Chania town and western Crete are probably the best areas to stay in Crete. There is no shortage of amazing private villas in the Chania area, but the following ones are probably the best.
Western Crete (aka “Chania area”) is also the best area to stay if this is your first time on the island of Crete. The good thing about Crete and Chania is that there are so many available options and villas to choose from that you will probably feel overwhelmed.
My advice, though, is this:
- If you rent a villa for your accommodation in Crete, make sure you also rent a car as the local buses will probably not stop outside your villa.
- If you rent a villa, ensure it’s as close as possible to the beach and not up in the mountains. Crete’s road network is very bad, and locals drive like mad…
Where to Stay in Crete
Best Hotels in Crete
Best Hotels in Chania
Best Family Villas in Crete
Best Chania Beaches
VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW
- Best Website to Book a Villa in Chania Crete:Booking.com (more options than Airbnb…even for private villas to rent on the island; just apply the correct filter on the search results)
- Best Villa in Chania Crete: Winehill Villa (…wow!)
- Best Hotel in Chania: Domes Noruz Chania Hotel(in the suburbs of Chania)
- Where to Stay in Crete: Unless you stay in an all-inclusive resort in Crete or at a unique villa, you would need a car on the island for more than 5 days. The best area to stay in Crete is the western part of the island, or the “Chania prefecture”, as it has the most picturesque villages, the gorgeous Samaria Gorge, the beautiful beaches of Balos, Falassarna, Platanias, Elafonissi, and the most scenic town of Crete, which is Chania old town.
- Where Are the Best Villas in Crete? The best villas are scattered, and not one area offers more than another; just make sure that the villas you will be renting are from a verified owner and have good reviews. You will need a car in Crete, so location doesn’t matter (but I would rather personally stay in a villa with sea views, to be honest).
RECOMMENDED WEBSITES FOR GREECE:
🛏️ Booking.comis the website with the most available rooms and Private Villas in Athens, Santorini , Mykonos & Crete (more than Airbnb!)
⛴️ Ferryhopperis the best website to book your ferry tickets or check the timetables for Santorini, Mykonos , Crete & all Greek islands
🎫 Get Your Guide has the best and largest variety of Tours in Athens and the Greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete etc)
🚗 Rentalcarsis the easiest way to rent a car or a quad for Greece with thousands of available options
✈️ Booking.com Flights has all the available flights to and from the Greek islands
🚕 Book Your Driver (Taxi) directly with booking.com’s large and safe platform of available certified drivers
So, these are the best villas in Chania, Crete:
1. Winehill Villa
Winehill Villa is a villa set in Plataniás, just 550 yards from the beach. Guests benefit from free WiFi and private parking available on site.
Chania International Airport is 13 mi away (by car). This villa is stunning! The living area, the kitchen, the pool, the garden area, and the bedrooms are very spacious and have modern, luxury finishes, furniture, and all the appropriate equipment.
The facilities are immaculate and very well-kept. The view is wonderful (a combination of mountains and sea). Also, several great restaurants are within one kilometre of the villa.
This villa is one of the most fantastic holiday villas in Crete. It is ideal for everyone, such as couples, a group of friends, and families, as it has a private swimming pool where everybody can enjoy the pool all day. The beach is within walking distance of the villa. It is one of the best villas in Greece—just amazing!!!
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
2. Villa Filira
Villa Filira is located in Kolymvari, just 24 km (around 25 minutes by car) away from Chania Town. This stunning villa can accommodate six guests and has a wonderful terrace with a fantastic view. The villa has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a balcony, and a well-equipped kitchen.
This villa also offers free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free private parking, a private pool, a garden, and a barbecue area. The outdoor area also has a children’s playground and lounge.
There is also a wide choice of museums you can visit, such as the Maritime Museum of Crete, the Archaeological Museum of Chania, the House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos, and some other remarkable places like the Municipal Market of Chania, Venizelos Graves, and, of course, for the most adventurous, the Samaria Gorge, which shouldn’t be missed out of the “to do” list on your holiday in Chania.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
3. Villa Imperial
Villa Imperial is set in Marathi, close to Marathi beach, and is around 20 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by car. This stunning villa can accommodate 12-14 people with six bedrooms and a sofa bed in the living room. It also offers a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with pool views.
