Crete is the jewel of the Aegean, where history intertwines with golden beaches, azure waters, and mountainous landscapes that whisper tales of ancient legends. Whether you’re setting out on an epic odyssey to unearth Minoan ruins, indulge in mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine, or simply to bask in the sun-soaked serenity, choosing the perfect base is paramount
With a history and culture so rich (and quite different) from traditional Greece, this large island could kinda be its own country.
Crete is a massive island and you simply can’t explore its entirety on one trip. So where to stay in Crete?
Should you stay in the convenient port town near the most popular historical sites? How about in the center of Crete’s best nightlife?
Do you want to base yourself next to the best beaches on Crete? No matter what you prefer, this break down on the best areas in Crete will help you figure out where to stay on this beautiful island.
Chania
The largest city and capital of the Chania Prefecture, Chania is the perfect base for first-timers in Crete. This is where you’ll find one of the most intact Old Towns on the island.
Rethymno
Rethymno is one of Crete’s most delightful cities. The third biggest town in Crete Rethymno seamlessly combines old world charm and historic landmarks with trendy restaurants and great beaches.
Malia
If you want to hit the dance floor while in Crete, look no further than Malia. This village, located on the island’s northern coast, is the party capital of the island and our pick for the best nightlife on the island.
Matala
Matala is a small and pleasant beach town located in the southern part of Crete. A former hippy mecca, this town boats some ancient sea caves.
Agios Nikaloas
Budget travellers to Crete won’t find a more ideal location than Agias Nikalas. Located on Crete’s North eastern coast, the city offers a lovely old marina, great sea food and some excellent beaches.
Where To Stay in Crete – An Overview
The largest and perhaps most popular of the Greek islands, Crete is 8,450 km² and home to approximately 650,000 people. The island is bigger than many imagine and as such, choosing where exactly to stay in Crete is kind of important. Crete is both standalone travel destination and a classic stop on a Greek backpacking trip.
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Personally, I think Crete is a great destination to move around in. If you have a week you can easily sample 2 – 3 different places spending a few nights in each (we rented a car in Crete and fitted in 7 places in 8 days!). At the very least, I would suggest spending a few days in one of the old cities and then a few days in a beach resort or maybe a fishing village.
Some villages are better suited than others for specific interests. Do you want to take in the historic and cultural sights? Maybe you want to drink, dance and party the night away? Or perhaps you want to relax on a beach and enjoy amazing views of paradise. All of these things are possible if you base yourself in the right area.
Chania Town (or Xania) is the largest city and capital of the Chania Prefecture. Located on the northwestern side of the island, here you’ll find quite the myriad of historical and cultural attractions. With its charming old town, Chania is an ideal destination for first-time visitors to Crete as well as anybody short on time such as weekenders. Chania airport is also a major transport hub and handles several budget airline flights daily from all over Europe.
Travelling east, you’ll pass through the towns of Rethymno and then Malia. These popular cities are where you’ll find a lot of resorts and some of the island’s top nightlife destinations.
Continuing east, you’ll hit Crete’s capital city of Heraklion. Heraklion is actually Greece’s 4th largest city and its metropolitan areas sprawls. Despite having a charming old town and being a very happening place, we prefer Chania so don’t really recommend spending too long in Heraklion and suggest you head to Agios Nikolaos.
As you continue east along the northern edge of the island you’ll encounter the stylish and trendy village of Elounda. A former fishing village, this picturesque town regularly welcomes the world’s rich, famous and fabulous. A must see while travelling in Crete.
Alternatively, you could head south-east from Rethymno, cut right across the island and head to the hippy beach of Matala to chill and visit the ancient, UNESCO listed cave’s. You could also swing by the former village Agia Galini on your way to or from Matala.
Still not sure where to stay in Crete? I’ll cover everything you need to know below!
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The Best Cities, Towns & Villages to Stay in Crete
1. Chania Town – Where to Stay in Crete for your first time
The largest city and capital of the Chania Prefecture, Chania Town (also known as Hania/Xania) is the perfect base for first-timers in Crete. The airport handles a LOT of flights and is only a 30 minute, €3 bus ride from the centre making it easy to get to and from. Chania offers a perfect ‘taste of Crete’ including awesome sea food, winding alleys plus a Venetian harbour. In Chania you’ll also find one of the most intact Old Towns on the island.
