Where to stay in Crete? Find out where to book studios and hotels for your stay!
Choose the area to stay in Crete
Click on a location to view the map and the list of the best hotels and studios:
As in all Greek islands, the main accommodations for vacations are studios , which are small apartments (often one-bedroom or two-bedroom) equipped with a kitchenette, bedroom, and bathroom, usually family-run and often reasonably priced. The managers of the studios are generally very helpful and friendly, as are the residents, and they provide affordable accommodation that is suitable for the typical needs of a vacation on a Greek island.
The island of Crete is very touristy, so you can find every type of accommodation in hotel s (even by the sea), tourist villages, and residences, both budget and luxury. There are also at least a dozen campsites located, for example, in Chersonisson, Kissamos, Rethymno, Sissi, Ierapetra, Aghia Galini, Gouves, Pitsidhia, Aghios Nikolaos, and Hania.
Crete is very large, and probably to see it all in one vacation requires many days, so it is good to approach it "one piece at a time." Some come for its ancient history and everything it still has to tell us through its archaeological sites and museums. Some come for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear sea. Others come for the animation and festive life of certain locations. Finally, some come for all these reasons together. Choosing the right location will also help avoid wasting too much time traveling because crossing the island in mountainous areas is certainly not quick. The cities and villages with the most accommodation offerings are Hania, Rethimno, Hersonissou, Iraklio, Kissamos, Aghios Nikolaos, Elounda, Malia, Sitia, Ierapetra, and Matala.
Hania
Located on the northwestern coast, near an airport, it is a charming, lively, and picturesque town with a beautiful port and a small but interesting historic center characterized by narrow alleys. There are many things to visit, including museums, monasteries, and architectural works. The surroundings boast beautiful beaches. There are many accommodation options, but the town is also a highly sought-after destination for tourists, making it a bit expensive.
SEARCH FOR HOTELS AND STUDIOS IN HANIA >Rethimno
Located on the northern coast, between Hania and Iraklio, it is a beautiful town with white houses and winding seaside alleys, featuring a large Venetian fortress. The place is highly sought after by tourists, and the accommodation options are plentiful, although somewhat expensive. The area offers natural, architectural, and historical attractions. Several beautiful beaches can be found in the surroundings of the town.
SEARCH FOR HOTELS AND STUDIOS IN RETHIMNO >Hersonissou
Located in the northeastern part of the island, Hersonissou is a summer destination for many young people who spend their nights in discos and pubs. On the coast, there is a beautiful and long sandy beach lined with palm trees and with a lovely blue, shallow, and crystal-clear sea where many water sports can be practiced. If beach fun is not enough, there are interesting and lively theme parks in the area. The accommodation options are very good, and entertainment in the area is guaranteed.
SEARCH FOR HOTELS AND STUDIOS IN HERSONISSOU >Iraklio
It is the capital of the island, consisting of houses built close to each other in Turkish style, a Venetian castle by the sea, and powerful city walls. Certainly, you can stay in Iraklio if you intend to visit the entire island or if you are attracted to Minoan civilization, museums, and especially the mythical Palace of Knossos. For those arriving by plane, the island's main airport is just a few kilometers from the city, but the beautiful beaches are not very close. It is suitable for a cultural holiday, a bit less for a beach holiday.
SEARCH FOR HOTELS AND STUDIOS IN IRAKLIO >Kissamos
Located at the far end of the northwest coast, near the most beautiful beaches of the island, it is in a perfect position for beach lovers. You can find many accommodation options, which are less expensive than in the more renowned cities, and it still offers entertainment, tourist services, a port connected to the Peloponnese and Piraeus, and nearby, the ruins of an ancient Doric city.
SEARCH FOR HOTELS AND STUDIOS IN KISSAMOS >Aghios Nikolaos
Located on the northeastern coast, it is a famous and fashionable tourist center, picturesque, with a port, a beautiful pebbly beach, and shallow, clear waters where various water sports can be practiced. The range of accommodations is vast, as are the possible excursions in the surroundings to see interesting places like the island of Spinalonga or other beautiful beaches.
SEARCH FOR HOTELS AND STUDIOS IN AGHIOS NIKOLAOS >Elounda
Located on the northeastern coast, it is an upscale and rather expensive seaside resort. Among its distinguishing features are the ruins of an ancient city submerged in the sea and the presence of the beautiful fortified islet of Spinalonga. Elounda has a predominantly sandy beach, sheltered and with beautifully colored waters where various water sports can be practiced. Budget considerations aside, its location is optimal for visiting the eastern part of Crete.
SEARCH FOR HOTELS AND STUDIOS IN ELOUNDA >Malia
Located on the northeastern coast, it is a Minoan archaeological center but also, and above all, a very lively resort. Ideal for those who love to have fun with music and stay out late in the company of festive people. The accommodation options are good and cater to all budgets.
SEARCH FOR HOTELS AND STUDIOS IN MALIA >Sitia
Located at the far northeast of the island, it is a quiet seaside village not particularly touristy, although the accommodation options are good and there are several services such as the airport and the port with connections to Piraeus. Just over 20 kilometers from Sitia is the famous Vai beach, with a tropical appearance due to the thousands of date palms and a fantastic sea. For those who love beautiful seas and are not looking for too much animation, Sitia can be the right place to stay.
SEARCH FOR HOTELS AND STUDIOS IN SITIA >Ierapetra
Located on the southeastern coast of the island, it has a very long sandy beach with palm trees, rocks, and a beautiful sea. It can be a good place to stay, especially if you intend to visit the beautiful Chrissi Island, a small island with fantastic beaches and sea. The area, which offers various accommodation options, is suitable for those who love beach life on long sandy beaches with very clean water.
SEARCH FOR HOTELS AND STUDIOS IN IERAPETRA >Matala
Matala is located in the center of the southern coast of Crete. It has a beautiful sandy beach with cliffs and very unique caves that were once inhabited by hippie communities and can still be visited for shade. The sea is also beautiful, but Matala is not just for swimming. Nearby, there is a famous Minoan archaeological site and several other ancient ruins. You can choose it for a holiday in Crete for all these reasons, and additionally for its absolutely central location.
SEARCH FOR HOTELS AND STUDIOS IN MATALA >