My Favourite Places to Stay in Crete

When you’re thinking about planning a Greek vacation, the decision of where to go can often be overwhelming. With the country’s rich history, a temperate climate, and hundreds of islands to choose from, what you’re looking for in a vacation spot becomes a choice of personal preference. But allow me to strong suggest Crete.

Crete is the largest and most populated Greek island, and was the first stop on our Greek island tour. We chose it because we were told by friends that it was their favourite, and convinced us that we’d be missing out if we missed this beautiful place.

 

After looking into Crete, it was confirmed that we would only be able to see a small portion of the island during our week-long stay, but decided to visit at least three different areas to try and get a better feel of things. We were blown away by the beauty and hospitality we received throughout our visit, and already longing to return.

Therefore, may I present my suggested three places to stay in Crete:

Heraklion- Lato Boutique Hotel

The Lato Boutique Hotel was the perfect place for our first stop in Crete – we liked it so much that we ended our stay with a return to make our departure “easier”. That is to say, we really liked it. The hotel is a short cab ride from the airport or a quick walk from the main ferry terminal. It is situated close to the water and is within walking distance of everything Heraklion has to offer. They offer a delicious complimentary breakfast (honestly, it’s probably one of the best I have ever had) and have a beautiful rooftop restaurant, Herb’s Garden (which, not surprisingly, is also one of Heraklion’s highest rated restaurants). You cannot go wrong staying here!

Kissamos- Aphrodite Beach Hotel

The quaint, family-run beach hotel is perfect for those looking to get away from it all and just relax. Situated on the outskirts of Kissamos but within walking distance of all the amenities (restaurants, groceries, etc.), Aphrodite is the perfect place to spend a few nights on the stunning and semi-private beach of Mavros Molos. The hotel is kept in notably-immaculate condition, offers a nice buffet breakfast and is great for couples and/or families. They have a small menu that is offered throughout the day, and they even serve drinks/meals at your beach chair. We would not hesitate to return here!

Rethymno- Sohora Boutique Hotel 

I absolutely adored this place! Alexia and her family have done an amazing job in turning this old home into a must-stay destination, and I cannot stress this enough. With a focus on staying true to the historic setting of Rethymno, our apartment featured restored furniture and classic pieces that fused charm and style. We had an incredible outdoor space that allowed us to spend the evening sipping wine while indulging in some people watching over the square just outside our door. For a small fee (€5), you can also be treated to a home cooked breakfast that gives the boost needed to get out and explore all Rethymno has to offer… which is a lot.

For more information on the island of Crete visit Incredible Crete and/or click here to discover more of what Greece has to offer.

If you’ve been to Crete, let me know your favourites!