Where to Stay in Crete? 10 Best Places to Stay in Crete

Crete, Greece
Gabrielle T
• 12 min read

Destguides may receive commissions from purchases made through affiliate links in this article.

Aerial shot of a coastal village with colorful houses
Crete is a popular destination because of its beautiful landscapes and scenery

Crete is Greece's largest and most populated island. It also has a long and complex history and rich culture. So, it's not surprising that it's a popular vacation destination. However, first-time travelers can get overwhelmed when trying to figure out where to stay in Crete.

If spending time by the beach is important, Agios Nikolaos is a top choice. On the other hand, places like Rethymno are more suitable for visitors who prioritize sightseeing. Additionally, families might have more fun somewhere like Sitia.

No matter what sort of trip you're planning, there's a place in Crete that's perfect for you. Keep reading to find out more about the top 10 spots you should consider for your Cretan vacation.

🛏️ Best budget hotel: Costas Inn
🏨 Best mid-range hotel: Kalyves Beach Hotel
🏖 Best family-friendly hotel: Costas Inn
💕 Best romantic hotel: Kalyves Beach Hotel
🛎️ Best luxury hotel: Manili Boutique Suites & Villas

10 Best Places to Stay in Crete, Greece

  1. Best Areas to Stay in Crete
    1. Chania
    2. Rethymno
    3. Heraklion
    4. Agios Nikolaos
    5. Elounda
    6. Hersonissos
    7. Malia
    8. Sitia
    9. Bali
    10. Agia Marina
  2. Where to Stay in Crete, Greece
    1. Where to stay in Crete for families?
    2. Where to stay in Crete for nightlife?
    3. Where to stay in Crete for couples?
    4. Where to stay in Crete for honeymoon?
    5. Where to stay in Crete for beaches?
    6. Where to stay in Crete with a car?
    7. Where to stay in Crete without a car?

Show all

Crete Places to Stay Video

Check out our highlights video of Crete places to stay.

Crete Places to Stay Map

A map of Crete. Use the map to explore all the places to stay.

Crete Places to Stay Map

Show Interactive Map

Best Areas to Stay in Crete

A walkway in the middle of the sea connecting a coastal village to an old lighthouse
If you want to dive deep into Crete's role in Greek history, stay in Chania

Chania

Get directions

Chania, located in Western Crete, is the perfect spot for history lovers to relax while on vacation. That's because it's home to some of Greece's most important landmarks, like the Old Venetian Port of Chania and the Lighthouse of Chania.

You can spend your days exploring the town's winding streets or visiting its numerous museums, which cover topics ranging from archeology to nautical history. Since there's so much to see here, it's even a great spot for families since kids won't get bored.

As Chania is a pretty big tourist town, there are various hotels, many of which are budget-friendly. Vacation apartments are also available for rent if you'd prefer a little more privacy.

🛏️ Low-priced accommodations in and nearby Chania

🏨 Mid-range places to stay in and nearby Chania

🏖 Family-friendly accommodations in and nearby Chania

💕 Romantic places to stay in and nearby Chania

🛎️ Luxury accommodations in and nearby Chania

An aerial shot of a coastal village near a lighthouse and turquoise water
Rethymno has beautiful beaches and interesting attractions, like the Venetian Harbor

Rethymno

Get directions

If you ask locals, they'll likely tell you that Rethymno is the best area to stay in Crete. Home to over 30,000 people, it's one of the larger communities on the island, so you won't get bored while here and can get to know the locals.

Rethymno (or Rethimno) is a versatile place with something for virtually everyone. History lovers rave about the Venetian Fortezza Castle and Rimondi Fountain, while those who want to relax can lay out at the beach and enjoy the sun. There are also some museums, like the Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete.

Best of all, Rethymno is one of the most affordable places to stay in Crete. You can find low-cost accommodations that still offer plenty of amenities, even during the busy summer season.

🏨 Mid-range places to stay in and nearby Rethimno

🏖 Family-friendly accommodations in and nearby Rethimno

💕 Romantic places to stay in and nearby Rethimno

🛎️ Luxury places to stay in and nearby Rethimno

An old bricked fortress near the sea with docked ships and birds flying over
Since it's the largest city, Heraklion has many accommodation options to choose from

Heraklion

Get directions

Heraklion is Crete's largest city and one of the island's most popular tourist spots. Its coastal location and fascinating history make it popular among a variety of travelers.

The Heraklion Archeological Museum houses artifacts that date back centuries and mark the cities evolving history. You can also spend your days walking around the city looking for landmarks like the Morosini Fountain or heading to Ammoudara Beach for a swim.

As the largest city, Heraklion also has the most hotels to choose from. So, you shouldn't have a problem finding something within your budget. Hotels closer to the port tend to be a bit expensive as they're near the main tourist paths. Heading a little further inland for your stay usually comes with lower crowd levels and cheaper prices.

