🗺️ Crete areas for vacation: where to stay and what is near the hotel

Crete is too big for one base. The island stretches from west to east, and a hotel in Chania will leave you two to three hours from Elounda. So you choose the area before you choose the hotel.

Below are more than 20 areas and resorts: where the beach is right at the hotel, where the old town is, where the luxury is, and where the quiet is. For each place you will find who it suits and how to get there.

The short answer for a first trip: Chania or Rethymno. For the beach, pick Agia Marina and Platanias; for luxury, head to Elounda; and for archaeology and ferries, go to Heraklion.

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Best areas of Crete: where to stay

💡 In short:

For a first trip, Chania works best: the old town, the Venetian harbor, and restaurants are all close together.
Rethymno is more convenient for families, because the beach and the historic center are a five-minute walk apart.
Elounda has the island's best five-star resorts with private pools.
Heraklion is convenient for Knossos, the museum, and ferries to Santorini.

Crete covers 8,340 km², and its coastline stretches for 1,046 km (as of 09/2026, Greece's national tourism portal). No other Greek island has a larger area.

The island is divided into four regions: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, and Lasithi. From west to east you pass the old towns of Chania and Rethymno, the central part with Heraklion, and the eastern coast with Elounda and Agios Nikolaos.

Region	Towns and resorts	What it's for
Chania	Chania, Agia Marina, Paleochora	first trip, old town, western beaches
Rethymno	Rethymno, Plakias, Bali	beach and old town close together
Heraklion	Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, Matala	archaeology, transport, resorts
Lasithi	Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Sitia, Ierapetra	luxury, east, quiet

Region boundaries and main resorts (as of 09/2026, Greek tourism portal).

The west holds the most beautiful old quarters and the beaches of Elafonisi, Falassarna, and Balos. The center is strong in archaeology, wine, and cuisine, while the east has the island's best resorts (according to the Crete region portal).

The drive between towns is short. Chania to Rethymno is about an hour, Rethymno to Heraklion is roughly an hour and ten minutes, Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos is about an hour (per the map, 09/2026). Switch hotels in the middle of your trip, not every day.

Rent a car if your plans include beaches, gorges, villages, and tastings. Buses connect the towns of the north coast well, but they are weaker for a flexible route. Mountain roads are narrow, so allow time for switchbacks.

Chania's harbor and old town remain the most recognizable spot in western Crete. From here you can easily reach Elafonisi and Balos, and in the evening return to the restaurants along the waterfront.

Next come areas for different scenarios, from budget studios in the south to resorts with private pools in the east.

Best cities and resorts in Crete for staying

View of Agios Nikolaos harbor with boats and houses

Crete has a huge number of hotels, and the range of formats is enormous: from boutique houses in old towns to five-star resorts with private pools. Below are 21 areas for almost any type of trip.

Keep a few reference points in mind. In old towns, choose a hotel within walking distance of the waterfront; for beaches, look west of Chania; and for peace and quiet, head to the south coast.

Luxury: Serenissima and Casa Delfino in Chania, GDM Megaron in Heraklion, JW Marriott on the Akrotiri peninsula, as well as Daios Cove, Phāea Blue, Elounda Beach, and Elounda Peninsula in the east.

Beach hotels: Elounda Beach, Daios Cove, Porto Elounda, JW Marriott, and Caramel Grecotel Rethymnon.

For couples: Serenissima, Avli, Phāea Blue, Daios Cove, and Nana Princess.

Boutique: Avli, Domus Renier, Rimondi, Veneto Boutique Hotel, and Palazzo Duca. In old towns, check stairs, luggage access, and street noise in advance.

For families: Porto Elounda for full luxury, Domes Zeen for the beach near Chania, Phāea Cretan Malia near Malia, and Amirandes Grecotel near Heraklion.

Mid-range: Olive Green and Lato Boutique Hotel in Heraklion, Mantraki in Agios Nikolaos, Mrs Chryssana Beach Hotel in Kolymvari, and Sea & City Apartments in Chania.

