In a nutshell
- Crete has an incredible number of beautiful places — and in this article, we show you the 17 best places on the island and tell you exactly what you’ll find at each one.
- If you’re trying to figure out the best vacation spot in Crete for you, we’ve got you covered. We tell you whether each location works as a base, with honest pros and cons — and whether it’s worth booking a hotel there.
- We also share our 4 personal favorite places to stay in Crete. In our where to stay in Crete article, we tell you exactly where we’d book and give you great hotel recommendations. It’s worth opening alongside this one.
The 17 Most Beautiful Places in Crete at a Glance
Crete has so many truly amazing spots. But we know that during your vacation in Crete you don’t have endless time. That’s why we’re sharing our 17 most beautiful places in Crete right here.
The best time to visit Crete for a road trip from place to place is definitely in spring between April and June or in fall, in September and October. The weather is really pleasant then.
So you can get a quick overview of exactly where the most beautiful spots in Crete are, we’ve marked them all on a map for you.
The Most Beautiful Places in Crete in the Northeast
The northeast of Crete is the island’s oldest tourist area. Here you’ll find a really great infrastructure and a huge selection of accommodations — some of them very affordable.
The breathtaking mountain scenery surrounds many beautiful villages tucked into bays, and a few of Crete’s top highlights are here too. The best beaches aren’t in this region, though — many are rocky, and there are only a few sandy beaches.
The 3 most beautiful places in Crete in the northeast, for us, are:
- Agios Nikolaos
- Elounda
- Malia
Agios Nikolaos
What you’ll find here: Agios Nikolaos is the most laid-back harbor town in Crete. The town sits in the beautiful Mirabello Bay and is the perfect starting point for a day trip to the island of Spinalonga. This lovely spot in Crete is also home to the freshwater lake Voulismeni, which sits right in the middle of the city.
Good as a vacation base? Sort of. If you love eating out and don’t need beautiful beaches right at your doorstep, Agios Nikolaos is a great vacation spot in Crete for you. You’re also not far from the airport. For us, though, Agios Nikolaos is more of a place we’d explore for just one day.
Our hotel pick: Hotel Port 7 A charming and modern hotel centrally located in Agios Nikolaos.
Elounda
What you’ll find here: About 10 kilometers north of Agios Nikolaos lies Elounda. This beautiful spot in Crete used to be an idyllic fishing village; today it’s a popular resort in one of the prettiest corners of the island. Here you’ll find impressive mountain scenery, a charming harbor, small shaded coves, and crystal-clear water.
Good as a vacation base? Yes, Elounda is a truly wonderful place to stay in Crete. Especially for people who like to settle in one spot, enjoy small coves, and are looking for the perfect mix of seclusion and liveliness. You’ll find many beautiful and luxurious accommodations here.
Our hotel pick: Elounda Heights One of the most beautiful adults-only hotels in Crete with breathtaking views.
Malia
What you’ll find here: Authentic Greek life isn’t what you’ll find in Malia. What you will find, though, is a really solid tourist infrastructure with plenty of restaurants and shops. The old town is still quite nice. Malia is also particularly well known for its lively nightlife.
Good as a vacation base? Yes. Here you’ll find the most affordable accommodations in northern Crete, and Malia is the perfect home base for all the highlights in the northeast of the island. We stayed here during the first half of our trip. If you’re in the mood for partying, this is obviously the right place for you. If not, book a hotel outside the old town center.
Our hotel pick: Pyrgos Blue One of the best small hotels in Crete right on the beach. In the popular boho style and a great deal.
The Most Beautiful Places in Crete in the North
The north of Crete is definitely the most popular part of the island, especially as a vacation destination for families. No wonder — there are truly stunning places right by the sea here.
You’ll find long sandy beaches, gorgeous bays, a really great tourist infrastructure, and a wide selection of hotels for every budget. You can also experience a mix of city and beach life in Crete.
The most beautiful vacation spots in Crete in the north are:
- Heraklion
- Bali
- Adelianos
- Rethymnon
- Georgioupolis
Heraklion
What you’ll find here: Heraklion is the capital of Crete. The city doesn’t have a huge number of standout sights, since it was heavily bombed during World War II. That said, the Archaeological Museum and the Crete Aquarium are definitely worth a visit. The aquarium especially makes for a great day trip with kids in Crete.
Good as a vacation base? Only if you have a very early flight and want to be close to the airport. As a vacation destination, Heraklion gets a clear no from us. For a great island vacation, the city is too big and the surrounding area isn’t particularly attractive.
Our hotel pick: Stay 365 Heraklion Apart Hotel A modern and quietly situated hotel. Just 10 minutes to the airport.
Bali
What you’ll find here: Colorful houses line the hillsides along the bay of the beautiful village of Bali, with narrow alleyways winding between them. From almost every corner you get a fantastic view of the breathtaking bay and the blue sea. That’s Bali — one of the most beautiful places in Crete.