🛏️ Budget-friendly place to stay in and nearby Heraklion

🏨 Well-priced accommodations in and nearby Heraklion

🏖 Family-friendly accommodations in and nearby Heraklion

💕 Romantic places to stay in and nearby Heraklion

🛎️ Luxury accommodations in and nearby Heraklion

A green boat in clear water near colorful buildings
Agios Nikolaos is a small, less crowded area known for its postcard-perfect sceneries

Agios Nikolaos

Get directions

Agios Nikolaos is a relatively small coastal city that often flies under the radar of tourists. So, it's a great place if you'd prefer to stay a little off the beaten path while in Crete.

Just because Agios Nikolaos sees less tourist traffic than other parts of Crete doesn't mean you'll be bored, though. The town is full of cafes, shops, and restaurants, and you can relax on its less crowded beaches.

If sightseeing is important to you, make sure to check out the Archaeological Site of Gournia and the Kremasta Monastery, which are both relatively close by. However, make sure you rent a car or take a taxi to get to both places, as they're about 10 miles away from the downtown area.

Agios Nikolaos has various lodging options ranging from budget-friendly inns to luxury resorts, meaning you won't have trouble finding a place to stay. Just remember that many of the cheaper hotels are also smaller, so they aren't always suitable for larger travel groups.

🏨 Well-priced accommodations in and nearby Agios Nikolaos

🏖 Child-friendly places to stay in and nearby Agios Nikolaos

💕 Romantic accommodations in and nearby Agios Nikolaos

🛎️ Luxury places to stay in and nearby Agios Nikolaos

A large fortress on an island surrounded by clear waters
Elounda is where to stay in Crete if you want to see the stunning Spinalonga Island

Elounda

Get directions

Elounda might be the best area to stay on Crete for history lovers. Located on the northern coast, it's home to the ruins of both the Olous sunken city and a Venetian fortress on the area's Spinalonga Island.

Even if you're not a history person, there's still plenty to see in Elounda. The area is made up of multiple small villages you can explore, or you can spend your days relaxing by the water at Kolokytha Beach.

Though prices for accommodation in Elounda can span a variety of budgets, many of the hotels in this area are on the pricey side. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time before your trip to shop around the cheaper options, especially if you're planning on booking multiple rooms.

🏨 Well-priced accommodations in and nearby Schisma Eloundas

🏖 Child-friendly places to stay in and nearby Schisma Eloundas

💕 Romantic places to stay in and nearby Schisma Eloundas

🛎️ Luxury places to stay in and nearby Schisma Eloundas

A small white church with a red roof next to the sea
Hersonissos has a range of attractions, including kid-friendly places

Hersonissos

Get directions

Hersonissos is one of the most family-friendly places to stay in Crete. That's in large part due to the numerous activity parks located within the city.

The Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre lets kids learn about the fish and reptiles that call the island home. On the other hand, the Lychnostatis Open Air Museum lets you learn about Cretan folklore and culture.

Even if you're traveling with friends or taking a solo trip, you won't get bored here. Hersonissos is considered the social center of the island. It has numerous cafes, restaurants, shops, and nightclubs you can visit.

In addition to its entertainment, Hersonissos is a relatively affordable place. While there are a few luxury resorts, there are also numerous affordable hotels that are perfect for budget travelers.

🛏️ Budget-friendly places to stay in and nearby Hersonissos

🏨 Mid-range places to stay in and nearby Hersonissos

🏖 Child-friendly places to stay in and nearby Hersonissos

💕 Romantic places to stay in and nearby Hersonissos

🛎️ Luxury places to stay in and nearby Hersonissos

A cobblestone street surrounded by old stone houses
Malia has the perfect mix of old-town vibe and lively nightlife

Malia

Get directions

If you're a night owl, Malia is the best part of Crete to stay. This part of the island is known for its vibrant and sometimes wild nightlife, thanks to its dance and beach clubs that stay open late into the night.

However, even if you don't plan on dancing the night away, this might still be the perfect spot for your vacation. It's close to both the beach and the Malia Palace Archaeological Site, which houses the ruins of one of the largest Minoan structures in Greece. If you'd like to venture to sites that are a little further away, like Knossos Palace, you may want to rent a car.

Since Malia has a big party scene, you can find hotels to accommodate a variety of budgets. There are luxury resorts, but you can also find cheap hotel rooms, which can be perfect for bachelor, bachelorette, or birthday trips.

🛏️ Low-priced accommodations in and nearby Malia

🏨 Well-priced accommodations in and nearby Malia

🏖 Child-friendly places to stay in and nearby Malia

💕 Romantic places to stay in and nearby Malia

🛎️ Luxury accommodations in and nearby Malia

An aerial shot of a beach with umbrellas near mountains
From hiking and swimming to sightseeing, Sitia has something for everyone

Sitia

Get directions

Sitia is a port town located in Eastern Crete. Largely considered one of the most family-friendly places on the island, there are numerous sites and activities suitable for visitors of any age.

