Best Hotels in Crete
As Crete covers such a wide swathe of terrain, you’ll want to choose your base carefully or perhaps split the time you have between its western and eastern regions. Some of the top spots include Chania in western Crete. Old Town Chania with its magnificent Venetian-era buildings, while beautiful beaches and mountains are nearby. Heraklion is Crete’s largest city, tucked between Mount Psiloritis and the Dikti mountains along the northern coast. A stay near the main square or old market provides a perfect place for exploring the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, trendy eateries, and boutiques.
Rethymno is about midway between Chania and Heraklion, making it a good base for exploring both cities. It has a gorgeous Venetian fortress and Old City with a maze of cobbled streets and 16th-century architecture. Agios Nikolaos in eastern Crete is popular for beach getaways with many picturesque stretches lapped by clear blue waters, while Hersonissos offers a number of popular beach resorts, waterparks, an aquarium, and plenty of other perks for a family-friendly trip.