Updated: June 24, 2026
Greece › Crete › Best Hotels
By Santorini Dave
My Favorite Hotels in Crete
- Chania (Luxury): Casa Delfino
- Rethymno (Couples): Avli Lounge
- Heraklio: GDM Megaron
- Elounda (Beach): Elounda Beach
- Agios Nikolaos: Minos Beach Art
- For Families: Porto Elounda
- Best Pool: Elounda Peninsula
- New Hotel: JW Marriott
- Midrange: Olive Green
- Budget: Mantraki
1. Casa Delfino • 2. Serenissima • 3. Avli • 4. Royal Senses • 5. Nostos Beach • 6. Hotel Sofia • 7. Olive Green • 8. GDM Megaron • 9. Nana Princess • 10. Elounda Beach • 11. Porto Elounda • 12. Elounda Peninsula • 13. Minos Beach Art • 14. Mantraki • 15. Petra Mare
Chania is the most charming and interesting town in Crete. This is the harbor and Old Town. The best hotels in Chania – Casa Delfino, Serenissima, and Domus Renier – are all within a one-minute walk of the waterfront.
Crete Hotels – My Advice
My two boys in the Old Venetian Harbour of Chania.
- My favorite town in Crete is Chania. It has the prettiest old town, the best mix of restaurants and boutique hotels, and the easiest base for first-timers who want atmosphere more than resort polish. The downside is that Chania gets crowded from late June through September, and the best hotels inside the Old Town are small, expensive, and terrible for parking.
- Rethymno is my favorite alternative to Chania. It has a beautiful old town with Venetian and Ottoman influences, a long sandy beach, good restaurants, and a more relaxed feel.
- Elounda is where I send travelers who want the best luxury resorts in Crete. The hotels are excellent, the sea views are gorgeous, and boat trips to Spinalonga make for an ideal day trip. But Elounda can feel too resort-focused if you want village life, local restaurants, and easy wandering.
- Heraklion is underrated. It is a real city, not a postcard town. It has the island’s best museum, strong restaurants, convenient ferry and airport connections, and easy access to Knossos. I would not choose Heraklion for a full beach holiday, but it is very practical and interesting for one or two nights, especially at the start or end of a trip.
- Agios Nikolaos, about 60 km east of Heraklion, is a good middle ground between resort Crete and real-town Crete. It is smaller and easier than Heraklion, livelier than Elounda, and better for travelers who want waterfront restaurants, boat trips, and a relaxed base without being locked into a resort.
- Elafonisi is one of Crete’s best beaches and still worth the effort, but do not treat it like a casual beach day from Chania in high season. The drive is about 90 minutes to 2 hours each way, parking and beach access have become more controlled, and July and August gets very crowded by late morning. Go early, go late, or visit outside peak season. For an easier west Crete beach day, I often prefer Falassarna.
- My suggested itineraries: For 3 to 5 days in Crete, base in Chania and add a day trip to a beach, winery, village, or Rethymno. Only add Heraklion and Knossos if history is a priority or your flights/ferries make it convenient. For one week, do 3 or 4 nights in Chania or Rethymno, then 2 or 3 nights in Agios Nikolaos or Elounda, with one night in Heraklion if you want Knossos and the Archaeological Museum. For two weeks, slow down and include the south coast, inland villages, and at least one mountain or wine-country day. Crete rewards time more than any Greek island.
- Do not underestimate Crete’s size. Chania to Elounda is not a quick hop. It is a long drive across the island, and trying to “see Crete” from one hotel usually leads to too much time in the car. I tell people to choose two bases for a week and three bases for 10 to 14 days. Renting a car is strongly recommended for beaches, villages, and inland restaurants, though Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion can work without one if you are happy using buses, taxis, and organized tours.
- Book early for summer. The best small hotels in Chania Old Town, Rethymno Old Town, Elounda, and the top beach resorts sell out early. For the best choice, book 4 to 6 months in advance for high season, earlier for family rooms, sea-view suites, or true luxury resorts. May, June, late September, and October are the best mix of good weather, lower prices, and manageable crowds.
The Best Hotels in Crete
1. Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa – Chania
Hotel Phone: +30 28210 87400
My favorite hotel in Chania and all of Crete. Beautifully restored, individually decorated boutique hotel in a 17th-century Venetian mansion in the Old Town. Rooms have handmade Italian furniture, white marble bathrooms, and mini-bars. Suites add lounge areas, sofas that convert to single beds, jacuzzis in some, and balconies overlooking the courtyard/old town. Upgraded suites can be split-level, have bigger/deluxe jacuzzis, sofa beds, dressing rooms. The Ottoman Suite has an authentic marble hammam while the top-end Presidential Suite has a private panoramic roof terrace with harbor and sea views. Highlights include a spectacular rooftop bar with panoramic views, a luxury spa, complimentary breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Within easy walking distance of the beach and the main harbor.
2. Avli Lounge Apartments – Rethymno
Hotel Phone: +30 28310 58250
This is our pick for Rethymno. This romantic, all-suite property set in Venetian-era buildings (Venetian arches, antiques) features a total of ten individually decorated, delightful, character-filled lounge apartments and suites with antique fireplaces and fittings, carved sofas, jacuzzi bathtubs, iron artwork/hand-painted beds, refrigerators, glass wardrobes. Top-end apartments add balconies, while the spirited candy suites (with names like cookie, brownie, jelly) have elements like antique chairs, handmade pillows, canopy beds. The hotel restaurants, fine dining Avli and Cretan meze bar Raki Ba Raki, and the wine bar Enoteca are among the best in Crete. Breakfast in the Avli courtyard is included. Cooking classes, wine tastings, and olive oil tastings are available.
3. Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas – Elounda
Hotel Phone: +30 28410 63000
Our top hotel in Elounda: a spectacular waterfront hotel with a lavish, contemporary, staggering accommodation range – sea view rooms with shared pools, sea view/waterfront/island suites, and luxury bungalows with private temperature-controlled swimming/whirlpool pools, to name a few. Basic rooms have balconies with bay views and in-bathroom tv and music, while bungalows have jacuzzi bathtubs and private terraces/gardens, heated floors and remote-controlled mattresses (some). Top-end, super-luxurious villas have outstanding features such as 3 decks, leather-coated ceilings, yachting designer furniture, touchscreen room controls, sunken bathtubs, private pools, and hydro-massage. Royal villas have indoor and outdoor pools, pianos.
4. GDM Megaron Hotel – Heraklio
Hotel Phone: +30 28103 05300
GDM Megaron is my favorite hotel in central Heraklio. We stayed here when my brother and his family came for a visit (and we all loved it, especially the location). Overlooking the harbor, this sophisticated hotel offers stylish rooms and suites with wooden floors, high ceilings, contemporary furniture, mini-bars, tea/coffee facilities, and balconies with city/sea views. Top-end suites have jacuzzis. Posh facilities include a rooftop pool, fitness center, complimentary breakfast, and a smart Cretan-Mediterranean restaurant with harbor views. The city center, bus station, ferry port, and the Archaeological and Historical Museums are within walking distance.
5. Serenissima Boutique Hotel – Chania
Hotel Phone: +30 28210 86386
Minimalist and lovely 7-suite boutique hotel in the heart of Chania’s Old Town and housed in a 16th-century Venetian manor featuring parquet floors, open stonework/exposed brick walls, high ceilings with wooden beams, and cement sealed bathtubs. Rooms have king-sized, eco mattresses and coffee and tea-making facilities while upgraded suites add lounge areas with sofa beds and private furnished terraces. The top-end split-level suite has a large outdoor terrace with mountain views. An a la carte breakfast is included.
6. Domus Renier Boutique Hotel – Chania
Hotel Phone: +30 28210 88806
Stunning, individually decorated 9-suite boutique hotel with designer furniture, hydro-massage showers, Nespresso coffee machines, and mini-bars. Six suites boast sweeping sea/harbor/lighthouse views. Junior suites have furnished balconies and outdoor jacuzzis, while high-end suites have lofts, painted ceilings, bathtubs with hydro-massage, and rain showers with chromotherapy. Close to many restaurants and bars. Breakfast is always included and served in the hotel’s private yard; the hotel is attached to the tasty Zepos Mediterranean restaurant, open all day.
7. Pnoe Breathing Life – Heraklion
Hotel Phone: +30 28100 00990
Chic, adults-only, all-suite, luxury hotel with a private beach, sumptuous dining, and an impressive wellness center on Karteros Beach – a zen-like oasis just a five-minute drive from the airport, a 10-minute drive from Heraklio’s historic center, and a 15-minute drive to Knossos Palace. Each lavish suite has a king-sized bed, furnished terrace, outdoor shower, and its own heated pool. Breathe Suites have jacuzzis built into their pools; Signature Suites add a steam room or sauna. Dining is extraordinary at their two seasonal, organic restaurants highlighting locally-sourced ingredients and Cretan delicacies. The same decadent fare can be served to your sunbed on the hotel’s private beach. The hotel’s two bars (one poolside and one on the rooftop) are equally impressive with signature cocktails, Cretan and Greek wines, sushi, and nibbles. The spa is not to be missed, with a comprehensive menu of traditional and modern therapies and indulgent rituals.
8. Elounda Mare Hotel – Elounda
Hotel Phone: +30 28410 68200
Chic resort with a range of accommodations from sea view rooms and suites to bungalows with private pools, royalty villas with private pools, and the top-tier Minoan Palace with a private pool. Rooms and suites have vibrant decor, marble bathrooms with tubs, and private balconies or terraces while the home-style bungalows add antiques and small private gardens. Top-end suites feature exposed stone and woodwork plus panoramic sea views. The resort features many award-winning restaurants and lounges, a holistic spa with wellness packages, a large heated pool overlooking the sea, a kids’ pool, and a private, sandy beach.
