Best hotels in Crete: 10 places from Chania to Elounda

Crete is big enough to visit again and again without seeing the same thing twice. The west has Chania and the pink sands of Elafonisi, the centre has Knossos and the mountains, and the east has the calm bays around Elounda.

The season runs from Easter to late October, and the island has something for every kind of traveller. We have picked ten hotels spread across Crete.

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Where to stay in Crete

Chania is the most beautiful town, with a Venetian harbour and narrow lanes. Rethymno is smaller and calmer. The big family resorts are around Heraklion and Hersonissos, while Elounda and Agios Nikolaos in the east are Crete's luxury riviera.

• Chania and the west for town life, beaches and the Samaria Gorge

• Rethymno for a charming small town

• Hersonissos and Heraklion for family resorts close to the airport

• Elounda and Agios Nikolaos for luxury and quiet bays

East Crete: Elounda and Agios Nikolaos

Elounda Beach: the classic on Mirabello Bay

Elounda Beach sits on Mirabello Bay, a few minutes from the village of Elounda. It has been one of Crete's best known luxury hotels for generations, with villas right by the water.

Breakfast and parking are included. Take a boat out to the fortress island of Spinalonga nearby.

Book the hotel: See available rooms at Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas

Blue Palace: facing Spinalonga

Blue Palace is by the village of Plaka, directly opposite the fortress island of Spinalonga. The hotel steps down the hillside to the sea in terraces, and many rooms have a private pool.

There is an indoor pool and a restaurant, and parking is included.

Book the hotel: See available rooms at Blue Palace, Elounda

Daios Cove: a bay of its own

Daios Cove sits in its own bay outside Agios Nikolaos, built into the hillside. Many of the villas have a private pool and sea views.

There are three restaurants, and wifi and parking are included.

Book the hotel: See available rooms at Daios Cove

Minos Beach Art Hotel: art by the water

Minos Beach Art Hotel is on a headland just outside Agios Nikolaos, with white bungalows down by the sea and sculptures in the garden.

Breakfast, wifi and parking are included, and every room has a balcony or terrace.

Book the hotel: See available rooms at Minos Beach Art Hotel

Central Crete: Heraklion and Hersonissos

Amirandes: lagoons and palms

Amirandes is on the coast east of Heraklion, with long reflecting pools, lagoons and palms between the buildings. The airport and Knossos are close by.

Breakfast, wifi and parking are included, and guests especially praise the staff.

Book the hotel: See available rooms at Amirandes, A Resort to Live

Abaton Island Resort: views and a spa

Abaton is in Hersonissos, with an infinity pool and sea views. The Star Beach water park is a few minutes away, so it works for families too.

Breakfast, wifi and parking are included, and guests praise the staff.

Book the hotel: See available rooms at Abaton Island Resort & Spa

West Crete: Chania and Rethymno

Casa Delfino: a Venetian mansion in Chania

Casa Delfino is in an old Venetian mansion in Chania's old town, a few minutes from the harbour. Its courtyard of arches and wrought iron is one of the prettiest in town.

There is a spa and two bars, and guests especially love the location.

Book the hotel: See available rooms at Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa

Domes Noruz Chania: on Golden Beach

Domes Noruz is on Golden Beach just west of Chania, with two outdoor pools and easy access to both the beach and the old town.

Parking is included, and guests praise the staff.

Book the hotel: See available rooms at Domes Noruz Chania

The Royal Blue: by Geropotamos beach

The Royal Blue is near Panormos between Rethymno and Heraklion, close to Geropotamos beach. Everything is light and blue, and the sea is never far away.

Breakfast, wifi and parking are included, and guests especially praise the staff.

Book the hotel: See available rooms at The Royal Blue

Kapsaliana Village: a restored olive village

Kapsaliana is an old olive village in the hills south of Rethymno, restored into a small hotel of stone houses and cobbled lanes. The historic Arkadi Monastery is close by.

There is a spa, and wifi and parking are included. Stay here for silence, olive trees and a side of Crete few tourists see.

Book the hotel: See available rooms at Kapsaliana Village Hotel

When to visit Crete

The season runs from Easter to October. May, June and September are ideal, with warm weather and fewer crowds. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, so book earliest for those. Easter is the biggest festival on Crete and a wonderful time to visit.

• Book your summer holiday in January

• Hire a car if you want to see more than one area

• Choose the west for beaches and nature, the east for luxury and calm

See also where is hot in April and Mamma Mia film locations on Skopelos.

FAQ: hotels in Crete

Where should I stay in Crete?

Chania is best for town life and beaches in the west, and Elounda and Agios Nikolaos for luxury and calm in the east. Hersonissos and Heraklion have many family resorts close to the airport.

Is it better to stay in Chania or Heraklion?

Chania is prettier and has better beaches nearby. Heraklion is handy for Knossos and the airport but has less charm.

When is the sea warm enough to swim in Crete?

The sea is pleasant from late May to October. In April it can be cool, at around 18 degrees.

Which Crete hotels have villas with private pools?

Daios Cove, Blue Palace and Elounda Beach have villas and rooms with private pools.

Do I need a car in Crete?

Yes, if you want to see more than one area. The island is large, and buses run less often to the small beaches and villages.

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