Find the BEST Places to Stay in Crete for Beaches (area + hotel guide)

Where to Stay in Crete for YOU

Keep reading to learn everything about these top places where to go in Crete for beaches, with pros & cons and hotel options.

The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Crete – Pros & Cons

All in all, Crete is definitely worth a visit, it is just sumptuous. Located southwards of Greece, it has multitudes of magnificent beaches, spread throughout the whole island.

However, the area is pretty large, and if you want to experience the best beaches, you should definitely look for a place to settle in. This is the reason why I’ve made this list, to help you find which part of Crete has the best beaches for you.

Prefer checking hotels over areas? Then read my ultimate list of the top 21 best beach hotels in Crete, all regions combined.

THE BEST Place to Stay in Crete for Beaches: Chania

Chania is a cozy, small town located on the western coastline of Crete.

This city is historically interesting since it was ruled by multiple different civilizations over time, although the most memorable one is arguably the Venetians. Even to this day, you can visit very well-preserved historical monuments, from fountains and churches to Venetian mansions.

Actually, when you first arrive in Crete, Chania is one of the most likely places you will end up in. The area is renowned for its old buildings and local crafts shops, and despite several consequent disasters, the town is still being raided by more and more tourists. Somehow, it still managed to preserve its original architecture up until now, and it stayed approximately the same throughout history.

I personally think that it is the best place to stay in Crete for beaches because there you will have access to lots of different options, and they also happen to be some of the best beaches on the whole island.

Where to Stay in Chania

Staying in Chania is definitely the best for beaches, but you will need a good hotel anyway. So, these are my 3 personal favorite picks in the area, all adapted to your budget:

✅ Best Hotel: Ciel Collection Suites

This stunning hotel has particularly comfortable beds in pretty spacious rooms. It is perfectly situated right in the middle of the city, and you will find anything you could ever need right next to the hotel.

✨ Luxury Choice: Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel – Adults Only

Despite being only meant for adults (and I know this doesn’t fit anyone’s travel plans), this 5-star accommodation is simply marvelous: not only are the rooms spacious and modernly furnished, but they also offer a stunning view of the swimming pool area and you will be warmly welcomed by a fantastic staff.

💰 Budget Pick: Cocoon City Hostel

Flying to such a bustling area as Crete could be a serious nightmare for budget travelers unless they decide to stay in the Cocoon City Hostel. You will be ideally situated right in the heart of Chania with incredibly low prices and will sit in comfortable shared rooms of 8 beds.

Discover more incredible hotels in Chania in this dedicated guide.

Runner up Best Area to Stay in Crete for Beaches: Lassithi

Much less popular than other cities of Crete such as the capital Heraklion, or the beautiful Chania, Lassithi is for sure one of the most unique and peaceful areas in all of Crete… and it also has some of the best beaches in the entire island!

Lassithi is much calmer and more isolated than other main areas, which is why I love it so much. When you are traveling to Crete for the beaches, and if that is your main concern, I am betting on the fact that you’d rather stay in a quaint place than in the midst of tons of tourists, and if you don’t mind about the fact that there are fewer activities there, you are in for a treat.

Aside from the beaches, there are also lots of unique and interesting archeological sites, as well as picturesque villages! Also, this place is overall the best one when it comes to landscapes.

Where to Stay in Lassithi

Although Lassithi is pretty isolated, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of hotel options for you to choose from. According to me, these are the best 3 ones though, tell me what you think:

✅ Best Hotel: Hotel Port 7- Boutique Collection

This boutique hotel is simply incredible! Not only are the hosts kind and caring, but they will also help you with great recommendations in terms of day trips and food options. Also, the interior is freshly renovated and is now modern and tasteful.

✨ Luxury Choice: Minos Palace Hotel & Suites – Adults Only

You won’t find a better luxurious hotel in Lassithi than this one. There, you will have stunning sea views and be situated in a remote, rocky headland right above Agios Nikolaos Bay. Don’t worry about activities though, as you will be located merely 2 km / 1.24 mi from the city center, but there is also more than enough on-site fun!

