Where to Stay in Crete For Beaches: Best Places and Hotels

Chania Region, Crete

Chania is the best region to stay in Crete if you love going to the beach. The region has dozens of excellent beaches.

Check out these two articles: Visit Guide to Elafonisi Beach & Visit Guide to Balos Beach, two of the best beaches in the region of Chania.

Kissamos

Kissamos is a small but busy town located about 30 minutes west of Chania. It is the main town on the extreme west of the island, with several shops, restaurants, a lovely waterfront, and a few famous beaches. In town, a critical Archaeological Museum is hosted in a magnificent Ottoman building.

A stay in Kissamos is suitable also for exploring the extreme west, checking archaeological sites (Polyrrenia and Phalasarna), and even hiking in places such as Samaria Gorge, Topolia Gorge, Rokka Gorge, and Sirikari Gorge.

Kissamos is a perfect place to stay if you want to take day trips to the best beaches in the Chania region because it is close to the popular Falasarna and Elafonisi.

Besides, from the port of Kissamos depart daily cruises and boat trips to Balos Beach and Lagoon.

Recommended Places to Stay in Kissamos, Crete

• Aphrodite Beach is a beachfront hotel in a quiet area within walking distance of the restaurants, shops, and the archaeological museum.
• Maria Beach Hotel is a simple and convenient hotel in a great location, only one minute from the beach and a few hundred meters from the main square.

>> RELATED ARTICLE
– Vacation Homes and Hotels in Kissamos That You Will Love!

Kolymbari

The seaside village in Kolymbari is situated at the foot of the Rodopou Peninsula, the less populated and less explored area on the island.

The town is really small, mainly catering to tourists as there are many hotels in the area and a few restaurants and tavernas, the main attractions in this small town.

The broader region of Kolymbari is known for olive oil production, with plenty of olive groves that give the area a green touch. 

Kolymbari is a good place for beaches off-the-beaten-track, including the beautiful Menies and Afrata, both with crystal clear water, and Ravdoucha, an ideal place for fishing.

Recommended Places to Stay in Kolymbari, Crete

• Euphoria Resort is a beautiful 5-star hotel is situated 250 m from Rapaniana Beach in Kolymbari.
• Avra Imperial Hotel is only meters from Kolymbari Beach and has rooms with private or shared pool or a spacious terrace with a hot tub.

Paleochora

This is a gorgeous village on the southern coast of the Chania region and is a good two-hour drive from Chania. It is quite popular among tourists, although not very busy. 

It is not difficult to find accommodation in Paleochora; other than cozy hotels, there are many beautiful vacation homes for rent in town.

Paleochora is a picturesque, romantic town, perfect for young couples looking for a hidden spot for a romantic escape.

There are plenty of beaches in the area, and it is also an essential southern port from where you can take ferries to visit other southern beaches, including Sougia, Loutro, and Agia Roumeli.

Recommended Places to Stay in Paleochora

• On the Rocks is a 3-minute walk from the beach, the hotel has a privileged location within walking distance from the center.
• Libyan Princess is on Paleochora’s main street, in a small peninsula between the two scenic gulfs and only a 2-minute walk from the beach.

>> RELATED ARTICLES
– South Chania: A One-Day Itinerary of Paleochora Town That You Will Love!
– Things to Do in Paleochora (Chania) That You Will Love!

Loutro

The small fishing village of Loutro is also located in the southern part of the region. It is a small whitewashed village amphitheatrically opening to a pebbled bay with very clean waters.

The town offers just a few hotels and tavernas, and it can only be reached by boat or hiking, which makes it also a port of call for day trips. 

However, it does not get as busy as you may imagine, so a stay here is relaxing and also perfect for jumping on a boat and visiting isolated beaches such as Finikas, Glyka Nera, or Marmara.

The hike along the coast can take you to Chora Sfakion, from where you can explore gorges (Aradena Gorge, Imbros Gorge) and other small villages.