9. Nana Princess – Hersonissos
Hotel Phone: +30 28970 26900
We love this five-star, boutique, beachfront resort featuring an all-suite and villa concept, each with a king-sized bed, sea view, separate shower and bathtub, and a private pool (heated on request). The resort boasts three outdoor pools, an indoor pool, full-service salon, fitness center, and expansive spa with therapies based on guests’ zodiac signs. Three restaurants and three bars serve a broad choice of cuisines served in the hotel, poolside, or on the private beach. Located just a five-minute walk from their sister property Nana Water Park (guests get free access) and just a five-minute drive to Hersonissos Beach and the nightlife strip.
10. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort – Elounda
Hotel Phone: +30 28410 68000
Family-friendly, sprawling resort with excellent restaurants, a full-service spa, gardens, a private beach, an enormous kids club, and a 9-hole golf course. Offering yachts to charter, scuba diving, soccer camp, water sports, tennis, shopping, and even a chapel, this is the ultimate one-stop resort in Crete. The resort features sea view rooms, suites, and villas with mini-bars and marble bathrooms. Sea view rooms have furnished private balconies while the next category adds sitting areas and furnished terraces with direct access to shared pools. Top-end rooms have sea and golf course views and terraces with private saltwater pools. Suites add living spaces, while villas have living rooms with bars, dining areas, and private gardens with saltwater pools.
11. Minos Beach Art Hotel – Agios Nikolaos
Hotel Phone: +30 28410 22345
Minos Beach Art is our choice when staying in Agios Nikolaos. This tranquil beachfront hotel features villas with private pools, whirlpools, and home cinemas. Rooms, suites, and waterfront/seafront bungalows offer furnished balconies, mini-bars, and beautiful sea views. Top-end bungalows have private pools and jacuzzis, and top-end villas have dressing rooms, jacuzzi bathtubs, and fully equipped kitchenettes. The wonderful town of Agios Nikolaos is within walking distance.
12. Nautilux – Rethymno
Hotel Phone: +30 28317 01300
This is one of only two hotels in Rethymno with direct beach access; the other “beach” hotels sit across a narrow (but busy) road. Contemporary, five-star hotel with a private beach club, two outdoor pools, and a sublime wellness center with a heated, indoor pool. Greek-Mediterranean fare features strongly on the menu with different food themes each night. Breakfast and dinner are served buffet-style, while lunch and room service are a la carte. Both half board and full board options are offered. Most rooms have balconies; many have private, outdoor jacuzzis or heated pools. Excellent location in Rethymno, a pleasant 30-minute, seafront walk to the Old Town and Venetian harbor, passing by beach clubs, restaurants, and shops along the way.
13. Elounda Peninsula All Suites Hotel – Elounda
Hotel Phone: +30 28410 68250
All-suite hotel overlooking the bay. Suites and residences have a yacht-like ambiance featuring marble bathrooms with separate showers and tubs, private balconies, and spectacular sea views. Upgraded suites add furnished terraces with private, saltwater plunge pools (heated on request). Also has beachfront suites, villas with lovely furnished gardens, and presidential waterfront villas with kitchenettes. Basic seaside residences have unobstructed sea views, surround sound, whirlpool tubs, sauna, massage rooms, and private indoor pools while upgraded residences add kitchens and more. On site restaurants serve a wide range of cuisines, including Italian, pan-Asian, and of course Greek. Family-friendly amenities include a kids pool, playground, kids club, swim lessons, and nanny service at their sister property, Porto Elounda.
14. Rimondi Boutique Hotel – Rethymno
Hotel Phone: +30 28310 51001
Elegant, boutique hotel with just 34 rooms and suites spread over two buildings (the Estate and the Palazzo, which dates to the Venetian occupation) in the heart of Rethymno’s Old Town. Each building has its own pool in a romantic courtyard garden; other amenities include a traditional hammam and wellness spa. Guests may take refreshments at the Palazzo Pool Bar, serving drinks and light bites from morning until well into the night, or at the all-day Estate Restaurant, with a rich menu of Cretan and Mediterranean plates. Breakfast is always included in the rates with a buffet for Palazzo guests and an a la carte menu for Estate guests. Rooms and suites may offer pool, city, or sea views, many with terraces or balconies. Master Suites feature indoor jacuzzi baths, while Spa Suites boast outdoor jacuzzis. Wonderfully located just steps from the 17th-century landmark Rimondi Fountain, 17th-century Neratze Mosque, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete, and the picturesque Venetian harbor.
15. Amirandes Grecotel Exclusive Resort – Gouves
Hotel Phone: +30 28970 41103
Surrounding a big lagoon, this outstanding resort has a staggering array of rooms, suites, specialty suites, bungalows, villas, and ‘ultimate accommodation’. Depending on the category, rooms may have enclosed glass balconies, terraces with dining areas, private pools, and mirrored walls. Family suites have children’s bedrooms, and bungalows have bathtubs with sea views. Top-end specialty suites feature ‘star’ pools with star lights and smooth currents (for exercising), private beach gazebos, wine coolers, and gym areas. Top-end villas add jacuzzi bathtubs with aromatherapy and color therapy and beds with direct pool access. The top-end ‘Ultimate’ property adds unique private pleasure/entertainment ‘caves’ with stone walls and floors, home cinemas, fully equipped kitchens, staff quarters, round jacuzzi bathtubs, private saunas, in-bathroom massage beds, billiards, and elliptical trainers. Amirandes is close to Heraklio’s airport and to the Knossos Archaeological site to score mega points for convenience.
16. Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites – Elounda
Hotel Phone: +30 28102 27721
Set on a hillside, this boutique complex has lovely suites, pool villas, spa pool villas, and beachfront villas with panoramic bay views. (The two, three, and four-bedroom villas are marvelous for families.) Suites have floor-to-ceiling windows and bathrooms with hand-painted ceilings. Upgrades get you private saltwater infinity pools and private massage rooms. Pool villas have fully-equipped kitchens and laundry facilities, while the top-end pool villas add infinity heated pools with jacuzzi tubs, private saunas, and pool terraces. The resort centers on a large, heated main pool with a jacuzzi and kids’ pool, plus a luxury spa and fitness center. Two Cretan restaurants and a bar are on-site, while a private, serviced beach club with light fare and drinks is just a short, complimentary shuttle ride away. For families, the resort offers a kids club with cultural activities and babysitting services.
17. Domes of Elounda – Elounda
Hotel Phone: +30 23108 10624
Family-friendly, all-suite and villa, luxury resort on a private, sandy beach – the only natural (not manmade) beach in the area. Child-centric amenities include spacious suites and villas with up to 4 bedrooms, movie nights, family yoga, a teen club, and a Montessori-inspired kids’ club with activities that include gardening, stargazing, trekking, and more. The hotel features an adults-only pool, a family pool (heated in the cooler months) with two smaller attached pools, a spa with its own pool, an outdoor gym, and live music. Four restaurants and four bars keep guests full and entertained with a range of traditional and contemporary culinary offerings, local wines, signature and classic cocktails, and more. All suites and villas include spacious balconies or terraces with private outdoor jacuzzis or pools (heated in the villas). Excellent location in Elounda just 1km south of Plaka Marina and the ferry to Spinalonga and 1.5km to the public, pebbly Plaka Beach, lined with casual tavernas and sunbeds.
18. Veneto Boutique Hotel – Rethymno
Hotel Phone: +30 28310 56634
Exquisite boutique hotel set in a restored 15th-century Dominican monastery amid the narrow alleys of the historical center, with 13 medieval-like, luxury suites with beds tucked under stone arches, wooden and terracotta flooring, beamed ceilings, walk-in showers, and sofa beds. Upgraded suites add private verandas and handmade orthopedic mattresses. The hotel has a fantastic wine cellar and Cretan-fusion restaurant set in a stunning 600-year-old courtyard. Wine tastings and cooking classes are on offer.
19. Mitsis Rinela – Kokkini Hani
Hotel Phone: +30 28107 61713
Five-star, family-friendly, all-inclusive resort with an enormous main pool, a spa with an indoor pool, and serviced beach with an adults-only section. Their thoughtful family program includes three age-specific kids clubs for minis (ages 4 to 7), juniors (8 to 11), and teens (12 to 16). There are also two kids’ pools, water slides, a beachfront playground, and a game room just for teens. The culinary program incudes four a la carte restaurants, one buffet, and a slew of casual dining spots: a pizzeria, barbecue station, creperie, cafe. Of course, there is wine bar and cocktail lounge, too. All rooms and suites have king-size beds, minibars replenished daily, and private balconies or patios; most offer sea or seafront views; some with sharing pools. Ideal location just a 10-minute drive to the airport, 15 minutes to the the Old Town of Heraklio, and 20 minutes to Knossos Palace.
20. St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas – Agios Nikolaos
Hotel Phone: +30 28410 90200
Mediterranean-style, contemporary, bay resort with a huge variety of rooms, suites, and villas with pools, mini-bars, lounge corners, and balconies with stunning bay views. Upgraded suites feature private terraces with heated pools and jacuzzi-style bathtub; villas add kitchenettes.
