Where to stay on Crete Island: Best Areas and Hotels for 2023

Crete island, located in the south of Greece, is simply gorgeous and one of the best islands to visit year-round. It is also the largest island in Greece, making it harder to choose the best places to stay in Crete for different itineraries. To explore the whole island you should stay at least a month and still feel you have only scratched the surface of the variety of things to do in Crete.

So if you only have a week or two to stay on Crete island you need to figure out in advance what is the best area for you and your family/group. This guide to the best accommodation in Crete will help you decide where to stay as a traveler to Crete and also includes hotel/apartment information for a number of occasions such as:

• Where to stay on Crete island without a car, which is the best area if you love hiking, if you are a newlywed or a couple or a family with kids
• I also provide information about the best sites to discover in the region you are staying

*Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you click and buy something through them, I may earn a small commission — which costs you absolutely nothing!

Best Hotels/Apartments/Villages to Stay in Crete

Before we dive into a detailed introduction of each region and the choices, have a look at this interactive Crete island map, to have an idea of the places we will be visiting.

Where to Stay on Crete Island without a Car

If you are not happy driving and you are looking for where to stay in Crete without a car, look into staying in Crete’s main towns. Crete’s main towns are Chania, Heraklion, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos and you can stay somewhere centrally within walking distance of shops and restaurants. That way you will be able to easily take the buses from the town’s central stations to all the major sites and beaches around the island.

Where to Stay in Chania without a Car

If you are looking for hotels in Chania that are centrally located then Casa Delfino (doubles from €139, Guests rate 9.3), is a beautiful 17th-century mansion in the heart of Old Chania city, with stunning views of the old Venetian port. Everything in Chania is within walking distance of Casa Delfino.

Chania has a wealth of sites to visit and keep you busy for days. If you’re looking for deeper information, check out my in-depth Chania Town travel guide for a ton of details on accessing all these places.

Find out about the public bus timetables for the Chania region here.

Where to Stay in Chania for Hiking

Crete offers a fantastic variety of trails, gorges, and mountaineering opportunities for hiking. The most famous hiking in Chania is the 15,9 km Samaria Gorge crossing. The starting point of the Samaria hiking is at the village of Omalos, 42 km south of Chania, and ends in the scenic seaside village of Agia Roumeli.

If you are traveling with a group of up to 8 people and wondering where to stay on Crete Island you can stay at the beautiful stone Villa Samaria (Guests rate 9.5, from €193, self-catering) in Omalos.

Hiking Information for Samaria

• Check here the temperature in Samaria
• Find here info on the entrance ticket (general admission €5)
• Check the other 10 signposted trails in Chania along with the main E4 European Trail on Crete island.

Where to Stay in Chania if you are Newlyweds

Would you like to spend your honeymoon in Chania and you are looking for the most romantic hotels? Chania is one of the best places to stay in Crete for young couples. And I have discovered the two perfect hotels for honeymooners 😀

Alcanea Boutique Hotel (Guests rate 9.4, doubles from €82) is a romantic hotel in Chania town located in the unique waterfront location in Chania’s Old Town. The property itself is a historical building, with large, AC rooms and an elegant courtyard surrounded by flowers.

Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection- Adults Only (Guests rate 9.4, doubles from €198) is a stunning 5-star property with honors for its interior and exterior design. Set in front of the azure water and sandy private beach of  Agioi Apostoloi, this is an exceptional choice if you are newlyweds.

Where to Stay in Chania with a Family

Chania region is ideal also if this is your first time in Crete and generally speaking one of the best areas to stay in Crete for families.

Kiani Beach Resort Family – All Inclusive, (Guests rate 8.2, doubles from €99) is a great hotel to relax and keep both the kids and yourself happy with amazing facilities: kids pool, pirate ship-shaped playground or the open theatre, outdoor tennis court, complimentary bicycles, a waterslide, a sauna, and a fitness center. And the property is right on the beautiful sandy beach!

