Crete is Greece’s largest island, big enough to feel like two holidays in one. The north coast around Heraklion has lively resorts, waterparks and long hotel-lined beaches, while the west around Chania is greener and slower, with a Venetian harbour town and some of the island’s best sand.
We offer 213 hotels across 36 Crete resorts, from family all-inclusives in Hersonissos and Stalis to quiet five-star retreats on the Elounda peninsula. 111 of them are all inclusive and 80 are five-star, so it is easy to match a hotel to how you like to holiday.
Where to stay in Crete
Fly into Heraklion for the centre and east of the island, or Chania for the west. These are the resorts most of our guests choose.
Hersonissos
Crete’s busiest resort, with a long seafront of bars and tavernas, a small harbour and waterparks nearby. Good value and very lively in July and August.
Elounda
Upmarket and peaceful, facing the Mirabello Bay. Many of Crete’s most luxurious hotels are here, and boats leave from the village for the island of Spinalonga.
Stalis
A sandy beach between Hersonissos and Malia, quieter than both but within easy reach of their nightlife. Popular with families.
Agios Nikolaos
A pretty harbour town built around a small lake, with cafes, shops and good restaurants. A strong choice if you want a real town rather than a purpose-built resort.
Analipsis
A relaxed stretch of coast just west of Hersonissos with mostly large resort hotels and quieter beaches.
Rethymnon
A long sandy beach backed by hotels, a short ride from Rethymnon’s Venetian old town and harbour. Good for mixing beach days with sightseeing.
Georgioupolis
West of Rethymnon, with one of the island’s longest beaches and a small, friendly village square. Lake Kournas, Crete’s only freshwater lake, is close by.
Agia Marina
The liveliest resort near Chania, with a sandy beach, plenty of tavernas and easy buses into Chania Old Town.
Platanias
Next door to Agia Marina, with a strip of bars and restaurants and an old village on the hill above. Good for couples and groups.
Ierapetra
On the south coast facing Africa, often the warmest corner of the island. Day trips run to the sandy island of Chrysi.
Top-rated hotels in Crete
The highest TripAdvisor-rated hotels we offer in Crete, spread across different resorts. Every one can be booked with flights and transfers as an ATOL-protected package.
Uzenie All Suites Boutique Resort
Beachfront location · Newly renovated
Thalassa Villas
Perfect for families · Stunning waterfront location
Nana Princess
Perfect for honeymoons · Beachfront location
Ventale Island Breeze
Beachfront · Swim-up rooms available
Pnoe Breathing Life
Perfect for adults · Direct access to the beach
Pilot Amphora Boutique Hotel
Superb service · Rooms with private pool available
Travel guides for Crete
Our hand-picked guides to help you choose: compare the best hotels by style, budget and who you’re travelling with.
The Best All-Inclusive Hotels in Crete: Luxury Resorts and Great-Value Stays
The best all-inclusive hotels in Crete, from five-star beachfront resorts in Elounda and Hersonissos to great-value stays near Chania.
The Best Adults-Only Hotels in Crete: Private Pools, Swim-Up Suites and Beachfront Calm
The best adults-only hotels in Crete, from beachfront Chania suites to private-pool hideaways near Heraklion and all-inclusive Ierapetra.
The Best Family Hotels in Crete: Waterparks, Kids’ Clubs and Villas With Pools
The best family hotels in Crete, from luxury villas in Elounda to all-inclusive resorts with waterparks and kids’ clubs. Compare and book.
The Best Adults-Only Hotels in Greece: Island by Island
The best adults-only hotels in Greece, from private-pool suites in Crete to caldera views in Santorini and boutique Rhodes. Compare and book.
The Best Luxury Hotels in Crete: Private Pools, Beachfront Suites and Elounda Glamour
Our pick of Crete’s best five-star hotels, from private-pool villas in Aghios Nikolaos to Elounda glamour and Chania boutique stays. Compare and…
Which Greek Island Is Best for You? Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Zante or Santorini
Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Zante or Santorini? Compare the vibe, beaches and best luxury hotels on each Greek island, then book with…
Where to Stay in Crete: Chania vs Rethymno vs Heraklion vs Elounda
Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion or Elounda? Our guide to Crete’s best areas, with top-rated hotels in each, from Venetian old towns to beach…
Hersonissos vs Malia vs Stalis: Crete’s North Coast Resorts Compared
Hersonissos, Malia, Stalis or Analipsis? Compare Crete’s busy north-coast resorts, with our top-rated hotels in each. Compare and book.
The Best Crete Hotels With Private Pools
The best Crete hotels with private-pool rooms and villas, from Elounda and Agios Nikolaos to Georgioupolis, Stalis and Gouves. Compare and book.
The Best Hotels Near Chania and in West Crete
The best hotels near Chania: Platanias, Agia Marina, Kato Daratso, Almyrida and Georgioupolis, from adults-only suites to beach hotels.
The Best Hotels in Elounda, Agios Nikolaos and Sissi
The best hotels in Elounda, Agios Nikolaos and Sissi, eastern Crete’s most beautiful corner, from five-star resorts to boutique suites.
All 213 Crete hotels, by resort
Crete has 213 hotels to choose from: 111 all inclusive, 80 five-star, 45 adults only and 39 with family facilities. Ratings shown are TripAdvisor scores out of 5.
