24 Best Hotels in Crete, Greece

In a cluster of lovely 16th-century Venetian buildings, centered on a romantic, leafy, walled yard, accommodations are split between the various properties, and characterfully decorated with sparkling chandeliers, baroque gilt frames, and antique furniture against a backdrop of rough stone and wooden beams. Avli is a complex of rooms, suites, restaurant, wine bar, cooking school, store, and rakadiko. It's as a whole, though, that Avli sparkles; the food in both dining options is exemplary, as is breakfast, and that courtyard with stone mill wheels and antiquated farm utensils is a great place to hang out. Alternatively, take a glass of wine from one of Greece's largest cellars to the roof terrace with its mosaic Jacuzzi, and enjoy the views of a contender for Crete's most appealing town.

A 300-year-old hamlet set amid vast olive groves has been converted to one of Crete's most distinctive and relaxing lodgings, with luxurious, stylishly appointed rooms, welcoming lounges, and an excellent dining room—all fashioned out of ancient stone houses that were once part of the Arkadi Monastery holdings. Surrounding the main lounge of the restored Olive Mill, rooms are beautifully presented with bold wooden beams, mighty stone walls, and carefully selected furniture. Arches, cobblestone lanes, terraces, sublime views of the surrounding countryside and the sea, and a refreshing pool all contribute to an idyllic retreat and a taste of Cretan life—though surely rural life was never as luxe as this.

Quite simply, one of the best family hotels in Greece, this is the classic Greek seaside hotel brought up-to-date with a chic and funky twist, where Cycladic and Scandinavian design references throughout create an atmosphere that is both modern and timeless. Rooms, in white with primary color accents, are a good size with clean lines, and the sandy beach is just steps away. The simple pleasures are elevated to an art form here—thoughtful staff, delicious food, and an extraordinary attention to detail complete the picture. People return year after year because they just do everything so right here.

Overlooking the Gulf of Mirabello and Spinalonga, framed by spectacular architecture, the views from the Blue Palace are worth the price of admission alone. High arches mimicking Cretan shipyards and pools that seem to float on air lend a sense of drama to this popular large resort. Beautifully landscaped, the hillsides are a procession of low-walls, natural stone, and mosaics shaded by Cypresses and Olive trees. Gently tumbling down toward the white-pebbled private beach, freshly renovated rooms and villas are smart in neutral hues, with private pools adding a splash of color to many. Sushi by the sea, or pasta by the pool? No problem; five on-site restaurants and three bars make sure that you are never far from a delicious meal.

If you have an ounce of romance in your body you'll love this gorgeous hotel—in 1835 Captain Delfino sailed from Genoa, only to founder on the rocks off Gramvousa, but, smitten by the beauty of Chania, he bought this Renaissance Venetian mansion as his home. Six generations later, his descendants have sensitively restored this astonishing property to its former glory. Stylish and sophisticated, with soft tones and vibrant highlights, every room is individual and whispers history. Intimate and very grown-up, the matinee-idol looks are backed by assured and discrete service; it is somewhere that makes you feel very special—a classic. Sister property Villa Oleander, a modern, contemporary house by the sea which can house up to 14 people, is equally stunning.

This glamorous resort redefined the luxury concept with a mighty wow factor—spread over the sides of Vathi Bay (with a private sandy beach), every room has breathtaking views, and many have private terraces and pools. All rooms are spacious and furnished in a modern, natural, and simple style. Split over many levels, it is a maze of paths and walkways reminiscent of a Greek village; albeit one with a world-class spa, fine-dining options, and a funicular to take you up and down to the beach. Reportedly one of the most expensive hotels ever built in Greece, it is worth every cent.