Recommended Places to Stay in Loutro

• Villa Niki is a small gem hidden behind the hotels on the waterfront in Loutro, featuring rooms with great views of the bay and the mountains.
• Daskalogiannis Hotel is on the beachfront in Loutro, 100 m from Loutro Beach and 600 meters from Finikas Beach

Falasarna

Although small, the settlement of Falasarna (also written Falassarna and Phalassarna) is a good place to stay if the only thing you plan to do is stay by the beach.

Falasarna is about one hour west of Chania town. The village has a few hotels and rental homes, as well as a few tavernas. The area is known for having no shops, nightlife, or any other kind of entertainment other than water sports.

The place is a perfect base to visit Balos and Elafonisi and other lesser-known beaches on the West Coast. The beaches in Falasarna are sandy and very wide, which makes it a chosen place in Crete for family holidays.

If you’re looking for a completely relaxing vacation made of long swims, lazy siestas on the beach, endless sunbathing hours, and seaside cocktails in one of the best beach bars in Crete, then this is the place to be!

Recommended Places to Stay in Falasarna

• Casa D’Irene Deluxe Hotel is 5 minutes by car from Falasarna Beach.
• Cielo e Mare Villas is about 700 meters from the main beach in Falasarna.

>> RELATED ARTICLE
– Best Villas and Hotels in Falasarna, Chania

Rethymnon Region

Although Rethymnon is not the most popular region for beach life, you will find some gorgeous beaches in Rethymnon. Some are on the north coast, but the best are on the southern coast. 

If you’re interested in discovering the area, check out this complete guide to the Rethymno region.

Bali

Located on the north coast, Bali is a small but attractive beach resort attracting many visitors. There are several hotels facing the bay and quite a few beaches to visit.

A stay in Bali is also suitable for day trips to other villages; for instance, Panormos, about a 15-minute drive from Bali, is another Rethymnon seaside town with a lovely beach and a gorgeous town for tavernas and picturesque views.

The scenic beach of Geropotamos is also close by.

Recommended Places to Stay in Bali

• Bali Star Resort Hotel is located just a 2-minute walk from the beach with view of the port and the sea.
• Blue Bay Lifestyle is only one minute from the beach overlooking the fishing village.

Panormos

Panormos is a picturesque beach town on the north coast of Rethymnon with a lovely traditional vibe, fantastic narrow alleys with traditional homes, shops, and delicious tavernas, a harbor, and three different beaches with calm waters and sheltered from the winds that often affect the northern coast of Crete.

Panormos beaches have a relaxing, family atmosphere while it is possible to try your skills at diving and other water sports.

Besides enjoying the beaches, there is much to see and discover. Panormos stands in what is believed to be on the site of the ancient city Panormus, where you can visit the ancient Basilica of Agia Sophia, one of Greece’s most significant Christian churches.

Everyone knows that the Venetians conquered and ruled the island for centuries, but not many know that the Genoans also conquered Crete briefly.

Witnesses of those times are the ruins of the Fort of Milopotamos or Genoese Port, still visible next to the harbor.

Recommended Places to Stay in Panormos

• Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare is a 5-minute walk from the beach, and 4 km from Panormos.
• Z Boutique Hotel is 30 meters from the center of Panormos near the sea.

Plakias

Plakias is a small seaside town located in the south of Rethymnon. The village is small and touristy, with several hotels, tavernas, and souvenir shops.

It is in a good location for all kinds of beaches, from family-friendly to naturist beaches. If you’re into scuba diving, Plakias is a perfect area. There are several diving schools, and it is an excellent place for sea enthusiasts. 

Staying in Plakias will allow easy access to beaches such as Plakias, Damnoni, Rodakino, Ligres, Triopetra, and the spectacular palm beach of Preveli. 

Recommended Places to Stay in Plakias

• Flisvos Rooms is located just 20 meters from the beach, close to the center of the scenic fishing village of Plakias.
• Alianthos Garden is within walking distance from the village and the beach.

>> RELATED ARTICLE
– Beaches in South Crete That You Will Love!

Agia Galini

Agia Galini is a seaside resort located on the southern coast of Rethymnon, about 60 km from the center of Rethymnon town.

It is quite popular with tourists for its quiet and relaxing vibe. Agia Galini features a small center with several shops, restaurants, cafes, and lively but limited night entertainment.

