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Where to Stay in Crete

Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island in the west of Crete

We Love Crete team - Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia

The team at We Love Crete show you where to stay in Crete for any budget. Rural getaways or a beachside shack, a writer's escape in the hills or a town break with plenty of romance and style.

This is the largest Greek island, 260 km long by 60 km wide with hundreds of beaches, four major towns, mountain ranges, olive groves, gorges, valleys, vineyards and so much to see...

Our tips are for independent travellers booking their own travel, making their own way and living the dream - freedom of travel!

Great places to stay across the whole island, east and west, north coast and south coast. Arrive in the west by the airport or ferry port at Chania. Get to the east by the airport and ferry port at Heraklion.

Are you travelling solo or as a couple? With a large family group? We have tips for accommodation for all sizes and styles of travel below.

Town Breaks

Where to Stay in Crete - in our four cosmopolitan towns of Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, you will find the culture, hubbub, history, food, wine, dining, cafe life, night life, shopping, museums and so much more. Each town has its own character and we are so excited to share our top tips for accommodation in each town centre...

Alcanea Boutique Hotel - doorway with reflection of the beautiful old limani or harbour, Chania Crete

In Chania stay in the old town at Alcanea Boutique Hotel on the harbourside. This charming hotel has only 8 rooms, opens onto the fascinating streets of the old town where you can get lost exploring. View across the water, a restaurant on the ground floor, design style, great local knowledge from friendly staff with true Cretan hospitality.

Mythos Suites are restored 16th Century Venetian homes, right in the heart of the old town of Rethymnon, Crete

In Rethymnon stay inside the walls of the old town at Mythos Suites close to everything, yet in your own oasis of calm. This traditional building has modern comforts, charm and is an authentic Rethymnon experience. The feel of this place shows you the best of Rethymnon.

The Lato Hotel overlooks the Heraklion Old Harbour, the Koules Venetian Fortress and is located close to the Koraii cafe precinct and museum in central Heraklion, Crete

In Heraklion stay near the old port, the new port, the shopping square and market at the Lato Hotel. We choose this hotel for its great location and consistently great service. We love the views over the old harbour and the fortress, and its convenience. Walking distance to everywhere in downtown Heraklion.

The Hotel du Lac sits in central Agios Nikolaos looking over Lake Voulismeni, which is ringed by cafes and restaurants, circled by shopping streets and close to the harbour in Agios Nikolaos, Crete.

In Agios Nikolaos stay centrally at the Hotel du Lac, with stunning views over the lake. Be right in the middle of the restaurant and cafe scene, step out onto shopping streets, stroll around the lakeside, across the bridge and to the harbour.

Where to Stay in Crete
Beachside Dreaming

Where to Stay in Crete - by the beach and by this we mean directly on the beach or at less than 1 km from the beach.

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Just 30 metres from Falasarna Beach is the small beach side cottage named Mera Beachfront House, which sleeps two in rustic yet modern apartment with a beachy garden and views across the sea. This very affordable accommodation, with its own laid back quirky charm, is very popular and sells out quickly.

Preveli Beach and lagoon are at the end of Kourtaliko Gorge, across the mountains away from cities, see eagles and vultures as you cross the rugged terrain.

Discover the palm forest oasis at Preveli Beach, stay away from it all on the south coast - Preveli Rooms are a good budget option located directly on the beach. A short 5 minute walk from the palm forest and river mouth, this small guesthouse provides peaceful surrounds with complete sea views.

Sit by the water and gaze across the waves to the ancient rock caves on Matala Peninsula. Be close to all the cafes, restaurants and nightlife of Matala Village.

Travel to the ancient site of Matala Caves, and stay right on the water at Matala Caves Seafront Apartment on Matala Beach, full of history and fun, surrounded by other great beaches.

These villas take their inspiration from the rocky gorge of Zakros, and overlook the sea at Kato Zakros, just a short stroll to the ancient Zakros Palace site.

In the east of Crete, get right away from everything to the tiny cove called Kato Zakros. These outstanding Terra Minoika Villas are the labour of love by Stella and Ilias. We love their stone and wood grounded Cretan resonance, location and quiet.

Where to Stay in Crete
Hillside Hideaways

Where to Stay in Crete - get away from it all in the mountains and foothills.

Stay in a stone house, eat fresh organic vegies grown in the village, breathe in the fresh mountain air.

A community and a story of faith, determination and courage, Milia Mountain Eco Resort is a true Cretan experience for those wanting to get off the grid and into a sustainable, abundant life.

The Mariou House overlooks the sea, is best to have a car, you can visit many lovely beaches and explore southern Rethymnon.

In the hills above Plakias, stay in this character-filled home near the village of Mariou, with views to the southern seas, write your next novel or just chill out. The Mariou House is built of stone and wood in the traditional Cretan style, sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms with two bathrooms. We love it for the peace and quiet, elevated aspect and connection to the village.

