Where To Stay In Crete: Best Cities and Hotels
This Crete guide is for anyone thinking of spending their next vacation in Crete.
The guide contains useful travel tips and info about cities and experiences you can enjoy in Crete.
There is no doubt that Crete is a very popular vacation island. But where can you stay and where are the most interesting places to visit?
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Crete has many popular destinations, but where can you stay on the island?
I myself have been to Crete 7-8 times, and I think it is an amazing place. Whether you are traveling to Crete with children, as a couple or alone, there is a lot worth seeing.
As you probably know, Crete is in the Mediterranean, and is the largest of the Greek islands.
In Crete, you are guaranteed a wonderfully relaxing vacation, which may include:
- Kilometer-long fine beaches, with the clearest blue water.
- Amazing Greek cuisine.
- Charming beach promenades.
- Exploration of the town of Knossos, which has been inhabited since the Stone Age.
- Europe’s longest gorge – the 18 km-long Samaria Gorge.
- Europe’s only natural Palmelund.
- The natural freshwater lake, Kournas Lake.
- Beautiful nature
- Zeus Caves
- And much much more…
It is really difficult to answer the question: Where should I stay in Crete?
Because there are so many fantastic options on the island, it can be difficult to decide exactly where to stay in Crete.
But I come with a number of suggestions and recommendations for where to stay in Crete. These are a mixture of places where I have actually stayed on the island, people’s recommendations, and reviews.
For the sake of transparency, I would like to point out that if you decide to purchase from my recommended links, I will receive a small commission. This does not change anything regarding the price but helps me so I can continue to maintain my holiday blog.
Why stay in Chania?
Chania is probably one of the top resorts for Scandinavians visiting Crete. And it’s obvious why. The city has everything you need to have an unforgettable vacation with great Crete experiences. Chania is located in western Crete and has its own airport approx. 20 min from the center.
Chania is divided into the new and old town. The old town offers many cozy narrow alleys and streets and is located around the Venetian port.
You will find countless small restaurants and bars where you can easily get a seat and sample Greek salads and delights.
Best places to stay in Chania
Situated in the heart of Chania’s Old Town, Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa benefits from an excellent location in an authentic Venetian mansion. The hotel overlooks the harbor and is just a short walk from the beach.
This charming hotel features a Spa and Wellness Center, free wi-fi, room service, and a bar.
Previous guests liked best:
- A fantastic hotel with a lot of history
- Perfect location
- The staff is extremely friendly and helpful
- Beautiful rooms with spa bath
- Good breakfast
Why stay in Rethymnon?
Rethymnon is one of the cities I have visited several times in Crete. The town is really mellow and has a charming seafront promenade that stretches for several kilometers, ending at the old town and the Venetian castle, Fortezza. The castle is one of the Rethymnon sights I can highly recommend.
The beach is particularly suitable for both children and adults and is located right on the promenade. So it’s simple and quick to buy a snack, lunch, or a sandwich if you get a little hungry on the beach.
Best places to stay in Rethymnon
TheAristea Hotel is in a great location in one of the most popular areas of the city. Close to the beach and only 2 km to the old town of Rethymnon. All apartments have a balcony overlooking the sea, the pool, or the garden.
The hotel offers popular facilities such as a gym, free wi-fi, a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer.
Previous guests liked best:
- Pool
- Fast wi-fi
- 50 meters to the beach
- A lot of good restaurants in the area
- Great service
Why stay in Heraklion?
Heraklion is the “City” and capital of Crete. The city is becoming more and more modern and offers many shopping opportunities that I can definitely recommend. It is very pleasant to walk around the city center.
People who vacation in Heraklion are very enthusiastic about the city’s museums and cafes. Here you will find the Archaeological Museum and Crete Natural History Museum, where you, among other things, can see some of the animals native to the island.
Heraklion is the perfect base for exploring the island. The city is close to two of the island’s major monuments: Knossos and Phaistos Palace.
Best places to stay in Heraklion
GDM Megaron, Historical Monument Hotel enjoys an excellent location in the heart of Heraklion. From here, you are walking distance to several of the city’s best sights. The hotel has a fitness center and rooftop swimming pool.
On the 4th floor, you will find the Health Club with a steam bath, whirlpool, and massage room, which is reserved for hotel guests. All rooms have free wi-fi, satellite TV, minibar, safe, bathrobes, slippers and much more.
Previous guests liked best:
- Really nice and varied breakfast
- Modern hotel and good food
- Professional and friendly staff
- One of those hotels you just cannot forget
- Nice rooms and comfortable beds
Why stay in Agios Nikolaos?
