Places To Stay In Crete

Where To Stay In Crete

These are the best places you can stay in Crete. Where to stay in Crete really depends on your situation as you can find something for you in every area whether it is Chania, Heraklion, Malia, Rethymnon, Hersonissos, Agios Nikolaos, or western Crete.

Depending on your situation this is where you should stay in Crete :

Best Hotels in Crete

Crete is a massive island . Its the size of Hawaiis big island!

You need more than 5 days in Crete and you wont be able to explore the whole island in one trip, so you have to choose which one of its prefectures you will focus on Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion or Lasithi.

Its really not your typical little cute greek island with the small white-washed houses and the cute picturesque roads.

There are big cities with more than 500.000 people in Crete.

So, you are probably wondering: western Crete or somewhere else?

Or maybe just Chania?

What about Rethymnon, Heraklion , Malia , Hersonissos or Agios Nikolaos?

Where would you be able to find the best beaches in Crete?

Here is what I believe about Crete:

Unless you are staying in an all-inclusive resort in Crete then you would definitely need a car on the island and more than 5 days in total. The best area to stay in Crete is the western part of the island or the Chania prefecture, as it has the most picturesque villages, the gorgeous Samaria Gorge, the beautiful beaches of Balos, Falassarna, Platanias, Elafonissi and obviously the most picturesque town of Crete which is Chania old town

The Best Hotels In Crete

The biggest and one of the best Greek Islands, Crete promises year-round sunshine, beautiful hikes and incredible ancient sites such as Aptera and Malia. Home of the super-healthy fruit and veg packed Cretan diet and a magnet for travellers who come to laze on silk sand beaches, frolic in hidden coves, hike out to explore sun-dazzled trails or visit world-class archaeological sights Greeces largest island is blessed with some of the countrys most breathtaking scenery.

Combined with the beaches in Crete, the island offers up a winning summer holiday recipe, especially for families.

Lured by the picture-postcard Venetian harbour and proximity to the pink sand beach of Elafonisi, visitors generally flock to Chania in the northwest. With an abundant crop of grand new Greek Island hotels opening their doors, however, the islands lesser-known eastern half famed for its near-deserted beaches lapped by mirror-clear waters and great value tavernas serving local specialities is becoming increasingly popular.

Whether youre seeking a boho-chic haven thats perfect for a romantic getaway, a family-friendly resort offering lashings of fun activities or a laidback village-style hotel where authenticity is key, these Crete hotels have you covered.

Where To Stay In Kato Daratso

Golden Bay It isnt the utmost in luxury, but the 3-star Golden Bay is well located and that location makes it utterly perfect for beach bums: Glaros Beach is quite literally a stones throw from this place. You can choose from studios or, for extra space there are apartments too. The restaurant and bar here are open air and offer up some lovely views of the bay nearby. There are gardens to stroll around in here, as well as an onsite grocery shop, which is great if you plan to keep costs low by cooking some of your own meals.

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Where To Stay In Platanias

Sunrise Village Hotel At Sunrise Village Hotel you can stay in studios or apartments, which is just the ticket if youre planning on visiting with your family or a group of friends. Its great value for money: since its all inclusive youll be enjoying as much food and drink as you like in the casual onsite restaurant. If youre looking for seaside action, never fear Platanias Beach is less than a 15-minute walk from this 3-star offering.

Infinity City Boutique Hotel

Located in Heraklio Town, 200 m from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Infinity City Boutique Hotel features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel has a terrace and views of the sea, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar. Heraklion International Airport is 3 km from the property.

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Maleme Where To Stay In Crete For A Relaxing Holiday

For a relaxing Cretan holiday, you can not go wrong with Maleme. It lies on the beach and is quiet, but it offers an ideal base from which to visit close by traditional touristy destinations like Chania, a mere 10 miles away. You can get to what could be the best two beaches in Crete in an hour by driving 30 miles to Balos Beach or Elafonisi Beach.

For a more adventurous day, consider the Samaras Gorge that lies only an hour to the south. This vigorous walk offers absolutely breathtaking scenery to those who brave it. Maleme offers a number of resorts lying along its beach and in town, as well as several good restaurants and cafes.

Best Place to Stay in Crete in Maleme

Where To Stay In Cretebeachside Dreaming

Where to Stay in Crete – by the beach and by this we mean directly on the beach or at less than 1 km from the beach.

