6 of the Best Hotels on Crete for Walkers

Crete is often referred to as Megalónisos - the Great Island, in Greek - and, at 160 miles from west to east, it is practically the size of a small country. Which means that, although most visitors keep to the beaches, it has a vast interior to be explored. For walkers, this represents a huge treasure waiting to be discovered.

The limestone terrain varies from soft, rounded hills to the snow-capped White Mountains in the west where some 30 summits are higher than 2000 metres (6562 feet). To the first-time visitor, it can come as a shock to journey from blistering-hot beaches to the foothills of mountains still splashed with snow in late May. Indeed, the best time to come walking is late spring and early summer when temperatures are pleasant but not sweltering, and there will still be rooms to spare in the best hotels on Crete for walkers.

CreteFlickr user Over Doz

The other major features of Crete's interior are the deep gorges that cut through the mountains often ending at a cove on the coast. The most spectacular is the Samarian Gorge set in a national park of the same name. At 16 kilometres (10 miles) long it claims to be the longest in Europe, with cliff walls that reach up to 1000-feet high. It takes around five hours to descend.

Walkers will be rewarded by a rich wildlife: peregrine falcons, hoopoes and orioles - eagles if you're lucky - plus wild orchids and the scent of thyme and lavender. Hilltop villages may hide Byzantine chapels and frescoed churches.

Choose one of the best hotels for walkers on Crete and discover these treasures for yourself.

7 of the Best Hotels on Crete for Walkers

The Best Value Hotels on Crete for Walkers

Aspros Potamos

  • Tucked away in the south-eastern corner of the island, in a small rocky canyon and surrounded by nature, Aspros Potamos offers a real back-to-nature vibe. This collection of 10 stone cottages is utterly traditional: whitewashed stone walls, open rafters, paraffin lamps and solar power. Walks start from your door.

The Best Self-Catering Villas on Crete for Walkers

White River Cottages

  • White River Cottages, a huddle of stone shepherds' cottages with white-washed interiors, stone-flagged floors and timbered ceilings surrounded by olive and citrus trees, offer a simple, self-catering option. Close to some stunning gorge-walking, this makes for a peaceful base with the added bonus of a pretty pool.
  • Metohi Kindelis is a beautiful manor house dating back to 1650, which has been cleverly converted into three self catering units which can sleep up to four. It may be self catering, but the owners will stock your fridge every day with complimentary goodies for breakfast. It's perfectly placed for exploring the hiking trails of Western Crete.

The Best Spa Hotels on Crete for Walkers

Elia Hotel and Spa

  • Elia Hotel and Spa is also ideally located (in the hills jiust outside Chania) for those wanting to explore the Western part of Crete on two feet. There's paths and trails for all abilities and when you get home you can pick from an array of soothing treatments to ease your weary limbs.

The Best Hotel Views on Crete for Walkers

Kapsaliana Village Hotel

  • Kapsaliana Village Hotel is also situated atop a hill - and the views over the Med below are simply stunning. You're surrounded by gorgeous countryside (perfect for keen walkers) yet the beach is just a short drive. The rooms are beautiful and there's a lovely pool and restaurant serving modern Greek cuisine.
  • Eleonas Traditional Houses enjoy an off the beaten track location in the centre of Crete. There's hiking trails on the doorstep, loads of on site activities and with its hillside location, the views don't get much better!

As they are often located in more remote areas, Crete’s best hotels for walkers offer a chance to experience the true Cretan way of life.

But, if there's nothing on our Guru's list of 7 of the best hotels on Crete for walkers then you could:

7 of the Best Hotels on Crete for Walkers

  • Aspros Potamos Lasithi, Crete 10 rooms from AU$122

    Aspros Potamos
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    Back to Nature  -  This stunning area of natural beauty combines beaches and mountains covered by lush greenery, pine, olive and citrus trees
    Eco break  -  The buildings have been restored in a traditional fashion, using all natural materials and only renewable energy sources
    Great walks  -  Explore the ancient settlement of Aspros Potamos on foot, the terrain is ideal for hikers and mountaineers
    Self catering  -  Self-catering apartments (of varying sizes) include firelit lounges, kitchens, and terraces
    GardenPet friendlyViewsParking

    A home-away-from-home set in a stunning rural spot with beaches, bars and tavernas a walk away. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. Return to simpler times at this beautiful hideaway on Crete. See More

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  • White River Cottages Lasithi, Crete 13 rooms from AU$140

    White River Cottages
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    Romantic Break  -  The charmingly rustic self contained studios and apartments are ideal for couples looking for a bit of privacy and romance.
    Hideaway  -  Off the tourist track, this peaceful retreat is set in stunning natural landscape and only a 15 min walk to the beach.
    Great walks  -  Explore this amazing landscape on foot, full of olive groves, citrus trees and lovely landscapes.
    Sights nearby  -  Walk down through the olive groves to Makriyialos, the prettiest town on this stretch of coast.
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    A charming hamlet of 13 former shepherds cottages surrounded by olive groves and citrus trees. The self catering studios are rustic and quaint and with stunning views of the local area and sea. This authentic and secluded spot is a 15-minute walk from the beaches and local town. See More

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  • Elia Hotel & Spa Ano Vouves, Crete 9 rooms from AU$192

    Elia Hotel & Spa
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    Country Escape  -  Set amid olive groves and reputely located next to the oldest olive tree in the world, this is a charming rural hideaway
    Families  -  Very family friendly - the kids will love the pool while the larger maisonettes make excellent family rooms
    Great walks  -  Easy-going walks on the doorstep and challenging treks nearby make this a good option for a hiking holiday
    Total relaxation  -  With its peaceful hillside location and spoiling spa, this is a good option to come and simply unwind
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled access
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    This small rustic spa retreat offers peace and quiet in the Cretan hills. With a pool and a good traditional restaurant, it's the kind of cosy cocoon that some guests won't want to leave, but for those who do the bright lights of Chania are a short drive away. See More

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  • Eleonas Traditional Houses Crete 20 rooms from AU$225

    Eleonas Traditional Houses
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    Active Holiday  -  There is plenty to do in the surrounding area including hiking along trails that pass through historical sites
    Country Escape  -  A working farm where olive oil is produced, vegetables are grown, and there are goats and chickens
    Families  -  A lovely retreat for families, with lots of space, a large pool, and farm animals onsite
    Less £  -  With great amenities and chic design this is a very good value stay
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    A charming farmhouse offering stone cottages with classic furniture set amidst beautiful scenery. An on-site restaurant and cafe serves local cuisine (much of the produce is grown onsite). Cooking classes, archery lessons and wine tours available are all available. A charming rural escape. See More

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  • Metohi Kindelis Chania (Crete) 3 rooms from AU$456

    Metohi Kindelis
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    Back to Nature  -  Situated in a secluded walled garden, brimming with flowers, palms and euclyptus trees and surrounded by lush organic orchards
    Self catering  -  The properties are self-catering, but every day your fridge will be re-stocked with complimentary goodies for breakfast.
    Romantic Break  -  A wonderfully peaceful couples' hideaway, with high walls surrounding private gardens with a pool and al fresco dining
    Cooking classes  -  Join the Tastes of Crete cooking class, on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, followed by a lavish wine filled lunch
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    Beautiful terracotta farmhouse dating from 1650, with a central courtyard and lush gardens. Stunning self-catering apartments marry the old and new with real elegance. Fridges are stocked daily with wonderful organic produce from the hotel's orchards. Privacy, style and a truly homely feel. See More

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Written by Helen Pickles

posted Wednesday, 29th June 2022