A three-year renovation leaves this special resort lovely and luxurious—set within immaculate, verdant gardens overlooking the Gulf of Mirabello at the edge of Agios Nikolaos, the surroundings are magical. Teak wood, blue-and-white striped cottons, bouquets of bougainvillea, rough-hewn stone walls, multiple pools, and a sandy beach make this a delightful Cretan cocoon. Rooms and small bungalows, all with terraces and sea views, some with private pools, are stylishly furnished. Unlike some of its glitzier neighbors, it retains a sense of Greekness that is supremely genuine. What it does, it does very well. The large number of guests who return year after year is a testament to its appeal.

In the tranquil White Valley, 33 km (20 miles) south of Sitia, is a hamlet of restored stone cottages---these lovingly restored metochis (makeshift homes while the olives were harvested) are all rustic charm with chunky beams, rock walls, and stone terraces. A large central pool adds a touch of glamour, but it is nature that is the star here. Makri Gialos and its beach and tavernas are a walk away, as are lush gorges fragrant with wild herbs and flowers.

Set on the edge of the gulf, with sweeping views across to the bay from its rooftop terrace pool, this hotel may be the answer to affordable accommodations in Elounda. Rooms are perfectly functional and kept very clean, and many overlook a small shingle beach that fronts the property, with a beachside restaurant where you can take breakfast. Quiet, it is certainly more budget than boutique but a 10-minute stroll gets you into the heart of the town.

The original luxury resort hotel in Elounda, and one of Greece's most renowned, is set in 40 acres of gardens next to 1 km (½ mile) of seashore, and offers a dazzling array of delights. It features five restaurants; soothing whitewashed walls, shady porches, flagstone floors, and a guest-friendly variety of accommodations, from villas with their own swimming pools to large, gracious doubles in a hotel block. All have terraces or gardens and are beautifully appointed with Greek-influenced decor; the higher-priced villas are truly jaw-dropping, but some of the nicest are the hideaway villas in gardens above a stretch of shoreline reached by stone steps from your own waterside veranda.

For those who value privacy and comfort, this may be the ultimate Elounda destination—with less of a resort feel than its larger neighbors, it is a second home to those in search of relaxation and personal service. Family-run, many of the villas feature private pools, and in-house gyms and saunas. These are exceptional accommodations with elegant, individual traditional decoration. Perched on a hillside, there is a private beach served by shuttle bus 10 minutes away, but really this is a place to unwind in the impressive surroundings and take in the spectacular views of the gulf below.

This Relais & Chateaux property is one of the longest established in Elounda, and it blends charm and sophistication with a comfortably relaxed atmosphere. Quiet and calm, it suits those in search of seclusion. There is a classic theme throughout, with dark wood, rustic furnishings, and exposed stonework. Antiques, tapestries, and folk art are showcased along the marble-clad halls and lobbies. At its best, it offers an old-world charisma missing from some of its more flamboyant neighbors.

A handsome building, GDM Megaron stands sentinel over the harbor front, and from its humble roots as a citrus processing enterprise in the 1930s, it has risen to be the city's luxury choice; interiors are classic and elegantly furnished, with an impressive lobby and refined air. Up on the roof terrace is a restaurant with some of the best views in town, and a small plunge pool to relax by on warmer days. The overall impression is of unobtrusive sophistication, backed by generous service, which makes this the grande dame of Heraklion hotels.

Right on the lake in the center of town, this good-value hotel has airy and spacious guest rooms that are nicely done with simple, contemporary furnishings; studios, with kitchens and large baths, are enormous and ideal for families. Views from all rooms and their balconies are pleasant, though some face a shopping street; the best overlook the lake.

An especially appealing base for exploring Knossos and Heraklion is the well-kept wine village of Archanes, where four 19th-century stone houses tucked into a garden are fitted out with traditional furnishings and all the modern comforts. The two-story houses have one to three bedrooms, kitchens, fireplaces, and lots of beams and woodwork as well as appealing outdoor spaces. Just beyond the garden wall, the village itself is a delight, with a lively square and a good choice of restaurants and shops. A great alternative to basing yourself in Heraklion.

