{"id":607792,"date":"2025-07-01T09:50:11","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T08:50:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/?p=607792"},"modified":"2025-09-06T21:40:14","modified_gmt":"2025-09-06T20:40:14","slug":"10-unspoilt-places-visit-crete-travel-snobs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/destinations\/europe\/10-unspoilt-places-visit-crete-travel-snobs\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Quiet Resorts to Stay in Crete for Travel Snobs"},"content":{"rendered":"<article class=\"w-full scroll-mb-[var(--thread-trailing-height,150px)] text-token-text-primary focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-offset-[-4px]\" dir=\"auto\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-4\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\">\n<div class=\"m-auto text-base py-[18px] px-3 md:px-4 w-full md:px-5 lg:px-4 xl:px-5\">\n<div class=\"mx-auto flex flex-1 gap-4 text-base md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 md:max-w-3xl lg:max-w-[40rem] xl:max-w-[48rem]\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col\">\n<div class=\"flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"user\" data-message-id=\"aaa272ab-9ddf-4e3b-a2ba-8eae2a13010a\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden items-end rtl:items-start\">\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[var(--user-chat-width,70%)] rounded-3xl bg-token-message-surface px-5 py-2.5\">\n<div class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-full top-0 -mr-3.5 hidden pr-5 pt-1 [.group\\\/conversation-turn:hover_&amp;]:block\">Crete &#8211; like Santorini, <a href=\"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/destinations\/europe\/unspoilt-places-to-visit-in-corfu-for-travel-snobs\/\">Corfu<\/a>, and Mykonos &#8211; is one of Greece\u2019s most popular islands. From my own trips (I&#8217;ve had many now!) I\u2019ve managed to seek out its quieter corners, and these are my favorite serene, less commercialised places to stay&#8230;.<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>1. Elounda&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-644981 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Elounda-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C815&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Elounda Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"815\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Elounda-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C815&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Elounda-Crete.jpg?resize=640%2C522&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Elounda-Crete.jpg?resize=768%2C626&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Elounda-Crete.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-660554 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Elounda-beach-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Elounda beach crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Elounda-beach-Crete.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Elounda-beach-Crete.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Elounda-beach-Crete.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Elounda-beach-Crete.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Elounda-beach-Crete.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I discovered that Elounda was home to upscale resorts and classy hotels! I have to admit it didn&#8217;t have the quaint, authentic charm of some of the other spots I&#8217;ve included this list but it did have a chic, cosmopolitan vibe instead!<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"45\" data-end=\"339\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">I love how it&#8217;s stayed wonderfully tranquil, with its secluded setting and upscale resorts drawing a more discerning crowd that has helped keep its natural beauty intact. It\u2019s even become a discreet celebrity hideaway, with stars like Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Rihanna spotted enjoying holidays here!<\/p>\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"1a80ad8a-c52a-4701-982c-2d389d63cbaf\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\">\n<p class=\"p1\">Tucked away on the northeastern coast near Agios Nikolaos, I discovered a picturesque spot where sparkling blue waters meet a rugged mountain backdrop, with a coastline lined with luxurious resorts, chic bars, and gourmet restaurants.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"50\" data-end=\"347\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">I came across several sandy beaches in the area, including the main Elounda Beach, a mix of sand and shingle with shallow waters that can get busy at times. For a quieter escape, I headed to the smaller Kolokithia Beach, where finer, paler sand and a more secluded setting drew far fewer visitors.<\/p>\n<article class=\"w-full scroll-mb-[var(--thread-trailing-height,150px)] text-token-text-primary focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-offset-[-4px]\" dir=\"auto\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-25\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\">\n<div class=\"m-auto text-base py-[18px] px-3 md:px-4 w-full md:px-5 lg:px-4 xl:px-5\">\n<div class=\"mx-auto flex flex-1 gap-4 text-base md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 md:max-w-3xl lg:max-w-[40rem] xl:max-w-[48rem]\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"348d5222-06a1-442a-8987-358243d7800a\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\">\n<p data-start=\"374\" data-end=\"637\">Just an hour\u2019s coastal drive east from Heraklion Airport brought me to this stylish resort town, where I spent a blissful week strolling its lively harbour, sinking into spa bliss, basking on its beaches, and snorkelling above the legendary sunken city of Olous.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> northeastern coast<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Schisma+Eloundas,+Greece\/@35.2609516,25.7189235,16z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x1490833b5f8b5ad7:0x500bd2ce2ba8940!8m2!3d35.2613505!4d25.7234164!16zL20vMGJocHoy?entry=ttu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><em><strong>My personal highlights&#8230;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Staying at the chic 4-star boutique <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/gr\/elounda-orama.en-gb.html?aid=356930&amp;label=metagha-link-LUGB-hotel-4245033_dev-desktop_los-1_bw-84_dow-Wednesday_defdate-1_room-0_gstadt-2_rateid-public_aud-0_gacid-21410411210_mcid-10_ppa-0_clrid-0_ad-1_gstkid-0_checkin-20251008_ppt-Bd_lp-2826_r-9706516986437660172&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10&amp;all_sr_blocks=424503301_352803901_2_33_0&amp;checkin=2025-10-08&amp;checkout=2025-10-09&amp;dest_id=4245033&amp;dest_type=hotel&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=1&amp;highlighted_blocks=424503301_352803901_2_33_0&amp;hpos=1&amp;matching_block_id=424503301_352803901_2_33_0&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;sr_pri_blocks=424503301_352803901_2_33_0__10146&amp;srepoch=1752690171&amp;srpvid=8aa0813b52590684&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Elounda Orama<\/a> &#8211; I loved sipping on a refreshing watermelon mojito rooftop bar while watching the horizon turned orange and pink at sunset!&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>The modern <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lotus-eaters.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lotus Eaters restaurant<\/a> &#8211; I really enjoyed gazing at the beautiful sea views while dining on a smoky charred-edged marinated roast peppers and fried potatoes sprinkled with local sea salt and a local olive oil.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>2. Agios Nikolaos&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-644982 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Agios-Nikolaos-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Agios Nikolaos Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Agios-Nikolaos-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Agios-Nikolaos-Crete.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Agios-Nikolaos-Crete.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Agios-Nikolaos-Crete.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Agios-Nikolaos-Crete.