At Villa Imperial, guests can enjoy a continental or vegetarian breakfast. The villa also has a terrace and a hot tub, as well as free private parking.
The nearest is Souda, which is only 8 km and 15 minutes away from Villa Imperial. Living in this villa will make you realise that selecting this destination for your holiday is the best choice!
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
4. Aoria Estate Villa
Aoria Estate Villa is located near the villages of Armenoi and Kalyves, 26.5 km (around 30 mins) away from Chania Town. This traditional villa combines spectacular views of the sea and the mountains.
Aoria Estates can accommodate seven guests. It offers three bedrooms, two of which are fitted with satellite and flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi throughout the villa, and private parking. The villa has air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, and two bathrooms.
The outdoor area has a veranda with a barbecue and a dining table, sun loungers by the pool, and a lounge under a pergola, including a sun terrace with a lounge on the first floor. Also, a garden with flowers, trees, and aromatic herbs will accompany you during your stay.
Supermarkets and restaurants are within 3.5km and 5km. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 29km (around 40 mins) from the property.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
5. Blue Sea Luxury Villa
Blue Sea Luxury is located in Maleme, 41km (around 40 minutes’ drive) from Chania International Airport. Maleme is a quiet village with shops and supermarkets.
This villa has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, a lounge and dining area, an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers and a dining area, and a patio with pool views.
It is conveniently located for numerous bars and restaurants, with a well-stocked supermarket within five minutes’ walking distance. The location is ideal for touring the southwest and west of Crete; Chania, Palechora, Elafonisi beach, and wonderful sunset dinners at Falasarna.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
6. Platanias Panoramic Sea View Villa
Platanias Panoramic Sea View Villa is located in Platanias. This stunning villa has a mini soccer and basketball court, and a private helipad is also featured on site.. This villa has a balcony, a living room, and a flat-screen TV.
The air-conditioned villa also features a washing machine and a bathroom with a hot tub and a bath.. It’s a fantastic accommodation, stylish and modernly decorated. There is also a BBQ, patio, big dining table, and terrace where you can enjoy your breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the fantastic view is surrounded by nature. Chania International Airport is 14 miles away, around 35 minutes.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
7. Rodi Stone Villa
Rodi Stone Villa is located in Kalyves, and the nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 27 km from the villa. It can accommodate 6-8 guests as it offers three bedrooms and a living room with two sofa beds, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free wifi throughout the villa, air conditioning, a dining area, a lounge area, a fully equipped kitchen, a balcony with pool views, and private parking. This modern, stylish villa combines spectacular views of the sea and mountains.
The outdoor area includes a barbecue, a private swimming pool with sun loungers, and a lounge area where you can enjoy breakfast or view the sunset. Supermarkets, a cafe/bar, and restaurants are within 2 km.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
8. SK Place Crete Luxury Villas
SK Place Luxury Villa is a complex of individually decorated villas in Almyrida Village, just 100 metres from the beach. Each unit has a private swimming pool with a sun terrace, overlooking Cretan Sea views.
Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout, and free private parking is available on-site. These modern villas have a fireplace, satellite flat-screen TV, and private bathrooms with a spa bath. A fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, and a safety deposit box are also standard at SK Place.
Cleaning service is available daily, and a welcome basket with wine and other goods awaits all guests upon arrival. The village centre is just 200 metres away, and the area is ideal for many activities, such as horse riding, canoeing, and diving.
The owners can help with car rentals, massage treatments, and private guided tours. Kalives Beach is 1.9 miles away, and Almyrida Beach and a supermarket are within a 4-minute walk. The international airport of Chania is 19 miles away.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
9. Asterion Deep Blue Villa
Asterion Deep Blue Villa is located in Akrotiri-Stavros, just 400 metres from the sandy Stavros beach. The spacious villa has five bedrooms and three bathrooms and can accommodate 10 guests.
On the ground floor is a lounge with a fireplace, satellite flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen. At the same level, there is one bedroom with two single beds and one shared bathroom with a bathtub, a second kitchen with a dining table, and a spacious veranda with a pergola.