Best Organised Experiences and Tours in Chania

These are some of the best-guided tours you can book to enjoy the best of Chania and have hassle-free time during your vacations:

• From Chania: Day Trip to Elafonissi Island from €37 per person
• From Chania: Full-Day Samaria Gorge Trek Excursion from €36 per person
• Boat Trip with Guided Snorkeling & Stand-Up Paddling from €85,5 per person

Where to stay on Crete Island: Rethymno

Rethymno is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Greece with a gorgeous old Venetian port. If you make a base in the old town of Rethymno you will be impressed by the imposing Venetian houses, the old Churches, the arches, and the cobblestone streets. Some of the most important sites of Rethymno town are:

• The Venetian Fortezza Castle, built by the Venetians in the 16th century
• Rimondi Venetian Fountain of the 17th century
• Old Venetian Harbor, with the 2-story buildings, the lighthouse, and the traditional small fish taverns
• The Archaeological Museum

Where to stay in Rethymno without a Car

So where is the best place to stay in Rethymno without a car? I provide two options, both with restaurants, supermarkets, bars, cafes, the port, and bus stations, within walking distance. One hotel in the old part of Rethymno and a seafront property:

Polyxenia Suites (Guests rate 9.4, doubles from €46, self-catering) is right in the center of the Old Town, with a big balcony overlooking the town. I love their brightly and sophisticated decorated rooms and the feeling that you are part of the town.

Dyo Suites (Guests rate 9.3, doubles from €198), is a perfect vacation suite, spacious and modern, and most importantly 10 meters from the beach. Waking up to a sea view never fails to make me feel happy. Bonus to all that is an amazing breakfast with continental, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.

Find out about the public bus timetables for the Rethymno region here.

Where to Stay in Rethymno for Hiking

If you love hiking and wonder where to stay on Crete Island, you will love Rethymno. Rethymno region is mainly mountainous with imposing gorges, a large number of caves, green valleys, and small rivers. To the east rises Psiloritis, or Ida Mt with the sacred cave of Zeus and the mountain range of Cedros to the southwest.

There are about 850 caves in the mountains, the most important of which are the Idaion Andron and the caves Melidoni, Sfendoni, and Gerani. In addition, in the mountainous areas, there are gorges of unique beauty, such as those of Mylon, Kourtaliotis, Kotsifos, Patsos, Prassos, Argyroupolis, and Arkadi, of various difficulties.

I recommend you stay at Eleftherna village, with the archaeological site and close to the historic Arkadi monastery, at the spectacular stone mansion Villa Pantelis (Guests rate 9.6, from €162, self-catering). It can accommodate up to 9 guests and is one of the most beautiful and traditional villas on Crete island. From here you can venture to a number of hiking destinations all around the area.

Where to Stay in Rethymno for Newlyweds

Are you looking for where to stay in Crete for couples or newlyweds? Plakias is a beautiful seaside village 21 km south of Rethymno in the Libyan Sea. It has a 1.3 km long sandy beach and nearby are the other sandy beaches of Souda, Damnoni, Ammoudi, and Schinaria. 

8 km far is the 10th-century monastery of Preveli with the stunning Preveli beach which has a forest with palm trees, in a gorge with a river.

If you are newlywed or you would like to spend romantic vacations, I highly recommend staying in the brand-new KYMANI Boutique Hotel & Suites (opened May 2022). Kymani (Guests rate 9.7, from €100) is a stylish, beautiful property a 3-minute walk from the beach.

Where to Stay in Rethymno with a Family

Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort (Guests Rate 9.3, doubles from €143) is a great family boutique resort with spectacular decoration and a swimming pool that your kids will simply adore. It is a seafront resort offering top-notch child care by absolute professionals.

Best Organised Experiences and Tours in Rethymno

These are some of the best-guided tours you can book in Rethymno and have hassle-free time during your vacations:

• Spili, Agia Galini, and Matala Tour, from €35 per person
• Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Drinks, from €150 per person
• Wine and Olive Oil Tasting Tour with Village Lunch, from €95 per person

Where to stay on Crete Island: Heraklion

Heraklion or Iraklio is the capital town and the financial and university center of Crete island. Its port is connected to many Greek islands and the port of Athens. The town is adorned with Venetian, Byzantine, and Ottoman monuments and you will find many medieval fountains around the town. It is not the most pretty town in Crete but you just have to give it some time and you will love it.

In Heraklion’s market, one of the richest in the Mediterranean, you can find all kinds of modern products, but also traditional Cretan items, such as the extra virgin oil, the famous Cretan tsikoudia, the local wine, honey, and herbs.

Heraklion’s must-see archaeological sites are Knossos and Phaistos Palaces. Knossos’ ticket is Full: €15, Reduced: €8. If you wish to purchase tickets online for the archeological site of Knossos visit the official e-ticketing service of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports at www.etickets.tap.gr

Where to Stay in Heraklion without a Car

I suggest you stay within walking distance of the port (old and new) and the airport (3 km) so that you are in the heart of the Heraklion center but also easy to leave for your next destination. Kentia Modern/Artistic City Apartment (Guests Rate 9.4, self-catering, from €117) is a really beautiful apartment, with a fully equipped kitchen, a terrace, and a jacuzzi (!).