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Agios-Nikolaos-Crete.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-660557 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Agios-Nikolaos-Beach.jpg?resize=1000%2C665&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Agios Nikolaos Beach\" width=\"1000\" height=\"665\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Agios-Nikolaos-Beach.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Agios-Nikolaos-Beach.jpg?resize=640%2C426&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Agios-Nikolaos-Beach.jpg?resize=768%2C511&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Agios-Nikolaos-Beach.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Agios-Nikolaos-Beach.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">I thought this was a very pretty coastal town! I found that it has preserved its quiet, unspoiled character through strict local planning and a strong commitment to protecting its natural beauty and cultural heritage. There were other visitors around, but the atmosphere felt cosmopolitan rather than like a bustling party scene.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"48\" data-end=\"324\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Nestled on the island\u2019s eastern coast along the Gulf of Mirabello, I was captivated by the waterfront lined with traditional Cretan buildings around the marina and lake, beautifully framed by sandy beaches, shimmering waters, and a backdrop of rolling hills and Mediterranean greenery.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"102\" data-end=\"218\">I drove east from Heraklion and, in just under an hour, arrived for a five\u2011day stay that felt effortlessly dreamy. I wandered the mysterious Lake Voulismeni, steeped in local legends, and lazed on gorgeous sandy stretches\u2014Vayu, Almiros, and Voulisma quickly became my favourites.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"102\" data-end=\"218\">Evenings were spent dining in charming tavernas by the marina, while my days were filled with exploring ancient artefacts at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agiosnikolaoscrete.com\/experiences\/culture\/museums-sights\/archaeological-museum-of-agios-nikolaos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Archaeological Museum<\/a>, tracing the ruins of a Christian basilica, and sailing out to haunting Spinalonga Island, a former leper colony crowned by a crumbling fortress.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> east coast, just east of Heraklio.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Agios+Nikolaos,+Greece\/@35.1945678,25.692773,14z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x149081779ad004d5:0x8469b9905a075540!8m2!3d35.1899597!4d25.7164166!16zL20vMDR6Z3Zu?entry=ttu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><em><strong>My personal highlights&#8230;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Staying at the Insta-worthy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/gr\/the-island-concept.en-gb.html?aid=356980&amp;label=gog235jc-1FCAsoXEISdGhlLWlzbGFuZC1jb25jZXB0SAlYA2hQiAEBmAEJuAEHyAEM2AEB6AEB-AECiAIBqAIDuALSu9_DBsACAdICJDVjNDQxZDkzLTE1YWMtNDUzZC1hMzc1LTkwNTI2ODFkYzA5MdgCBeACAQ&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10&amp;all_sr_blocks=414033107_326008719_2_1_0&amp;checkin=2025-07-16&amp;checkout=2025-07-17&amp;dest_id=-815523&amp;dest_type=city&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=1&amp;highlighted_blocks=414033107_326008719_2_1_0&amp;hpos=1&amp;matching_block_id=414033107_326008719_2_1_0&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;sr_pri_blocks=414033107_326008719_2_1_0__36260&amp;srepoch=1752686039&amp;srpvid=f460792993f20945&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Island Concept Luxury Boutique Hotel Heated Pool<\/a> &#8211; I loved the chic modern design, the private beach, the boutique vibe and enjoying cucumber\u2011and\u2011herb mojito at their pool bar.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-full top-0 -mr-3.5 hidden pr-5 pt-1 [.group\\\/conversation-turn:hover_&amp;]:block\">3. Sissi&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-644980 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Sissi-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C666&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Sissi Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Sissi-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C666&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Sissi-Crete.jpg?resize=640%2C426&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Sissi-Crete.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Sissi-Crete.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Sissi-Crete.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Sissi-Crete.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-660553 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Sissi-Crete-beach.jpg?resize=1000%2C651&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Sissi Crete beach\" width=\"1000\" height=\"651\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Sissi-Crete-beach.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Sissi-Crete-beach.jpg?resize=640%2C417&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Sissi-Crete-beach.jpg?resize=768%2C500&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Sissi felt wonderfully raw and unspoiled &#8211; 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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">I stumbled upon it, quietly tucked into <\/span>north coast of (around 41 km east of the island&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2011rise hotels and charming guesthouses.<\/p>\n<p>I drove 45 minutes east from Heraklion, passing quiet villages and rolling farmland, before arriving for a four\u2011day stay. With no loud parties or bustling bars, I spent my time blissfully dining in family\u2011run tavernas, unwinding on the beach, snorkelling in clear waters, and chatting with the warm, welcoming locals.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> north coast<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Sisi+720+54,+Greece\/@35.3061033,25.5094026,15z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x149a7a5fa1010cfb:0xa00bd2f74c2ae80!8m2!3d35.3085456!4d25.5207204!16s%2Fm%2F0j2bbbd?entry=ttu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><em><strong>My favourite highlights&#8230;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Staying at the dreamy 4-star <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/gr\/grecotel-meli-palace.en-gb.html?aid=1502926\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Grecotel Meli Palace<\/a> &#8211; I loved the chic decor, the poolside cabanas, the private beach exclusive access and how the&nbsp;pool had a gradual sloping entrance which made it easy to wade in with a cocktail in hand!<\/li>\n<li>Dining at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.com\/Restaurant_Review-g608862-d1163170-Reviews-or15-Liofito-Sissi_Lasithi_Prefecture_Crete.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Liofito Taverna<\/a> &#8211; I loved savoring smoky eggplant saganaki, then finishing with pillowy kalitsounia pastries while relaxing on the charming outdoor patio!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>4. Panormos&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-660564 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Panormos-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C668&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Panormos Beach Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"668\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Panormos-Crete.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Panormos-Crete.jpg?resize=640%2C428&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Panormos-Crete.jpg?resize=768%2C513&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Panormos-Crete.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Panormos-Crete.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-644995 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Panormos-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C668&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Panormos Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"668\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Panormos-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C668&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Panormos-Crete.jpg?resize=640%2C428&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Panormos-Crete.jpg?resize=768%2C513&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Panormos-Crete.