Crete is a great vacation island, but it’s also surprisingly large (it’s the largest island in Greece), and choosing a place to stay can be overwhelming.
In this guide, I’ll tell you all about the best places to stay in Crete and give you special travel tips that you can use on your trip to Crete.
Below you’ll also find a warning about a resort where you should only stay if you’re looking for something special…
Where to stay in Crete? Let’s start with the travel guide.
1. Chania – an exciting city near the airport
There are two major airports in Crete, one of which is located near the large city of Chania in western Crete.
Chania is an exciting Greek city that attracts both tourists and locals.
If you want to stay near a great beach, I wouldn’t immediately recommend staying in Chania as you will miss out on the fantastic beaches that Crete is famous for.
Instead, your best bet would be to consider one of the following two areas: a short drive (or a short ride on one of the cheap buses) west of Chania.
However, for those who prefer city life to beaches, I would like to recommend some good hotels in Chania.
Best places to stay in Chania
Let’s take a look at some of the best accommodation in Chania city center.
👉 The Monastery Estate Venetian Harbor in Chania is a stunning resort that combines history and luxury in the heart of the old town of Crete.
👉 The Hotel Liegt near the famous Venetian harbor and is the ideal choice for travelers who want to discover the charm of Chania and be within walking distance of everything.
Enjoy the first-class facilities, including a spa bath, a small outdoor pool on the roof, a wellness area and an atmospheric restaurant serving breakfast with regional products.
With tastefully decorated rooms, free Wi-Fi, concierge service and parking, the Monastery Estate guarantees an unforgettable stay in Crete full of relaxation and adventure.
👉 The Samaria Hotel in Chania is a stylish and modern hotel in the immediate vicinity of the old town of Chania.
It is a sophisticated resort that is perfect for travelers seeking comfort and convenience on their vacations in Crete.
The hotel offers beautifully furnished rooms, an inviting outdoor pool, a modern fitness center and an elegant restaurant.
2. Agia Marina – Best accommodation for families
👉 Agia Marina is the perfect area if you are traveling to Crete with children. I was here a couple of times in my very young years when I was on a classic charter trip with the family, which was perfect.
On my last trip to Crete, I was able to wander around Agia Marina as an adult. Now my adult brain can also recognize the area as a good place on Crete.
It is ideal for families with children as there are many good hotels, beaches and entertainment options.
This is a classic summer vacation area with many restaurants, souvenir stores and excursion possibilities.
For the slightly older clientele, there are a few options for walking in the city and, among other things, a beach club that looks quite nice.
A stay in Agia Marina is a good choice when traveling to Crete.
Here you are close to the airport, can make all the excursions you want or relax in your hotel, with a few detours into the city of Chania.
Places to stay in Agia Marina
Agia Marina is one of the most popular vacation areas in the western part of Crete and naturally has a variety of great hotels. Here are some of the best.
👉 The Elia Agia Marina Hotel is ideal for couples and families who want to experience an unforgettable vacation in Crete.
This 4-star hotel offers a range of first-class facilities to help you make the most of your stay.
From the beautiful, modern design to the spacious, well-appointed rooms, you will feel pampered as soon as you enter the hotel.
The centerpiece of the hotel is the spectacular infinity pool overlooking the azure Mediterranean Sea. Here you can relax and enjoy the sun while the children have fun in the separate children’s pool.
The Elia Agia Marina Hotel is located directly on the beach. So if you are looking for comfort, luxury and genuine Greek hospitality, the Elia Agia Marina Hotel is the right choice for you.
👉 The Eden Beach Hotel is ideal for families who want to spend an unforgettable vacation in Crete without breaking the bank.
It is a hotel that receives excellent reviews from previous guests.
This 3-star hotel is located directly on the beach and offers a range of facilities that will delight children and adults alike.
The large swimming pool with children’s pool, the miniclub program and the hotel’s spacious, family-friendly rooms ensure a fun and relaxing vacation.
The buffet restaurant serves a varied selection of local and international dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
With its fantastic beachfront location, numerous facilities and affordable price, the Eden Beach Hotel is the perfect choice for families looking for good value for money.
3. Platanias – Stay directly on the beach 🏖
I stayed in Platanias on my trip to Crete in summer 2021 and it was absolutely perfect.
👉 Platanias has gradually merged with Agia Marina, with the latter being a little closer to Chania Town.
Many families with children also seemed to be enjoying themselves in Platanias during my trip.
The beach in Platanias is very similar to the one in Agia Marina. You also have a view of the beautiful rocky island in the sea from here.
The main street is lined with restaurants, bars and souvenir stores, with countless options for things to do.
