Where to Stay in Crete, Greece – the 15 nicest areas to stay!

Where to Stay in Crete for YOU

Keep reading to get more details about each of these best places to stay Crete has to offer, with pros & cons and hotel recommendations. 👇

The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Crete – Pros & Cons

Located south of mainland Greece, Crete is the largest island of the Cyclades. Because of its size, it’s important to choose wisely where you want to stay to make sure you can achieve your holiday plans. 

Below, I’ve listed and reviewed the best places to stay in Crete by need or travel style to make sure your trip is a success.

THE BEST Place to Stay in Crete: Chania

Also known as Hania, Chania Town is a picturesque, small town located on the western part of the island of Crete.

It is very interesting to visit, since it was, over time, ruled by multitudes of different civilizations, the most impactful of them being the Venetians. Actually, even to this day, you will still see some particularly well-preserved, historical monuments in the city, such as churches, fountains, and mansions.

Chania is known for its local crafts shops, and it has kept its original architecture throughout history. Its old town is lovely, it has everything you need, it is connected to the rest of the island and even has awesome beaches.

Because of this, it is for sure the best place to stay in all of Crete, as everyone will find something to like about it!

Where to Stay in Chania

You cannot go wrong by staying in Chania Town. There is something for everyone there, but that’s also the case with the seemingly infinite options when it comes to hotels.

Don’t worry though, here are my 3 personal picks, depending on your budget:

✅ Best Hotel: Ciel Collection Suites

This incredible accommodation has very comfortable beds in pretty large rooms, as well as nice equipment such as a Bluetooth speaker for fun times! Also, it is ideally situated right in the heart of the town, and you will find anything you need in the near vicinity.

✨ Luxury Choice: Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel – Adults Only

This place will offer you by far the most memorable and comfortable stay in the town. This 5-star hotel has it all: not only are its rooms tastefully decorated and modernly furnished, but they also offer breathtaking views of the swimming pool area. Also, the staff is particularly nice!

💰 Budget Pick: Cocoon City Hostel

Traveling to such a buzzing place as Chania could be nerve-wracking for budget travelers if it weren’t for the Cocoon City Hostel. Located right in the middle of Chania Town, you will definitely get the best value for your money if you book a room there!

Not satisfied with these hotel options? Find more great hotels in Chania in this post.

Best Area to Stay in Crete for First-Timers: Heraklion

Historically also known as Candia, the town of Heraklion is the capital, main transportation hub, and largest city of the island of Crete. It is located on the northern coastline of the island, right next to the Sea of Crete, and was named after the former Roman port of Heracleum.

The capital of the island is cosmopolitan and particularly dynamic, even more during the summer when thousands of tourists come flooding through its gates, looking to enjoy a little piece of paradise.

If this is your first time in Crete, Heraklion is the best: it is the ultimate hub of the island, and you will most likely arrive there anyway, so why not stay for a while?

The harbor and the airport are both close to the city, there are tons of activities within the area and you can also reach all of the island thanks to the frequent connections.

Where to Stay in Heraklion

There are tons of accommodation options in Heraklion, especially considering how buzzing and coveted the area is. Because of this, it can quickly become tedious to find your best fit, but here are 3 of them that, I think, are all fantastic picks:

✅ Best Hotel: City Lion by Semavi

This hotel is perfectly located in the middle of the town and will offer you incredible value for money thanks to its air-conditioning units and its overall cleanliness and tidiness. So, don’t think twice, head to the City Lion!

✨ Luxury Choice: Porta Suites

This accommodation is fully-equipped, has high-standard furniture and even a lovely outdoor area with a jacuzzi, so you and your group will be pleased. Plus, the reception will take care of the transportation to and from the airport, so you can rest easy, enjoy relaxing times, and get pampered by the skilled staff.

💰 Budget Pick: Cozy apartment near the city centre

This small, cozy apartment is located right next to the beating heart of Heraklion, which is why it is so good and offers great value for money. Just because of this prime location, doesn’t mean it’s not affordable: it is actually completely fine in terms of the price range, and you will still have everything you want, even an air-conditioning unit, so go for it!

Best Part of Crete to Stay for Beaches: Lasithi

Despite being much less coveted than the other main areas of Crete such as the beautiful Chania or the mighty Heraklion, Lasithi is definitely the best place when it comes to beaches. Also, it is peaceful and very lovely.

