Crete is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea, an island of extraordinary diversity where ancient civilizations, rugged mountains, fertile plains, and some of Europe's finest beaches converge. Home to the Minoan civilization, Europe's oldest advanced culture, Crete offers millennia of history alongside world-class natural beauty.
Accommodation overview
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly (under $50/night)
Youth Hostel Plakias
A legendary backpacker institution on the south coast of Crete, this simple hostel 100m from Plakias beach has been welcoming budget travellers for decades. Dorm beds and private rooms available. The rooftop terrace with hammocks, mountain, and sea views is one of the great hostel terraces in Europe. Extremely popular — book well ahead for summer.
Check rates on Booking.comKoules Studios
Simple but clean studios near Heraklion's old harbour, within walking distance of Koules fortress, the waterfront, and the Archaeological Museum. Self-catering facilities, air conditioning, and free WiFi at a fraction of hotel prices. Good for independent travellers using Heraklion as a base for Knossos and day trips.
Check rates on Booking.comRethymno Youth Hostel
A well-run hostel in Rethymno's old town with dorm beds and private rooms. The central location puts you minutes from the Venetian old town, Fortezza, and harbour. Popular with backpackers and solo travellers. Breakfast available for a small additional charge.
Check rates on Booking.comMatala Bay Guest House
A friendly family-run guesthouse in Matala village, 200m from the famous cave beach. Simple rooms with air conditioning and private bathrooms. The owners are a fountain of knowledge about the south coast. Good-value base for visiting Phaistos, Agia Triada, and Gortyna.
Check rates on Booking.comDanaos Hotel Chania
A basic but clean hotel on Chania's waterfront road, a 10-minute walk from the Venetian harbour. Simple rooms with air conditioning and sea views from upper floors. Good budget option in a city where accommodation is often pricey in peak season.
Check rates on Booking.comPaleochora Bay Hotel
A simple, clean guesthouse in the charming south-coast town of Paleochora, which has both a sandy beach on one side and a pebble beach on the other. Good budget option with walking distance to both beaches, tavernas, and the weekly local market.
Check rates on Booking.comMid-range ($50-150/night)
Lato Boutique Hotel
A stylish design hotel in Heraklion's old harbour area with stunning views of Koules fortress and the Venetian harbour from its rooftop restaurant and many rooms. Modern minimalist design blends with Cretan warmth. The rooftop Herbs Garden Restaurant serves contemporary Cretan cuisine. Ideal location for exploring Heraklion on foot.
Check rates on Booking.comMilia Mountain Retreat
One of the most unique accommodations in Greece, Milia is an eco-village of 13 restored 18th-century stone cottages in the White Mountains, accessible only by a 4km dirt track through chestnut forest. No TVs, no pools — just absolute peace, stunning mountain scenery, and exceptional organic Cretan food from their own farm. Electricity from solar panels; water from mountain springs. An extraordinary off-grid retreat.
Check rates on Booking.comAvli Lounge Suites
An intimate boutique hotel in a 15th-century Venetian mansion in Rethymno's old town. Suites are elegantly furnished with antiques and feature stone archways, wooden ceilings, and private garden or terrace areas. The celebrated Avli Restaurant in the courtyard garden is one of the best in Crete for Cretan gastronomy.
Check rates on Booking.comMistral Hotel
A well-located 4-star hotel on Chania's main square with comfortable modern rooms, some with Old Town and harbour views. Good on-site restaurant and a rooftop terrace. Walking distance from the Venetian harbour, Chania Archaeological Museum, and Municipal Market.
Check rates on Booking.comIkaros Studios & Apartments
Family-run studios and apartments on the waterfront in Agios Nikolaos, with balconies overlooking the harbour and Lake Voulismeni. Self-catering facilities make this ideal for longer stays. Walking distance to restaurants, the lake, and boat trips to Spinalonga.
Check rates on Booking.comPlakias Suites
Modern clifftop suites above the beautiful south coast village of Plakias, with infinity pool and stunning views of the Libyan Sea and Plakias Bay. Each suite has a private terrace. Excellent base for Preveli Beach, Damnoni Beach, and south coast exploration.
Check rates on Booking.comSitia Beach City Resort & Spa
A comfortable resort hotel in the charming eastern town of Sitia, gateway to Vai Palm Beach and the Minoan palace at Zakros. Good beachfront position, decent spa facilities, and a base for exploring the unspoiled east of Crete.
Check rates on Booking.comGDM Megaron Hotel
A contemporary design hotel in a landmark Art Nouveau building on Heraklion's waterfront, with views of the harbour and Koules fortress. The best upscale option in Heraklion city centre, combining location, comfort, and excellent dining at the Portes restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comElounda Aqua Sol Resort
A comfortable all-inclusive resort in Elounda with good facilities, private beach, and multiple pools. A more affordable way to access the Elounda area and take day trips to Spinalonga. Suitable for families and couples.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury ($150+/night)
Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas
One of the most celebrated luxury resorts in the Mediterranean, Elounda Beach has hosted royalty, celebrities, and heads of state since it opened in 1971. Set on a private bay with views of Spinalonga Island, the resort offers bungalows and villas with private pools directly on the Aegean. World-class dining, a thalassotherapy spa, a private beach, watersports, and impeccable service define the experience.