Good as a vacation base? Absolutely! Bali is one of the most popular spots on the island, and for good reason. Despite the tourist crowds, the village has kept its Greek charm. The beaches in particular, with their fine sand and gentle entry into the water, are perfect for families with kids.
Our hotel pick: Bali Diamond A small, family-run hotel with views over the beautiful Bali Bay. For us, it’s one of Crete’s best hotels.
Adelianos
What you’ll find here: Long sandy beaches packed with sun loungers, umbrellas, and colorful beach bars — that pretty much sums up Adelianos. The town itself doesn’t have a lot to offer beyond the beach, but it has a great tourist infrastructure and a solid selection of restaurants and hotels, some of them right on the sand.
Good as a vacation base? Definitely. Adelianos is without a doubt a classic beach vacation spot in Crete. If you love a sun-and-sea holiday but also want to check out some of the top Crete attractions, the location in the north is ideal. You can even bike to Rethymnon in just 10 minutes.
Our hotel pick: Marinos Beach Hotel Great if you’re looking for a small family hotel in Crete with a beachfront location.
Rethymnon
What you’ll find here: In the harbor town of Rethymnon there’s plenty to discover: an old fortress ruin, the Agelon Church, the Neratze Mosque, a Venetian harbor, and countless narrow alleyways filled with tavernas, cafés, and souvenir shops. There’s even a town beach here — perfectly fine for a quick dip to cool off.
Good as a vacation base? The center of Rethymnon isn’t our first choice for a vacation base. We’d rather recommend a resort just east of Rethymnon — like Adelianos or Bali. The beaches are quieter there, and you can still reach Rethymnon’s historic center quickly.
Our hotel pick: Casa di Gaga A modern hotel with very cozy rooms right in the heart of Rethymnon’s old quarter.
Georgioupolis
What you’ll find here: The small fishing village of Georgioupolis is said to have the longest beach in Crete. But the charming village itself — with its cool beach bars and seriously delicious fish restaurants — also makes Georgioupolis one of the prettiest places in Crete. You’ll even find one of our Crete insider tips here: the Saint Agios Nikolaos Church, which sits almost right in the middle of the sea.
Good as a vacation base? Yes! The central location between Rethymnon and Chania makes Georgioupolis a great vacation spot. Especially if you want a mix of beach vacation and sightseeing. It’s one of the few genuinely quiet areas in northern Crete. The shallow sandy beaches are also fantastic for families.
Our hotel pick: Georgioupolis Beach Hotel A great beachfront hotel with a delicious breakfast and a lovely rooftop terrace.
The Most Beautiful Places in Crete in the Northwest
Personally, we think the northwest of Crete is the best. This is where we find the most beautiful places and towns on the island. And the mix of city and beach is simply perfect.
The beaches go on forever, and here you can even watch the sunrise over the water in the morning and the sunset in the evening. The area is also very well set up for tourism. Hotel prices are a bit higher here, though.
The most beautiful places in the northwest of Crete are:
- Chania
- Agia Marina
- Platanias
- Kissamos
Chania
What you’ll find here: Chania is, for us, the most beautiful place in Crete. The harbor town cast its spell on us immediately with its one-of-a-kind charm. Here you’ll find Crete’s most beautiful Venetian harbor, sweet little alleyways with really cool souvenir shops, delicious tavernas, and the lovely Platia Eleftherios Venizelou with its Venetian fountain.
Good as a vacation base? Sort of. It’s certainly nice to wake up every morning with a view of Chania. But just as we said with Rethymnon, we’d recommend staying in one of the resort towns nearby instead. We love Agia Marina and Platanias. From there, you can get to Chania super quickly.
Our hotel pick: Theta Boutique Hotel A small and one of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Crete. Right in the heart of Chania’s old town.
Agia Marina
What you’ll find here: Agia Marina is a vacation spot that lives up to the dream. The long, fine sandy beach is dotted with sun loungers and umbrellas, playgrounds and water sports are everywhere, and the small village has plenty of restaurants and really beautiful accommodations.
Good as a vacation base? Definitely. Agia Marina is a perfect place to stay in Crete. You’ll find everything you need here. Despite the many sun loungers, the beach is one of the most beautiful in Crete, the beach bars are really cool, and Agia Marina is home to one of our favorite hotels, Casa Nostos. The location is ideal for exploring all the highlights in western Crete.
Our hotel pick: Casa Nostos. The room design is super modern and the beach is just a 5-minute walk away.
Platanias
What you’ll find here: Platanias is basically the little sister of Agia Marina, sitting right next door. The stunning sandy beach continues seamlessly here, and this beautiful Cretan village has delicious, affordable restaurants. From the beach you get a perfect view of the sunrise in the morning and the sunset in the evening.
Good as a vacation base? Just like Agia Marina, Platanias is also perfect for your vacation. We stayed here during the second half of our trip to explore all the sights in western Crete. Personally, we also preferred the beaches in the west to those in eastern Crete. There are also plenty of activities in Crete you can do from here.
