Like most of Greece, Crete is a purely tourist island, since the main and almost the only part of the income of the islanders is tourism. Not surprisingly, all local settlements, young and old, have been turned into resorts, and in the summer months the island is overrun with tourists from all over the world in search of adventure and beach bliss. And Crete readily opens its arms to everyone arriving with the help of hundreds of hotels of all levels. Therefore, guests never have a problem where to stay in Crete, where another is more relevant - which of the proposals to give preference to.
Variety of accommodation options
Of all the Greek islands, Crete is the most popular, so there are a lot of hotels here. There are modest hotels offering decent rooms and simple service. And there are luxurious complexes equipped with swimming pools, spas, thalassotherapy centers, restaurants, playgrounds, gyms and a full range of recreation services. It all depends only on your financial capabilities and preferences.
Most of the respectable hotels are located in the northern part of the island, which is more developed and in demand. The southern half is more democratic and price-tolerant and is dominated by inexpensive hotels, guesthouses and private apartments.
The cheapest way of accommodation in the Cretan resorts is to rent a room from local residents - the inhabitants of the villages often earn extra money by renting out premises, such housing is much cheaper than a hotel one.
Private apartments and houses are also popular. Wealthy visitors are in demand for beachfront villas with swimming pools, designer interiors, luxurious furnishings and other attributes of a wealthy life.
Young people traditionally settle in mid-level hotels, where there are no service excesses, but a cozy roof over their heads is offered.
There are hotels with and without meals in Crete, but in any case, guests will not stay hungry here - there are so many excellent taverns and restaurants on the island that there is enough for a whole army, so you should not be guided by this parameter.
Of course, it is unrealistic to find cheap accommodation here in the summer months. But staying on the periphery in a remote village resort is much cheaper than in large cities and centers.
Resorts of Crete
It is best to choose a specific area for recreation based on your preferences and plans. Some parts of the island are ideal for a calm, measured rest, while others literally exude energy and inspire for active exploits and activities. Although, if desired, in any corner of Crete, you can find what you need and will make your vacation unforgettable.
It is most reasonable, when deciding where to stay in Crete, to consider resorts such as:
- Heraklion.
- Hersonissos.
- Chania.
- Rethymno.
- Platanias.
- Panormos.
- Paleochora.
Heraklion
The capital of Crete, from which acquaintance with the island begins for most of the guests. If you wanted to meet the Minotaur, or at least try to find the monster in the legendary labyrinth of the Palace of Knossos, this is the place for you. Thousands of years have passed, and the palace is still there, however, in a rather altered form, but there is still something to see.
As in any capital, life in Heraklion seethes and blooms with all the colors of life. The city is surrounded by picturesque vineyards and olive groves, and wonderful beaches approach it from the sea. A city with a rich history, it is full of ancient artifacts and attractions, and many of its corners are still archaeological zones.
The streets of the resort are full of restaurants, taverns, bars, discos and, of course, hotels. The choice of hotels here is the largest in all of Crete, from inexpensive small hotels to luxury centers ready to fulfill every whim of guests.
Hotels where to stay in Crete in Heraklion: Lato Boutique Hotel, Atrion, GDM Megaron, Infinity City Boutique, Sofia, Kastro, Castello City Hotel, Iraklion, Veneziano Boutique Hotel, Olive Green, Marin Dream, Aquila Atlantis, Galaxy Iraklio Hotel.
Hersonissos
Located on the shores of Malia Bay, the resort attracts tourists with a developed entertainment infrastructure, rich club life, magnificent beaches, active recreation on the water and on land.
This is the best option to stay in Crete if you like horse riding, diving, water sports, golf, go-karting and excursions. There are plenty of the latter in Hersonissos itself and the surrounding area: the ruins of ancient settlements, the ruins of the Roman port, the Saracen fountain and much more.
But tourists with children are better off looking for a quieter place, although there is a quiet corner for this category, especially since the resort has a water park and many good beaches.
Hotels: Star Beach Village & Water Park, Central Hersonissos Hotel, Lyttos Beach, Vlychada Apartments, Koutouloufari Village Holiday Club, Erofili Apartments, Villa Sonia, Harma Boutique Hotel, Albatros Spa & Resort Hotel, Imperial Belvedere Hotel, Creta Maris Beach Resort, Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa.
