When to go to Crete
May–June and September–October: sea, hiking (Samaria often open late May–October), villages without a heatwave. July–August: inland heat, busy Elafonissi / Balos, peak rates. April: green landscapes, still-cool sea.
Hotels in Crete — book online
Greece's largest island: beaches, gorges, villages and Minoan sites. Heraklion, Chania or Rethymno depending on your style — culture, swimming or road trip. A car helps for coves and inland. Peak July–August: book early, or aim for shoulder season to dodge crowds.
Prices change with dates, availability and booking conditions.
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Who it is for
- Beach-and-village road trips (car recommended)
- Family resorts on the north coast
- Couples in Chania / Rethymno old towns
Where to stay in Crete
Chania and the west
The prettiest harbour, gateway to Balos / Elafonissi / Gramvousa. Ideal if charm matters as much as the beach. Book early in July.
Search hotels in CreteRethymno
Venetian town plus a long beach. A strong 7-night base without too much driving, between Chania and Heraklion.
Search hotels in CreteHeraklion / Hersonissos / Malia
Knossos nearby, more resorts and nightlife towards the east. Heraklion is practical, less postcard-pretty than Chania.
Search hotels in CreteSouth (Matala, Ierapetra…)
Wilder, more driving, different beaches. Better with a car and two bases if you fly into a northern airport.
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Flights, transfers and practicalities — Crete
Two useful airports: Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ). Match the airport to your hotel. Cars from about €30 / day off-peak — book early in July–August. Samaria and Balos depend on season and sea state: keep a spare day.
Approximate on-site budget — Crete
Indicative budget: €55–110 / day / person excl. flights. Car hire from ~€30 / day. Knossos ~€15, Samaria ~€5. May–June and Sep–Oct are milder and often cheaper.
Ballpark figures excluding flights; they vary with season, hotel standard and exchange rates. Always check for your dates.
Best hotel types in Crete
Why book via Litchi Travel
- North, south or west: match the hotel to beach vs culture plans
- Rates verified before payment
- Season tips (Samaria, Elafonissi) built into trip planning
Travel guides
FAQ — Crete
- Chania, Heraklion or Rethymno?
- Chania for charm and the west (Balos, Elafonissi). Heraklion for Knossos and central/east trips. Rethymno for a town + beach balance.
- Do I need a car in Crete?
- Strongly recommended unless you stay all-resort. Buses exist but a car transforms access to coves and villages. Book early in July–August.
- When to visit Crete?
- May–June and September–October often balance weather, price and crowds. July–August means heat, crowds and peak rates.
- How do I book a Crete hotel with Litchi Travel?
- Enter your dates, compare resorts and town hotels, check board and conditions, then complete checkout when payment is available.
- Which airport for Crete?
- Chania (CHQ) if you stay in the west. Heraklion (HER) for the centre, Knossos and the east. A 2-hour night transfer is more tiring than a slightly less direct flight.
- All-inclusive or town hotel in Crete?
- All-inclusive if you stay on-resort with children. An old-town hotel (Chania, Rethymno) if tavernas and lanes are the point — meals then sit outside the rate.
Ready to compare hotels in Crete? Start a search and choose your room.
Search hotels in CreteFind cheap flights to CreteBooking on the partner site — Litchi Travel does not sell flight tickets.How it works
Need help? Contact us on WhatsApp at 07 49 71 41 66.