Directly on the “central square” in Platanias, there is a very steep hill that you can quickly climb up to get a phenomenal view of the whole area.
In many restaurants you can sit with a view of the sea and enjoy your dinner while the sun goes down.
I recommend staying in Platanias on your trip to Crete – it’s like Agia Marina, easy and convenient and there are plenty of good hotels when I check the choices from home.
Places to stay in Platanias
Let’s take a closer look at some of the many great places to stay in Platanias.
We start with a perfect choice for anyone traveling to Crete who wants to save some money by being able to cook at home a few times.
👉 The Indigo Mare Hotel Apartments in Platanias is the best accommodation for travelers looking for comfort and freedom during their vacations in Crete.
The hotel’s pool offers a view of the sea; you can walk down to the sea in just a few seconds.
The modern and spacious apartments have fully equipped kitchens and cozy terraces or balconies, so you can easily create your own vacation home in Crete.
And you also save a bit of money because you don’t have to go to a restaurant for every meal.
In addition to the well-equipped apartments, you can also use the hotel’s communal facilities, such as the inviting swimming pool, sun terrace and children’s pool.
👉 The Porto Platanias Beach Resort & Spa is an excellent choice and the best accommodation for those who want to spend a luxurious and relaxing vacation in Platanias.
This 5-star resort consistently receives excellent reviews from previous guests, who praise the elegant rooms, suites and bungalows for their comfort and style.
Travelers especially rave about the hotel’s impressive swimming pool, the fact that the beach is just a few seconds’ walk away and the hotel’s spa, which provides a relaxing experience.
In addition, the culinary experiences in the resort’s restaurants are highlighted, where local and international dishes are served in a sophisticated atmosphere.
4. Rethymno – Beautiful city with many possibilities
Then we have to drive a little further away from Chania and east to Rethymno, which is about halfway between Chania and Heraklion (the central city on Crete, which we’ll get to in a moment).
👉 Rethymno, like Chania, is a port city and the “capital” of its own province on Crete, making it one of the larger cities on the island.
I stayed in Rethymno about 10 years ago on a trip to Crete and was very satisfied. Just like the areas mentioned above, it is a classic summer vacation area with everything that goes with it: restaurants, bars and amusements.
However, Rethymno is a bit more relaxed than Platanias and Agia Marina, where you are never far from the nearest Scandinavian tourists :D.
The town of Rethymno is very cozy, similar to Chania, and has that classic Greek atmosphere with narrow streets and cozy restaurants.
There are several good sandy beaches in the vicinity of the town, and as it is a tourist area, there are also many good hotels.
Best places to stay in Rethymno
The old town of Rethymno is exciting, but the entire coastal region around the city offers excellent accommodation. So let’s take a closer look at some of the best hotels in and around 👉 Rethymno.
We start with the best accommodation for those who want to stay directly in Rethymno.
👉 The Rimondi Boutique Hotels are the perfect choice for those who want to stay in the center of the old town of Rethymno and have everything close by.
This charming boutique hotel is located in the heart of the old town and offers easy access to the many attractions, restaurants and stores that make Rethymno so unique.
The hotel’s elegant rooms and suites are furnished with a blend of traditional Cretan architecture and modern design, guaranteeing a comfortable and authentic stay.
The hotel is very luxurious and has an outdoor pool, so you can cool off quickly after a stroll through the city streets.
👉 The Atlantis Beach Hotel is the perfect choice for anyone dreaming of a beautiful hotel right on the beach with easy access to the charming town life of Rethymno.
This 4-star hotel is located directly on the town’s beautiful sandy beach, so you can enjoy the sun and the azure blue sea right on your doorstep.
The hotel’s modern and comfortable rooms are designed to create a relaxing atmosphere so that you can feel at home during your stay.
If you are traveling to Crete with children, this place is also a good choice, as there is a playground and a children’s pool.
- However, this is not just a family hotel, but a large and beautiful hotel that offers space for everyone.
In addition to the fantastic location right on the beach, you can relax by the hotel’s swimming pool and on the sun terrace and pamper yourself in the first-class spa facilities.
Atlantis Beach Hotel is just a short walk from the old town of Rethymno, so you can easily explore the charming streets, historic sights, local restaurants and stores.
5. Heraklion – Stay in the largest city in Crete
👉 Heraklion is the “capital” and largest city of Crete.
In other words, it is a European metropolis with everything that goes with it, and therefore not necessarily an area you would choose as a tourist on a summer vacation in Crete.
Like the rest of Crete, Heraklion has a turbulent history with many conquests by the Arabs, the Venetians and the Turks.