Find out about the public bus timetables for the Heraklion region here.

Where to Stay in Heraklion for Hiking

Α section of the E4 European Path covers a long distance in the hinterland of Heraklion, where we find mainly vineyards and olive groves. A specific route starts from the village of Ano Archanes, one of the most picturesque, full of colored settlements in Crete, preserving its traditional architecture.

If you love traditional colored houses with gardens and mouth-watering Cretan breakfasts then you should stay at Villa Arhontiko In Arhanes (Guests rate 9.2, Self-catering, from €70).

Where to Stay in Heraklion if you are Newlywed

Ikaros Beach, Luxury Resort & Spa (Guests rate 8.9, doubles from €162) in Malia, is located in a quiet area, a very romantic hotel, with wonderful and well-maintained gardens. The resort is a seafront property on a dreamy sandy beach that you will love! It has so many facilities that are also ideal for families with kids.

Best Organised Experiences and Tours in Heraklion

• Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Guided Walking Tour, from €50 per person
• Late Afternoon Catamaran Cruise to Dia & Dining, from €125 per person
• Olive Oil Festival: Cretan Farm, Dinner, Live Show & Pick-up, from €54 per person

Where to stay on Crete Island: Agios Nikolaos

Lasithi’s capital town is Agios Nikolaos, located 65 km from Herakleion and built around Mirabello bay and a lagoon. The area is famous because of the sparkling blue waters of nearby famous Elounda, the exotic palm forest of Vai, Spinalonga Island (where poor lepers were kept in the past), and many beautiful traditional villages.

Where to Stay in Agios Nikolaos without a Car

Emerald Lake Studios (Doubles from €81, self-catering, Guests rate 9.7) is the best property to stay in Agios Nikolaos with an incredible lake view. The apartment is super clean and cozy and the hostess is very friendly and helpful. And everything is within walking distance of the Studios.

Find out about the public bus timetables for the Lasithi region here.

Where to Stay in Agios Nikolaos for Hiking

Sarakina gorge may be only 1,5 km long, but it has very impressive walls that rise high and imposing rocks, which make it a very worthwhile hike. On the south of Agios Nikolaos, there is the small village of Myrtos, with 600 friendly residents and low advanced tourism. From here the hiking choices are simply endless.

The surrounding area of Myrtos is intensely diverse. Discover picturesque villages, wild gorges, and the largest forested area of eastern Crete, a river and archaeological site!

Big Blue Studios Myrtos (from €64) is on Myrtos beach, and 50 m far from the village offers unobstructed Libyan Sea views with tastefully decorated rooms.

Where to Stay in Agios Nikolaos if you are Newlyweds

If you are on your honeymoon and you love impressive hotels then you should stay in fascinating Elounda, 10 km north of Agios Nikolaos town. Every year, heads of state and personalities of the international financial, political, sporting, and artistic elite arrive in Elounda in complete secrecy. Before that, Elounda was a fishing village with salt ponds and grindstone mines.

From Elounda, you can see the whole bay of Mirabello and the lagoon of Elounda, with the large peninsula of Spinalonga, joined to Crete by a very narrow strip of land. In the distance, the picturesque Plaka and the much-loved island of Spinalonga, Kalydon, which you can visit by boat from the port of Elounda.

The best honeymoon hotel in Lasithi is Elounda Heights Adults Only (Booking Rate 9.6, doubles from €104) set on a hill above Elounda beach and one minute far from the main attractions in Elounda. A beautiful accommodation to enjoy the best time of your life with your new partner.

Where to Stay in Agios Nikolaos with a Family

Candia Park Village (Guests rate 8.7, doubles from €102) is ideal for children as it has (extra to the other 2 swimming pools) a kids’ pool, a kids’ club, and a playground. It is on the seafront with a beautiful private beach. The hotel is a 5-minute drive from the neighboring towns of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda set in front of Mirabello bay.

Take your kids and go to the thematic park of Greek Mythology in Psihro. It is a  fun and affordable attraction and your children – I bet you will as well – will love it. More details about the park here

Best Organised Experiences and Tours in Agios Nikolaos

• Cruise to Spinalonga & BBQ at Kolokytha From Agios Nikolaos, from €18 per person
• Agios Nikolaos: Fun Cruise Around Elounda Bay, from €16 per person
• Sarakina Gorge & High Mountains & South Coast (Luxury Adventure) from €92,7 per person

Best Places to stay on Crete Island for Nightlife

Hersonissos and Malia attract a lot of young crowds and have numerous clubs and bars and you will find here the best vibe and nightlife in Crete. Hersonissos is now the biggest resort area in Crete, very popular with youngsters.