The village is ideal for quiet holidays, long walks near the mountains, or day trips to coastal towns such as Matala (in the neighboring region of Heraklion) and other beaches, including Triopetra, Ligres, and Preveli.

Recommended Places to Stay in Agia Galini

• Sky Beach Hotel is only a 1-minute walk from the beach, within walking distance from the center of the village.
• Astoria Hotel is only a 2-minute walk from the beach, near the small fishing port and the beach of Agia Galini.

Heraklion Region

Heraklion is the leading region of Crete, as it hosts the capital of the island, also called Heraklion.

There are some excellent beaches on the north coast, but the best beaches in the Heraklion region, as is often the case in Crete, will be located in the South.

If you’re looking for things to do in Heraklion, check out this city guide.

Agia Pelagia

Agia Pelagia is a fishing village located on the north coast of the Heraklion Region; it is relatively well-developed with tavernas, seaside restaurants, shops, and much more.

It is about a 20-minute drive from the center of Heraklion, allowing easy access to all there is to do in the capital and the rest of the region.

Agia Pelagia features a big bay with a sandy beach and many small nearby coves offering pristine beaches ideal for water sports, swimming, and renting boats. Some of the best beaches in the area include Mononaftis, Kladissos, Filakes, Psaromoura, Lygaria, and Mades.

Recommended Places to Stay in Agia Pelagia

• Happy Cretan Suites is a 20-minute walk from the beach and has panoramic views over the sea.
• Sea Side Resort & Spa – Adults Only is conveniently situated only 80 meters from Mononaftis Beach.

Stalida (Stalis)

Perfect for family holidays, Stalida is a tranquil seaside resort located between the more noisy and lively towns of Malia and Hersonissos.

It has a more limited nightlife, but its central street is a good place for a relaxing night walk with its delicious tavernas and beach bars. Stalida is a great family resort with a sandy, shallow beach, perfect for toddlers and small kids who are just learning to swim.

Besides, it is easily accessible from the National Road, allowing easy access to the center of Heraklion, which is about 20 minutes from the village.

It is also very close to the archaeological sites of Malia and Knossos, as well as different theme parks, water parks, and the CretAquarium.

Recommended Places to Stay in Stalida

• Talgo Suites has gorgeous beachfront suites only 50 meters from the center of Stalida.
• Eurohotel Katrin Hotel & Bungalows is a short 3-minute walk from the beach and within walking distance from Stalis.

Malia

More lively and catering to younger crowds, Malia also has access to lovely beaches. It’s a 30-minute ride from Heraklion and is mainly an entertainment town (more on this in the nightlife section).

The small town has good sandy beaches, while it is also possible to take interesting day trips in the mountains nearby.

From Malia, it’s very easy to reach the Minoan Palace of Malia or explore other beaches in the area, such as Stalida, Anissaras, Analipsi, or the Sarandari Coves in Hersonissos, all of them to the West as well as Sissi and Milatos, to the East.

Recommended Places to Stay in Malia

• Drossia Palms Hotel and Nisos Beach Suites is close to the best of Malia’s entertainment district and has a private sandy beach.
• Pyrgos Blue is 1 km from the center of Malia and 3 km from the beach town of Stalida.

>> RELATED ARTICLES:
– Fun Things to Do in Heraklion at Night

Matala

Matala is a perfect seaside location on the southern coast of Heraklion. It is a hippie village with a fantastic bay with ancient caves to explore right by the sea…

You will be amazed at the caves in Matala! The area has many other beaches to visit, including the exotic (and naturist) Red Beach, Agiofarago Beach and its gorge, Kommos, and Kalamaki. 

The best place to stay in the area is Matala village, but accommodation in this hippie village is not unlimited, and sometimes prices are higher, especially for peak months.

Don’t worry; a few small villages just minutes from Matala offer reasonable alternatives, including Sivas, Pitsidia, and Kamilari.

Recommended Place to Stay in Matala

• Thalasso Resort is just a minute from the sea, within a short distance of the trail to the Red Beach and in the hear of town.