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Rethymno Where To Stay In Crete For For First Timers

Halfway between Chania and the capital city of Heraklion lies the university town of Rethymno. Originally a fortress town, Rethymno has a Venetian harbor and old town area that is fun to explore. If you stay in the old town area, most hotels and restaurants will be within walking distance of the major sites. Tourist attractions include a hop-on-hop-off bus, daytime and evening cruises from the port and a few museums. If you have a car, you will have plenty of day trip destinations along the North Coast of Crete.

Best Hostel In Rethymno: Rethymno Youth Hostel

This youth hostel is the perfect base from which to explore the island and the village of Rethymno. A short walk from an authentic Greek market, this hostel is also well situated near gorgeous beaches, delicious restaurants, and some of the islands most interesting nightlife.

Enjoy a fun and vibrant atmosphere and welcoming accommodations at this Rethymno village hostel.

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Where To Stay In Plakias

Lamon Hotel Arriving by ferry? Lamon Hotel is a great idea, since its just a three-minute walk from the Plaka Ferry Terminal, making it extra convenient to stay at this family run hotel. If you plan on hiring a car, then its good to stay here too: the parking is free . This value for money option in Plakias features decent airy rooms that have balconies the upgraded ones boast sea views. Theres also an outdoor pool to relax around here, and a restaurant that comes complete with dreamy panorama of the sea, too.

The South Coast Of Rethymnon

A trip to the southern coast of Rethymnon can be enriching for those searching for off-the-beaten-track beaches and pretty landscapes.

Among the best beaches to enjoy in the area, check out Plakias, Ligres, and Triopetra, with their unique, bizarre rock formations and wide shore.

Also, in the south of Rethymnon, you can discover the magnificent beach of Preveli, with a wide river ending right into the sea and fantastic palm trees on both sides of the river.

The best area to stay in south Rethymnon is the small village of Plakias, where you can enjoy the beach and all the immersion activities on the coast. In Plakias, you can also discover the most authentic flavors of the Cretan cuisine in one of the villages many tavernas.

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Chania Where To Stay In Crete For The First Time

Are you ready to get lost on the streets of this stunning town in Greece? Also known as Hania, this beautiful village located in the west part of the island is one of the best places to stay in Crete. If this is your first time here, you should stay in Chania, as it is the second largest town and the most beautiful one if you ask me, so youll have plenty to do or see! Just make sure you book in advance to get the best deals!

Divided into two parts, the new village and the old one, youll fall in love with the vintage architecture, colorful villas, and small streets full of plants and multiple stairs. In the old part of Chania, youll find the harbour that has an authentic Old Venetian lighthouse that will transport you back in time.

Sit at one of the local bars and restaurants fronting the sea, wander around the old town, explore all the souvenir shops and boutique hotels, mingle with the Greek people, and enjoy this magical romantic sight.

In the new part of this western Crete town, youll find more shops however, they are bigger, and some are designer! Stop at one of the nearby stores if youre in the mood to treat yourself. Youre on vacation, so why not! Youll find large hotels in this area as well, but the best part about Greece is that theres a historical site at every corner!

Best Places For Honeymooners

I thought to write a separate section about the best places for honeymooners in Crete and not include it in the above number 5, as in honeymoon many times you are looking for luxurious resorts and places where you can relax after all the pressure and fuss of the wedding!

So, the Agios Nikolaos read and Elounda would be my first recommendation as there you will find some of the most luxurious hotels in Greece with amazing facilities and services!

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Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay

Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay enjoys a tranquil beachfront location in Agios Nikolaos. This 5-star hotel features an outdoor pool, full-service spa and 9 restaurants. Heraklion International Airport is 65 km from the property. All guest rooms, bungalows and maisonettes at Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay are thoughtfully appointed with a private balcony, bright décor, and modern amenities. Some maisonettes offer access to a shared pool. Free WiFi is available throughout.

Sofia Sea View Studio

Situated in Elounda, 550 m from Elounda Beach and 750 m from Skisma Beach, Sofia Sea View Studio features air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi. With sea views, this accommodation offers a balcony. Kolokithia Beach is 2.3 km from Sofia Sea View Studio, while Spinalonga is 5 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 69 km from the accommodation.

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Where To Stay In Crete: The Best Options To See All Of The Highlights

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.

Also, we are living in strange and unsettling times so please make sure to check local guidelines before traveling to this destination, as I haven’t updated individual posts with current travel information because this changes so often.

