Pristine beaches bordered by the azure water make up Crete, the largest and most populated of the Greek islands. Having been inhabited for thousands of years, this picturesque island has constantly been targeted by invaders over the centuries. Despite the throng of tourists that descend on this scenic slice of paradise each year, its charming villages retain their rustic roots. The locals cling to their age-old customs promising you a unique experience every time. Local festivals provide insights into the island’s carefully guarded heritage. Hills, mountains, rugged canyons, and verdant valleys offer you an idyllic holiday. It’s no wonder then that Crete features among The 10 Most Beautiful Greek Islands. Foodies will love the wide variety on offer here. From mouthwatering cheeses to organic vegetables, the local cuisine is as healthy as it can get. Check out this list of best hotels in Crete, Greece, for your next trip.
Where to Stay in Crete
If you’re a first-timer, pick Chania for your stay. Great beaches, historical attractions, and gastronomic delights let you experience Crete at its best here. Heraklion is where you’d be at home if sightseeing topped your list of Top 12 Things To Do In Crete. With its ideal blend of urbanity and medieval landmarks, this is an excellent neighborhood for tourists and curious visitors. If budget travel is your kind of thing, then Rethymnon is where you should head. Meanwhile, Agios Nikolaos beckons those in search of a luxurious getaway with its opulent hotels and holiday rentals.
OM Boutique Hotel
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Situated in the center of Heraklion, OM Boutique Hotel is just 2 minutes away on foot from restaurants, café, and stores. Meanwhile, Heraklion Venetian Harbour and Historical Μuseum of Crete are also within walking distance. And you’ll also find Heraklion Archaeological Museum nearby.
Here, you can choose from a variety of spacious and modern rooms. Each room offers a balcony for plenty of natural light and city views. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels and free Wi-Fi offer entertainment.
A tasty and wide option of a buffet or American breakfast is available every morning. Other amenities are available such as a shared lounge, 24-hour front desk, and currency exchange.
Heraklion International Airport is just less than 3 miles (4.8 km), making it one of the perfect hotels in Crete Greece for a night after or before a flight. Parking space is available in front of the hotel, but extra charges apply.
Royal Sun
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If you’re looking for hotels in Crete, Greece for a quiet rest after a long flight, Royal Sun can be your perfect choice. It’s located on a hill, within 3.2 km (2 mi) of the center of Chania Town. Free parking is available. There’s also a free shuttle to and from the Chania Town available every 30 minutes.
Venizelos Graves and House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos are among the popular places in Chania located less than 2 km (1.2 mi) away from the hotel.
The hotel features a pool with a terrace in its palm-tree garden. Spend your time soaking in after doing some workout in the fitness center. A ping-pong table is also available.
All rooms in this three-star hotel are decorated with green-wood furniture and soft color. It also offers floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony overlooking the magnificent Cretan Sea and Chania Town. Wi-Fi is accessible for free in room and all areas.
Enjoy a buffet breakfast every morning before you start your day. For your dining options, have Greek and Mediterranean dishes or refreshing drinks and cocktails at the on-site restaurant and bar. Both offer a breathtaking view over Chania and the sea, especially during sunset and after dark.
Menta City Boutique Hotel
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For budget and young travelers who need a touch of luxury from the best hotels in Crete, Menta City Boutique Hotel is your answer. Located on a long and rather steep hill in Rethymno, it’s a short walk from the city center. Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Municipal Garden, and Venetian Harbour and Fortress are less than a mile away.
During summer, a return way back up the hill to the hotel may be challenging for some. For those who can make it, the outdoor swimming pool and the sunbed by the pool await as a relief from the summer heat.
What’s more, the spacious rooms are soundproofed and feature a balcony or terrace overlooking to mountain, pool, or garden. You’ll also find a comfortable and cozy bed, kitchenette, and external thermal insulation.
In the morning, enjoy complimentary breakfast in a sunny roof-top area with a view. There’s also an on-site bar for afternoon or evening drinks. Got work to do or need to stay up to date with your loved ones and friends? Wi-Fi is accessible in all areas of the property, including in a business corner where you’ll also find a small library.
Parthenis Beach, Suites by the Sea
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Traveling with your besties and planning on a party holiday? Then, staying in Parthenis Beach, Suites by the Sea, is one of your best options. Located in Malia, the neighborhood offers world-class nightlife and activity-beaches to match.
You’ll find Ikaros, Kernos Beach, and Central Malia Beach with comfortable sun loungers and a bar within a stone throw away. Shops, tavernas, and entertainment options are also within walking distance. Besides, the Old Town of Malia and Minoan archaeological sites are within easy reach.
Book your room in one of their suites that offers a balcony with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. All modern suites are well-furnished with a comfy bed, refrigerator, and kitchenette. You have free access to Wi-Fi throughout the property.
Breakfast is available at the beach bar every morning but it’s not included in the room fare. You can also sip some cocktails in the evening after refreshing in a large outdoor swimming pool with a luxury terrace and or relaxing in a hot tub. Free parking is available, while a shuttle service is available at an extra charge.
