Best Areas to Stay in South Crete and Fantastic Hotels That You Will Love!

Divided in half by three mountain ranges, the island of Crete features an over-developed northern coast with plenty of hotels and activities geared to tourism and a more tranquil southern coast with just a few villages and some of the most spectacular and solitary beaches in the Mediterranean.

Best areas to stay in South Crete

If you’re planning to enjoy a holiday off the beaten track in Crete, check out these villages facing the Libyan Sea to find the best places to stay in South Crete. From the westernmost region of Chania to the easternmost region of Lasithi, these are the top places to stay in South Crete!

CHANIA REGION

One of the most visited beaches in Elafonisi, this excellent beach is a must-see when visiting the Chania region. Even when the visit can be perfectly organized as a day trip, more and more travelers decide to spend one or two nights in Elafonisi to enjoy fewer crowds and stunning sunsets.

Although the area is very isolated, there are a few convenience stores and supermarkets. There are just a few houses, a couple of tavernas, and little more.

Remember that the closest village is Elos (about 30 minutes—19.1 km), where you can find other facilities, including a pharmacy and more restaurants.

Places to stay in Elafonisi

• Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family is where I have chosen to stay in Elafonisi more than once. The resort offers beautifully decorated units, some with small kitchens, surrounded by a beautiful park, only steps from the beach.
  → BOOK HERE

• Villa Evenos is a fantastic villa with a private pool, free bikes, and air-conditioning. There is also a well-fitted kitchen with a dining and seating area.
  → BOOK HERE

😉 RELATED ARTICLE
→ Places to stay in Elafonisi that you will love!

Facing the Lybian Sea, Paleochora is one of the most visited destinations on the island’s southern coast since it is quite a big village. Despite being remote and solitary, it is ideal for a quiet vacation. There are also several shops, convenience stores, markets, restaurants, hotels, and vacation homes to rent. That’s the main reason travelers choose Paleochora. The place is lively, and you can visit a few interesting nearby places and enjoy easy day trips.

There is much to do in Paleochora, making it perfect for couples of all ages and families with kids. Besides, there are dozens of sandy and pebbled beaches to choose from. Some of them feature organized structures and others are wild and lonely. And if you enjoy outdoor adventures, Paleochora is perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, safari rides, and fishing trips.

Places to stay in Paleochora

• On The Rocks is a popular choice for budget travelers. It’s only steps from the beach and rooms with sea views, air conditioning, and a minibar. There’s also a gift shop and a terrace.
  → BOOK HERE

• Anma Villa is close to Chalikia Beach. It features a pool, a garden, and a private parking area. The villa also has two bedrooms, a kitchen, and three bathrooms.
  → BOOK HERE

• Blue Horizon is an aparthotel facing the beach. It features rooms with sea views and units with a small kitchen.
  → BOOK HERE

😉 RELATED ARTICLE
→ Fantastic rental homes in Paleochora

Quiet and relaxing, the small seaside village of Sougia is a popular place to spend a weekend (or more!) in South Crete.

The village features a gorgeous beach (included in our list of Crete’s naturist beaches) with very basic structures. There is another beach opposite the village with facilities including a bar, umbrellas, and toilets.

Although the village is not as big as Paleochora, it is still convenient. It features a few restaurants, shops, hotels, and rooms to rent. The town can be accessed by car from Chania or by boat from Chora Sfakion.

Places to stay in Sougia

• Monastery Estate Retreat is an unexpected luxury retreat that offers accommodation with private or semi-private pools only minutes from the beach. There is free private parking, a garden, and a restaurant.
  → BOOK HERE

• Santa Irene is a modest but super comfortable 2-star property in Sougia. Santa Irene features accommodation only 10 meters from the sea, a snack bar, a furnished terrace, free Wi-Fi, and self-catering units.
  → BOOK HERE

• Aretousa is a property surrounded by gorgeous gardens. It features units only 250 meters from the sea, offering a relaxing garden and barbecue facilities. Free parking and non-smoking rooms are also available.
  → BOOK HERE

Most travelers reaching Agia Roumeli arrive here after hiking through Samaria Gorge, the most important canyon on the island. However, you can spend a few days in Agia Roumeli. If you don’t want to hike through Samaria Gorge, you can get there by boat (daily ferries depart from Paleochora, Sougia, and Chora Sfakion).

