Are you planning a summer holiday in Crete and wondering where to stay? Well, you’re in luck because I’m here to guide you through the best areas to stay on this beautiful island. Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is known for its picturesque landscapes, stunning beaches, rich history, and warm hospitality. So, let’s dive into the top areas to stay in for your summer vacation! This is Crete’s summer gems: Best areas to stay…
Beautiful Chania sits on the western side of Crete, with a Venetian harbor and narrow streets lined with shops and cafes. The old town of Chania is a must-visit, with its beautiful architecture, museums, and churches. The area is also known for its fantastic beaches, such as Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonisi, which are ideal for sunbathing and swimming. If you’re a hiking enthusiast, the Samaria Gorge National Park is nearby, where you can take a breathtaking hike through the gorge. In terms of nightlife, Chania has plenty of bars and clubs, especially in the old town, where you can enjoy some drinks and live music.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport (CHQ), which is approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) east of the city center.
Located in the heart of the old town of Chania, this boutique hotel offers luxurious rooms with a view of the Venetian harbor.
The Domus Renier Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of the Old Venetian Harbor of Chania, so it is within walking distance to the city’s main attractions and landmarks. Specifically, it is approximately 0.3 kilometers (0.2 miles) west of the center of Chania.
This five-star resort is located on a secluded beach and offers spacious rooms, a spa, and a variety of water sports.
The Cavo Spada Luxury Resort & Spa is located approximately 18 kilometers (11.2 miles) to the west of the city of Chania.
This beachfront resort offers luxurious rooms, several swimming pools, a spa, and various dining options.
The Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is located approximately 23 kilometers (14.3 miles) to the east of the city of Chania.
Crete has no shortage of picturesque spots. Like Rethymnon, another lovely town on the northern coast of Crete, with a charming old town, beautiful beaches, and fantastic nightlife. The old town of Rethymnon is a must-visit, with its Venetian fortress, narrow alleys, and beautiful architecture. The beaches of Rethymnon are stunning, with long stretches of sandy shorelines and crystal clear waters. If you’re a hiking enthusiast, the Psiloritis mountain range is nearby, where you can take some beautiful hiking trails. In terms of nightlife, Rethymnon has plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants, especially along the seafront, where you can enjoy some drinks and live music.
The nearest airport to Rethymnon is Chania International Airport (CHQ), which is approximately 65 kilometers (40.4 miles) west of the city center. Alternatively, Heraklion International Airport (HER) is approximately 80 kilometers (49.7 miles) east of Rethymnon.
Located in the heart of the old town of Rethymnon, this boutique hotel offers luxurious rooms with a traditional Cretan style.
The hotel is 0.5 km (0.3 mi) to Rethymnon town center.
This five-star resort is located on a sandy beach and offers luxurious rooms, several swimming pools, a spa, and a variety of dining options.
The resort is 6.5 km (4 mi) to Rethymnon town center.
This beachfront hotel offers spacious suites with a private pool or hot tub, a spa, and various dining options.
The Macaris is 1.8 km (1.1 mi) to Rethymnon town center.
Also home to Heraklion Airport, Heraklion is the largest city on Crete and the capital of the island, with plenty of historical and cultural attractions. The city is home to the famous Knossos Palace, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is another must-visit, with a vast collection of Minoan artifacts. The city is also a great starting point for exploring the eastern part of Crete, with beautiful beaches such as Vai and Kato Zakros. If you’re a hiking enthusiast, the Lasithi Plateau is nearby, where you can take some beautiful hiking trails. In terms of nightlife, Heraklion has plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants, especially in the old town, where you can enjoy some drinks and live music.
The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport (HER), which is approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) east of the city center.
Located in the heart of Heraklion, this eco-friendly hotel offers stylish rooms with a view of the city and a rooftop terrace with a bar and a restaurant.
The Olive Green Hotel is 0.4 km (0.2 mi) to Heraklion town center.
This five-star hotel is located in a neoclassical building overlooking the harbor and offers luxurious rooms, a spa, and various dining options.
The GDM Megaron Hotel is located in the heart of the city of Heraklion, so it is within walking distance to many attractions and landmarks. Specifically, it is approximately 0.9 kilometers (0.56 miles) southeast of the city’s historical center.
This beachfront resort offers luxurious rooms, several swimming pools, a spa, and a variety of dining options.
The Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa is located approximately 24 kilometers (14.9 miles) to the east of the city of Heraklion.
I fell in love with Agios Nikolaos, a lovely town on the eastern side of Crete, with a beautiful harbor, beaches, and fantastic nightlife. The town is home to the beautiful Lake Voulismeni, which is surrounded by cafes and restaurants. The beaches of Agios Nikolaos are stunning, with long stretches of sandy shorelines and crystal-clear waters. If you’re a hiking enthusiast, the Dikteon Cave is nearby, where you can take a beautiful hike to the cave. In terms of nightlife, Agios Nikolaos has plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants, especially along the harbor, where you can enjoy some drinks and live music.
The nearest airport to Agios Nikolaos is Heraklion International Airport (HER), which is approximately 60 kilometers (37.3 miles) east of the town center.
This beachfront hotel offers spacious rooms, several swimming pools, a spa, and a variety of dining options.
The Arina Beach Front Hotel is located approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) west of the town of Agios Nikolaos.
This beachfront resort offers spacious apartments and villas, several swimming pools, a spa, and a variety of dining options.
It is within walking distance to Agios Nikolaos, about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles), which was a refreshing early morning walk. Having done some shopping, I got a taxi back to Candia Village Park.
This beachfront resort offers luxurious rooms, several swimming pools, a spa, and various dining options.
The St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas is located approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) to the east of the town of Agios Nikolaos.
Crete’s Summer Gems: Best Areas to Stay – Crete is a stunning island in Greece that offers an array of attractions and activities for travelers of all ages and interests. Whether you are looking for a romantic honeymoon, a family-friendly vacation, or an adventure-filled getaway, Crete has it all. From the vibrant city of Chania to the historical town of Rethymnon, from the bustling capital of Heraklion to the picturesque village of Agios Nikolaos, there is no shortage of amazing places to stay on the island. Each area has its unique charm and appeal, from the sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters to the quaint streets and traditional tavernas.
Whatever your preference, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience in Crete. So pack your bags and get ready to explore this beautiful island and create memories that will last a lifetime!
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