Where to Stay in Rethymno: The Best Areas in Central Crete
The best base in the Rethymno region depends on the holiday you want: the Venetian old town for atmosphere and walking, the beach strip east of town for a classic sun-and-sand stay, quiet Plakias or Agia Galini in the south, the coves of Bali and Panormos on the north coast, or a cool mountain village. This guide sets out each area by character and location so you can pick the right corner of central Crete, then choose a hotel, apartment or villa within it. Hire a car to explore Crete at your own pace, covered in our Crete car hire guide.
- Region
- Central Crete
- For atmosphere
- Rethymno Old Town
- For the beach
- Adelianos to Skaleta
- For quiet
- Plakias, mountains
Rethymno Old Town
Rethymno old town suits travellers who want atmosphere and short walks. The Venetian and Ottoman quarter wraps around a harbour with a lighthouse below the Fortezza castle, and its alleys hold cafes, restaurants, museums and small guesthouses in old stone houses with wooden balconies. A long town beach runs east along the coast. From here buses reach Chania and Heraklion, so a car is optional if you plan to stay local.
Beach resorts east of town
The coast east of Rethymno holds a strip of resort hotels along a long sandy beach, through Adelianos Kampos, Skaleta and Platanes. This is the classic sun-and-sand base, built for beach holidays, with tavernas, bars and water sports on the sand. Skaleta sits about 12 km from Rethymno, and buses run to the town every half hour in season. A rental car helps for day trips inland.
Plakias & the south coast
Plakias and the south coast suit travellers who want quiet and dramatic scenery. Plakias lies 35 km south of Rethymno in a large sheltered bay ringed by steep hills, with one of the longest beaches in southern Crete. It makes a natural base for Preveli, Damnoni and the Kourtaliotiko and Kotsifou gorges. Accommodation here leans toward apartments and smaller, often luxury hotels rather than big resorts.
Bali & Panormos
Bali and Panormos on the north coast suit families who want small coves and shallow water. Bali sits 28 km east of Rethymno on a small peninsula of three coves, set back from the highway so no road noise reaches it. Panormos, 22 km east of Rethymno, keeps its fishing-village character with shallow beaches good for small children. Both make a handy base between Rethymno and Heraklion.
Agia Galini
Agia Galini suits travellers who want a lively but atmospheric south-coast village. Hotels and tavernas climb bougainvillea-covered steps up a steep hill above the Bay of Messara, and the bay is one of the sunniest corners of Crete. The village has a good beach, souvenir shops, supermarkets and cash machines, and it stays open outside the main season. Preveli beach is an easy day trip from here.
Mountain villages
The mountain villages suit walkers and travellers who want cool evenings and quiet. Spili, at 450 m on the road to Agia Galini, and Anogia, at 800 m on Psiloritis, both cool down at night and open onto wide views. The Amari valley adds traditional villages and Byzantine churches. Accommodation here means guesthouses, rooms and villas rather than resort hotels, and a car is essential.
