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Where to Stay in Eastern Crete

Elounda Bay Spinalonga Island

Where to Stay in Eastern Crete - our accommodation selections for this fascinating part of Crete.



Sumptuous Villa Lifestyle

Orpheus Call Villa near Kritsa Crete
Orpheus Call Outdoor Dining
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Orpheus' Call - this magnificent villa welcomes 8 guests in 4 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms and inspiring panoramic mountain views. Enjoy luxury in this rustic rural setting.

Located 9 km from Kritsa outside the small village of Peponides Πεπόνηδες and 9 km from Agios Nikolaos in the stunning mountains. Visit the ancient city of Lato just 7 km from this villa.


Aegean Ode Villa near Plaka Crete
Aegean Ode Villa near Plaka in Crete
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Aegean Ode Villa - set in the hills behind Plaka in its own private garden, this beautiful villa is full of local character. Welcoming 4 guests in 2 bedrooms with 5 beds, this quiet haven offers 2 bathrooms and a full kitchen. Best to visit with a vehicle. Enjoy magnificent sea views. Dine in style on your private terrace.










Where to Stay near Elounda

Eleon Villa Elounda
Eleon Villa near Elounda

This contemporary styled Eleon Villa sits high on the hill overlooking the stunningly beautiful bay of Elounda, and features 4 bedrooms welcoming 16 guests easily, in style. Allow your guests to relax under one roof, whilst being perfectly situated to explore the island or attend your special event.

The character-filled design gives many opportunities to take in the magnificent view, as does the infinity pool. Stay minutes from Elounda Village and Elounda Beach and 10 km from the vibrant town of Agios Nikolaos in eastern Crete.

With 4 bedrooms in the main villa and a separate suite, there is plenty of privacy and roominess in this spacious, modern, stylish villa near one of the most cosmopolitan holiday villages on Crete.


Blue Palace Beach Plaka Crete
Blue Palace Beach Chairs

The Phaea Blue Palace Resort and Spa is a luxury resort in one of the most beautiful locations in Crete. Stay here directly on Plaka beach, close to Elounda. Choose from a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars. Enjoy swimming at the beach or at the pool. Luxuriate at the spa.

“Exceptional hotel in a stunning location. Staff were wonderful and the food at all the restaurants was superb.”



Your Own Windmill

Sitia Windmill Eastern Crete
Sitia Windmill Courtyard - Eastern Crete

There is nothing like staying in your very own windmill. This one is so beautifully restored, it offers a full kitchen, dining, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, terrace and charm in spades.

The Sitia Windmill is located 5 km from the vibrant town of Sitia. A genuine restored windmill, the modern touches creating a wonderful, unique atmosphere in which to enjoy your stay in eastern Crete.

With plenty of indoor and outdoor space, patios and terraces, full kitchen and dining areas, as well as extensive gardens and olive groves, this is a private, relaxing homey place to stay.

Just 18 km from Vai Beach and Palm Forest.



Where to Stay in Eastern Crete
House Margot, Palaikastro, Lasithi

Palaikastro is a traditional Cretan village located just 2 km from the lovely beaches of Kouremenos and Chiona, 20 km from Sitia and 90 km from the capital Agios Nikolaos.

6 km from the village is the beautiful and famous Vai Palm Forest and Beach, a paradise on the tip of Crete’s eastern coast.

Close by is the spectacular Zakros Gorge and one of the prettiest beaches in Crete; Kato Zakros.

House Margot Palaikastro
House Margot - exterior
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Located in the charming village of Palaikastro are the apartments House Margot. Perfectly positioned in far eastern Crete to explore numerous historic sites and beaches, this is a simple family-run pension with good Cretan hospitality.

The Papadakis family have kept their apartments small, there are two only, with capacity for 6 and 8, surrounded by lovely gardens. The family provide personal care and beautiful tasty local food, made from their own produce.



Terra Minoika Resort
Kato Zakros

Terra Minoika View to the beach of Kato Zakros
Terra Minoika View to the beach of Kato Zakros

Where to Stay in Eastern Crete - these villas, in one of the prettiest locations of Crete, are built in traditional style of stonework and wood.

Sitting in gardens just 500m from the beach of Kato Zakros and seconds from the Minoan Zakros Palace, we have selected these villas as they provide the real Cretan feel and experience.

Owners Stella and Elias are crazy trekkers and climbers who fell in love with this region of Crete after visiting from their home in Thessaloniki. They are passionate about sharing all the natural beauty of eastern Crete with their visitors, and offering great hospitality at Terra Minoika.

The Terra Minoika Boutique Resort is full of beautiful creations of the Cretan earth, risen up in modern times to comfort visitors and provide a nurturing experience. Stella and Elias provide their wonderful hospitality.


Terra Minoika View to the beach of Kato Zakros

Zakros Gorge, Lasithi, Crete

Explore Zakros Gorge, also known as the Gorge of the Dead, while staying in eastern Crete.

Faragi ton Nekron - Φαράγγι των Νεκρών. The gorge is one of the most impressive in Crete, with its steep sides and harsh rock formations.

The caves within which have been found to be Minoan burial tombs, hence the name.

The gorge walk takes about two hours to complete, depending on your pace and your fitness levels, and ends at the beautiful beach town of Kato Zakros.


Getting Here

Take a 1 hour flight from Athens to Heraklion with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Airlines, with many flights available per day.

Or take a 9.5 hour overnight ferry from Pireaus port of Athens to Heraklion port.

More information 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.


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

The We Love Crete team - Anastasi, Katia & Apostoli

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