The Best Guesthouses on Crete

Crete has a well-developed tourist industry offering everything from hostels to high-end resorts. If you want to avoid either high prices - usually in the luxury resorts around Elounda and Agios Nikolaos - or high-octane 24-hour partying - centred around the Iraklio region of Malia and Hersonisos - a guesthouse can be a good solution. Our pick of the best gueshouses on Crete should satisfy all tastes, with a selection ranging from the cheap and cheerful to the luxurious.

ChaniaFlickr user Rev Stan

Some of the best areas are around Réthymno in the centre of the north coast, and areas to the west, including Haniá and Chania. Réthymno, for example, has a delightful, medieval old town which still displays its network of Venetian lanes and Turkish houses, and an impressive Venetian fortress. It also boasts Crete's longest sandy beach

Not only can guesthouses be more characterful and more modestly priced, but they are often family-run. Use our guide to the best guesthouses on Crete to bag yourself a worthy bargain.

The Best Guesthouses in Chania

  • Overlooking a quiet square, but only five minutes from Chania's harbour, Ionas Boutique Hotel is an Ottoman-style townhouse where rooms are cool in white and exposed stone. A pergola-shaded terrace makes a lovely retreat after a day on the beach or exploring.

La Maison Ottomane

  • It's worth the (slightly) extra money to stay at La Maison Ottomane, a restored Venetian mansion also in Chania. More like a private house, the three bedrooms mix antiques, wood floors and Persian rugs with modern, marbled bathrooms. Breakfasts are served in the quiet courtyard.
  • Despite its name, the Splanzia Hotel has a guesthouse feel, with just eight, elegantly rustic rooms and offering great value for central Chania.

Staying in one of the best guesthouses on Crete can prove one of the best ways to experience the island, but if you can't find your perfect accommodation on our Guru's list of 5 of the best guesthouses on Crete you could:

The Best Guesthouses on Crete

Splanzia Hotel
Splanzia Hotel

Chania

A Venetian building that's been craftily modernised creating a chic boutique stay. Elegant rooms have stone floors, wooden furniture, pops of colour, and private balconies. Impressive homemade breakfasts are served on the lovely terrace while the owner-managers are always on hand for top tips.

  • Local exploring - Well positioned away from the tourist scrum (yet near all the action) in the in the heart of Chania's historic Splanzia district
  • Value chic - With unique design, attentive service, and a great location - you are getting a lot for your money here
  • Designer - Chic modern design is created by the award-winning designer Yannis Yiannakakis
  • Intimate - With just eight rooms, this owner-managed property feels chic and intimate
from AU$227 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
La Maison Ottomane
La Maison Ottomane

Chania (Crete)

Staying in this restored Venetian mansion is more like being a guest in a rather splendid private home than in a hotel. With just three bedrooms, La Maison Ottomane appeals to those looking for a peaceful cocoon in a quiet corner of the old town.

  • Antiques - Interiors have period furnishings inspired by the Ottoman period, such as antique faded carpets and ornate headboards
  • Local exploring - Set in the Old Town right besides the archaeological remains of Minoan Kydonia and moments from the Venetian harbour
  • Full of character - The property is owned by a well-travelled collector of antiques so there are heirloom items in every room
  • Groups - With just three rooms, this is a great option to take in its entirety with a group of friends or family
from AU$363 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Ionas Boutique Hotel
Ionas Boutique Hotel

Chania (Crete)

Tucked away on a pedestrian square full of potted shrubs and flowering trees, five minutes walk from Chania's Venetian harbour, Ionas Boutique Hotel suits couples and single visitors looking for a quiet haven from which to explore the old town. Rooms range from comfortable to luxurious. A chic base.

  • Local exploring - Situated in a quiet and authentic section of town, with many of the city's monuments and museums within walking distance
  • Romantic Break - For a romantic base pick one of the split-level Superior Suites with beautiful canopied beds and plenty of character
  • Boutique - With plenty of history, this small boutique blends the character of the old with modern comforts seamlessly
  • Intimate - With just nine rooms and occupying a quiet spot, this is a tranquil and intimate hideaway
from AU$251 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
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Written by Helen Pickles

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