Lasithi, compared to larger cities, is much more remote and peaceful, which is why I particularly love this place. If you don’t mind the fact that there aren’t that many activities aside from the beaches (which, for most people, is more than enough), you are in for a quaint retreat from the large crowds if you head to Lasithi.

That’s not all there is to this town though, as there are several interesting, unique archeological sites, as well as tons of picturesque areas! It is actually one of the best cities for landscapes, so definitely consider it if you’re going for the beaches and basking in the sun!

Where to Stay in Lasithi

Just because Lasithi is remotely located doesn’t mean that there aren’t loads of options for you to choose from.

I believe that there are the best 3 ones by far though, so tell me what you think:

✅ Best Hotel: Hotel Port 7- Boutique Collection

This hotel is just marvelous, as not only are its hosts caring and helpful, but they will also help you by giving you fantastic recommendations for food and day trip options. Plus, the interior is tastefully decorated, modern, and freshly refurbished!

✨ Luxury Choice: Minos Palace Hotel & Suites – Adults Only

From the comfort of an adult-only hotel, you will have stunning views of the sea and will sit on top of a rocky headland, overlooking Agios Nikolaos Bay. In case you were worried about possibly being bored, don’t worry, you will be only 2 km / 1.2 mi away from the center of the town, but there are plenty of good activities on site as well.

💰 Budget Pick: Victoria Hotel

This accommodation will offer great value for money, and it is ideally located, right on the beachfront. For such affordable pricing, you will have the luxury of enjoying a breathtaking sea view, and there is even a supermarket close by, should you lack anything.

Best Area Where to Stay on Crete for Nightlife: Rethymnon

When it comes to having fun on your night out, not many places in Crete come close to Rethymnon.

Situated right in the center of Crete, between Heraklion and Chania, it has a great location if you want to check out both of these incredible towns.

However, I am guessing that you won’t want to leave its region, considering how peaceful and quaint it is; besides, there are multitudes of medieval buildings there, and Rethymno is still the third-largest city on the island, so trust me, there are enough activities for you there.

This city is the place to go for partying in Crete because it is filled with students (since it has a major university), and there are lots of nightclubs, bars, and pubs. Plus, most of them are located right next to the old harbor, and the area is even more stunning during the night.

Where to Stay in Rethymnon

I already know that you will have a fantastic night out in Rethymnon, but unfortunately, you first have to think about where you should go back to get some rest in the early morning.

The good news is that all these 3 hotels are great:

✅ Best Hotel: Menta City Boutique Hotel

This accommodation is just stunning, from its ideal location and the quality of its equipment to its value for money. Nothing to say more, simply the best hotel you can find in Rethymnon.

✨ Luxury Choice: Dyo Suites

When staying there, you will feel like you’re living on another planet: its beds are the most comfortable you will ever sleep in, its rooms are very spacious and modern, and you will have dozens of breakfast options to choose from, all of them being cooked by the on-site chef.

💰 Budget Pick: Olympic Palladium

Located right in the heart of Rethymnon, the Olympic Palladium will offer anything you need, and even more: its staff is particularly kind, its prices are surprisingly low, and its breakfasts are free!

To get more hotel options in Rethymno, check out this dedicated post.

Best Place to Stay in Crete for Sightseeing: Hersonissos

There is no place like Hersonissos in all of Crete if sightseeing is what you are going there for.

This town is located eastwards of Heraklion, and it is pretty popular amongst tourists. Actually, in the past few years, more and more tourists are headed there, and it has grown into one of the largest tourist resorts in all on the island in only a few decades.

Hersonissos is a crowded city, but you’re sure to not miss out on the most gorgeous sights there: from the splendid shoreline to the swimming pools and the palm trees, you are guaranteed to witness some of Crete’s best landscapes.

Also, it has a good location and frequent bus lines connecting it to the rest of the island, and it is another good place for nightlife.

Where to Stay in Hersonissos

There are so many tourists in Hersonissos that you will absolutely need to plan your trip in advance. And while you’re at it, pick one of these hotels, you can’t really go wrong with any of them:

✅ Best Hotel: Villa Sonia

The views you will have from the Villa Sonia are worthy of postcards, and are just absolutely stunning! Besides, the property as a whole is particularly clean and very affordable. The balconies are wide, sunny and lovely and the facilities are fantastic, so don’t overthink and book a room there.

