Because Crete is so long, the right base saves you hours in the car. For a week, one base is enough for one region; for two weeks, consider two bases: one in the west and one in the centre or east.
West: Chania region
- Chania old town: atmospheric Venetian lanes, great food and evening walks; parking can be tricky.
- Platanias & Agia Marina: the beach strip west of Chania, with hotels, tavernas and easy beach days.
- Kissamos: a relaxed base for Balos, Falasarna and Elafonisi.
- South-west (Paleochora, Sfakia): quiet, wild and close to the gorges.
Forts & castles · Chania
Chania Old Venetian Harbour
Lagoons · Kissamos
Balos Lagoon
Sandy beaches · Kissamos
Falasarna Beach
Centre: Rethymno and Heraklion
- Rethymno: a charming old town with a long sandy beach, halfway between east and west.
- Plakias & the south coast: laid-back, with Preveli and Triopetra nearby.
- Heraklion city: the base for Knossos and the Archaeological Museum, with lively food and nightlife.
- Hersonissos & Malia: big resorts and nightlife; Agia Pelagia is a calmer alternative.
East: Lasithi
- Agios Nikolaos & Elounda: pretty bays, upmarket hotels and boats to Spinalonga.
- Sitia & the far east: quiet and authentic, close to Vai.
- Ierapetra: the south-east coast, warm and less touristy.
Quick picks
- Families: Platanias, Rethymno, Elounda
- Couples: Chania old town, Elounda, Plakias
- Nightlife: Hersonissos, Malia, Heraklion
- Nature & hiking: Sfakia, Paleochora, Anogeia
Updated: 2026-10-29
