Fun & Convenient Hostels in Crete For a Budget Vacation
Discover the top hostels in Crete, where budget-friendly comfort meets convenient locations in the island’s best towns or near the sea.
Crete, one of the most beautiful Greek islands, is a safe destination for backpackers and solo travelers. Accommodation can be quite affordable in Crete; however, if your budget is tight or you would like to make friends, sharing a hostel dorm might be the best solution! In this article, I bring you the most popular and best-reviewed hostels in Crete for an unforgettable time on the island.
📍 Don’t miss: Balos Cruise ~ Knossos Palace
Budget Accommodation in Crete: Hostels
As we have already discussed in this article about solo traveling in Crete, the island is an excellent destination whether traveling alone or with friends.
Female solo travelers will especially find Crete extremely safe. It offers plenty of entertainment, attractions, and things to do. Crete is also a great destination for students and young couples.
Every year, hundreds of young travelers, eager to discover the Mediterranean, get their backpacks ready and venture to Crete, eager to explore its natural landscapes and gorgeous old towns. Backpacking in Crete can be a truly unforgettable adventure!
Accommodation can represent a substantial portion of any budget for holidays in Greece, and staying in a hostel can be the smartest solution to keep costs to a minimum.
This will let you spend more money visiting interesting archaeological sites or enjoying adventures and outdoor sports.
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Is it a good idea to stay in a hostel?
Hostels in Crete have changed over the years. While in the past it was common to find old, shabby places, today most hostels offer upgraded facilities, modern dorms with super clean bathrooms, and as much privacy as possible.
Besides, hostels offer the chance to meet other like-minded travelers, share experiences, and make friends on the road.
>> RELATED ARTICLES
– Bus Travel in Crete: How to Move Around the Island without Renting a Car
– Budget guide to holidays in Crete
How Much is a Bed in a Hostel in Crete?
As with regular accommodation, prices change based on location, dorm type, the possibility of having breakfast included, and other amenities the property offers. Several hostels now offer private rooms with a private (or shared) bathroom, which would slightly raise the fee.
Staying in a central hostel costs between €15 and €25 per night. Still, it’s much cheaper than an affordable hotel! Prices will also vary depending on the time you visit, with shoulder season and non-peak months being cheaper. As usual, these fees are estimates, and prices are always subject to change.
Here is a list of a few of the most beautiful hostels in Crete. They boast good reviews and offer modern facilities, a good location, and affordable prices.
For obvious reasons, they are located in different regions (the island is huge), so check beforehand which of Crete’s four (Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, or Lasithi) will be the place you’d rather visit and then book your hostel.
HERAKLION
Intra Muros Hostel
📍 Heraklion city center, Heraklion region
Heraklion’s first boutique hostel, Intra Muros, is just minutes from essential city landmarks, such as Morosini Fountain and Heraklion’s Loggia.
Intra Muros is a family-run hostel that focuses on the needs of every modern traveler. Here, guests can relax on the spacious veranda with city views, socialize with other backpackers in common areas, or cook and share a meal in the fully equipped kitchen.
The hostel features free internet, musical instruments, board games, and a book exchange, all great ways to meet other travelers. All dorms feature big and bright areas with shared bathrooms and air conditioning, while all bunk beds come with linen, towels, privacy curtains, power sockets, reading lights, and individual lockers.
- The hostel is a non-smoking property.
- Guests must be at least 12 years old to stay in this hostel.
- Bed linen and towels are included
- Free WiFi and free city maps
- BBQ and self-catering facilities
- Luggage storage
- Breakfast is available but not included
- A shared coffee machine is available
So Young Hostel
📍 Heraklion city center, Heraklion region
Situated only four minutes from the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, So Young is one of the most popular hostels in the capital. It has modern boutique facilities, eco-friendly furnishings, and a gorgeous roof garden with a bar.
The central hostel is close to shops, bakeries, coffee shops, and restaurants. So Young featured dorms have shared bathrooms and rooms with private bathrooms. Services include contactless late check-in, affordable parking areas, and free luggage storage. The hostel has a communal kitchen with a coffee machine. A courtesy shuttle to Ammoudara Beach is also available.
