Where to Stay in Crete: 41+ Best Hotels & Resorts for Every Budget
Introduction
Crete, the largest island in Greece, offers an abundance of stunning destinations for tourists. From its bustling cities to its serene beaches, Crete has something to offer every traveler. Whether you're looking for a luxurious resort, a budget-friendly hotel, or a charming guesthouse, you're sure to find the perfect place to stay in Crete.
Best Hotels & Resorts in Crete
1. Luxury Resorts
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Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas (Elounda): This 5-star resort offers a private beach, a spa, and multiple dining options.
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Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort (Elounda): Set on Mirabello Bay, this hotel features a private beach, an outdoor pool, and luxurious accommodations.
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Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection (Elounda): This award-winning resort offers private villas with plunge pools, a spa, and a fine dining restaurant.
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Creta Maris Resort (Hersonissos): Located in a private bay, this 5-star resort offers a beach, a pool, and multiple dining and entertainment options.
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Knossos Beach Hotel & Bungalows (Hersonissos): Set on a sandy beach, this resort features a pool, a tennis court, and a kids' club.
2. Mid-Range Hotels
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GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel (Heraklion): This 4-star hotel is housed in a historic building and offers charming accommodations in the heart of Heraklion.
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Aquila Atlantis Hotel (Heraklion): Overlooking the Venetian Port, this 4-star hotel offers modern accommodations and a rooftop pool.
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Galaxy Iraklio Hotel (Heraklion): This 4-star hotel is located near the city center and offers elegant accommodations and a rooftop terrace.
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Candia Maris Resort & Spa (Hersonissos): This 4-star resort offers a beach, a pool, and a spa.
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Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa (Hersonissos): This 4-star resort offers a private beach, a pool, and a kids' club.
3. Budget-Friendly Hotels
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Hotel Ideon (Heraklion): This budget-friendly hotel is located in the center of Heraklion and offers basic accommodations.
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Lato Boutique Hotel (Heraklion): This 3-star hotel offers charming accommodations and a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views.
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Olive Green Hotel (Elounda): This 3-star hotel is located in Elounda and offers a pool and a garden.
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Sunwing Resort Tigaki (Kos): This 3-star resort offers a beach, a pool, and a kids' club.
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Ikos Dassia Resort (Corfu): This 5-star resort offers a private beach, a pool, and all-inclusive dining.
Tips and Tricks for Choosing a Hotel in Crete
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Consider your budget: Crete offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget.
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Choose the right location: Crete offers a variety of destinations, from bustling cities to serene beaches. Choose a location that suits your interests and travel plans.
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Check amenities: Consider the amenities that are important to you, such as a pool, a beach, or a spa.
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Read reviews: Before booking a hotel, read reviews from other travelers to get a sense of what to expect.
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Book in advance: If you're traveling during peak season, it's a good idea to book your hotel in advance to secure the best deals and availability.
Step-by-Step Approach to Choosing a Hotel in Crete
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Determine your budget: Decide how much you're willing to spend on accommodation.
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Choose a destination: Research different destinations in Crete and decide where you'd like to stay.
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Identify your must-have amenities: Make a list of the amenities that are important to you.
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Search for hotels: Use a hotel search engine or travel agent to find hotels that meet your criteria.
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Read reviews: Read reviews from other travelers to get a sense of what to expect from each hotel.
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Compare prices: Compare prices from different hotels to get the best deal.
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Book your hotel: Once you've found the perfect hotel, book your stay in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
Pros and Cons of Different Accommodation Types in Crete
Accommodation Type |
Pros |
Cons |
Luxury Resorts |
- High-end amenities and services |
- Expensive |
Mid-Range Hotels |
- Good value for money |
- May not have all the amenities of a luxury resort |
Budget-Friendly Hotels |
- Affordable |
- Basic accommodations and services |
Guesthouses |
- Unique and charming |
- May not have all the amenities of a hotel |
Villas |
- Private and spacious |
- More expensive than hotels |
Top Destinations in Crete
Crete offers a diverse range of destinations to choose from, including:
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Heraklion: The capital of Crete, Heraklion is home to the Knossos Palace, the Venetian Port, and a variety of museums.
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Chania: A charming port city, Chania is known for its Venetian architecture, its old town, and its beautiful beaches.
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Rethymnon: A picturesque town on the north coast, Rethymnon offers a blend of Venetian and Turkish architecture, as well as a lively nightlife.
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Elounda: A popular resort town, Elounda is known for its stunning views of Mirabello Bay and its luxurious hotels.
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Hersonissos: A lively resort town, Hersonissos is known for its beautiful beaches, its water parks, and its nightlife.
How to Get to Crete
Crete is easily accessible by plane or ferry. The island has two international airports: Heraklion International Airport (HER) and Chania International Airport (CHQ). There are also regular ferry services from Athens and other Greek islands.
Conclusion
Crete is a beautiful and diverse island with something to offer every traveler. Whether you're looking for a luxurious resort, a budget-friendly hotel, or a charming guesthouse, you're sure to find the perfect place to stay in Crete. With its stunning beaches, charming towns, and rich history, Crete is the perfect destination for your next vacation.
Additional Tips
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Consider renting a car: Renting a car is a great way to explore Crete at your own pace.
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Learn a few basic Greek phrases: Learning a few basic Greek phrases will help you communicate with locals.
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Try the local cuisine: Crete is known for its delicious cuisine, so be sure to try some of the local dishes.
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Visit the ancient sites: Crete is home to some of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, so be sure to visit some of the ancient ruins.
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Relax and enjoy: Crete is a beautiful and peaceful island, so be sure to relax and enjoy your vacation.