
The flat is the preferred type of accommodation for an increasing number of travellers, a trend that is also noticeable in Crete. Families love it for the convenience, young people for the freedom to wake up at the time they want, couples for the privacy; everyone, indiscriminately, loves it for the considerable savings compared to the ‘sleep in a hotel, dine in a restaurant’ formula.
It is possible to find flats for rent for tourists a little all over Crete, but naturally the choice is greater in the better known towns.
In the most popular seaside resorts, the most popular accommodations are either sea-view flats or flats with swimming pools. Some are cheap family residences, others are more luxurious accommodations perfect for couples on a romantic getaway or for those who want to treat themselves to something special.
Keep in mind that the island of Crete is very large, so regardless of where you decide to book your flat, it is strongly recommended to rent a car. Only in this way are you sure to be able to reach all the places and beaches you are interested in. Public transport takes a lot of time and many of the most beautiful beaches on the island can only be reached by car.
Here are the best areas of Crete for those who want to stay in a flat, with a list of recommended budget accommodation.
Chania is Crete’s second largest city and concentrates the best the island has to offer: beautiful beaches, archaeological treasures, cultural sightseeing, clubs and services at your fingertips. Popular with different types of travellers, it is perfect for those visiting Crete for the first time or for those with limited time and who want to make the most of it.
Considered the most picturesque town on Crete, where it is still possible to experience traditional atmospheres, it has a historic centre full of romantic views, elegant Venetian-style buildings, historic churches, alleys and small squares. Because of its location, it is also an excellent base for exploring Crete, and the centre is a short distance from the island’s second airport.
The choice of flats in Chania is wide, with something to suit all budgets and needs.
Elafonissi is one of the unmissable beaches of Crete, considered by many to be the most beautiful beach on the island. It is an ideal destination for those who want beautiful sea and are less interested in cultural visits and entertainment.
Although famous for its Caribbean atmosphere, do not expect to find beachfront flats in Elafonissi: the area is protected and the closest accommodation is at least 500-600 metres from the beach. In general, the area is sparsely built-up and therefore the choice of accommodation is limited; if you are interested in sleeping here, book as early as possible so as not to risk a sell-out.
A good alternative is Kissamos, a town 40 km away that is large enough to find a good choice of flats in all price ranges but less noisy than other popular resorts; from here Elafonissi can be easily reached by car in less than an hour.
Heraklion is the capital of the island, the most important city administratively and one of the most interesting for tourists. Rich in history, it boasts top attractions such as the Palace of Knossos and an important archaeological museum, but at the same time it is a modern, dynamic and cosmopolitan city.
We recommend it to those who love urban atmospheres and who want the convenience of having many shops, services and venues close at hand. On the other hand, it is not suitable for those seeking peace and quiet, although there is no shortage of proposals for those who do not like unbridled fun.
Heraklion and its surroundings is one of the most touristically developed areas of the island. You can choose from many flats for rent for short or long term, cheap or more comfortable.
Hersonissos is the nightlife capital of Crete. Famous for the number of clubs and entertainment options, it is always presented as a resort for young people.
It is true that the majority of tourists who come to Hersonissos are under 25 years old, but don’t dismiss it out of hand if your age starts with 3… or more: Hersonissos is suitable for anyone who wants a comfortable beach holiday. It has beautiful beaches, is easily accessible and has a wide choice of accommodation, including flats, at slightly lower prices than in other popular beach resorts on Crete.
If you can’t find the right flat in Hersonissos, look for one in Malia, a neighbouring resort with similar characteristics.
Secondary to the others, Rethymno is often chosen as a base for visiting the island due to its excellent location midway between Chania and Heraklion. The long beach east of the old town makes it a quiet and family-friendly destination.
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