Villages to stay in Crete
Hotels,  Towns & Villages

Picturesque Traditional Villages to Stay in Crete

Many who visit Crete enjoy spending time in the old towns of Chania and Rethymnon and in the capital city to explore its Venetian fortress and the Knossos Palace. But many others prefer to stay in Crete’s lesser-known villages to experience authentic traditions and a more relaxed vibe. In this article, I will show you some beautiful traditional villages in Crete and their top accommodation choices. And if you want to learn more about Crete’s magic mountain villages, visit this article for more places to visit!

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Cretan mountain villages offer relaxation far from the cities, the noise, and the crowds. Besides, the mountains are a haven to escape high summer temperatures and fantastic winter destinations, especially if you enjoy hikes and mountain landscapes. Why not? Some snow, too!

In no particular order, these are some of my favorite villages to stay in Crete to avoid crowds in summer or to spend a completely different winter, read on!

HERAKLION REGION

Archanes

In the heart of Heraklion’s wine region, Archanes is a gorgeous traditional village. It’s ideal for spending a few days in Crete, especially if you enjoy wine tasting. It’s conveniently close to the island’s capital but far enough to experience a completely different vibe.

Check out the upper village (Epano Archanes) if you want inspiring landscapes. It has been restored with an initiative that improved the village, retaining its traditional features. Rent a house here to experience traditional alleys, blooming gardens, and fantastic mountain scenes.

Archanes.

SUGGESTED PLACES TO STAY IN ARCHANES

Mochos

Another village that I love is Mochos, which is close to Stalida, Malia, and Hersonissos. I visit often because I really enjoy spending time there. There’s not much to do, and for me, that’s the beauty of Mochos.

You can have fantastic dinners in the main square and tour the small but interesting Folklore Museum of Mochos. Not far, I’ve recently discovered the little village of Krasi, only a few minutes from Mochos, which is also worth a visit (there’s more information about Krasi in this article).

villages to stay in Crete: Mochos.
Mochos.

SUGGESTED PLACES TO STAY IN MOCHOS

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Fodele

About 27 kilometers west of Heraklion, Fodele is conveniently situated near Agia Pelagia, a bustling seaside resort on Crete’s northern coast.

Fodele is near the foothills of Mount Psiloritis (2,456 m – the highest in Crete), in the heart of a fertile valley with orange trees, close to the Pantomantris River. Two of the landmarks in Fodele include the ancient Byzantine church of Panagia and the El Greco Museum, which are dedicated to the life and works of this important artist, who was probably born in Fodele.

The village is the perfect setting to try authentic Cretan food and purchase local handcrafts, like embroidery and handmade lace.

Byzantine Church, Fodele.

SUGGESTED PLACES TO STAY IN FODELE

Agia Pelagia

Located on the northern coast of Heraklion, about 20 minutes by car from the city center, Agia Pelagia is a beautiful fishing village. It is home to fantastic beaches and coves, some only accessed by boat.

The area has restaurants, Cretan tavernas, water sports facilities, and dozens of hotels, making it a great place for a week in Crete if you’re looking for a well-served village with enough things to do but relaxing and quiet for a calm vacation by the sea.

Agia Pelagia
Agia Pelagia, Crete.

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION IN AGIA PELAGIA

Zaros

Zaros is a quiet village better known for its spring and gorgeous Lake Votomos. Zaros is near the Minoan Palace of Phaistos and is the perfect location if you enjoy Crete’s unexpected landscapes. The village is 44 km from Heraklion, at the southern foothills of Mount Psiloritis, and it has an agricultural character: Locals cultivate olive oil, sultanas, and vegetables.

Spring water is abundant here and represents a vital lifeline in an arid land like Crete, where agriculture sustains our way of life. Surrounding the village, you’ll find traditional water mills dating from the 16th century.

Zaros, Lake Votomos.