Places to stay in Agia Roumeli

• Sweet Corner Masxali is a welcoming place with a fantastic terrace and gorgeous views of the Libyan Sea, only 400 meters from the center of the village and 350 meters from the port. The pet-friendly accommodation also has a restaurant serving homemade dishes.
  → BOOK HERE

• Agia Roumeli Hotel is outside the exit of Samaria Gorge, steps from the beach. It offers a restaurant, a beach bar, and air-conditioned rooms with a fridge, electric kettle, and a desk. Daily breakfast and Greek cuisine can be enjoyed at the premises.
  → BOOK HERE

• Calypso is a simple but comfy property right by the coast. It offers convenient rooms only 20 meters from the beach and daily breakfast at the on-site café and restaurant.
  → BOOK HERE

Loutro

One of Crete’s best southern places to visit is Loutro, a charming fishing village close to the impressive Aradena Gorge, a few hours on foot from Chora Sfakion.

Loutro’s charm is also enhanced because it can only be reached on foot or by boat. There are no cars in the settlement and roads leading to the village!

The place is relaxing and offers just a few souvenir shops and restaurants, an ATM, and no pharmacies. Since many restaurants and hotels only accept cash, it’s always better to withdraw some money before getting there. Most ferries to Loutro leave from the port of Chora Sfakion. You can read more about this unique southern village in this complete guide to Loutro.

• John Akroyiali is only 60 meters from the beach. The hotel includes express check-in and check-out, allergy-free rooms, a terrace, a bar, and a restaurant. Guests can also enjoy the free luggage storage service.
  → BOOK HERE

Chora Sfakion

One of the best places to stay in southern Crete is Chora Sfakion since it is convenient to explore the Libyan coast of the Chania region.

The place features dozens of restaurants and other shops, several hotels and flats to rent, and… the most important thing is its port, with boats and ferries that will take you to all the beaches in the south of Chania that cannot be easily accessed by car, including Loutro, Agia Roumeli, Marmara Beach and Illingas.

From here, there are also regular ferries to the southernmost island of Gavdos (another incredible place to stay in South Crete!). If you enjoy hiking, the area features some of the most stunning gorges in Crete, including Aradena and the spectacular Imbros Gorge.

Places to stay in Chora Sfakion

• The Authentic Village Boutique Hotel is only 2 minutes from the main beach. The place has a garden, a terrace, and free private parking.
  → BOOK HERE

• Samaria by the Sea is a hotel on the seafront of Chora Sfakion. It features 11 rooms with balconies and sea views.
  → BOOK HERE

• Sfakia Seaside Luxury Suites is a beautiful (and new) complex of units in the center of the village. It offers accommodation 100 meters from the beach. The suites feature sea views and a kitchenette with a coffee machine and a kettle.
  → BOOK HERE

Frangokastello

Frangokastello is another favorite place of mine when looking for an authentic area in Crete that feels far from everything.

The small village is located a good 20-minute drive east of Chora Sfakion. It features a few hotels and studios for rent, some small taverns (mostly in the hotels), a couple of convenience stores, and one or two minimarkets. That’s all!

The village is known for its great sandy beach adorned with the ruins of an ancient Venetian Fortress facing the sea, which gives name to the settlement.

RETHYMNON REGION

Plakias is also famous for scuba diving, snorkeling, and other underwater activities since it is home to a unique seabed that attracts diving aficionados year after year. In the area, there are some unique nudist beaches too.

The village has several shops, restaurants, and hotels, making it a good destination in Rethymnon for a short or long stay. Plakias is easy to reach from Rethymnon town going through the mountains (the road is in very good condition even if the trip can be long and tiring).