Mirage Studios (Guests rate 9.0, doubles from €43) is great value for money. Featuring a great garden and swimming pool, it is on the main street where all the parties are and minutes from the beach.

Where to stay in Crete for Beaches

Crete is one of the best, if not the best, of the Greek islands for beaches. It has some spectacular beaches such as Elafonissi, Falassarna, and Balos in Chania, Preveli in Rethymno, and the only palm forest in Europe, Vai in Agios Nikolaos.

Falassarna is a beautiful sandy beach with turquoise waters, quite close to Balos beach and Gramvousa and not too far from Chania. From Falasarna you can also visit Elafonissi on a day trip as well.

In Falassarna I suggest you stay at Romantica Apartments, a 7-minute walk from the beach property (self-catering, guests rate 9.2, from €46). Another stunning option is Sea Side Resort & Spa – Adults Only (Amazing breakfast options, from €175) in Agia Pelagia in Heraklion.

Where to Stay in Crete for Luxury Vacations

You can find top-notch hotels in all four regions on Crete island but the most luxurious are gathered in Elounda Bay like Elounda Bay Palace, a Member of the Leading Hotels of the World (Doubles from €193, guests rate 8.4) which if you ask me is also great for families or couples).

I love Amirandes Grecotel Boutique Resort (Doubles from €166, guests rate 8.9) in Gouves, a really stunning property with so many facilities activities, and places to relax and unwind.

Places to Avoid in Crete

The most beautiful areas as you can imagine are also (too) popular as well. To avoid crowds, especially if you are visiting July-September and for Elafonissos and Balos be there before 11.00 am or after 18.00 pm. Wake up early in the morning and drive straight to the destinations!

Traveling Tips for Crete Island

•  The backbone of Crete is a series of different mountain ranges (up to over 2400 meters), making driving at places challenging or even hair-raising as a friend put it. Small and windy roads and Greek drivers who may be driving too fast. There might be goats on the road as well, so stay focused and don’t let them intimidate you!
• Most of the car rentals will be gear shifting. If you are from the US, Australia, UK, or Canada you don’t need International Drivers License – more about it at my dedicated post First Time to Greece Info
• The north part of Crete is the more developed and where all the ports are whereas the south area (Libyan Sea) is rugged and more wild looking. The roads are smaller as well

• The weather in Crete: If it is summer then be prepared for hot weather and VERY STRONG SUN (on heatwaves the temperature has reached 45 C). Keep in mind that in July and August, the northern part of Crete will be strongly affected by the fierce Meltemia winds. Although they are warm winds, they can make the sea wavy, the air cooler and you can be burnt very easily that way. The large mountains in the middle of Crete obstruct the winds and the south will be quiet from the winds. The wettest day will be December and the coldest January and February with snow on the mountains
• Should I rent a car for Crete? Yes, you should rent a car in Crete. First, Crete is HOT, so you’ll want something with good air conditioning and shade from the sun. Renting ATVs is popular but I would not advise it because of the pure sun exposure

• If you are asking me what are the essential things to add to your packing list I would say they are a pair of comfortable walking shoes, organic sunscreen all day long, a white linen shirt to cover up if you get very easily sunburnt, a fantastic CUPSHE Bikini, and a UPF sun hat.
• Crete time: everything will be going much slower than what you are used to, especially if you are coming from a western city. If you ask for the bill 2 times and it hasn’t arrived yet it is not that they disrespect you, it is that things need time to be done. Enjoy and relax 😀

Plan Your Next Trip to Greece With These Resources

• Greece Packing List: What to pack for a 10-day trip to Greece
• Crete Island: The must-dos and sees!
• Chania Crete: 12 of the Best Attractions
• Mamma Mia Greece Locations – All the mainland and island shooting areas in Greece
• Salamina Island – So close to Athens, so unknown to the mass tourism

Where is your dream summer destination? Would you go to Crete Island?

I’d love to hear about where you’re spending your vacation this year, especially if you have any exciting travel plans! There are so many things to do on Crete island. I hope that you get the chance to try as many as possible. Till next time, Evgenia❤️

Some of my Favorite Travel Resources for Greece