For example, nature lovers can hike around the Richtis Gorge. On the other hand, the Archaeological Museum of Sitia lets you learn about the Minoan era in an indoor setting.

Sitia's hotels tend to be relatively affordable, but options are limited. They're all pretty large, which is excellent if you are traveling with a group. However, waiting until the last minute to reserve accommodations does raise the chances that all rooms will be booked.

🛏️ Low-priced accommodation in and nearby Sitia

🏨 Well-priced accommodations in and nearby Sitia

🏖 Child-friendly places to stay in and nearby Sitia

💕 Romantic place to stay in and nearby Sitia

🛎️ Luxury place to stay in and nearby Sitia

A beach next to a hill with colorful buildings under a clear blue sky
Bali promises a peaceful stay with impressive views and stunning beaches

Bali

Get directions

Bali might be a small village, but to people who want to relax and unwind, it's the best place to stay in Crete. The village itself tends to be relatively relaxed and quiet, without the tourist crowds of the larger cities. You can go for peaceful walks through the streets and enjoy calm meals at the local restaurants and tavernas.

While most people spend their days on the beach here, if you have a car, Bali is also close to some of Crete's best sites. Ancient Knossos is about 32 miles away (around a 50-minute drive), and you can arrive at the Arkadi Monastery in about 40 minutes.

In recent years, numerous new and modern hotels and resorts have opened in Bali, ranging from affordable to high-end. So, it's an ideal spot for virtually any budget, even during the busy summer season.

🛏️ Low-priced accommodation in and nearby Bali

🏨 Mid-range places to stay in and nearby Bali

🏖 Child-friendly places to stay in and nearby Bali

💕 Romantic places to stay in and nearby Bali

🛎️ Luxury accommodations in and nearby Bali

Blue umbrellas and lounge chairs by the beach
If you want to be near the azure waters, Agia Marina is a top place to stay

Agia Marina

Get directions

Agia Marina is the perfect spot for people who love the water. While Crete has multiple coastal towns, Agia Marina takes it to a new level by offering visitors the chance to parasail, jet-ski, or go sailing.

You can also take an excursion from the town's port to see Thodorou Island, which is home to wild goats! It's also the site of a World War II aircraft crash, and you can snorkel around the plane wreck, which remains submerged in the water. Make sure you find time to try out the local restaurants as well, especially after a day by the water.

Since you can find a number of affordable boutique and resort hotels, Agia Marina is an excellent place for families. Many of these lodging options even offer private beach access to avoid crowds.

🛏️ Low-priced accommodations in and nearby Agia Marina

🏨 Mid-range places to stay in and nearby Agia Marina

🏖 Child-friendly places to stay in and nearby Agia Marina

💕 Romantic places to stay in and nearby Agia Marina

🛎️ Luxury accommodations in and nearby Agia Marina

Where to Stay in Crete, Greece

A white archway with flowers leading to an open area and a church
Hersonissos is a fun area to explore for families as it has parks and museums

Where to stay in Crete for families?

Get directions

Hersonissos and Sitia are generally considered the best towns in Crete to stay in if you're planning a family vacation. These two towns offer a wide variety of activities that are suitable for travelers of all ages.

Hersonissos has multiple parks and museums younger kids can enjoy. On the other hand, Sitia has nature trails and archeological sites that are perfect for kids who have started learning about Greek history.

Both of these towns are affordable as well. While there are expensive hotels, you can also find more budget-friendly options and even apartment rentals.

🏖 Child-friendly places to stay in and nearby Hersonissos

Where to stay in Crete for nightlife?

Get directions

Since Crete has become a popular tourist spot, you can find evening things to do all over the island. However, Malia is often considered to be the best spot for nightlife.

This city has multiple late-night restaurants, bars, and clubs, so it's the perfect place to go out for drinks and dancing. However, remember that Malia's main tourist season lasts between April and October. During the "off-season," some establishments close, so there might be limited options.

Hersonissos may be a better option if you're more interested in going for walks and checking out a few cafes after the sun's gone down. It's still a vibrant city but tends to be a bit calmer than Malia.

🛏️ Low-priced accommodations in and nearby Malia

🏨 Mid-range places to stay in and nearby Malia

🛎️ Luxury places to stay in and nearby Malia

An aerial shot of a coastal village with colorful buildings on a green hill
Bali is perfect for couples who are looking for a romantic escape

Where to stay in Crete for couples?

Get directions

Crete is an excellent place for a romantic break, and it's also one of Europe's best winter sun spots if you and your partner want a winter getaway. When planning a romantic trip, Bali is the best place to stay on Crete.

