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By Katia Luz
Cheap Hotels in Crete - choose your budget accommodation and travel options, and leave more money in your kitty to enjoy the real Crete with her beaches, villages, music and history.
How to find a cheap flight to Crete, ferries to Crete, budget accommodation in Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion and Lasithi, and how to get around on the well-run and convenient local buses.
Here on this page and throughout our website you will see the blue and white backpack (left), which is the budget symbol.
Cheap flights to Crete - find flights into the airports in Crete from all over Europe.
Or connect via Athens, with a connecting flight with duration of 1 hour to Chania or Heraklion.
Ferries to Crete - take an overnight ferry from Pireaus, the port of Athens, with a duration of about 9 hours to Chania or Heraklion from Athens.
Ferries run from Santorini (Thira) to Crete into Heraklion port with duration less than 2 hours from May to September. At other times of the year the crossing takes around 6 hours.
Cheap Hotels in Crete - in each of the capital towns we suggest a good budget option, but do not compromise on location.
Cocoon City Hostel is close to the bus stop in Chania with budget rates suitable for all the family, and great for solo travellers. Close to the old town, cafes and tavernas.
Another budget option a few streets from the bus station in Chania is the Boho City Hostel - good value in the old town. Welcoming, clean, comfortable and the location is ideal.
Afrodite Aparthotel is central and convenient, with self-catering options. Located within the walls of the old town of Rethymnon in a quiet area, yet still close to tavernas and cafes. Clean and well-equipped rooms make a perfect base to explore the town and the region, not to mention a great host who will show you real Cretan hospitality.
Civitas Suites Hotel is on the edge of the Old Town of Rethymnon, close to the old harbour and close to the modern beach strip.
This beautiful building holds the character of the old town whilst providing modern elegance, at an affordable price.
"Great location - in the heart of the city, close to everything. Apartments are fine furnished and elegant. Employees are helpful. Very clean."
Mirabello Hotel is central and close to the bus station, bus stops and the Liondaria Square, the markets on 1866 Street and the pedestrianised streets of downtown Heraklion, with shopping and cafes.
The Heraklion Youth Hostel - a good budget hostel near to the Liondaria fountain and pedestrianised central streets of Heraklion, and the 1866 Markets.
Pergola Hotel is affordable and in an excellent location to access the ferry port, harbour and lakeside. Ask for a seaside view, many of the rooms have balconies. The rooms have basic kitchenette. Wonderful service in this family-run local place.
Agios Nikoloas in eastern Crete.
The El Greco Hotel in Agios Nikolaos is located 50 metres from Kitroplateia town beach, and is very central to the whole town. Enjoy a magnificent sea view with the modern sculpture on the point very close. Magnificent yet affordable.
"The location is just perfect at the Horn of Almathea in Agios Nikolaos. The staff was nice and gave us a free room upgrade to sea view room. It was cleaned every day and we had tea and coffee making facilities. Really close to center and to port and beach."
Cheap Hotels in Crete - stay near the beach, by which we mean, very close to the beach, that is by our criterion, less than 1 km walk from the beach, in budget accommodation that will leave you with some extra cash for food, transport, coffees and exploring.
Windmill Studio - near the beach at Gerani, 14 km from Chania town, experience a stay at your very own windmill.
Anemo - wind - milos - mill.
This studio is named Anemomilos which simply means windmill. It is full of local character and charm
"One of the most coziest places ever! The owners are amazing and they will help you with everything you need! Amazing location and quiet, a really good place to rest and enjoy Crete! The room was super clean and big, comfortable!"
Camping Elizabeth - just 2.4 km from Rethymnon in the central north of the island. Budget camping in a wonderful location for exploring the whole island.
"Great location next to a very quiet stretch of unspoilt beach. There is plenty of shade and everything you need for the beach is provided. I loved the Taverna which serves excellent typical taverna food - very good value for money with beautiful views onto the beach... I often stayed there for hours!"
Cheap Hotels in Crete - 55 km south of Rethymnon sits the seaside village of Frangokastello named after the 'Franks Castle' that was built here by the Venetians centuries ago. 'Franks' was the term for the invading Venetian settlers.
The castle had a turbulent history, and now sits in ruins next to the sandy beach.
Mylos Seaside Experience - right on the water in Frangokastello with views to the castle. Enjoy your own little bit of history with the historic windmill and beautifully restored rooms. Budget prices and wide open spaces.
"What a wonderful place ! Quiet, clean & the ocean literally at your feet."
Coral Guesthouse is a small family-run hotel with good, budget rates, located directly on its own beach.
Snacks and drinks are served on the property. A handy store can be found less than 50 metres from the hotel. Visit the ruins of the castle, said to be haunted, explore the mountains inland and the mountainous region of Sfakia.
Stretch out budget for more warm summer days in Crete.
Save money on transport by using the reliable, punctual and comfortable local buses. Taking the KTEL buses on Crete means you to keep costs down and therefore you can travel all over the island, stretching your hard earned travel money further and further and adventuring to all corners of this incredible island.
Take a 1 hour flight from Athens to Heraklion with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air, with many flights available per day.
Or take a 9.5 hour overnight ferry from Pireaus port of Athens to Heraklion port.
More on flights and ferries below.
Car hire in Crete is a really good idea as it is a large island 60 km by 260 km. There is so much to explore.
When you book with our car rental partners - Rental Centre Crete - you are supporting a local company with excellent service and easy online booking. We are sure you will be well looked after by the team. Choose from hybrid, electric or regular vehicles.
We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the We Love Crete team. Evíva!
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us Contact Us Kaló taxídi!
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the
We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us