Affordable Hotels in Crete That You Will Want to Book!
Affordable places to stay in Crete, budget accommodation and cheap hotels on the island.
Traveling on a budget in Crete is a possibility. Several accommodation options are available for those who don’t want to break the bank when it comes to a place to stay. The key, as always, is to book as early as you can because, in just days, prices can go up surprisingly. In this article, you will find some of the best affordable hotels in Crete!
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Choosing a Budget Friendly Hotel in Crete
When in Crete, you’ll find some interesting cities to discover. They all feature centrally placed hotels that make getting around far easier. On this list, you will also find some lovely hotels close to major attractions, good beaches, and a few minutes from the city.
Crete is the largest and most populated Greek island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean, about 150 km from the Greek mainland. Because of its size, Crete has so much to offer whether you are a solo traveler, a family with young children, or one with teenagers.
Places to stay on the island come in all sizes and prices, making it easy to tailor the cost of your holiday to suit your budget. These are some of the best affordable hotels in Crete, offering great value for money!
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HERAKLION REGION
So Young Hostel
📍 Heraklion City, Heraklion Region
Let’s start with this great hostel in the center, one of the best areas for a stay in Heraklion. It’s only 4 minutes from the archaeological museum and 5 km from Knossos (the bus to Knossos stops a few steps from the hotel, making it convenient if you don’t plan to rent a car).
Rooms and dorms have shared or private bathrooms, there’s a communal kitchen with a coffee machine (personally, this is something I cannot do without, no matter where I stay!). And if you’re craving beach time, the hostel offers a free shuttle service to Amoudara Beach, minutes from the center.
Sweet Memories
📍Malia, Heraklion Region
The accommodation has good reviews online for its comfort and affordable prices in one of the most popular areas in Crete, Malia.
The place is perfect for a couple as it accommodates two guests. It is about 1.5 km from Central Beach in Malia, 2.3 km from Sun Beach, 25 minutes from CretAquarium, and less than 30 km from Heraklion International Airport. It offers free WiFi and air conditioning. They offer bike and car rental services.
🤓 The property offers a convenient paid airport shuttle service.
>> RELATED ARTICLE
– Hotels in Hersonissos, Heraklion That You Will Love!
President Guesthouse
📍 Keratokampos, Heraklion Region
Located on the southern coast, close to the best beaches in Heraklion, the guesthouse is only 500 meters from the sea and also near bars, cafés, and traditional Greek taverns. Free parking is possible in the nearby surroundings.
This place offers accommodation with free WiFi and a garden with a terrace and sea views. It has easy access to outdoor activities in the area, including hiking, diving, fishing, and more.
>> RELATED ARTICLE
– Best Hotels in the City of Heraklion, Crete
CHANIA REGION
Boho City Hostel
📍Chania Town, Chania
This property is in a historic part of town, close to Koum Kapi Beach. It’s also near Chania’s best restaurants and the most popular museums.
The hostel offers express check-in, a shared kitchen and lounge, coffee and tea facilities, and a tour desk. The place is about 11 kilometers from the port of Souda and offers a paid airport shuttle service.
🤓 Guests love this capsule-style hostel for its clean facilities and great location.
Pink Sand Villas
📍 Elafonisi, Chania
These small but cozy villas offer affordable accommodation close to Aspri Limni Beach, Elafonisi, and Kedrodasos. It features free WiFi, BBQ facilities, a garden, and free parking. There is also a terrace with mountain views.
The villas feature a seating area and a fully equipped kitchen. The property is convenient to visit Balos Beach as it is 40 km from Kavousi Port, where Balos Cruises depart daily.
🤓 The complex is close to Elafonisi’s supermarket and convenience stores.
Theos Holidays Apartments
📍 Kato Daratso, Chania
Only minutes from Chryssi Akti, Kladissos Beach, and Yannis Beach, this place in Kato Daratos is great for holidays in Chania. It has amazing reviews. Many travelers return year after year! It features condo units, and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool surrounded by a beautiful garden with palm trees, and an on-site bar.
The rooms have been recently renovated and include a fully equipped kitchenette with a dining area, convenient for families traveling with children. For even more convenience, they also provide a coffee machine (a blessing!).
Evilion Hotel
📍 Stalos, Chania
The two-star hotel offering self-catering accommodation is 50 meters from the beach and a short bus ride Chania town and well-connected to the airport. Located in the tranquil seaside settlement of Stalos, it’s also near popular beaches such as Platanias and Agia Marina.
The place a swimming pool and a restaurant. The units have a balcony with sea views, a kitchenette, and a dining and seating area with satellite TV. The property also serves breakfast daily. Cretan dishes are served at lunch and dinner.
🤓 Kids love the children’s playground and a shallow pool.
RETHYMNON REGION
Archipelagos Hotel
📍 Rethymnon Town, Rethymnon
I’ve often recommended this hotel in Rethymnon. It offers superb value for money and top hospitality and is close to the old town.
This hotel is set on a low hillside with panoramic sea views. Facilities include an outdoor pool, private pools, a pool bar, and furnished balconies. The central bus station connecting to the rest of Crete is only 500 meters from the hotel.
🤓 I’ve stayed in this hotel twice. Every time, I enjoyed the morning breakfast and the views of Rethymnon’s fortress from my balcony.
City & Go
📍 Rethymnon Town, Rethymnon
This is an affordable gem in Rethymno Town, less than 2 km from the beach, this property offers one bedroom and a fully-equipped kitchenette.
The place features modern and bright spaces with air conditioning and a balcony overlooking the city.
LASITHI REGION
Primavera Paradise Apartments
📍Havania, Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi
The hotel is 200 meters from Havania Beach, close to bars, restaurants, and tavernas. It offers self-catered apartments surrounded by a pretty garden, a swimming pool, and a daily continental breakfast.
The ample, bright apartments have direct access to the garden from their furnished balconies or verandas. Each includes a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area. Free private parking is available on-site.
Ierapetra Mint Apartment
📍Ierapetra, Lasithi
The small apartment is about 400 meters from the beach. It offers a pleasant garden and air-conditioned spaces. Facilities include a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and all you need to prepare your meals. A private entrance for guests guarantees added privacy.
>> RELATED ARTICLE
– The Most Convenient Hostels in Crete
To find affordable accommodation, sometimes you must find a hotel that’s a bit off the beaten path or try to reduce your comforts and amenities. However, most properties in this article are comfy, clean, safe, and convenient.
But that’s not a problem in Crete! Driving on the island is one of the best ways to move around and discover the many hidden gems you would otherwise miss if you only relied on public transport.
You can also read this guide to driving and renting a car in Crete for further insight!
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Affordable Hotels in Crete: Accommodation Guide
Gabi, the Crete Insider
Hi, I’m Gabi — your go-to local expert in Crete! I’ve been living in Chania, Crete since 2016, and I’ve turned my love for the island into a full-time passion — guiding travelers, writing for travel media, and curating local experiences.
I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and other guides. I run the blogs The Tiny Book, Greece Planner, and My Cretan Recipe. Through this platform I help travelers design unforgettable trips to Crete.
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