Crete is an amazing, fantastic island and hides many treasures. There are many places to stay on this beautiful island and we constantly receive emails from holidaymakers, asking us which town to stay in on Crete to have the best possible experience during their stay.
As everyone has different tastes, this article will clarify the different possibilities to help you choose in which city to stay in Crete, according to different criteria.
Good to know about Crete
Crete is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest in Europe. It’s much larger than Mykonos or Santorini. So you’ll need time to discover it fully!
It is made up of 4 municipalities (the first three will be discussed here):
- Chania,
- Rethymnon,
- Heraklion,
- Lasithi.
The best place to stay if you’re visiting Crete for the first time!
If you’re visiting Crete for the first time, the town of Chania, wrapped around its Venetian port, is ideal for you, as it offers everything you could possibly want!
It’s a perfect base for visiting and enjoying Europe’s most beautiful beaches:
- Balos and its magnificent bay,
- Falasarna,
- Elafonisi,
- Kedrodasos.
Visit the heart of Chania and stroll through its fantastically atmospheric alleyways! You’ll also find a lively nightlife with numerous bars and clubs. You can radiate out from Chania and discover the beautiful town of Palaiochora or the small coastal village of Loutro, which can only be visited by boat (0 cars allowed).
Hikers will love the Samaria Gorge (Europe’s longest, at 16 km, and Greece’s most impressive).
Chania has an international airport with numerous connections to major European cities, especially in summer.
Where to stay in Crete: Chania, Heraklion or Rethymnon?
These three towns are located on the north coast of Crete.
- As mentioned above, Chania is an excellent choice.
- But Heraklion also has its advantages. It’s very accessible, with Greece’s second-largest airport. It’s Crete’s capital and largest city. It boasts fine museums (notably the Archaeological Museum) and the impressive Palace of Knossos.
- Rethymnon is located between Chania and Heraklion. It’s an excellent compromise. It’s a typical little town, full of charm. In the past, it was under Venetian and Turkish occupation. You’ll realize this as you stroll through the town’s historic center. It’s filled with magnificent houses, churches and a 16ᵉ century fortress.
If you want to get to Rethymnon, there is no airport. The airports of Chania and Heraklion are about 1 hour away.
There are plenty of enjoyable activities to do around Rethymnon, such as visiting :
- Arkadi monastery (~25-30′ by car)
- The Preveli monastery and the incredible beach nearby (~45 to 50′)
- Kourtaliotiko gorge (~30′)
- The archaeological site of Eleutherna (~35-40′)
- The old town of Chania(~1 hour).
The best place to stay in Crete for families and children
Crete is an ideal place to spend a family vacation, as you’ll find everything you’re looking for in terms of accommodation and activities to delight the whole family.
A good option would be to stay in Hersonissos or Chersonissos (in the Heraklion region), where you’ll find beautiful, lively beaches, plenty of stores, restaurants and cafés where you can quench your thirst after sunbathing and swimming. That said, these are very touristy places with large hotel complexes. So if you’re in Crete for an authentic holiday, the best places to stay are in the small villages nearby.
In Crete, you’ll have no trouble finding something to occupy your children, especially with two aquariums that kids love:
- This is the CretAquarium in the Heraklion region.
- And the Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre in Hersonissos.
Your children will be able to admire the variety of fish for hours.
If you prefer a more peaceful family vacation, you can choose to rent a magnificent villa with private pool and sea view in Crete, not far from small fishing villages. You’ll discover a wild Crete that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
The best places in Crete for a young couple
Crete is a wonderful place for a young couple, especially on honeymoon. It offers wonderful romantic spots, activities for two and superb sunsets!
Our first choice would be Western Crete and especially the Chania region. Enjoy the magnificent sunsets over the old port of Chania, where you can admire the great Egyptian lighthouse, the Ottoman mosque and the town’s colorful old buildings.
Falasarna beach also boasts an incredible sunset, which you can admire from your sun lounger or from the terrace of the Orange Blue bar, sipping a cocktail after a lazy day.
The best places to go out in Crete
The most popular places to go out and enjoy the nightlife in Crete are Malia and Hersonissos. They are popular and have a lively nightlife that will delight even the youngest visitors!
Chania is also an excellent choice, as it boasts some great clubs, as well as elegant cocktail and wine bars!
Rethymnon is also a lively town with many typical tavernas and restaurants. Don’t miss the Othonas Taverna, in a small alleyway in the old town, not far from the Neratze mosque . You’ll enjoy delicious Cretan dishes, served by a very pleasant staff. At Taverna Sofra, try the moussaka or the shrimp risotto! We look forward to hearing from you.
If you want to experience authentic Cretan nightlife, don’t miss the traditional panigyria. Panigyria” are traditional festivals held during the summer months, where the main saint of a region is celebrated. If there’s one on your trip to Crete, try to go.
You’ll find all the Greek character and traditional music, but also people who still know the typical Cretan dances. An experience not to be missed, as the Greeks are gifted at creating a truly convivial festive atmosphere where all generations mingle.
We’ve mentioned 3 main areas to stay in Crete, but as the island is so large, there are many other places to discover. So don’t hesitate to have a look at our villas for rent, because they’re often located in magical places, close to sandy beaches with turquoise waters.
Last but not least: it goes without saying that the best way to enjoy and discover Crete is to rent a car on the island. That way, you’ll be able to visit every seaside resort the island has to offer, in both north and south.
