If you are heading off to the largest island in Greece, then be sure to read about our selection of the top ten places to stay there. Crete has a wonderful mix, which makes it a welcoming and unique holiday destination. There are mountain villages and in contrast, long sandy beaches. There are places where you can try your hand at water sports and its climate is said to be the best in Europe, making it an appealing destination all year round.
The locals are welcoming and there are developed tourist areas, but also hidden beaches waiting to be discovered. Heraklion has a wonderful archaeological museum, which must be on your list to visit and small trendy cafes to enjoy some fine coffee. Perhaps, the most well known city, Chania has the impressive Venetian harbor, but if you are looking for somewhere quieter, visit Sitia for a slower and gentler pace of life.
Scroll on down and find out about the top 10 places to stay in Crete, Greece.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 11, 2025.
1. Kastro Hotel in Heraklion (from USD 66)
Kastro Hotel is very well located, only 2.5 miles (4 km) from Heraklion Airport. The archaeological site of Knossos Palace is a fifteen minute drive away and Heraklion Port is just under 1 mile (1.6 km) away. Kastro Hotel is well-situated for exploring the ancient sites of Heraklion. It has spacious, air-conditioned rooms with breakfast included in the rate. Rooms include an LCD TV and mini fridge. Some rooms have a terrace or balcony.
A good breakfast buffet is available each morning in the hotel restaurant. The 24-hour hotel bar serves drinks and light meals. Room service is also available. Free internet access is provided.
Kastro Hotel This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: Theotokopoulou 22
5.43 km (3.4 mi) from Knossos Palace
2. Renovated apartment in Iraklio (from USD 109)
This apartment has been fully renovated, making it clean and comfortable. It is near Lions Square, which is a quiet street. It is a short walk from the bus station and from the local market.
The kitchen has an oven and fridge and there is a television in the living room. There is also a washing machine, an iron and cooking equipment. A coffee, tea and espresso machine is available, and there are restaurants nearby.
Irakleio, Greece
5.55 km (3.5 mi) from Knossos PalaceSuperhost
Accommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Host:
the hosts are wonderful toothe host was quite responsive and nicevery nice and helpful host aswellthe apartment is cosy and pleasant the hosts responded quickly with every requestthanks to a wonderful hostLocation:
a great location so close to everythinggreat central location to discover iraklionthe location is perfectnice apartment and central locationgreat location in the middle of the cityCleanliness:
very clean and quite confyexcellent apartment clean and stylishcommunication easy check in easy space clean and comfortableplace was also clean n thoughtfulclean place comfortable beds spacious apartmentRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
daughter enjoyed the toys the balcony and the tvthey have coffee machine and a good kitchenthe apartment was spacious and equipped well with all necessary amenities and was pretty cleannice to have your own coffee espresso machine and time to do laundrywe loved the size and location of this apartment and the internet was fast and reliable
3. Spacious apartment in Chania (from USD 60)
This apartment is located in one of the most beautiful streets of old town Chania, just seconds away from the sea. This building dates backs to the 1200s, when Crete was under Venetian rule. The building has been fully renovated and restored and although the building dates back many centuries, it has all modern comforts.
Chaniá, Greece
106.58 km (66.3 mi) from Knossos PalaceAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
excellent hostfriendly host with a gallery downstairskind host and great flataikaterina was a fantastic hostaikaterini was a wonderful hostLocation:
the location is outstandingthis location is absolutely perfectthe location was perfecthonestly an amazing location on a picturesque street close to everythingeasy access with taxi and well close to walk to bus stationsCleanliness:
the apartment was clean well-maintained and comfortablefantastic stay in chania the apartment was clean and well equippedthe apt is clean and the location is greatthe apartment is just as depicted warm cosy clean and tidythis apartment is very clean and in an amazing part of the venetian old townRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the air-conditioning worked but we preferred the fangiven the very hot weather the air conditioning was much appreciatedwe closed shutters and windows at night had air conditioning and slept really really wellwe had an absolutely lovely stay in katerinas apartmentthe apt was wonderful and the roof deck was an excellent bonus
4. Kydon Hotel in Chania (from USD 176)
Delicious and diverse breakfast buffet, accommodating staff for dietary preferences, and high-quality restaurant meals.
Reasonable pricing with convenient parking for a small fee.
Conveniently located near the old town, local market, and within walking distance to the harbor and bus station.
Spacious rooms, attentive staff, daily room cleaning, and complimentary water bottles.
Kydon Hotel is 8 miles (13 km) from Chania International Airport. There is free private parking available on site. Staying here, you will be a 14-minute walk from the beach. This hotel is across the street from the main market hall and just a short walk from the Old Town and the Venetian Harbour. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas of the hotel. Guests can also request to borrow a mini I-pad during their stay at the hotel.
All rooms are air-conditioned and the suites have a balcony and an LED TV with satellite channels. From most of the guest rooms you will be able to see views of the Old Town, the Venetian Harbour and the Cretan Sea.
On the first floor the restaurant serves a Greek breakfast buffet including homemade pies and sweets, fresh fruit salad, local yogurt and a variety of fresh bread sticks.
Kydon The Heart City Hotel
Address: Sofoklis Venizelos Square & 2, Str. Tzanakaki
106.12 km (66.0 mi) from Knossos Palace
5. A place by the sea in Kalamaki (from USD 603)
This first-floor sea facing apartment is just minutes from Kalamaki beach. It has two large bedrooms and a bathroom. The apartment is fully air conditioned and has a television and WiFi.
The spacious veranda gives you the fantastic view of the sea. It’s a wonderful area to eat, sunbathe or just watch the sun rise and set.
