Crete, the largest island of Greece, has a varied selection of accommodations, ranging from urban cities to idyllic seaside villages. No matter what you are looking for in your accommodations – be it luxurious resorts, quaint boutique hotels, or quaint villages – Crete has it all. Here is Where to Stay in Crete: Best Towns, Resorts & Villages.
1. Chania – Best for First-Time Visitors
– Why Stay Here? Chania is a beautiful town with a Venetian harbor, breathtaking beaches, and lively nightlife.
– Top Hotels: Domus Renier Boutique Hotel (high-end), Kydon the Heart City Hotel (mid-range), Nefeli Hotel (low-end).
– Close-by Attractions: Samaria Gorge, Balos Lagoon, and Elafonissi Beach.
2. Heraklion – Best for Sightseeing & History
– Why Stay Here? The city is steeped in history with the renowned Knossos Palace and great museums.
– Top Hotels: Aquila Atlantis Hotel, Infinity City Boutique Hotel, Galaxy Iraklio Hotel.
– Nearby Attractions: Palace of Knossos, Heraklion Museum of Natural History, and Koules Fortress.
3. Rethymno – Best for Culture & Beaches
– Why Stay Here? Rethymno combines Venetian and Ottoman architecture and features an old town and sandy beaches.
– Top Hotels: Rimondi Boutique Hotel, Theartemis Palace, and Bio Suites Hotel.
– Nearby Attractions: Fortezza Castle, Arkadi Monastery, and Preveli Beach.
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4. Agios Nikolaos – Best for a Relaxing Coastal Stay
– Why Stay Here? Picturesque town with a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for couples and families.
– Top Hotels: Minos Beach Art Hotel, Daios Cove Luxury Resort, and Candia Park Village.
– Nearby Attractions: Lake Voulismeni, Spinalonga Island, and Elounda Beach.
5. Sitia – Best for Windsurfing & Local Charm
– Why Stay Here? Off-the-beaten-path gem with stunning beaches and chill atmosphere.
– Top Hotels: Sitia Beach Resort, Itanos Hotel, and Oceanides Apartments.
– Nearby Attractions: Vai Palm Beach, Toplou Monastery, and Zakros Gorge.
6. Matala – Best for Bohemian Vibes & Caves
– Why Stay Here? Renowned for its hippie past and interesting cliff caves.
– Top Hotels: Hotel Neos Matala, Matala Bay Hotel, and Zafiria Hotel.
– Nearby Attractions: Matala Beach, Red Beach, and Kommos Beach.
7. Malia – Best for Nightlife & Young Travelers
– Why Stay Here? A lively resort town with a buzzing nightlife.
– Top Hotels: Malia Mare Hotel, Alexander Beach Hotel, and Ikaros Beach Resort.
– Nearby Attractions: Malia Archaeological Site, Stalis Beach, and Watercity Waterpark.
8. Plakias – Best for South Coast Beaches
– Why Stay Here? A serene coastal village with beautiful beaches and trekking trails.
– Top Hotels: Kalypso Cretan Village Resort, Alianthos Garden Hotel, and Lamon Hotel.
– Nearby Attractions: Preveli Beach, Kourtaliotiko Gorge, and Damnoni Beach.
9. Mochlos – Best for Tranquility & Authenticity
– Why Stay Here? Peaceful fishing village with traditional tavernas and relaxed ambiance.
– Top Hotels: Mochlos Mare, Blue Sea Hotel, and Villa Mochlos.
– Nearby Attractions: Mochlos Archaeological Site, Tholos Beach, and Kavousi Ancient Olive Tree.
10. Elounda – Ideal for Luxury Resorts
– Why Stay Here? Some of Crete’s finest luxury resorts and with unreal sea views.
– Top Hotels: Blue Palace Resort, Elounda Beach Hotel, and Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort.
– Nearby Attractions: Spinalonga Island, Plaka Village, and Kolokytha Beach.
Where to Stay in Crete: Best Towns, Resorts & Villages