21. La Maison Ottomane – Chania
Hotel Phone: +30 28210 08796
Intimate, opulent boutique hotel in a carefully restored Venetian-era home with design inspired by the Ottomans who once ruled Crete. Comprised of just three luxurious suites, attention to detail and personal service is paramount. Stays include a rich breakfast served al fresco in the courtyard garden; the menu features Cretan, Turkish, and Arabic dishes all made fresh in house with locally sourced ingredients. Wine and light fare is available throughout the day. Each suite is unique, but all are filled with Moroccan and Mid-Eastern antiques, Egyptian cotton bedding, mother-of-pearl inlayed furnishings, and embroidered silks. Nestled in the heart of Chania’s Old Town, behind the marina, just a short walk to Kiutsuk Hasan Mosque, the Folklore Museum, and the Venetian harbor.
22. Domes Zeen – Chania
Hotel Phone: +30 23108 10624
Set on a private beach just two kilometers from Chania’s Venetian harbor and Old Town, Domes Zeen offers spacious rooms, suites, and villas with garden or sea views, walk-in showers, and private terraces, many with sharing pools or private pools. Ideal for families, the resort offers a baby club for ages 4+ months, a kids club for ages 4 to 12 with a yard, garden and pool, babysitting services, kids’ menus in the restaurants, and grand villas for up to 8 guests. Its gorgeous beachfront pool is lined with sunbeds and umbrellas, with more set up on the private, serviced beach. The culinary program features a wine-themed, fine-dining Mediterranean restaurant and a casual, seaside taverna serving fresh, organic Cretan dishes; the pool is served throughout the day by a bar offering light fare and refreshing drinks. The wellness center features a second pool and outdoor gym. Perks include 24-hour room service, complimentary breakfast, and a range of tasting activities: wine, cheese, olive oil, and sea salts.
23. Niko Seaside Resort – Agios Nikolaos
Hotel Phone: +30 28413 04040
Luxury, urban oasis in Agios Nikolaos, about five minutes on foot to the Archaeological Museum and lovely Lake Voulismeni, ringed with tavernas and fishing boats. The hotel resort has its own small, pebbly beach across the road with sunbeds on the shore and on its little jetty, plus two heated pools (the main pool and a shallow, rooftop pool). Cretan, Italian, and sushi are served in the hotel’s restaurants, complemented by craft cocktails and Greek wines. The hotel offers wine tastings that highlight local producers and twice weekly rooftop yoga. Rooms and suites vary in size and layout, many with sea views, French or full-sized balconies, or private heated plunge pools. Adults-only; pet-friendly.
24. Azade Boutique Hotel – Chania
Hotel Phone: +30 28211 01358
Nine-suite boutique hotel in a restored Venetian-Ottoman villa from the 17th century. Spacious, high-ceilinged suites feature minimalist decor in an earthy palette, walk-in showers, and wine coolers, many with private verandas and sea views. Its atmospheric courtyard features an Ottoman bath repurposed into a water feature. Breakfast is included in the rate, while light refreshments and Greek wines are available 24 hours a day. Rare for a historic property, Azade offers a suite with a roll-in shower for wheelchair users and an elevator. Tucked away in Chania’s romantic Old Town, the hotel is less than 100 meters from the Venetian Harbor and under five-minutes on foot to the Venetian Firka Fortress, the Ottoman-era Kiutsuk Hasan Mosque, and the maritime museum.
25. Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa – Elounda
Hotel Phone: +30 28410 44700
Nestled on a hillside above Plaka Beach and facing mysterious Spinalonga Island, Cayo Exclusive is an elegant, boutique resort with two sparkling outdoor pools, one indoor heated pool, and a spa with therapies inspired by Cretan and Greek traditions. Three restaurants and two bars in the main building serve casual and gourmet plates, local wines, and cocktails. The resort’s beach club on pebbly Plaka offers light fare and beverages throughout the day, accessible via the resort’s free shuttle. Rooms and villas range from 35 to 200 square meters and all include mini-bars, Nespresso coffee, and private terraces with outdoor pools, heated on request.
26. Acro Suites – Agia Pelagia
Hotel Phone: +30 28108 12240
Adults-only, all-suite, wellness resort with a freeform pool, Byzantine-inspired spa, and a sea-view yoga shala. The well-equipped spa features an outdoor, saltwater pool, hammam, dry sauna, and jacuzzi, along with an extensive menu of treatments based on Greek and international healing traditions. Their Cretan and Nikkei restaurants spotlight local, seasonal ingredients, comfort dishes, and modern twists on classic flavors. Suites and villas shine with an elevated boho style, all with king-size beds, sea views, furnished terraces, and private saltwater pools (heated on request). Villas add more space and privacy; the largest sleeps up to eight guests in four bedrooms with two pools. Clifftop location above Mononaftis Beach with elevator access to the beach through their sister hotel next door. There are a couple of tavernas within walking distance, but a car is strongly recommended for exploring the wider region.
27. Veneziano Boutique Hotel – Heraklio
Hotel Phone: +30 28103 44758
Beautifully restored boutique hotel in a historic landmark Venetian and Ottoman building. Four double rooms and two 2-story family apartments surround a gorgeous interior courtyard with daily breakfast and afternoon wine. Gracious and attentive service. Minutes from Lion’s Square, the Basilica of St. Mark, and museums.
28. Royal Blue Resort – Panormos
Hotel Phone: +30 28340 55000
Family-owned, family-friendly, luxury resort on a private, sandy beach with a seafront saltwater pool, a freshwater pool, and a thalassotherapy spa. The culinary program emphasizes fresh, local produce, products, and seafood with three a la carte restaurants, a Cretan buffet, a wine cellar, and three cocktail lounges. Rooms, suites, and villas range from 30 to 135 square meters with one king-sized or 2 twin-sized beds, bathrooms with dual vanities, many with sofabeds, superior rooms with sharing pools, and suites and villas with private pools. Extras include a game room, boutique shops, tennis courts, live music, and Cretan nights with dancing. Well-situated in the middle of the north coast, near the pebbly beaches of Spilies and Geropotamos and the sandy beach and village of Panormos, about 18 km from the town of Rethymno.
29. Alcanea Boutique Hotel – Chania
Hotel Phone: +30 28210 75370
Spirited boutique hotel in a 500-year-old Venetian building attached to the fortress and just steps from the maritime museum, Byzantine/Post-Byzantine Museum, Kiutsuk Hasan Mosque, and the Old Town’s best restaurants and shopping. Two beaches (Nea Chora and Koum Kapi) are only a 15-minute walk away. The hotel’s eight suites tend toward the cozy side, though the family rooms sleeps up to four guests in 53 square meters of space. Rooms have queen or king-size beds, walk-in showers, local handicrafts, and folk art decor. One room has a balcony; two have terraces. Alcanea’s wine bar and cafe is popular with locals and travelers alike, serving rustic Cretan fare and Greek wine under a grapevine-covered pergola from 8 a.m. until midnight. A rich a la carte breakfast is always included in the room rates.
30. Domes Noruz – Chania
Hotel Phone: +30 23108 10624
Perfect for romantic getaways, Domes Noruz is a luxury, adults-only, beach resort with two pools (the heated quiet pool and unheated vibrant pool with a bar), a therapeutic spa, and an outdoor gym with yoga and pilates classes. Rooms, lofts, and suites all come with with private terraces with outdoor jacuzzis, plunge pools, or private pools. The all-day restaurant Topos serves Cretan-Mediterranean dishes using local, organic produce paired with thoughtfully selected wines, while Raw offers fresh sushi and champagne in the evenings. Beautifully located on Glaros Beach, about 3.5 km from the sights, shopping, and dining of central Chania.
31. Minos Palace Hotel – Agios Nikolaos
Hotel Phone: +30 28410 23801
Lavish, adults-only, beachfront hotel on a private peninsula. Filled with lush gardens that are dotted with meditation nooks and quiet zones, wellness is at the forefront here. You’ll find a holistic spa, infinity pool, 24-hour fitness center, and a range of activities here, including sunrise yoga, meditation, fire ceremonies, and chill out DJ sets in the evenings. Farm-to-fork dining based on Cretan and Mediterranean traditions are served in the all-day a la carte restaurant or in the main buffet, along with cocktails and wine in the lounge or on the beach. Rooms and suites all offer private, furnished balconies or terraces, king-sized beds, and bathrooms with dual vanities; some suites have private or sharing pools. Tranquil location but only a five-minute drive from central Agios Nikolaos or 15 minutes to Elounda. Not to be confused with Minoa Palace Resort below.
32. Euphoria Resort – Kolymvari
Hotel Phone: +30 28244 40500
Family-friendly, all-inclusive, luxury resort on a Blue Flag beach. Waiter service is offered on the beach and at the pools. Posh facilities include a 3500 square meter river pool, a second outdoor pool, and an indoor pool in the wellness center. Families will also find a kids’ club, teens’ club, water park, babysitting service, and a menu of baby gear parents can borrow for their stay: bouncy chairs, baby monitors, strollers, baths, and more. Four a la carte and three buffet restaurants cook up a range of Mediterranean, Pan-Asian, and Italian dishes. Located in Kolymvari, a less touristy beach town, the hotel is about a five-minute drive to the fortress monastery, Gonia Odigitria Monastery, and well situated for hiking trips to Samaria Gorge or day trips to Chania’s Old Town.
33. Royal Senses Resort & Spa – Panormos
Hotel Phone: +30 28340 55002
Gorgeous, family-friendly, luxury resort with two saltwater pools, a freshwater kids’ pool, kids’ club, a small water park, and an herbal spa with treatments based on ancient Minoan and Cretan rituals. Rooms, suites, and villas all have king-sized beds and walk-in showers, most with private terraces and some with private pools. Dining is high-quality and plentiful here with four restaurants serving a variety of local delicacies in fine and casual settings, plus four tasteful bars offering local spirits, wine, and classic cocktails. Guests of Royal Senses also have access to the beach and tennis courts of their sister property, Royal Blue, across the street. Great location almost right in the middle of Crete’s north coast, near popular Spilies, Geropotamos, and Panormos Beaches and about 18 km from Rethymno.
