Where to Stay in Crete for Couples
Treat your other half to the ultimate romantic getaway
~
If you’re looking for romance, Crete more than delivers. This Greek isle has many of the ingredients that make for an unforgettable romantic trip away, including incredible beaches, towering mountains, soft sunsets, and delicious food. The island is the largest of the Greek offerings, so you can be assured of plentiful activities to keep yourselves busy (and infatuated with one another, of course). Us experts here at Plum Guide have put together this guide specifically for you, so all you need to do is remember to pack your most alluring outfits, and to hold your lover’s hand on the way to the airport. So without further ado, let's get into it. Here is where to stay in Crete for couples.
Chania’s Old Town
Lasithi
Rethymnon
Loutro
Zaros
Agia Galini
Chania’s Old Town
A narrow cobbled street with chairs and plants in Chania's Old Town, Crete, Greece
The sunsets on show at Chania’s Old Town are the kind that many people wish for when they’re on a romantic holiday, only to be sadly disappointed. Luckily, that disappointment will stay well away from you. The skies behind the lighthouse glow red, and the harbour turns a hazy shade of pink as the sun sinks below the horizon – the ultimate photo backdrop. Sunsets aside, Chania’s Old Town is a charming solution for where to stay in Crete for couples. With its winding alleys, impressive architecture, and entrancing Venetian harbour, it has a relaxed vibe that’s ideal for lovers. Staying here gives you a wonderful combination of history and culture – make sure to fully explore the fascinating Medieval architecture in the town – and you'll find picturesque beaches nearby including Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna. An enviable island location that makes visiting other attractions very easy. We'll see you there.
The Lotus Flower, Plum Guide home in Crete, Greece
Lasithi
Three white windmills on a hill against a blue sky in Lasithi, Crete, Greece
For something a little slower, Lasithi is the one. A relatively untouched region of Crete, life seems to run at a more peaceful pace here. Expect spectacular landscapes – the Lasithi Plateau, surrounded by the Dikti Mountains, makes up the geographical structure of the region. We’re sure you and your loved one will adore staring into each other’s eyes in front of a fantastic setting.
While all of the region is beautiful, our pick for where to stay in Crete for couples is Elounda, found on the Gulf of Mirabello. This pretty fishing village is a hidden gem, and isn’t yet crowded or commercialised. Our favourite feature of the town is the uninterrupted view across the bay, with breathtaking blue water.
The Gods Give, Plum Guide home in Crete
Rethymnon
A narrow street with colourful buildings and green plants in Rethymnon, Crete, Greece
A local romantic favourite, Rethymnon is an ideal option for your getaway to Crete. There’s a lot to keep couples interested here, with nothing more intriguing than the architecture of the town. A collection of Venetian buildings, churches, mosques, and ancient fortress walls, together with winding roads and passageways with archways perfect for pausing at to share a kiss, make this destination a great place to stay. We recommend spending your trip here wandering the picturesque streets, strolling around the old Venetian harbour, and visiting Fortezza, the Venetian fortress which has unbeatable views out over the ocean.
Greek Ode, Plum Guide home in Crete
Loutro
A small boat on the blue sea by a beach in front of a large white cliff, Loutro, Crete, Greece
The only way to reach Loutro is by taking the boat from Sfakia. This small town is one of the only parts of Crete that’s spared from the wind, with its natural harbour sheltering it from any adverse weather. It’s a quintessentially Greek village, with white and blue buildings as well as gorgeous green-blue water. Don’t think that there’s nothing going on here, either – Loutro has plenty of buzzy bars to sip ouzo at and taverns that serve spankingly fresh fish. If you're searching for somewhere to stay in Crete for couples that is off the beaten path, this is it.
Zaros
A small wooden bench and a fence on a deck overlooking a lake and mountains in Zaros, Crete, Greece
Zaros is a wonderfully romantic Grecian destination set on the island's inland. This village is well-known for its greenery and scenery. Located at the foothills of the Psiloritis Sierra (around 45km south of Heraklion), Zaros boasts a lake (filled with fish and ducks), Byzantine monasteries, and churches. It's also close to the forest of Rouvas, one of the largest and prettiest forests in Crete. The food here is particularly good, with local restaurants specialising in trout and salmon.
Agia Galini
A white boat docked at the harbour in Agia Galini, Crete, Greece
This small village is one of the most charming in Crete. Agia Galini fulfils all your fantasies about the country. Spend your time here wandering the cobbled streets filled with traditional white-walled Cretan houses, spotting cats sun themselves beside bright bougainvillaea blossoms or watching the villagers go about their daily lives. The beach here is special – perfect for sipping a coffee frappe, taking dips in the clear blue water, and enjoying the sun. Those who want to explore the area could spend an afternoon hiking beside the Amarianos River. Legend has it that the cave of Daedalus and Icarus is located there, and you could be the lucky person who finally discovers it. Now isn’t that a romantic concept?
Earth Harmony, Plum Guide home in Crete
