Set in the glistening blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea is the magical, ancient paradise of Crete. The biggest of the Greek islands, Crete is awash with culture, history and vibrant local life. Take a trip to the magical island and spend days lapping up the Cretan lifestyle on its stunningly picturesque beaches, lost in its age-old architecture and delighting in the depth of the fresh, local cuisine.
Sleep in luxury in one of Crete’s stunning Venetian villas or find a place to stay on a budget in a family friendly holiday resort, or even base yourself in a party town alongside other clubbers. There is always something new and interesting to explore in Crete.
Even though there are numerous local buses that connect towns, the best way to see all of the top sites on the island is to rent yourself a car and travel around at your own pace.
Chania

Cosmopolitan Chania feels like the capital of Crete, with its attractive architecture and the dramatic White Mountains looming over the city. Chania is made up of a beautiful mix of Venetian buildings that surround the famous harbor. Spend your evening in the relaxed romantic atmosphere, dining along the illuminated waterfront.
Discover a whole jigsaw of history in the remarkable town, wander the narrow old lanes and find out the secrets of the city for yourself. Stay in one of the cities old Venetian villas that have been converted into impressive hotels or one of the stylish mid-range hotels.
It is easy to find delicious food, a nice spot for drinks, or a spot of shopping along the city’s labyrinth of old lanes. If you want to explore further afield there is a local bus that connects to other towns and a ferry service, too.
Where to Stay in Chania
- Casa Delfino Hotel – Set in a 17th century Venetian mansion, this 5-star offering really oozes class and sophistication. It’s a family run boutique hotel that’s just a 7-minute walk from the old Venetian Harbour.
- Kydon The Heart City Hotel – Set in the center of the city, opposite the main market, this hotel is in a great location for those wanting to be surrounded by shops and restaurants.
Rethymno
Rethymno is made up of beautiful cobbled streets, pretty pastel houses and a picturesque harbor. The city is known for a lively nightlife and has some fantastic beaches for you to spend days lounging on the golden sands.
Rethymno has seen a tourism boom in recent years and as such, many hotels have been built along the coast and there is big selection of accommodation to choose from.
Where to Stay in Rethymno
- Rimondi Boutique Hotel – The high-end hotel comes with all of the added comfort and convenience that you might expect from a 5-star hotel.
- Achillion Palace – If you’re arriving by ferry, checking in at Achillion Palace is a great idea since it’s just a convenient 10 minutes on foot from the Rethymno Ferry Terminal.
Heraklion
Busy Heraklion is the biggest city in Crete and is a bustling urban center which has great transport connections. The modern city also has walled fortifications, an authentic market, interesting alleyways and archaeological museums.
Chose a hotel near the old market or by the main square and check out the hip cafes, trendy boutiques and get lost discovering the city’s hidden treasures.
Where to Stay in Heraklion
- Galaxy Iraklio Hotel – This elegant hotel provides an elegant mix of clean and contemporary style and spacious rooms.
Agios Nikolaos
A cultural mix of creativity and leisurely lifestyle gives the town of Agios Nikolaos a unique dynamic identity. There is a lot to do in the small town – take a walk along the chilled waterfront, stop for some lunch at a waterside restaurant and watch the locals meeting up to do the same thing.
You can also take a ferry from the port to explore other areas of Crete and base yourself in one of the town’s smaller hotels or luxury boutiques.
Where to Stay in Agios Nikolaos
- Minos Beach Art Hotel – There are a few different types of accommodation on offer here, from suites to villas and bungalows for the utmost in privacy and seclusion.
- Miramare Resort – Set up on the hills about the beach, this hotel is all about amazing views of both Aghios Nikolaos and the Mirabello Bay.
Kissamos
The agricultural center of Crete is the small town of Kissamos. Packed full of traditional Greek character, the town is a welcoming destination for visitors who want to soak up the authentic atmosphere of Crete. A hub for tourists, Kissamos has embraced Crete’s increase in tourism but has not let the influx of visitors ruin the towns traditional lifestyle.
You can’t come to Kissamos without stopping off at one of the town’s pretty seaside tavernas and try out the delicious locally made wine and sundrenched olives that the region is famous for.
There are many different accommodation options in the old town; you can choose from a range of different hotels and even, for those on a tight budget, dorm rooms. It’s a great idea to rent a car when you arrive so that you can explore other villages around the island and nearby beaches including the stunning Balos Lagoon.
Where to Stay in Kissamos
- Balos Beach – This place is set on a peaceful peninsula, where you’ll also be able to hike (or drive) to Balos Beach to the north.
Palaiochora
The small town of Palaiochóra is built along the Libyan Sea on the ruins of an ancient city. The town has a relaxing atmosphere with everything you need to make your holiday comfortable. The well equipped, clean beaches have invitingly clear waters, making it perfect for families.
The town is also home many different types of hotels to suit your needs – plus you can catch a ferry to other nearby towns.
Where to Stay in Palaiochora
- Libyan Princess – High end, modern rooms open out onto a chic outdoor pool area where guests can chill on sun loungers.