Hersonissos 30 hotels
- Nana Princess
- Elios Hill Sun Kissed Happiness
- Vasia Boulevard
- Abaton Island Resort & Spa
- Creta Maris Resort
- Mitsis Royal Mare
- Saradari Apartments
- Arminda Hotel & Spa
- Grand Hotel Holiday Resort
- Ida Village
- Infinity Blue Boutique & Spa
- Knossos Royal formerly Aldemar Knossos Royal
- Palmera Beach Hotel & Spa
- Akasha Beach Hotel & Spa
- Albatros Spa & Resort Hotel
- King Minos Retreat Resort & Spa
- Mari Kristin Beach Hotel
- Silva Beach
- Glaros Royal Beach Hotel formerly Cretan Blue Beach Hotel
- Star Beach Village & Waterpark
- Alia Beach Hotel
- Annabelle Beach Resort
- City Green Hotel
- Glaros Beach Hotel
- Hersonissos Palace
- Momi Slow Living Hotel
- Royal & Imperial Belvedere Hotel
- Serita Beach Hotel
- Golden Beach Hotel
- Kahlua Boutique Hotel
Elounda 15 hotels
- Elounda Garden Suites
- Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa
- Domes of Elounda Autograph Collection
- Elounda Peninsula Luxury Resort
- Elounda Gulf Villas
- Elounda Mare Hotel
- Aquila Elounda Village
- Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas
- Elounda Akti Olous
- Domes Aulus Elounda Curio Collection by Hilton
- Domes Aulus Elounda Suites Cool Inclusive
- Elounda Orama
- Hotel Elounda Palm
- Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort
- Elounda Bay Palace
Aghios Nikolaos 12 hotels
Georgioupolis 12 hotels
Stalis 12 hotels
- Latania Studios and Apartments
- Anastasia Hotel
- Rainbow Apartments
- Filia Hotel Resort
- Ikaros Beach Luxury Resort and Spa
- Katrin Suites
- Alexander Beach Hotel & Village Resort
- I Resort Beach Hotel & Spa
- Dias Hotel & Apartments
- Alai Crete A Tribute Portfolio Resort formerly Alai Beach Resort
- Katrin Hotel and Bungalows
- Koni Village Hotel Apartments
Aghia Marina – Chania 10 hotels
Analipsis 10 hotels
Ierapetra 10 hotels
Platanias – Chania 9 hotels
Rethymnon – Heraklion 9 hotels
Amoudara 7 hotels
Malia 7 hotels
Sissi 7 hotels
Adelianos Kampos – Heraklion 6 hotels
Gouves 6 hotels
Agia Pelagia 5 hotels
Kolymbari 5 hotels
Almyrida 4 hotels
Kato Daratso 4 hotels
Koutouloufari 4 hotels
Adelianos Kampos – Chania 3 hotels
Gerani 3 hotels
Panormos – Heraklion 3 hotels
Stalos 3 hotels
Chania Town 2 hotels
Kalyves 2 hotels
Karteros 2 hotels
Maleme 2 hotels
Panormos – Chania 2 hotels
Fodele 1 hotel
Kissamos 1 hotel
Kokkini Hani 1 hotel
Makry Gialos 1 hotel
Marathi 1 hotel
Rethymnon – Chania 1 hotel
Stavros 1 hotel
When to go to Crete
The season runs from May to October. May, June and late September to October are warm without being exhausting, with daytime highs in the mid to high 20s°C. July and August regularly reach 30°C or more, and the sea is at its warmest in August and September.
The Samaria Gorge, a popular day trip in the west, usually opens from May to October, depending on the weather.
Getting there and getting around
Direct flights from UK airports take about four hours. Heraklion airport is best for Hersonissos, Stalis, Malia, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos; Chania airport is closest to Agia Marina, Platanias and Georgioupolis. Transfers range from 15 minutes to over two hours, so check which airport suits your hotel.
Crete is large and its sights are spread out. A hire car is the best way to reach places such as the Palace of Knossos, Chania Old Town or the Lassithi Plateau, though organised excursions run from most resorts.
Crete holiday FAQs
Which part of Crete is best for a holiday?
For nightlife and plenty to do, choose Hersonissos or Malia. For a quieter family beach, Stalis or Georgioupolis. For luxury and calm, Elounda. For a town with character, Agios Nikolaos, Rethymnon or Chania.
Is Crete good for all-inclusive holidays?
Yes. 111 of the 213 Crete hotels we offer are all inclusive, many of them large beachfront resorts with pools, kids’ clubs and several restaurants.
Should I fly to Heraklion or Chania?
Heraklion serves the centre and east of the island, including Hersonissos, Stalis, Malia and Elounda. Chania is better for the west, including Agia Marina, Platanias and Georgioupolis.
Are there adults-only hotels in Crete?
Yes. We currently offer 45 adults-only hotels in Crete. Use the Adults only filter in the hotel list above to see them.
How hot does Crete get in summer?
Daytime highs in July and August are usually around 29–31°C, occasionally hotter. May, June, September and October are milder and still warm enough for the beach.
More holidays in Greece
Plan your Crete holiday
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