Since it's a small town, it doesn't get as crowded as some of the larger cities. This also helps it retain its laid-back and quiet ambiance.

You can spend your days relaxing on the beach and trying some local dishes. As Bali is near Rethymno, excursions to sites like the Venetian Fortezza Castle are also possible, though you'll need to rent a car or take the bus.

Couples who like a more lively atmosphere might prefer Malia instead. This town is the center of Crete's nightlife, so it's a great place to dance the night away, especially during the summer.

💕 Romantic places to stay in and nearby Bali

Where to stay in Crete for honeymoon?

Get directions

It's hard to go wrong planning a honeymoon anywhere in Crete. However, Bali is generally considered the number one spot for romantic getaways on the island. It's quiet and relatively uncrowded, so it's perfect for newlyweds who want to relax and unwind on the beach.

Couples who are more social and enjoy dancing and partying will likely prefer the vibrance of Malia. That's especially true when planning a summer honeymoon since most establishments are open then.

Chania is a good versatile option. As one of the island's bigger cities, there's plenty to do. You can relax by the water or spend your days sightseeing.

💕 Romantic places to stay in and nearby Bali

The sea with a boat on it near a mountain under a blue sky with white clouds
From Kissasmos, you can easily get to one of Crete's hidden gems, Balos Beach

Where to stay in Crete for beaches?

Get directions

Crete has a wide variety of beach spots worth visiting. If you're looking for some seclusion, stay in Kissasmos. This town gives you the best access to Balos Beach, a tucked-away lagoon that's only accessible by boat or by hike.

Alternatively, Agia Marina is great for more adventurous days by the coast. Its clear water makes it an ideal spot for sailing, jet-skiing, and swimming.

However, when determining where to stay on Crete, it's important to keep the climate in mind before planning a trip. While Greece is known for its sunny days, temperatures can get quite chilly in the winter, even reaching as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're coming during the colder months, don't plan on going swimming.

🛏️ Budget-friendly place to stay in and nearby Kissamos

🏨 Mid-range places to stay in and nearby Kissamos

Where to stay in Crete with a car?

Get directions

Agios Nikolaos is one of the best Cretan places to stay with a car. This coastal town doesn't get quite as crowded as the island's larger cities, so it has a more relaxed ambiance that visitors love. It also has numerous shops and eateries worth trying while on vacation.

Staying in Agios Nikolaos allows you to visit nearby sites like the Archaeological Site of Gournia and also lets you easily venture out to other areas. It's additionally a viable option for arrivals and departures from Heraklion, as the two towns are less than 40 miles away from each other, and driving is much faster than taking the bus.

🏨 Well-priced accommodations in and nearby Agios Nikolaos

🛎️ Luxury accommodations in and nearby Agios Nikolaos

Heraklion is where to stay in Crete if you don't plan to travel by car or rent a car
As Heraklion is where most tourists arrive, commuting to any area in Crete is easy

Where to stay in Crete without a car?

Get directions

If you want to avoid renting a car, the best town to stay in Crete is Heraklion. That's especially true if you'll be arriving by boat because that's where the main port is. As the largest city, most things you'll need are within walking distance, from restaurants to shops. It also has more reliable public transportation.

However, any of the island's bigger communities are good options. So, consider Chania and Rethymno as well. All of these towns are relatively close to monuments, and you're more likely to find tour groups here that can take you on day excursions to other parts of the island.

🛏️ Low-priced accommodation in and nearby Heraklion

🏨 Mid-range places to stay in and nearby Heraklion

🛎️ Luxury accommodations in and nearby Heraklion

In Summary

Clearly, Crete has a lot to offer. From its beaches to its history, there's plenty to do and see in this corner of Greece. Hopefully, this list has helped you figure out what your travel needs are, so you can pick the best place to call your home base while on vacation.

This article was edited by Alli Sewell.

Give us feedback about this article

Read more articles about Greece:

More articles about places to stay:

Gabrielle T

Written by Gabrielle T

ggtraveler1213 WRITER Gabrielle loves all things travel and culture. She is originally from the USA, but she has lived in Italy for over a decade. She's always ready to pack her bags, grab her passport, and head out on an adventure!

Want to keep exploring?

Subscribe for discounts on tickets and hotels and our latest guides.

Thank you for subscribing

We will be in touch soon with discounts on tickets and hotels and our latest guides.

Want to keep exploring?

Subscribe for discounts on tickets and hotels and our latest guides.

Thank you for subscribing

We will be in touch soon with discounts on tickets and hotels and our latest guides.

Want to keep exploring?

Subscribe for discounts on tickets and hotels and our latest guides.

No thanks
By entering your email address you agree to our terms and conditions, Privacy policy, and consent to receive emails.