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Panormos-Crete.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Panormos-Crete.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>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\u2011back, authentic vibe it has managed to preserve.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"42\" data-end=\"427\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">I stumbled upon this gem on Crete\u2019s northern coast, roughly midway between Rethymno and Heraklion, where it nestles across two sheltered bays with small, laid\u2011back sandy beaches. I loved the traditional whitewashed buildings and narrow winding streets, the handful of low\u2011rise places to stay, and the pretty harbour dotted with colourful fishing boats, cosy caf\u00e9s, and charming tavernas.<\/p>\n<p>Just 50 minutes west of Heraklion along the northern coastal highway, I found myself in a place where three days slipped by easily\u2014lounging on Timeaki and Limanaki beaches, sampling Cretan cuisine, exploring the post\u2011Byzantine church, and browsing tiny craft shops before lingering in the fishing harbour. It was a beautifully calm antidote to the island\u2019s brasher resorts.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> northern coast&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Panormos+in+Rethymno,+Greece\/@35.4178696,24.683251,16z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x149ba667aab9ab87:0x500bd2ce2ba9610!8m2!3d35.4181826!4d24.6908006!16s%2Fg%2F120y8640?entry=ttu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><em><strong>My favourite highlights&#8230;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Staying at stunning and romantic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.en-gb.html?aid=1502926&amp;highlighted_hotels=5744643&amp;checkin=2025-10-08&amp;redirected=1&amp;city=-825560&amp;hlrd=with_av&amp;source=hotel&amp;checkout=2025-10-09&amp;keep_landing=1&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Royal Senses Resort<\/a> &#8211; 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!<\/li>\n<li>Trying a delicately floral Pink Blackbird (Kotsifali) dry rose wine wine tasting at the rustic <a href=\"https:\/\/kladoswinery.gr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Klados Winery<\/a>!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>5. Falassarna Beach&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-645114 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Falasarna-beach-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C666&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Falasarna beach - best places to visit in Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Falasarna-beach-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C666&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Falasarna-beach-1.jpg?resize=640%2C426&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Falasarna-beach-1.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Falasarna-beach-1.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Falasarna-beach-1.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Falasarna-beach-1.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-660567 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Falassarna-beach.jpg?resize=1000%2C668&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Falassarna beach Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"668\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Falassarna-beach.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Falassarna-beach.jpg?resize=640%2C428&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Falassarna-beach.jpg?resize=768%2C513&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Falassarna-beach.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Falassarna-beach.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_775474\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-775474\" style=\"width: 1526px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Falassarna-Beach-June-2023.webp 1536w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Falassarna-Beach-June-2023.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Falassarna-Beach-June-2023.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Falassarna-Beach-June-2023.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Falassarna-Beach-June-2023.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Falassarna-Beach-June-2023.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Falassarna-Beach-June-2023.jpg?w=1536&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Falassarna-Beach-June-2023.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Falassarna-Beach-June-2023.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Falassarna-Beach-June-2023.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Falassarna-Beach-June-2023.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" class=\"wp-image-775474 size-full sp-no-webp\" alt=\"My photo of Falassarna Beach June 2023\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-775474\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My photo of Falassarna Beach at Sunset &#8211; I loved how it was bathed in an orange glow!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>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\u2019s spread out over a wide area, so I never felt crowded at all.<\/p>\n<p>I discovered it near the village of Platanos on Crete\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>An hour\u2019s drive west from Chania through sleepy villages and farmland brought me to the coast, where I stayed in the nearby charming 4-star <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/gr\/aphrodite-beach.en-gb.html?aid=356980&amp;label=gog235jc-1FCAsoXEIPYXBocm9kaXRlLWJlYWNoSAlYA2hQiAEBmAEJuAEHyAEM2AEB6AEB-AECiAIBqAIDuAKe6d_DBsACAdICJGQ0NzRjMTcxLTVmZDQtNDc1Yi05YzgyLTdhNjk5Y2MyNTg2YtgCBeACAQ&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10&amp;age=1&amp;all_sr_blocks=31951401_261925338_2_2_0&amp;checkin=2025-10-08&amp;checkout=2025-10-09&amp;dest_id=-820658&amp;dest_type=city&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=1&amp;highlighted_blocks=31951401_261925338_2_2_0&amp;hpos=1&amp;matching_block_id=31951401_261925338_2_2_0&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;sr_pri_blocks=31951401_261925338_2_2_0__9380&amp;srepoch=1752691893&amp;srpvid=3346848f9d141a2f&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Aphrodite Beach Hotel<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location: <\/strong>northwest coast&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Falasarna+beach\/@35.492631,23.5748268,16z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x149cf0aedf9c964f:0x96c1687d57cade49!8m2!3d35.4919665!4d23.5806621!16s%2Fg%2F119thh9jt?entry=ttu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><em><strong>My favourite highlights&#8230;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Taking a boat trip to stunning Balos Lagoon, then on to Gramvousa to climb the Venetian castle ruins &#8211; from the top, I could see spooky shipwreck remnants near the shore!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>6. Plakias&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-660558 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Plakias-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C612&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Plakias Resort Crete \" width=\"1000\" height=\"612\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Plakias-Crete.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Plakias-Crete.jpg?resize=640%2C392&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Plakias-Crete.jpg?resize=768%2C470&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-644985 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Plakias-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C664&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Plakias Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"664\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Plakias-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C664&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Plakias-Crete.jpg?resize=640%2C425&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Plakias-Crete.jpg?resize=768%2C510&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Plakias-Crete.