✨ Luxury Choice: Crete Golf Club Hotel

What’s more luxurious than a large, modern hotel near the golf course of Hersonissos? Believe it or not, as incredible as the amenities of this hotel are, the best thing about it is its staff, which will make your stay most memorable and will pamper you as you’ve always dreamt of!

💰 Budget Pick: Stella Paradise “by Checkin”

Hersonissos is overall a fairly expensive town, but if you search well, you will find decent accommodations with great perks, such as Stella Paradise. This place is tidy and nice and it has a nice location, from which you can explore everything by bus and try plenty of restaurants you will find close by.

Best Area to Stay in Crete on a Budget: Agios Nikolaos

Next up is Agios Nikolaos, my personal favorite area for a stay in Crete when you’re on a budget.

This place is Crete’s 5th-largest city, which is already a good enough reason to pick it as there are fewer tourists than in the main cities of Chania and Heraklion.

Also, Agios Nikolaos is located on the eastern part of the island, only less than an hour away from the airport of Heraklion, which is definitely very handy. It is connected to the rest of the island, and you can access most of it pretty easily from there.

This place is a paradise for budget travelers: as difficult as it sounds to find affordable areas on such a buzzing island as Crete, Agios Nikolaos is the place to go to save some pennies!

Where to Stay in Agios Nikolaos

Although Agios Nikolaos is relatively small, it is still quite coveted, so finding a hotel cannot always be easy.

To make sure you don’t waste any time or energy, just pick one of these three options:

✅ Best Hotel: Celine Luxury Apartments & Suites

Just because they have “luxury” in their name doesn’t mean they aren’t affordable. In fact, the suites are quite luxurious inside but remain pretty low priced. Besides, the building as a whole was recently renovated, the staff offers top-notch services and the rooms are comfortable and spacious, so that’s an easy 10 out of 10 for me.

✨ Luxury Choice: Emerald Lake Studios

Have a quick glance at the pictures, and you’ll immediately understand how luxurious the Emerald Lake Studios are! This hotel is just magnificent, and it is situated right in the center of Agios Nikolaos, but still in an isolated and quiet area… which is only around 500 m / 1,600 ft from the nearest beach!

💰 Budget Pick: Artemis House

Artemis House will offer the best value for your money in the most affordable area of the island, but its interior is uniquely decorated, clean, and tidy, and you will be located close to stunning beaches, so go for it if you can!

Discover more top accommodations in Agios Nikolaos in this hotel guide.

Best Place to Stay on Crete for Families: Elounda

If you are treating your loved ones, and are taking them to the island of Crete, then you should all stay together in Elounda.

Why? Because not only is this town very safe and it has multitudes of resorts for all of your family, but there are also great other perks such as kids clubs and sports activities.

Honestly, what more could your little ones ask for? A beach? They will also have it there!

Elounda is a small, picturesque village situated on the eastern coastline of Crete, and it is very interesting because of its peacefulness.

There, you will live in a much more laid-back, quaint atmosphere, and will blend in with locals and enjoy a peaceful stay with kids. This way, you are guaranteed to get some well-earned rest!

Where to Stay in Elounda

While all of Elounda is quiet and relaxing, it doesn’t mean that all of its hotels will suit you and your family’s needs. So if you’re picky about the best accommodation because you want to be sure to spend a great stay in Crete with your pack, just pick one of my 3 favorite hotels:

✅ Best Hotel: Elounda Vista Villas

Elounda Vista Villas will offer you a luxurious stay, but remain very affordable, and are thus the optimal option. This family-friendly hotel is perfect in every possible sense since it is situated in front of a sumptuous bay, right by the seaside, and it has great hosts who are keen to help you with whatever you may need.

✨ Luxury Choice: Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa

If you are looking for the most luxurious option in the most luxurious area of Crete, the Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa is here for you. With a lobster dinner, a stunning view of Spinalonga, a shuttle bus, and a private swimming pool, I’m sure you won’t need anything else, and you will have plenty of time to relax with your family.