Eleni Christonaki oversees this lovely little inn that occupies the 600-year-old house in which she was raised---its location is on a quiet lane at the heart of the Old Town, yet removed from the well-worn tourist paths. Large, well-decorated guest rooms with stone walls and beamed ceilings are filled with handsome contemporary furnishings. Architectural details abound as you would expect, with secret alcoves, fireplaces, and arched vaults. A bar spills onto the street downstairs and is a great place to take breakfast and watch the world go by.

Since opening in 2016, this city-center hotel has been shaking up the local hotel landscape with its supermodern design and facilities, allied to an eco-friendly approach. A sleek, smart lobby leads to a cozy all-day café with an international menu and outdoor seating on a pretty square. Upstairs, rooms are hi-tech and functional with rainfall showers and a contemporary aesthetic in light wood and earth tones. Service is poised and professional, and lends this hotel an air of accomplished confidence. A welcome new addition that feels high-end without the accompanying price tag.

A renovated 650-year-old Venetian town house, once the home of Greek prime minister Eleftherios Venizelos, is full of architectural surprises: wood ceilings and floors; small, deep-set windows; and two-story suites with lofts, accented with handsome traditional furnishings. Weather permitting, breakfast is served on the narrow lane out front.

Nautical themes in blue and white make for a light, airy atmosphere in this harborside establishment, but the main draw are those views of the Venetian waterfront and the White Mountains. A nice, honest hotel with a meticulous attention to detail, it is brought to life by its super staff. Minutes from all the attractions but quiet and peaceful, it offers great value, and an award winning breakfast to boot. As a plus, it is open year-round, making a great base for out-of-season travelers.

Step through the heavy 16th-century wooden door of this hotel and you are transported to an oasis of civility away from the bustle of Rethymnon's busy streets, where two buildings split by a pretty pedestrian alleyway house some of the most sumptuous rooms in town. The owners are architects and it shows—contemporary chic furnishings are allied to carefully selected antiques to offer a superbly comfortable and elegant stay. A dramatic courtyard pool with a palm tree in each corner is a smart place to while away the hours, day or night. The hotel also has two well appointed self-contained residencies a short walk down the street.

Something of a departure from the regular offerings on the Chania hotel scene, the Samaria has the feel of a luxury business establishment, but with added personality. Next to the main bus station, and in walking distance to the Old Town, it offers central, contemporary, comfortable, and modish accommodations. Rooms are generous, with outstanding bathrooms. Breakfast is taken overlooking the pool, and there is a stylish Art Deco bistro offering all-day dining, and an on-site gym. More historical properties may appeal, but this hotel has an untroubled assurance that will suit many visitors.

In an area not renowned for its high-quality accommodations, this apartment-hotel stands out for its easy, relaxed feel and the rooms front a sandy beach that's a two-minute walk from town and have great views of Sitia Bay. Family-run, clean, and uncomplicated, even the smallest studio has its own kitchen and balcony. A chlorine-free pool with plenty of shade and a small gym and sauna offer welcome diversions.

To enjoy a remote Cretan retreat without sacrificing comfort, it's hard to beat these beautifully renovated stone houses in an ages-old village that clings to a mountainside high above the Libyan Sea. Fireplaces, handmade wood furnishings, and embroidered carpets enhance the character-filled surroundings, while terraces, a cliff-side pool, and an outdoor summer taverna are vantage points from which to take in the mountain and sea views. Excellent farm-to-table local fare is served in a fire-warmed, wood-beam restaurant. This is agro-tourism at its finest—a real escape to nature and a sustainable, traditional way of life far removed from the commercial hordes elsewhere.

The German high command occupied this seaside villa during World War II (Rommel supposedly enjoyed the old swimming pool that is still next to a larger one in the garden). The yellow, neoclassic mansion contains large suites—some on two levels with sleeping areas upstairs—that overlook the garden or face the sea. Ornate painted ceilings, marble floors, and tapestry rugs add to the elegance of the communal spaces. It's a walk from the main town, but there are restaurants and bars nearby, and the views across to Chania are charming.