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Plakias-Crete.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I found this to be a small and very laid back village! There were tourists around, but I saw that it had avoided high\u2011rises and heavy commercialisation. Its more remote setting on Crete\u2019s southern coast &#8211; far from the busy northern resorts &#8211; helped it retain a quaint, village\u2011like charm, and I loved its timeless feel.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2011speckled beach curving around the bay. The village was made up of low\u2011rise, traditional buildings overlooking clear turquoise waters, with olive groves and wildflowers blanketing the surrounding hills, adding to its dreamy rural charm.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> south coast&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Myrthianos+Plakias+740+60,+Greece\/@35.1875585,24.3908092,15z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x149b6eebb74c861d:0x91eac5943e3eb9ec!8m2!3d35.1891194!4d24.3975684!16zL20vMGJkOHdq?entry=ttu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><em><strong>My favourite highlights&#8230;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Staying at the gorgeous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/gr\/nerea-boutique.en-gb.html?aid=1502926\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">NER\u0112A Boutique Hotel<\/a> &#8211; I loved the boho style decor (especially the terracotta pots with wild grasses), the intimate, romantic vibe and my incredible <em>Swim-Up Double room<\/em> which had direct pool access!<\/li>\n<li>Dining on a rustic home-made of ravioli, fresh herbs and tomatoes which was finished with a drizzle of grassy Cretan olive oil at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.co.uk\/Restaurant_Review-g319776-d3330490-Reviews-Manousos_Taverna-Plakias_Agios_Vasileios_Municipality_Rethymnon_Prefecture_Crete.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Taverna Manousos<\/a> &#8211; I absolutely loved how it had lush greenery as decor, both inside and out!&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>7. Kalamaki <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-660561 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Kalamaki-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C290&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Kalamaki Beach Resort\" width=\"1000\" height=\"290\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Kalamaki-Crete.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Kalamaki-Crete.jpg?resize=640%2C186&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Kalamaki-Crete.jpg?resize=768%2C223&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-644991 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Kalamaki-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Kalamaki Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Kalamaki-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Kalamaki-Crete.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Kalamaki-Crete.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Kalamaki-Crete.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Kalamaki-Crete.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Kalamaki-Crete.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This was both a tranquil coastal village and beach resort rolled into one! I discovered that it was a quieter alternative to the island\u2019s party tourist hotspots, thanks to its secluded and remote location on the eastern coast.<\/p>\n<p>Before my trip, I learned it\u2019s a relatively new town that began developing in the 1960s, giving it more of a purpose\u2011built feel, yet I still found it to be an absolute gem.<\/p>\n<p>Its highlight for me was the long, wide beach with fine golden sand and calm waters &#8211; 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\u2011rise places to stay.<\/p>\n<p>I drove an hour south from Heraklion through the island\u2019s interior and spent four easygoing days here &#8211; strolling the coast, exploring the fascinating ruins of Phaistos Palace, and wandering the famous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.messynessychic.com\/2015\/04\/21\/the-hippie-caves-of-matala-that-housed-joni-mitchell\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Matala Caves<\/a>, a former hippy haven that once even hosted Joni Mitchell.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location: southern coast&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Kalamaki+702+00,+Greece\/@35.0291708,24.7557031,16z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x149b1858c8fc8a93:0xa2ca002828736171!8m2!3d35.0290916!4d24.7599678!16s%2Fg%2F1s05sdt59?entry=ttu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>My favourite highlights&#8230;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"65\" data-end=\"258\">Staying at the Insta\u2011worthy 4\u2011star <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.en-gb.html?aid=1502926&amp;highlighted_hotels=3572145&amp;checkin=2025-07-16&amp;redirected=1&amp;city=-818330&amp;hlrd=with_av&amp;source=hotel&amp;checkout=2025-07-17&amp;keep_landing=1&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Golden Sun Resort<\/a>, I loved my private pool and jacuzzi, the spa with its Hammam, and thoughtful touches like local olive\u2011oil toiletries and Nef\u2011Nef robes..<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>8. Palaiochora&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-660569 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Paleochora-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C666&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Paleochora Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Paleochora-Crete.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Paleochora-Crete.jpg?resize=640%2C426&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Paleochora-Crete.jpg?resize=768%2C511&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Paleochora-Crete.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Paleochora-Crete.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-645003 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Paleochora-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Paleochora Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Paleochora-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Paleochora-Crete.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Paleochora-Crete.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Paleochora-Crete.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Paleochora-Crete.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Paleochora-Crete.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Paleochora-Beach-Crete.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Paleochora-Beach-Crete.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Paleochora-Beach-Crete.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Paleochora-Beach-Crete.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Paleochora-Beach-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C668&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"668\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Paleochora-Beach-Crete.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Paleochora-Beach-Crete.jpg?resize=640%2C428&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Paleochora-Beach-Crete.jpg?resize=768%2C513&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Paleochora-Beach-Crete.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-767750 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Paleochora Beach, Crete\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/p>\n<p>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&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p>I discovered it tucked away on a small peninsula between two scenic bays on Crete\u2019s southwestern coast, overlooking the Libyan Sea. It offered two main beaches &#8211; 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, caf\u00e9s, boutique stores, tavernas, and a few relaxed bars mostly frequented by locals rather than crowds of party-going tourists.