Porto Veneziano Hotel
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Porto Veneziano Hotel is one of the best hotels in Crete, Greece for a base to stay in the historic town, Chania. It’s located on the waterfront of Chania’s Old Venetian harbor, and only a few feet away from the center of this town. You’ll find the Archaeological Museum and Municipal Market of Chania within minutes of walking distance of the hotel.
This 3-star hotel doesn’t’ have a fitness center and swimming pool, but you can reach Nea Chora beach and Koum Kapi beach on foot. And it’s close to many restaurants and shops.
We recommend booking their modern guest rooms with a private balcony. It allows you to admire the views of the harbor, the Old Town, or the White Mountains of Crete. Feel free to go online anytime, anywhere using complimentary Wi-Fi that accessible throughout the hotel.
Start your day with a sumptuous Greek or Cretan buffet breakfast. And enjoy the ambiance and the relaxed atmosphere in the evening with some light meal and drink at the on-site bar. If you stay on Fridays and Saturdays, you get to listen to a piano player accompanying you with beautiful tunes while you’re reading.
Omiros Boutique Hotel
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Next on the list of the best hotels in Crete, Greece is Omiros Boutique Hotel. It’s located in Rethymno Town, just a few feet away from the beach. You’ll find the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno and the scenic Venetian Harbor in less than 2 miles (3.2km).
This adult-only hotel offers affordable accommodation with plenty of comfort and styles. The spacious rooms are modern and unique, plus they’re equipped with a comfortable bed. Each room comes with a seating area and little kitchen space. Meanwhile, most rooms come with a furnished balcony or terrace. Enjoy room amenities, including a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and free Wi-Fi. To ensure your quiet night’s sleep, all rooms are soundproofed and air-conditioned.
You can start the day with a delicious breakfast at an additional charge. Also, light meals and refreshing beverages are served at the snack bar. You’ll also find several restaurants and café nearby.
If you prefer a relaxing day, the sun loungers on the sun terrace by the pool or the beach is a great option. Plus, the on-site rooftop Jacuzzi is also great for relaxing. The hotel doesn’t have a shuttle service, but limited parking space in the hotel is available for free.
SanSal Boutique Hotel
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Museum-lovers should consider staying at the SanSal Boutique Hotel, one of the best hotels in Crete that are located in Chania. This brand new hotel is only within minutes of walking to the Archaeological Museum, Folklore Museum, and Municipal Art Gallery of Chania. Besides, you can reach Chania Town and the old harbor of Chania on foot.
Despite its location in the central part of Chania, the hotel offers a calm and quiet ambiance. It’s perfect for resting in a spacious and elegant room. All the 22 rooms feature floor to ceiling windows, a coffee machine, and a seating area.
We recommend you book a room with a large balcony, so you can enjoy the stunning ocean and city view. If that’s not enough, some suites come with a private pool. The hotel also boasts an infinity rooftop pool, a perfect place for doing some laps or relaxing on sun decks while you’re enjoying the sunset.
Have a complimentary breakfast that is served daily. Wi-Fi is not only accessible for free in your room, but also in all areas of the hotel.
You won’t find a fitness or wellness center on the property, but the beach is near. And you’ll find many cafes, restaurants, and bars within walking distance of the hotel.
Aquila Atlantis Hotel
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Aquila Atlantis Hotel is one of the best hotels in Crete, Greece that is perfect for a ferry transit. You’ll only have to walk for about ten minutes from the harbor to this hotel. If you plan for sightseeing, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Historical Μuseum of Crete are located less than a mile from the property. Heraklion Venetian Harbour is also within walking distance.
This 5-star hotel features spacious rooms and suites fitted with parquet floors and earthy colors. You’ll be able to enjoy views over the city of Heraklion, the harbor, or the hotel’s atrium. Rooms are equipped with a minibar, coffee machine, and bathrobes.
You’ll get free access to Wi-Fi in all areas, while complimentary breakfast is available in the selected rooms. The elegantly decorated restaurant is available for your Mediterranean dining experience. Grab some refreshing drinks and cocktails from the lounge bar.
For leisure amenities, the hotel offers a rooftop pool with unobstructed views over the harbor and a semi-covered pool. A fitness center is also available for free. Laundry and dry cleaning are provided on request at an extra charge, while parking space is available for free.
Stella Palace Resort & Spa
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Planning on a family trip with your kids? Then you should book a room at Stella Palace Resort & Spa. This five-star hotel offers plenty of leisure amenities and activities to keep the kids entertained while the adults being pampered with relaxation. Set on a private part of Analipsi Beach, this beachfront hotel boasts 2 outdoor swimming pools, an indoor swimming pool, waterparks, and children’s pools with waterslides.
You’ll also have lots of things to do, from arcade games, mini-golf, pool tables, to an outdoor theater for a relaxing evening. The pools are also great to relax in the afternoon and in the evening. And you have a wide choice of other sports activities, such as table tennis, basketball, and badminton. Plus, a fitness center and wellness facilities are available.