Check rates on Booking.comBlue Palace Elounda Resort & Spa
Perched on a hillside above the Gulf of Elounda with panoramic views of Spinalonga, Blue Palace is an ultra-luxury resort with architecturally stunning infinity pools cascading toward the sea. Private villa suites and bungalows all have outdoor hot tubs or pools. The signature Thalassa Spa uses Cretan herb and olive oil treatments.
Check rates on Booking.comAmirandes Grecotel Exclusive Resort
A Minoan-inspired luxury resort on the northern coast east of Heraklion, Amirandes is built around a vast lagoon-style pool and a private sandy beach. The resort's design references Minoan architecture and frescoes throughout. Suites are palatial, with some featuring their own pool on private terraces. Exceptional dining from acclaimed chef Lefteris Lazarou.
Check rates on Booking.comDaios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas
Tucked into a private cove between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, Daios Cove cascades down a terraced hillside to its own sheltered beach. Architectural brilliance meets natural rock in this resort, where suites and villas are carved into the cliff and feature private plunge pools with sea views. The ESPA spa and sea-to-table dining complete the picture.
Check rates on Booking.comPorto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort
A member of Leading Hotels of the World, Porto Elounda offers spectacular suites with private pools overlooking the Gulf of Elounda and Spinalonga. The Six Senses Spa is one of the finest in the Mediterranean. A sister property to Elounda Beach, guests enjoy access to all facilities across both resorts.
Check rates on Booking.comKapsaliana Village Hotel
A completely restored 16th-century Cretan village near Arkadi Monastery, Kapsaliana is one of the most romantic and unique hotels in Greece. The 13 suites and residences are set within the restored stone buildings of an authentic Cretan hamlet amid an ancient olive grove. No children under 12. Exquisite dining using local organic produce from the estate.
Check rates on Booking.comCasa Delfino Hotel
A 17th-century Venetian mansion in the heart of Chania's Old Town, Casa Delfino has been lovingly restored into one of the finest boutique hotels in Greece. Twelve luxurious suites are individually designed with antiques, marble bathrooms, and canopied beds. Located steps from the Venetian harbour.
Check rates on Booking.comBest neighborhoods to stay
Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
City Center
The heart of Crete with easy access to main attractions, restaurants, and transportation.
Best for: First-time visitors, short stays
Old Town
Traditional architecture and local character. Walking distance to historical sites and authentic dining.
Best for: Culture enthusiasts, photographers
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas
One of the most celebrated luxury resorts in the Mediterranean, Elounda Beach has hosted royalty, celebrities, and heads of state since it opened in 1971. Set on a private bay with views of Spinalonga Island, the resort offers bungalows and villas with private pools directly on the Aegean. World-class dining, a thalassotherapy spa, a private beach, watersports, and impeccable service define the experience.
Check rates on Booking.comBlue Palace Elounda Resort & Spa
Perched on a hillside above the Gulf of Elounda with panoramic views of Spinalonga, Blue Palace is an ultra-luxury resort with architecturally stunning infinity pools cascading toward the sea. Private villa suites and bungalows all have outdoor hot tubs or pools. The signature Thalassa Spa uses Cretan herb and olive oil treatments.
Check rates on Booking.comAmirandes Grecotel Exclusive Resort
A Minoan-inspired luxury resort on the northern coast east of Heraklion, Amirandes is built around a vast lagoon-style pool and a private sandy beach. The resort's design references Minoan architecture and frescoes throughout. Suites are palatial, with some featuring their own pool on private terraces. Exceptional dining from acclaimed chef Lefteris Lazarou.
Check rates on Booking.comDaios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas
Tucked into a private cove between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, Daios Cove cascades down a terraced hillside to its own sheltered beach. Architectural brilliance meets natural rock in this resort, where suites and villas are carved into the cliff and feature private plunge pools with sea views. The ESPA spa and sea-to-table dining complete the picture.
Check rates on Booking.comPorto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort
A member of Leading Hotels of the World, Porto Elounda offers spectacular suites with private pools overlooking the Gulf of Elounda and Spinalonga. The Six Senses Spa is one of the finest in the Mediterranean. A sister property to Elounda Beach, guests enjoy access to all facilities across both resorts.
Check rates on Booking.comKapsaliana Village Hotel
A completely restored 16th-century Cretan village near Arkadi Monastery, Kapsaliana is one of the most romantic and unique hotels in Greece. The 13 suites and residences are set within the restored stone buildings of an authentic Cretan hamlet amid an ancient olive grove. No children under 12. Exquisite dining using local organic produce from the estate.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Book 6–12 months in advance for luxury Elounda resorts in July–August — they sell out completely
Mid-range accommodation in Heraklion and Chania old towns needs 2–4 months advance booking in peak season
September and October offer 20–40% lower prices than August with essentially the same warm weather
Apartments and villas with self-catering facilities are often better value than hotels for families staying a week or more
Compare booking platforms and the hotel's direct website — direct booking sometimes offers better rates and flexibility
Most hotels in tourist areas add a beach-bed charge (€10–25 per day) not included in the room rate
For budget stays, hostels in Heraklion and Chania old towns offer the best central access to sights
Avoid booking inexpensive accommodation in Malia unless specifically seeking the party strip — location defines the experience
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.