For your next vacation, you don't know where to stay in Crete, which place to choose between North Crete or South Crete, which part of the island is the most beautiful?

These are the first questions we ask ourselves when choosing this destination to enjoy the beaches, postcard landscapes but also tourism.

If you are looking for where the most beautiful places in Crete are, here is some useful information to choose between North Crete or South Crete.

The main regions to stay in Crete

Crete is the largest island in Greece which is spread out in length and offers very varied landscapes. Therefore, to choose the best place to stay in Crete, you must first identify the characteristics of the different regions and coasts of Crete.

To summarize, we can say that:

  • The part North Crete all aroundHeraklion is the most populated region and the most frequented by tourists.
  • The Eastern and Western regions are wilder, more authentic and more preserved from mass tourism.
  • La south coast of Crete is more difficult to access but it has some of the most beautiful beaches in Crete.

Are you still hesitating? Of course, because as the island is very long, to choose the best place to stay in Crete, you have to choose between North or South Crete , but above all between East or West Crete?

And to discover the natural beauty and traditional villages of central Crete, I recommend the excursion: Central Crete + Lake Kournas.

Staying in the north of Crete or in the south?

There is a big difference between staying in the North of Crete or in the South.

Indeed, for those seeking easy access to beaches, lively areas, tourist attractions, and major hotel chains, northern Crete is the place to stay. The seaside resorts around Chania and Malia are perfect for combining sightseeing with relaxation. From Malia, you can also take a magnificent excursion to the idyllic island of Chrysí.

For those seeking authenticity, tranquility, unspoiled nature (white mountains, canyons, cliffs), and the beauty of wild and secluded beaches , southern Crete is the place to stay. In addition to its beaches, southern Crete is home to the Samaria Gorge , which can be admired on a magnificent hike.

But you should know that only 25% of tourists stay in the South of Crete because this coast does not offer all the amenities of North Crete, especially in terms of transport and hotel offer.

North or south of Crete for the beaches?

There are many beautiful beaches in both the north and south of Crete. But the most secluded beaches, the most beautiful for their wild and unspoiled character, are found on the south coast.

Here is a map of the most beautiful beaches in Crete: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QhyytLTDGKf1gci38

south crete - best beach

Best beaches in southern Crete

The beaches in the south of Crete are less well known than those in the north, but some are much more beautiful. Difficult to name them all because there are many small coves that we discover by winding paths.

Here are the best known for their beauty, their turquoise color and their clear waters:

Where to stay in southern Crete?

For a stay on the most beautiful beach in South Crete, here's a great place to stay: Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family

South Crete Hotel
best hotel in south crete

Liveliest beaches in northern Crete

The entire North coast is renowned for its magnificent beaches and its many seaside resorts which attract mass tourism.

Here are the most beautiful beaches in the North of Crete (click on the links for photos and Google Map location):

Northwest Coast :

Northeast Coast :

most beautiful beach on crete
Balos Beach

Where to stay in northern Crete?

Here is a beautiful beachfront hotel in a great location, right next to the magnificent Balos beach and its stunning lagoon: Balos Beach Hotel

Hotel Crete North West
where to stay in south or north crete

Other dream beach ideas:

The Hyères Islands in France , the islands of Polynesia , the San Blas Islands in Panama, or the pearl of Mucura

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