Traveling on a budget in Crete is a possibility, there are several accommodation options available for those who don’t want to break the bank when it comes to a place to stay.
The key, as always, is to book as early as you can because, in just days, prices can go up surprisingly. In this article, you will find some of the best cheap hotels in Crete for an affordable vacation.
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Top Affordable Accommodation in Crete
Be sure to book ahead of time to ensure availability!
🛎️ Find the best hotels in Crete here
📍 Top tours I recommend on the island:
– Boat cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa
– Ticket to Knossos Archaeological Site
🚘 The best way to get around Crete is by car. Check rental car rates for Crete here.
📲 Book a consultation call if you need help planning your trip to Crete!
When in Crete, you’ll find some interesting cities to discover, all of them featuring centrally placed hotels that make getting around far easier.
If you prefer to stay somewhere not as busy, on this list you will also find some lovely hotels that are situated close to the island’s main towns and other major attractions.
Crete is the largest and most populated of the Greek islands and the 5th largest island in the Mediterranean, lying about 150 km from the Greek mainland.
Because of its size, Crete has so much to offer whether you are a solo traveler, a family with young children, or one with teenagers.
And there is a great variety of hotels too, places to stay on the island come in all sizes and prices, making it easy to tailor the cost of your holiday to suit your budget. Read on to discover the best affordable hotels in Crete.
Best Inexpensive Hotels in Crete
In no particular order, these are some of the best cheap hotels in Crete offering great value for money!
Boho City Hostel, Chania Town
This property is close to Koum Kapi Beach, in the historic part of town. Boho City Hostel is close to Chania’s best restaurants and the most popular museums.
The place features express check-in, a shared kitchen and lounge, a coffee and tea maker in the rooms, and a tour desk. The Chania affordable hotel is about 11 kilometers from the port of Souda and offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
Pink Sand Villa Elafonisi, Chania Region
Close to supermarkets and convenience stores and a few minutes from one of the best beaches on the island, these small but cozy villas offer super affordable accommodation in Chania.
The accommodation is close to the gorgeous Aspri Limni Beach, as well as Kedrodasos and Elafonisi. It features free WiFi, BBQ facilities, a garden, and free private parking. There is also a relaxing terrace with mountain views where to spend some time after a day at the beach.
At the villa, you will find a seating area, a flat-screen TV, and a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and an oven. If you plan to visit Balos Beach during your stay, the property is about 39 kilometers from the port of Kavousi, where Balos Daily Cruises depart daily.
Prices are especially convenient in 2023!
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
Sweet Memories, Malia, Heraklion Region
Sweet Memories is an accommodation that enjoys top reviews online for its comfortable facilities, the incredible hospitality of the hosts, and the affordable prices in one of the most popular areas in Crete, Malia.
The place is perfect for a couple as it accommodates two guests. It is about 1.5 kilometers from Central Beach in Malia, 2.3 kilometers from Sun Beach, about 25 minutes from Cretaquarium, and less than 30 kilometers from Heraklion International Airport while there is also a paid airport shuttle service available.
The new building features a flat with free WiFi and air conditioning. For further convenience, the property features both bicycle and car rental services.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
Looking for other hotels in Malia? Check out this article!
President Guesthouse, Keratokampos, Heraklion Region
Located on the pacific southern coast of the island, close to the best beaches in Heraklion, the convenient President Guesthouse is only 500 meters from the sea.
In the area, there are also bars, cafés, and traditional Greek taverns less than 5 minutes away by foot, and safe free parking is also possible in the nearby surroundings.
This place offers accommodation with free WiFi and a garden with a terrace and sea views, as well as easy access to outdoor activities, including hiking, diving, fishing, and more.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
Looking for a hostel? Read Hostels in Crete: Top Accommodation for a Holiday on a Tight Budget
Evilion Hotel, Stalos, Chania Region
The two-star Evilion Hotel is a short bus ride from the center of Chania and well-connected to the airport. It is situated in the tranquil seaside settlement of Stalos, near popular beaches such as Platanias and Agia Marina.
Featuring self-catering accommodation, this place is just 50 meters from the sandy beach of Stalos and it also has a swimming pool and restaurant, as well as units with a balcony overlooking the Cretan Sea or the sun terrace.
The studios come with a kitchen or kitchenette and a dining area and a seating area with satellite TV.
The property also serves daily breakfast while Cretan dishes are served at lunch and dinner. There is also a poolside bar where to enjoy drinks and light meals.
For young guests, there is a children’s playground and a shallow pool available. Free private parking is possible nearby.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
Stella Paradise Checkin, Hersonissos, Heraklion
The cozy Stella Paradise is a comfortable property located steps from the port of Hersonissos, in the heart of this lively seaside settlement, only a few kilometers from the capital of the island. The hotel is just 100 meters from the sandy Agia Paraskevi Beach, close to the center of Hersonissos.
The place features self-catering and ample accommodation with balconies, a kitchenette, and modern bathrooms.
