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Many of those who visit Crete enjoy spending time in the old town of Chania and Rethymnon as well as in the capital city to explore its Venetian fortress as well as the Knossos Palace. But many others, prefer to stay in Crete’s lesser-known villages to experience authentic traditions and a more relaxed vibe. In this article, I show you some beautiful traditional villages to stay in Crete and the top accommodation choice in each of them.

And if you want to learn more about Crete’s magic mountain villages, head to this article for more places to visit!

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Best Traditional Villages to Stay in Crete

Cretan mountain villages offer relaxation far from the cities, the noise, and the crowds.

Besides, the mountains are a haven to get away from high temperatures in summer as well as fantastic destinations in winter, especially if you enjoy hikes, mountain landscapes, and… why not? Some snow too!

In no particular order, these are some of my favorite villages to stay in Crete to avoid crowds in summer or to spend a completely different winter, read on!

Kritsa, in the Lasithi Region

One of the most delightful villages on the island has to be the small mountain settlement of Kritsa, which is located about ten kilometers inland from Agios Nikolaos, the capital of the Lasithi region in the East of Crete.

In this charming little village, time seems to have stopped, the atmosphere is relaxed and quiet most of the year, even when hundreds of tourists head here after visiting the nearby Panagia Kera church, one of the most important Byzantine churches on the island.

This is a picturesque mountain hamlet that features beautiful little houses and traditional shops and tavernas and among other places to visit nearby, are the magnificent Katharo Plateau and the small village of Krousta (where I’ve eaten some of the best goat dishes in Crete!)

Where to Stay in Kritsa

Check out these traditional properties in Kritsa:

Mochlos, in the Lasithi Region

For a traditional village, this time by the sea, check Mochlos — but don’t confuse it with Mochos, another gorgeous village, this time in Heraklion.

This little fishing village has a beautiful beach and tranquil tavernas by the small shore.

On the islet opposite the village, there is an ancient Minoan site worth exploring. The atmosphere is relaxed and it combines the views of the mountains with the turquoise waters of the Mirabello Gulf.

Where to Stay in Mochlos

Check out these traditional properties in the village of Mochos:

Archanes, in the Region of Heraklion

In the heart of the wine region of Heraklion, the pretty village of Archanes is great to spend a few days in Crete. It’s conveniently close to the capital of the island but far enough to experience a completely different vibe.

If you want inspiring landscapes, check out the upper village of Epano Archanes. It has been restored with an initiative that improved the village, retaining its traditional features. Rent a house here to experience traditional alleys, blooming gardens, and fantastic mountain scenes.

Where to Stay in Archanes

Check out these traditional properties in the village of Archanes:

Mochos, Heraklion Region

Another village that I love is Mochos (Heraklion) close to Stalida, Malia, and Hersonissos. I visit often as I really enjoy spending time there. There’s not much to do, and for me, that’s the beauty of Mochos.

You can have fantastic dinners in the main square and tour the small but interesting Folklore Museum of Mochos. Not far, I’ve recently discovered the little village of Krasi, also worth a visit (there’s more information about Krasi in this article).

Where to Stay in Mochos

These are some of the places I suggest checking out in the village:

Elenia’s House in Mochos

Perfect place for a long stay (or a short one too, why not?), this villa is equipped with three bedrooms, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with mountain views of the surrounding area.

It is a short drive from the beach while the Airport of Heraklion is no more than 30 minutes from the villa.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.

Anogeia, in the Region of Rethymnon

Anogeia (also written Anogia) is one of Crete’s most historic villages, not only worth a visit, but even more of a stay!

Here, you can enjoy the tunes of Crete’s famous Lyra players, taste the Cretan Antixristo (lamb on the spit) or buy local crafts from the women of the village. The views of Mount Psiloritis are fantastic.

Where to Stay in Anogeia

These are the places I suggest checking out if you want to spend time in Anogeia:

Spili liest at the foot of Mount Voriza, 45 minutes from Rethymnon, on the way to the southern Triopetra Beach. In this village, there is every comfort for tourists (banks, pharmacies, a bus station, and a health center), remaining very calm.

The village is known for the Kefalovryisi (or head springs), a line with 25 Venetian lion heads that are in fact fountains, from which mouths there is a constant flow of water rich in minerals.

Where to stay in Spili

These are some of the best properties in the area:

Vamos Village, Chania Region

Vamos is the main village in the Apokoronas region, not far from the city of Chania.

This is one of Chania’s main traditional villages, and it’s a perfect example of the authentic Cretan atmosphere of the years gone.

It’s located at the foothills of the White Mountains, and it’s great for a stay in complete relaxation. Life in Vamos is very tranquil, the alleys and the whole scene well represent the spirit of the island.

Where to Stay in Vamos

These are the places I suggest you check out in the region:

Fabrica

Set in a renovated, nineteenth-century complex of traditional buildings, Fabrica offers self-catered country houses overlooking the scenic Vamos countryside featuring a dining area with a fireplace.

The stone-built homes at the Fabrica are charmingly decorated with traditional, wooden furniture. There is also a spacious, furnished veranda decorated with plants, ideal for relaxing with a cold drink.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.

Fres, Chania Region

Finally, not far from Chania, another quiet village to stay in is Fres. The village is quite close to Vamos, but it’s much smaller and even more relaxed.

This location is perfect for total disconnection and is great to explore the traditional villages of Apokoronas, such as Gavalochori and Tzitzifes.

Where to Stay in Fres

This is the place I suggest you check out if you want to stay in the area:

As you could see, there are some unique villages to spend a relaxing time in Crete, no matter which region you choose, they will all offer an original approach to the local traditions as well as an authentic view of Crete off the beaten track! Did you find the right village to stay in when in Crete?

Read more about Crete

• Guide to Driving in Crete: Everything you need to know + tips for car rental.
• 52 Beautiful Things to Do in Chania (region) for an Unforgettable Holiday.
• How to get to Crete: Best Air and Sea Routes to Travel to the Island.
• Explore the Fantastic Unspoiled Beaches in South Crete

Pin this Guide to the Best Villages to Stay in on Crete Island!

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You might also want to read these posts about Crete’s regions:

• 52 Things to Do in Lasithi Region
• 52 Things to Do in Heraklion Region
• 52 Things to Do in Rethymnon Region
• 52 Things to Do in Chania Region

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