Balos Lagoon Μπάλος
≈ 56 km · 1 hr
- Perhaps the most famous beach in Crete.
- Turquoise waters and white sand.
- Perfect for photos.
- Reachable by car plus a short hike, or by boat.
Angels Travel Guide
Crete, through our eyes.
Your personal concierge — beaches, flavours, sunsets & little secrets.
Welcome
A letter from us
We didn't just create another travel guide. We created a complete guide of experiences, designed exclusively for the guests of Angels Suites.
Behind every suggestion, every beach, every restaurant, every route and every hidden spot you'll discover lie countless hours of research, personal experience and genuine love for our homeland.
We wanted to give you something more than a beautiful stay. We wanted to help you experience Crete the way we live it ourselves.
Here you won't find just the well-known tourist options. You'll discover authentic experiences, little secrets, local recommendations and places that make a holiday truly unforgettable.
Whether you're looking for the most impressive beaches, the best restaurants, unique sunsets, hidden treasures, family activities or the most beautiful routes of Crete, this guide was created to save you time and give you the best possible experiences.
Think of it as your personal Concierge — a guide that is always by your side, from the moment you plan your trip until the very last day of your holiday.
You are among the few with access to this guide, and we hope it becomes one of the reasons you'll love Crete even more.
Thank you for choosing Angels Suites for your stay. Now… let us show you Crete through our eyes.
Welcome to the world of the Angels Travel Guide.
The Sea
The best beaches
Crete is famous for its beaches — unique landscapes, crystal-clear waters and experiences you won't easily forget. We've picked our favourites for you, with useful information and little tips so you can enjoy every visit to the fullest.
Falassarna Φαλάσαρνα
≈ 50 km · 55 min
- A vast sandy beach.
- Ideal for swimming.
- One of the most beautiful sunsets in Greece.
- Organised, with beach bars and sunbeds.
Elafonissi Ελαφονήσι
≈ 75 km · 1 h 30 m
- Pink sand.
- Shallow waters.
- Ideal for families.
- A protected Natura area.
Seitan Limania Σειτάν Λιμάνια
≈ 25 km · 35 min
- An impressive natural fjord.
- Deep blue waters.
- Ideal for those who love adventure.
Marathi Μαράθι
≈ 20 km · 30 min
- Calm, warm waters.
- A very good choice for families.
- Excellent fish tavernas right by the sea.
Stavros Σταυρός
≈ 16 km · 25 min
- Known from the film 'Zorba the Greek'.
- A calm bay.
- Ideal for small children.
Agioi Apostoloi Άγιοι Απόστολοι
≈ 4 km · 10 min
- Very close to the city of Chania.
- Three separate coves.
- An organised beach.
Kalyves Καλύβες
≈ 22 km · 30 min
- A long sandy beach.
- Calm waters.
- Plenty of cafés and tavernas by the sea.
Loutraki Λουτράκι
≈ 18 km · 25 min
- A small sheltered bay.
- Crystal-clear waters.
- An organised beach.
Ombrosgialos Ομπρόσγιαλος
≈ 33 km · 45 min
- Impressively deep blue-green waters.
- An ideal spot for diving in and snorkelling.
- A unique natural landscape.
Glyka Nera Γλυκά Νερά
Access by boat or on foot
- One of the most special beaches of southern Crete.
- Crystal-clear waters.
- Absolute tranquillity and natural beauty.
Tips from Angels Suites
- Start early in the morning for the most popular beaches.
- Always carry water, a hat and sunscreen, especially in the summer months.
- For beaches like Balos and Seitan Limania, choose athletic shoes over flip-flops.
- Check the wind forecast before setting off, as some beaches are strongly affected by northern winds.
- Don't rush to leave Falassarna. The sunset is an experience worth living.
Photo Spots
The most beautiful photo spots
Chania is one of the most photogenic destinations in Greece. From the Venetian harbour to the hidden corners of the Old Town and the magical landscapes of Crete, every spot is a unique opportunity for unforgettable photos.
Venetian Lighthouse Ενετικός Φάρος
5 min on foot
30 min before sunset
- The most iconic landmark of Chania.
- Ideal for photos at sunset.
- A unique view of the Venetian Harbour.
Old Venetian Harbour Ενετικό Λιμάνι
5 min on foot
Early morning or after sunset
- The most famous spot in the city.
- Colourful buildings and a romantic atmosphere.
- Ideal for photos day and night.
The alleys of the Old Town Παλιά Πόλη
5 min
08:00–10:00
- Traditional alleys and colourful doors.