<\/p>\n<p>An hour and a half\u2019s 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/gr\/libyan-princess.en-gb.html?aid=356930&amp;label=metagha-link-LUGB-hotel-256971_dev-desktop_los-1_bw-87_dow-Saturday_defdate-1_room-0_gstadt-2_rateid-public_aud-0_gacid-21410411210_mcid-10_ppa-0_clrid-0_ad-1_gstkid-0_checkin-20251011_ppt-_lp-2826_r-4368337265315296084&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10&amp;all_sr_blocks=25697106_415415723_0_1_0&amp;checkin=2025-10-11&amp;checkout=2025-10-12&amp;dest_id=256971&amp;dest_type=hotel&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=1&amp;highlighted_blocks=25697106_415415723_0_1_0&amp;hpos=1&amp;matching_block_id=25697106_415415723_0_1_0&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;sr_pri_blocks=25697106_415415723_0_1_0__15800&amp;srepoch=1752692276&amp;srpvid=f0818558b432012a&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Libyan Princess Hotel<\/a> and mixing lazy beach days with epic outings &#8211; trekking through Samaria Gorge, wandering crumbling Venetian castle ruins, and sailing out to Gavdos Island and Elafonissi\u2019s pink\u2011tinged sands.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location: <\/strong>southwest coast<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Palaiochora,+Greece\/@35.2308925,23.6701435,15z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x149cea57d93093f9:0x500bd2ce2bacc50!8m2!3d35.2294606!4d23.6819128!16zL20vMDR6cl9s?entry=ttu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><em><strong>My favourite highlights&#8230;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hiking an hour through thyme\u2011scented hills and rocky paths to the ruins of Lissos was fascinating &#8211; 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!&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>9. Elafonisi Lagoon&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-660571 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Elafonisi-Lagoon.jpg?resize=1000%2C666&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Elafonisi Lagoon Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Elafonisi-Lagoon.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Elafonisi-Lagoon.jpg?resize=640%2C426&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Elafonisi-Lagoon.jpg?resize=768%2C511&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Elafonisi-Lagoon.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Elafonisi-Lagoon.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-645008 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Elafonisi-Lagoon.jpg?resize=1000%2C662&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Elafonisi Lagoon Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"662\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Elafonisi-Lagoon.jpg?resize=1000%2C662&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Elafonisi-Lagoon.jpg?resize=640%2C424&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Elafonisi-Lagoon.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Elafonisi-Lagoon.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_775479\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-775479\" style=\"width: 1526px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Elafonisi-Beach-taken-June-2023.webp 1536w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Elafonisi-Beach-taken-June-2023.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Elafonisi-Beach-taken-June-2023.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Elafonisi-Beach-taken-June-2023.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Elafonisi-Beach-taken-June-2023.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Elafonisi-Beach-taken-June-2023.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Elafonisi-Beach-taken-June-2023.jpg?w=1536&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Elafonisi-Beach-taken-June-2023.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Elafonisi-Beach-taken-June-2023.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Elafonisi-Beach-taken-June-2023.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Elafonisi-Beach-taken-June-2023.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-775479 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"My photo of Elafonisi Beach taken June 2023\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-775479\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My photo of beautiful Elafonisi Beach &#8211; the water was so clear here!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>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\u2019s far southwestern tip &#8211; a corner that had escaped the mass tourism affecting so many other parts of Crete.<\/p>\n<p>I learnt from locals that it was one of Crete\u2019s best\u2011kept secrets, but these days I did see that a few more determined visitors make their way here &#8211; especially those keen to capture the perfect shot for their social feeds. I saw plenty of people snapping selfies!<\/p>\n<p>I found a protected beach with striking pink sand &#8211; created by tiny Foraminifera microorganisms &#8211; and clear, shallow waters. As part of the Natura 2000 initiative, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>I drove one hour 40 minutes from Chania over rugged hills and stayed at the nearby chic and modern <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/gr\/elafonisi-resort-kalomirakis-family.en-gb.html?aid=356930&amp;label=metagha-link-LUGB-hotel-899890_dev-desktop_los-1_bw-94_dow-Saturday_defdate-1_room-0_gstadt-2_rateid-public_aud-0_gacid-21410411210_mcid-10_ppa-0_clrid-0_ad-1_gstkid-0_checkin-20251018_ppt-_lp-2826_r-2998722367668709796&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10&amp;all_sr_blocks=89989012_344793749_2_0_0_628439&amp;checkin=2025-10-18&amp;checkout=2025-10-19&amp;dest_id=899890&amp;dest_type=hotel&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=1&amp;highlighted_blocks=89989012_344793749_2_0_0_628439&amp;hpos=1&amp;matching_block_id=89989012_344793749_2_0_0_628439&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;sr_pri_blocks=89989012_344793749_2_0_0_628439_6900&amp;srepoch=1752692809&amp;srpvid=e211866243061aea&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family<\/a>. After parking by the beach, I waded across calm shallows to reach the gorgeous lagoon island &#8211; then spent my time swimming, snorkelling, and soaking up its dreamy coastal walks!&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location: <\/strong>southwest coast&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Elafonisi+lagoon\/@35.271148,23.5313344,16z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x149ce791b890cb3f:0xe0b9b508e376937e!8m2!3d35.2712432!4d23.5411281!16s%2Fg%2F11cncxxwh0?entry=ttu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><em><strong>My favourite highlights&#8230;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"sr-only\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Hiking along sandy dune paths lined with sea daffodils and low shrubs, and then reaching a high vantage point where I admired the lagoon\u2019s stunning views of pink\u2011tinged sand, shallow turquoise inlets, and tiny islets.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>10. Triopetra Beach&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-660573 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Triopetra-beach-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Triopetra beach\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Triopetra-beach-Crete.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Triopetra-beach-Crete.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Triopetra-beach-Crete.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Triopetra-beach-Crete.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Triopetra-beach-Crete.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-645110 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Triopetra-Beach.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Triopetra Beach - places to visit in Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Triopetra-Beach.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Triopetra-Beach.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Triopetra-Beach.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Triopetra-Beach.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Triopetra-Beach.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Triopetra-Beach.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>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\u2011back boho vibe and the focus on eco and nature\u2011based activities.