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Home > travel-blog > Greece > Crete > Where To Stay In Crete in 2023

Where To Stay In Crete in 2023

Eleni Gimouki Last Updated: February 27, 2023

Crete is the biggest island in Greece and one of the biggest islands in the Mediterranean Sea. That is to say, there are numerous places where you can stay in Crete and numerous things to do and to see. It is certainly one of the most beautiful islands with great history and wonderful places to visit.


Pro Tip: Heading to Greece? It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Bookmark this post along with our Greece guide for more planning resources, plus the best places to visit in Greece and the top things to do in Crete.

Where To Stay In Crete: Best Hotels and Neighborhoods

Crete is the biggest island in Greece divided into four prefectures. In other words, it is about 160km in length. Therefore, there are several great places to stay at. Most importantly, each place has unique beauties and wonderful attractions. Above all, there are numerous hotels with great amenities to choose from.

So, in the list below, we are going to present you the four prefectures of Crete with some of the most popular attractions of each one, its best restaurants, and its top hotels. So, after reading this article, you will have a really good understanding of Crete. Therefore, choose the best place to spend your holidays.

  • Lassithi
  • Irakleio
  • Rethymno
  • Chania

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Lassithi

The prefecture of Lassithi is located in the easternmost point of Crete. Firstly, people love Lassithi for its natural landscapes. Moreover, there are several areas where you can enjoy the nightlife. Finally, you will find a lot of picturesque villages with traditional taverns.

Further, one of my favorite beaches in Lassithi is certainly Vai beach. The reason why Vai beach is an amazing beach is that there are many palm trees. This scenery certainly reminds us of an exotic place.

Why I Love Lassithi:

  • Amazing natural landscapes
  • Picturesque fishing villages
  • Nightlife in Ierapetra
  • Cosmopolitan Elounda

Attractions In Lassithi:

  • Palmforest in Vai beach
  • Spinalonga island
  • Visiting Oropedio with windmills
  • Visiting Xerokambos & its natural spa with clay on the beach

Best Restaurants In Lassithi:

  • Palm Beach Vai Restaurant
  • Robinson Taverna
  • Lotus Eaters
  • Megaro Restaurant

Best Hotels In Lassithi:

Elounda Palm Hotel & Suites

Elounda Palm Hotel & Suites Best Hotels In Lassithi
Photo thanks to Elounda Palm Hotel & Suites

€€€ | 4 Star | Greek & Mediterranean Dishes

In Elounda Palm Hotel & Suites, you will certainly enjoy the sea view by the swimming pool. Moreover, you can spend some time relaxing by having a spa.

Finally, the hotel is located in the most popular spot of Lassithi. So, you will enjoy the nightlife of Elounda.

Location, photos, and booking

Minos Palace Hotel & Suites

Minos Palace Hotel & Suites-Adults Only Top Hotels In Lassithi
Photo thanks to Minos Palace Hotel & Suites-Adults Only

€€€€ | 5 Star | Beach Access | Adults Only

Above all, Minos Palace Hotel & Suites is the ideal hotel destination for couples. You will certainly enjoy spending your day by the swimming pool.

Finally, it is another hotel located in cosmopolitan Elounda. So, you can really enjoy the nightlife.

Location, photos, and booking

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa Best Hotels In Lassithi
Photo thanks to Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa

€€€€ | 5 Star | Rooms For Disabled

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa is certainly one more amazing hotel located in Elounda. Above all, the rooms offer an amazing view of the Aegean sea.

Further, Plaka village is only 2km away from the hotel. So, you have a great chance to visit Spinalonga island by boat from there.

Location, photos, and booking

Heraklio

The prefecture of Heraklio is located next to and west of Lassithi. Heraklion is certainly one more popular destination. Above all, in Heraklio, you will find large squares and a lot of commercial shops. Moreover, there are also famous seaside villages where you can enjoy the nightlife.

Most important, in Heraklio, there are some of the most well-known and must-visit attractions. For example, you will have the opportunity to spend a day visiting Knossos Palace. Moreover, Hersonissos and Malia are the ideal places for nightlife, while Matala is a famous attraction because of the hippies’ history in the region.

Why I Love Heraklio:

  • Commercial shops in the center of Heraklio
  • Amazing archaeological sites
  • Nightlife in Malia and Hersonissos
  • Best seafood restaurants

Attractions In Heraklio:

  • Knossos Palace
  • Matala
  • Venetian fortress Rocca a Mare
  • Venetian Walls of Heraklion

Best Restaurants In Heraklio:

  • Peskesi
  • Kouzeineri
  • Ntore
  • Athali

Best Hotels In Heraklio:

Paralos Lifestyle Beach

Enorme Lifestyle Beach Best Hotels In Heraklion
Photo thanks to Enorme Lifestyle Beach

€€€ | 4 Star | Adults Only

Paralos Lifestyle Beach is a hotel offering the most stylish rooms. Above all, you will love the amazing swimming pools and the spa center.

Finally, the hotel is located in Ammoudara village. That is to say, you can spend your daytime at the beach in front of the hotel.

Location, photos, and booking

Galaxy Iraklio Hotel

Galaxy Iraklio Hotel Top Hotels In Heraklion
Photo thanks to Galaxy Iraklio Hotel

€€€€ | 5 Star | City Hotel

In Galaxy Iraklio Hotel you can certainly enjoy different amenities. For example, you can stay fit in the hotel’s gym. On the other hand, you can taste some gourmet dishes in the hotel’s restaurant.

