Many who visit Crete enjoy spending time in the old towns of Chania and Rethymnon and in the capital city to explore its Venetian fortress and 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 their top accommodation choices.
And if you want to learn more about Crete’s magic mountain villages, visit this article for more places to visit!
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Best Traditional Villages to Stay in Crete
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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:
Xobli House
Are you spending some time in Kritsa on your own or with your partner? Xobli House is an eighteenth-century house in Kritsa that has been recently renovated and might be your piece of heaven.
This micro house has just the right comfort for those who spend tons of time in the open but want to have a comfy place to relax at night after walking, hiking, and discovering Lasithi.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
Tsiboulas Cretan Cottage
This Cretan cottage is a place to stay in Kritsa that I have already recommended in other articles. It represents the essence of old family homes in the mountain villages of our island.
The gorgeous place includes an authentic Cretan kitchen with a dining area, one bedroom, a living room, and a washing machine.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
>>> If none of those properties fit your needs, then click here to find the right place to stay 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:
Chez Cécile Home
A ravishing property in Cycladic colors and pink bougainvillea, Chez Cécile offers stunning little homes where to spend your time in Mochlos.
The house is just a few steps from Mochlos Beach. It has a gorgeous terrace and views of the tiny settlement. Each room comes with a patio with views of the garden.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
Nuez Villas
Excellent sea views, tranquil surroundings, and Cretan decor for Nuez Villas also in Mochlos. On the premises, you will find also a swimming pool, free bikes, and a garden.
To mitigate the hot summers on the island, the units are air-conditioned and offer every comfort you need, including a kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and even an à la carte breakfast.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
>>> If none of those properties fit your needs, then click here to find the right place to stay in Mochlos.
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:
Villa Kazantzakis
Located in Kato Archanes, this Cretan villa is a great vacation home featuring a garden with an outdoor pool.
The property is 10 km from the city of Heraklio and boasts views of the mountains. It has a well-equipped kitchen which includes also a dishwasher. Private parking is also available at the property.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
Galini Traditional House
Top reviews for this home in Archanes. Galini is an authentic Cretan property with a beautiful panoramic terrace around 9.4 kilometers from The Palace of Knossos. This holiday home has a garden, barbecue facilities, and free private parking.
It features two bedrooms, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with garden views.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
>>> If none of those properties fit your needs, then click here to find the right place for you in 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.
2a Villa
Looking for a luxurious villa in Mochos, then nothing beats the 2a Villa. It features a private pool, a garden, and free private parking.
The three bedrooms come with air conditioning, and there is also a dining area and a kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave. Towels and bed linen are available in the villa.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
>>> If you haven’t yet found the right place to stay, click here for more homes to rent in Mochos.
Anogeia, in the Region of Rethymnon
Anogeia (also written Anogia) is one of Crete’s most historic villages worth a visit and 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 village women. 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:
Delina Mountain Resort
Open all year round, this is the most spectacular place to stay in Crete during winter. Delina is a favorite resort among locals, who often choose it as the place to go and relax when the summer crowds have left the island.
The complex is set in an area of 28 acres. This resort combines the fine facilities of a luxurious hotel with the authenticity of Cretan tradition and the island’s wild beauty.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
Petra Maisonette
Nothing is more Cretan than the setting and atmosphere you will find in this maisonette located a few kilometers from the coast. The property comes with a terrace and amazing garden views.
Inside the chalet, you will find a 1 bedroom, a living room, flat-screen TV, and an equipped kitchen.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
>>> If you didn’t find the right place in Anogeia, click here to find other accommodations in the area.
Spili, in the Region of Rethymnon
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:
Domus Polymnia
Check out this restored, traditional stone-built house that ticks all the boxes when it comes to authentic accommodation on the island.
The property features mountain views and lies 15 minutes from the closest beach. It comes with a cozy living room and a fully equipped kitchen and all the spaces are a blend of traditional style and modern comforts.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
The Bridge House
The Bridge House offers accommodation with air conditioning, barbecue facilities, and a terrace. The property features mountain views and is 33 km from Psiloritis National Park and 25 km from Arkadi Monastery.
The villa comes with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with views of the village.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
>>> If these properties do not suit your needs, click here to find other places to stay in Spili.
Vamos Village, Chania Region
Vamos is the main village in the Apokoronas region, not far from 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 represent the island’s spirit well.
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.
Villa Alexandrou
Only steps from Vamos and Vryses, another gorgeous Chania village, Villa Alexandrou is another nineteenth-century, 2-story stone complex with self-catering accommodations surrounding an interior courtyard. It features a shared garden with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool.
The villas come with comfy bedrooms, a kitchen with kitchenware, a refrigerator, and a seating and dining area.
There is also heating and air conditioning throughout the units as well as laundry facilities:
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
>>> If none of those properties is the right one for you, click this link to find another place in Vamos that suits your needs.
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:
Traditional Luxury Villa in Fres
This villa is located only twelve kilometers from the popular Folklore Museum of Gavalochori and a few minutes from the ancient site of Aptera, one of Chania’s most important archaeological sites.
Traditional Luxury Villa in Fres provides accommodation with two comfortable rooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and free private parking.
Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.
>>> If none of these Fres properties is the place you’re looking for, click here to find alternative accommodation in Fres.
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
More resources to enhance your Crete adventure
Start by checking out my 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. If you prefer, you can purchase one of the digital travel guides I’ve specifically written about Crete. They are affordable and practical to check from your mobile.
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: Galaxy Hotel.
- Chania: Porto Antico.
- Rethymnon: Archipelagos Hotel.
- Agios Nikolaos: Hotel Port 7.
Pin this Guide to the Best Villages to Stay in on Crete Island!
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.