This history can still be felt in Heraklion, which is why I recommend you stop by on your trip to Crete.
But not immediately if you’re traveling to Crete in summer – because it gets boiling hot there, and it can be a bit exhausting to walk around the big city at 35 degrees.
The town deserves a place on the list of places to stay in Crete, as it makes sense to stay here if you are traveling to Crete outside the high season.
At the same time, you are very close to Knossos, which for many is the main reason for a trip to Crete outside the high season
Best places to stay in Heraklion
Let’s take a look at some good accommodation in Heraklion and hotels that are not right in the center, but close enough to the city of Heraklion to combine a beach vacation with a city break.
We start with a hotel in the center of Heraklion that has a rooftop pool overlooking the Venetian port of Heraklion.
👉 The Aquila Atlantis Hotel is the perfect choice for anyone dreaming of a luxurious stay in the heart of Heraklion.
This 5-star hotel is centrally located in the city, making it easy to explore the historical sights, local restaurants, shopping and nightlife of Heraklion.
There is not much more to say than that this luxury hotel has everything a traveler needs.
If you want to stay close to everything in Heraklion and have a nice rooftop pool, beautiful rooms and an overall feeling of luxury, you should book this hotel.
And now for a hotel just outside Heraklion for those who want to stay on the beach in Crete and still be close to the island’s largest city.
👉 The Paralos Lifestyle Beach is the perfect choice for those who dream of a relaxing beach vacation and still want easy access to the exciting city life of Heraklion.
This charming hotel is located directly on the beautiful sandy Ammoudara Beach, where you can enjoy the sun and the crystal-clear sea in peace and quiet.
👉 The Paralos Lifestyle Beach is just a short drive from Heraklion, so you can easily explore the city’s historical sights, local restaurants and shopping opportunities.
- The center of Heraklion can be reached by car in about 15-20 minutes, but there is also a bus just 50 meters from the hotel that will take you directly to the city center in just 22 minutes.
Choose Paralos Lifestyle Beach for your Crete vacation and experience the best of both worlds: Beach and city life in a harmonious combination.
Crete is indeed a large island, and the eastern part of the island is also full of beautiful sandy beaches and breathtaking nature.
I looked at areas like Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and Sitia.
Agios Nikolaos – Charming beach resort on the east coast
Agios Nikolaos is a charming and picturesque beach resort in eastern Crete that offers a unique combination of traditional Greek charm and modern amenities.
The town is known for its beautiful harbor and Lake Voulismeni, which create an idyllic atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
👉 Agios Nikolaos is surrounded by crystal-clear water and beautiful beaches, making it ideal for a relaxing beach vacation.
Here you will find a variety of local restaurants serving authentic Cretan dishes, as well as cozy cafés and stores in the winding alleyways.
Agios Nikolaos is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to experience the charm and beauty of Crete up close.
Elounda – Beautiful surroundings and luxury hotels
Let’s go a little way north of Agios Nikolaos to Elounda.
Elounda is an exclusive and luxurious oasis on the north-east coast of Crete with picturesque landscapes and first-class facilities.
Elounda is best known for its excellent hotels, gourmet restaurants and the crystal-clear waters of Mirabello Bay.
- Fantastic location: Elounda is surrounded by magnificent mountains and beautiful beaches, making it ideal for relaxation and adventure.
- Luxurious hotels: Experience a selection of first-class hotels and resorts with exceptional comfort and service.
- Beauty and history: Visit the nearby island of Spinalonga with its fascinating history and breathtaking views of Mirabello Bay.
- Relaxation and activities: Explore the beautiful landscape and enjoy various water sports activities.
Elounda is the perfect destination for those who want to experience a luxurious vacation in Crete and enjoy an unforgettable combination of beauty, comfort and adventure.
If you want to stay in one of the best hotels in Elounda, you should stay at the Elounda Bay Palace, which is considered one of the best hotels – perhaps even in the whole of Crete.
Sitia – Quiet area where the Greeks themselves go on vacation
Sitia is a peaceful and authentic gem on the east coast of Crete, offering a quiet and relaxing atmosphere away from the tourist areas.
The charming town is surrounded by magnificent mountains and beautiful beaches, making it ideal for those who want to explore Crete’s nature and enjoy a stress-free beach vacation.
The friendly locals and the slow pace of Sitia create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy real Cretan life.
There is a wide selection of tavernas and cafés in the town where you can sample authentic Greek dishes and enjoy the view of the harbor.
Choose Sitia as your starting point on Crete and experience the island from its authentic and peaceful side.