34. Elounda Bay Palace – Elounda
Hotel Phone: +30 28410 67000
Set on the bay edge in 20 acres of verdant gardens with private beaches, this hotel offers a huge range of impeccable rooms, bungalows, villas, and suites, many having shared pools or private heated pools and private balconies with bay, mountain, or garden views. Upgraded suites get you bathtubs, private patios, and kitchenettes. Top-end silver club properties have bathrooms with skylights, jacuzzi bathtubs, private heated whirlpools, while exclusive club properties have fully equipped kitchens, dressing rooms, and private gardens. The resort features five restaurants and bars, an outdoor saltwater pool, and an indoor freshwater pool. Family-friendly perks include a kids’ pool, kids’ club, and teen activity programs.
35. Minoa Palace Resort – Platanias
Hotel Phone: +30 28210 36500
Family-friendly luxury resort on a sandy beach with waiter service. Grounds include four outdoor pools, an extensive wellness center with an indoor, heated pool, and a plethora of free activities for guests: cooking classes, bike tours, live music, and more. Families can enjoy roomy suites with up to two bedrooms plus connecting options that sleep up to six guests, along with a playground, lifeguards at the pools and beach, and babysitting on request. All rooms have private balconies or terraces and marble bathrooms, many with sea views; some suites add private pools. Its three bars and four restaurants serve everything from Mediterranean fine dining to traditional Italian fare; the main buffet restaurant has a different international theme each night. All-inclusive, half-board, or bed-and-breakfast meal plans on offer. Excellent location in the lively beach town Platanias, about a 20-minute drive from Chania’s Old Town and harbor. Not to be confused with Minos Palace Hotel above.
36. Phāea Blue – Elounda
Hotel Phone: +30 28410 65500
Luxe resort with rooms, suites, and villas, some with private heated pools, some with private infinity pools, all with complimentary breakfast and excellent sea views. Upgrades get you Nespresso Coffee machines, spacious patios/verandas, deep-soaking jacuzzi bathtubs. Villas have terraces with sunbeds, butler services (upon request), saunas, and jetted outdoor and indoor pools. The top-end villa has a wood-burning oven (chef services) and barbecue facilities around the pool.
37. Grecotel Creta Palace – Rethymno
Hotel Phone: +30 28310 55181
Massive family-friendly beachfront resort with a great range of bright guestrooms, suites, bungalows, two-story maisonettes and traditional villas, with stone/wooden floors, handcrafted furniture, balconies/terraces, mini-bars (on request), refrigerators, and garden/sea views. Maisonettes and family bungalows have colorful kid’s bedrooms, while suites feature hand-carved furniture, sofa beds, and gardens with private pools. The top-end beachfront villas have private plunge pools, jacuzzi bathtubs, and large terraces with pergolas. The resort boasts a fantastic sky bar and restaurant.
38. Abaton Island Resort & Spa – Hersonissos
Hotel Phone: +30 28970 26410
Luxury, beachfront resort offering indoor and outdoor pools, a high-tech spa and fitness center, and butler service. Abaton features a wide selection of rooms, suites, and villas, all with private verandas or patios, most with sea views, some with sharing pools, and a few with both outdoor jacuzzis (always heated) and private pools (heated on request). Six top-notch bars and restaurants thread through the property, including Cretan fare, a steakhouse, a fresh seafood restaurant, and a Buddha Bar outpost, serving Asian fusion, original cocktails, and world-class DJ sets to the pool and beach. Great location less than a five-minute drive to Hersonissos’ famed nightlife and beach.
39. Aulus Chania Resort – Stavros
Hotel Phone: +30 28211 01358
Casual, seafront luxury resort with four saltwater pools and a spa. Set on a rocky, natural beach with crystalline water, sunbed sets, and a floating deck. For a more “traditional” sandy beach experience, the hotel offers a free shuttle to the beach in Stavros, where Zorba the Greek‘s dance was filmed (also, there is a free shuttle to Chania). All rooms and suites have private balconies, twinnable king-sized beds, and sofabeds; some add sharing pools or private pools. Buffet and a la carte restaurants offer fresh Cretan-Mediterranean fare, supplemented with a poolside snack bar and cocktail bar.
40. Aquila Atlantis Hotel – Heraklio
Hotel Phone: +30 28102 29103
Large, cosmopolitan hotel with spacious, modern rooms and suites with mini-bars and coffee/tea facilities with city or unobstructed harbor views. Upgraded rooms add balconies, while suites add deep spa tubs and living spaces. Has two pools, a spa, restaurant, and lounge bar. The city center, bus station, and ferry port are within walking distance.
41. Kapsaliana Village – Kapsalianá
Hotel Phone: +30 28310 83400
Once an autonomous settlement centered around an olive mill in the largest olive grove in Crete, Kapsaliana Village has been lovingly resurrected as a sustainable, boutique hotel. Operational from 1763 until 1955, the mill’s houses have been converted into 22 rooms and suites, designed with respect to the original architecture. Traditionally inspired rooms and suites may feature stone walls, wood beam ceilings, and archways; some have balconies or patios. The Family Suite has a walled yard, while the Aquarius Suite features an outdoor jacuzzi, and the two-bedroom Borealis Suite has a private pool. Grounds include a sea view pool, a massage/yoga room, a creative Cretan restaurant, charming cocktail bar, history museum, vineyard, and culinary garden. A wide range of activities are on offer, including cooking classes, olive oil tasting, soap making, and guided mountain hikes. Situated in the mountains about 5 km from the 16th-century Monastery of Arkadi and 15 km from the old Venetian harbor of Rethymno.
42. Zeus Eleva Mirabello Bay – Agios Nikolaos
Hotel Phone: +30 28410 28400
Luxe resort with two saltwater pools, a holistic spa, two private beaches, and its own marina. Spacious rooms and suites all have marble bathrooms, sitting areas, and balconies with garden or sea views. The largest suites sleep four to six guests with up to two-bedrooms, many with private outdoor pools. Ideal for families, the Zeus Eleva is home to a playground, kids’ club, and kids’ pool. A la carte restaurants include an Italian trattoria, a rustic Greek taverna, and a beachfront grill house, along with a Mediterranean buffet restaurant. Located in Agios Nikolaos, just a five-minute drive to the town center and a 10-minute drive to Elounda.
43. Legacy Gastro Suites – Heraklio
Hotel Phone: +30 28102 21200
Twelve-suite, five-star, food-focused hotel just steps from the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Bembo Fountain, and Lions Square. Suites are all art-themed around painting, literature, and poetry and include both indoor and outdoor dining areas, pantries stocked with local foods and products, wine bars, and mini-bars with cold cuts and cheeses – with pairing suggestions, of course. The cuisine is astounding at its signature Papi Osteria, run by lauded chef Ettore Botrini. A la carte breakfast is served daily to each suite or terrace at any time of the morning.
44. Olive Green Hotel – Heraklio
Hotel Phone: +30 28103 02900
Modern, eco-friendly hotel with minimalistic rooms featuring vivid digital art, mini-bars, laptop-sized safes, and city/park views. Most rooms have balconies, while OG Club Elite rooms sport large furnished terraces. A complimentary breakfast buffet is included in the rate, or guests may upgrade to an a la carte breakfast at 626 All Day Lounge, serving international and Cretan fare until 11:00 pm. Short walk away from the ferry port, museums, central market, and city center.
45. Casa Vitae – Rethymno
Hotel Phone: + 30 28310 35058
Picture-perfect, renovated old Venetian house converted into three luxury villas. Each one or two-bedroom villa boasts its own private pool plus a fully-equipped kitchen, separate living area, two bathrooms, jacuzzi bathtubs, and a private terrace. The old town center is a few minutes’ walk away.
46. Caramel Grecotel – Adelianos Kampos
Hotel Phone: +30 28310 71803
Gorgeous boutique resort having a wide range of super bright suites, bungalows/maisonettes, villas with antique and contemporary designer furniture, handmade tiled floors, large furnished balconies (some), Nespresso coffee machines, refrigerators, and sea/garden views. Family suites have a kid’s bedroom; top-end bungalows feature spa bathrooms, fully-furnished verandas, and open-air jacuzzis (some). ‘Unique’ category properties have features like private outdoor jacuzzis, private pools, and outdoor fireplaces, while ‘ultimate’ category properties have top floor private jacuzzis (some), direct beach access, and wine coolers. The hotel has a beautiful confetti (color-changing) pool. Very quiet and best suited for visitors seeking solitude.
47. Elafonisi Resort – Elafonisi
Hotel Phone: +30 69835 16137
Relaxed, family-owned boutique resort with just 30 rooms spread out over a 20-acre olive grove and garden. Rooms, studios, and bungalows vary in size and facilities, though all have a walk-in shower and a private balcony or terrace; many have kitchenettes or full kitchens. Perfect for families, the resort offers connecting rooms for up to eight guests, along with a small playground and all-day, Cretan restaurant. But the main draw is the beach. At 600 meters away, this is the closest hotel to Elafonisi Beach. Known for its soft, slightly pink sand and calm, turquoise water, Elafonisi is widely considered to be the best beach in Crete and a contender for top beach in all of Greece.