To start your busy day, fill your energy with a complimentary buffet breakfast, which also offers plenty of choices for kids too. For your lunch and dinner, the main restaurant serves international and Mediterranean flavors in buffet style. Meanwhile, Elia Restaurant prepares a la carte Cretan cuisine.
You can also listen to live piano music in the indoor bar. While Kohili and Thalassa pool bars offer exotic cocktails. Then, wrap up the night at your private balcony overlooking the garden, the pools, or the Cretan Sea. All rooms and suites are surrounded by tall palm trees and landscaped gardens.
They even have suites and villas with a private pool for a secluded vacation, making it one of the best hotels in Crete, Greece. The hotel also provides free parking and a small supermarket. Its location is a bit outside of the Hersonissos center, but the top-notch facilities at the resort made up for it.
Lyttos Beach
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This superb 5-star Lyttos Beach is one of the great hotels in Crete, Greece for relaxation and entertainment. The hotel is surrounded by a 150-acre garden with more than 500 palm trees and plants. Perfect for family and friends’ holiday, it boasts excellent sports and leisure amenities. Plus, it offers lots of entertainment for the whole family.
You will find tennis courts, a volleyball court, a mini football pitch, a basketball court, and a 3 PAR golf course. Please note that there are additional fees if you want to use these facilities. On top of that, the hotel features several swimming pools, even an Olympic size and an aqua park with waterslides! It’s not just great for kids, but also adults. If you or your kids are cravings food, there’s a fast-food restaurant near the waterpark. Other amenities like a fitness center and sauna are accessible for free, while spa service is available at an extra charge.
Book a spacious room featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony facing the sea or garden. If you prefer a quieter ambiance, book the room with a garden view and a private swimming pool.
Make use of the complimentary Wi-Fi in all areas to keep an update with your loved ones or friends. You’ll get a complimentary breakfast that is served every morning. You’ll also find a variety of traditional and international cuisines in five on-site restaurants. We recommend the Asian restaurant as it offers panoramic sea views.
GDM Megaron, Historical Monument Hotel
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On the top of our list for the best hotels in Crete, Greece is GDM Megaron, Historical Monument Hotel. Located in the heart of Heraklion, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to a large collection of Minoan art is only a few feet away here. And don’t forget to stop by the Koules Fortress and Heraklion Venetian Harbour where you’ll find some of the best shops and restaurants in the city.
This recently renovated historical hotel features 58 elegantly decorated rooms and suites. Each one offers a balcony overlooking the harbor, ocean, or city. Meanwhile, selected rooms and suites have a spa bath. You’ll find Wi-Fi is accessible for free, along with luxury toiletries, slippers, bathrobes, and a mini-fridge in the room.
GDM Megaron also offers leisure amenities. These include a rooftop plunge pool offering the most stunning views of the old Venetian port and the Aegean Sea. Enjoy dipping in the pool, sunbathing, or simply just relaxing on the sunbed next to the pool while you admire the amazing view of the harbor and the city. The Megaron 5th rooftop bar-restaurant is also worth a view for a drink at night!
Start your day with a wide selection of complimentary breakfast served daily. Here, you’ll also find other dining options in the Plaza Café, an indoor café ideal for your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Or maybe just a cup of coffee while you’re overlooking the old port.
Other than the plunge pool, there’s a Health Club on the 4th floor. It offers a variety of fitness equipment as well as a steam bath, a hot tub, a massage table, and a sauna with color and music therapy.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Crete:
- Peskesi Restaurant – Located in Heraklion, discover and enjoy the secrets of the Cretan cuisine in Peskesi based on natural products. Try their large selection of menu, from fish, pasta, and well-made wines.
- Lithos – Enjoy the ambiance and unique Greek dishes paired with authentic Greek wines and cocktails. You’ll also have a breathtaking view across the Chania’s Venetian harbor.
- Avli – Meaning ‘the garden’ in Greek, Avli combines traditional and modern Greek dishes and flavors, where it’s located in the magnificent 16th century Venetian villa in Rethymno. Savoring Cretans healthy fruits, herbs, vegetables, cheese, legumes, and bread cooked in various ways.
Recommended Activities in Crete:
- Day Tour: Spinalonga, Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, & Kolokitha – Sign up for a one day tour to experience the ancient time, where you can explore the beautiful and historic island of Spinalonga. You’ll stop to visit the picturesque Elounda on the shores of Mirabello Bay, stroll around the quaint alleys of Agios Nikolaos, and swim and savor a fresh BBQ lunch.
- Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre – A place for the whole family, you and your kids will enjoy the local sea life and reptiles from everywhere. And you’ll also able to interact with many animals, even taking photos with them!
- Olive Oil Tasting with Cretan Food Pairing – You’ll learn about the long olive oil history in Crete and how to taste olive oil under the shade of real olive trees. Then followed by a cook, buy, and choose olive oil for food pairing.
