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Town Accommodation in Crete

Old Harbour Chania Crete


Town Accommodation in Crete
- we have chosen guest houses for you that are traditionally Cretan, or small and authentic, charming and to us, truly reflect the character of Crete. Many are family-run by locals, and some are luxury offerings.

Find accommodation in our towns:

  • Chania
  • Rethymnon
  • Heraklion
  • Agios Nikolaos
  • Kastelli-Kissamos
  • Ierapetra
  • Sitia


Accommodation in Chania Town

Chania Harbour - the old zone

Town Accommodation in Crete - the most atmospheric place to stay in Chania is within the walls of the old town, close to the Venetian harbour. Ideally, choose a small guesthouse a few streets back from the water's edge, as the tavernas around the bay can get a little noisy in peak season.

The stunning small lane ways of the old town are mesmerising and very tempting to explore, the atmosphere of Chania is difficult to compare, it has its own character, linked to the past yet vibrant with modern galleries, jewellery studios, fashion boutiques and of course, lots of cafes and restaurants to choose from.

Contrasting architectural forms are dotted about the harbour; such as Fort Finca, hundreds of Venetian structures and the white Mosque of the Janissaries, build during Turkish occupation of the island.  We really do recommend exploring Chania before you leave Kriti.



Accommodation in Rethymnon Town

Casa dei Delfini Rethymnon Old Town, Crete

The old town of Rethymno is charming, with its narrow laneways and fortezza, there are historic sights at every turn. To really experience the tone of this beautiful harbour town, stay in the Venetian old town in a restored mansion or guesthouse.


Rethymnon Old Town Shady Cafe

Enjoy the lane ways and courtyard tavernas and restaurants, like the charming cafes above, within the walls of the Old Town Rethymnon, brimming with history.


Accommodation in Crete
Heraklion Town

Lato Hotel Heraklion Crete

Town Accommodation in Crete - Heraklion is in the centre of Crete, and location of the port receiving ferries from all over Greece, and an international airport. It is a modern town with a vibrant pulse. We have chosen some excellent central hotels, close to everything.

Heraklion Old Harbour Fishing Boats

Take a stroll along the pedestrianised central streets of Heraklion, find your way to the Venetian Fountain, known as the liondaria for its lion designs. Ringed by cafes and tavernas, this is a popular meeting spot.



Budget Hotels in Heraklion

So Young Hostel Heraklion
Blue and white budget symbol

Town Accommodation in Crete - many of our visitors write to us to ask about budget accommodation, as they are island-hopping around Greece. Below are our budget suggestions for Heraklion, from where you can take the ferry to Santorini.


Knossos entrance and fresco

Many of our visitors are after cheap ways to see Knossos and tips for visiting this ancient site, which is just 5 km south of Heraklion. Save money on your accommodation, visit the site early in the morning, get a skip-the-line ticket and take the local bus - info for Knossos here.


Accommodation in Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos - view of the lake and harbour

Agios Nikolaos, in the east of Crete, is one of the prettiest towns on the island.

With a cozy harbour, a stunning lake and beaches stretching for miles, this is a thriving Greek seaside town with loads of life and style.

We have suggested four hotels close to the harbour, which make it easy to stroll out to dinner and also convenient for catching a ferry from the large ferry port. Ferries leave here for Sitia and Karpathos and on to Rhodes.


Zygos Urban Garden on the lake at Agios Nikolaos

Enjoy the modern cafe culture all around Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos, such as Zygos Urban Garden (pictured above), then take a boat on the beautiful Bay of Mirabello, visit the intriguing historic island of Spinalonga (featured in the novel 'The Island') or sail on a yacht on the bay, gazing over to the Sitia Mountains in the distance.



Kastelli-Kissamos

Delfini Hotel Apartments are good budget accommodation right on the beach in Kissamos

Kastelli-Kissamos sits on the north-west coast of Crete on the Bay of Kissamos, a charming small town in a vibrant agricultural region, surrounded by stunning beaches.


Kissamos is surrounded by sandy beaches,  like Mavros Molos Beach

In Kissamos, relax by your own beach, such as Mavros Molos Beach (pictured above) or take a boat ride to Balos Lagoon, or a bus to Falasarna. Visit the small village of Kaliviani or make a day of it and go to Elafonisi Beach. Rent small motor scooters or cars in town, or rent a bike.

Those who prefer walking can start their E4 European Walking Path journey right here. Starting in Kissamos, from Eleftherios Venizelos Square, the first day can be a 7 km walk to ancient Polyrrinia, or a 22 km hike to Sfinari Beach.



Accommodation in Ierapetra

Castle of Kales in Ierapetra, Crete

Ierapetra is one of the sunniest locations in Crete, sitting on the south-eastern coast, and is a lesser developed part of the island, with wonderful beaches and mountains to explore.

Agia Fotia Beach in eastern Crete

From Ierapetra explore the many beaches along the coastline east and west, reaching small coves like Agia Fotia (pictured above) or take a boat ride south to discover the paradisical Chrissi Island.

Come back to Ierapetra to enjoy strolling along the esplanade and dining next to the sea, trying local Cretan traditional food or seafood, which is very fresh here. Watch the sunset as it rolls down over the Libyan Sea.



Accommodation in Crete
Sitia

A restored windmill just outside Sitia town makes a very atmospheric seaside home

The very Greek town of Sitia sits on a wide bay in the far east of Crete, with a large port for ferries heading to Kassos, Karpathos and Rhodes. Surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and beaches, there is also a lot of history to discover here.

Kazarma in Sitia, Crete

Sitia is a hilly small town nestled around the northern end of a wide bay. On top of the hill sits the Kazarma (pictured above) which was built by Venetians as a 'Casa di Arma' in the 13th Century. Try olive oil tasting, because this is olive country, and don't forget to drive out and find some of the wineries.

Another historic sight nearby, the Toplou Monastery, offers tasting of their wines, the vineyards are extensive over eastern Crete and the resulting wines are well worth a try, accompanied by mezedes.



Top Picks in Each Town






On the Map

See the towns of Crete marked on our map below.




Getting to Crete

Take a 1 hour flight from Athens to Heraklion with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air, with many flights available per day.

Or take a 9.5 hour overnight ferry from Pireaus port of Athens to Heraklion port.

More on flights and ferries below.

Car hire in Crete is a really good idea as it is a large island 60 km by 260 km. There is so much to explore.

When you book with our car rental partners - Rental Centre Crete - you are supporting a local company with excellent service and easy online booking. We are sure you will be well looked after by the team. Choose from hybrid, electric or regular vehicles.


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Eviva


We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the We Love Crete team. Evíva!

The We Love Crete team - Anastasi, Katia & Apostoli

Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia are the We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
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About the Team

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Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia are the
We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us

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Crete to Santorini
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