Recommended Hotels in Crete

Crete is a very large island, with very developed tourist areas and others still wild and unexplored. The amount of hotels scattered around the island is remarkable and you can find something for every budget, from luxury hotels with spas to cheap family-run hotels.

Beyond the budget, however, it is not certain that all hotels in your price range will suit you. Youth hotels are not recommended for families who want to sleep soundly, large hotels with hundreds of rooms are perfect for those who want lots of facilities but some find them impersonal and prefer a smaller hotel. Sea-view hotels have always been a favourite for those who want a relaxing holiday, but the little-explored hinterland is a good alternative for those seeking absolute peace.

To help you find the right place to stay on Crete, we’ve selected the best hotels on the island according to the five most popular categories (seaside, family-friendly, all-inclusive, romantic and low-cost) and a sixth that is still little considered but could be your ideal retreat.

Seaside hotels in Crete

The majority of tourists come to Crete for the sea. If you are among them, you probably dream of a beachfront hotel, perhaps with a balcony overlooking the sea, to admire fabulous landscapes and fall asleep lulled by the gentle sound of the waves. Where will you find your dream hotel?

You can look for your seaside hotel in Crete near one of the most beautiful beaches, for example the enchanting Elafonissi or the lagoon of Balos, or in a town from which you can reach a different beach every day: in this case Chania is a good choice.

The best locations for young people who want to go to the beach are Hersonissos and Malia, famous for their long sandy beaches with all amenities and a wild nightlife.

Family hotels in Crete

Family travellers have specific needs, all the more so if the family includes small children. With many wonderful beaches with shallow waters and a wide choice of family-friendly hotels Crete is an excellent family-friendly destination.

The family-friendly hotels in Crete offer useful services such as babysitting, child seats in the restaurant and children’s entertainment. They have a nice garden, one or more swimming pools and the larger ones also have sports fields.

The most suitable beaches for families with children are Frangokastello, Grammenos, Falassarna and Chrissi Akti. Near these beaches there may be a hotel for you, but if you prefer a town with all the facilities, look in Chania or Heraklion.

Also consider Hersonissos and Malia: although they are famous for their nightlife, these two resorts offer a wide choice of accommodation, including some good value, family-friendly hotels. Just be careful not to book in the centre and you will avoid the hustle and bustle of the nightlife!

All inclusive hotels in Crete

Check into your hotel and don’t have to think about anything else: if this is your dream holiday, book an all-inclusive hotel. It is an oasis of relaxation and well-being, where you can sunbathe on beautiful terraces (perhaps with a sea view!), laze by the pool, enjoy aperitifs at sunset and indulge in succulent dinners based on local and international dishes.

Crete’s all-inclusive hotels are concentrated along the north coast of the island, particularly in the more touristically developed area from Rethymnon to Malia.

Some cater explicitly for families, others are luxury hotels for those who want total relaxation, while still others are in the mid-price bracket and are suitable for a variety of holidays.

Hotels for couples in Crete

Is Crete your romantic getaway? You are looking for a hotel for couples that, in addition to services and comfort, guarantees romance and privacy… and maybe even a hot tub just for you!

Depending on your taste and budget, you can choose to stay in small boutique hotels with a warm welcome or in luxurious spa hotels for adults only: either way, they are suitable for an unforgettable holiday for two.

If you want to treat yourself to something special, Elounda is the place to be. Very exclusive, it is famous for its breathtaking scenery and fabulous 5- and even 6-star hotels (but cheaper hotels can also be found). Not far away is Agios Nikolaos, a quaint village that combines traditional atmosphere and liveliness.

If, on the other hand, your idea of romance is total peace, away from the crowds, consider staying along the south-west coast, which is very beautiful but still underdeveloped touristically.

Cheap hotels in Crete

Crete is less expensive than other well-known Greek islands, so it’s a good choice if you need to keep your holiday budget in check. To save even more money you can stay in family-run hotels: they offer basic facilities but are clean and comfortable, plus the staff are locals with in-depth knowledge of the island (the best people to ask for advice!).

Cheap hotels can be found in all the main tourist resorts on the island, but the widest choice is probably in Hersonissos and Malia, two resorts that aim at young, low-cost tourism by nature, but also offer accommodation suitable for families and couples.

Inland hotels in Crete

Crete is not only sea: this wonderful island abounds with treasures hidden in the mountains and inland villages: gorges, footpaths, monasteries, villages unknown to mass tourism. Discovering these treasures is not always easy because they are sometimes located at considerable distances from the seaside resorts. One solution is to book a night or more in an inland hotel.

There are not many hotels in inland Crete, so it is a good idea to look for them in advance so as not to risk finding the few available rooms sold out.