Crete: Which Side of the Island Is Right for Your Trip?

Our team recently traveled across the island to personally visit hotels, meet local partners, and explore the experiences we recommend to our travelers. That firsthand knowledge allows us to design Crete itineraries that go far beyond the typical vacation.

 

Whether you arrive by plane or ferry, once you land on Cretan soil, you realize the presence this island commands in the southern Aegean. The Greek island of Crete is the largest in Greece and one of the most diverse destinations in the Mediterranean!

 

Let’s start with the sun-drenched olive groves, which help form the basis for one of the world’s most celebrated "Blue Zone" diets. Then, there’s the fact that this territory has been influential back to the time of the ancient Minoans – who developed one of the earliest civilizations, which you can still get a glimpse of at the ruins of Knossos – as well as the legends of Zeus’s birth and the Minotaur’s labyrinth. From Venetian harbor towns and pink-sand beaches to Minoan ruins and mountain villages, the island offers an extraordinary range of experiences.

 

 

 

But there’s one question almost every traveler faces when planning a trip here: Should you stay in the east or the west?

 

If you only have a few days on Crete, choosing the right base can make all the difference. It’s surprising how each side of the island really does have its own state of mind.

 

To the West, we found the Crete of postcards: the lush, green landscapes of Chania, Venetian harbors, and the dramatic, rugged gorges that define the island’s rebellious spirit. To the East, the scenery shifts into more sun-baked, lunar beauty – the sophisticated "Cretan Riviera" of Elounda, the wild palm forests of Vai, and a sense of calm that feels worlds away from the bustling West.

 

Here’s how the two sides compare…

 

West Crete: Dramatic Landscapes & Historic Towns
 

 

Western Crete is often the first choice for travelers who want a mix of scenery, culture, and lively towns. The region around Chania is famous for its Venetian harbor, charming old town streets, and vibrant dining scene. If you go deeper into the White Mountains, you’ll discover the wilder, more independent spirit of Crete. This is where you could hike the depths of the Samaria Gorge and feel an authentic hospitality in remote mountain towns.

 

This part of the island tends to feel more energetic and varied, with plenty of day trips, restaurants, and cultural sites within easy reach.

 

 

Favorite Experiences in Western Crete:
 

• The colorful harbor and historic architecture of Chania
• Some of the island’s most famous beaches, including pink-hued Elafonissi Beach
• Dramatic landscapes like Samaria Gorge
• Scenic drives through mountain villages and olive groves

 

 

 

Best for:

• First-time visitors to Crete
• Those who love history and nature
• Adventurous day trips by rental car or private driver

 

Top Hotel Picks:
 

• Casa Delfino: A 17th-century Venetian palazzo in the heart of Chania’s old town. It feels like staying in a living museum, but with a world-class spa.
   
• Domes Zeen Chania: On the beach about 10 minutes from Chania’s old town, this "tamed wilderness" luxury resort. It’s brutalist-chic, concrete-meets-nature, and perfect for those who want high design right on the coast.
   
• Serenissima Boutique Hotel: For the ultimate romantic hideaway in Chania town, this 16th-century manor offers just seven suites, each blending Ottoman and Venetian architecture.
   
• Asterion Suites & Spa: Located about 30 minutes outside Chania and sitting right on the edge of the sea, this boho-chic property uses earthy tones and local stone to create a sense of grounded luxury, with a focus on wellness and locally sourced gastronomy.

 

East Crete: Relaxed Luxury & Crystal-Clear Bays

 

 

 

Eastern Crete has a quieter, more relaxed feel. The coastline around Elounda and Agios Nikolaos is known for calm waters, elegant resorts, and beautiful views across Mirabello Bay. Many of the island’s most luxurious hotels are located here, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking a refined seaside escape. Find a connection to the land of the gods at the Cave of Zeus in the Lasithi countryside, and discover the haunting beauty of Spinalonga Island.

 

The atmosphere here is generally calmer and more resort-focused, ideal for those who want to slow down and enjoy the sea.

 

 

Favorite Experiences in Eastern Crete:
 

• Boat trip to the abandoned island fortress of Spinalonga
• Elegant seaside resorts and spa hotels
• Charming coastal towns with relaxed waterfront restaurants
• Scenic countryside and mountain villages in the Lasithi region

 

 

 

Best for:
 

• Couples or honeymooners
• Luxury resort stays
• More relaxation with a sprinkle of cultural excursions

 

Top Hotel Picks:

 

• Elounda Mare Hotel: This exclusive Relais & Chateaux sanctuary, set just 5 miles from Elounda on Crete’s northern coast, features whitewashed bungalows and villas that overlook the turquoise waters of Mirabello Bay. The Six Senses Spa is chic retreat with modern wellness programs.
   
• Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas: Set on 40 acres of lush gardens along Crete’s Mirabello Bay, this expansive resort serves as a premier wellness and culinary destination, featuring the acclaimed Espace Vitalité Chenot spa, two private Blue Flag beaches, and five award-winning restaurants with international cuisine.
   
• Minos Palace Resort: Perched on its own private peninsula, this adults-only sanctuary feels like an island within an island. With a zen longevity center, it’s the ultimate spot for those who want to experience the Cretan "Blue Zone" lifestyle in high-end comfort.
   
• Minos Beach Art Hotel: An open-air gallery where sugar-cube bungalows are scattered among contemporary art installations and the sea. Ideal for the "Bohemian-luxury" traveler.

 

 

Our Recommendation

 

If your time allows, meaning you have at least 5 to 6 nights, of course the ideal way to experience Crete is to combine both sides of the island. Spend a few nights exploring the historic towns and landscapes of the west, then finish your trip relaxing along the tranquil bays of the east.

 

But, if you realistically only have time for one region:

• Choose western Crete for exploration and variety.
• Choose eastern Crete for relaxation and resort luxury.

 

Either way, Crete offers a remarkable mix of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty that makes it one of Greece’s most rewarding islands – and one you can keep coming back to.

 

Choosing the right region – and the right hotel – can make all the difference in shaping your experience. If you’re dreaming about Greece, we’d love to help you plan the perfect trip. Contact us and simply tell us what you want to get out of your next journey.