Crete

Places to stay in Crete

Choosing the locations to stay in Crete is definitely essential in order to enjoy your vacation to the fullest. Here is a guide to select the most suitable locations for your stay.
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As Crete is the most populous of the Greek islands and one of the country’s main tourist destinations, it is important to carefully select where to stay during your trip. The island has a unique historical and archaeological heritage combined with heavenly beaches with crystal clear sea.

Crete is divided into four provinces, Chania, Rethymno,Heraklion, Lassithi, and the advice is to rent a car to be able to see the most beautiful beaches and main attractions with more ease. But, whether you rent a car or rely on public transport, choosing the right accommodation also means saving time in transfers between different locations.

Some areas of the island (generally in the north-western part) have accommodation facilities and establishments well organized to receive tourists, while others (generally in the eastern part) are areas still little touristy where there are authentic villages, small taverns and free beaches.

The choice of accommodation also depends on the type of vacation you want to do: do you like free beaches or equipped ones? Do you love beach parties or do you want to relax and tranquility? Here is an article that will help you to choose the most suitable accommodation for you according to your needs.

Chania

The old port of Chania

Chania is certainly one of the most famous cities where to sleep in Crete, thanks to its characteristic historical center and its location not far from the airport and from famous beaches. The city bears the signs of all the major civilizations that have made the history of Greece, such as Venetians and Turks and among the narrow streets of its center you can find an ancient and traditional atmosphere.

Chania also has the advantage of not being too far from renowned beaches, such as: Falasarna, Balos, Elafonissi, Stavros and Marathi. Thanks to these characteristics it is often a very crowded place in summer, so the advice is to book an accommodation well in advance.

Recommended Hotels in Chania

Hotel
1 Lucia Hotel
Chania Town - Akti Kountourioti
8.0Very good 1.690 reviews
Loukia Hotel enjoys a privileged location at Chania’s old venetian port, overlooking the well-known Kountourioti promenade.
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Hotel
2 Irida Hotel
Chania Town - El.Venizelou & 8is Dekemvriou
8.9Fabulous 1.386 reviews
Irida Hotel is situated near the cosmopolitan Koum Kapi area, on the promenade leading to Chania's centre and overlooks the sea.
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Hotel
3 Rodon Hotel
Chania Town - Akrotiriou, 112
8.5Fabulous 1.379 reviews
Rodon Hotel enjoys a beautiful location amongst the olive trees in the suburbs of Chania, with stunning views of the White Mountains and the sea from its spacious terrace.
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Kissamos

The lagoon of Balos, near Kissamos

Kissamos is located about 40 km from Chania, and is a town where you can find accommodation cheaper than the capital. Here you will find excellent restaurants, a lively nightlife and the best beaches of the island nearby: a winning combination to say the least.

Kissamos is the ideal location as a base to reach all the most famous beaches of the province of Chania, such as: Balos, Elafonissi, Falassarna.

Recommended Hotels in Kissamos

Hotel
4 Balos Beach
Kissamos - Main Street
8.7Fabulous 2.350 reviews
Balos Beach offers modern, self-catering accommodation in a beautifully rugged, unspoilt corner of Western Crete, overlooking Kissamos Bay, around an hour’s drive from the magnificent town of Chania.
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Residence
5 Christina Beach Hotel
Kissamos - Beach Road of Kissamos
9.0Superb 1.386 reviews
Christina Beach Hotel features spacious accommodation with sea views, located at the seafront of Kissamos Town.
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Residence
6 Aphrodite Beach
Kissamos - 49 Agamemnonos Street
9.2Superb 1.343 reviews
Aphrodite Beach Hotel is located on the sandy beach of Mavros Molos in Kissamos.
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Heraklion

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

If you have come to Crete not only for the sea but because you are lovers of history and archeology, Heraklion it is definitely one of the best places to stay.

Here you will find the beautiful Archaeological Museum which houses one of the largest collections of Minoan art and, near the city, some of the most famous archaeological sites: Phaestos, Malia and Knossos, the ancient city famous for the legend of the Minotaur.

The city also hosts the island’s main international airport and also a port that has connections both to mainland Greece and to other islands such as Santorini and Mykonos. Being the capital of the island and an important tourist center, Heraklion, is a city with a wide choice of accommodations and facilities, but also with several bars and clubs for those who enjoy the nightlife.

Recommended Hotels in Heraklion

Hotel
7 Athinaiko Hotel
Heraklio Town - Leof. Eth. Antistaseos 89
8.4Very good 4.762 reviews
Athinaiko Hotel occupies a central position in the heart of Heraklion, just a short stroll from the port and offers comfortable, en suite rooms.
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Hotel
8 Sofia Hotel
Heraklio Town - Stadiou 57
8.2Very good 4.162 reviews
Less than 5 minutes' bus ride from Heraklion centre in Crete, Sofia hotel offers a seasonal swimming pool and a seasonal restaurant.
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Hotel
9 El Greco Hotel
Heraklio Town - 4, 1821 Street
7.2Good 3.561 reviews
El Greco is located in the heart of Heraklion's business and shopping district, within walking distance of the Archaeological and the Historical Museum, as well as public transportation, banks, ATMs and tourist shops.
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Hersonissos

Hersonissos is a small town not far from the airport of Heraklion that proves to be the ideal destination for those seeking a vacation full of fun and parties until late at night. In summer the city fills up with young people who after sunset animate the center full of clubs, pubs and discos.

