Where to Stay in Central Crete

Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to stay in Central Crete including hotels in Matala, Ayia Galini, and Zaros.

Armonia Hotel in Matala on CreteThe Armonia Hotel in Matala

Armonia Hotel

The delightful Armonia Hotel is a real find, off the main road to the left as you approach Mátala. Look for the pool and the white building with plenty of bougainvillaea around. Most of the 27 rooms are in small blocks behind the hotel, with views of the unspoilt hill scenery behind. It is in a quiet spot well outside the town, so a car would be needed, but it is the perfect getaway for nature lovers and walkers.


Palazzo Greco Boutique Hotel in Ayia Galini on CretePalazzo Greco Boutique Hotel in Ayia Galini

Palazzo Greco Boutique Hotel

The Palazzo Greco is an excellent and inexpensive hotel on the right of the main road as you first enter Ayía Galíni, and with its own parking lot opposite. The bright blue and white frontage is matched by the bright rooms, the ones at the back being slightly more expensive because of their balconies with great sea views. The buffet breakfast varies each day, and can be taken on the terrace at the back with more sea views. Ideally placed halfway between the town centre and the town beach.


Our Pick of the Crete Guides

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Fevro Hotel

The small Fevro Hotel is on your right after the road into Ayía Galíni has descended almost to sea level, and where there is a sharp turn left towards the harbour – that's if you can see the hotel name as the entire building is almost obscured by the most wonderful bougainvillea plant. Some rooms have views of the town, and lower rooms have 'no views but not so many stairs!' The rooms are a reasonable size, clean and simple, with white walls and dark wood furniture.


The Idi Hotel in Zaros on CreteThe Idi Hotel in Zaros on Crete

Idi Hotel

On the edge of the mountain town of Zaros and popular with walkers, the Idi Hotel is an unexpected treat. With its swimming pool, tennis court, bar and adjoining restaurant, it represents excellent value for money. Some rooms are in the original small hotel block, while others are in separate buildings in the beautiful gardens. The smell of jasmine at night and the sight of roses and other flowers during the day is a bonus. Rooms are pine-panelled with telephones, air-conditioning and, unusual for Greece, are comfortably carpeted.


Keramos Studios

See our full review of this lovely place in Zaros here.

Hotel Zafiria in Matala on CreteHotel Zafiria in Matala

Hotel Zafiria

The main hotel in Mátala is the Zafiria, easily found on your left as the main road enters the town centre. The rooms are simple and clean in typical mid-range fashion, and all have shower, radio and balcony. Some look out towards the sea, others to the hills behind. The hotel has its own bar and restaurant, and also owns the mini-market across the street. It is nothing fancy but a good, reasonably-priced base.



Other Crete pages

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  • The area east from Paleohora along the south-west coast of Crete includes resorts like Agia Galini, gorges like the Imbros Gorge and quieter towns like Sfakia.

    Paleohora and the South-West Coast

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  • Crete’s wildlife and landscape are two of the island’s attractions, including gorges for hiking, rare raptors like the lammergeier, wildcats and ancient trees.

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  • Greece Travel Secrets discovers Sitia, the main town in eastern Crete, with its relaxing waterfront, inexpensive hotels, good food, and nearby ancient sites.

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  •  The Samaria Gorge is one the longest gorges in Europe and doing the hike is one of the best and most popular things to do on Crete.

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  • Keramos Studios in Zaros on Crete is an inexpensive two-star hotel/guesthouse with one of the best breakfasts on the island using food from the family’s farm.

    Keramos Studios in Zaros

    Keramos Studios in Zaros on Crete is an inexpensive two-star hotel/guesthouse with one of the best breakfasts on the island using food from the family’s farm.

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    Diktean Cave, the Birthplace of Zeus near Psychro on Crete

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    Touring the Lyrarakis Winery on Crete

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    Maleme and the German War Cemetery on Crete

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  • This Lasithi Plateau drive on Crete starts in Neapoli and ends in Malia, covering a distance of 80 km (50 miles) and taking two to three hours.

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  • Greece Travel Secrets’ potted guide to Eastern Crete and why you should consider it for a holiday, including seeing Agios Nikolaos, Sitia, Vai Beach and Zakros.

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  • This Rouvas Gorge walk starts and ends in Zaros in southern Crete and should take three to four hours with a distance of eight kilometres or five miles.

    Rouvas Gorge Walk

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  • The Dalabelos Estate offers luxury eco-tourism accommodation on Crete in the hills near Rethymnon with its own farm, vineyard and olive groves.

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  • Sir Arthur Evans is the archaeologist famous for the excavations he made at the royal palace of Knossos on Crete.

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  • The Goules Taverna in Goulediana, south of Rethymnon, has been called one of the best tavernas on Crete and Greece Travel Secrets recently visited them.

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    The Goules Taverna in Goulediana, south of Rethymnon, has been called one of the best tavernas on Crete and Greece Travel Secrets recently visited them.

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