Plakias is an ideal base from which to explore the south of Crete. However, since the area is quite isolated, a car is necessary to move around. Plakias is also close to the neighboring region of Chania, and the coastal trip from Plakias to Frangokastello is among Crete’s most beautiful road trips.

Places to stay in Plakias

• Flisvos Rooms is just 20 meters from the beach and minutes from the village’s center. It features self-catering accommodation within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and shops.
  → BOOK HERE

• Hapimag Resort Damnoni is a 4-star aparthotel facing the beach of Damnoni, about 1 km from the spectacular Kalypso Beach and minutes from Plakias. It has an outdoor pool, a sun terrace, a restaurant, and a private beach area. Rooms have a seating area and coffee-making amenities.
  → BOOK HERE

• Alianthos Garden is a hotel only 50 meters from the main Plakias Beach. It features free private on-site parking, a bar, and a large swimming pool. The property is just minutes from shops and tavernas.
  → BOOK HERE

Kalypsos

Just a few minutes from Plakias Beach, Kalypsos is a breathtaking beach with emerald waters, ideal for snorkeling and immersions. The beach is hidden in a small cove surrounded by rocks and it attracts plenty of travelers for crystal clear waters and quaint atmosphere. The beach is naturally protected by a barrier that shelters if from winds.

The area is a favorite sport snorkeling and diving due to the rich marine life you can spot close to the shore. Besides, he rocky outcroppings provide a top-notch backdrop for underwater activities.

Place to stay in Kalypsos

• Kalypso Cretan Village Resort & Spa is the only hotel right on this beach, this traditionally built village offers a swimming pool, tennis court and spa centre and it features rooms overlooking the sea or the garden.
  → BOOK HERE

Visiting Preveli and its beach in a day can be exhausting, especially if you choose to hike to the beach after exploring the historic monastery. In that case, finding accommodation in the area for the night can be a good idea.

Although there are just a few rooms to rent in the surrounding area, once most tourists have left, the place becomes a calm oasis where you can rest, enjoy silent walks, and witness unforgettable sunsets. The tiny Kerames village is the most convenient place to stay around Preveli.

Triopetra

One of the most excellent beaches in the south, Triopetra is a gorgeous shore to visit either as a day trip from Rethymnon or as a quiet holiday destination. Although most structures and services are located in the nearby Plakias village, the place is perfect if you’re looking for a very isolated area to stay in the south.

Visit the small beaches of Katsounas and Ligres near Triopetra and the impressive dunes of Agios Pavlos beach. These are three incredible gems on the southern coast of Rethymnon.

Probably the most popular place to stay in the south of Rethymnon, Agia Galini is a popular destination that receives hundreds of visitors yearly.

The lively seaside resort is a favorite destination among tourists from the Balkan countries. It has a picturesque center with shops and tavernas, plenty of accommodation, lovely beaches, and a tourist port. There are also several good beaches within a short drive from the village. Agia Galini is about 60 km from the city of Rethymnon, and it attracts tourists from April to October.

Places to stay in Agia Galini

• Lenikos Resort is a resort that stands at the highest point in the village, offering amphitheatrical views of the bay. It has three swimming pools and accommodation with sea views. Some rooms offer a living room with a fireplace and a hydromassage shower.
  → BOOK HERE

• Astoria Hotel is a beautiful family-run hotel with modern facilities near the small fishing port and the promenade. It has comfortable rooms with air conditioning and a fridge.
  → BOOK HERE

• Sky Beach Hotel is one of the top-rated hotels in Agia Galini. It is steps from the beach and a short walk from the center of the village. It has a swimming pool and a snack bar.
  → BOOK HERE

HERAKLION REGION

Matala

One of the most famous villages on the southern coast of Crete, the small town of Matala is a gorgeous hippie settlement with an impressive bay famous for its ancient caves, once home to several ancient civilizations that dwelled on the island.