48. White River Cottages – Aspros Potamos
Hotel Phone: +30 284305 1120
Rustic getaway on the south coast of Crete (but not too primitive – there is still a pool). These thirteen stone cottages were once seasonal homes for villagers who came in to work on the nearby farms. Built directly into the hillside, the cottages blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings filled with ancient olive trees, wildflowers, and herbs. Each self-catered unit has its own kitchenette, dining area, and a patio or terrace; the largest sleep up to four guests. The closest beach, Analipsi, sits on the Libyan sea about one kilometer away, while the nearest, sizeable village, Makry Gialos, is just 500 more meters away, with several tavernas, shops, a supermarket and busier beaches. A perfect spot for exploring the wilder side of Crete – its gorges, ruins, secluded beaches, and traditional villages. Definitely rent a car.
49. Kakkos Beach Hotel – Koutsounari
Hotel Phone: +30 28420 62000
Adults-only, beachfront, five-star resort with an infinity pool set on a private, sand-and-pebble beach. Rooms and suites are spacious and sunny, each with a private balcony or terrace, most with sea views, and some with private outdoor pools. The main restaurants offers an ever-changing menu with wide range of flavors, beginning with an American buffet breakfast, followed by a Cretan-Mediterranean lunch, and finishing with international dinners with themed nights that can be Asian, Latin, or Greek, among other cuisines. Both all-inclusive or bed-and-breakfast meal plans are available. Set in the small south coast village Koutsounari (perhaps a little remote for some) with dazzling views of the Libyan Sea and the Thrypti Mountains as a backdrop. Nerably attractions include the aptly named Long Beach and the wild Ha Gorge (experienced hikers only).
50. Chania Flair Boutique Hotel – Chania
Hotel Phone: +30 28218 21200
Contemporary, adults-only hotel just steps from Nea Chora Beach, near seafront restaurants, sunbed/umbrella sets for rent, and beach clubs. The romantic Old Town, Venetian harbor, and lighthouse of Chania are just a 15-minute walk away. The top floor houses an indoor, heated pool with sea views, a spa with a sauna, and a fine dining restaurant. Downstairs, you’ll find a cocktail bar and the breakfast room; a la carte breakfast features Cretan and Mediterranean recipes and is included. All rooms have a private balcony, complimentary minibar, and walk-in (or roll-in in the wheelchair accessible room); some add indoor jacuzzis.
51. Ostria Resort & Spa – Ierapetra
Hotel Phone: +30 28420 25711
Casual, luxury, beachfront resort on the quiet, southeastern shore of the island. Facilities include six outdoor pools (including one for adults-only and one kids’ pool), an extensive wellness center with an indoor, heated pool, and two sports centers – one on land (soccer, archery, and tennis) and one on the sea (jet skiing, kayaking, scuba diving, and more). Seven restaurants and four bars serve a range of Cretan, Mediterranean, and seafood favorites, along with an extensive wine selection and classic cocktails. Wine and olive oil tastings are on offer, along with a half-day grill class. Rooms and suites offer a balcony or patio, one queen or two twin beds (many with sofabeds), and several with private pools. Peaceful location about 1.5 miles from Koutsounari Long Beach and 6 km from central Ierapetra village. (The Petra Mare Hotel is in Ierapetra proper, has a water park, and is great for kids.)
52. Lato Boutique Hotel – Heraklio
Hotel Phone: +30 28102 28103
Set right above the old harbor overlooking Koules Fortress, this boutique hotel has modern rooms and suites with mini-bars and city or sea views. Upgraded rooms have balconies or verandas with panoramic sea and fortress views. All suites add sitting areas, and some add jacuzzi bathtubs. On the rooftop, guests will find the exceptional Herb’s Garden restaurant in the summer months with sweeping views over the city and harbor. During the winter months, Brilliant restaurant offers its deliciously distinctive Cretan menu. Ideal location a short walk away from the ferry port, bus station, city center, and museums.
Staying in Chania
Chania is a great city with a wonderful Old Town. It has tavernas strung around the crescent-shaped waterfront and hotels and shops on the streets and alleys back from the water’s edge. A good beach is within walking distance from town, and even better ones are a short bus ride away. Chania is a good base if you want to do the Samaria Gorge or make a day trip to the beaches of western Crete (like Balos or Elafonisi). That said, it’s easy to spend 2 or 3 days here and not get much farther than the great traditional restaurants found around the town center. All of the hotels listed below are in the wonderful Chania Old Town and are surrounded by shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Best Hotels in Chania
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Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa • Serenissima Boutique Hotel • Domus Renier Boutique Hotel • La Maison Ottomane • Azade • Domes Zeen • Alcanea • Domes Noruz • Chania Flair
Staying in Rethymno
Rethymno is similar in some ways to Chania but on a smaller scale with less touristy development. The village is steeped in rich history dating to the Minoan era with monuments of great empires strung through its Old Town and harbor, including an imposing Venetian fortress and domed Ottoman mosques. Rethymno Beach sits east of the marina, a pleasant walk from the Old Town. A short drive farther east leads to even more soft, sandy beach resorts at Spilies and Bali. In summer it has direct ferries to Santorini (twice a week) making it a convenient stop if you’re going to the Cyclades.
Best Hotels in Rethymno
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Avli Lounge Apartments • Nautilux • Rimondi Boutique Hotel • Veneto Boutique Hotel • Casa Vitae • Grecotel Creta Palace
Staying in Heraklio
Heraklio is not picturesque like Chania or Rethymno (some areas are a little rough and ugly) but it has a working-class charm and Greek flavor that many of the tourist towns lack. The city is home to the best museum in Crete and the must-see historical sight of Knossos is just outside the city. If you’re catching an early morning ferry to Santorini you’ll probably spend a night here whether you want to or not.
Best Hotels in Heraklio
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GDM Megaron Hotel • Pnoé Breathing Life • Veneziano Boutique Hotel • Aquila Atlantis Hotel • Legacy Gastro Suites • Olive Green Hotel • Lato Boutique Hotel
Staying in Agios Nikolaos and Elounda
Agios Nikolaos is my 2nd favorite town in Crete and a good base for exploring eastern Crete. It’s a beautiful town with a pedestrian-friendly waterfront. Good beaches are nearby, and the popular small town of Elounda is a short bus ride away and has many of the best luxury resorts in Crete. This is a great area to spend a few days relaxing and unwinding as it’s much less busy than Chania, Rethymno, or Heraklio.
Best Hotels in Agios Nikolaos and Elounda
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Elounda Beach Hotel • Elounda Mare Hotel • Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort • Minos Beach Art Hotel • Elounda Peninsula All Suites Hotel • Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites • St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas • Domes of Elounda • Niko Seaside Resort • Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa • Elounda Bay Palace • Phāea Blue • Minos Palace Hotel • Zeus Eleva
Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to 
Hi Dave, thanks for all of the info you provide. My wife and I will be headed to Crete in mid-Sept for 7-8 nights. We’re hoping to avoid some of the Summer crowds while also having warm enough weather to enjoy the beach and small towns. From your experience is this a good time in Crete for warm weather and warm water?
We’re debating on spending all 7 nights near Chania, maybe 4 in town and 3 in a nearby beach resort, or doing 4 nights in Chania town and 4 nights on another part of the island. We don’t normally like moving around a lot during vacation, but are worried that 7 nights in the Chania area may be too much. We plan on hitting the beaches, potentially doing the Gorge hike, and exploring the old town. What would be your recommendation for splitting up 7-8 nights on Crete?
Doug
If I could only go to Greece one month out of the year, it would be September. The weather is fantastic – the air is warm (highs around 25°C to 28°C) but the fierce heat of July and August has broken. More importantly, the sea is at its warmest after heating up all summer. It’s perfect for swimming.
Regarding the crowds: You will definitely see a drop-off compared to August. The big family crowds disappear when schools start, but Chania remains lively and fun. It’s the “shoulder season” sweet spot where everything is open but you aren’t fighting for breathing room.
For your 7-8 night itinerary:
You are worried that 7 nights in the Chania area is too much – it definitely isn’t. The Chania region is huge and diverse. You could stay there for two weeks and not see everything.
However, since you want to hit beaches and experience the island, I am going to suggest a split. It gives you two completely different vacations in one.
Option 1: The “North & South” Split (My Recommendation)
• 4 Nights in Chania Town: Stay right in the Old Town. Soak up the Venetian harbor, the amazing dinners, and the sunset bars.
• 4 Nights in Paleochora (South Coast): This is the move. Paleochora is a wonderful, laid-back town on the south coast. It feels completely different from Chania – much slower, more local, and very relaxed.
• Why this works: You get the buzz and history of the North, then the chill beach vibes of the South. Paleochora has fantastic sandy and pebble beaches right in town.
• Bonus: If you decide to tackle the Samaria Gorge, Paleochora is a convenient base for the return ferry.
• Other Options to Consider: There are plenty of other options besides Paleochora if the south coast vibe isn’t what you’re after. Rethymno is a fantastic alternative. It’s about an hour east of Chania and offers a similar Venetian harbor and old town charm, but with a massive sandy beach right in the city center. Splitting your time between Chania and Rethymno keeps you on the north coast (better roads, more amenities) and lets you explore central Crete more easily, though you do get a somewhat similar “historic town” experience in both.
Option 2: The “Stay Put” Strategy If you really just want to unpack once, stay all 7-8 nights in or near Chania.
• I would recommend staying in Chania Old Town rather than a beach resort nearby (like Agia Marina or Platanias). The beach resort towns are fine, but they are just tourist strips. They lack the magic of the Old Town.
• If you stay in town, you can easily drive or take a bus to great beaches (Falassarna, Elafonisi) for day trips.
My Recommendation: Do the split (4 Chania / 4 Paleochora). The “hassle” of moving hotels once is worth it for the different vibe. You avoid the generic “beach resort” feel of the northern strip and get two authentic Cretan experiences.
