Crete Hotels
Captivating Crete
Crete holds the questionable honour of playing host to nearly a quarter of Greece’s tourists. But don’t let that put you off, because its historic, small-town vibe remains happily intact. So amongst the binoculars, cameras and cargo shorts, men roam around in traditional dress, shepherds herd sheep and bus drivers divert from their routes to drop people off at their houses. ... Read more »
Equally unspoiled by tourists is the rugged landscape, from the picturesque village of Tzermiado to the stony, serene Agia Roumeli Beach. Get a taste for the culture by eating your way from the port of Chania to the seaside village of Matala. They say moderation is key, but why hold back when you’re tasting cuisine renowned for its life-prolonging qualities? Unless there’s another reason the guys here are so fond of loose-fitting trousers…
CRETE’S TOP 10
10. Koules Venetian Fortress The rooms have been restored since this place was used as a prison, but at least the inmates had a good view. |
5. Chania The old town isan eclectic mix of Venetian and Ottoman architecture that somehow just works. |
9. Natural History Museum of Crete Five levels of history, conveniently located smack-bang on the waterfront. |
4. Phaestos This Minoan palace has had a pretty hectic life, but it now provides a peaceful lookout. |
8. Chapel of Metamorfosis Sotiros The chapel is gorgeous, but the car trip there is satisfying enough on its own. |
3. Dikteon Cave Legend has it Rhea hid baby Zeus from his father, Cronos, in these caves. What they contain now is equally fascinating. |
7. Historical Museum of Crete Every level displays a different part of Crete’s long and fascinating history. |
2. Knossos The ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan civilisation. |
6. Central Court The centrepiece of the palace Phaestos and home to the best views in the city. |
1. Archaeological Museum of Iraklio The second-best collection in Greece – a title far more prestigious than it sounds. |
CRETE EVENTS
January means Epiphany in Crete. Houses, shops and offices are blessed and the next day sees huge celebrations.
Easter is a huge deal. Families get together to roast goats, drink wine and eat calzone – something every culture can appreciate.
Like a man in uniform? Independence Day is celebrated in March with military parades taking place in every major town.
Swill and spit during Sultanina,an August festival celebrating the grapes harvest with music, dancing and plenty of local wine.
August takes it alfresco with open-air eating and drinking in each village’s main square for Festival of the Virgin Mary.
WHEN TO GO
- July and August are the most pleasant months, with temperatures around 25°C (77ºF) and rain minimal.
- From June to September, temperatures can soar above 40°C (104ºF) – so thank the ancient Greek gods for the ‘Meltemi’ breezes.
- In autumn, the sea temperatures are near perfect.
GETTING AROUND
- Lots of roads have recently been widened to two lanes, so be wary of confused locals driving straight down the centre!
- Bus timetables are reliable and buses come fairly regularly. Drivers will divert from their route to drop off travellers if asked – just like the good old days.
- Taxis are a great way to get around – they’re super-cheap and easy to find.
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« HideAlexis Hotel Crete Island
2 Stars$39
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99 Kalergidon Street Chania Crete Island GR-731 35
Alexis Hotel Crete Island offers a favourable location and a relaxing atmosphere for travellers in Greece. Some of the... More hotel details
$73
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Kissamos Chania Crete Island GR-734 00
Surrounded by attractive hill areas, the Apartments Delfini Crete Island occupies a prime location and makes it more c... More hotel details
Aristea Hotel Elounda
2 Stars$43
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Agiou Nikolaou-Elountas Elounda Crete 72053
Travellers find comfortable accommodations mixed with warm hospitality in an idyllic location at Aristea Hotel Elounda... More hotel details
Batis Hotel Apartments Crete
2 Stars$66
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7, Ari Velouchioti str., Rethymno, Crete 74100
The beachfront Batis Hotel Apartments Crete provides comfortable accommodations to travellers complete with friendly s... More hotel details
Despina Hotel
2 Stars$29
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Vitsentzou Kornarou Street Hersonissos Crete GR-70014
The Cycladic architecture-inspired Despina Hotel is a charming and quaint property that offers simple and suitable acc... More hotel details
$166
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Elounda Lassithi Crete GR-72053
Elounda Palm Hotel Crete Island is an idyllic holiday destination, well suited for the tourists of all types. The plac... More hotel details
Flisvos Beach Hotel Crete
2 Stars$31
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25 Martiou Street Hersonissos Crete GR-70014
Featuring friendly and comfortable environment, Flisvos Beach Hotel offers an array of services that meet the needs of... More hotel details
Irini Hotel Heraklion
2 Stars$70
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4 Idomeneos Street Heraklion Crete GR-71202
The friendly and experienced staff, the facilities and its position make Irini Hotel an ideal destination for your hol... More hotel details
Iro Hotel Crete
2 Stars$74
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178 Eleftheriou Venizelou Hersonissos Crete GR-70014
Iro Hotel Crete is a budget-friendly holiday resort ideal for travellers longing for a break from the city's bustling ... More hotel details
$24
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Elounda Lenika Agios Nikolaos Crete GR-72100
A budget holiday complex, Kalithea Apartments And Studios Crete offers standard accommodations and a host of essential... More hotel details
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