💰 Budget Pick: Naiades Village Elounda

To be completely honest with you, it wasn’t easy to find comfortable and affordable accommodation in such a luxurious town as Elounda, but the Naiades Village Elounda is perfect for that. This accommodation offers great perks for a low price: it is situated close to bars and restaurants, its rooms are tidy and spacious and everything is cleaned regularly, including towels.

Best Place to Stay on Crete for Couples: Zaros

Thanasis Papathanasiou / CC BY-NC-ND

If you are one of the lucky people who are traveling to the island of Crete as a couple, I am thinking that the main advantages you will be looking for are isolation, peacefulness, intimacy, and magnificent, sunny beaches.

So if that is the case, then trust me on that: just go to Zaros!

Zaros is particularly romantic, and it would fit any kind of couple because of this, but it is also famous across all of Crete for its greenery and scenery: from there, you won’t be bothered by anyone, and you will love hiking across the area.

Besides, there is even a lake filled with fish and ducks there, which is quite rare, and also old monuments dating back to the Byzantine era, such as monasteries and churches.

I can only recommend you to try Greek cuisine if you can afford to, because it is one of the best in the world, and you can taste it anywhere you’d like in Zaros.

Where to Stay in Zaros

If you want your only concerns to be where to taste the best of Greece’s cuisine or where to find the comfiest spot on the beach, you should book one of these accommodations, and not waste any time with it:

✅ Best Hotel: Kamihis Farm House Experience

I believe that, for the best, all-around stay in Zaros, the Kamihis Farm House Experience is the way to go. It is simply incredible, for many reasons. First off, it is located away from anyone else and is lit up by candles, so it is particularly romantic and peaceful. Then, the area as a whole is silent and relaxing. And finally, the owners are really nice and caring.

✨ Luxury Choice: Cretan Nature Villa Alexandra

The classiest, most comfortable and fanciest of accommodations in Zaros is the Cretan Nature Villa Alexandra. By renting an entire villa, you and your special someone are guaranteed to spend a quiet, luxurious, and romantic stay in Crete; and that is exactly what this place is all about!

💰 Budget Pick: Keramos

Keramos is a hotel run by a family of locals, which has been around the area for several generations: they will thus give you particularly good recommendations. Besides, the beds are comfortable, the garden view is sumptuous and the architecture of the building is typical of the region, perfect for couples!

Best Location to Stay in Crete Without a Car: Chania

You already know about Chania Town, so I won’t be wasting your time by endlessly describing it.

What you don’t know though, is why, on top of being the best overall area to stay in Crete, it is also the best place for travelers who don’t have access to a car.

Crete is a very large island, and there are tons of points of interest you might want to reach. While having your own car always sounds great, so you can plan your trip however you feel like, not everyone can afford this luxury.

If you want to stay in Crete without renting a car and still want to explore the rest of the island, Chania is the place to be: there are so many transportation options that you won’t lack anything!

Also, it is one of the first places you will most likely arrive when traveling to Crete, so you won’t have to move much.

Where to Stay in Chania

Chania is the best place to stay in Crete without a car, that’s for sure. However, what you’ll need in any case is a hotel. As a reminder, here are my 3 favorite options in the town, adapted to your budget:

✅ Best Hotel: Ciel Collection Suites

The Ciel Collection Suites should be anyone’s main choice for accommodation in Chania. There, you will find very spacious rooms with particularly comfy beds. Besides, this hotel is perfectly situated, right in the heart of the city, and you will find everything you need right next to your doorstep.

✨ Luxury Choice: Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel – Adults Only

This adult-only boutique hotel has 5 stars, and it is overall simply exceptional: the kind staff will warmly welcome you, the view of the outdoor swimming pool is jaw-dropping and the rooms are modern and tastefully decorated.

💰 Budget Pick: Cocoon City Hostel

I am assuming that if you don’t want to rent a car, you are trying to travel on a budget. For you, this place should be the perfect choice then. Although you will need to share your room with other travelers, you will be perfectly located in Chania Town and will pay one of the lowest prices in the entire area!

Where to Stay in Crete for Relaxation: Palaiochóra

While most of the main cities of Crete are located on the northern coastline of the island, Palaiochóra is unique in the sense that it is instead on the southern one.

This is the main reason why it is so good for relaxation purposes: it is located away from the main action but still offers every amenity you could need during your stay.