Hi Dave! Nice website.
I’m going to Crete soon, Where is the most cost efficient place to stay?
Would love your recommendation. thanks!
Earnest
Heraklion and Rethymnon have many good-value (and good quality) hotels. Also, good bus connections around the island from those two hubs. These are two of my favorite towns along the north coast of Crete.
Hi Dave,
Loving your website! I was wondering how long you would recommend to stay in Crete? My husband & I and our 2 kids (15 &13) will be in Greece for a month in June/July. We are wanting to visit Santorini, Crete, Paros & Naxos and also Athens and I am trying to get an idea of how much time we will want to spend at each island.
Thanks so much for all your information!
Kathy
Of course, numbers can vary by interests but I’d suggest this itinerary.
Crete: 11 days
Santorini: 5 days
Paros: 5 days
Naxos: 6 days
Athens: 3 days
Hi,
Thank you for all the information you have taken the time to put together for us all to enjoy!!!!!
We are going to Greece end of September and beginning of October. We will be spending 4 nights in Santorini, 4 in Mykonos and 4 in Crete. There is so much to read about all the places and trying ti decide where to stay is hard so I thought I’d reach out to you.
In Santorini, we are trying to decide what town to stay in, we do not want to have to rent a car, would prefer to walk most of the time. We don’t love crowds and tons of touristy things, but want to see the musts. We like to see local culture and experience as much of it as possible vs just touristy things. That being said we also don’t want to stay so far away from the hub as to not enjoy the restaurants and shops nor be unsafe as it will be 2 female travelers.
What town would you most recommend?
Also is 4 nights per place enough? If we should eliminate one in order to spend more time in another which would you recommend to eliminate? We enjoy hiking, being outside, walking thru towns, seeing architecture. Not much for clubs/bars but love to eat the local food.
Thanks,
Melissa
Considering your interests I would recommend 3 or 4 days in Naxos which has some great inland villages, good local food, and wonderful hikes. Crete is also great though its size makes it hard to explore in just 4 days. Mykonos is primarily nightlife and beaches so either skip completely or trim to 1 or 2 nights. As for Santorini, renting a car will definitely help you get off the beaten track and see some of the quieter more interesting spots. And if you have a rental car all towns (along the caldera) work equally well for exploring the island.
Great site!
I’m staying in Chania for a week in July. Do you recommend renting a car? Or is it easy to see the sights of Crete without a car?
Thanks.
I think the bus system in Crete is great and allows you to go almost anywhere. But will you have more freedom (and see more) with a rental car? For sure. You’ll get a lot more out of your time with a car rental.
What is the best (and preferably romantic) restaurant in Elounda?
We love Lotus Eaters in Elounda, right on the waterfront.
Hi Dave,
Super helpful site. Planning a honeymoon for next August. Thinking likely Monday August 12th –> Saturday August 24th). We’re looking at Santorini for 5 nights (Above Blue Suites are appealing but haven’t booked just yet) and then we’re torn between Paros or Crete. Ideally we’d like somewhere that is within walking distance or on a good beach, within walking distance to towns to get good authentic local cuisine, and maybe has a pool at the hotel / resort. Don’t need a bunch of nightlife, just the opportunity to enjoy beautiful weather, good beaches, and great food/drinks.
What do you recommend and when do you envision all the hotel options becoming available to book as it looks like the majority right now are not booking out that far.
Paros and Crete are both wonderful but for what you’re looking for I’d recommend Naxos – either Naxos Town or one of the beach towns down the coast.
Hi Dave,
Thank you for helping all of us!! God bless you for answering the same questions! So I’m traveling with my elderly parents and my 9 year old son. My husband and I are in our forties. Interested in the beaches of Western Crete but not the Gorge since it will exhaust my fellow travelers, maybe day trip to Knossos. Wanted to do day trip to Santorini but seems way too hard from Chania. So I was wondering if you think staying at the Samaria hotel (wanted pool in city) for a few nights and then going to Platania area (Amalthia or Minoa Palace (4 nights), would work? We won’t have a rental car. We enjoy eating out so no villas for us. Thoughts? We will be in Crete total of 7 nights. Thanks!
The Samaria Hotel in Central Chania is a well-regarded 4-star hotel right in the centre of the town. If having a pool is a requirement, then I think it’s a good choice. It’s just that most people heading for Chania prefer to stay in the Old Town and not in a business hotel right next to the bus station. The Old Chania Town is a much more relaxing place – and possibly less challenging (traffic, noise) for your elderly parents and has a good array of very comfortable boutique hotels usually built in old mansion and old manor houses. Restaurants and traffic-free places to stroll are on your doorstep and importantly it has a comfortable vibe. But, you probably won’t find the pool you are after.
Platanias is the beach annexe to Chania and you will find hotels with pools-a-plenty here – as well as a long sandy beach. The Amalthia Beach Resort is fine (and has a big pool) and so is the Minoa Palace except that is not on the beach side of the main through highway (there is a walkway over the road to the beach) so either choice is fine. You may want to re-consider the choice of the Samaria Hotel, though and go for the Old Town experience which is a totally different world to the fast, busy beach and pool scene of Platanias.
Seven nights is not a lot of time: two nights in the Old Town and five nights in Platanias would be a good balance. You wouldn’t need a car for this proposed mixed stay – a cab would be the best bet, though five people might be a squeeze. Eating options are definitely better in the Old Town and your hotel choice in Platanias will normally include breakfast and one meal (half-board) so that leaves you with say, lunch to sample the restaurant picking in Platanias which run the gamut from touristy (picture menu joints) to the occasional decent ‘Cretan’ eatery (ask the hotel staff for tips).
Hi Dave,
I love your site! We are planning a trip to Greece and I was wondering what location you recommend since we are only in Crete 2 nights? We will be flying in from Athens and leaving for Santorini via ferry.
If you can get a flight from Athens to Chania then stay in Chania for your two nights. If you can only fly to Heraklion (from where most ferries depart from to Santorini) then you might be best to stay in Heraklion (especially if Knossos and the Archaeological Museum are of interest to you). Closer/more convenient options for Heraklion are Agios Nikolaos or Elounda. But Chania is the most charming town in Crete – if you can make it work then stay there.
Hello and thank you for your wonderful site. I am planning a trip to Greece in late July-early August (no choice in dates) with my husband and two children (6 and 8). The plan is to fly in to Athens and go straight to Crete and spend 4 days there, then take a ferry to Naxos and spend 3 days there, and then travel to Athens for 3 days to see the city and visit relatives. Crete is confusing me and we can’t figure out where stay. From what I can tell, we need to leave for Naxos via Heraklion, but we don’t want our base to be too touristy… we want good food, an authentic town-feel with tavernas, and to be well-located for a few fun excursions with the kids. For example, I’d love a trip to a kid-friendly cave or maybe something else adventurous while still feeling unique to Greece. Ruins would be nice, but I fear my kids would be bored in two minutes so I wouldn’t want a long drive just for that. Beaches are not a high priority as we we’re expecting to get that in Naxos. We were thinking Agios Nikolaus but I worry it might be a bit lacking in the fun excursions with kids department? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Yes, Crete can seem a very large island – and it is large. Four days are also not a lot of time for a large island and from what you write, you are looking at a place that will above all keep your kids occupied and happy. First up, late July and early August is high season in Greece and that means booking your accommodation and travel well beforehand. Your first thought of Agios Nikolaos is a fine idea. It’s a very pleasant little town and offers many of the amenities you list above. While there is no easy cave handy there is a ‘pirate island’ you can visit … well, it’s actually a former leper colony island called Spinalonga and it’s a great excursion for kids.
While Agios Nikolaos is a fairly sizeable town and is undoubtedly popular with tourists, the smaller village of Elounda (8.5 kms north) might be a better base and it’s right opposite Spinalonga. It’s got a bit of everything – apart from the Spinalonga excursion. There are other boat trips, exploring the larger and connected (to the mainland) island of Kolokytha with its deserted beaches. Then there are the village’s tavernas, shops and ice cream parlours. In fact, it probably ticks all your boxes. No real need to drive anywhere and if you feel like splurging then you can opt for one of the all-in luxury hotels that have lots of activities for kids. These hotels are located, in the main between Agios Nikolaos and Elounda and most have private beaches as well as swimming pools. Have a look on here to see some of the best options. Otherwise you can find well priced smaller hotels, or self-catering appartments.
Additional treats for the kids that will involve a bit of a drive with a hire car include Acqua Plus Water Park or Labyrinth Park about an hour’s drive in the direction of Heraklion. Both parks are within 500 metres of each other. Finally, one more thing in favour of this corner of Crete is its relative proximity to Heraklion Port and your onward connection to Naxos. You can easily get to Heraklion in time for your morning catamaran – a 2 hours’ drive or 2.5 hour bus ride.
Hi Dave,
I am booking a last minute trip to Crete for six days for me and my family. My daughter sprained her ankle so we are putting off our original plans to visit Santorini in favor of Crete so that she can hobble from the room to the sea. Per your suggestion, we plan to stay at the Minos Beach Art Hotel.
I would love to see Chania but since my daughter can’t really walk around, I am thinking of renting a car and taking a day-excursion over there and back. I have two questions, (1) is that crazy i.e. a lot of driving for one day of Chania and (2) do you have any recommendations for excursions near Agios Nikolios that do not involve a lot of walking?
We are living in Europe for now so we might have another chance to get down there in which case I would try to combine Santorini and Chania.
