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Bali is sort of a quiet cluster of small villages, beaches and high rising rocks set off the mainroad between Heraklion (45 km) and Rethimnon (28 km). The village is situated at the head of a little bay, on the site of ancient Astale. Bali is set around three small coves. The first has a very small pebble beach with several tavernas and a luxury hotel. The original (and cosy) village is in the second cove where you will find most of the shops, hotels and tavernas, another beach and a harbour with some modern boats and some kaiks. It's possible to rent a water bike (which cover about 30% of the space of the small beach there if no one wants to peddle) and explore the bay. Here you can book a day trip by boat to Rethimnon, Santorini or the "pirate island" of Gramvousa in the northwest of Crete. The third cove, known as Paradise Beach, is the best for swimming.

On the other side of the highway on the mountain there's the famous monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos. Bali is an attractive and pleasant little village. It is also a village that is rapidly becoming more popular, and beaches that were close to empty a few years ago now have umbrellas and many more people, especially lots of people from France.

Bali is set away a bit from the highway and is situated on a small peninsula. There is no direct noise from the passing cars inside the village. For us Bali is always a nice stop for a drink, a coffee or something to eat while we travel from the east of Crete to the west (or vice versa). It is also a nice village to have a look around because some parts of Bali are still pretty authentic and give the feeling of a fishermen's village. There is a regular bus service to Rethymnon and Heraklion (every hour) but the bus does not bring you completely into the center of the village. The bus stop is up the road along the highway (2008), but there are plans to make the village more accessible by making the buses stop inside the village as well. The trip to Rethymnon takes about half hour and an hour to Heraklion. In the village of Bali itself a kind of small "children's" train will transport you to different places so you do not have to climb the streets if you don't want to. Around the port and the beaches and in the center of Bali there is a great choice of restaurants and snack bars, and there are several supermarkets and a pharmacy in the village.

Just outside the village of Bali there is the monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos (John the Baptist). You can see the sign to the monastery on the highway as you approach Bali from the west, because it is not inside the village itself. The monastery is hidden in the hills above Bali and there are beautiful views of the coastline. Above one of the entrances of its church the date 1635 can be seen, but it is said that a small much older Byzantine church was incorporated into the church. The two aisled church of the monastery dates from the 17th century and inside there are frescoes from the same period. There are old decorated fountains and a beautiful and quiet garden with flowers around the monastery. The monastery is open for visitors daily from 9 to 12am and again from 4 to 7pm.

Cafe Snack Bar Del Mare is situated at the main beach on the right hand side just after entering the village of Bali. Nice music, friendly service and a good cup of cappuccino served with a glass of water.

Our verdict: an 8,5 out of 10

The Bali Cafe is situated along the road down if you're on your way to the beaches next to the small harbour of Bali. It is also a bakery, so the expectations were high. They sell pizzas, waffles, sandwiches, club sandwich, sandwiches and breakfasts. We order a cappuccino and a club sandwich. The cappuccino is not served with hot milk, but with whipped cream from an tin. There is no glass of water. The fries are crunchy and taste pretty good but the club sandwich doesn't have much flavour. A little disappointing.

Our verdict: a 6,5 out of 10

This restaurant is situated down at the small village beach. It is a restaurant specializing in Italian food (they play nice Greek music though through the speakers). There are different kinds of breakfasts on the menu, a lot of pizzas and pastas, fish dishes, souvlaki, several dishes that are served with French fries and salads. They serve a good strong cappuccino with whipped milk on top. The pizzas are enormous with lots of cheese and not so much tomato sauce. The service is very friendly. The pizzas were too big for us, but luckily they had cardboard boxes so we could take one home (we ordered two).

Our verdict: an 8 out of 10

This café bar is situated not far from the entrance to Bali and looks out over the most eastern beach of Bali. They serve breakfasts, salads, coffee, sandwiches, drinks and all kinds of snacks. Nice views and comfortable seats.

Our verdict: a 7 out of 10

A bar / coffee shop at one of the beaches in Bali. Even though it is very quiet it takes for ever to make us a cup of cappuccino and when it finally gets there it is watery and with whipped cream on top. Best thing about it is te view on the beach with all those French people on it. On a next visit quicker and more friendly service, better coffee, but still the whipped cream, hmmm...not too bad.

Our verdict: from a 7 in 2011 to a 7,5 out of 10 in 2013

A beautiful familiar place, with a magnificent view over the port of the Bali holiday resort. Sofia Hotel - Mythos Beach is located 50m away from a sandy beach of the Bali port (sunbeds and umbrellas with fee). The complex consists of two hotels (Sofia and Mythos Beach) that have joined hands. The Aparthotel Sofia - Mythos Beach has single rooms, doubles and family apartments. The hotel has two sun terraces, a swimming pool, a restaurant and a snackbar. There are several types of rooms, studios and apartments for rent in this hotel. The studios consist of a combined living-/bedroom with a kitchenette and a private bathroom. The apartments are the same, but have an additional separate bedroom.