Recommended Places to Stay in Pitsidia and Kamilari near Matala Beach

• Evridiki’s House Apartment and Studio in Pitsidia, is about 2 km from Kommos Beach and Kalamaki Beach, and a very short drive from the center of Matala.
• Kritamos Villa & Apartments is 2 km from Kalamaki Beach and a short drive from Matala Beach. The archaeological site of Phaistos is 3 km away.

>> RELATED ARTICLE
– A Local’s Guide: How to Get from Heraklion to Matala Beach

Lasithi Region (& Agios Nikolaos Town)

There are dozens of great beaches all over eastern Crete, in the Lasithi region, starting from the ones on the Mirabello Gulf. There are also heavenly beaches further east, near Sitia, and on the southern coast, close to Ierapetra. 

This guide to Agios Nikolaos is a valuable starting point for planning your vacation there.

Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is the capital of the Lasithi region. Therefore, it is a significant and developed town with many hotels, restaurants, and shopping opportunities.

The picturesque town features a beautiful natural lake connected to the sea and a relaxing atmosphere. The best beaches near Agios are scattered along Mirabello Bay; these are Almyros, Voulisma, Tholos, and Mochlos.

The area is also good to visit Spinalonga, trekking the Richtis Gorge, or visiting the oldest olive tree in the area of Kavousi.

Recommended Places to Stay in Agios

• Hotel Port 7- Boutique Collection: Only a 2-minute walk from the beach, at the port’s entrance.
• Meliti Hotel (Adults Only)> About 2.5 km from the center of Agios and minutes from Havania Beach.

Elounda

Elounda is an exclusive seaside resort in Lasithi, home to some of the best hotels in Crete. The village has a beautiful beach with quiet waters, and it is also a tremendous departing place to visit Kolokytha Beach and the ancient underwater ruins of Olous.

Elounda is also minutes from the pristine pebbled shore in the small village of Plaka. Both Plaka and Elounda are convenient departure points for a short trip to Spinalonga Island.

Recommended Places to Stay in Elounda (and Nearby Plaka)

• Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort, Six Senses Spa along the coast of Elounda, facing Mirabello Bay.
• Elounda Palm Hotel & Suites is within walking distance from the beach.
• Blue Palace Elounda, a Luxury Collection Resort, Crete is a beachfront hotel in Plaka, 5 km from the center of Elounda.

>> RELATED ARTICLES
– Why You Will Love Visiting the Lasithi Plateau in Crete!
– Why You Should Visit Psychro Cave (Zeus Cave) in Lasithi + Tips and Myth Information

Sitia

Another important town in Lasithi is Sitia, the easternmost city in Crete.

Sitia is home to a regional airport and a perfect location to access the remote beaches in the East, including Vai Beach and its palm trees, Itanos, Chelidoni (or Swallow Beach), and Xerokampos, among others.

It is possible to try the exquisite wines made in the region, either in Toplou Monastery or the eclectic Economou Winery.

It is also possible to visit an archaeological site (Gournias or Zakros) and explore the famous Gorge of the Dead.

Recommended Places to Stay in Sitia

• Sitia Bay Facing the blue-flag beach of Sitia and a 5-minute walk from the center.
• Sitia Beach A 5-star hotel with 3 swimming pools near the beach.

Ierapetra

The only important city in south Crete is Ierapetra. Therefore it is a busy place, well organized, featuring lots of accommodation, taverns, shops, and more. There are also plenty of sightseeing opportunities in the whole area. 

Ierapetra is the place to stay if you want to visit Chrissi Island, with its paradisiac beaches but also the tranquil beaches of Ferma, Agia Fotia, Myrtos, Makrigialos, and Xerokampos.

Ierapetra is also the best place to stay for a day trip to Chrissi Island. This uninhabited island on the Libyan Sea has some incredibly exotic beaches.

Recommended Places to Stay in Ierapetra

• Tylissos Beach Hotel Right by the sea, about 1 km from Ierapetra city center.
• Enorme Santanna Beach Minutes from Ferma Beach, Agios Andreas Beach, and Peristera.

>> RELATED ARTICLES
– Why You’ll Love Chrissi Island
– Why You Should Visit Ierapetra & What to Do There

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