Chania
The resort town is located on the north coast of Crete. Over the centuries-old history, Chania has experienced both Venetian rule and Ottoman rule, as evidenced by the numerous remnants of both empires.
The old town is great for sightseeing holidays. The remains of the Venetian harbor, the citadel, the embankment, the mosque, the Venetian arsenal, the cathedral, the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, many museums and medieval churches, and just colorful boulevards and streets are a sufficient set not to feel bored. And taverns, bars and shops will complement your leisure time.
Hotels where you can stay in Crete: Porto Veneziano, Kydon Hotel, Arkadi Hotel, Doge Traditional Hotel, Sette Venti, No17 Pireos Street, Cretan Renaissance, Elia Betolo Hotel, Irida Hotel, Sea & City Apartments, Mosaic, Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel, Samaria Hotel.
Rethymno
The excellent location between Heraklion and Chania, plus its own rich potential, endowed Rethymno with excellent conditions for recreation. The resort is surrounded by natural luxury: lakes, waterfalls, gorges, which opens up endless walks.
The natural surroundings are harmoniously complemented by well-groomed beaches and a rich historical heritage, so the town is suitable for all types of recreation. The Venetian fortress, the old port, the medieval Orthodox monastery, museums - all this is a reason to visit here. And if you are looking for where to stay in Crete to take a walk, get to know the local cuisine or hang out in the clubs, you have definitely come to the right place.
Hotels: Filoxenia Beach, Macaris Suites & Spa, Creta Seafront Residences, Eltina Hotel, Ionia Suites, Veneto Boutique Hotel, Archipelagos Residence, Achillion Palace, Petradi Beach Lounge, Bio Suites Hotel, Batis Hotel, Palazzo Vecchio Exclusive Residence, Kleoniki Mare, Mythos Suites Hotel, Palm Beach Hotel, Civitas Boutique Hotel.
Platanias
If you are in the mood for some fun in Chania but are intimidated by the local prices or the excessive noise of the resort, you can always find a pretty village nearby, such as Platanyas. A very green and beautiful area, bordered by a luxurious strip of beaches, it is perfect for outdoor activities and its continuation at night.
You will be accompanied by taverns and fish restaurants on the shore, along the way you can go shopping and souvenir shops, of which there are many in the village. The number of bars and clubs is also quite decent, so it's hard to stay here without an intense evening program. Platanias is a great place to stay in Crete for divers, windsurfers and fans of other water disciplines.
Hotels: Sunrise Village Hotel - All Inclusive, Indigo Mare, Alkionides Seaside Hotel, Mythos Platanias Apartments, Casa Maria Hotel Apts, Lissos Beach, Anna Katerina Apartments, Minoa Palace Resort & Spa, Mylos Hotel Apartments, Lola's Hotel, Proimos Maisonnettes, Porto Platanias Beach, Ermis Suites, Porto Platanias Village.
Panormos
A picturesque and very cozy village with a distinctive atmosphere and old streets. Beautiful beaches, good inexpensive taverns, hospitable bars are a great option for a seal holiday. Not a bad family resort, Panormos has a coastline with clear sea and flat, gentle bottom.
Nearby there is the Arkadi Monastery, Melidoni Cave, Preveli Monastery, an archaeological zone is organized near the village, where excavations are carried out to this day, so history fans will definitely like it here.
Hotels: Panormo Beach Hotel, The Royal Blue a Luxury Beach Resort,, Iberostar Creta Marine, Club Marine Palace, Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare, Captain's House Traditional, Iliana HotelKirki Village, KnossosZ Boutique Hotel.
Paleochora
Another fishing village, which one day woke up with a famous resort. The village is located on the shores of the Libyan Sea and is perfect for staying in Crete for a beach holiday. Of the attractions here are the ruins of a Venetian fortress and a couple of other ancient buildings.
The number of hotels and offers for accommodation in the resort is steadily growing, promising to soon turn it into a full-fledged recreation center of international level. In the meantime, tourists have a chance to settle in the most beautiful place for reasonable money.
Hotels: Glaros Hotel, Klima Rooms, Manolis & Marias Hotel, Palm Beach, Oasis Studios, Poseidon Studios, Libyan Princess, Niki's House, Aris Hotel, Virginia Studios, Captain Jim, Galini Studios, Lito Apartments Paleochora, Blue Horizon, Corali Studios, Yiorgos Studios, Scorpios, Petrakis Sea View, Haris Studios, Camping Paleochora.
