Chania town and western Crete is probably the best area to stay in Crete. There is no shortage of amazing private villas in Chania area but the following ones are probably the best.
Western Crete (aka “Chania area”) is also the best area to stay if this is your first time on the island of Crete. The good thing about Crete and Chania in particular is that there are so many available options and villas to choose from that you will probably feel overwhelmed.
My advice though is this:
– if you rent a villa for your accommodation in Crete make sure you also rent a car as the local buses will probably not stop outside of your villa.
– if you rent a villa make sure it’s as close as possible to the beach and not up in the mountains because the road network of Crete is very bad and locals drive like mad…
BEST VILLA IN CHANIA: Winehill Villa
READ ALSO:
Where to Stay in Crete
Best Hotels in Crete
Best Hotels in Chania
Best Family Villas in Crete
VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW
- Best Website to Book a Villa in Chania Crete: Booking.com (more options than Airbnb…even for private villas to rent on the island ; just apply the correct filter on the search results)
- Best Villa in Chania Crete: Winehill Villa (…wow!)
- Best Hotel in Chania: Domes Noruz Chania Hotel (at the suburbs of Chania)
- Where to Stay in Crete: Unless you are staying in an all-inclusive resort in Crete or at a unique villa, then you would definitely need a car on the island and more than 5 days in total. The best area to stay in Crete is the western part of the island or the “Chania prefecture”, as it has the most picturesque villages, the gorgeous Samaria Gorge, the beautiful beaches of Balos, Falassarna, Platanias, Elafonissi and obviously the most picturesque town of Crete which is Chania old town
- Where Are the Best Villas in Crete: the best villas are literally scattered and there is not one area that offers more than another; just make sure that the villas you will be renting is from a verified owner and it has good reviews. You will definitely need a car in Crete so location doesn’t really matter (but I would rather personally stay in a villa with sea views to be honest).
RECOMMENDED WEBSITES FOR GREECE:
Booking.com is the website with the most available rooms and Private Villas in Athens, Santorini , Mykonos & Crete (more than Airbnb!)
DirectFerries is the best website to book your ferry tickets or check the timetables for Santorini, Mykonos , Crete & all greek islands
Get Your Guide has the best and largest variety of Tours in Athens and the greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete etc)
Rentalcars is the easiest way to rent a car or a quad for Greece with thousands of available options
1. Winehill Villa
Winehill Villa is a villa set in Plataniás, just 550 yards from the beach. Guests benefit from free WiFi and private parking available on site.Chania International Airport is 13 mi away (by car). This villa is stunning! The living area, the kitchen, the pool, the garden area and the bedrooms are very spacious and have modern and luxury finishes, furniture and all the appropriate equipment. The facilities are immaculate and very well-kept. The view is wonderful (combination of mountains and sea). Also, there are several great restaurants within one kilometre of the villa. This villa is one of the most amazing holiday villas in Crete to stay, ideal for everyone such as couples, a group of friends and families as it has a private swimming pool where everybody can enjoy the swimming pool all day. The beach is a walking distance from the villa. One of the best villas in whole Greece, just amazing!!!
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
2. Villa Filira
Villa Filira is located in kolymvari, just 24 km (around 25 mins by car) away from Chania Town. This stunning villa can accommodate 6 guests and has a wonderful terrace with an amazing view. The villa has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a balcony and a very well-equipped kitchen. This villa also offers a free wifi, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free private parking, a private pool, a garden and a barbeque area. The outdoor area has also a children’s playground and lounge. There is also a multiple choice of museums you can visit such as Maritime Museum Of Crete, Archaeological Museum of Chania, House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos and some other remarkable places like Municipal Market of Chania, Venizelos Graves and of course for the most adventurous the Samaria Gorge is something that shouldn’t be missed out of the “to do” things on your holiday at Chania.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
3. Villa Imperial
Villa Imperial is set in Marathi very close to Marathi beach which is around 20 mins by walk or 5 mins by car. This stunning villa can accommodate 12-14 people as it has 6 bedrooms and a sofa bed in the living room. Also, offers a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free wifi, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with pool views. At Villa Imperial guests are welcome to enjoy a continental or vegetarian breakfast. The villa gives you access to a terrace and a hot tub as well, including free private parking. The nearest is Souda only 8km around 15 mins away from Villa Imperial. By living in this villa you will realise that your choice to select this destination for your holiday is the best!