Hiking, walking, birdwatching, mountain biking and horseriding are all available from Thalori Retreat.

In the southern hills lies a small village called Kapetaniana. Twenty or more of the village homes have been restored with pride to create a unique village community Thalori Retreat will iron out all your wrinkles and give you an experience of living in a Cretan village, in the Asterousia Mountains, overlooking the Libyan Sea.

We suggest Pezoulia because it has that 'spirit of place' connection to the land that is unique for visitors to absorb the special energy of Crete in the mountains.

High in the eastern Dikti Mountains is the Selakano Forest. Just on the edge of the forest, in a remote and wild location, is Pezoulia Mountain Guesthouse, modern villas in a rustic setting. Get plenty of fresh air here and turn your phone off!

Where to Stay in Crete
Glamourous Style

Where to Stay in Crete - to treat yourself and your loved ones, and experience the dazzling quality of hospitality on Crete.

This exquisite hotel is inside a 17th Century mansion, back in the narrow laneways of the Old Town of Chania. Such a characteristic atmosphere!

In Chania Old Town, treat yourself to the style and charm of Casa Delfino, in the heart of the tiny laneways that make up the palaiá póli. We love this restored mansion, we love its courtyard, authentic feel and wonderful location, so close to the harbour and restaurants.

Caramel Boutique Resort sits directly on Rethymnon Beach; a modern glamorous experience of quality. Think about this resort for your family celebration, engagement party, wedding or for your next romantic weekend away. Full spa facilities complete the picture.

How about a massage on the private beach at Out of the Blue Resort, Agia Pelagia, Crete?

Out of The Blue sits on one of the prettiest beaches in Crete - Agia Pelagia. This leafy garden resort lies on the peninsula and offers private beaches, multiple restaurants and access to the vibrant seaside village with local tavernas, cafes, bars and great seafood restaurants.

Full spa and massage treatments are available with views across the bay to Spinalonga Island, this is a magnificent location.

At Elounda Beach Hotel and Villas you will be located in one of the prettiest bays in Crete - Elounda. The village and surrounding area are wonderful to explore, as is Spinalonga Island. Only 9 km from Agios Nikolaos, if you can drag yourself away from the spa!

Where to Stay in Crete
For Solo Travellers

Where to stay in Crete - in villages - Cretans are famous for their filoxenia - φιλοξενία - a word we do not have in English but which roughly translates as 'hospitality'. The concept runs far deeper and means that there is great honour in treating guests well. Solo travellers will be able to experience this if they get off the beaten track to small villages. A unique experience awaits those bold enough to start a conversation or ask for a room. Here are some lovely villages to visit as a solo traveller in Crete.

Kaliviani village is 44 km from Chania town and can be reached by bus by solo traveller to Crete.

Kaliviani village is located in the west of the island, an easy bus ride from Chania and close to Kissamos. Enjoy the slow pace of this agricultural village.

Archanes village is only 14 km from Heraklion town in the centre of Crete and solo travellers can get here by bus.

Archanes is a large village quite close to the town of Herakion. It is a busy hubbub in the centre of the wine region. This is a great location to base yourself as a solo traveller, with the best of both worlds, village life and city life, at your doorstep. This village is very close to the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos.

Vori village has a proud heritage and is located 60 km south of Heraklion. Take the bus to Timbaki and ask for directions, as it is just off the national road.

Vori village has been recognised as a historically significant village. Enjoy the community and agriculture here in the south. This village is inland but close to many beaches.

Kritsa village is 10 km into the hills from Agios Nikolaos. Buses come here regularly, it is easy for a solo traveller to find local accommodation.

In Kritsa village, you will discover traditions and see modern life as well. Tour groups visit the village during the day to enjoy its unique white houses. After they have left, you can enjoy this thriving village in the mountain foothills, and explore Kritsa Gorge. Being not too far from Agios Nikolaos, again this is a good balance for a solo traveller.

For Couples

Located on the harbour, close to boutiques, restaurants and bars, this is the spot to be in the old town of Chania.

Stylish and contemporary, the Domus Renier Boutique Hotel ticks all the boxes for romance in the character-filled old town of Chania. Views to the Venetian port and lighthouse, architectural design excellence and up-to-the-minute contemporary pizzazz. Impress somebody special.

More choices for romantic accommodation in Crete

For Families

Villa Petra has a sister villa which is handy for extended groups, close to Chania, Crete

A home away from home just minutes from the beach, set in an olive grove, Villa Petra is perfect for a family, with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a big kitchen, a pool and plenty of room to play surrounded by country charm. The town of Chania is close, there are villages and beaches nearby, best visited with a car.