Crete hotels and accommodation
Accommodation in Crete is largely concentrated in the frantic seaside resorts of Hersonissos and Malia on the northern coast east of Iraklio.
The beachfronts are lined with hotels of all standards but most are block booked by the tour operators months in advance.
You’d be ill advised to pitch up in either resort in high season without a booking though you might find a last minute bed in Malia’s old town which has numerous rooms and cheap pensions geared towards independent travellers rather than package holiday tourists.
Breakfast is included in the room price at many of the island’s hotels and the more upmarket establishments lay on in-house entertainment such as weekly Cretan nights with traditional music and dancing.
If you feel like escaping the madding mid-summer crowds head for one of the unspoilt mountain towns or inland villages where you’ll find reasonably priced villas and rooms to rent in a more traditional environment than most of the beach resorts are able to offer.
Make an overnight stop in the lovely mountain town of Spili, south east of Rethymno, or spend a night or two in one of the villages which pepper the spectacular Lasithi Plateau. There are inexpensive rooms at Agios Georgios, Tzermiado and Psychro
The beautiful city of Hania has thousands of rooms available – in restored Venetian mansions, back street domatia and modern hotels – so you can normally be sure of finding a place to bed down for the night even if you arrive here in high season without a reservation.
If money’s no object, check in at the super luxurious Elounda Beach Hotel – a truly world-class resort overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Mirabello. The hotel’s wealthiest guests fly in by private helicopter for some serious self-indulgence at this no-expense-spared holiday complex where the deluxe suites have their own swimming pools and mini televisions are placed alongside the bathrooms mirrors.
The Creta Paradise Beach Resort Hotel, 14 kilometres west of Hania, is also in the luxury league with its own in-house orchestra, professional instructors coaching guests in various watersports and a mini zoo to keep the kids’ entertained. One of the most delightful features of this hotel is that sea turtles use its beach to lay their eggs from May to June.
Freelance camping on the beaches was common in the sixties but is now frowned on by the police and many of the islanders. There are plenty of well-equipped official camp sites dotted around the island’s coastline but many backpackers still take the risk of camping out in secluded spots.
Where to stay in Crete
However, not all areas of Crete offer the same opportunities: the northern part is certainly more developed from a tourist point of view, thanks also to national and international maritime connections.
In the southern part of Crete there is a more traditional type of hospitality, which attracts travelers looking for relaxation and intimacy. Let’s see below, region by region, what are the best known tourist centers.
Booking.comChania hotels and accommodation
West of Crete, the Chania region is one of the most popular areas of the island. The most popular villages, in addition to the splendid capital that gives the region its name, are Georgioupolis, Kolimbari and Agia Marina. They are all seafront locations, populated with restaurants and bars.
Georgioupolis and Kolimbari are certainly suitable for families and couples seeking intimacy: Kolimbari beach, for example, is the perfect place for a romantic dinner. Agia Marina, on the other hand, is famous for its nightlife, there are many bars and discos offering evenings with international DJs.
Recommended accommodations in Chania
Boutique Hotel Fortino
Featuring free WiFi throughout, Boutique Hotel Fortino is set in a historic and cultural Venetian building in a quiet and scenic location along a pedestrian street in the Venetian Port of Chania, 20 meters from free public parking.
The spacious apartments and suites feature lofts, modern minimalist furnishings, air conditioning, a balcony with harbor and city views, satellite TV, free WiFi and a fully equipped kitchen.
Venetian House Chania
Casa Veneta is located in the old town of Chania, 500 meters from Nea Chora Beach. It offers air-conditioned accommodation with views of the Venetian harbor or the scenic route.
All apartments have a kitchenette with a fridge and cooking hobs, a radio and a TV.
Physis Villas Chania
Physis Villas are located on the outskirts of the traditional village of Agia, in Chania, Crete, a 10-minute walk from Lake Agia and just a 10-minute drive from the stunning blue sea off the north coast of Crete.
Two independent villas of modern design, Villa Thalia & Villa Erato are located on a green farm of ten acres, which has been created in order to generously offer all the products of the Cretan land, to cultivate all kinds of aromatic plants and to offer various species. fruit trees.
Created exclusively for nature lovers. A place to go when you are looking for peace, natural beauty, wonderful atmosphere.
Chania Inn
Chania Inn welcomes you in its three uniquely designed suites, where thanks to its ideal location, it offers you a panoramic view of the old Venetian port of the city of Chania.
Its suites are decorated with elegant and atmospheric details to make your stay unforgettable. Two of them have a private balcony offering a unique view of the old port of the city.
Semeli Studios Chania Crete
Located in Chania, just a 5-minute walk from Nea Chora beach and various taverns and mini markets, this family-run hotel offers self-catering accommodation with free Wi-Fi and a private balcony.
All air-conditioned studios feature a kitchenette with dining table, fridge, stove and coffee machine, ceiling fan, safe, flat-screen TV, private bathroom with hairdryer, and some have views. on the Cretan Sea.
Whre to stay in Heraklion
The region of Crete which includes the capital Heraklion is one of the most developed tourist areas of the island. Among the many clubs we mention first of all Hersonissos, famous for its beaches, which become particularly crowded in high season. The area is full of shops, cafes and bars, and the hotels are often large complexes offering maximum comfort to guests.
20km west of the city of Heraklion is Agia Pelagia, a famous center loved by water sports enthusiasts. Those looking for nightlife entertainment, on the other hand, should not ignore Stalis and Malia, where the nights are marked by music and dancing in the various clubs and outdoors: undoubtedly among the most popular places for young people.
Recommended accommodation in Heraklion
Marin Dream Hotel
The completely renovated Marin Dream Hotel in Heraklion is ready to host and offer high quality hospitality services to its guests.
At a very short distance from the city center of Heraklion, it is an ideal choice for both professionals and travelers visiting Heraklion for leisure. Providing exotic views of the harbor with the famous Koules Fortress standing below the hotel guests will escape the daily routine.
The relaxing environment and the friendly atmosphere that prevails in combination with the affordable prices throughout the year make the Marin Dream Hotel a dream choice!
DOM Boutique Hotel
Located in Heraklion City, 2 km from Amoudara Beach, DOM Boutique Hotel offers accommodation with a bar, private parking and a shared lounge. The property is 2.1 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, 2.8 km from Venetian Walls and 7 km from Palace of Knossos.
Metropole Urban Hotel
Featuring a shared lounge, Metropole Urban Hotel in Heraklion is located 1.6 km from the Venetian Walls.
Featuring a bar, the hotel is close to several well-known attractions, around 600 meters from Heraklion Cultural Center, 1.7 km from Theodoros Vardinogiannis Stadium and 550 meters from Historical Museum of Crete.
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