- The hostel has a communal kitchen with a coffee machine.
- A courtesy shuttle to Ammoudara Beach is also available.
- Sustainable and environmentally friendly property
- Bed linen included
- Free WiFi and free city maps
- Security lockers and laundry facilities
- Book exchange
Heraklion Youth Hostel
📍 Heraklion city center, Heraklion region
Right in the center of Heraklion, this hotel offers basic and affordable accommodation every month of the year. The hostel is close to the most important attractions, shops, restaurants, and the Heraklion bus station (perfect for reaching Knossos Palace).
The hostel is set in a two-story stone building, and it features bright rooms with windows or balconies and air conditioning. You will find male and female dormitory rooms, hot showers, and a kitchen with a cooker, microwave oven, fridge, freezer, coffee makers, and boilers).
- Luggage storage is free of charge.
- The property has a patio and a terrace with sunbeds.
- Safety lockers, safety boxes, and adaptors
- Bed linen included
- Free WiFi and free city maps
- Hair dryers and towels for hire
- Breakfast is not included
- City taxes included
Matala Hostel
📍 Matala Village, on the southern coast of the Heraklion region
No other destination on the island better embodies the hostel spirit than Matala, in the south of Heraklion. A paradise for hippie travelers and independent backpackers, the village features a hostel!
Ideal location to visit the naturist Red Beach or the Archaeological Site of Phaistos, this hostel is only 10 minutes from Matala Beach and is ideally situated, far from the busy northern coast, surrounded by the laid-back vibes of the south.
The hostel, described as the southernmost hostel in Europe, has a shared kitchen and a few rooms with private bathrooms. The premises have a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a terrace, and a bar.
You can also enjoy indoor and outdoor common areas and lounges while Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property, and car rental is also available.
All rooms are spacious and have en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning. Bunk beds have linens, towels, privacy curtains, and individual lockers.
- All rooms are spacious and have en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning.
- Bunk beds have linens, towels, privacy curtains, and individual lockers.
- Bed linen included – towels for hire
- Security lockers and luggage storage
- Swimming pool
- Microwave and coffee-making facilities
- Dorms with 4-6-8 bunk beds and family rooms
CHANIA
Kumba Hostel
📍 Chania Town, Chania region
This is not the first time I recommend Kumba, as it is one of the best hostels in Chania. It features a modern combination of African and Cretan decor and is conveniently close to the old town and a few blocks from Koum Kapi Beach.
Kumba Hostel features five dormitories, six private rooms, and a cafe bar! All rooms are uniquely designed to maximize comfort. The hostel also has a shared kitchenette area.
- Child-friendly
- Bed linen included
- Free parking, free city maps, free Wi-Fi
- Laundry facilities
- Towels, adaptors, and hair driers for hire
- Luggage storage
Cocoon City Hostel
📍 Chania Town, Chania region
Located on a central road only a few meters from the old town, the modern hostel offers stylish and comfortable dorms and rooms. It also has a full kitchen. Cocoon is an eco-minded property with cheerful colors and a welcoming atmosphere.
Since it’s located only a few blocks from Chania’s public bus station, it’s easier for travelers to reach the port, the airport, beaches, and regions in Crete.
✅ The hostel is also wheelchair accessible.
- Fast internet access free of charge, free city maps
- Linen included – towels for hire
- Washer and dryer
- Breakfast is €5 per person per day.
- Minimum age: 16
- Luggage storage
- Non-smoking property
✅ The hostel is also wheelchair accessible.
Boho City Hostel
📍 Chania Old Town, Chania region
Situated in a picturesque alley in Chania’s Old Town, Boho City Hostel is close to virtually every landmark you want to visit. Just steps from the property are bars, coffee shops, traditional taverns, and restaurants. The hostel is also within walking distance of Chania’s main bus station.