Finally, this hotel is located in the center of Heraklio city. That is to say, you have the chance to visit some of the most significant attractions.

Location, photos, and booking

Acro Suites – A Wellbeing Resort

Acro Suites - A Wellbeing Resort Best Hotels In Heraklio
Photo thanks to Acro Suites – A Wellbeing Resort

€€€€+ | 5 Star | Adults Only

Above all, this resort is the ideal vacation choice. To clarify, every room offers an amazing sea view. Further, the rooms are really spacious and comfortable.

Moreover, this hotel is located in Agia Pelagia village, 25 km away from Heraklio city. Here, you will certainly enjoy the sea, fresh fish dishes, and the Cretan philoxenia.

Location, photos, and booking

Rethymno

The prefecture of Rethymno is located next to Heraklio. Above all, it is a wonderful medieval city. You will certainly be impressed by Fortezza and the Venetian fortress on the hill of Paleokastro. The view is certainly breathtaking.

Most importantly, you also have the chance to admire unique natural landscapes. To clarify, in Rethymno, there are several amazing beaches. Also, there are mountains if you would like to go trekking during your holidays.

Why I Love Rethymno:

  • Walks in the castle
  • Amazing beaches
  • Traditional sweets
  • Traditional Cretan entertainment

Attractions In Rethymno:

  • Rethymno Old Town
  • Preveli palmforest & beach
  • Psiloritis mountain
  • Venetian Fortezza Castle

Best Restaurants In Rethymno:

  • Petra Restaurant Rethymno
  • Cavo Rethymno
  • Achinos
  • 7 Thalasses Seafood Restaurant

Best Hotels In Rethymno:

Veneto Boutique Hotel

Veneto Hotel Best Hotels In Rethymno
Photo thanks to Veneto Hotel

€€€ | 4 Star | Boutique Hotel

Above all, Veneto Hotel is set in a 14th-century building with authentic Venetian features. So, the decoration reminds you of past centuries.

Moreover, Veneto Hotel is located in the very center of Rethymno. In other words, you have easy access to most of Rethymno’s attractions.

Location, photos, and booking

Muses Suites

Muses Suites Top Hotels In Rethymno
Photo thanks to Muses Suites

€€€ | 4 Star | Spacious Rooms

Muses Suites is an ideal hotel for families as the rooms are really spacious and comfortable. Moreover, you will enjoy the hydro massage at the hotel’s terrace.

Further, the hotel is located in the heart of Rethymno. In other words, it offers a great city view with the Venetian port.

Location, photos, and booking

Atermono Boutique Resort & Spa

Atermono Boutique Resort & Spa Best Hotels In Rethymno
Photo thanks to Atermono Boutique Resort & Spa

€€€€ | 5 Star | Evening Entertainment Program

In Atermono Boutique Resort & Spa you will certainly spend the most amazing holidays. For example, you can spend lots of hours outdoor or even indoor pools.

Moreover, the hotel is located in front of Platanes beach. So, you have really easy access to a wonderful sandy beach.

Location, photos, and booking

Chania

The prefecture of Chania is located in the western part of Crete. This is certainly the most touristic destination in Crete. To clarify, in Chania there are numerous attractions to see and activities to do. Above all, you will love the old town and its picturesque old port. Further, there are several traditional restaurants.

Further, in Chania, you will fall in love with the most beautiful beaches of the whole of Greece. Most importantly, the place is ideal for trekking lovers. To clarify, it is a great opportunity to walk into the Samaria Gorge. The experience will certainly be unforgettable.

Why I Love Chania:

  • Walks in the Old Venetian Port
  • Traditioanl Cretan cuisine
  • Magical beaches
  • Lively city

Attractions In Chania:

  • Old Venetian Port & Old City
  • Samaria Gorge
  • Falassarna Beach
  • Seitan Port beach

Best Restaurants In Chania:

  • Pallas
  • Theodosi Restaurant
  • Blue Restaurant
  • Salis

Best Hotels In Chania:

Airis Boutique Hotel & Suites

Airis Boutique Hotel & Suites Best Hotels In Chania
Photo thanks to Airis Boutique Hotel & Suites

€€€ | 4 Star | Adults Only

Airisn Boutique Hotel & Suites offers rooms with modern but minimal decoration. Moreover, you will love the amazing pools.

Further, the hotel is located at the seaside of Kato Daratso village. However, it is only 3 km away from Chania city.

Location, photos, and booking

Avra Imperial Hotel

Avra Imperial Hotel Top Hotels In Chania
Photo thanks to Avra Imperial Hotel

€€€ – €€€€ | 5 Star | Family Friendly

Avra Imperial Hotel offers luxurious amenities for adults. Also, you will find a children’s pool and indoor space for children to play.

Further, this hotel is located in Kolymbari village. To clarify, you will find a beautiful beach really close to the hotel.

Location, photos, and booking

Porto Platanias Beach Resort & Spa

Porto Platanias Beach Resort & Spa Best Hotels In Chania
Photo thanks to Porto Platanias Beach Resort & Spa

€€€ – €€€€ | 5 Star | Family Friendly

Porto Platanias Beach Resort & Spa is certainly the best choice for your vacation. That is to say, you can enjoy the hydromassage and the sauna. Further, your kids will play in the children’s playroom.

Moreover, the hotel is located in the famous Platanias village. Above all, you have easy access both to Chania city and to beautiful beaches.

Location, photos, and booking

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