Airports and ferries

Heraklion: the best entry point for Heraklion, Knossos, Hersonissos, Malia, and Elounda. It has the busiest airport and the main ferry port, including ferries to Santorini.
Chania: the base for the old town and western Crete. The airport is on the Akrotiri peninsula, and ferries depart from Souda, so allow extra transfer time.
Rethymno: roughly between Chania and Heraklion, but it has no airport of its own.
Sitia: convenient for the far east, but too far for a first trip.

Best areas by type of vacation

First time: Chania offers the most beautiful old town, a Venetian harbor, and a dense restaurant scene. It is also the best base for western Crete.
Sightseeing: Chania is convenient for the west, Heraklion leads to Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, and the wineries of Archanes, Rethymno has its own old town with the Fortezza fortress, and from Agios Nikolaos it is easy to reach Spinalonga, Kritsa, and the Lasithi Plateau.
Families: Rethymno is the easiest because the old center and the long sandy beach are right next to each other. In Chania, stairs and pedestrian alleys make strollers difficult. Elounda has the best family resorts, while Hersonissos and Malia offer pools, water parks, and children's entertainment.
Romance: Chania remains the most romantic town, especially in the old town. Elounda suits couples who value sea views, spas, and private pools, while Rethymno offers a quiet historic alternative.
Beaches: Agia Marina and Platanias are the most convenient near Chania. Rethymno combines long sandy beaches with a historic center, Paleochora offers beaches on two sides, Plakias is surrounded by southern coves, and Bali hides sheltered bays. The old town of Chania is not suitable for a beach vacation.
Nightlife: for adults, Chania is best, with wine bars and restaurants. Heraklion has a year-round local and student scene, Malia remains a young club destination, and Hersonissos offers resort bars and beach clubs.
Food: the easiest place to eat well is Chania, where Chrisostomos and Tamam are located. In Rethymno, the taverna Avli is worth a visit; in Heraklion the cuisine is more local; and in Archanes food and wine come together best. For a special dinner near Chania, people head to the village of Drakona to Ntounias.
Without a car: Rethymno is the easiest, with the beach, center, restaurants, and buses all nearby. Chania is convenient for organized tours, Heraklion for transport and Knossos, and Agia Marina and Platanias work for a beach vacation with buses.
Peace and quiet: Paleochora suits a long, calm stay; Plakias for beaches and independent trips; Elounda for quiet luxury; and Myrtos for complete relaxation.
Traditional Crete: Archanes is the strongest for wine and food, Anogeia is known for music and local identity, Heraklion shows everyday urban life, and Chora Sfakion offers the rugged south with hikes and ferries.
Luxury: Elounda and the Mirabello coast have the most five-star hotels. Elounda Beach, Phāea Blue, and Elounda Peninsula stand out, while Daios Cove south of Agios Nikolaos is considered one of the best secluded resorts.
Road trip: do not try to cover the whole island from one hotel. Chania works for the west, Rethymno or Heraklion for the center, Agios Nikolaos for the east. For a week, two bases are better than one, and for ten days it is worth adding the south coast.

How to choose a hotel in Crete

The hotel format depends on the area more than on the number of stars. In the old towns of Chania and Rethymno, you get atmosphere but pay for parking, stairs, and street noise. In resort areas like Agia Marina, Hersonissos, or Malia, it is the opposite: pool, beach, and parking are at hand, but there is no historic center nearby.

Budget also separates the areas. Luxury and private pools are concentrated in Elounda, on the Mirabello coast, and in secluded coves like Daios Cove. Mid-range options are easier to find in Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, and Kolymvari, while affordable studios and apartments await you in Hersonissos, Malia, and on the south coast.

Before booking, check a few practical things. How many meters from the hotel to the beach and to the nearest bus stop. Whether there is an elevator and how you will carry your luggage. Whether you can drive up to the entrance or the hotel is in a pedestrian zone. Whether breakfast is included. Whether the room has air conditioning, because Cretan summers are hot.