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">I discovered this gem near the popular coastal village of Agia Galini which was around 30\u202fkilometres away. The beach was split into two sections &#8211; the larger main stretch and \u201cLittle Triopetra,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<p>I headed an hour out of Rethymno along quiet rural lanes and spent five dreamy days at the chic 4-star beachfront <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/gr\/villa-thalassa-triopetra1.en-gb.html?aid=303948&amp;label=triopetra-C6up1tJ1OB5KTjQhAhZ14AS382869627321%3Apl%3Ata%3Ap15%3Ap2%3Aac%3Aap%3Aneg%3Afi%3Atikwd-13069659801%3Alp1006624%3Ali%3Adec%3Adm%3Appccp%3DUmFuZG9tSVYkc2RlIyh9Yf5EcukO1MOGLSSAuId8ToA&amp;sid=c241080a416148dbe74bac22b062d54c&amp;dest_id=900053592&amp;dest_type=city&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=2&amp;hpos=2&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;srepoch=1752693182&amp;srpvid=72b4871a7b790063&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Villa Thalassa<\/a> &#8211; there were lazy hours on the sand, a soul\u2011soothing session at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.co.uk\/Hotel_Review-g1190234-d1791534-Reviews-Yoga_Rocks_Retreat_to_Triopetra-Triopetra_Agios_Vasileios_Municipality_Rethymnon_Pref.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Triopetra Yoga Retreat<\/a>, and evenings spent in traditional tavernas.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location: <\/strong>south coast<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Triopetra+beach\/@35.1186251,24.5260332,14z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x149b14bd29f277db:0x5e0b211c699cd6dd!8m2!3d35.1186273!4d24.5466757!16s%2Fg%2F1230v1_6?entry=ttu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><em><strong>My favourite highlights&#8230;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Going snorkelling in the ultra-clear waters and spotting sea urchins, starfish and pretty blue damselfish.<\/li>\n<li>Climbing the thyme\u2011scented 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>11. Plaka&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-644983 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Plaka-Village-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C666&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Plaka Village Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Plaka-Village-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C666&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Plaka-Village-Crete.jpg?resize=640%2C426&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Plaka-Village-Crete.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Plaka-Village-Crete.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Plaka-Village-Crete.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Plaka-Village-Crete.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-644984 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Plaka-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Plaka Crete \" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Plaka-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Plaka-Crete.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Plaka-Crete.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Plaka-Crete.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Plaka-Crete.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Plaka-Crete.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">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 &#8211; I loved that it still felt like an authentic little fishing village!<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[72rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"fc83ffd7-cd48-4f3a-ade3-7b905b777548\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light\">\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"389\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">I discovered it tucked peacefully along the northeastern coast near the larger town of Elounda, with a pebbly beach lapped by clear azure waters and overlooking the historic island of Spinalonga. I wandered through a village of charming traditional buildings and narrow, winding streets dotted with inviting tavernas, along with a few convenience stores and small souvenir and craft shops.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"52\" data-end=\"282\">Just 10 minutes north of Elounda along a peaceful coastal road, I settled in for an idyllic week at the Insta-worthy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/gr\/d3-milos.en-gb.html?aid=356930&amp;label=metagha-link-LUGB-hotel-12179946_dev-desktop_los-1_bw-3_dow-Saturday_defdate-1_room-0_gstadt-2_rateid-public_aud-0_gacid-21410411210_mcid-10_ppa-0_clrid-0_ad-1_gstkid-0_checkin-20250719_ppt-_lp-2826_r-17456873989515438830&amp;sid=548946cec11ce8170461ffa9b7f07f10&amp;all_sr_blocks=1217994602_393965974_0_1_0&amp;checkin=2025-07-19&amp;checkout=2025-07-20&amp;dest_id=12179946&amp;dest_type=hotel&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=1&amp;highlighted_blocks=1217994602_393965974_0_1_0&amp;hpos=1&amp;matching_block_id=1217994602_393965974_0_1_0&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;sr_pri_blocks=1217994602_393965974_0_1_0__54200&amp;srepoch=1752693959&amp;srpvid=58bf88a1b1d70990&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">D3 Milos<\/a>, took a boat over to historic Spinalonga, browsed handcrafted jewellery and ceramics, and spent time on the soft sands of Elounda Beach.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location: <\/strong>northwest coast&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Plaka+730+08,+Greece\/@35.4509242,24.2058903,16z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x149b7f61d9721709:0x7a6e6a8fb21ef34f!8m2!3d35.4518528!4d24.2100449!16zL20vMGgyX3l6?entry=ttu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><em><strong>My favourite highlights&#8230;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"sr-only\">Wandering the village backstreets to browse its little craft and gift shops, I especially loved \u201cThe Loom,\u201d where intricately woven handcrafted rugs in rich Cretan patterns caught my eye!&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>12. Sougia&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-660566 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Sougia-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Sougia Village Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Sougia-Crete.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Sougia-Crete.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Sougia-Crete.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Sougia-Crete.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Sougia-Crete.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-644999 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Sougia-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Sougia Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Sougia-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Sougia-Crete.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Sougia-Crete.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Sougia-Crete.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Sougia-Crete.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Sougia-Crete.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">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!<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[72rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"ce09d7f5-384a-4060-bfc5-f3882f335c68\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light\">\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"364\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">I found it hidden away on the southern coast, and I thought the scenery was stunning &#8211; a serene, sheltered beach of sand, shingle, and larger pebbles along the Libyan Sea, framed by rugged hills. The village itself was dotted with low-rise guesthouses, small apartments, and boutique hotels, along with a modest collection of ultra\u2011relaxed tavernas and little shops.