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
4. Aoria Estate Villa
Aoria Estate Villa is located near the villages of Armenoi and Kalyves, 26.5 km (around 30 mins) away from Chania Town. This traditional villa combines spectacular views of the sea and the mountains. Aoria Estates can accommodate 7 guests as it offers 3 bedrooms, two of which are fitted with a satellite, flat-screen TV, free wifi throughout the villa, private parking. The villa has air conditioning, fully equipped kitchen, living room and 2 bathrooms. The outdoor area has a veranda with a barbeque and a dining table, sun loungers by the pool and a lounge area under a pergola including a sun terrace with a lounge at the first floor. Also, a garden with flowers, trees, and aromatic herbs join you at your stay. Supermarkets and restaurants can be found within 3.5km and 5km. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 29km (around 40 mins) from the property.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
5. Blue Sea Luxury Villa
Blue Sea Luxury is located in Maleme is 41km (around 40 mins drive) away from Chania International Airport. Maleme is a quiet village with shops and supermarkets. This villa has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free wifi, fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, lounge and dining area. Also, an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers and dining area, a patio with pool views as well is offered. It is very conveniently located for numerous bars and restaurants with a well-stocked supermarket within five minutes walking distance. The location is ideal for touring the southwest and west of Crete; Chania, Palechora, Elafonisi beach and wonderful sunset dinners at Falasarna.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
6. Platanias Panoramic Sea View Villa
Platanias Panoramic Sea View Villa is located in Platanias. This stunning villa has a mini soccer and basketball court, a private helipad is also featured on site.. This villa has a balcony, a living room and a flat-screen TV. The air-conditioned villa also features a washing machine and a bathroom with a hot tub and a bath.. It’s a fantastic accommodation, stylish and modern decorated, there is also a bbq, patio, big dining table and terrace where you can enjoy your breakfast, lunch and dinner and the fantastic view surrounded by nature. Chania International Airport is 14 mi away around 35 mins.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
7. Rodi Stone Villa
Rodi Stone Villa is located in Kalyves and the nearest airport is Chania International Airport 27 km from the villa and can accommodate 6-8 guests as it offers 3 bedrooms and living room with two sofa beds, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free wifi throughout the villa, air conditioning, dining area, a lounge area, a fully equipped kitchen, a balcony with pool views and private parking. This modern stylish villa combines spectacular views of the sea and mountains. The outdoor area is provided with barbeque, a private swimming pool with sun loungers and a lounge area where you can enjoy eating your breakfast or viewing the sunset. Supermarkets, cafe/bar and restaurants can be found within 2 km.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
8. SK Place Crete Luxury Villas
SK Place Luxury Villa is a complex of individually decorated villas in Almyrida Village, just 100 metres from the beach. Each unit has a private swimming pool with a sun terrace, and overlooking Cretan Sea views. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout and free private parking is possible on site..These modern villas come with a fireplace, satellite flat-screen TV and private bathrooms with a spa bath. They also have a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning and a safety deposit box are standard at SK Place. Cleaning service is daily available and a welcome basket with wine and other goods awaits all guests upon arrival.The village centre is just 200 metres away and the area is ideal for many activities such as horse riding, canoeing and diving. The owners can help with car rentals, massage treatments and private guided tours. Kalives Beach is at a distance of 1.9 miles, Almyrida Beach and supermarket can be found within a 4-minute walk. The international airport of Chania is within 19 miles.
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9. Asterion Deep Blue Villa
Asterion Deep Blue Villa is located in Akrotiri-Stavros, just 400 metres from the sandy Stavros beach. The spacious villa has a total of 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms which can accommodate 10 guests. On the ground floor there is a lounge with a fireplace, satellite flat-screen TV, free wifi, dining area and a fully equipped kitchen. At the same level there are 1 bedroom with 2 single beds and 1 common bathroom with a bathtub, a second kitchen with a dining table and a spacious veranda with pergola. On top level there are 2 double bedrooms of which one is En-suite and two bedrooms with 2 single beds each and 1 common bathroom. The mountain and sea view is amazing from the balcony on the top floor. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 7 km from the property. There are various shops, supermarkets, cafes and restaurants within 300 metres.