Agios Nikolaos is a medium-sized city located about 80 km east of Heraklion Airport. The town is found in the beautiful Mirabello bay, which has plenty of charming restaurants, taverns, and bars on offer.
In the middle of the city is LakeVoulismeni. This is a lake that the locals previously thought was bottomless. The area around the lake is surrounded by cozy eateries and bars.
The town has two beaches, but the most popular is Almiros, and you will find it 2 km south of Agios Nikolaos. A very child-friendly beach with shallow clear water and the finest sand.
Best places to stay in Agios Nikolaos
Well-positioned in Agios Nikolaos, Miramare Resort & Spa is the ideal point of departure for any excursion in Agios Nikolaos. The resort has the most beautiful panoramic sea views and offers three outdoor swimming pools.
The resort offers a gym, massage, playroom, and pool table. And if you need a little relaxation, you can enjoy a cool drink in the on-site pool bar or lounge bar.
Previous guests liked best:
- Great breakfast
- Amazing rooms and view
- Spacious rooms, good and varied breakfast
- Always friendly staff
Why Stay in Georgioupolis?
Georgioupolis is located between Chania and Rethymnon and is known for its relaxed atmosphere and the large child-friendly sandy beach with shallow water (said to be one of the best beaches in Crete).
The idyllic town offers pretty narrow streets, restaurants, taverns, and bars. A really quiet and peaceful family town, where you are within walking distance to a beach, supermarket, local shops and restaurants.
The river Almyrus empties into the western side of the city, making the water on the beach a little cooler and less salty than on Crete’s other beaches.
Best places to stay in Georgioupolis
The Pilot Beach Resort is perfectly situated and has world-class service. Located in the beautiful Almyrou Bay, this resort features its own private sandy beach and 4 outdoor swimming pools.
Pilot Beach offers fitness classes where you can practice yoga, aqua aerobics, and pilates. In the evening, after enjoying some Greek and Cretan delicacies, you can partake in a cool drink in the cocktail bar or have a dance at the Ermis Bar.
Previous guests liked best:
- All the best in one place
- Daily events keep the kids busy
- Perfect for a quiet family vacation near the sea
- Nice location
Why stay in Hersonissos?
Hersonissos is the place where things happen. Of course, the city has everything on offer that a resort should have when traveling to Crete. Here you will find inviting sandy beaches, taverns, restaurants, and bars.
The city is also the place where many young people travel to party through the night. So, expect loud music and party-loving young people in the summer months.
If you want to go to Hersonissos, but also want peace and quiet, then you should travel in the spring or fall when it is quieter.
Best places to stay in Hersonissos
Stella Palace Resort & Spa is the favorite choice of many in Hersonissos. Located right on the beach, this resort features 2 lagoon pools and 3 children’s pools.
Here you will find a wide range of activities, such as basketball, water aerobics, and badminton.
The rooms have satellite TV, mini-fridge, slippers and, of course, free wi-fi.
Previous guests liked best:
- Fantastic restaurants, and it really is all-inclusive
- Perfect for the whole family regardless of age
- The staff is friendly and welcoming
- Value for money
Why stay in Agia Marina?
Agia Marina is located approx. 6 miles west of Chania. Here you will find a wide selection of hotels for the perfect family or couple vacation.
Fantastic shallow child-friendly beaches await you here, and in the old town, you will find charming restaurants, taverns, and cozy cafes.
On the new coastal road leading to the town of Platinas, you will find several great local shopping opportunities.
Best places to stay in Agia Marina
Atrion Resort Hotel is just approx. 30 meters from the beach. From the room balconies, you can enjoy the view of the mountains, the garden, or the pool.
All rooms have air conditioning, refrigerator, TV, safe and free wi-fi throughout the hotel.
Previous guests liked best:
- Breakfast and dinners were excellent
- Perfect place for families or friends
- The room has a beautiful view of the sea
- Great location, very central
- Tasty meals and helpful staff
Crete is just unique
You will probably agree with me that Crete is a unique experience. If you’ve never been there before, pack your bags and get going. You will not regret it.
I hope you can use this guide as inspiration for your next Crete vacation. If you are more curious about Crete and want to find more information about the island, then I recommend you go to Visit Greece, which has more information about the island.
Now I know you’re interested in reading about the best areas to stay in Crete so maybe you are also interested in reading about where to stay in Santorini, where to stay in Rhodes, where to stay in Mallorca, where to stay in Malaga, where to stay in Malta or Best place to stay in Venice, Where to stay in Corfu, Best Places to stay in Rome
Have a fantastic trip 🙂