Where to stay in Crete

Accommodation › Where to stay in Crete

Are you looking for the best places to stay during your trip to Crete? The Greek island of Crete offers a wide variety of accommodation options, from cosy boutique hotels to charming hostels and affordable guest houses and apartments.

I visit Crete on a regular basis and have seen some real gems coming up that I will share with you in this blog post. I will point out the best areas and areas on the island and highlight the top spots to stay in Crete!

Hardly any question comes up more often than regional tips for restaurants, beach spots, etc. These are questions that are often difficult for me to answer without doing some research. Crete is huge and diverse, and even I am constantly discovering new places. The island of Crete is huge and even distances of “just” 100 km from your accommodation to the nearest dream beach can turn into a tiring day trip, regardless of whether you have a rental car.

This is because the road conditions are frequently poor, and you also need to allow plenty of time for walking. A car journey from west to east takes at least half a day. So, before booking your vacation in Crete, you should do a little research and have a rough idea of what you expect from your trip. This is not an easy topic, especially for those new to Crete.

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Where is Crete located in Greece?

Crete is located in the Mediterranean Sea between Europe, Asia, and Africa. With a length of about 255 kilometers and a width of between approximately 12 and 62 kilometers, the island is two and a half times the size of Mallorca. The capital of Crete is Heraklion (also known as Iraklio). Heraklion is the administrative and cultural center of Crete and is located on the north coast of the island.

My favorite part of the island: the beautiful and welcoming east of Crete. Perhaps the most striking difference to the rest of the Mediterranean island is the lack of large hotel complexes. Compared to other regions, tourism still plays a relatively minor role here. The east is primarily known for agriculture. Olive oil production and vegetable exports are at the top of the list here.

Of course, you will also find small resorts and popular beaches that are commercially exploited, but you will also find small secluded bays, beautiful villages, and plenty of peace and quiet. The warm hospitality of the eastern Cretans is also particularly striking. In taverns, for example, you will be joyfully looked after and will not be one of thousands of tourists who are quickly processed. But in eastern Crete, it’s all about the insider tips. Here you can find secluded sandy beaches, go hiking with the locals, or enjoy wonderful snorkeling.

Why Crete is Worth Visiting

Moderate Mediterranean climate. Crete is known for its consistently warm and sunny climate, with hot summers and mild winters throughout the year. For sunseekers, Crete is the perfect holiday destination. The peak months from May to October offer guaranteed sunshine and minimal rainfall.

How many days to spend on Crete?

The recommended length of stay in Crete depends on your personal preferences: For a relaxing holiday focused on beaches and relaxation, 3-4 days are sufficient. If you want to explore the island in more detail, including its historic towns and nature, 10 to 14 days are ideal. With a hire car, you can experience the island comprehensively in about 15 days, but even 7 days allow for a good combination of culture, nature and beaches.

How long does it take to drive around Crete? To drive around Crete completely and explore all regions, you should plan at least 10 to 15 days, as it is the largest island in Greece and the journey can take longer than expected. The pure driving time for an east-west crossing is about 5 hours, but many roads are winding and not well-developed everywhere, which prolongs the journey and requires a road trip in several stages.

Things to know about the hotels in Crete

Crete has the highest density of hotels in Greece. That’s why you’ll find beautiful hotels for a holiday in Crete in all price categories. We found affordable hotels in Crete on Booking.com. Luxury hotels, family hotels, apartments and holiday homes in Crete are also to be found here.

There are also many holiday homes in Crete. Both in the mountains and on the coast, small and large holiday apartments in Crete are available. Supermarkets, shops and restaurants can be found in almost every town. The taverns in the mountain villages offer unbeatable prices.

• ⏳ Crete is a popular destination. Book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are travelling to Greece in the high season from June to August.
• 💳 You can book many hotels or guesthouses online, but you will sometimes have to pay cash when you arrive, especially for budget accommodation. If you’re staying in a luxury hotel on Crete, credit cards are usually accepted.

Where to stay on Crete?