Facilities include a well-equipped communal kitchen and an outdoor sitting area. With a security door code, travelers can book a bed in one of the dorms. Every bed features free linen, a bed socket, and a light, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Breakfast is not included in the price, and pets are not allowed.
- Child-friendly
- Free parking and free city maps
- Bike hire and free bike parking
- Towel hire
- Luggage storage
- Book exchange services
Poco Loco
📍 Chania Old Town, Chania region
Although not a hostel but more of a bed and breakfast, this place deserves a spot on Crete’s list of the best-reviewed hostels. The colorful and cozy atmosphere is one of the highlights of this property in the heart of Chania. It features five spacious apartments (fully renovated), only steps taverns, restaurants, and local museums.
The place has an open-air space where you can enjoy breakfast (not included, €5 per person per day) or snacks and drinks during the day.
Rooms come with a private bathroom and can accommodate up to 4 people. A child under 2 years old can stay in a child’s cot free of charge. An older child or adult is charged €10 per person per night when using existing beds.
- Outdoor Terrace
- Free public parking nearby
- Mini bar and meals available
- Child-friendly property and cots available
- Pet-friendly, pets stay at no extra cost on request.
Youth Of Dope Supreme Hostel
📍 Cape Akrotiri, Chania region
This is one of the most original hostels in Chania and an excellent option for those who don’t want to stay in the center. Youth of Dope is located in the tranquil Cape Akrotiri, a few minutes from Agia Triada Monastery and some of the stunning beaches in the area.
Created as a refuge for “travelers, artists, and other creatures,” the hostel is set inside a nineteenth-century Cretan mansion. It features accommodation, an office space, and an exhibition area.
The accommodation offers free bikes, free private parking, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a shared lounge, and a bar. You can also hire airport transportation. The hostel has air-conditioned rooms with a desk, coffee machine, fridge, oven, terrace, and a shared bathroom with a shower.
- Linen included
- Shared kitchen
- Bike hire and free parking for bikes and cars
- Towel hire
- BBQ and swimming pool
- Cots available
- Breakfast is not included in the fee.
RETHYMNON
Rethymno Youth Hostel
📍 Rethymnon city center, Rethymnon region
Located in the center of Rethymnon town, near the Guora Gate to access the Old Town, the property features a large tiled courtyard and a patio where travelers can meet fellow travelers or chill out with a cocktail. It is a home away from home for travelers wishing to discover this region.
Set in a historical Venetian building overlooking one of the town’s minarets and in a relaxing neighborhood, it is only steps from Rethymnon’s long sandy beach and close to the best nightlife on the island! The hostel features an equipped kitchen and has been awarded the “Best Value Hostel” recognition.
- Security lockers, adaptors, and luggage storage
- Bicycle parking
- BBQ facilities
- Towel-for-hire and laundry services
- Breakfast is not included; coffee-making facilities
Youth Hostel Plakias
📍 Plakias village, southern coast of the Rethymnon region
Considered one of Crete’s most popular hostels, this place is on the gorgeous southern coast of Rethymnon, near natural wonders such as Kourtaliotiko Gorge.
Other interesting points of interest in the area are the picturesque village of Spili and the spectacular Preveli Monastery. Besides, Plakias is a coastal village loved by snorkelers and scuba enthusiasts. Awarded with the “Best Hostel in Greece” recognition, the property has six 8-bed dorms set in an olive grove with a large patio.
Featuring affordable beer and wine, cheap breakfasts, free use of guitars, and special equipment for water sports, including snorkels, flippers, and river shoes, the place is a perfect base to explore the area by joining hikes or other group activities. The hostel is open from April to November. Check-in is late in the afternoon, but luggage storage is available no matter what time you arrive.
- Bed linen included – towels for hire
- Laundry services and a washing machine
- BBQ facilities and book exchange
- Free parking
- Breakfast not included
- Free use of beach mats and snorkeling equipment
As you can see, Crete has no shortage of affordable yet beautiful hostels. Pick a date and pack your swimsuit to explore the island! Are you ready to book a hostel in Crete?
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Guide to the Top-Reviewed Hostels in Crete
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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