💰 Budget Pick: Victoria Hotel

Not only is this accommodation incredibly affordable, but it is also perfectly located right by the seaside. Also, your room will have a jaw-dropping sea view, and there is a supermarket in the close vicinity, should you need anything.

Best Beach Town in Crete for Families: Stavrós

If you have decided to treat your family with a splendid trip to Crete, I know they are most likely looking forward to spending time on magnificent beaches, and I believe that Stavros is just the right place for that.

Why? Because aside from how beautiful the beaches are there, they are also renowned to be very safe, and you won’t have to worry about your little ones running around and having some fun of their own!

Also, there would be plenty of other people, so you are guaranteed they will be seen by someone at all times. When it comes to the beach itself, it has gorgeous turquoise waters and is also fully equipped, with umbrellas and sun loungers, perfect for families.

Finally, Stavros is situated pretty close to the airport so it is pretty convenient when with little ones.

Where to Stay in Stavrós

Stavros is a pretty coveted area, although it isn’t the most crowded place in Crete. Still, you might have trouble because of competition with other tourists to find the accommodation you need. Planning ahead? Pick one of these 3 options then:

✅ Best Hotel: Kavos Hotel & Suites

This is the best compromise you could find for a hotel in Stavros. Not only is it fairly affordable and will offer great value for money, but it is also situated in a very quiet and peaceful location. Besides, the staff there is very friendly, and they will warmly welcome you.

✨ Luxury Choice: Paradice Hotel Luxury Suites

This is a very fancy and comfortable accommodation in Stavros. The hosts and staff are particularly nice and helpful, and the accommodation itself is fully equipped with anything you could wish for, from a warm swimming pool to sunbeds with umbrellas.

💰 Budget Pick: Little Bay

I bet you will be baffled to learn that Little Bay, situated in such a unique area and having such clean and tidy rooms, is a budget option. This hotel is not only located right by the sea, in its own little bay but it is also surrounded by a lush Mediterranean garden.

Most Romantic Beach Town in Crete: Elafonísi

If you’re searching for the most romantic beach town in Crete, look no further than Elafonísi.

This hidden gem will sweep you off your feet with its incredible pink beach. Yes, you read that correctly!

Elafonísi boasts a beach with soft pink sand that will leave you utterly enchanted. It’s no wonder that this stunning destination is considered one of the most romantic spots not just in Crete, but in all of Greece and perhaps even Europe. You will be captivated by the sheer beauty and romance of Elafonísi’s pink beach, creating memories that will last a lifetime with your soulmate.

Also, the waters are so turquoise you will feel like you’re in the Caribbeans, and there are rare animal species there such as sea turtles.

The Elafonísi Peninsula is nicknamed the Treasure Island, and if you quickly have a glance at the landscapes, you will immediately understand why.

Where to Stay in Elafonísi

Interested in spending the most romantic beach stay in Elafonísi? Then pick one of these 3 accommodations, you just cannot go wrong with any, really:

✅ Best Hotel: Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family

There is no better place in Elafonísi than this resort, which offers a great all-inclusive experience in one of the most beautiful locations in the area. This hotel will serve you Cretian specialties for breakfast, and you can also eat lunch and dinner at the on-site restaurant. Also, the beach is less than 2 km / 1.2 mi away.

✨ Luxury Choice: Glykeria Hotel

Run by a local family, this accommodation has its own sun loungers near the swimming pool and offers incredible, panoramic views of the sea. Besides, the local restaurant will serve you incredibly good food, so if you want to treat your special someone, head to the Glykeria Hotel!

💰 Budget Pick: Panorama

As its name implies, it has incredibly beautiful panoramic views of the local area, mostly made of mountains. Also, for such affordable pricing, this hotel offers good perks, such as a flat-screen TV, a garden, a well-exposed terrace, and air-conditioning units! Definitely a cozy and romantic stay in Crete.

