genuinely felt as though I had stepped back in time. With no roads leading in, it could only be reached by boat or on foot, which kept visitor numbers low and preserved a wonderfully quiet, intimate atmosphere.

Surrounded by steep mountainsides, I found it home to a roaming herd of goats – I kept hearing the soft clink of their bells – and while it had a small pebbly beach, the standout for me was the impossibly clear, aquamarine waters.

I drove 1 hour 20 minutes from Chania to Chora Sfakion, hopped on a 20‑minute boat taxi, and spent a blissful couple of days unwinding with good books, coastal walks, delicious local food and drinks, and nothing but laid‑back vibes.

• Location: south coast
• Location Map

My personal highlights…

• Staying at the Hotel Porto Loutro – it was more rustic-chic than flashy (like all the places to stay here) but I really liked its location right on beach, the welcoming, intimate vibe and sipping on my morning Loumidis coffee while watching fishing boats glide in from my tiny balcony!

15. Kato Zakros

I was a big fan of this secluded hidden gem! I found that this small, rustic fishing village had stayed wonderfully untouched and authentic thanks to its remote setting on Crete’s eastern coast, far from the busy tourist resorts – and I loved simply soaking up the peaceful vibes.

Nestled on the eastern coast, I came across low-rise whitewashed houses and a tranquil bay with a small pebble beach, all framed by rugged mountains. The village offered a handful of boutique-style guesthouses and low-rise hotels, relaxed tavernas, and a few independent shops. I especially loved how many of the accommodations embraced their own eco‑friendly style, with several guesthouses exuding a boho charm complete with fragrant herb gardens.

After nearly two hours on twisting backroads from Agios Nikolaos, passing stark, beautiful landscapes, I arrived at this secluded spot and spent four blissful days kicking back on the beach, uncovering the Minoan Palace of Zakros and trekking the Gorge of the Dead with its haunting cave tombs.

• Location: eastern coast 
• Location Map

My favourite highlights…

• Staying at the impressive 4-star Terra Minoika Boutique resort – I adored the eco-friendly, stone-built villas and how the owners had thoughtfully stocked it with local olive oil, handmade lavender & carob soaps, and jars of thyme honey!

16. Glyka Nera

This secluded spot was also known as Sweet Water Beach! It felt wonderfully pristine and untouched, thanks to its remote setting and limited accessibility – I discovered it could only be reached by boat or by hiking in from the nearest road.

I found it hidden in plain sight on the southern coast, between the towns of Chora Sfakion and Loutro. It was framed by towering, rugged cliffs that created a dramatic natural backdrop to the clear blue waters and the bright white, pebbly beach.

I drove about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Chania to Chora Sfakion, then hiked 45 minutes along a rocky coastal trail to reach the beach. The hike was a bit demanding, but the path was well maintained, and the sea views along the way were stunning. When I finally arrived, I thought the spot was absolutely breathtaking!

I loved that amenities were kept minimal to protect the natural setting, though there was a little seasonal taverna and some sunbeds to rent – I spent the day unwinding, swimming, and soaking up the gorgeous scenery and intimate vibe.

• Location: south coast
• Location Map

My highlights…

• Going wild camping overnight, pitching my tent under tamarisk trees, falling asleep to the sound of waves, and waking up to goats clambering their way across the rocky slopes above the beach!