Unveiling Crete: Your Ultimate Guide to Where to Stay

Crete, the largest island of Greece, beckons travelers with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and diverse offerings. From picturesque towns brimming with history to renowned beaches perfect for relaxation and partying, knowing where to stay is crucial to enhancing your experience. Allow us to guide you through the best towns, hotels, and resorts that Crete has to offer.

Discovering the Island’s Charm: An Overview

This beautiful island is a treasure trove for visitors, featuring over 1,000 kilometers of coastline, rugged mountains, and serene villages. To truly savor the essence of Crete, a stay of at least a week is advisable. However, two weeks would give you a more profound understanding of its magnificence. Exploring the island by car or scooter opens up a world of idyllic beaches and stunning countryside ripe for adventure.

Four Regions to Explore: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Lasithi

Crete is divided into four main regions: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Lasithi. Each area boasts its unique charm, culture, and attractions. The northern coast is bustling with vibrant cities, making it the most populous part of the island. With so much to see, you’ll definitely want to plan your itinerary wisely.

Starting Point: Heraklion

Most travelers will find themselves landing at the airport or ferry port in Heraklion, the island’s capital. While it may lack the picturesque allure of Chania, Heraklion holds its own with a lively atmosphere, fascinating history, and a lovely waterfront perfect for evening strolls. The capital is also an excellent hub for accessing other parts of the island.

Chania: Romantic Charm Awaits

Chania is renowned for its romantic ambiance and exquisite Venetian-era Old Town. Transformative and pedestrian-friendly, this historic area is filled with narrow alleys and vibrant beachfront cafes. With stunning views from its iconic lighthouse, Chania offers an enchanting atmosphere, making it a top choice for travelers. Here, you can find charming boutiques and delightful restaurants, especially along the waterfront promenade that comes alive at night with street performances.

Stay in Style: Chania’s Best Accommodations

Read moreParadise Awaits: Discover the Top 10 Beachfront Hotels & Resorts in the Enchanting Greek Islands!

When it comes to lodging in Chania, boutique hotels reign supreme. Casa Delfino is a beautiful 17th-century Venetian mansion with a captivating courtyard and a rooftop terrace offering stunning views. Another gem is Domus Renier, which boasts an elegant lobby and a master suite with a spectacular water view. For a luxurious treat, consider Serenissima, a romantic 5-star hotel steeped in history within Old Town.

Explore Rethymnon: Lesser-Known Jewel

Next, venture to Rethymnon, a charming town similar in character to Chania, yet typically a touch less polished. Its Venetian harbor is marked by a quaint lighthouse, and the Old Town invites visitors to wander through its car-free, narrow alleys. Here, you’ll find shops, cafes, and landmarks from various eras, painting a picturesque picture of Cretan life.

Unique Hospitality Experiences in Rethymnon

Rethymnon features delightful hotels such as Avli Lounge Apartments, which welcomes guests with beautifully appointed suites in a historic setting. Also worth the visit is Veneto, a luxury boutique hotel nestled in a stunning 14th-century monastery, complete with a scenic courtyard and an exquisite restaurant.

Diving into the Heart of Heraklion

Heraklion serves as a lively launchpad for your Crete adventures. From here, you can easily access historic sites, museums, and the buzzing nightlife scene. While you may want to stay for a night or two, the city has notable hotel options, like GDM Megaron, which offers breathtaking views of the old Venetian port and a top-notch rooftop restaurant.

Luxurious Escapes in Elounda

On the eastern side lies Elounda, a quaint town known for its upscale beachfront resorts, frequented by international travelers seeking serenity and indulgence. The charming harbor is framed by enticing shops and casual dining spots, while luxury hotels line the nearby coasts, offering pampering amenities and breathtaking views.

Agios Nikolaos: A Unique Coastal Experience

A short distance from Elounda is Agios Nikolaos, distinguished by its quaint lakeside cafés and a tranquil atmosphere. The town maintains a charming balance between luxury and authenticity, providing great accommodations, including Minos Beach Art Hotel and St. Nicolas Bay Resort. Enjoy the captivating scenery and myriad dining options as you unwind by the bay.

Eastern Crete: Day Trips and Natural Wonders

Southeast Crete is a hive of activity, with fresh luxury resorts emerging in destinations like Ierapetra. Here, you’ll find family-friendly resorts like Ostria, set on a pristine beach. The area also features day trip options, including the historic Spinalonga island and the picturesque Vai Palm Beach, famous for its lush palm trees and stunning backdrop.