The village is an active summer destination with plenty of places to see nearby and exciting things to do. There are dozens of hotels, restaurants, shops, markets, ATM points, pharmacies, and essential medical services nearby.

Kamilari

A traditional village just minutes from the busier Matala, this is an excellent place to stay if you want to explore the southern coast of Heraklion. The village is quite active during the winter, and there are a few lovely souvenir shops with prices far more convenient than you might find in Matala. The small beach of Kalamaki, just a few minutes from the center of Kamilari, is a tranquil alternative to Matala and a safe, shallow shore for families with children.

Places to stay in Kamilari

• Kritamos Villa & Apartments is a family-run property only 200 meters from the village of Kamilari. It offers self-catering maisonettes and apartments with furnished balconies, a kitchen or kitchenette, and dining and seating areas. The property is 2 km from Kalamaki Beach and a short drive from Matala. The archaeological site of Phaistos is 3 km away.
  → BOOK HERE

• Locomondo is a gorgeous home with a patio and a garden less than 5 km from Phaistos. Units include a coffee machine, while certain accommodations have a fully equipped kitchen.
  → BOOK HERE

Pitsidia

Also close to Matala, Pitsidia can be more affordable than the famous hippie village. The area has excellent restaurants and other essential services, including kiosks, convenience stores, and minimarkets. It won’t be challenging to find a pharmacy and an ATM. Nearby beaches include Matala, Kokkini Ammos, Kommos, and Kalamaki.

Places to stay in Pitsidia

• Kritikies Elaia is a traditional stone Cretan house featuring a garden, terrace, bedroom, living room, and fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and kettle.
  → BOOK HERE

• Kritikies Apollonia is a traditional home in Pitsidia that offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, garden views, and a terrace with sea views. The house has a bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, and an equipped kitchenette.
  → BOOK HERE

Located on the southern coast of Heraklion, right under the shadows of the Asterousia Mountains, it is one of the most laid-back places to stay in Crete.

The area around Kaloi Limenes is ideal for a very quiet holiday for those who have spent a stressful year at work and only long for an area to disconnect and relax without noise or chaos. There is little to do, but that is the village’s charm. Kaloi Limenes features some essential shops, convenience stores, and a couple of very good traditional tavernas.

Places to stay in Kaloi Limenes

• Beach Front Condo South Crete is within steps of Kaloi Limenes Beach. It offers accommodation for up to 5 guests, a restaurant, barbecue facilities, and free private parking.
  → BOOK HERE

• The Eagle is a beachfront property only meters from the beach and of Kaloi Limenes and also close to Psili Ammos Beach. Offering accommodation for up to three guests, the apartment has a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and an oven.
  → BOOK HERE

Tsoutsouras

Also known as Tsoutsouros, this fantastic area south of Heraklion is quite off the beaten path, thus ensuring highly relaxing holidays in an utterly isolated environment.

The small village has a partly organized sandy beach with calm and crystalline waters, shallow enough to make it a perfect destination for a family vacation. Tsoutsouros is the name of the village and the area’s main beach. However, there are several other small shores you can visit.

The little settlement offers essential services, restaurants, and convenience stores. Still, for more shops, banks, supermarkets, and pharmacies, it is necessary to reach the inner village of Mesochori.

Places to stay in Tsoutsouros

• Triton Hotel – A beautiful beachfront property with a seaside café-bar, free Wi-Fi in public areas, and air-conditioned rooms overlooking the mountain or the Libyan Sea. The hotel features an à la carte restaurant, and the café-bar offers snacks and drinks. Continental breakfast is served daily to guests.
  → BOOK HERE

• Edelweiss is right on the beach of Tsoutsouros. It has air-conditioned studios overlooking the Libyan Sea or the mountains. The studios have a kitchenette with cooking facilities and a fridge. The snack bar serves coffee, drinks, and ice cream until late.
  → BOOK HERE

LASITHI REGION

Although the village lacks pharmacies, banks, or ATM points, these facilities can be easily found in the nearby Ierapetra, which can be reached by car or local bus. The agricultural center is quiet in winter and the shoulder seasons, while it gets quite busy in summer.