Our hotel pick: Alkionides Seaside Hotel A small hotel with a private beach and free sun loungers. Breakfast is always fresh and absolutely delicious.
Kissamos
What you’ll find here: In Kissamos you’re far removed from mass tourism. The beautiful bay with its sandy beach offers plenty of space to sunbathe and relax, and along the promenade you’ll find many Greek tavernas. The charming village has great museums, and locals sell handmade jewelry and souvenirs.
Good as a vacation base? Honestly: No. Kissamos is a really beautiful spot in Crete, but we wouldn’t choose it as our home base. For us, it’s the perfect place for a quick stop on the way back from Elafonisi beach — grab a bite to eat, have a little stroll.
Our hotel pick: Sapphire Horizon Suites Stylish and minimalist design. Located in the peaceful hinterland with great sea views.
The Most Beautiful Places in Crete in the South
In the south of Crete you’ll find probably the most mountainous landscapes on the island. Tucked among the mountains are many truly small and beautiful villages. Some of Crete’s most impressive gorges are also here.
For overnight stays, the south is still considered an absolute under-the-radar pick. The beaches are mostly flat and the water is calm. The coastal villages are perfect for people seeking plenty of peace and quiet.
The most beautiful places and villages in Crete in the south of the island are:
- Paleochora
- Plakias
- Agia Galini
- Matala
Paleochora
What you’ll find here: In Paleochora you’ll find plenty of tranquility and authentic Greece, combined with a solid tourist infrastructure. Yes, that’s possible. This beautiful spot in the south has no giant hotel complexes — just small, simple accommodations. You can eat at authentic tavernas and swim in the bay.
Good as a vacation base? Definitely. For anyone who’s looking for peace and quiet and doesn’t care much about sightseeing, we’d recommend Paleochora as a vacation spot in Crete. It’s a real budget-friendly choice, since accommodation prices are still very affordable. It’s also great for families, since the sea is very calm.
Our hotel pick: Relax Hotel Super quiet beachfront location yet still close to the center. One of the few hotels with a pool.
Plakias
What you’ll find here: Tucked among the many mountains in southern Crete, you’ll find the small fishing village of Plakias. Just a few years ago it was one of the prettiest places in Crete — small coves, charming tavernas, and very few tourists. Right now there’s a lot of construction going on: a new beachside promenade, new restaurants.
Good as a vacation base? Sort of. In principle, Plakias is a really beautiful spot in Crete for a relaxing beach vacation. Several sights are also easily reachable by car from here. But the ongoing construction work is a drag. We can imagine, though, that once it’s done, Plakias will be really lovely again.
Our hotel pick: Nerea Boutique Hotel A really beautiful boho hotel with 12 rooms and suites in traditional Cretan style. Great beach vibes.
Agia Galini
What you’ll find here: Just like Plakias, Agia Galini suddenly appears between the mountains in southern Crete. Here you’ll find a really beautiful bay with calm water — though by now there are also plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas. The charming village has managed to keep its authenticity, though, and is truly lovely.
Good as a vacation base? Yes, especially if you just want a relaxing beach vacation in southern Crete. For us, Agia Galini is a better base than Plakias, though we’d still give the edge to Paleochora. That said, Agia Galini is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Crete.
Our hotel pick: Paralos Irini Mare A stunning property with olive trees, palms, and cacti. Super cozy and clean rooms.
Matala
What you’ll find here: In the 1960s, Matala was a popular refuge for dropouts and free spirits. You’ll find the influence of the hippie era around every corner: colorful murals, quirky bars, and of course the famous caves on the beach where people used to live back then.
Good as a vacation base? No. But don’t get us wrong — Matala is truly one of the best places to visit in Crete and an absolute highlight for us. It’s just not the right base for your stay. The accommodation options aren’t extensive. Better to just take a fun day trip during your Crete vacation to Matala. The beach is really beautiful and great with kids.
Our hotel pick: Hotel Sunshine Matala A small, simple hotel with a great location: close to the beach and close to the center.
The Most Beautiful Places in Crete in the East
Very few tourists make it to the east of the island during their Crete vacation. There are only a handful of places here. But in return, you’ll be far from mass tourism.
The landscape is dominated by rocky mountains, with really beautiful fishing villages tucked between them — typical of Crete. For us, there is only one truly beautiful spot in eastern Crete: Sitia.
Sitia
What you’ll find here: As we said, for us there’s only one truly beautiful spot in eastern Crete: Sitia, a really sweet little fishing village. Since not many tourists come to the east, it’s genuinely quiet here. The harbor promenade is really nicely done. At every turn, you can feel the Greek island vibe.
Good as a vacation base? Tough question. Personally, Sitia just feels too far from everything for us, and there aren’t many great accommodations here either. We could maybe spend one night here. But if your time in Crete is short, just do a day trip to the east. Leave early, come back late!
Our hotel pick: Sitia Cozy Apartment A lovely apartment with great wall colors. Beautiful sea views and close to the harbor.