Ask separately about noise. In the resort strips of Hersonissos and Malia, bars stay open until morning, so hotels on the main road are not for everyone. If you are traveling with children or seeking quiet, look at the second line and areas away from the clubs.

Be careful with window views. Rooms with harbor views in Chania are beautiful but noisy, and a "sea view" in resort areas sometimes means a view across the road. If a quiet night's sleep matters to you, ask for a room facing the courtyard or set back on the property.

Getting around the island and car rental

The roads between the main cities are good, but in the mountains they are narrow and winding, so even short distances on the map take longer than they seem.

Buses run between Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion, and they connect the towns of the north coast reasonably well. For beaches, gorges, villages, and wineries, buses are not enough, so a car is almost essential. Compare car rental terms in advance, before you fly.

Book a car in advance in high season, because in July and August the selection at airports runs out quickly. Check whether insurance is included and whether driving on dirt roads to wild beaches is allowed. For mountain routes, choose a compact car with good ground clearance.

Parking in old towns is paid and tight, so if you are staying in Chania or Rethymno, choose a hotel with its own parking or leave the car outside the walls. Taxis and transfers are convenient on arrival and departure days, when you do not need to travel around the island.

Ferries and catamarans are a convenient way to connect the west and east by sea, but check the schedule in advance on the carrier's website. Tickets in high season are also better booked in advance, especially on routes to Santorini and back.

When to go to Crete

High season in Crete runs from late June to late August. During this period it is hot, beaches and hotels are packed, and prices are at their highest. If comfort and quiet matter to you, look at May, June, September, and October: the sea is still warm, and there are noticeably fewer people.

The north coast is windier than the south, so in July and August it feels easier to breathe there. The south coast around Ierapetra and Myrtos is considered the sunniest and warmest, but in summer it is very hot there during the day.

In winter the island quiets down: some hotels and tavernas in resort areas close, and in the south only the center may stay open. For sightseeing and hiking, this is still a good time, because there are no crowds and prices drop.

Book your hotel and car in advance if you are traveling in July, August, or during holiday weeks. In other months you have more options and better prices.

Chania

For most first trips, Chania is the best choice. The Venetian harbor, the Egyptian lighthouse, narrow alleys, boutique hotels, and restaurants in courtyards give you the densest atmosphere on the island (according to the official Crete travel portal). From here it is easy to reach Elafonisi, Falassarna, Balos, and the Samaria Gorge.

There are three different ways to stay near Chania. In the old town you stay for the evening strolls, and the standouts here are Casa Delfino, Serenissima, and Domus Renier. West of the city, Domes Zeen is the pick if you want a beach right outside your door and Chania close by for dinners.

JW Marriott occupies a secluded resort on the Akrotiri peninsula, so people book it for time inside the hotel rather than for the city. The catches of the old town: crowds, difficult parking, stairs, and luggage. Many hotels sit in pedestrian alleys where a taxi cannot reach you, and harbor-view rooms can be noisy. The Nea Chora area is worth considering if you want to walk to both the old town and the beach.

Other options in Chania: Domes Noruz, Palazzo Duca, and Boutique Hotel del Doge. For western Crete, Chania saves you hours on the road.

Find a hotel in Chania: Chania hotels on Trip.com.

Agia Marina and Platanias

Agia Marina and Platanias stretch along the coast west of Chania and are considered the best base for a beach vacation. Here you will find long sandy beaches, hotels, restaurants, beach bars, shops, and frequent buses to the city (according to the official regional website).

Agia Marina beach with lifeguard tower at sunset

Agia Marina suits families and couples better because it is quieter. Platanias is larger and livelier, with a more active nightlife. There is no historic Chania atmosphere here, but you step straight from your hotel onto the sand.