Thanks! Eric
The Minos Beach Art Hotel is a good choice, but even though it’s right on the beach you daughter will necessarily have to do some walking/hobbling to get to and from your room/studio and the beach/pool. Chania is a great town but is a long way from Agios Nikolaos (202 kms) – that is a 404 km round-trip in one day … You are better off staying in Chania for a night or two to do it any justice.
Old Chania (the nicest bit) is not amenable to get around in by car, so you still have the mobility issue for your daughter. The streets are narrow, cobbled and uneven and can be a challenge for people whose ankles are not sprained … While a 400km round trip is doable in a day it would not be so enjoyable. The road section between Agios Nikolas and Heraklion has quite a bit of road works happening and driving it (especially in the late evening on the way home) would not be fun.
An easier run might be to Ierapetra (36 kms south of Agios Nikolaos) where you can park close to the waterfront and do a bit of walking up and down the main promenade while taking lunch in one of a number of seafood tavernas along Stratigou Samouil which also sports a little beach. If you prefer a smaller place, try Myrtos – a further 16kms west of Ieraptera which is smaller still, will allow close vehicle access and walking can be limited to the beachfront wooden walkway. If you have a car and prefer a shorter drive from Agios Nikolaos a great little spot for lunch or dinner is Plaka (15 kms) north of Agios Nikolaos. You can park your car within 20 metres of a waterside dining table at the Delphini restaurant and look out over the blue waters to the island of Spinalonga.
Hi Dave,
First off, your blog has been a tremendous help in planning our upcoming trip to Greece in Sept of this year. Thank you for all the wonderful accommodation and restaurant suggestions! We are trying to finalizing our itinerary specifically for our time in Crete and would appreciate your insight. We are flying from Alberta, Canada and have 10 days in total in Greece, with the last 2 days already booked in Santorini. Here are the options I am trying to decide between for Crete:
Option 1: 8 days in Chania
Option 2: 6 days in Chania; 2 days in Rethymno
Option 3: 6 days in Chania; 2 days in Agios Nikolaos
Option 4: 5 days in Chania; 1 day in Rethymno; 2 days in Agios Nikolaos
It will be out very first time to Greece. We are a young couple who enjoys eating out, food/wine tours, beaches, hiking, nightlife, and strolling in town centers. We will be renting a car upon arrival in Chania and returning it in Heraklion before catching the ferry to Santorini.
Thank you in advance for all your help!
Nadia
I’d do option 4. Chania deserves the most time but one day in Rethymno is certainly worth it (and breaks up the trip to A.N.). Agios Nikolaos is great and you’ll love 2 days there.
HI Dave,
My fiancee and I are visiting Crete at the end of the month and we are open to where to go on Crete.
I have looked on your blog about the island but confused on where we should stay for 3 nights.
Adam S Kaminitz
Chania is the most charming and interesting town in Crete.
Hi Dave,
For a super luxury hotel would you choose the Elounda Beach or the Blue Palace? Or is there somewhere else?
Thanks!
Kate
Both hotels are right up there in the 5-star category and located in one of the prettiest corners of Crete. They are similar in many ways, but have some distinct differences. The ‘Beach’ is an older more established hotel – one of the original luxury hotels in Elounda. It wears its age well and the team has a fine machine running reflecting its many years of customer service. It is a large hotel with luxuries at different levels to suit all tastes and budgets. It has one major advantage over the Blue Palace and that is that is contiguous to the beach (two sandy beach coves in fact) and feels more ‘at one’ with the sea.
The Blue Palace, while enjoying a sizeable private pebble beach, is cut off in effect from its beach by the highway and access to the beach is by a rather clever internal funicular. That may be a deciding factor when choosing. It has a lot of rooms with private pools and the fittings and fixtures are all pretty modern, but it might be viewed by some as a little more sterile in comparison with the Beach.
On the upper, the Blue Palace is newer and a bit jazzier and has some unquestionably excellent facilities. It is on the north side of Elounda – in the new hotel colony, if you like, while the Beach is on the more traditional south side of Elounda. Both are similar distances from Elounda central and both enjoy great views: in the case of the Beach the Bay of Mirabello and in the case of the Palace the island of Spinalonga opposite. It might be safe to suggest that older clients prefer the Beach and younger clients the Palace. So, a bit of a toss-up.
For utter exclusivity and privacy you may want to have a look at the Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel a little further south. Less of a hotel than an exclusive resort made up entirely of suites it attracts the well-heeled and those seeking discretion such as rock and tennis stars, politicians and maybe the odd Russian oligarch or president. Another luxury option, though in a less obvious location may be the Caramel Grecotel near Rethymnon. This place warrants a look-in and if you can get a beachside villa with your own patio, lawn and pergola you’ll be doing well. Good luck!
Hi Dave
Love your blog! We are going to Crete for 7 days in June and I wonder if you know of any beaches that offer service on the beach? We were at St. Paul’s Bay in Rhodes last year and got very used to the great taverna there offering sun lounger service and we’re hoping we can find something similar? We’ll be staying in Chania for 4 nights and Elounda for 3 nights. Are you able to use private beach hotels at a charge perhaps?
Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.
Caroline
Pretty well all established Greek beach environments offer bars, restaurants and sun loungers unless you really go out of the way. Rule of thumb: if it is a half decent beach, there will be some service from a tin hut selling cold beers and sandwiches to a full-on mini-resort with wooden walkways, permanent cantinas, Wi-Fi, water sports and car parking. Crete is no different, however some clarification is required here for Chania and Elounda.
Chania – that is Old Chania – is not a beach resort. The beach serving Chania runs for about 13km west of Chania starting from about the 5km mark. It is generally known by two names: Agia Marina and Platanias. It is one long public beach served by private hotels, tavernas, cantinas, and beach bars. You can go anywhere on the beach as the beach itself is not private. Here you will find many opportunities to locate your favourite beach club or taverna with loungers.
Elounda is a bit more tricky. South of Elounda are the best little beaches, but they have all been virtually captured by smart, luxury hotels and have become in effect private beaches – whilst they are legally still public. To get to these ‘public’ beaches you have to go through private hotel property and as a general rule of thumb they will not let you through unless you are a guest. Guards manage the entrances to the hotels (though how they remember who is a guest and who is not is still a mystery).
You could approach these beaches in theory by walking along the coast, but you would still be trespassing in many places. Realistically forget about them. Elounda village itself is not really a beach place, but the island across the causeway is and you can easily get there on foot or scooter. Some hotels have reserved ‘beach clubs’ that may let you in for a fee: one that comes to mind is the Blue Palace north of Elounda village
Notwithstanding the exclusivity factor, there are actually lots of little beach places scattered in between the hotels and if you have transport you can drive and find your own piece of beach heaven. Bottom line is that beaches, cantinas and loungers are generally de rigueur in Greece wherever there are sufficient people around and Chania and Elounda fall into that category.
Hi Dave,
Your site rocks! I will be visiting Crete from July 11 – 24th with my husband and two girls aged 8 and 10, I realise this is in the middle of busy season!. I’d like to split up our stay into two different regions for two different experiences, and I’ve been waffling but think I’ve landed on Chania and Elounda. Elounda is pretty straightforward to book a resort with pool / beach that will be a hit with the kids, but I’m struggling with whether or not to stay in central Chania or try to find a villa or vacation house outside of Chania. I like the idea of having a pool and yard for the kids, but also want to make sure we can easily experience Greek culture and town, so the idea of having that within walking distance is appealing. Many of the villas I see on homeaway or vrbo that have what I’m looking for (pool, yard, ocean views) are inland and ~5km from Chania town. My question for you is, are there nice villages you can recommend that are still close enough to make Chania town a frequent visit, were I could find a villa within walking distance of the villa, or am I better off to forego pool/yard and base in Central Chania. We have never been to Greece before and are really looking forward to this beautiful island!
Karen
People stay in Chania (Old Town) for the experience of being in an atmospheric old port with myriads of alleyways, old buildings, cosy lodgings and plenty of restaurants. That said, it is not a beach town – though there are beaches, if you know where to go – and for 8 and 10-year-old girls the attraction may wear off after a day or three.
Looking for a self-catering villa is a great idea, especially if you can find one in a village. You can wander at will, cater for yourself (though it’s more fun eating out) and the girls will get a taste of village life. Getting to and from Chania might be an issue unless you hire a car as village bus services are often little-existent.
What you might consider is focussing your search for a self-contained villa/studio/appartment in the busy holiday strip of Agia Marina and Platanias (9.4kms-10.9kms) to the west of Chania. Traditional Cretan village this may not be – though Upper (Ano) Platanias still retains something of a traditional feel – but it will probably be more exciting for your daughters. There are cafés, restaurants, shops, the beach and even a water park about 12km inland from Platanias. It is a trade-off, agreed, but you will get the best of both worlds.
Bear in mind that Crete is big and if you want to see more you really will need a car to get around and wander at will. July 11 to July 24th segues from shoulder to full season, so pre-bookings are a mus. Here is a link to some upper market villas to rent in Crete and Airbnb is also worth a look.
Hello Dave,
I agree with how insanely helpful your website is, you are an angel for setting up this guide — it really helps first time travellers like myself to get ideas, useful information and tips in planning for accomodations and transit.
I’m visiting Europe for the first time in September and will be mostly spending it in Greece. I have 11 nights and 10 full days to spend in Greece. Right now, what I have in my itinerary is 3 nights in Athens, 6 nights in Chania and 2 nights in Santorini. I wanted to spend these days with relaxation (less transfers), as well as getting the most Greek experience I can.
– I dont really want to spend 6 full days in Chania and wanted to see more of Crete. Which towns do you recommend to be included in a 6 night stay in Crete?