Planning a trip to Crete and dont know where to base yourself? Read on to find out where to stay in Crete, accommodation options for all budgets, and things to do in each area

Gorgeous Crete is the largest and southernmost island in Greece and is a must-visit if you love ancient history, glorious beaches of white, red and pink sand, enchanting cities with picturesque old towns, peaceful mountain villages, absolutely delicious food, and warm and welcoming locals.

Crete has all this and more and is unlike any of the other Greek islands as it has its own distinct culture that includes traditional clothing, music, food, and a Cretan dialect.

I had been wanting to visit Crete for years and I finally made it happen in summer 2021. I always thought I would love it there but it ended up being more spectacular and interesting than I could have ever dreamed.

Crete is such a large island so I do recommend staying in at least a couple of different places so you wont spend hours driving every day.

Best Hotel In Malia: Drossia Palms Hotel And Nisos Beach Suites

This three-star hotel is located close to the islands hottest bars and nightclubs and has an in-house restaurant and bar that offers a unique dining experience. There are epic room options which all offer stunning views of the sea and beach. If your wallet allows it, you can even opt for a suite with a private jaccuzi on your terrace. The hostel also offers a semi-private white sand beach and a super close location to Malias city centre.

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Crete For Couples Towns And Resorts

Crete is certainly no slouch when it comes to cultural attractions and astounding scenery. For couples wanting to escape to Creteâs charming towns and dramatic beaches, these are the islandâs most romantic hotels â from a three-room boutique near Chaniaâs Venetian Harbor to a luxurious beach resort in Malia.

Chania is a beautiful and busy place to stay for couples. However, it may be not Creteâs best if you after a quiet time. If you prefer to be more isolated, have more of a romantic escape, then these 4 lovely towns/villages should not be missed.

Best Places For Hiking Routes

For those that love hiking, I think Crete is a perfect place!

Also, Crete is famous for its gorges. My favourites are based particularly in the Chania area and are:

• Samaria Gorge, the largest gorge in Europe and it is an activity that I totally recommend!
• Gorge of Imbros. A relatively easy gorge, which can be nice e for families
• Agia Irini Gorge. A moderate in difficulty gorge that passes through beautiful scenery!

But also other municipalities in Crete have amazing gorges, such as

• Kourtaliotiko Gorge in the Rethymno area, which passes the Great River that ends at the beautiful lake of Preveli with the dreamy palm forest!
• The Gorge of Gafaris in Psiloritis , which crosses the enchanting forest of Rouvas.
• Richtis Gorge is located on the north side of the Prefecture of Lassithi, between Agios Nikolaos and Sitia and it is one of my favourites in that area!

Note that at the end of the article, I will include a map, so you will know where all the mentioned gorges and other places are based!!

For those more experienced, I would highlight that the E4 European path crosses all of Crete and ends on its eastern side! The E4 hiking trail in Crete starts from Elafonisi are in the west and ends in Kato Zakros on the east side

Therefore, I recommend that before you start hiking in Crete, get a good hiking map and ask the locals about the current state of the hiking trails!

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Kissamos Where To Stay In Crete To Inmerse Yourself In The Local Traditions And Life

For a modern seaside town lying around 20 miles to the east side of Chania, you should try out Kissamos. Its 5,000 inhabitants are primarily engaged in agriculture still, Their wine and olive oil is justifiably famous around this part of the world. Tourism is a still growing trade here that has not yet overrun the town .

People who come to Kissamos love it for its authentic Greek town that has not been ruined by the tourism that it embraces. You can truly immerse yourself in the local traditions and life in Kissamos, ranging from magical cultural events held in summer time to the everyday experiences of locals.

The town has also focused on building up a reputation for natural eco tourism. It has become a magnet for those who love to walk, nature, and bird watching.

Kissamos remains friendly and extremely hospitable, yet still has the organization to provide all needed facilities for visitors like post offices, banks, health clubs, Internet cafes, stores and supermarkets, cafes, bars, and tavernas. The promenade lining the seafront is pleasant and covered by bars, cafes, and tavernas that run from early morning until late at night.

An added bonus for those staying here is that the town port offers ships running from Kissamos harbor on to mainland Piraeus , the Peloponnese, and Kithira. Daily cruises leave town to the Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa.

Best Places to Stay in Kissamos