Minoa Palace Resort remains the best full-service resort in the area. Thalassa Beach Resort is good for adults without children, Blue Dome Hotel offers a small seaside atmosphere, Giannoulis Santa Marina Beach Hotel sits right on the beach in Agia Marina, and Oscar Suites & Village gives you the best value for apartments.

A car is not essential here if your plan consists of the beach and Chania. Rent one for Falassarna, Kissamos, mountain villages, and western Crete.

Where to book: hotels in Agia Marina on Trip.com.

Rethymno

Rethymno is best for those who want an old town and a long sandy beach within walking distance of each other. The Venetian-Ottoman center, the small harbor, the Fortezza fortress, restaurants, and the beach make logistics simpler than in Chania, especially for families.

Chania is prettier and more convenient for western attractions. Rethymno is simpler if you split your days between the city, restaurants, and the beach without constant driving.

Rethymno has no airport of its own, and ferry connections are limited, so you arrive via Chania or Heraklion. That is the area's main weakness, not the town itself.

In Rethymno, Avli Lounge Apartments is worth booking, along with Rimondi Boutique Hotel, Veneto Boutique Hotel, Casa Vitae, Grecotel Creta Palace, and Neratze Hammam Suites.

Hotel prices in Rethymno: find a hotel on Trip.com.

Heraklion

Heraklion is the largest city on Crete, the main ferry port, and the most convenient transport hub. It is the best base for Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, the Koules Fortress, and the wineries of central Crete. The palaces of Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, and Zakros were added to the UNESCO list in 2025 (according to the Greek tourism portal).

Choose Heraklion for 1-3 nights, especially at the start or end of your itinerary. It is not suited for a beach vacation or a postcard old town: this is a working city with traffic and students. But the pedestrian center is lively, and the restaurant scene is strong.

In the city, GDM Megaron, Legacy Gastro Suites, Olive Green, Pavo Art Hotel, Lato Boutique Hotel, Aquila Atlantis, and Veneziano are worth considering. Nearby, Amirandes Grecotel is a good pick for families.

Heraklion hotels on Trip.com: hotel prices in Heraklion.

Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is the best urban base in eastern Crete. The town is lively and compact: restaurants, cafes, shops, a marina, small beaches, and Lake Voulismeni in the center. Here you feel like you're in a real town, not a resort zone, and you don't need a car in the evening.

From here it's easy to reach Elounda, Spinalonga, Kritsa, Voulisma Beach, and the Lasithi Plateau. The catch is the distance to Chania and western Crete.

There's an important difference between the area's two standout hotels. Minos Beach Art Hotel is closer to town, while Daios Cove sits further south in its own secluded bay, and people choose it when the resort itself becomes the main part of the trip.

The area also has St. Nicolas Bay Resort and Mantraki for a more modest budget.

Eastern Crete resorts: find a hotel in Agios Nikolaos.

Elounda

© George Groutas Camera location 35° 15′ 22.4″ N, 25° 44′ 05.77″ E View this and other nearby images on: OpenStreetMap 35. · CC BYPhoto: George Groutas Camera location 35° 15′ 22.4″ N, 25° 44′ 05.77″ E View this and other nearby images on: OpenStreetMap 35., CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Elounda has the most five-star resorts in Crete. The hotels are scattered along the coast between Agios Nikolaos, the village of Elounda, and Plaka. The village itself is small and practical, but around it you'll find calm water, sea views, fishing boats, tavernas, and boat trips to Spinalonga (according to the official Greek tourism website).

People choose Elounda when the hotel is a major part of the trip. It's great for honeymoons, quiet family vacations, spas, beach clubs, and private pools.

Elounda Beach, Phāea Blue, and Elounda Peninsula are especially strong if a private pool matters to you. A car is useful for excursions, but many people simply use hotel transfers and short taxi rides.

Skip Elounda if you want an old town, lively nightlife, or a convenient base for western Crete. In that case, go with Agios Nikolaos. Other resorts in the area: Elounda Mare, Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort, Domes of Elounda, Elounda Bay Palace, and Elounda Gulf Villas.

