To briefly describe Crete, Greece’s largest island, is difficult. Imagine it like a box, which looks plain and simple on the outside, but once the box is opened, many hidden treasures are revealed. Chania, perhaps the best-known part of Crete, has impressive white mountains on the western side. It also has Venetian mansions and historical monuments. Heraklion sits between two mountain ranges, with pretty villages, olive groves and vineyards to explore.
In the sleepy quiet villages of Crete, you can enjoy delicious dakos, Cretan cheese, good coffee and many other wonderful dishes, while you watch the world go by. The locals are friendly, welcoming and love to have conversations with tourists. It is a blend of everything that makes a holiday destination memorable and somewhere you will want to go, time and time again.
Read on for our pick of the top ten accommodations to make your stay that much more special and comfortable.
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 March 13, 2023.
1. A dreamy escape by the sea - Hersonissos (from USD 126)
You are only 500 metres (1640.4 feet) from the highway but blissfully, next to the beach. Meaning you have the best of both worlds at your doorstep. The rest of Crete can easily be explored by road but if you feel like just spending a day at the beach, you won’t have to go far. This is an ideal place to stay for families and children. It has air conditioning, central heating and all the basics required for a comfortable stay.
At the end of the garden is a terrace, from where you can look out at the sea and enjoy the refreshing, calming sound of the waves. There is no set arrival time for you, as guests are able to arrive 24 hours a day.
70.98 km (44.1 mi) from Venetian Fortezza CastleAccommodates: 9
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
we had a great stay - the property is very comfortable clean and spaciousthe house is comfortable very clean well equipped and in a very quiet area by the seathe apartment is spacious clean well equipped comfortable and has obviously been a cherished family homespacious clean sea viewsHost:
we can't speak highly enough of our hosts they were such lovely and helpful peoplemanolis and evi are the best hosts we have ever found very helpfulthe owner was exceptionally helpful to us for a business task we needed to complete in creteevi and manolis were fabulous hosts who gave us valuable information to make the most of our staymanolis was extremely helpful greeting us on our arrival and arranging for us to hire a carRead more reviewsLocation:
close to the airport and famous sites like knossos or phaestosthe location - kokkini hani - is near many attractions including heraklion and knossosall you need within walking distance and very kind and helpful hosts
2. Anna boutique villa - Lampi (from 192 USD)
If privacy and relaxation are at the top of your list, then this luxury residence is for you as it has been designed specifically with these two things in mind. Situated in the central part of the island, near the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, this peaceful villa has its own swimming pool, garden and even lemon groves. There are also far reaching views of mountains and the sea.
It is a two-storey villa and consists of two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a living room with a fireplace, which would be delightful on a cold evening. There are balconies and terraces, as well as a barbecue area. You have your own private swimming pool and garden. All in all, it is heavenly escape!
Anna boutique villa - Lampi
Price: from 192 USD
Number of Guests: 5
3. Alkyoni Villa - Xiron Chorion (from 201 USD)
Alkyoni Villa is comprised of an open plan living/dining area, with satellite TV, and a DVD player. From the living room doors, you will be lead out into the pool area. The kitchen has everything you need to make delicious holiday meals. In the basement, there is a recreation room, with a dining table, a fireplace, a kitchenette, shower and toilet. The villa is air conditioned and has heating.
It has four bedrooms, each with double beds and a bathroom of their own. From most of the rooms, the large windows allow you to enjoy unspoilt views of the sea. This villa provides a peaceful holiday sanctuary.
Alkyoni Villa - Xiron Chorion
Price: from 201 USD
Number of Guests: 9
4. Beautiful detached villa - Agia Galini (from 107 USD)
A new swimming pool, plenty of privacy, a luxurious lounge with aerial and satellite TV, along with wi-fi, air conditioning and heating, are all offered in this delightful villa. The two double bedrooms each have their own bathroom and the kitchen has all the basics needed, for day to day cooking.
The bedrooms have space to accommodate extra beds, depending on the number of people staying. You even have your own private path down to the river!
Beautiful detached villa - Agia Galini
Price: from 107 USD
Number of Guests: 8
5. Rustic holiday villa - Vori (from USD 143)
If you want to stay somewhere with rustic charm, then this holiday villa in Southern Crete is for you. This traditional village is protected by Greek cultural heritage law. The villa itself may be old but it has been beautifully preserved and lovingly restored. It has everything required for a pleasant stay.