You will find all you need, including rooms for rent, hotels, restaurants, taverns, cafeterias, a gas station, and a few convenience stores and minimarkets.

Places to stay in Myrtos

• Esperides Hotel is a 2-star hotel, open throughout the year, is 200 meters from the beach and it features sunny rooms with Wi-Fi, a traditional Cretan tavern, 2 bars, and a pool. Flower gardens surround the premises. The rooms have balconies with sea and mountain views.
  → BOOK HERE

• Mirtos Hotel is just meters from the beach, the place offers air-conditioned rooms with a fridge and a kettle, a restaurant with a vine-covered terrace, and a mini market on site.
  → BOOK HERE

The city is the best place to stay for those interested in visiting Chrissi Island. It has a lively center with plenty of things to do, accommodations, restaurants, supermarkets, schools, and interesting sights to explore.

Ierapetra is only 30 km from Agios Nikolaos, making it a perfect day trip destination and a great place to spend a few days if you’re looking for a quiet vacation in Crete.

Places to stay in Ierapetra

• Enorme Santanna Beach is 200 meters from the beach and features a restaurant, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and bar. All rooms have a coffee machine.
  → BOOK HERE

• Ostria Resort and Spa is inspired by the traditional architecture of Cretan villages. The property is set on beautiful grounds facing the Libyan Sea, about 4.5 km from the center of Ierapetra. It has a marketplace, a tiny chapel, a playground with minigolf, and a creperie.
  → BOOK HERE

• Coral Hotel is a 3-star hotel in Ierapetra, only a short walk from the beach in the center. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar and rooms with terraces or balconies.
  → BOOK HERE

Located between the isolated Xerokampos and the more lively Ierapetra, this small village offers a quiet and relaxing environment but also several seaside restaurants, a picturesque port (from where it’s possible to reach Chrissi Island), ATMs, small convenience stores, a few seaside bars, and a pharmacy. It is an excellent destination for families because the beaches are safe and shallow.

Places to stay in Makrigialos

• Atlantica Mikri Poli Crete is on the bay of Makrigialos. This 5-star hotel has a private sandy beach, three outdoor pools, and a spa center. There are two restaurants and two cocktail bars. The rooms are ample and bright, and the living area is comfy.
  → BOOK HERE

• Mediterranean View Villas featuring a private pool and views over the Libyan Sea. They have a kitchen with a dining area, a living room with a fireplace, and three bedrooms.
  → BOOK HERE

Although there are just a few convenience stores and minimarkets in the area to purchase just a few essentials, the place is ideal for a relaxing holiday in complete solitude. Just a couple of traditional, very simple taverns, incredible beaches with no organized structures, and a good access road to the coast are some highlights of a stay in Xerokampos.

Places to stay in Xerokampos

• Lemon Garden 1 is a beautiful holiday home about 10 km from Xerokampos that offers accommodation with a patio and a garden, free WiFi, a bedroom, a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen.
  → BOOK HERE

• Villa Agrilia is about 40 minutes from the closest beach in Xerokampos. This is a fantastic villa in a quiet location on the southern coast of Crete. The villa has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a terrace. There are 2 bedrooms, a dining area, a kitchen, and a living room. Free private parking is also available
  → BOOK HERE

I hope this guide to the best places to stay and hotels in South Crete has helped you find the perfect spot to make the most of your time on the island.

The south of Crete is the place to be if you’re looking for a tranquil escape in nature, a seaside retreat, and a cozy village experience. So, get ready to soak up southern Crete’s breathtaking landscapes and enjoy a memorable stay on this side of the island!

Planning a Crete itinerary that actually works

Because Crete is so large, planning a realistic route can make the difference between a relaxed trip and spending hours every day in the car.

If you’re unsure how to organize your itinerary, which regions to combine, or where to stay to minimize driving, you might find it helpful to start with a customized plan.

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