Kalamaki, Ηράκλειο, Greece
47.43 km (29.5 mi) from Knossos PalaceAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
zabia was the perfect hostzabia is a fantastic hostzabia and her family are perfect hostsshe is really a super host thumbs upeverywhere people are friendlyLocation:
the location is spot on peacefully perfectperfect location to stay with our familythe apartment has the best location in kalamakilocation was perfect with the place directly located in front of the beach suiting families with childrenthe place is beautiful and very well situated right on the beachCleanliness:
very clean and well equippedthe place is new and very cleanthe morning walks along the beach and swimming in the spotless clean water is a true battery rechargerRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the wireless was excellent and the air conditioning was delightful when it got really hot outsidethe deck is amazing with a beautiful view of the sea and the apartment is really well equippedgorgeous apartment with a truly amazing terrace and viewsthe flat was clean and very comfortable with a stunning view over the sea and the sunsetthe apartment has a huge terrasse with a wonderful view on the libyan sea
6. Blue Palace Hotel in Elounda (from USD 328)
This really is a palace! Set on the Elounda coast, this five star hotel is somewhere to escape to if you are looking for luxurious accommodation with delicious cuisine and a state of the art spa. It includes infinity pools, a water sports centre and two tennis courts. Each room has satellite LCD TVs, while some also include a CD/DVD player. Some room types enjoy private access to a section of the beach.
The hotel restaurant serves Greek, Cretan, Italian and Asian dishes. There is also a Moroccan style bar, a pool bar and a beach bar, where you can sip a drink whilst looking out at the sea.
Phāea Blue - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Address: Plaka
51.39 km (32.0 mi) from Knossos Palace
7. Castello City Hotel in Heraklion (from USD 78)
Varied and delicious breakfast buffet, with a mix of Greek dishes and friendly staff.
Reasonable pricing for a central location with free parking.
Conveniently situated near the city center and within walking distance to bars and restaurants.
Clean rooms, comfortable beds, and a rooftop restaurant with stunning views.
A short walk from Heraklion beach, this delightful hotel offers you views of the sea, the old city and Venetian walls. It is located close to the bus and taxi stations. The airport and port are easily accessible from here.
The hotel has spacious, air conditioned rooms, with soundproof windows, a television, mini fridge and safe. Open plan family rooms are also available. Breakfast is served daily in the hotel restaurant, consisting of a Greek buffet. In the evening, you can enjoy a drink, the first one for free, at the fifth floor lounge bar.
Castello City Hotel
Address: 1, 62 Martyron Avenue
5.41 km (3.4 mi) from Knossos Palace
8. A traditional house in Agios Nikolaos (from USD 105)
This traditional house has all the basics required. There are a few beaches within a twenty minute’s drive and the nearest town is just a few miles away. There you will find great restaurant choices, a farmer’s market and a peaceful harbor.
Agios Nikolaos, Agios Nikolaos, Greece
52.93 km (32.9 mi) from Knossos Palace
Top guest reviews
Host:
yanna her husband and her daughter were great hostseverywhere are lush plants and flowers our hosts could not be more kind or friendly a wonderful experienceyanna & yannis were very helpful always available and provided us with great tips for beaches restaurants etcso lovely owners left us even with an overnight stay and did not take any money for ityanna and yannis are very helpful and friendlyCleanliness:
constantly kept clean and tidy changed our towels and bed linenthe house and surroundings are clean well equipped and well maintainedRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
we loved the spyradaki's house from the traditional styled interior to the beautiful sea view from the patio table
9. View of the sea and mountains in Chania
This apartment with its large balcony gives you good views of Almyrida and Souda bay. It is an ideal place to stay for families with children. The balcony has plenty of sun beds, a table, chairs and barbecue hut. You will be within walking distance to the beach, restaurants and supermarkets. Kalives Blue Flag Beach Resort is just a few minute’s drive away.
88.92 km (55.3 mi) from Knossos PalaceAccommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 1
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Host:
the owner responding promptly to all queries and directions were usefulpon was helpful and responsive beforehandvery friendly host it was easy talk to him and he answer quicklythe owner was very helpful providing all the information we needed to prepare for the tripLocation:
apartment in good location for tavernas and shopsnice apartment and good location everything was greatgreat location just 5 minutes from shops tavernas and the beachalmyrida is a smallish but for us a nicely sized location with plenty of good restaurantsthe location was good for visiting and we particularly enjoyed visiting chania and the historic ruins at apteraCleanliness:
pool very clean apartment had everything requiredeverything was very cleanevert was very clean and the bedding and towels werethe apartment is spotlessly clean and well maintainedthe pool was a bit chilly but very cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the pool balcony and views were fantasticthe wi-fi was reliable and the speed really goodwe had a lovely week in pon's apartmentthe accommodation was excellent clean and comfortable with great view to the seathe apartment and pool were both very clean and the views from the balconies were fantastic
10. An apartment with a view in Platanias
This beautifully well maintained, modern apartment is 7.5 miles (12 km) away from Chania. The apartment has a veranda and a balcony facing the Cretan Sea. Staying here, you will be less than a fifteen minute walk from the closest beach.
The apartment has comfortable furnishings for an enjoyable stay. There is a kitchen, with all that is required to make lovely holiday meals.
115.78 km (72.0 mi) from Knossos PalaceAccommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Host:
marianne and manolis are perfect hostsgreat location clean apartment very friendly care by marianne and manolisLocation:
if we come back to crete we will definitely come back to this placeCleanliness:
apartment very very clean and well equippedthe apartments are perfectly clean well equipped and in very good shapethe apartment was clean comfortable and had everything we needed to prepare our own mealsRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
quiet with lovely views of the sea from all the apartmentsfrom your apartment you have a perfect view to the island as advertised
Charming Crete
No matter where you choose to stay in Crete, this beautiful island with its history and natural beauty will leave you with many happy memories.
History
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