- There is a small airport in Sitia, but you can only fly to 3 domestic destinations in Greece (including Athens), so Sitia is generally not an area that many tourists visit.
Attention! Malia is a party destination!
And then a warning for those who are traveling to Crete and want to relax. You shouldn’t go to Malia – it’s Crete’s answer to Sunny Beach or Agia Napa in Cyprus, where the music is blaring and the drinks are flowing.
The famous high street is full of bars and nightclubs where young Brits party all night long.
So if you want to go on a party trip to Crete, Malia is the place to stay
I hope you can use this guide to accommodation in Crete and that you are ready to book your trip to one of the best areas of the island.
If you have any questions about Crete, please comment below and I will do my best to help.
Websites that I use to book my trips
- 👉 Agoda is my favourite site for booking hotels and unique stays.
- 👉 GetYourGuide is my top pick for booking tours and activities worldwide.
Frequently asked questions :
Which side of Crete is best to stay on?
Das hängt davon ab, welche Art von Erfahrung Sie suchen. Die Ostseite Kretas bietet rauere und weniger überfüllte Strände, während der Westen für seine kosmopolitischen Städte und malerischen Dörfer bekannt ist. Wenn Sie sich entspannen und Ruhe und Frieden genießen möchten, ist der Osten die beste Wahl.
However, if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere with plenty of activities for all ages, the west might be more up your street. In this guide to accommodation in Crete, I have described some areas that should suit most travelers.
Is Chania or Heraklion better?
While it is difficult to definitively call one city better than the other, each city has its own charm and attractions that appeal to different types of travelers. Let me try to explain the difference between Chania and Heraklion:
Chania is a picturesque port city with Venetian influence, known for its quaint, narrow streets, colorful buildings and lively waterfront. The city has a relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture and history. The charming old town, historical sites such as the Maritime Museum and stunning day trips to beaches such as Elafonisi and Balos Lagoon are all worth a visit.
Heraklion, on the other hand, is the vibrant capital and largest city of Crete. It is an excellent starting point for exploring the island, as it offers a range of accommodation options and good transport links. The city is home to several important archaeological sites, including the famous Palace of Knossos, a must-see for history buffs. Heraklion also offers a vibrant nightlife, shopping centers and diverse dining options.
In summary, Chania and Heraklion have unique charms and characteristics that appeal to different tastes and preferences. Ultimately, it depends on what you want to experience – whether you prefer a relaxed, historic atmosphere or the vibrant energy of a bustling capital.
Where can families stay in Crete?
There are a lot of great accommodations for families on Crete. Here are a few of the best ones in my opinion (I’ve been to Crete a few times as a child, so I should know):
Agia Marina: Agia Marina is located on the north coast of Crete and offers beautiful beaches, traditional Greek restaurants and proximity to some of Crete’s best attractions.
Chania: Chania is located on the north coast of Crete, a few kilometers east of Agia Marina, and offers beautiful beaches, charming old quarters and a wealth of Greek culture and history. Please note that the town itself has no beaches, so I would recommend Agia Marina or Platanias in high season.
Platanias: Platanias is a popular tourist destination with a picturesque harbor and sandy beaches. The area has a lot to offer in terms of restaurants, bars, stores and activities for children.
Rethymno: The town of Rethymno offers a beautiful Venetian harbor, historical sites, friendly locals and plenty of activities for children.
Where should I not stay overnight on Crete?
While Crete is a beautiful and charming destination with lots of great accommodation, there are certain areas you should avoid. If you’re not looking for a party atmosphere, stay away from Malia and perhaps Hersonissos as they are quite busy and noisy. If you’ve seen the cult British movie The Inbetweeners, you’ll know what I mean…
What is the most beautiful part of Crete?
While it is difficult to name a single place as the most beautiful part of Crete, one area that always stands out is the region of Chania. In my opinion, this is the best place to stay in Crete.
Located in the northwestern part of the island, Chania is a delightful blend of history, culture and natural beauty. The old town with its labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, Venetian architecture and lively harbor area exudes an undeniable charm that enchants visitors at every turn.
Beyond the Old Town, the natural beauty of Chania is truly unparalleled. The region is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches, such as Elafonisi, with its soft pink sand and crystal clear turquoise waters, and the pristine Balos Lagoon, where visitors can enjoy a taste of paradise.
The Samaria Gorge, another jewel in Chania’s crown, is the longest gorge in Europe and a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The dramatic landscape, diverse flora and fauna make the hike through the gorge an unforgettable experience.
The charming villages in the Chania region, such as Falassarna and Paleochora, offer visitors an authentic insight into Cretan life, where time seems to stand still and hospitality abounds.
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