- Blooming bougainvillea.
- Picturesque balconies.
Koum Kapi Κουμ Καπί
10 min on foot
Sunrise or before sunset
- A seaside promenade.
- A wonderful sea view.
- A modern feel.
Balos Viewpoint View Point Μπάλου
≈ 55 km
Morning hours
- The most famous view in Crete.
- A panoramic picture of the lagoon.
Falassarna Beach Παραλία Φαλάσαρνα
≈ 50 km
45 min before sunset
- Ideal for sunset photos.
- Golden sand and turquoise waters.
Seitan Limania Σειτάν Λιμάνια
≈ 25 km
09:00–11:00
- An impressive natural fjord.
- Rocks and blue-green waters.
Botanical Park of Crete Βοτανικό Πάρκο
≈ 18 km
Morning hours
- Lush vegetation and ponds.
- Exotic plants.
- Wonderful natural colours.
Ancient Aptera Αρχαία Άπτερα
≈ 18 km
Afternoon
- An archaeological site.
- A panoramic view of Souda Bay.
- A blend of history and natural beauty.
Lake Kournas Λίμνη Κουρνά
≈ 45 km
Morning or late afternoon
- The only natural lake in Crete.
- Pristine waters.
- Mountains mirrored in the lake.
Angels Tips for perfect photos
- Choose the first morning hours or just before sunset for the best natural light.
- Avoid the hours between 12:00 and 16:00, as the harsh sun creates hard shadows.
- Always carry a power bank and plenty of storage space on your phone or camera.
- Don't be afraid to explore small alleys and unknown corners. That's where the most authentic photos hide.
- The most beautiful souvenir from Crete isn't a keepsake, but the moments you capture.
Gastronomy
Our favourite dining recommendations
Crete will stay with you not only for its beaches but also for its unique flavours. Below you'll find restaurants we recommend without hesitation — chosen for their quality, hospitality and the authentic dining experience they offer.
Platanias 5–10 minutes from Angels Suites
Cugini Italian cuisine
- Authentic Italian cuisine.
- Fresh handmade pasta and pizza.
- Ideal for families and couples.
Must try
- Carbonara
- Pizza Burrata
- Tiramisu
Astrea Restaurant Greek & Cretan cuisine
- Traditional Greek and Cretan cuisine.
- In Ano Platanias, with panoramic views.
- A romantic atmosphere.
Must try
- Wood-oven lamb
- Rooster with hilopites pasta
- Homemade desserts
Mylos tou Kerata Since 1960
- One of the most historic restaurants in Crete.
- Built around a 14th-century Venetian watermill.
- Authentic Cretan cuisine in a unique setting.
Must try
- Cretan meat pie
- Boureki
- Fried rabbit
Barba Thomas Grill house
- One of the area's best-loved grill houses.
- Quality meats and generous portions.
- Genuine Cretan hospitality.
Must try
- Antikristo lamb
- Lamb chops
- Lamb steak
Chania Old Town & Centre
Salis Mediterranean cuisine
- Modern Mediterranean cuisine.
- One of the best wine lists in Crete.
- A wonderful view of the Venetian Harbour.
Must try
- Fresh pasta
- Catch of the day
- Greek wines
Canale Premium Mediterranean
- Premium Mediterranean cuisine.
- A unique location on the Venetian Harbour.
- Ideal for a romantic dinner.
Must try
- Signature Pasta
- Fresh seafood
- Cocktails
Palazzo Al Mare By the sea
- A luxurious restaurant right by the sea.
- Ideal for lunch or dinner.
- Excellent seafood.
Tamam In a historic hammam
- One of Chania's most iconic restaurants.
- Housed in a historic Venetian hammam.
- Authentic Greek and Cretan flavours.
Pallas Restaurant & cocktail bar
- Restaurant and cocktail bar with a wonderful harbour view.
- Ideal for brunch, dinner or drinks.
To Maridaki Fresh fish
- One of the best choices for fresh fish and seafood.
- Small, authentic and loved by locals.
Authentic experiences in the villages
Ntounias Drakona village
- Perhaps the most authentic dining experience in Chania.
- All the food is cooked exclusively in a wood oven and over open fire.
- Many of the ingredients come from their own farm.
Must try
- Kid goat
- Wood-oven chickpeas
- Handmade bread
Gramvousa Kaliviani, Kissamos
- A traditional family taverna.
- Local ingredients.
- Authentic Cretan recipes.
Must try
- Lamb
- Staka
- Local cheeses
Chrysostomos Chania
- One of the best-known traditional tavernas.