Check availability and prices & book this hotel in Bali on Crete - click here.

Xidas Garden is set up a small incline built into the hillside surrounded by olive groves and citrus trees with views of the village. The beach is a 200-metre downhill with the resort centre a few hundred meters further. It features air-conditioned rooms with telephone, safe and private balcony or terrace. The studios are well equipped with modern furnishings and also have kitchenette and refrigerators. There is a large swimming pool with poolside bar. The hotel also offers a comfortable reception with lounge and a restaurant with veranda overlooking the pool.

Check availability and prices & book Xidas Hotel in Bali on Crete - click here.

For more hotels, apartments and studios in Bali on Crete - click here.

Boasting views of Bali Bay from its terrace and balconies, Manolioudis Villas enjoy a private pool and a well-furnished outdoor area with BBQ facilities. Modernly decorated, the villas feature free Wi-Fi and air conditioning throughout. Fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows and natural stone flooring, each consists of an open-plan seating, dining and functional kitchen area with stylish appliances. They include 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a flat-screen satellite TV and DVD/CD player. Upon arrival, guests are provided with a welcome basket containing breakfast essentials and local home grown products, such as olive oil, fruits and vegetables. Manolioudis Villas is 1 km from Bali Village, sandy beaches and a minimarket. It is 33 km from Rethymno City. Heraklion City is at a distance of 50 km, while Heraklion International Airport is 53 km away.

Check availabilities and prices & book Manolioudis Villas in Bali - click here.

Each with a private pool with hydromassage facilities, Okeanides Villas offer fully equipped units located in Bali Village. They feature a hot tub, along with Cretan Sea, mountain and garden views. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Fitted with a fireplace and stone elements, all air-conditioned villas at Okeanides come with 3 bedrooms. Each has a seating area with sofa and flat-screen, satellite TV and a kitchen with dishwasher, stove and dining area. Some include a traditional wood-burning oven while others fitness equipment. Some units have a sauna. Guests may relax at the sun terrace with sun loungers by the pool or enjoy the BBQ facilities. A shaded area provides outdoor furniture, while a garden with plants is available. A café bar and a restaurant can be found 150 metres away. Kalo Chorafi Beach is at a distance of 250 metres. The city and port of Heraklion, as well as Rethymno Town, are 35 km away. N. Kazantzakis International Airport is 60 km away.

Check availabilities and prices & book Okeanides Villas in Bali - click here.

Centrally located in Vlychada Village square, Villa Aleva boasts an outdoor pool, paddling pool, stone-paved sun terrace and BBQ facilities. Providing free Wi-Fi throughout, this 6-bedroom villa overlooks the mountain and lush garden from its balcony. Traditionally furnished and fitted with a rustic-style fireplace, this 2-storey accommodation consists of an open plan dining, seating and functional kitchen area. Air conditioning, a satellite TV, CD/DVD player and laptop are included. The modern bathrooms include a hair dryer. Villa Aleva provides free parking on site. It is 2 km from Bali Village and 3 km to the nearest beach. Rethymno City is at a distance of 3 km, while the city of Heraklion is 44 km away.

Check availabilities and prices & book Villa Aleva in Bali - click here.

Featuring private outdoor pools with a sun terrace and sun loungers, Uphoria Villas are set on a hill side, surrounded by olive trees. They offer self-catering accommodation with free Wi-Fi. The centre of Bali is 1.5 km away. Offering views of the pool and mountain, villas at Uphoria have a balcony and patio. Each consists of three bedrooms, a fully equipped, open-plan kitchen with stove, two bathrooms and a living room. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is included. A well-kept garden is found around the pool. Outdoor facilities include a BBQ and a shaded area with a table and chairs. Several beach restaurants and traditional taverns, as well as a mini market are found at Bali. Rethymno Town with its scenic old port is 25 km away and Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is at a distance of 50 km. Free private parking is available on site.

Check availabilities and prices & book Uphoria Villas in Bali - click here.

Set on an elevated position in the fishing village of Bali, Bali Blue Bay is a 3-star hotel offering rooms with panoramic Cretan Sea views. It has a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and a bar. The air-conditioned rooms at Bali Blue are spacious and have a private balcony. They come with a satellite/cable TV, mini fridge and safety box. In the en-suite bathroom, you will find a hair dryer. The hotel's bar serves refreshing drinks and cocktails, which you can enjoy at the furnished terrace overlooking the scenic bay. In the village you will also find many seaside taverns serving fresh fish. The town of Rethymno is 30 km away, while Heraklion City with its port and airport is at 50 km. Free Wi-Fi is available in the common areas and free on-site parking is possible.

Check availabilities and prices & book Hotel Bali Blue Bay in Bali - click here.