Alternative Choice Where to Stay in Crete for Beaches: Mátala

Known for the caves in the cliff surrounding it that used to be a stronghold for counterculture and hippies, Mátala is definitely one of the most unique places in all of Crete.

Located on the southern side of the island, it boasts one of the most famous beaches, not only for its beauty, but also its history: it is a must-do destination in Greece, and was particularly popular during the 1970s (it still is popular to this day, don’t worry!).

The great thing is that Mátala is located fairly close to Heraklion, the capital of Crete, and you can easily reach it if you rent a car as the trip will only take you about an hour.

In case you travel Crete without a car, you could even use one of the multiple public transportation options, which run several times a day from the Heraklion central station.

Where to Stay in Mátala

The hippie place of Mátala is much more developed than it used to be back in the day, and there are now tons of good hotel options. I believe 3 of them clearly stand out though, here they are:

✅ Best Hotel: Hotel Coral Matala

Located on the main street of Mátala, this place is a perfect compromise as you will be close to the city center as well as the beach, and will even have access to a lounge by the pool or a garden. Besides, it is very affordable and offers great value for money thanks to perks such as a rooftop terrace with panoramic views.

✨ Luxury Choice: Matala Blue

With its splendid views of the city and its air-conditioned rooms, you won’t feel more relaxed anywhere else. Located right next to the sea, this apartment has an on-site minimarket, and there are plenty of activities you should try in the vicinity, such as bike rental services and great hiking trails.

💰 Budget Pick: Dimitris Villa Hotel

This place is run by a local family, has fully air-conditioned rooms, and offers bright rooms. Plus, the apartment is fully equipped with a TV, a safe, and a fridge, and you will even be able to enjoy a traditional Greek breakfast near the pool, surrounded by flowers.

Balos Beach

Which part of Crete has the best beaches?

As I have already said earlier, there is no doubt in my mind that Chania is the best part of Crete for beaches, by far.

Not only are there multitudes of them in a somewhat small area, but they are also absolutely magnificent. One of the most famous and breathtaking of them is Balos Beach, a huge, incredible lagoon with shallow turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and fish watching.  

More Hotels in Crete

Couldn’t find the right area for you? Well, these other posts will certainly be helpful in that case:

Check out our main Crete district guide to find the best location for you: 👉 The Best Areas to Stay in Crete 👈

Or, here are other neighborhood guides for you to find the right location, depending on your travel style or location:

• Where to Stay in Crete for Nightlife
• Where to Stay in Crete for Families
• Where to Stay in Crete for Couples
• Where to Stay in Crete Without a Car
• Where to Stay in Chania

If you have already chosen your area to stay in Crete, book the perfect hotel thanks to this overall guide 👉 The 25 Best Hotels in Crete 👈

Or this hotel guides by city:

• Best Hotels in Chania
• Best Hotels in Heraklion
• Best Hotels in Agios Nikolaos
• Best Hotels in Rethymnon

And finally, if you are looking for more specific hotels, here are other awesome pieces:

• Best Hotels on the Beach in Crete
• Best Hotels in Crete for Families
• Best Hotels in Crete for Couples
• Best Adult-Only Hotels in Crete
• Best Luxury Hotels in Crete
• Best Boutique Hotels in Crete
• Best Resorts in Crete
• Best Villas in Crete

Final Thoughts

So there you have them, these were my personal recommendations for the best places in Crete for beaches.

As you know, if you are still hesitating, you should just go for Chania and not give it a second thought. The area has everything you need, and I’m sure you will be happy and fulfilled if you head there, whatever your needs and expectations are.

Hope you could’ve found the best area in Crete for beaches for you thanks to this guide. Don’t hesitate to comment below if this is the case, I would be very pleased to read your feedback. 😁