On the top are two double bedrooms, an En-suite, two single bedrooms, and one shared bathroom. The balcony on the top floor offers a fantastic mountain and sea view.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 7 km from the property. Various shops, supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants are within 300 metres.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
10. Villa Silvia
Villa Silvia is located in Megala Chorafia, 2 km from Kiani Akti Beach, 10 km from the old town of Chania, and 20 km from Chania International Airport. This stunning air-conditioned villa offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms and can accommodate six guests.
The villa has a modern, furnished living room with a fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area. It also has a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, free parking, a barbecue area with a dining table, a beautiful garden, and a swimming pool with sun loungers. Restaurants and markets are within 500 metres of the villa.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
11. Villa Rigas
Villa Rigas is located in Cavales, only 2 km from Almyrida beach, 650 metres from Cavales beach, and 28 km (around 30 minutes’ drive) from Chania International Airport. The villa has three bedrooms with two double beds, one bedroom with two single beds, and two bathrooms. It can accommodate up to 8 guests.
Also, there is a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a sun terrace (with a stunning view), free Wi-Fi, a living room, a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen. In addition to the outdoor area, there is a spacious barbecue area with a vast dining table, a swimming pool with sun loungers, and free private parking. The price for this villa is decent!
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
12. Villa Jamila
Villa Jamila is located in Kalathas. It offers a private pool, a hot tub, a garden, grill facilities, free WiFi, and free private parking.
The villa has five bedrooms with their own bathrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, a patio with pool views, and a terrace. All the rooms have modern luxury finishes and are very well equipped.
The perfect place for a family holiday villa in Crete. Guests at the villa can enjoy a continental breakfast. The nearest airport is Souda, 5 miles from Villa Jamila, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
13. OliveNest Chania
OliveNest Villa offers a garden with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool in Perivólia. Guests can also enjoy the spectacular view from the terrace. There is a seating area, a dining area, and a very well-equipped kitchen.
A flat-screen TV and Blu-ray player, an iPad, and an iPod are also provided. The villa has free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and free private parking is also available.
The villa is very close to Chania but is located in a very peaceful area. There are two supermarkets (10 minutes’ drive). You will need a car when you decide to stay in a villa, both for groceries and for exploring the beaches or restaurants on the island.
Chania Town is 3.1 mi from OliveNest Chania, while Réthymno Town is 29 mi away. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 9.9 mi from the property.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
14. The Hill House Villa
The Hill House Villa is just 600 yards from Chrissi Akti beach. This holiday home offers a rooftop barbecue area, wall-to-wall windows with views of the sea, spacious indoor and outdoor lounge areas, and an indoor elevator. Flat-screen TVs are available in all bedrooms, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the villa.
The air-conditioned property features a well-equipped kitchen, three bedrooms, a private bathroom with a hydro massage shower column, and a roof garden with spectacular sea views. The garden has sunbeds, hammocks, sofas, and a dining area. Free private parking is also available.
This stunning villa is close to 3 beaches (one of them is suitable for surfing), two supermarkets, and two cafes/bars just 5 mins away. The Maritime Museum of Crete is 1.7 mi from The Hill House Villa, while the Historical Museum of Chania is 1.7 mi away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 8.7 mi from the property.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
15. Villa Thealassa
Villa Thealassa is set in Kounoupidhiana, 10 km from Marathi beach (a charming place with cafes, beach bars, and restaurants). The villa has four bedrooms, two with double beds and the other two with two single beds, so eight guests can be accommodated perfectly.
The air-conditioned property features a very well-equipped kitchen, a living room, a dining area, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and free private parking. The outdoor area has a swimming pool with sun loungers, a ping-pong table, a barbecue area with a dining table, and a relaxing lounge.
Chania Town is only 8 km from the villa, and the nearest airport is Chania International, which is within 7 km. The property offers a paid airport shuttle service. A mini market can be found within 800 metres, supermarkets and restaurants 2 to 2.5 km away.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
Where to Stay in Crete
- Best Place To Stay in Crete: Chania and Western Crete – this is the best area to stay in Crete as it has the best beaches, the famous Samaria Gorge, and the beautiful Chania Town
- Best Hotel in Crete: Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas
- When should I go to Crete? The best time to visit Crete is in June or September because the weather will still be hot, but you won’t find that many tourists on the island; avoid July and August by any means if possible.
