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The Greek Island of Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek Islands. Since it’s the biggest Greek Island deciding where the best area to stay in Crete can be a challenge. There is so much to consider as each area of Crete is a little bit different.
The best part about visiting an island such as Crete is that you have a lot to choose from in terms of areas. The Chania region is where I spend the bulk of my time on the island.
I highly recommend basing yourself somewhere and making day trips all around the island! One of the best day trips offered from Chania is to the famous Elafonissi beach.
If you are traveling to Crete alone or with a partner I will break down the best areas to choose from based on my experience on the island for almost three weeks!
Crete is located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, southeast of mainland Greece. The fastest way to reach Crete from Athens is to fly. However, another great way to go from Athens to Crete is by Ferry.
If you are island hopping, one of the most popular and closest islands to Crete is Santorini. When I visited Crete I flew from Athens into Chania where I began my solo adventure.
Best Places to Stay in Crete: Solos and Couples
My hotel recommendations for solo travelers are all hotels that are in the old towns or very close to the action. When I travel solo I don’t like to feel secluded. That is the complete opposite when I travel with a partner.
If I am traveling with someone special I don’t mind my accommodations being off the beaten path a little. But if I am solo I want to be right in the middle of the city.
Chania has some of the best places to stay in Crete! Being the second-largest city in Crete and in my opinion, the most beautiful, I spent a lot of time here.
Chania is known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque old town, and rich culture. Not to mention the food is fantastic. Since I travelled to eat, I was very happy in Chania. I talk more about the best restaurants of Chania in my exclusive solo female guide.
The best way to reach the old town of Chania from the airport is by taxi. There is a bus that will take you from the airport to Chania town. The KTEL Bus Timetable has all the information.
The old town of Chania features winding cobblestone streets with Venetian-style buildings. The most popular archaeological site of Chania is the ancient site of Aptera. Some of the other main attractions in Chania are the Venetian Harbour, Maritime Museum of Crete, Lighthouse of Chania and Catholicon of the Venetian Monastery of St. Francis.
One of the best things I did when visiting Chania solo, was join a group wine tour! If you fancy a little wine tasting of some incredible Grecian wines, check out this tour here.
Best Places to Stay Solo in Chania
Old Town Chania
❤︎ Nonnalena Boutique Hotel – I loved this hotel! It is small, and there is no elevator which is something to consider if you have any difficulty with stairs.
This boutique hotel is one of the best places to stay in Chania. It is a short walk to the Venetian Harbor and all the best restaurants in town! The hotel staff was extremely friendly and accommodating.
❤︎ Monastery Estate Venetian Harbor – I also stayed in this lovely property during my stay in Crete. There is an incredible onsite restaurant that I would visit even after I moved to a different hotel on my trip.
If you book in advance, book the room with the private rooftop pool! If that room is not available this is one of the few hotels that has a public indoor pool.
At Monastery Estate Venetian Harbor you are in the best location in the town center with easy access to the shops and restaurants the Chania has to offer.
❤︎ Zeus Village Resort– This incredible resort is for adults only! Located just 1,950 feet from the sandy beaches of Agioi Apostoloi. Rated very high among couples, this is the perfect little getaway in Chania!
Just an 11-minute drive from the hotel to the old town of Chania! The hotel has a spa and wellness center as well as an outdoor swimming pool!
❤︎ Domes Noruz Chania – This adults-only hotel features a state-of-the-art spa and 2 pools overlooking the crystal blue azure waters. Here at Domes Noruz Chania, there is a fitness centre where you can join a yoga class or go to the spa and visit the sauna or hot tub! In this beautiful place, there is no shortage of things to do.
Also just an 11-minute short drive to Chania town and all the historic sites.
Rethymno has some of the best places to stay in a charming village located just north of Chania. With a population of about 24,000, it is a lovely place to stay if you are looking for a little more of a chill vibe.
I would highly recommend visiting Rethymno even if only for just a day trip. It is pretty much smack in the middle between Chania and Heraklion.
The historic city center has many Venetian-era buildings of 16th-century architecture. The city is home to the famous Rimondi Fountain. There are many things to do and see in Rethymno such as windsurfing, mountain biking, and trekking.
Best Places to Stay Solo in Rethymno
Old Town Rethymno
❤︎ Polyxenia Suites– Located in the heart of Rethymno, you will love this hotel! As a solo traveler, this is one of the best places you can stay in Crete!
Modern rooms complete with air conditioning, flat-screen tv, and private bathroom. You will have the choice of a junior or king suite with a balcony or a deluxe suite.
❤︎ V77 Seafront Suites– This is the perfect hotel for solo female travelers! You are in the most central location surrounded by all the best attractions in Rethymno!
Steps away you will find the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, the old Venetian Harbour, and the historical and folklore museum.
White Swan – This is a small property the perfect place for couples looking for a chill spot close to the beach in Crete! You are the small village just outside the old town. The beach is a 3-min short walk away and the old town by foot 20 mins.