Built on a narrow and long peninsula, Palaiochóra has campsites, apartments, and small hotels, as well as cafés, an open-air cinema, car rental services, and bars, among others.

This city is pretty awesome for anything nature-related, from hikes to swimming and scuba diving, so definitely give it a shot if you want the most peaceful stay in Crete.

Where to Stay in Palaiochóra

Palaiochóra is an absolutely beautiful town with whitewashed houses surrounded by lush vegetation.

If you want to stay there, these are the 3 recommendations I can give you:

✅ Best Hotel: Mediterranean Dream

This hotel is excellently located, only 500 m / 1,600 ft from the beach. What makes it stand out though is that it is brand new, spotlessly clean, has a helpful staff, and is overall particularly modern and stylish.

✨ Luxury Choice: Libyan Mare

Situated amidst olive groves, it won’t get more luxurious in Palaiochóra than with the Libyan Mare. It is particularly peaceful and intimate, it is on a private road and offers a mountain view, and everything is squeaky clean and well-designed. An easy 10 out of 10 for me!

💰 Budget Pick: Hotel Aghas Paleochora

Hotel Aghas Paleochora will definitely offer the best value for money. It is ideally located, right next to the center of the city and the beach, offers rooms with either mountain or sea views and even has a snack bar. Pretty awesome for a budget-friendly hotel.

Best Area in Crete for the Local Vibe: Sitia

If you are looking for the most genuine and authentic vibe in Crete, then Sitia is your safe haven. This small, charming market town is located on the northeasternmost part of Crete, on the side of a hill.

Sitia has a large, beautiful harbor, which frequently connects it to smaller islands. There are also lots of fishing boats, which make the scenery particularly picturesque.

In spite of the overall development and increasing tourism of Crete, Sitia has kept its original, unstained vibe and will offer you a great, relaxing stay. Its seafront is filled with palm trees, and its waters are both clear and warm.

Where to Stay in Sitia

Even though Sitia is mostly known for its genuine atmosphere, it still offers great accommodations for adventurous tourists like you, who want to spend a great time in the city.

And well, here are the best 3 options you have:

✅ Best Hotel: Sitia Bay

As its name implies, Sitia Bay is indeed located right on the beachfront, and it will warmly welcome you in idyllic scenery. Breakfasts are particularly tasty, and the views from the sunny balconies are just marvelous. The rooms are sound-proofed, the beds are comfortable and the swimming pool is lovely.

✨ Luxury Choice: Sitia Beach City Resort & Spa

This hotel is nothing less than otherworldly: it is particularly high-standard, and everything there is surrounded by lush vegetation, which makes it even more inviting. Of course, there are spas in this resort, as well as a magnificent swimming pool, modern rooms, and sunny terraces.

💰 Budget Pick: Nora Hotel

Despite its particularly affordable pricing, the Nora Hotel is perfectly located, right in the center of the harbor of Sitia, only a handful of seconds from the sea! This accommodation has a seating area with a TV in each of its rooms, as well as a private bathroom and a fridge: what more do you need?

Mátala

There are not many places around the island of Crete that are as unique as Mátala.

Situated in the southern part of the island, it has one of the most famous beaches, not only because of how beautiful it is but also because of its historic past: particularly popular during the 1970s (and still to this day, don’t worry about that), it is definitely a must-do destination in Crete.

Thanks to its location, quite close to Heraklion, the main transportation hub of the island, Mátala can easily be reached by car, as the trip will only take you around one hour. If you don’t have access to a car, there are also several public transportation options, which run several times a day; they all start from the Heraklion central station. 

Mátala is well-known for the caves in the cliffs surrounding it, and it even used to be a major stronghold for hippies and counterculture.

Where to Stay in Mátala

The special town that is Mátala has quickly developed itself during the past few decades, and there are now lots of great accommodation options.

I personally think that these 3 clearly stand out though:

✅ Best Hotel: Hotel Coral Matala

Situated right on the main street of Mátala, this place is the best compromise: you will have access to a garden and a lounge by the swimming pool, and will be located close to both the city center and the beach. Plus, considering how many fantastic perks it offers (especially the rooftop terrace with panoramic views), this hotel is very affordable.

