Crete - Similar resorts to Elounda on the Western Side of the Island

Hero, the Western side of Crete is glorious ... the scenery is stunning, Chania is considered by Greeks to be the 2nd most beautiful Old Town in Greece (bested only by Nafplio), and, unlike that long stretch east of Heraklion, it is not overwhelmed by miles of purpose-built beacheries for package tourism. In fact, in threads on Western Crete, you seldom see the use of that telltale word, "resort." This Fab onlline map -- http://www.explorecrete.com/crete-maps/images/Crete-eot.png -- (cllick & it gets huuuge) can help you to find various locations.

Given your criteria, a splendid place for you, just outside of Chania, http://www.ammoshotel.com Would have been ideal for you. a boutique place (30 rooms) with a noted Cretan chef, on the beach but also with a pool (unusual in W Crete)-- a top-level inn w. moderate prices. Location, near Galatas (see map) and just 10 mins to Chania Old town, via a local bus running on inland side. Alas you are VERY late in booking dream places like this, esp. in High season! This place, a few Km west of Ammos, Corinna Mare, http://www.corinna.gr may meet your standards & has more rooms, thus more chance that there will still be vacancies available.

Places with a lot of UK Charter & package-tourism that you might find not as alluring, similar to the E of Heraklion stretch, might be the beach "strip" from Kato Stalos to Gerani ... and East of Chani at Kalives & Almirida. All along the north part of the west coast, inland a few miles are some lovely villas etc, but there, a car would be needed.

REthymnon, as u probably know from looking at a map, has an "old Town" right on the water, like Chania (altho it is smaller, and I find it quite crowdy even at off-season). Its "plus" is that starting in Old Town and stretching east for several kms is a long sandy beach fronted by Many hotels. A lot of them have that "international" or "convention- ready" look, from their websites & exterior (I've never stayed in one so can only judge from outside). However I believe there are also smaller places if you check booking.com and use a filter for "Stars" size & other critieria. One nice plus for Rethymnon is that it's the hub of many enterprises that take you exploring, either on hikes through small villages, or through a nearby gorge (Mili, a green & lovely short "trench" to the sea), or boat excursions. IF corinna Mare is full, or doesn't suit, I'd suggest doing some thoughtful research in Rethymnon area. IF you plan to rent a car, there are some lovely seaside places (Not package-tourism) on the Akrotiri peninsula just above Chania (Hania). Good hunting -- but do not delay!

Resorts similar to Elounda?

Elounda is relatively small and in a relatively sparsely populated corner of the island. For something similar in this respect, then you should go as far west as possible (to get away from the package holiday enclaves closer to Chania). Also, how up-market? If you want boutique hotels then you have to stay closer to or within Chania. In July Chania will likely be overrun. It's very busy there, not the same crowd as around Malia, but still crowded.

If you want a more easy-going and relaxed ambiance, you could look as far west as Kissamos, a pleasant enough small town, not very touristed. On the southwest coast, Paleohora is also a fairly laid back town only half given over to tourism.

The second issue concerns the "cultural" sites. Western Crete attracts more of an outdoor activities holiday-maker - hikes down Samaria gorge etc. What's your age bracket, and what activity level can you tolerate/are seeking? A stay in Paleohora would limit the options for cultural sites. There are a couple of archaeological sites near Kissamos, and of course the old Venetian center of Chania.

Hi bthdth! I agree, the farther you get, the less High-Season throngs... but in first line she said 5-star.... and she also specified Boutique ... both Upmarket code words -- and you and I know, there just are not that many "luxe" accommodations that would be up to her expectations out there in Kissamos ... I myself am madly fond of a pension perched on the bluff above Fallassarna, where you nightly dine on the fish caught by the owner that day ... but there is no lobby, no "staff" etc. It's a trade-off. That's why I mentioned Corinna... and hotels outside of Rethymnon.

I really appreciate these responses. You've given me a good place to start! Many thanks to both of you.

Yes, I missed the 5-star bit. The reference to boutique hotel made me cautious about what the OP wanted, not only in accom but also overall ambiance.
The further west is much more 2-3 star tops, and a lot more independent travelers staying in family-run hotels.

It will be a trade-off between level of accom and the overall ambiance of the area.

Elounda is a UK upmarket package tourist area, well known. There is basically nothing exactly like that in Western Crete.
Popular UK package areas are Georgiopoulis and Kalives.

Rethymnon and Chania centres are more international. There are a few 5 star /boutique hotels in the centre but not many. The tourist suburbs are more the place for those sorts of hotels, the strips east of Rethymnon and west of Chania. They are the usual dull modern resort strips.
I'm more an up to 2* person, so can't help with hotels.

Nowhere in Western Crete is a place like Malia.

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