Hersonissos
Spend your days in the popular resort town of Hersonissos lounging on the beautiful beaches, or sipping coffee in a cafe with a view – or you could take some time to explore one of the many archaeological sites in the area. You can even take a boat trip along the coast.
As evening falls the town hots up and you can dance the night away in one of the towns nightclubs which attract young people from across Europe. Accommodation in the town comes in the form of coastal resorts and hotels.
Where to Stay in Hersonissos
- Creta Maris Beach Resort – With six restaurants to choose from, as well as six bars, plus its own disco and a relaxing spa, you’ll never want to leave this all-inclusive 5-star resort.
- Harma Boutique Hotel – Sleek and stylish, this hotel’s smart design makes it a calm environment to spend time unwinding in.
Plakias
The small Cretan village of Plakias has seen a huge amount of development in recent years and is now a booming resort town. Popular with visitors who want to explore the island, Plakias is close to other interesting villages that still live in the traditional style.
The town has many amenities and is a great choice if you are looking for a base for your family holiday. The streets are lined with fantastic restaurants and great hotels with many options to choose from to fit a range of budgets, and you can even catch a bus to nearby Rethymnon.
Where to Stay in Plakias
- Lamon Hotel – It’s just a three-minute walk from the Plaka Ferry Terminal, making it extra convenient to stay at this family run hotel. There’s also an outdoor pool to relax around here, and a restaurant that comes complete with dreamy panorama of the sea, too.
Malia
The tourist magnet of Malia is a big draw for young tourists looking to let their hair down. Attracted by the massive white beach to soak up the sun during day and a raucous clubbing scene at night, the young people of Europe flock here to have some fun.
Malia’s streets are paved with bars, cafes and restaurants all serving up everything you might need during your stay and there are many affordable hotels to choose from. It’s a good idea to hire a car in Malia so you can explore more of what Crete has to offer.
Where to Stay in Malia
- Alexander Beach Hotel & Village – There are a total of eight restaurants and bars, as well as five outdoor (and indoor) pools, a kids’ club, a spa and its very own stretch of private beach.
Elounda
Elounda’s big attraction is its incredible landscape, built on the shores of a spectacular blue lagoon. The town is home to luxurious hotels which offer extravagance and comfort for a high-end price tag.
The elite of Greece like to come and holiday here and stay in the five star resorts located along the coast. Catch a bus or rent a car and drive to other small towns nearby, or simply relax in the luxury of your resort.
Kato Daratso
Enjoy long stretches of white sandy beaches and crystal clear shallow waters in the resort town of Kato Daratso.
Just ten minutes drive away from Chania – and an easy bus ride to other nearby towns – Kato Daratso has some charming streets and traditional waterside tavernas to enjoy the island’s fresh food in picturesque settings. And when you need a place to stay you can choose from one of the many mid-range, family friendly hotels.
Where to Stay in Kato Daratso
- Golden Bay – It isn’t the utmost in luxury, but the 3-star Golden Bay is well located with Glaros Beach a stone’s throw away.
Agia Marina
Just a twenty minute bus ride to the historic attractions in Chania, the authentic village of Agia Marina will delight you with its quiet beaches, friendly bars and old tavernas. Stay in one of the small, relaxing family-run holiday hotels and spend your time taking walks along the water’s edge and dipping in and out of the small bars
You can also sample the local cuisine and splash in the water on the family friendly beaches. And, of course, you can always explore other towns that Crete has to offer – Agia Marina is well connected by bus and boat.
Platanias
The holiday town of Platanias is split into two halves: a busy seaside resort with a buzzing nightlife scene, and a quaint old town with a carefree atmosphere. Thanks to this you’ve got the option to stay in one of the family friendly seafront resorts or in the old town’s quiet holiday apartments.
Visitors are attracted to Platanias town for its long stretch of sandy beach which is dotted with laid back beach bars and eateries. And in the evening the town itself hots up with popular bars and nightclubs.
For those wanting to explore further afield, you can drive from Platanias to intriguing architectural ruins closeby and discover the remains of ancient civilizations, or you can take a boat ride to Chiana to visit the Venetian harbor.
Matala
Matala is a pretty coastal fishing village with a dazzling stretch of sandy beach which is scattered with beachside cafes, occasional massage parlors, and punctuated by the pink of tamarisk trees.
The village became famous in the 1960s for its popularity with visiting hippies, and it’s clear to see why when you sit on the shores of the Libyan Sea and watch the sun set over the islands in the distance.
Take time out and slip into the old world of Matala and learn about its links to ancient Greek mythology. Accommodation in the village offers up a stay in one of the many low rise, mid-range hotels houses in traditionally whitewashed buildings.
Where to Stay in Matala
- Matala Bay Hotel – Value for money is the name of the game at Matala Bay Hotel; apartments here come with kitchenettes and there’s an onsite grocery shop.
The hotel named in Elounda is actually situated in Plaka. It is not in Elounda.