Best hotels in Crete

Kapsaliana Village Hotel, Crete

Hidden away in the hills above Rethymno, Kapsaliana Village Hotel isn't just a place to sleep—it is a beautifully restored 17th-century Cretan hamlet. Originally, the village served as an agricultural outpost for a nearby monastery, centered entirely around a bustling community olive press. After falling into total abandonment in the mid-1950s, it was discovered decades later by Greek architect Myron Toupoyannis, who fell in love with the ruins and spent years painstakingly bringing the entire village back to life using traditional stone and timber.

“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 beautiful, ancient stone houses that were once part of the Arkadi Monastery holdings.”

Casa Delfino, Crete

In the winding, pedestrian-only alleys of Chania's Old Venetian Town, Casa Delfino is a stunning 17th-century Venetian mansion that reads like a period romance novel. The property has been proudly kept in the same family for six generations, tracing its roots back to 1835 when a French shipowner, Augustin Preve, was shipwrecked on Crete and decided to buy the estate.

“Luxury is taken very seriously at this elegant 17th-century mansion in the Venetian quarter. Choose from standard rooms, one-bedroom apartments and suites, which come in various sizes but are all richly fitted out with bespoke furniture, marble floors and romantic flourishes.”

Minos Beach Art Hotel, Crete

Along the edge of Mirabello Bay, Minos Beach Art Hotel is legendary as Crete’s very first luxury resort, opening back in 1963. Visionary hotelier Eleni Nakou teamed up with architect Elias Sotirochos to design something groundbreaking for the era: instead of a towering block, they created a low-lying, whitewashed layout mimicking a traditional Cretan fishing village. It immediately drew the 1960s bohemian jet-set, hosting glamorous icons like Jeanne Moreau and even Walt Disney.

“From Katia Roka’s striking Ariadne’s Thread near the glass-walled reception, to the works of some of Greece’s best contemporary artists studding the grounds, this hip haven fronting the wide mirrored curve of Mirabello Bay offers a big slice of Greek culture – with lashings of creature comforts.”

Rimondi Boutique Hotel, Crete

In the narrow, cobblestone alleys of Rethymno’s medieval Old Town, the Rimondi Boutique Hotel is a beautiful escape that blends centuries of Cretan history. The property is split into two distinct, atmospheric sections—the Palazzo Collection and the Estate Collection—which face each other across a quiet, romantic lane.

“Tucked in the heart of the old town, this luxurious Venetian mansion has historical ambience and cushy furnishings. The suites in the Estate building feature original domes and stone arches, while rooms in the Palazzo are equally plush but offer a little less atmosphere.”

Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas, Crete

On a secluded hillside in northern Crete, Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas is a stunning five-star getaway that looks like a natural amphitheater descending into the Aegean Sea. The origin of the resort is pure serendipity: back in the day, a keen yachtsman was sailing off the coast when a sudden storm broke. Seeking shelter, he stumbled into this perfectly protected, hidden bay. Recognizing the magic of the location, land was acquired, and the resort opened in 2010.

“Crashing onto the scene in 2010, 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.”

Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Crete.

Elounda Mare Relais & Châteaux Hotel, Crete

Elounda Mare Relais & Châteaux Hotel is a legendary Cretan retreat. Operating for over forty years, it actually made architectural history as the very first resort in Europe to introduce the concept of private bungalows paired with individual seawater swimming pools—a design trend that changed luxury hospitality forever.

“At this low-key, intimate, and idyllic retreat—one of Europe’s truly great getaways—swanky bungalows and other handsome guest quarters are tucked into verdant seaside gardens. All are furnished elegantly in traditional Cretan style, and expansive views extend over the Gulf of Elounda. A sandy beach and all sorts of shady seaside nooks are among many, many amenities.”

Serenissima Boutique Hotel, Crete

On a quiet pedestrian alley in the atmospheric Old Town of Chania, Serenissima Boutique Hotel seamlessly blends luxury with Cretan history. The property is housed inside a meticulously restored 16th-century Venetian townhouse from the city's "cultural renaissance" era. Walking inside feels like stepping back in time, as the architects carefully preserved the building's dramatic, original Venetian arches to form the spine of its elegant, minimalist interior design.

“This tranquil Venetian townhouse, renovated to impeccable standards, packs plenty of design cachet into its historic walls. The elegant rooms feature the gamut of mod cons, along with period touches such as stone walls, wooden beams and candlelit niches.”

Ionas Boutique Hotel, Crete

In the historic Splantzia quarter of Chania, Crete, Ionas Boutique Hotel is a beautifully reconstructed architectural treasure. The building’s foundation dates all the way back to 1538, carrying centuries of stories within its walls. It serves as a living timeline of Chania's complex past, showcasing a brilliant blend of Venetian and Ottoman design elements that have been carefully restored using traditional building techniques.

“In the quieter Splantzia quarter, Ionas is housed in a historic building with contemporary interior design and friendly owners. The nine charming rooms are kitted out with all mod cons (including a spa bath in one) and share a rooftop terrace.”

Kalimera Archanes Village, Crete

Set right in the historic center of Archanes, a colorful Cretan town widely celebrated for its masterfully preserved architecture, Kalimera Archanes Village is a boutique escape brimming with local heritage. The complex is made up of a cluster of 19th-century traditional stone houses that were meticulously restored in 2004 under strict historical guidelines. Rather than feeling like a standard hotel, it operates as an intimate estate managed by its welcoming owner, Anna Petromichelaki.

“An especially appealing base for exploring Knossos and Heraklion is the well-kept wine village of Archanes, where three 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.”

Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Crete.

Megaron Historical Monument Hotel, Crete

Dominating the shoreline of Heraklion, Crete, the GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel is an majestic landmark with a wild history. Built in 1925 by the wealthy Fytaki-Kasapaki commercial enterprise, the building was funded by a massive boom in the island's citron fruit export market. Its foundations were quite literally laid on top of the old seaside Venetian walls at a spot known as "Cortina Dei Consiglieri."

“A former office building, high above the harbor, has been revamped as Iraklion’s most stylish and luxurious getaway, with extremely handsome, spacious guest rooms and public spaces. We’re talking shiny wood floors, top quality mattresses, and lots of light streaming in the windows. A rooftop terrace, excellent onsite restaurant and swimming pool are among the many indulgences on offer.”