- North Crete or South Crete: South Crete (that looks to Africa continent) is full of unique beaches (like Agia Roumeli, or Palaiochora), cute remote villages (like Hora Sfakion) but no big towns (like Chania or Heraklion); the best hotels in Crete and the best towns in Crete are all on the north side of the island; it’s also good to know that the roads network between north and south Crete is not that good so it’s not worth it staying on the south side of the island
- Best Hotel in Chania Town:Domus Renier Boutique Hotel
- Best Area To Stay if it’s your first time in Crete: I suggest you stay as close to Chania as possible because it is the best area in terms of hotels availability, beautiful villages and towns; however you should visit Knossos Palace and the Heraklion area because it’s where most of the historic sites of the island are
- Best Hotel in Western Crete: Minoa Palace Resort & Spa
- How to Book a Hotel for Crete: go to Booking.comand make your choice. Airbnb has far fewer rooms and villas available in Crete.
- Best All-Inclusive Resort in Crete: Amirandes Grecotel Exclusive Resort
- Best Beaches in Crete:read the detailed guide; you can stay close to one of the Crete beaches, but undoubtedly western Crete (close to Chania) has the most impressive beaches; the island has thousands of incredible beaches, and some of them are also close to Heraklion, Hersonissos, Elounda, and Agia Pelagia – the best beaches in Crete (with Google Maps links) are: Agia Roumeli, Palaiochora, Falassarna, Balos, Elafonissi, Kolokitha, Preveli, Agios Pavlos, Vai, Ammoudara, Seitan Limania, Potamos
- Best Area for culture and History: if history, archaeological sites, and museums are your top priority, then you should stay as close as possible to the Heraklion area, as this is where Knossos Palace is, along with the excellent archaeological museum of Heraklion and the less famous Phaistos Minoan Palace
- Cheapest Hotels in Crete: generally as a rule of thumb if you stay in less picturesque or remote areas you will find better prices but there is always a catch as you may spend lots of hours driving to and from your hotel – however I believe that Rethymnon (which is very picturesque but less touristic than Chania) is an excellent spot for you to explore both Chania and Heraklion areas as it is in the middle
- Best Area in Crete for families with kids: Hersonissos – the best thing about Crete is that it has hundreds of all inclusive resorts that are probably the best thing for families with kids as they have plenty of amenities and everything in walking distance; Hersonissos is the area with the most family resorts around but there are family resorts all over the island and if you find another one that you like go for it (especially if it is around Chania)!
- Best Family Resort in Crete: Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort
- Best Area for Nightlife: No, it’s not Malia as many online guides suggest; Malia is a teenager’s resort with cheap nightlife and junk food restaurants (unless this is what you want…). Chania is the best place for nightlife with beautiful bars, elegant clubs, lovely wine bars, and restaurants.
- Best Alternative Places to Stay in Crete: Agios Nikolaos, Rethymnon, Sitia
- Is it Always Windy in Crete? No, it’s not always windy, but it can get windy in July and August (especially on the north side that looks over the Aegean Sea), so you should get prepared for that scenario. The most important thing to remember is to check the wind and go to a beach that is not hit by the winds, and the best way to know that is to ask any locals!
- What is Crete, Greece, famous for? Crete is renowned for its history (Knossos Palace and Minoan civilisation), the fantastic landscape with thousands of beaches, the incredible Samaria gorge, the delicious Cretan food, the picturesque towns of Chania, Rethymnon, and Agios Nikolaos, and course, the lovely and extremely hospitable Cretan people, who are some of the proudest people in Greece.
CONCLUSION
I believe that the best villa in Crete is Elounda Luxury Villasbut to be honest the island has lots of amazing options in all areas (Chania, Agios Nikolaos, Rethymno, Plaka, Heraklion) Crete is a fantastic place to have family holidays and if you hate the all-inclusive hotels and resorts, renting a villa in Crete is the best option.
This is also the best option for multiple family holidays, as most villas can easily sleep more than six people, so this is your best option if 2-3 families want to have holidays together.