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10. Villa Silvia
Villa Silvia is located in Megala Chorafia, within 2 km from Kiani Akti Beach, 10 km from the old town of Chania and 20 km away from Chania International Airport. This stunning air conditioned villa offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, can accommodate 6 guests in total. There is a modern furnished living room with a fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen with dining area. A flat-screen TV, free wifi, free parking, a barbeque area with a dining table, a beautiful garden and a swimming pool with sun loungers. Restaurants and markets can be found within 500 metres from the villa.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE
11. Villa Rigas
Villa Rigas is located in kalyves only 2 km from Almyrida beach, 650 metres from kalyves beach and 28 km (around 30 mins drive) from Chania International Airport. The villa has 3 bedrooms with 2 double beds and 1 bedroom with 2 single beds and 2 bathrooms, this villa can accommodate up to 8 guests. Also, there is a flat screen TV with satellite channels , a sun terrace (with a stunning view), free wifi, a living room, a dining area and a fully equipped kitchen. In addition to outdoor area there is a spacious barbeque area with a huge dining table, a swimming pool with sun loungers and free private parking.The price for this villa is really descent!
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12. Villa Jamila
Villa Jamila is located in Kalathas. This villa offers a private pool, a hot tub, a garden, grill facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.The villa has 5 bedrooms all with their own bathrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, a patio with pool views and a terrace. All the rooms have a modern luxury finishes and very well equipped. The perfect place for a family holiday villa in Crete. Guests at the villa can enjoy a continental breakfast. The nearest airport is Souda, 5 miles from Villa Jamila, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
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13. OliveNest Chania
OliveNest Villa offers a garden with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and is located in Perivólia. Guests can also enjoy the terrace with the spectacular view.. There is a seating area, a dining area and a very well equipped kitchen. A flat-screen TV and Blu-ray player, as well as an iPad and an iPod dare also provided. The villa has a free WiFi throughout the property and a free private parking is available as well. The villa is very close to Chania but is located in a very peaceful area. There are 2 supermarkets (10 mins drive). It’s very obvious that you will need a car when you decide to stay in a villa for groceries and for exploring the beaches or restaurants on the island. Chania Town is 3.1 mi from OliveNest Chania, while Réthymno Town is 29 mi away. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 9.9 mi from the property.
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14. The Hill House Villa
The Hill House Villa is set at just 600 yards from Chrissi Akti beach, this holiday home offers a rooftop barbecue area, wall to wall windows with views of the sea, along with spacious indoor and outdoor lounge areas and an indoor elevator. Also, a flat screen TVs are available in all bedrooms and free wifi throughout the villa. The air-conditioned property features a very well equipped kitchen, 3 bedrooms, a private bathroom with a hydro massage shower column and a roof garden with spectacular views of the sea, furnished with sunbeds, a hammock, sofas and a dining area. Free private parking is also available.This stunning villa is close to 3 beaches (one of them is really good for surfing), 2 supermarkets and 2 cafe/bar just 5 mins away. Maritime Museum Of Crete is 1.7 mi from The Hill House Villa, while Historical Museum of Chania is 1.7 mi away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 8.7 mi from the property.
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15. Villa Thealassa
Villa Thealassa is set in Kounoupidhiana which is 10 km from Marathi beach (very nice place with cafes beach bars and restaurants). The villa has 4 bedrooms, two of them with double beds and the other two with 2 single beds, so 8 guests can be accommodated perfectly. The air-conditioned property features a very well equipped kitchen, a living room, a dining area, a flat screen TV, free wifi and free private parking. The outdoor area has a swimming pool with sun loungers, ping pong table, a barbeque area with a dining table and a very comfy relaxing lounge. Chania Town is only 8 km from the villa and the nearest airport is Chania International, within 7 km and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service. A mini market can be found within 800 metres, supermarkets and restaurants 2 to 2.5 km.