There is plenty to explore nearby, with churches, museums, old ruins and restaurants, offering delicious local cuisine. Staying here really will feel like stepping back in time.
45.91 km (28.6 mi) from Venetian Fortezza CastleAccommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 4
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it is sympathetically restored yet has everything you could need including air con wifi dishwasher etcHost:
the owner and his family were very welcoming and treated us with exceptional hospitalitythe owners mother lives next door and she was very kind to uswe had a fantastic week thanks to the generosity shown by the owner and his family"lovely house made particularly comfortable and enjoyable by the thoughtful manner in which the owner prepared our arrivalRead more reviewsLocation:
the village was nice and quiet and yet we were in walking distance of a friendly family restaurantit is a good location for exploring the beaches and the ancient sites such as festosin a nice and authentic village from which there are many nice places to visit (beaches and sites)
6. Sleek Villa Thalassa - Kissamos (from 640 USD)
Sleek, clean, and modern - these are three words that come to mind when describing Villa Thalassa. A natural stone terrace dominates the front of the property. The pool is particularly special, not only having full-width Roman steps but from which you can admire the views of the Aegean Sea. It is not all modern and stone, there is also greenery and the villa has some beautiful gardens.
This villa is spread out over two floors and the big windows in most of the rooms allow light to come in and provide beautiful views. The kitchen is open plan and has the latest, modern appliances you will need for your stay. There are three bedrooms and three bathrooms and one of the bathrooms even has a walk in spa!
Sleek Villa Thalassa - Kissamos
Price: from 640 USD
Number of Guests: 7
7. Traditional villa - Drimiskos (from 100 USD)
This villa is newly built but still retains traditional Cretan design. It has two bedrooms, a living area, a large veranda with garden furniture and a barbecue area. Memorable meals can be made by selecting fresh Cretan herbs and vegetables from the villa’s gardens.
During the summer months, traditional village festivals are held in Drimiskos, providing you with an authentic Cretan experience!
Traditional villa - Drimiskos
Price: from 100 USD
Number of Guests: 5
8. Peaceful countryside villa - Prines (from USD 176)
This peaceful, three bedroom villa, is set in two acres (.8 hectares) of unspoilt countryside. The living area is on one level and it is simple, fresh and modern in style. The interior of the villa is open plan. There is satellite TV, DVD, and a PlayStation 3, for your entertainment. A dining table and a well-equipped kitchen provide you with all that is needed to cook wonderful holiday meals.
There are three bedrooms and three bathrooms. One is en suite and it is suitable for people with special needs. There is plenty of outside space for children to run around, as well as a barbecue area.
5.03 km (3.2 mi) from Venetian Fortezza CastleAccommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 5
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
our 7 yr old loved the swimming pool and spent probably 6 hours a day in itprivacy quietness comfort beautifull surroundings great view very nice swimming poolwe made many trips and had also time to relax at the swimming poolCleanliness:
the villa is spotlessly clean and the pool is cleaned daily before you wake upthe villa itself is beautiful spotlessly clean and set out in such fantastic groundsthe first impression from the property was amazing in total clean comfortable and well furnished like the kitchenHost:
fantastic hospitality - family very welcoming and responsive to needsthroughout the stay stella and her family were the most wonderful of hostswe thank the very friendly owner family for their kindness and warm-heartednessstella and her lovely family are amazing hosts and made sure our stay was really specialstella and her family are the perfect hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
as soon as we all unpacked we immediately chilled perfectly situated for quiet and proximity to tourist attractionsvilla aphrodite was perfect the location is quiet and private without feeling too isolatedamazing villa lovely gardens and great location in hills above rethymnon
9. A house by the sea - Skaleta (from 79 USD)
A peaceful house close to Mediterranean beaches, this house provides an ideal setting for a relaxing holiday. It includes a large bedroom and two bathrooms. The large living room has a double sofa and has the basic comforts required. The dining area includes a table and chairs, where you can sit and enjoy the local Mediterranean cuisine while listening to the sound of the waves.
A house by the sea - Skaleta
Price: from 79 USD
Number of Guests: 5
Beautiful accommodations for all budgets
So, as you can see from our list, whatever your budget is, Crete has suitable accommodation for all tastes!
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