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"364\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">I wound my way 1 hour 30 minutes south from Chania along a narrow mountain road with hairpin bends and epic Libyan Sea views, spent five blissful days here hiking Samaria and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=xZrR_vtLbYQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Agia Irini Gorges<\/a> by day, dining in cosy tavernas by night, and even squeezed in a visit to Agios Panteleimon Church and the Ancient City of Elyros just 7.5 miles away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location: <\/strong>southern coast&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Sougia,+Greece\/@35.2483874,23.8060612,16z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x149c946cac78d3af:0x500bd2ce2bb3080!8m2!3d35.2485363!4d23.8108879!16s%2Fm%2F027g4mx?entry=ttu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><em><strong>My favourite highlights&#8230;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Staying the characterful <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/gr\/monastery-estate-mountain-retreat.en-gb.html?aid=1502926\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Monastery Estate Retreat<\/a> &#8211; the superb modern decor, my private guest room swimming pool and the holistic spa &#8211; especially the diktamos infused herbal bath &#8211; made my stay seriously dreamy!<\/li>\n<li>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!&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>13. Myrtos Village<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-645122 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Myrtos-village-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Myrtos village Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Myrtos-village-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Myrtos-village-Crete.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Myrtos-village-Crete.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Myrtos-village-Crete.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Myrtos-village-Crete.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Myrtos-village-Crete.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-660581 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Myrtos-village.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Myrtos village Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Myrtos-village.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Myrtos-village.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Myrtos-village.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Myrtos-village.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Myrtos-village.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I thought this quaint little gem was full of charm! <span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">The village\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[72rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"95de4a69-4f82-4df3-b702-d8ba0def4447\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light\">\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"410\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">It sits off the main tourist trail on the southern coast near the town of Ierapetra, where I came across a beautiful beach of sand mixed with small pebbles and crystal-clear waters. The village itself was filled with low-rise whitewashed buildings and narrow lanes draped in fragrant bougainvillea, with quaint little boutiques selling crafts and souvenirs and several welcoming traditional tavernas and caf\u00e9s.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>After a 75\u2011minute drive southeast from Heraklion through calm inland routes, I unwound on this peaceful stretch of coast at the chic and modern 4-star <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/gr\/myrtos-mare-suites.en-gb.html?aid=356980&amp;label=gog235jc-1FCAMoXEIJbWlydG9zLWdySAlYA2hQiAEBmAEJuAEHyAEM2AEB6AEB-AECiAIBqAIDuAKn-t_DBsACAdICJGZkMzA3ZWEyLTQ1ZmQtNDRiYi1iM2JhLWJmZmRjYzhlZmVmNdgCBeACAQ&amp;sid=c241080a416148dbe74bac22b062d54c&amp;dest_id=-824189&amp;dest_type=city&amp;dist=0&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;hapos=1&amp;hpos=1&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;req_adults=2&amp;req_children=0&amp;room1=A%2CA&amp;sb_price_type=total&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;srepoch=1752694069&amp;srpvid=8df888d6e587206c&amp;type=total&amp;ucfs=1&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Myrtos Mare Suites<\/a> and explored a historic Minoan settlement, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mirtoscrete.gr\/the-museum-of-mirtos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">tiny museum<\/a> packed with artefacts, and the atmospheric remains of a former Minoan Palace.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> south coast&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Myrtos+720+56,+Greece\/@35.0047401,25.5789313,16z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x149a831aeda9a4a7:0x500bd2ce2baf9d0!8m2!3d35.0046017!4d25.5841206!16zL20vMDF0bWdk?entry=ttu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><em><strong>My highlights&#8230;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"sr-only\">Driving 30\u202fkm north to Selakano Forest where I hiked shady pine\u2011lined 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!&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>14. Loutro Village<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-660574 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Loutro-village.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Loutro village Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Loutro-village.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Loutro-village.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Loutro-village.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Loutro-village.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Loutro-village.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-645030 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Unspoilt-places-to-visit-in-Crete-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C668&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Loutro village - unpsoilt places to visit in Crete Greece\" width=\"1000\" height=\"668\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Unspoilt-places-to-visit-in-Crete-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C668&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Unspoilt-places-to-visit-in-Crete-1.jpg?resize=640%2C428&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Unspoilt-places-to-visit-in-Crete-1.jpg?resize=768%2C513&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Unspoilt-places-to-visit-in-Crete-1.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Unspoilt-places-to-visit-in-Crete-1.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Unspoilt-places-to-visit-in-Crete-1.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[72rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"dd09e4c5-da2e-4ddd-a3de-10f432b8b94b\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light\">\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"367\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">It was tucked away on the unspoiled southern coast, hidden in a secluded bay between the larger towns of Chora Sfakion to the west and Agia Roumeli to the east. I found it beautifully picturesque, with whitewashed houses, gently bobbing fishing boats, traditional tavernas, a small church, and just a handful of shops, restaurants, and simple low-rise places to stay.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Surrounded by steep mountainsides, I found it home to a roaming herd of goats &#8211; I kept hearing the soft clink of their bells &#8211; and while it had a small pebbly beach, the standout for me was the impossibly clear, aquamarine waters.<\/p>\n<p>I drove 1 hour 20 minutes from Chania to Chora Sfakion, hopped on a 20\u2011minute boat taxi, and spent a blissful couple of days unwinding with good books, coastal walks, delicious local food and drinks, and nothing but laid\u2011back vibes.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location: <\/strong>south coast<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Loutro,+Greece\/@35.1993015,24.07655,17z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x149c9ee5e45ddc5b:0xa00bd2f74c2e3e0!8m2!3d35.2000045!4d24.0786653!16s%2Fm%2F02q3p45?entry=ttu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><em><strong>My personal highlights&#8230;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Staying at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.co.uk\/Hotel_Review-g1187644-d619387-Reviews-Hotel_Porto_Loutro-Loutro_Chania_Prefecture_Crete.