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION IN ZAROS, HERAKLION

CHANIA REGION

Vamos

Vamos is the main village in the area known as Apokoronas, about 15 minutes by car from the city center. This is one of Chania’s main traditional villages, and it’s a perfect example of the authentic Cretan atmosphere of the years gone. It’s located at the foothills of the White Mountains, and it’s great for a stay in complete relaxation. Life in Vamos is very tranquil; the alleys and the whole scene represent the island’s spirit well.

Vamos village, Chania.

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION IN VAMOS, CHANIA

Fres

Not far from Chania, Fres is another quiet village to stay. It’s located close to Vamos, but it’s much smaller and even more relaxed. This location is perfect for total disconnection and is great to explore the traditional villages of Apokoronas, such as Gavalochori, and Tzitzifes.

In the area, you can spend time enjoying coffee in the main square, try traditional dishes such as tsigariasto (lamb cooked in olive oil), or visit the Church of the Virgin of the Two Rocks, the main sanctuary in the village.

Fres, Chania.

SUGGESTED PLACES TO STAY IN FRES, CHANIA

Anopolis

This tranquil, remote village is only minutes from Chora Sfakion, up on the slopes of the White Mountains. This historic village is 600 meters above sea level, 84 km south of Chania Town. Despite its small size, it boasts a considerable population primarily engaged in agriculture and cattle breeding. The village is known for being close to Aradena Gorge, where many people go to do bungee jumping from one of the hights bridges in Europe!

Anopolis, Chania.

SUGGESTED PLACES TO STAY IN ANOPOLIS, CHANIA

Loutro

Loutro is known for its ravishing vistas made of whitewashed hotels, crystal clear sea, and rugged mountains. The village, which can only be reached by boat from Chora Sfakion, or on foot by hiking part of the E4 path, is a popular dat trip destination. However, many people choose Loutro to spend at least a couple of days and indulge in the delicious food of the local tavernas.

The settlement is quiet, has a relaxed atmosphere, and offers a great starting point to visit (by boat or by foot) many secluded beaches nearby, such as Illingas, Marmara, or Glyka Nera.

Loutro
Loutro, Chania

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION IN LOUTRO, CHANIA

Sougia

This tranquil village near Agia Irini Gorge is about 75 km from Chania. It features a lengthy, pebbled beach, essential rooms to let, and exceptional dining options, frequently featuring affordable prices. The village also has a small port and a secluded beach areas that’s naturist-friendly.

From the early summer months, travelers looking to respite from crowded towns reach Sougia to enjoy relaxing days on the beach or embark on challenging hikes along the southern coast or in nearby gorges. A daily ferry route connects the village to Loutro, Paleochora, and other southern settlements.

Villages to stay in Crete
Sougia, Chania.

SUGGESTED PLACES TO STAY IN SOUGIA, CHANIA

RETHYMNON REGION

Anogeia

Anogeia (also written Anogia) is one of Crete’s most historic villages worth a visit and even more of a stay! Here, you can enjoy the tunes of Crete’s famous Lyra players, taste the Cretan Antixristo (lamb on the spit), or buy local crafts from the village women. The views of Mount Psiloritis are fantastic.

Anogia, Rethymnon.

SUGGESTED PLACES TO STAY IN ANOGIA

Spili

Spili liest at the foot of Mount Voriza, 45 minutes from Rethymnon, on the way to the southern Triopetra Beach. In this village, there is every comfort for tourists (banks, pharmacies, a bus station, and a health center), remaining very calm. The village is known for the Kefalovryisi (or head springs), a line with 25 Venetian lion heads that are in fact fountains, from which mouths there is a constant flow of water rich in minerals.

Spili, Rethymnon.

SUGGESTED PLACES TO STAY IN SPILI, RETHYMNON

Balì

Bali is a coastal village a few kilometers from Rethymnon Old Town. Many travelers chose the village because it offers easy access to Heraklion too. Bali features beautiful bays and sheltered beaches, offering good places to stay, fantastic Cretan tavernas, and many things to do nearby.

Bali, Rethymnon.