Elounda resorts on Trip.com: see available options.

Hersonissos

Hersonissos is built for straightforward resort vacations. The main waterfront and resort strip are lined with hotels, restaurants, shops, tour agencies, rental outlets, organized beaches, and bars. It's convenient, crowded, and not subtle at all.

For traditional Crete and quiet excursions, it's a weak choice. But the area suits families who want large resorts, pools, and kids' entertainment, as well as those who want beach clubs without worrying about logistics.

Don't assume the whole area is noisy. Some of the best resorts sit away from the center, and it's noticeably quieter there. Among them are Nana Princess and Abaton Island Resort & Spa, as well as Petra Beach Hotel.

Hersonissos hotels: book on Trip.com.

Malia

Malia is known for its parties, and nightlife remains a big part of what the area offers. In summer, the strip between the old village and the beach fills up with pubs, clubs, cafes, fast food, and budget studios.

But Malia is not just nightclubs. Away from the strip there are quiet resorts, and Phāea Cretan Malia is the best fit for couples and families who want a stylish beach holiday without the party scene.

The beach has sunbeds, bars, and water sports. If you want cheap fun, stay near the strip; if you want a quiet break, stay away from it. Families and couples should check the exact hotel address rather than writing off all of Malia. Other options: Pyrgos Blue, Parthenis Beach Suites by the Sea, and Akrogiali Beach Hotel.

Malia resorts on Trip.com: find a hotel.

Plakias

Plakias is considered one of the best southern destinations, about 30 km from Rethymno (by map, 09/2026). It is a lived-in village rather than a packaged resort: a long beach, good tavernas, and in summer a crowd of independent travelers and Greek families.

The village beach itself is decent, but the area's real strength is in the nearby bays of Damnoni, Ammoudi, and Schinaria. Nightlife is limited, and evenings are spent strolling and having dinner by the sea.

Plakias works well if you want beaches, quiet, and a slow-paced holiday within reasonable reach of Rethymno. Belvedere Luxury Apartments & Spa stands out among the accommodation. A car makes the area noticeably more interesting.

Plakias hotels on Trip.com: see options.

Paleochora

Street in a Greek town with cafes and people

Paleochora sits on a narrow peninsula southwest of Chania, about 77 km from the city (by map, 09/2026). There are beaches on both sides: a sandy one to the west and a smaller pebble one to the east. Restaurants, cafes, shops, and almost all accommodation are within walking distance.

There is enough going on to fill a week, but no large-scale resort development. Accommodation is mostly small hotels, studios, and guesthouses, and buses connect Paleochora with Chania.

Paleochora is the best southern choice for those who want quiet without complete isolation. Caravella Luxury Apartments is worth considering in town, and a car is useful for nearby beaches and villages.

Paleochora accommodation on Trip.com: find a hotel.

Bali

Bali is a sheltered bay on the north coast between Rethymno and Heraklion. In practice it is a chain of small coves with tavernas and hotels: Livadi, Bali, Mythos, and Karavostasi.

The best beach is at Karavostasi, but the real value is that several swimming spots sit close together, so you do not need to drive every day. Bali works well for families and couples with a compact beach plan.

For exploring the surrounding area, a car is more useful because the village quickly runs out. Nostos Beach Boutique Hotel is worth considering here.

Bali hotels on Trip.com: prices and options.

Kolymvari

Kolymvari lies about 25 km west of Chania, beyond the resort strip of Agia Marina and Platanias (by map, 09/2026). It is quieter, more local, and more spacious here: a small harbor, tavernas, practical shops, and a long beach.

The area suits couples and families who want a calm western base with easy access to Chania, Falassarna, Kissamos, and Balos. It is not what you would call picturesque or lively, but a car changes everything.

In Kolymvari, Mrs Chryssana Beach Hotel by GHH is worth considering, as are Avra Imperial Hotel, Solimar White Pearl, and Selini Suites.