In the vicinity of the center of Hersonissos, however, in addition to beautiful beaches there are also attractions suitable for families and children such as: the Star Beach, a water park facing the sea, Labyrinth Park a Greek mythological theme park with maze, mini golf, archery and other attractions and the Aquaworld Aquarium.

Recommended Hotels in Hersonissos

Resort
10 Royal & Imperial Belvedere Resort
Hersonissos - Limenas Hersonissou
8.7Fabulous 1.346 reviews
Standing on a hill overlooking Hersonissos, Royal & Imperial Belvedere Resort is set within a Cretan garden with lemon, olive and palm trees.
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Hotel
11 Esperides Resort Crete, The Authentic Experience
Hersonissos - Costa Varnali Street, Koutouloufari, Hersonissos, Crete
9.2Superb 904 reviews
Esperides Resort Crete, The Authentic Experience is located in the centre of the popular and traditional Koutouloufari Village, just 1 km from Hersonissos.
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Resort
12 Star Beach Village & Water Park
Hersonissos - Themistokleous 3
8.4Very good 902 reviews
Just 50 metres from the sandy beach and the port in Hersonissos, the Star Beach Village features a spacious pool complex with water slides, a children’s playground and free on-site parking facilities.
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Malia

A stretch of beach in Malia

Considered the most festive city of Crete, Malia it is a locality located about 35 km east of Heraklion suitable for lovers of nightlife and entertainment. From a small agricultural village, the town has developed to become one of the most famous cities of Crete for beach parties animated by famous DJs. Here you can find accommodation at different price ranges even in apartments and small studios.

Our recommended hotels in Malia

Residence
13 Drossia Palms Hotel and Nisos Beach Suites
Malia - Dimokratias St.
8.9Fabulous 983 reviews
Drossia Palms Hotel and Nisos Beach Suites is a beautiful complex set amidst delightful gardens with palm trees and located 150 metres from the Malia beach.
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Residence
14 Parthenis Beach, Suites by the Sea
Malia - Nik. Grammatikakis Street
9.2Superb 709 reviews
Parthenis Beach is situated on the beach front in Malia.
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Residence
15 Theo Star Beach Hotel
Malia - Nikolaou Grammatikaki
8.6Fabulous 679 reviews
Set within 1 km of Central Malia Beach and 1.
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Elounda

Considered one of the most “in” cities of Crete, Elounda is a resort that combines luxury accommodation, relaxation and beautiful natural scenery. This town is often chosen as a destination by VIP couples or wealthy families looking for a stay of comfort and tranquility without budget problems.

Here you can find lavish apartments or houses with private pools and beaches, or luxurious hotels with all the amenities. Elounda is located about an hour’s drive from the capital Heraklion, and is considered together with Sitia one of the best cities to explore the eastern part of the island.

Recommended Hotels in Elounda

Hotel
16 Elounda Infinity Exclusive Resort & Spa
Elounda - Main Street
9.0Superb 760 reviews
Built amphitheatrically on a hillside of Elounda, beachfront Elounda Infinity Exclusive Resort & Spa - Adults Only offers a view of Elounda bay and the island of Spinalonga.
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Resort
17 Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel
Elounda - Elounda, Lasithi
9.2Superb 603 reviews
Located right on the beach in Elounda, Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel features a swimming pool with a spacious sun terrace and sun loungers.
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Hotel
18 Elounda Krini Hotel
Elounda - Andrea Papandreou, Elounda
7.9Good 541 reviews
Just 200 metres from Elounda Beach in Crete, Elounda Krini Hotel features free WiFi, a restaurant and buffet breakfast.
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Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos in the evening

Agios Nikolaos, located in the easternmost province of Crete, is a picturesque village characterized by small taverns, traditional restaurants and local craft stores.

In addition to having beautiful beaches nearby, the town is famous for Lake Voulismeni, which is connected directly to the sea by a canal. A perfect destination for couples or families looking for tranquility, who can find different types of accommodations here according to different needs. From the port of Agios Nikolaos, moreover, it is possible to leave by boat to visit the historical island of Spinalonga.

Recommended Hotels in Agios Nikolaos

Hotel
19 Meliti Hotel
Agios Nikolaos - Havania beach
8.0Very good 1.649 reviews
Overlooking Agios Nikolaos Gulf, Meliti is just 100 metres from Havania Beach and features a swimming pool.
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Resort
20 Miramare Resort & Spa
Agios Nikolaos - Gargadoros
8.4Very good 1.284 reviews
Built on the panoramic slopes above the seafront, the Miramare is a hotel and bungalows complex situated at the peaceful Gargadoros.
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Hotel
21 Hotel Port 7- Boutique Collection
Agios Nikolaos - Koundourou 7
9.5Exceptional 1.156 reviews
Boasting a bar, Hotel Port 7- Boutique Collection is situated in Agios Nikolaos in the Lasithi region, 600 metres from Ammos Beach and 1.
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