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hotel Porto Loutro<\/a> &#8211; 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!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>15. Kato Zakros<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-644989 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Kato-Zakros.jpg?resize=1000%2C668&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Kato Zakros - unspoilt Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"668\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Kato-Zakros.jpg?resize=1000%2C668&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Kato-Zakros.jpg?resize=640%2C428&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Kato-Zakros.jpg?resize=768%2C513&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Kato-Zakros.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Kato-Zakros.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Kato-Zakros.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-660556 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Kato-Zakros-Beach.jpg?resize=1000%2C622&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Kato Zakros Crete Beach\" width=\"1000\" height=\"622\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Kato-Zakros-Beach.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Kato-Zakros-Beach.jpg?resize=640%2C398&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Kato-Zakros-Beach.jpg?resize=768%2C478&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_775476\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-775476\" style=\"width: 1526px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Kato-Zakros-cafe-meal-taken-June-2023.webp 1536w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Kato-Zakros-cafe-meal-taken-June-2023.webp 640w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Kato-Zakros-cafe-meal-taken-June-2023.webp 1000w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Kato-Zakros-cafe-meal-taken-June-2023.webp 768w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Kato-Zakros-cafe-meal-taken-June-2023.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Kato-Zakros-cafe-meal-taken-June-2023.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Kato-Zakros-cafe-meal-taken-June-2023.jpg?w=1536&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Kato-Zakros-cafe-meal-taken-June-2023.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Kato-Zakros-cafe-meal-taken-June-2023.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Kato-Zakros-cafe-meal-taken-June-2023.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Kato-Zakros-cafe-meal-taken-June-2023.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" class=\"size-full wp-image-775476 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"My photo of Kato Zakros cafe meal taken June 2023\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-775476\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My meal in a local cafe in Kato Zakros &#8211; it was very authentic and local feeling!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>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\u2019s eastern coast, far from the busy tourist resorts &#8211; and I loved simply soaking up the peaceful vibes.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2011friendly style, with several guesthouses exuding a boho charm complete with fragrant herb gardens.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location: <\/strong>eastern coast&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Kato+Zakros+723+00,+Greece\/@35.0983569,26.2521157,16z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x1490fa77df8b933d:0x500bd2ce2ba7fb0!8m2!3d35.0976893!4d26.2627688!16zL20vMDJwMGg1?entry=ttu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><em><strong>My favourite highlights&#8230;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Staying at the impressive 4-star <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/gr\/terra-minoika-villas.en-gb.html?aid=1502926\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Terra Minoika Boutique resort<\/a> &#8211; I adored the eco-friendly, stone-built villas and how the owners had thoughtfully stocked it with local olive oil, handmade lavender &amp; carob soaps, and jars of thyme honey!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>16. Glyka Nera<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-645115 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Glyka-Nera-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Glyka Nera Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Glyka-Nera-Crete.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Glyka-Nera-Crete.jpg?resize=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Glyka-Nera-Crete.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Glyka-Nera-Crete.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Glyka-Nera-Crete.jpg?resize=825%2C550&amp;ssl=1 825w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Glyka-Nera-Crete.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-660582 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Glyka-Nera-Beach.jpg?resize=1000%2C669&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Glyka Nera Beach Crete\" width=\"1000\" height=\"669\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Glyka-Nera-Beach.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Glyka-Nera-Beach.jpg?resize=640%2C428&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Glyka-Nera-Beach.jpg?resize=768%2C514&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Glyka-Nera-Beach.jpg?resize=410%2C273&amp;ssl=1 410w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This secluded spot was also known as Sweet Water Beach! It felt wonderfully pristine and untouched, thanks to its remote setting and limited accessibility &#8211; I discovered it could only be reached by boat or by hiking in from the nearest road.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2431\" data-end=\"2575\">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!<\/p>\n<p>I loved that amenities were kept minimal to protect the natural setting, though there was a little seasonal taverna and some sunbeds to rent &#8211; I spent the day unwinding, swimming, and soaking up the gorgeous scenery and intimate vibe.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location: <\/strong>south coast<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.co.uk\/maps\/place\/Glyka+Nera+beach\/@35.2016009,24.1064793,18z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x149c9e5cd7729359:0x4449851fe535c868!8m2!3d35.2018117!4d24.1074038!16s%2Fg%2F11g658ztv8?entry=ttu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Location Map<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><em><strong>My highlights&#8230;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"sr-only\">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!&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Crete &#8211; like Santorini, Corfu, and Mykonos &#8211; is one of Greece\u2019s most popular islands. From my own trips (I&#8217;ve had many now!) I\u2019ve managed to seek out its quieter corners, and these are my favorite serene, less commercialised places to stay&#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":775474,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1632,4,1633],"tags":[3568],"class_list":["post-607792","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-beautifulplaces","category-europe","category-travel-snobs-2","tag-greece","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/My-photo-of-Falassarna-Beach-June-2023.jpg?fit=1536%2C1024&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/607792","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=607792"}],"version-history":[{"count":37,"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/607792\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":777725,"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/607792\/revisions\/777725"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/775474"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=607792"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=607792"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=607792"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}