Kolymvari hotels on Trip.com: book now.

Matala

Matala is the most famous village on Crete's southern coast. It is known for its beach caves and its 1970s hippie history. Today it is an organized mini-resort with a beach, cafes, restaurants, shops, rooms, and a campsite.

Midday here is busy with day-trippers, so staying 1-3 nights lets you see Matala when it is calm. It is too small for a long beach holiday, but it pairs well with Phaistos and the south of central Crete.

You can stay at Nautilus. If you want museums and beach in one day, plan Matala together with Phaistos.

Matala hotels on Trip.com: check prices.

Sitia

Sitia is the best town base in far eastern Crete. It has a compact center, a long waterfront, affordable restaurants, a beach by the port, and a relaxed local pace. From here it's easy to reach Toplou Monastery, Vai Beach, and Kato Zakros.

For a first trip focused on Chania and Elafonisi, Sitia is too far. For return visits and road trips, it's one of the island's most underrated bases.

Accommodation here is simple: hotels, studios, and apartments rather than luxury resorts. One option is Sitia Beach.

Sitia hotels on Trip.com: find accommodation.

Ierapetra

Ierapetra is the most convenient town on Crete's south coast, directly south of Agios Nikolaos. You can't really call it a classic resort, and that's the appeal: there are more locals than tourists, restaurants are affordable, and the waterfront is quiet. It's the sunniest city in Greece (according to Visit Greece).

There's a town beach by the fortress, but the area's best beaches require a car or a boat. Ierapetra suits independent travelers and road-trippers who need a base for the southeast.

On the waterfront you can stay at Petra Mare or at Ostria Resort & Spa, which sits outside town by the sea.

If you want beach and town in one place, compare Ierapetra with Agios Nikolaos: the former is quieter and more local, the latter livelier and more convenient for eastern sights.

Ierapetra hotels on Trip.com: book a room.

Kissamos-Kastelli

Kissamos bay with pier, boats and mountains

Kissamos is a practical base in the far west of Crete. It suits travelers with a car who want Falassarna, Balos cruises, and quiet beaches. Balos and Gramvousa cruises depart from the port about 3 km from town (per the map, 09/2026).

The waterfront has restaurants, cafes, and a decent beach. The town isn't the most picturesque or the liveliest, but it works well when western routes matter more to you than atmosphere.

You can stay at Maria Beach Hotel. From here Falassarna is a stone's throw away, and boats run to Balos.

Kissamos hotels on Trip.com: see options.

Archanes

Archanes is the best village for staying inland. It sits just south of Heraklion: cobbled streets, shaded squares, restored neoclassical houses, wineries, and restaurants aimed as much at Cretans as at visitors.

Archanes is usually done as a day trip combined with Knossos or a wine tasting. But one or two nights are worth it if food, wine, and village atmosphere matter to you. This is not a beach base.

Accommodation here is small-scale, often in restored houses and guesthouses with courtyards. One option is Villa Archanes.

Guesthouses in Archanes on Trip.com: find a place to stay.

Chora Sfakion

Chora Sfakion is a small port on the south coast for hiking and ferry logistics. Boats connect it with Loutro, Agia Roumeli, Sougia and Paleochora, so it is convenient after the Samaria Gorge.

It is simple and rugged here, with no polish: basic rooms, tavernas in the port and a couple of pebble beaches. Stay overnight for a quiet evening, a hike or a ferry. For sandy beaches, nightlife and a typical resort, this is not your place.

The port has Samaria by the Sea. Ferries and routes to the southern villages make it a convenient point on the southern loop.

Accommodation in Chora Sfakion on Trip.com: prices and options.

Anogeia

Anogeia lies beneath Mount Psiloritis and is considered one of the strongest mountain villages of Crete. It is interesting for its music, food, crafts and history, far from the resorts.