There is also an on-site mini-market and free Wi-Fi. Heraklion International Airport is only 25 kilometers from the hotel.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
Archipelagos Hotel, Rethymnon Town
I’ve often recommended Archipelagos Hotel in Rethymnon as it offers superb value for money, it is very close to the old town, and the hospitality is top-class!
This hotel is set on a hillside with panoramic views over the Cretan Sea and Rethymnon’s Venetian Fortress, its facilities include an outdoor communal pool and private pools, a pool bar, and furnished balconies in the rooms.
There are lots of great restaurants nearby, as well as a mini market. The central bus station connecting to the rest of Crete is only 500 meters from the hotel.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
Alexis Hotel, Chania Town
Just a few minutes from the city beach of Nea Chora, this hotel is also close to the popular, Chrissi Akti and Agioi Apostoli beaches in Chania. The family-run hotel Alexis offers an outdoor pool and a children’s pool, as well as sunbeds, umbrellas, and a hot tub. The center of Chania is just a 20-minute walk away.
Featuring air-conditioned rooms, with mountain or sea views. At this hotel, guests can also enjoy the daily breakfast buffet, dinner, and a wide menu selection of Greek and Cretan cuisine, everything made with fresh local products.
Theodosi Restaurant and bar open out to the patio where guests can dine while enjoying town and sea views.
Staff can arrange activities such as wine tasting, Cretan cooking lessons, excursions, village tours, and dance lessons. There is also a shuttle bus to the city center that runs every 20 minutes.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
Mylos Apartments Anissaras by Estia, Heraklion Region
Located close to supermarkets, bars, and restaurants, just a few kilometers from Heraklion, Mylos Apartments Anissaras by Estia is also close to important areas on the island, including Hersonissos, Gouves, Stalida, and Malia, making it the perfect base to explore Crete.
Guests can choose self-catering, one or two-bedroom apartments with a living room area and a fully equipped kitchen with sea or mountain views.
There is also a swimming pool with sun beds as well as a snack bar and a pool bar serving snacks and drinks after 6 pm. For children, there is also a smaller pool and a playground.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
Sometimes, in order to find affordable accommodation, it’s necessary to find a hotel that’s a bit off the beaten path or try to reduce your comforts and amenities, however, most of the properties featured in this article are comfy, clean, safe, and convenient.
But that’s not a problem in Crete! Driving on the island is one of the best ways to move around and discover the many hidden gems you would otherwise miss if you only relied on public transport.
You can also read this guide to driving and renting a car in Crete for further insight!
Which car rental service is the best to choose? If you want to rent a car for your trip, consider Discover Cars, a worldwide car rental booking service.
Read more Accommodation Guides for Crete
- Best Traditional Villages to Stay in Crete for a Relaxing Holiday!
- Best Places to Stay in Crete: Insider’s Guide to Where to Stay on the Island
- Where to Stay in Crete for History and Culture (Best Areas + Brief Hotel Guide)
- Beach Resorts in Crete: Wake Up With Your Feet on the Sand!
- Best Places in Crete for Families: Where to Stay and Top Family Resorts
More resources to enhance your Crete adventure
Start by checking out my ultimate guide to planning your trip to Crete, packed with helpful essential information. Explore the articles on prices in Crete, common mistakes to avoid, and insider secrets for an unforgettable experience.
When it’s time to plan, explore the best places to visit on Crete Island, discover my tours and activities, and be amazed at Crete’s incredible beaches. If you are exploring specific areas like Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lasithi, and Chania, I’ve got detailed guides to help you make the most of your time.
Suggested accommodation in Crete
No time to read all my accommodation guides? Check out these places to stay:
- Heraklion: So Young Hostel ($), Capsis Astoria ($$), Galaxy Hotel ($$$).
- Chania: Cocoon City Hostel ($), Porto Antico ($$), Hotel OFF ($$$).
- Rethymnon: Matthias Hotel ($), Archipelagos Hotel ($$), Avli ($$$).
- Agios Nikolaos: Villa Galini ($), Hotel Port 7 ($$), Minos Beach Art Hotel ($$$).
More useful travel resources
- Check out all the digital travel guides I’ve specifically written about Crete. They are affordable and practical to check from your mobile.
- Find convenient ferry tickets with Ferryhopper.
- Welcome Pickups offers a convenient pre-paid airport transfer service, while Discover Cars is my favorite engine for finding a rental car on the island.
- To book adventures, tours, and cultural experiences, I recommend Get Your Guide for its flexible cancellation policy.
Pin This Affordable Accommodation in Crete Guide and Keep it Handy for When it’s Time to Book!
About me:
I have lived in Chania, Crete, since 2016. As a local, I have an intimate knowledge of the Crete. I host culinary and concierge tours and experiences in Crete and write about the island for several travel media. During the last five years, I have helped many travelers plan the perfect holiday in Crete. I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person could ever handle.