My recommendation: Stay in two hotels

What you really need to know: As you can see on the map of Crete, the island is quite extensive from west to east. If it is important to you to see the sights in Crete, I recommend that you stay at two different accommodations during your holiday. However, you should plan to spend at least a week in Crete.

Your first hotel to stay on Crete

• Where: In Malia or the surrounding area
• What to see: The east of Crete
• My hotel tip: Pyrgos Blue

Pyrgos Blue is a beautiful accommodation choice with a stunning pool and direct access to a beautiful stretch of beach. Very clean, quiet, well-maintained complex not far from the center. The hosts are super friendly. ☑ Check prices and availability.

Your second hotel to stay on Crete

• Where: In Chania or the surrounding area
• What to see: The west of Crete
• My hotel tip: Vergina Beach Hotel

Verginia is a small, well-organised hotel with a great bar and beach area. The staff were more than friendly here, the breakfast was very interesting and super delicious every day. ☑ Check prices and availability.

Opinions differ on whether Malia is the perfect holiday destination. Malia is known as the party place on Crete, with lots of bars and clubs. There is always something going on here, and it can get a bit noisy at night around the party street in the old town.

But don’t worry, just a few streets away you won’t hear a thing. So you can easily avoid the party crowd in Malia. The beaches are also nicer just outside the centre. A real plus point: the apartments and hotels here are still relatively inexpensive. Malia is probably even the cheapest holiday region in northern Crete.

If you don’t need to see all the highlights, I recommend accommodation in the region east of Rethymnon, located pretty much in the centre of the island. I will now also tell you in detail what the different areas on the island have to offer and give you some great hotel tips for Crete.

Vergina Beach Hotel – Staying West of Chania on Crete

• Location in Crete: Agia Marina resort (western Crete)
• Distance to the airport: approx. 25 km from Chania Airport, approx. 30 min. drive
• Proximity to the beach: directly on Agia Marina beach (approx. 50 metres)
• Number of stars: 4 stars
• Meals: half board

The Vergina Beach Hotel is in a prime beach location in Agia Marina, not far from the city of Chania. The modern rooms have a balcony with sea views. Hotel guests appreciate the varied cuisine in the hotel’s restaurant, the proximity to local shops and taverns, and the large outdoor pool right on the beach.

Philikon Luxury Suites – Staying East of Rethymnon on Crete

• Location in Crete: Northern Crete near Rethymno
• Distance to the airport: approx. 75 km from Heraklion Airport, about 1 hour’s drive
• Distance to the beach: direct access to Rethymno beach
• Rating: 5 stars
• Meals: all-inclusive

Located 5 km outside Rethymno, the luxurious Philikon Luxury Suites offers 5-star comfort with direct access to the beach. The rooms and villas are exquisitely furnished, and the spacious outdoor areas are lined with palm trees. Holidaymakers praise the large pool, wellness facilities and upscale hotel restaurants. ☑ Check prices and availability.

Endless Blue Paleochora – Staying in South Western Crete

If you’re looking for a relaxed yet adventurous Greek island holiday, then glorious Paleochora might just be the perfect spot. Located on the south west coast, this small seaside town is all about golden beaches and laid-back vibes. 

Endless Blue is situated on the edge of Paleochora town but still within walking distance to the centre. Modern rooms offer a gorgeous view of the coast, as the property is up a hill. Ideal for taking in the stunning Paleochora sunset. ☑ Check prices and availability.

FAQ

What is the best location to stay in Crete?

Crete is the biggest island in Greece and home to some of our favorite Greek island hotels. Those visiting for the first time are spoilt for choice on where to stay. The obvious choice is Chania in the northwest, where hotels cascade down the hillside and overlook the sea, making it the ideal spot to settle for a week soaking up the Cretan sun. But the eastern half of the island is also well worth exploring.

What’s the best resort in Crete for families?

Direct flights from London make Crete a popular choice for families, and the island is home to some of the best family-friendly hotels in Greece, so booking a multigenerational trip is easy. Domes of Elounda for example overlooks the UNESCO-protected island of Spinalonga. Book into self-catering facilities that offer the perfect set-up for families with little ones.