For most travelers this is a day trip, not a base. An overnight stay is justified only if you want slow inland Crete and are ready for the distance from beaches and the main northern routes.

If you do decide to stay overnight, look at Delina Mountain Resort.

Hotels in Anogeia on Trip.com: see options.

Myrtos

Myrtos is a quiet village on the south coast for those who want to stay put and get away from the crowds of the north. It is compact: a long gray-sand beach, clear water, a simple waterfront and fish tavernas.

The remoteness here both attracts and limits. Come for swimming, reading and calm evenings. Do not come for nightlife, luxury hotels or a convenient base for exploring the island.

The village has Myrtos Mare Suites. Everything else here is settled by the unhurried pace and the closeness of the sea.

Hotels in Myrtos on Trip.com: book.

Kato Zakros

Kato Zakros is one of the most secluded places on Crete, a tiny beach settlement at the far eastern end of the island. There are only a few tavernas, rooms and houses by a quiet pebble beach.

Nearby lie the Minoan palace and the Valley of the Dead, so this is more than just a beach. But there is no nightlife or entertainment here.

Come here only if remoteness and a slow pace are exactly what you are looking for. Among the options is Terra Minoika Villas.

Villas in Kato Zakros on Trip.com: see accommodation.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where to stay on Crete for a first visit?

For a first trip, Chania works best: the old town, the Venetian harbor, restaurants, and easy access to Elafonisi and Balos. If you want a beach right outside your door, add nights in Agia Marina or Platanias. Rethymno is a good compromise because the historic center and the sandy beach sit side by side.

How many bases do you need on Crete?

For 3-5 nights, one area is enough; for 6-8 nights, two bases work better; and for 9-14 nights, go with two or three. On a typical route, Chania and Rethymno connect the west and the center, while Agios Nikolaos suits the east.

Do you need a car on Crete?

For beaches, gorges, villages, and wineries, a car is almost essential. Buses connect the north coast towns well, but schedules are infrequent and they don't allow a flexible route. If you're staying in Chania, Rethymno, or Heraklion, you can manage without one.

Where is the best luxury on Crete?

The best resorts are concentrated in Elounda and along the Mirabello coast in the east. This is where you'll find Elounda Beach, Phāea Blue, Elounda Peninsula, and Daios Cove, many with private pools. For secluded luxury, choose the JW Marriott on the Akrotiri peninsula or Daios Cove in its own bay.

Which area of Crete is the quietest?

Paleochora, Plakias, and Myrtos on the south coast offer a calm stay without resort bustle. Elounda suits quiet luxury, while Kato Zakros and Chora Sfakion are chosen for complete remoteness. Keep in mind that on the south coast you'll almost always need a car.

Below are a few videos about the island that help you picture its scale before booking. Watch them in order or pick the area that appeals to you most.

The first video gives a general overview of the island from above. After watching it, you can clearly see how far apart the west and east coasts lie.

The second video walks through Chania, its Venetian harbor, and the old town, which most often becomes the first base of a trip.

The third video shows Rethymno: the old town, the Fortezza fortress, and the long city beach next to the historic center.

The final overview takes you through Heraklion and its surroundings, including Knossos, the port, and the wineries of central Crete.

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In short: what to book

If this is your first trip, go with Chania. If you're coming for the beach, look at Agia Marina and Platanias. For luxury, head to Elounda; for archaeology and ferries, to Heraklion; and for quiet, to Paleochora or Myrtos.

For a first trip: Chania.
For a beach by the hotel: Agia Marina, Platanias, Rethymno.
For luxury: Elounda, JW Marriott, Daios Cove.
For families: Rethymno, Hersonissos, Malia.
For quiet: Paleochora, Plakias, Myrtos, Kato Zakros.

In July and August, it's best to book your hotel in advance, and get a car at least for the days you plan to explore. Find a hotel on Crete on Trip.com and compare options across different areas.

Where to stay in Crete: areas, beaches and hotels for vacation