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Where to Stay in Crete
- Best Place To Stay in Crete: Chania and Western Crete – this is the best area to stay in Crete as it has the best beaches, the famous Samaria Gorge and the beautiful Chania Town
- Best Hotel in Crete: Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas
- When Should I go to Crete?: the best time to visit Crete is in June or September because the weather will still be hot but you won’t find that many tourists on the island; avoid July and August by any means if possible
- North Crete or South Crete: South Crete (that basically looks to Africa continent) is full of unique beaches (like Agia Roumeli, or Palaiochora) , cute remote villages (like Hora Sfakion) but no big towns (like Chania or Heraklion); the best hotels in Crete and the best towns in Crete are all on the north side of the island; it’s also good to know that the roads network between north and south Crete is really not that good so it’s really not worth it staying on the south side of the island
- Best Hotel in Chania Town: Domus Renier Boutique Hotel
- Best Area To Stay if it’s your first time in Crete: I suggest you stay as close to Chania as possible because it is the best area in terms of hotels availability, beautiful villages and towns; however you should definitely visit Knossos Palace and the Heraklion area because it’s where most of the historic sites of the island are
- Best Hotel in Western Crete: Minoa Palace Resort & Spa
- How to Book a Hotel for Crete: go to Booking.com and make your choice. Airbnb has far less available rooms and villas for Crete.
- Best All Inclusive Resort in Crete: Amirandes Grecotel Exclusive Resort
- Best Beaches in Crete: read the detailed guide ; you can definitely stay close to one of the Crete beaches but undoubtedly western Crete (close to Chania) has the most impressive beaches; the island has literally thousands of incredible beaches and some of them are also close to Heraklion, Hersonissos, Elounda and Agia Pelagia – the best beaches in Crete (with Google Maps links) are: Agia Roumeli , Palaiochora , Falassarna , Balos , Elafonissi , Kolokitha , Preveli , Agios Pavlos , Vai , Ammoudara , Seitan Limania , Potamos
- Best Area for culture and History: if history, archaeological sites and museums are your top priority then you should stay as close as possible to Heraklion area as this is where Knossos Palace is along with the wonderful archaeological museum of Heraklion and the less famous Phaistos Minoan Palace
- Cheapest Hotels in Crete: generally as a rule of thumb if you stay in less picturesque or remote areas you will find better prices but there is always a catch as you may spend lots of hours driving to and from your hotel – however I believe that Rethymnon (which is very picturesque but less touristic than Chania) is an excellent spot for you to explore both Chania and Heraklion areas as it is in the middle
- Best Area in Crete for families with kids: Hersonissos – the best thing about Crete is that it has hundreds of all inclusive resorts that are probably the best thing for families with kids as they have plenty of amenities and everything in walking distance; Hersonissos is the area with the most family resorts around but there are family resorts all over the island and if you find another one that you like go for it (especially if it is around Chania)!
- Best Family Resort in Crete: Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort
- Best Area for Nightlife: no it’s not Malia as many online guides suggest; Malia is a teenagers resort with cheap nightlife and junk food restaurants (unless this is what you want…). I honestly believe Chania is the best place for nightlife with beautiful bars, elegant clubs and lovely wine bars and restaurants
- Best Alternative Places to Stay in Crete: Agios Nikolaos , Rethymnon , Sitia
- Is it Always Windy in Crete?: no it’s not always windy but it can get windy in July and August (especially on the north side that looks over the aegean sea) so you should get prepared for that scenario; most important thing to remember is to check the wind and go to a beach that is not hit by the winds and the best way to know that is if you ask any locals!
- What is Crete Greece famous for?: Crete is famous for its history (Knossos Palace and Minoan civilisation), the amazing landscape with the thousands beaches, the incredible Samaria gorge, the delicious cretan food, the picturesque towns of Chania, Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos and of course the lovely and extremely hospitable Cretan people who are some of the proudest people in Greece
CONCLUSION
I believe that the best villa in Crete is Elounda Luxury Villas but to be totally honest the island has lots of amazing options in all areas (Chania, Agios Nikolaos, Rethymno, Plaka, Heraklion) Crete is an amazing place to have family holidays and if you hate the all-inclusive hotels and resorts, renting a villa in Crete is the best option. Without a dout, this is also the best option for multiple family holidays as most of these villas can easily sleep more than 6 people , so this is your best option if 2-3 families want to have holidays together.
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