SUGGESTED PLACES TO STAY IN BALI

Margarites

This is another popular village in Rethymnon. Known as another of Crete’s pottery village (together with Thrapsano, in Heraklion), Margarites is on a green hills that border the gorge of Margarites. The village is home to dozens of ceramic artisans who open their workshops and studios for curious visitors and those who want to test their pottery skills. Nearby places to explore include the Museum and Archaeological Site of Eleftherna and the fantastic Arkadi Monastery.

Margarites, Rethymnon.

SUGGESTED PLACES TO STAY IN MARGARITES, RETHYMNON

Agia Galini

Nestled ona natural bay on the southern coast of Rethymnon, this small village nestled is a popular summer destination with a fantastic beach and a surrounding mountainous landscape. The peaceful village is a great place for an extended vacation or a short weekend, ideal to have a taste of Crete’s lifestyle and pace of life.

Agia Galini - Where to stay in Crete
Agia Galini, Rethymnon.

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION IN AGIA GALINI

LASITHI REGION

Kritsa

One of the most delightful villages on the island has to be the small mountain settlement of Kritsa, which is located about ten kilometers inland from Agios Nikolaos, the capital of the Lasithi region in the East of Crete. Ktritsa’s atmosphere is relaxed and quiet most of the year, even when hundreds of tourists head here after visiting the nearby Panagia Kera church, one of the most important Byzantine churches in Crete.

This is a picturesque mountain hamlet that features beautiful little houses and traditional shops and tavernas and among other places to visit nearby, are the magnificent Katharo Plateau and the small village of Krousta (where I’ve eaten some of the best food in Crete!)

Kritsa - Where to stay in Crete
Kritsa, Lasithi.

SUGGESTED PLACES TO STAY IN KRITSA, LASITHI

Mochlos

For a traditional village, this time by the sea, check Mochlos — but don’t confuse it with Mochos, another gorgeous village, this time in Heraklion. This little fishing village has a beautiful beach and tranquil tavernas by the small shore. On the islet opposite the village, there is an ancient Minoan site worth exploring. The atmosphere is relaxed and it combines the views of the mountains with the turquoise waters of the Mirabello Gulf.

Mochlos, Lasithi

SUGGESTED PLACES TO STAY IN MOCHLOS VILLAGE

Myrtos

Small but picturesque, Myrtos is a seaside village south of Crete, just a few kilometers from Ierapetra. The village is a favorite among tourists who appreciate a traditional atmosphere and a hippie-like vibe. Despite being quite popular, the settlement has retained its Cretan character. It features a wide beach, surrounded by two promontories that shape it as a protected bay. Near the village, you can visit the archaeological excavations of the Mycenaean settlement of Pyrgos.

Myrtos, Lasithi.

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION IN MYRTOS, LASITHI

Plaka

One of the prettiest fishing villages in Lasithi, famous for its location opposite Spinalonga Island, Plaka is a convenient village in Crete, a short drive north of Agios Nikolaos, that still maintains a somewhat provincial character. The place features a handful of fantastic seaside tavernas and simple accommodations, preserving its rustic allure.

Plaka, Lasithi.

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION IN PLAKA, LASITHI

Sissi

This relaxed coastal village is conveniently close to Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos. Popular as a vacation spot on the northern coast, Sissi maintains some of its authentic character. Ano Sissi (Upper Sissi) is still untouched by tourism, offering a glimpse into traditional Cretan life.

In the area, you will find numerous beaches, including the sandy Boufos and the pebbled shores of Avlaki, along with several secluded coves.

Sissi, Lasithi.

SUGGESTED PLACES TO STAY IN SISSI, LASITHI

As you can see, there are some unique villages to spend a relaxing time in Crete. No matter which region you choose, they will all offer an original approach to the local traditions as well as an authentic view of Crete off the beaten track! Did you find the right village to stay in when in Crete?

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Guide to the Best Villages to Stay 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.

👉 Read more about Crete Insider.

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