Pepi Boutique Hotel – This adults-only is one of the best boutique hotels located in the center of town! Enjoy the outdoor pool, sun terrace, quick access to the beach, and a lovely on-site bar.
For young couples looking to stay in the heart of the city, I can’t recommend a better hotel. I do urge you to book in advance as the hotel is often fully booked in the high season!
Heraklion is the capital of Crete. Located on the north coast of Greece’s largest island. And like most capital cities there are a lot of things to see and do!
One of the most popular places to visit in Heraklion is the Knossos Palace! A palace that dates back to around 1700 BC it is one of the most important of the archaeological sites of the Greek island.
The city of Heraklion is a popular tourist destination. Here you will find beach resorts and large hotels. Heraklion is a good choice for solo travelers and couples interested in more than just a long sandy beach. With some many places to visit such as the Venetian fortress and old port, it is the ideal place to stay for a few nights.
Infinity City Boutique Hotel is a great place to stay for females traveling alone. You are within easy walking distance of the ferry service as well as all the museums and points of interest.
It is one of the best hotels in the heart of Heraklion! If you are someone who is dreaming of waking up to some sea views, Infinity City Boutique Hotel is the place for you!
Kastro Hotel is a well-located modern hotel in the center of Heraklion. A great hotel for solo travelers who want to stay as close to the action as possible.
There is on-site parking if you rent a car and close to public transportation if you decide to go without.
Metropole Urban Hotel is a wonderful choice for couples visiting Heraklion. This hotel is located 1 mile from the Venetian walls and just 1300 feet from the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Most spacious rooms have a balcony which can be a nice escape from the city after a long day of exploring the narrow streets of the old town of Heraklion.
Another incredible area that is a little less popular than Chania and Heraklion is Agios Nikolaos. An incredible coastal town on the eastern part of Crete that shouldn’t be missed!
From the Heraklion Airport, Agios is a little more than an hour by bus. This seaside village overlooks the beautiful Mirabello Bay.
Filled with trendy restaurants and picturesque Greek island views. Solo travelers and couples who are looking for a laid-back life want to visit Agios Nikolaos.
If you are traveling solo in Crete and staying in Agios Nikolaos, check out Oikies. This is an apartment with an incredible balcony overlooking the resort town.
In the summer months this place is consistently booked, so don’t delay and book it now!
Sita is a small town of about 10,000 inhabitants on the eastern side of the island of Crete. It is located 130 km east of Heraklion. It sits on the western side of Sitia bay. The best way to reach Sitia is by taxi, rental car or bus.
If you take the bus you will need to time it to the three daily bus routes between Heraklion and Sitia. More information on the KTEL site.
There is a nice main beach surrounded by palm trees and some of the best beach hotels. One of the best things to do is visit Kazarma, The Venetian Fortress. Museum lovers can visit the Archaeological Museum of Sitia and the Folklore Museum of Sitia.
Sitia is a great place to go on boat trips or part take in water sports.
Best Places to Stay Solo in Sitia
Mira Sitia Luxury Apartment in Sitia is ideal for a solo getaway in Crete! This apartment has the most incredible view of the Agean sea.
Enjoy all the modern amenities you would expect such as air conditioning, flat screen tv, and a fully equipped kitchen. Have your morning coffee on a balcony with a view of the mountains and sea!
If you are visiting Sitia with your partner, check out Sitia Beach City Resort & Spa. It is the best resort in Sitia! This property has everything you want in a hotel spa.
Sitia Beach City Resort & Spa has an airport shuttle, outdoor swimming pool, and spa! Most rooms have balconies and all rooms have air conditioning which you need in the summer months in Greece!
If you are looking at a map of Crete, the picturesque town of Bali is located on the north coast bay between Rethymnon and Heraklion. This Cretan town is a wonderful place to stay in Crete that most tourists just stumble on.
Many of Crete’s best beaches are found here. Check out Karavostasi, Mythos, Bali, and Livadi. Bali is the place for the solo traveler or couple who wants a less modern town and more seaside villages next to a sea of crystal clear water.
Best Places to Stay Solo in Bali
Nostos Beach Boutique Hotel is perfect for solos and couples! It is located steps from Bali Beach and right in the heart of the town.
I love this hotel because of its chill vibes and large swimming pool. If you are looking for quite place to get away this is most certainly the place!
Once you have found the best place to stay in Crete you need to start building your itinerary in Crete! Choose from some of the most popular activities below:
Crete is one of the best Greek islands for reason! There is so much to do on the island and it offers a variety of areas to stay in.
So whether you are a solo traveler or a couple looking to explore the sites and check out nightlight there are so many choices! Alternatively, there are a lot of quiet spots on the island to disconnect and chill.
I hope you enjoy your time in Greece as much as I did!
FAQs Crete Accommodations
What are the best towns to stay in Crete?
The best towns to stay in Crete would typically be Chania and Heraklion. However, those are the more popular and busiest towns in Crete. If you are looking for other great towns to stay in in Crete you should consider Rethymno, Sitia, and Agios Nikolaos!
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