– I really really wanted to see Santorini and experiemce the Catamaran cruise, but I feel like 2 nights is way too short. Is there any tours from Crete to Santorini that includes a Catamaran cruise?
I’m flying out from Vancouver, Canada to Paris and connecting to Greece from there. Im still figuring how to get to Rome from Greece the cheapest way possible.
If you have any better recommendations for route itinerary please, please let me know and help me out. Thank you so much and all the best.
– Iya
First off, try to fly in and out of different Greek cities. Preferably with Athens and Crete at the beginning and end of you trip (doesn’t matter which one is first) and Santorini in the middle. Chania is my favorite town in Crete and deserving of at least 3 nights. Heraklion is good for visiting Knossos and the excellent Archaeological Museum. Agios Nikolaos and Elounda are great for a quieter and slower pace. There are many flights from Paris, Rome, and other Italian cities to and from Heraklion and Athens so you should be able to find something that works. I would spend 3 nights on Santorini and 2 nights (1 full day) in Athens. There are no Crete/catamaran tours to Santorini.
Hello Dave,
Firstly, your site is amazing and so great to browse. I am planning a holiday with my boyfriend for mid-May and am keen to combine relaxing on the beach by a town and exploring somewhere new in Crete. I have been to Elounda twice, so am interested in perhaps trying Chania instead. We were thinking of spending 10 days in total, and perhaps 5 in Chania and a few in Kapsaliana. What do you think? Should we look to visit somewhere else too? We would aim to rent a car so we can see more.
I would also love to take a boat day trip while in Chania. Are there any you would recommend?
Thank you!
Chania is a great base for a stay in Crete so basing yourself there for part of your ten days is a great idea. Kapsaliana is a small hill community 17kms from Rethymno, but it is not clear from your message why you are attracted to stay there. With a car you can of course get to and from the village and there are couple of places to stay. No problem in staying in a small Cretan village, but it’s not by the sea and it is not known for any particular traveller interest, other than being a genuine Cretan village.
You might be better off splitting your time between Chania and Rethymno and get the best of all worlds: the beach, old towns, country villages, wineries and bio-farms, yet having the comfort of a pleasant urban environment where you sleep. With your car you can of course visit many place in Western Crete – the stunning beach of Elafonisi, the south coast beach villages of Paleochora, Plakias and if you really want a pretty Cretan village to stay in, you might want to consider the pretty village of Milia and in particular its delightful mountain retreat and cooking and food based activities.
Most travellers to this part of Crete will take one of the five day cruises offered by Cretan Daily Cruises with the Gramvousa Peninsula being perhaps the most popular. If you are keen to be by the beach then Chania’s beach strip runs westwards from the Old Town and encompasses Platanias and Agia Marina. It’s a busy buzzing arena but it is commercialized and a bit touristy. Similar deal for the Rethymnon strip running eastwards from the Old Town. In short you will find plenty to do in your ten days in Western Crete and if you are up to it (it should be open in May) the Samaria Gorge Walk is a great experience.
Hi Dave,
I completely agree with everyone else – your website and insights couldn’t be more helpful! I’m planning my honeymoon for the last 2 weeks in September. We were originally going to spend 10 days in Greece and 5 in Italy, but are pretty convinced after doing our research – that there’s too much to cover in Greece to warrant going to anywhere else!
So, we know that we want to do the Cyclades and Crete. So far, here are the top 4 areas I want to visit: Santorini, Milos, Western Crete from Chania, and Eastern Crete from ether Elounda or Agios Nikolaos. A few questions for you:
1. Do you think it’s worth staying in both the west and east of Crete, or should we just pick one area?
2. Or – should we skip Milos and spend more time in Crete (perhaps 4 in Santorini, 4 in west Crete, 4 in east Crete, 2 in Athens)?
3. We’re HUGE beach goers which is why the islands are so appealing to us. When we stay in Chania, we’re imagining that we’d drive to all of the surrounding beaches like Elafonisi, Stavros, and Falasarna. Is it realistic to drive to a different beach every day or is that way too much travel?
4. Have you heard of the new Domes Noruz hotel in Chania? If so, is it a bit off the beaten path?
5. We really like the Remezzo Villas in Santorini but are wondering if it would be difficult to get transportation to and from Fira at night?
6. Lastly, if we could find a great sailing company, we’d consider a few days on the water in place of more time in Crete. Do you have any charter recommendations for a private sail for a few days?
Please let me know if I’m missing anything.
Thanks SO much!
Carly
Yes, 15 days split over two countries might make your experience a little thin, so a wise decision to stick to Greece. You can do Italy another time.
OK, let’s take your questions one by one. Yes, it is worth splitting your time between western and eastern Crete. The areas are not dissimilar, but offer different experiences. Eastern Crete – especially around Elounda and Agios Nikolaos remind you more of the traditional Greek islands and feels more intimate. Western Crete around Chania is more open while the (Old) towns of Rethymnon and Chania are oh-so-pretty and the beaches are either strung out next to the towns or you drive to go and find them.
Milos would be hard to combine with Crete. There is but one weekly (slow) boat connection and no flights between the islands. You could connect with a stop in Santorini, but generally Milos is not well connected to the central Cyclades islands having a more accessible link northwards via Sifnos, Serifos and Kythnos. Perhaps leave it.
It is realistic to drive to beaches from Chania – though Chania does have a pretty nice beach of its own (if you know where to go – more of that in a moment). Its main beach runs westwards through Platanias and Agia Marina, but it is hotel and restaurant territory and the beach while clean and sandy, is rather ordinary. Elafonisi (73 kms) is on everyone’s beach list and it is an easy enough drive. Falasarna (52 kms), while not as exotic is a relatively easy drive too. Stavros (15.5 kms) on the Peninsula is the closest and is pretty nice and cosy.
The Domes Noruz opened last year and is fine as far as upper-market hotels go. Its location is not the best, however. The area is fine but far from idyllic. Its beach is OK, but borders a much better one (and this is Chania’s hidden beach secret) just a shade to the east called Notis Beach (Iguana Beach is in between). The hotel is not off the beaten path and is in fact quite close to Chania central (5.5 kms).
Remezzo is great. It’s about a 5 minute walk to the Imerovigli bus stop and from there there are regular buses to both Fira and Oia. Fira is a 25 minute downhill walk from Remezzo. Buses will stop running around midnight (ish) in September and after that it’s just taxis (you’ll find one if you’re patient).
No great sailing company comes to immediate mind, but there are plenty around so both searching and planning before hand or finding something after you arrive would work.
Thank you for all of this wonderful information Dave! My son ( who is studying in the Netherlands) and I are visiting Greece in May. We will have 7-9 days and will spend most of out time on Crete and a few days in Santorini. It seems the direct flights from Santorini to Amsterdam leave on Mondays and Fridays. We want to return to Amsterdam on Sat or Sun. We could go via Athens but would prefer not to. Is it possible that the airlines could add days in May? Thank you. Sue Dickie
It’s possible they add flights but at this point unlikely. If you want to travel on a different day but don’t want to go all the way to Athens then look at Mykonos to Amsterdam flights.
Hi Dave,
Your blog and replies are very informative, especially for a first timer.
I am planning to travel to Crete for 3 days end of January with my family. We are looking for something resort-like, but also with some nightlife and places to explore during the day. Another important factor is a good beach nearby. Any suggestions?
Is January a good season to travel here?
What will be the weather be like during that time, would it be too cold and rainy?
Will the island and the tourist sites be open or some areas closed down?
How about beaches, will it to too cold to swim?
Thank you very much in advance.
It will not be beach weather so no need to worry about being close to the beach. You can still get some wonderful clear days that are great for sightseeing. Chania is a great town for ambience, trendy restaurants, and touristy shopping. Heraklion is better for historical sightseeing. Both will be quieter than summer but they have large local populations so are never dead.
Hi Dave,
Your blog and replies are very imformative, it’s a blessing for any traveller!
I am planning a trip for a few days to Greece, in the first week of November (29th October – 6th November). I travel with my husband and a one year old. Our preliminary research/ ideas are to be in Athens for 3-4 days, and spend a couple of days each in Crete (Elounda) and in Santorini. Would really appreciate your suggestions on whether these destinations are a good pick for a first time visit to Greece, and do they make sense given the time of the year?
It seems the connectivity from Crete will be limited to flights to Athens, so it makes a bit of a back and forth; but we could start with Crete (of course after landing into Athens), come back to Athens and spend the 3-4 days and finish off with Santorini.
Specific questions:
1. Is it correct that all ferries from Crete to Santorini are unavailable at the end of October? The helicopter option is not for us, so if this is the case then we would have to fly back to Athens, correct?
2. Is Crete worth a visit in late October, given the beaches won’t make much sense, and that some archealogical sites are also likely to be shut?
3. Would you suggest to look for other islands instead of Crete and Santorini? Our primary objectives from the trip would be (in no particular order) – visit historical sites, relax with the kid, savour local food, view coastlines (and some of the pictures we see of Santorini and Crete are a big pull).
A big thank you in advance, and look forward to some tips and guidance.
Cheers – KM
1. Yes, the last ferry between Crete and Santorini runs on October 27.
2. As long as you won’t miss the beaches (though it’s still a possibility) then late October / early November is a great time. Still warmish weather with lots of sun and great for hanging out, eating great local food (the lousy touristy restaurants have closed, the good local ones stay open), and sightseeing. I don’t think any of the archaeological sites will be closed – certainly none of the major ones.
3. For your interests, Santorini and Crete are two of the best, but once again you won’t be ferrying from one to the other so this might change your plans.