With its snaking alleyways and narrow lanes, this is the ideal place to get lost in history and spend an afternoon exploring. There are also several amazing beaches within striking distance of Chania which you can reach by way of renting a car, waiting for a bus or chucking €10 – €15 on a taxi (note that there is no Uber in Crete though).
Most Crete trips start and finish at Chania. It is a great place to start your Cretan adventure and a great place to stay for those short on time. Also note that if you don’t mind staying further away from the old town, there are some excellent Airbnb’s in the suburbs of Chania at great prices and you can still easily either walk or get a bus to the old town.
Should You Stay In Chania?
- Very near to airport
- Lovely old town
- Loads of bars and restaurants
- Not the best beaches
Best Places To Stay in Chania
Cozy flatlet in Old Town | Best Airbnb in Chania
The cozy flatlet is located in one of the most picturesque neighborhoods of the old harbour. With one bedroom, one bathroom and a well-stocked kitchen, you’ll feel right at home in this historic apartment.
Cocoon City Hostel | Best Hostel in Chania
Stylish and modern, this hostel is the perfect budget base for your stay in Chania. Located less than a half kilometre from the city, this hostel is close to public transit, great restaurants and the city’s top sites.
Alcanea Boutique Hotel Chania | Best Hotel in Chania
Combining modern comfort with old-world charm, the Alcanea Boutique Hotel is the best hotel in Chania. Each room is well equipped with a refrigerator and minibar and offers guests comfortable robes and slippers.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Rethymno – Where to Stay in Crete For Families
Rethymno is one of Crete’s most delightful cities. The third largest town on the island, Rethymno seamlessly combines old world charm and historic landmarks with trendy restaurants and incredible beaches.
The old harbour is lovely at sundown, the old city’s labrthytine streets are fantastic for exploration and there are some amazing natural sites within day-tripping distance too such as the Arkadi Monastery and the Samaria Gorge.
Rethymno is a worthy stop on any Cretan itinerary but is especially good for families and budget travellers as there quite a few ‘resorts’ in and around Rethymno too. Personally I am not into resorts and as such, I found the Rethymno new town with its beach clubs and tacky tourist trap bars to be pretty awful.
Should You Stay In Rethymno?
- Lots of resorts
- Between 2 major cities
- Old town is nice
- A bit ‘mainstream’
Best Places To Stay in Rethymno
Clasic Venetian Studio | Best Airbnb in Rethymno
The building was constructed out of stone and wood and it combines the Venetian and Ottoman cultures. With wooden floors and a colorful interior, the studio also has one bed and bath.
Rethymno Youth Hostel | Best Hostel in Rethymno
This youth hostel is the perfect base from which to explore the island and the village of Rethymno. A short walk from an authentic Greek market, this hostel is also well situated near beautiful beaches, delicious restaurants, and some of the island’s most interesting nightlife.
Faros Beach Hotel | Best Hotel in Rethymno
Located just one kilometre from the city centre, you won’t find a better value in Rethymno. Comfortable and modern, this three-star hotel provides guests with spacious rooms, free wifi and a rooftop terrace.
3. Malia – Where to Stay in Crete for Nightlife
Crete has plenty of charming taverna’s selling cold beer all day long but is not really a ‘nightlife’ destination. But if you want to hit the dance floor while in Crete, look no further than Malia. This village, located on the island’s northern coast, is the party capital of the island and my pick for the best nightlife on the island.
Home to more than 61 night-time industry establishments, there should be a bar or club for everyone in Malia. From low-key and chill to wild and rowdy, this town has the perfect balance of bustling bars, charming pubs, trendy nightclubs, and all of Crete’s premier nightlife spots.
Spend your days on the beach and your nights in the club in this vibrant and vivacious town.
Should You Stay In Malia?
- Crete’s nightlife hub
- Great beaches
- Nice resorts
- Loud and lairy…
Best Places To Stay in Malia
Deluxe Suite with Sea View | Best Airbnb in Malia
Luxurious room in a modern boutique hotel with seaside views from the private balcony. The room has one bed and bath and it’s got a super convenient location.