- Wood-fired oven.
- Authentic Cretan cuisine.
Must try
- Oven-baked lamb
- Gemista (stuffed vegetables)
- Dolmadakia
Elias Thea Voukolies
- A traditional taverna with a wonderful view.
- A peaceful setting.
- Local flavours.
Angels Tips
- The best restaurants fill up fast in the summer months. We recommend booking 2–3 days ahead.
- Don't limit yourself to the Old Town. The villages around Chania hide some of Crete's best dining experiences.
- Be sure to try dakos, apaki, antikristo, staka and chochlioi (snails), and pair your meal with a glass of local Cretan wine or tsikoudia. Enjoy!
Evenings
Top Cocktail Destinations
After a day full of outings and beaches, it's time to discover Chania's night side. We've picked our favourite cocktail bars, starting in Platanias, just minutes from Angels Suites, and continuing with the most distinctive bars of the Old Town.
Platanias 5–10 minutes from Angels Suites
Cafe Cafe Cocktail bar
- One of the most popular cocktail bars in Platanias.
- A relaxed vibe from early afternoon until late at night.
- Excellent signature cocktails.
- Ideal for starting your evening.
Must try
- Espresso Martini
- Pornstar Martini
- Mojito
Cugini Dinner & drinks
- Not only an excellent Italian restaurant, but also a lovely spot for a drink.
- Premium cocktails.
- Great music and atmosphere.
Must try
- Negroni
- Aperol Spritz
- Signature Cocktails
Eclipse Bar Platanias Nightlife
- The best-known nightlife spot in Platanias.
- Loud music and DJ sets.
- Cocktails & partying until the early morning hours.
Must try
- Long Island Iced Tea
- Premium Gin & Tonic
Chania Old Town
Pallas Lounge Bar Sunset drinks
- A unique view of the Venetian Harbour.
- Premium cocktails.
- Ideal for sunset drinks.
Must try
- Espresso Martini
- Pallas Sunset
Fagotto Jazz Bar Jazz & classics
- One of the most historic bars in Chania.
- Jazz music and a very special atmosphere.
- Ideal for a quiet evening.
Must try
- Negroni
- Old Fashioned
Angels Tips
- Start your evening in Platanias with a relaxed cocktail, then head to the Old Town for a different experience.
- If you love mixology, ask the bartender to suggest a signature cocktail instead of a classic.
- For the best photos and the loveliest atmosphere, visit the bars just before sunset.
- If you're planning to drive, consider leaving the car behind and taking a taxi back, so you can enjoy your evening responsibly.
Golden hour
The best sunset spots
Crete is famous for its magical sunsets. Whether you prefer a sandy beach, a panoramic viewpoint or a romantic stroll around the Venetian Harbour, below are our favourite picks for the most beautiful end to the day.
Falassarna Φαλάσαρνα
≈ 50 km · 55 min
- Considered by many the most beautiful sunset in Crete.
- A vast sandy beach with an unobstructed view to the west.
- Ideal for photos and romantic moments.
Balos Viewpoint Μπάλος
≈ 55 km
- One of the most iconic landscapes in Greece.
- The view of the lagoon as the sun sets is truly unique.
- Ideal for photographers and nature lovers.
Old Venetian Harbour Ενετικό Λιμάνι
≈ 15 min
- The most romantic spot in the city.
- The sun sets behind the Lighthouse and the harbour fills with golden colours.
- Ideal for a stroll, dinner or cocktails.
Profitis Ilias Προφήτης Ηλίας
≈ 15 min
- A panoramic view over the whole city of Chania and Souda Bay.
- One of the locals' favourite spots.
- Ideal for quiet moments and photos.
Thodorou View of the island
≈ 10 min
- The view towards Agioi Theodoroi island offers one of the most beautiful sunsets in western Crete.
- The sun sets behind the island, creating unique colours.
- An ideal spot for a relaxed evening stroll.
Agia Marina Beach Παραλία Αγίας Μαρίνας
≈ 5 min
- One of the easiest and loveliest options near Angels Suites.
- An unbroken view of Thodorou island.
- Ideal for those who don't want to venture far.
Angels Tips
- For the most impressive sunset in Crete, head to Falassarna.
- For the most romantic atmosphere, choose the Venetian Harbour and finish your evening with dinner or a cocktail.
- For the best photos, arrive at least 30–45 minutes before sunset.
- Don't forget to enjoy the colours of the sky after the sun goes down. They're often even more impressive than the moment the sun touches the horizon.