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Places to Stay in Crete

Town Accommodation and Top Tips

Fagotto Art Residences, Chania Crete
Top Tips from We Love Crete

Places to Stay in Crete

We have selected small places in each town, that are run by locals, with location and style top of the list.

Town Hotels

Our selections from west to east -

  • Chania - in the west of Crete
  • Kissamos - in the north-west
  • Palaiochora - in the south-west
  • Rethymnon - in the central west of Crete
  • Heraklion - in the central north of Crete
  • Agios Nikolaos - in the east of Crete, on Mirabello Bay
  • Elounda - also in the east, close to Spinalonga Island
  • Ierapetra - on the south-eastern coast, close to Chrissi Island
  • Sitia  - on the north-eastern coast, close to Vai Beach




Chania Old Town

The Domus Renier Boutique Hotel in Chania
Artwork inside the Domus Renier Boutique Hotel in Chania, Crete

The Domus Renier Boutique Hotel is a small, beautifully restored, luxurious experience of old-world quality in Chania Old Town, close to the harbour, museums, studios and cafes.

With 9 individually decorated rooms, each with their own character, fabulous service, a chic bar and restaurant and history emanating from each brick, this is a romantic and sensual experience in Crete.



Old Town of Rethymno

Casa Moazzo in the Old Town of Rethymnon is a restored mansion
The Casa Moazzo interiors are full of charm, Rethymnon Crete

Casa Moazzo Suites and Apartments - in the narrow lane ways of Old Rethymnon Town - are one of the premier hospitality experiences of Crete. Allow the rustic charm and character of the suites to relax you, allow the staff to serve you with quality and patience and professionalism.

Book ahead as this is one of the top-rated hotels in Crete, deservedly so because of its stunning location, romantic mood and enchanting courtyards. With air conditioning, free wifi, a bar at your fingertips, a full concierge service and lush yet simple decor, this is simply a wonderful small hotel.




Central Heraklio

The Lato Boutique Hotel Crete
Liondaria Fountain Heraklion

The Lato Hotel in Heraklion is our pick for service, style and convenience in the capital. Close to the airport, bus station and port, this hotel is also easy walking distance from all the highlights of town, such as the old fort, 25 August Street, Agios Titos Church, the Liondaria Fountain and the pedestrian shopping strees off Dedalou.

Be sure to ask for a sea view hotel, and don't forget to leave time to experience the rooftop restaurant here, Herb's Garden. This is modern Greek cuisine with one of the best views in the city, stay for a meal or cocktails and enjoy the breezes in summer.



Central Agios Nikolaos

Get a lake view room at the Hotel Du Lac in Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos Crete

Places to Stay in Crete

Our tip in Agios Nikolaos is the Hotel Du Lac. With its cafe next to the lake and rooms with view like this, your visit to Agios Nikolaos and eastern Crete is off to a good start.

Very centrally located, within easy walking distance to the lake, the harbour, downtown museums, shopping and cafe-bars, as well as the departure dock for boat trips visiting Spinalonga Island or sailing on Mirabello Bay, this is wonderful modern hotel in this cosmopolitan town.




Magical Places to Stay in Crete

Stolidi Mou Treehouse bedroom

Our tips for unique, fairy tale and magical places to stay in Crete.



Country Guesthouses

Enagron Ecotourism Village in Axos

Our choices of cottages, rural guesthouses or agrotourism experiences in the small villages and mountains of Crete. Each of these is handpicked and small, with the character of Crete.



Relaxing by the beach

Palio Damnoni Beachside

We have carefully chosen lovely places within walking distance to the beach. Our choices are small and charming. Perfect for a relaxing summer holiday, plunging into the crystal blue water on impulse!



Spas and Wellness in Crete

Casa Delfino Courtyard

For a massage or spa treatment, or to find a yoga or detox retreat in Crete, consult our spa and wellness pages.



Villas

Villa Dimi, Chania Crete

As an alternative to a hotel, may of our visitors choose to stay in villas or holiday homes. We suggest a wide variety of beautiful villa properties all over the island.

From small villas perfect for a romantic getaway for 2 adults, or a large villa calling out for your next family reunion, you will find charming homes on offer here. Beach side homes and mountain villas. Or live amongst the olive groves for a relaxing rural escape.



Places to Stay in Crete
From the We Love Crete Team

Dalabelos Estate - Rethymno Crete

Taso says "One of my favourite guesthouses in Crete is the Dalabelos Estate just outside of Rethymnon. This place epitomises the Cretan rural lifestyle and showcases our olive oil, fresh food and music. Another is the Milia Mountain Retreat in the mountains in Chania, this is an organic farm and truly grass roots experience".


Terra Minoika Villa View

Toli says "I love the stone and wood creations of the Terra Minoika Villas by Ilias and Stella in Kato Zakros, they are a magnificent homage to the Cretan landscape".


Archontiko Villa Courtyard - Archanes

Katia says "Of course, one of my favourite ways to get to know a country is to talk to local people, so I love village accommodation and the slow way of life in the village. One of my favourites would be Arhontiko Villa in Archanes Village.



Getting Here

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.


Green footprint logo

Electric rental car symbol

Book My Car

There are large mountain ranges, wide valleys and farming land, hundreds of beaches and four major towns to visit. Self-drive explorations off-the-beaten-track are rewarding, with something new to discover at every turn.





Eviva


We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the We Love Crete team. Evíva!

The We Love Crete team - Anastasi, Katia & Apostoli

Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia are the We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
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About the Team

WLC Team Circular

Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia are the
We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us

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Travel to Athens
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