Milos Studios | Best Hostel in Malia
Milos Studios Hostel is the best budget accommodations in Malia. Located less than 600 meters from the city centre, this hostel is perfectly situated for a night out on the town. Walking distance to Dimokratias Street and the city’s hottest bars, you won’t have to go far to find the best nightlife in Crete.
Drossia Palms Hotel and Nisos Beach Suites | Best Hotel in Malia
This three-star hotel is located close to the island’s hottest bars and nightclubs and has an in-house restaurant and bar that offers a unique dining experience. There are epic room options that all offer stunning views of the sea and beach. If your wallet allows it, you can even opt for a suite with a private jaccuzi on your terrace.
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Grab an eSIM!4. Matala – Trendiest Place to Stay in Crete
Once a sleepy fishing village, Matala rose to fame in the 1960s and ’70s as a haven for hippies and free spirits drawn to its iconic caves carved into sandstone cliffs. These ancient Roman-era tombs were transformed into makeshift residences by these wanderers, with Joni Mitchell even penning lyrics inspired by the allure of Matala’s shores.
Today, this charming bay offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Golden sands embrace the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea, and tavernas line the beach, offering fresh seafood and traditional Cretan dishes. Whether you’re a history buff, a beach lover, or someone seeking a touch of bohemian nostalgia, Matala welcomes you with open arms.
However note that there isn’t that much going on here and accommodation options are also less than in other parts of Crete so one or two nights here will probably be enough for all of you.
Best Places To Stay in Matala
The SEA suite 2 | Best Airbnb in Matala
Suitable for couples or a small group of friends, this flat with a stunning ocean view offers panoramic landscape, cerulean sky in the morning and colourful sunset in the evening. A modern suite built in 2023 that offers you all the amenities you will need for a fantastic experience.
Nautilus | Best Hotel in Matala
For a romantic vacation in paradise, you won’t find a better hotel in Matala. Located a stone throe from the beach and caves, this hotel is surrounded by bars, beaches, restaurants and attractions.
Each apartment features a private terrace and refrigerator, and all guests have access to the outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre.
5. Agios Nikolaos – Where to Stay in Crete on a Budget
Perched on Crete’s northeastern coast, Agios Nikolaos is a captivating blend of cosmopolitan charm and authentic Cretan culture. Characterized by its vibrant marina, the town is most renowned for Lake Voulismeni, a deep blue freshwater lake linked to the sea and wrapped with legends of being bottomless. Lined with quaint cafes and bustling eateries, its shores make for an idyllic spot to enjoy a coffee or meal, with views that won’t be easily forgotten.
The town offers picturesque beaches, a few archaeological sites, and a labyrinth of narrow streets dotted with shops and traditional houses. Whether you’re on a romantic escape, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Agios Nikolaos has you covered. The town is great for budget travellers as there are plenty of bargain accommodation options – think Airbnbs and Hometays from $30 per night.
Should You Stay In Agios Niclaos?
- Proper Greek city
- Charming sea front
- Cheap digs
- Far from Airports
Best Places To Stay in Agios Nikolaos
Urban Zen | Best Airbnb in Agios Nikolaos
This stunning flat in Agios Nikalos is a truly gem at a bargain price. The accomodation is brand new with modern architecture and all mod cons. Guests can enjoy the sea view sitting on the terrace in front of the garden of the house.
The Holiday Studio | Best Hotel in Agios Nikolaos
Located one block from the marina, this lovely studio is a self contained, quiet, cool and around excellent base offered at a great price. There is a small kitchen, a washing machine, work desk and little balcony. Everything you need is in walking distance.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Crete
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Crete and where to stay.
What To Pack For Crete
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Crete
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Crete
You could easily spend weeks exploring Greece’s largest island, Crete. With so much to do and see on Crete, like sunbathing on beautiful beaches, sailing the turquoise waters, exploring ancient ruins, indulging in the local food, and going wine and olive tasting, you’ll never want to leave this island paradise.
But Crete is a massive island, and each town offers plenty to explore. That’s why I created this guide on the best areas in Crete by interest.
Still not sure where to stay in Crete?
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Greece.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Greece.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Greece instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Crete to plan your trip.
- Planning out an itinerary for Crete is a great way to maximise your time.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Greece.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
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