✨ Luxury Choice: Matala Blue

The Matala Blue is definitely the best fancy hotel in town. Thanks to its air-conditioned rooms and gorgeous views of the city, you will feel particularly relaxed when staying there. Also, this apartment is situated right by the beachfront and has its own, on-site minimarket. There are also tons of activities you need to try nearby, such as great hiking trails and bike rental services.

💰 Budget Pick: Dimitris Villa Hotel

Although it is not an entire villa, this villa will pleasantly surprise you. It is run by a family of locals and has bright rooms with air-conditioning units. Plus, you will enjoy a TV, a fridge and a safe, but most importantly will eat your traditional Greek breakfast near the pool, surrounded by flowers!

Malia

While it isn’t as unique as Mátala, Malia is another very special town in Crete.

Located eastwards of Heraklion and fairly close to Agios Nikolaos, it is divided into two parts by its main road: the old town at the foot of the hill, and the newer areas near the seashore.

Previously known across the island for its potatoes, it has now largely developed into a tourist hub and welcomes thousands of travelers each year. There are plenty of cozy tavernas, small bars, and large hotels there.

As you may have guessed, there are 2 vastly different atmospheres in the city: on one side of the main road, you will sit in a quiet area with Greek music and cute, narrow streets, while the rest of the town has nightclubs, buzzing nightlife and bars! So, pick whatever you like most!

Where to Stay in Malia

No matter what you want to do most, either the bustling or the relaxing part of the city, you will need a hotel from which you can base your adventures.

And these three are all great choices, believe me:

✅ Best Hotel: Sunshine Studios

Despite the fact that this place is a 2-star hotel, they feel like a very cozy and luxurious experience, especially for such affordable pricing. It has a magnificent outdoor swimming pool area, as well as whitewashed walls and tasteful splashes of colors: all of Greece in a nutshell!

✨ Luxury Choice: Royal Heights Resort Villas & Spa

If you decide to stay here, you will be located on… heights! And from there, you can overlook all of Malia, from the comfort of the gorgeous swimming pool. In this hotel, you will be treated like a movie star, and won’t ever lack anything. To put it simply: everything about it is superb!

💰 Budget Pick: Oasis Studios

In all of my years of traveling, I have very rarely seen such low prices in such an attractive area as Crete, than in the Oasis Studios. For a record-breaking low investment, you will be perfectly located near Malia Beach, will have all the necessary comfort you will need, and even have access to an outdoor swimming pool. Stunning!

Stavrós

Are you looking for yet another of the best cities of Crete for the beaches?

Then Stavrós is right here for you: as low as it is on this list, it is for sure a hidden gem, you can trust me on that.

Another reason I love this place so much is that it is known to be safe, which makes it perfect for families with young kids. There are also multitudes of activities for you to try, and I believe you won’t have time to get bored.

About the beach itself, it is fully equipped with sun loungers and parasols, and its turquoise waters are nothing but mesmerizing. Finally, Stavrós is also located relatively close to the airport, which is another good argument to give it a try.

Where to Stay in Stavrós

While it isn’t the most crowded area in all of Crete, Stavrós is still fairly coveted. So, the competition with other tourists can be rough when it comes to finding the best accommodation by the beach. Go ahead and book a room in any of these 3 properties:

✅ Best Hotel: Kavos Hotel & Suites

Since it is located in a peaceful and overall quiet location, and will offer incredible value for your money (considering how affordable it is), this place is, for me, the best compromise when it comes to accommodations in Stavrós. Plus, its staff is particularly nice, and they will make sure you spend a great stay in the town.

✨ Luxury Choice: Paradice Hotel Luxury Suites

The Paradice Hotel Luxury Suites wear their name pretty well, as they are both comfy and fancy. Besides, their hosts are caring and helpful, and the hotel itself is fully equipped with everything you have ever dreamt of, from sunbeds with umbrellas to a warm outdoor swimming pool. On top of that, breakfasts are cooked and served each morning right after you wake up!

💰 Budget Pick: Little Bay

The Little Bay is, as its name suggests, situated in its own little bay. Pretty surprising for a budget-friendly accommodation right? Consider booking it fast while you can, because I’m sure it’ll be pretty demanding. It is situated right by the sea but is also surrounded by a verdant Mediterranean garden, and it overall offers a particularly peaceful stay in Stavrós.