Coastal Serenity: Southern Crete’s Hidden Gems

For those seeking laid-back charm, consider the small towns of Sfakia, Loutro, and Paleochora on the southern coast. Connecting these peaceful spots are lovely beaches intermixed with fresh-water springs and dramatic caves. Experience the authentic side of Crete while enjoying unspoiled beaches, making this an ideal getaway for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle.

Dive Deeper: More Resources for Travelers

To make the most of your time on this enchanting island, visit SantoriniDave.com for extensive insights on Crete and other Greek gems. Here, you’ll find in-depth guides catering to all your travel needs, ensuring you create the perfect itinerary.

Wrap-Up: Plan Your Dream Crete Getaway

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime in Crete – an island interweaving history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Whether you choose to unwind on sun-kissed beaches, explore historic towns, or revel in local delicacies, your stay in this Greek paradise is guaranteed to be a memorable one. Like this article? Don’t forget to share and subscribe for more travel insights and tips!



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45 COMMENTS

  3. Just came back from there May2024 and stayed at Domes of Elounda Autograph Hotel which was magnificent – it’s unique service offering, fabulous location, outstanding cuisine and most important fantastic staff. My second stay there and can’t wait to go back! 😎

  4. Good production, although, the pronunciation of places cannot even be excused by you being an English speaker, this coming from a Norwegian. All you had to do was read the words for it to be excused, but you even missed entire letters of the names, and in some, you added letters that were not even there. Secondly, the recommendations of hotels etc. is ludicrous, unless this is specifically a channel targeting wealthy people. Then again, the name of the channel is "Santorini.." which explains why you might think the prices of these accommodations were excusable. Insane. By the footage also, it seems you were very lucky on your visits, as you mentioned the wind factor absolutely zero times. How one can mention Falassarna, or the north eastern places like Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and Vai, and not once mention the CRAZY amounts of wind, is mind baffling. For Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, good luck eating outside without having all your stuff blown off the table (for the majority of days), and for Falassarna and Vai, most days you will EAT SAND. Whenever you don't, is an exception. These places are also robbing people when it comes to pricing of sun chairs, umbrellas and food. Lived in Crete a bit over five years now, and I cannot believe the presentation of these places.

  10. When I lived in Crete in the 70's to early 80's you could just get a flight and stay where you wanted. I returned in 88 and you had to book into a hotel before your flight and had to stay there. I'd check how it stands now. Travelling as you feel led is so much better.

  11. We went there last September for 3 weeks. You need a minimum of 3 weeks. We stayed in a village called Sternes. A 20 minite drive from Chania. It was amazing. We rented an airbnb house overlooking the mounhtains and sea. It was stunning and away from the tourists. When we wanted we'd go to the town in Chania. On the second part of our trip we stayed in the south, in Frangocastelo. It was a 15 minute drive from Sfakia. I recommed not staying in the touristy areas. They are expensive and packed with people and noise. This was the best trip ever. Particularly we loved the south of Crete.

  12. To explore Crete properly you need three weeks at least, and a rented car. Otherwise, prepare carefully. Avoid the touristy party places like Chersonisos Heraklio. Stay at two different places on the island, to make the journeys easier. Tour or hike around mountainous Crete. Don't miss the southern part of the island and the magnificent gorges.

  25. Near Agios Nikolaos I’d recommend Faedra Beach, its a cozy, clean hotel with a fair price. I was there, the food was so good we ate there every day, and they cleaned our rooms every day too! The beach is across the road, and its a nice walk to Agios Nikolaos (15-20min on foot). We walked, we liked it 😊. You can also rent a car like us and go driving in the mountains, we found a really nice taverna and other spots, but in general, the people on the island are SO nice, everything is VERY clean, and I loved it! Hope you love it too, good luck! ❤

  30. Just a note Dave, perhaps when you show the various hotels, you could show the price range for each one? I know they do vary dependent on season, but it would be very helpful. Great informative videos though, keep them coming!!

  31. Very nice made video! I fell in love with Crete, and more specific with Chania while travelling there for holiday and I'd really love to move there. I felt like home and even though I've spent two weeks in Crete, I was sorry to leave.

  34. I like that you're pronouncing Chaniá Χανιά with the accent on the last 'a'. There are a few English-speaking travellers making blogs about Greece and most of them can't read Greek or pronounce the names half-way correctly. Kudos. All the best from Switzerland, Rob

  36. I have not been to Crete since 2004. At that time I was vacationing in Rethymnon and I visited most of the island thanks to rent a car. I have to visit that beautiful island again. A lot of time has passed, probably a lot of things have changed in the meantime. Wonderful people live there.

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