Elafonísi

Last but definitely not least, Elafonísi is a great city to stay in for both beaches and romantic purposes: there, you will live in a cozy town with tasty and cozy restaurants, as well as cute and narrow streets, but most of all… a pink beach!

Yes, the beach of Elafonísi is pink, believe it or not! I can guarantee you that it won’t get any more romantic than that: there is not a more intimate and romantic beach spot on the entire island of Crete (and honestly, maybe of the entire country, or, dare I say, even the whole Mediterranean).

Besides, the waters are turquoise, and you will feel like you are living in a dream, lost in the middle of the Caribbean, surrounded by rare species such as sea turtles.

Overall, a dreamy and magical atmosphere for sure!

Where to Stay in Elafonísi

If you are tempted by Elafonísi, you should pick one of these 3 accommodations, as all of them will satisfy your needs, trust me on that:

✅ Best Hotel: Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family

There is no better place in all of Elafonísi than this one, where you will be well-treated in an all-inclusive experience; also, you will be located in one of the best areas of the entire city!

For breakfast, you will enjoy some Cretian specialties, and you could also eat lunch and/or dinner at the on-site restaurant. But I bet you will want to spend most of your time by the beach, which is less than 2 km / 1.2 mi away.

✨ Luxury Choice: Glykeria Hotel

Run by a family of locals, this hotel has its own outdoor swimming pool area, which features sun loungers, and most importantly offers sumptuous panoramic views of the sea. Plus, the local restaurant serves exceptionally tasty food, so if you want to treat the rest of your group (or yourself!), head to the Glykeria Hotel!

💰 Budget Pick: Panorama

As its name suggests, the Panorama will offer magnificent views of the local area, which is mainly made of gorgeous mountains, a sight most people tend to forget. Plus, for such low prices, this accommodation offers great amenities, such as a garden, a sunny terrace, air-conditioning units, and a flat-screen TV! Definitely very cozy and romantic.

Where not to stay in Crete?

Crete is an absolutely wonderful island and there are tons of incredible places, as you have just seen.

And while I believe all of them are great in their own way, the only 2 places you could possibly want not to stay in (that is, if you don’t like party people) are Malia and Hersonissos.

I can fully understand why you’d want to avoid such places, but I feel like there are also lots of travelers coming to Crete for the buzzing nightlife, which is why I still added them to this list. Aside from that, if you’re fine with nightlife, there’s nowhere Crete isn’t amazing!

Is Chania or Heraklion better?

There is no right answer to this.

I personally prefer Chania, because I am mostly looking for beaches and romantic areas in Crete. However, if you want to learn more about the history of the island or to try the best of Greece’s cuisine, then Heraklion is your go-to.

Both of them are best towns to stay in Crete though, so you should definitely at least visit each of them!

More Hotels in Crete

Couldn’t find the right area for you? Well, these other posts will certainly be helpful in that case:

Here are other neighborhood guides for you to find the right location, depending on your travel style or location:

• Where to Stay in Crete Without a Car
• Where to Stay in Crete for Beaches
• Where to Stay in Crete for Nightlife
• Where to Stay in Crete for Families
• Where to Stay in Crete for Couples
• Where to Stay in Chania

If you have already chosen your area to stay in Crete, book the perfect hotel thanks to this overall guide 👉 The 25 Best Hotels in Crete 👈

Or this hotel guides by city:

• Best Hotels in Chania
• Best Hotels in Heraklion
• Best Hotels in Agios Nikolaos
• Best Hotels in Rethymnon

And finally, if you are looking for more specific hotels, here are other awesome pieces:

• Best Hotels on the Beach in Crete
• Best Hotels in Crete for Families
• Best Hotels in Crete for Couples
• Best Adult-Only Hotels in Crete
• Best Luxury Hotels in Crete
• Best Boutique Hotels in Crete
• Best Resorts in Crete
• Best Villas in Crete

Final Thoughts

And that’s it, these were all the best areas to stay in Crete, based on your needs.

If you’re still wondering where in Crete to stay, honestly don’t think too much and head to Chania: you will love living in a lovely, cozy town with tons of transportation options and pristine beaches!

Hope you could’ve found your home base for your next trip to Crete. Don’t hesitate to comment below if this is the case, I would be very pleased to read your feedback. 😁