Hotels in Rethymno Town
Rethymno packs two different stays into one town. The old town, between the Fortezza on its headland and the small Venetian harbour with its lighthouse, keeps the Rimondi fountain, the minaret of the Neratze mosque and lanes of Venetian and Ottoman houses, many converted into small hotels: 13 of the 58 hotels on this page are in it. Cars are not welcome in its lanes, so expect a short walk from the car park. East of the harbour, a long sandy beach runs for kilometres past the newer town towards Platanias and Adelianos Kampos, where 17 of the hotels on this page sit directly on the sand. That beach faces north, so on a windy summer day the waves build and swimming gets harder. Rethymno has no airport: arrivals come via Chania or Heraklion, and KTEL buses on the north coast road link the town with both cities. The trap: a beach hotel far east of town means a bus or taxi every evening for dinner in the old town.
In Rethymno Town, the choice is between the Venetian old town under the Fortezza, for evenings on foot among the lanes and the little harbour, and the long sandy town beach that runs east towards Platanias and Adelianos Kampos, where the beachfront hotels line up. Couples who want atmosphere should sleep in the old town; families who want sand and a pool should pick the beach strip.
Rethymno Town in numbers

LIRIUM luxury suites
Luxury aparthotel with pool, garden, and family-friendly suites near Rethymno Beach
Why guests love itLIRIUM luxury suites combines apartment space with hotel touches that help families. Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen, air-conditioning and a terrace or balcony, while daily housekeeping means parents do not spend the holiday tidying. The seasonal outdoor pool and lush garden give children room to play, and a lift helps with pushchairs and luggage. Rethymno Beach is a 5-minute walk, close enough for swims before lunch. The 9.9 rating speaks for itself.

Casa Moazzo Suites and Apartments
Historic mansion suites in Rethymnon's old town with spa facilities
Why guests love itCasa Moazzo Suites and Apartments occupies a renovated neoclassical building in the old town of Rethymno, with six suites that mix traditional style and modern elegance. The Venetian harbour is a short walk away and the beach is 200 metres off, so families can go to the sea and back without a car. Spa and wellness facilities are on site. With only six suites the stay feels personal. Rated 9.7 from 443 reviews, I would book it for the setting and the walkable old town.

Grande Madonna Luxury Boutique Suites
Luxury boutique suites with a hot tub in Rethymno's heart
Why guests love itGrande Madonna Luxury Boutique Suites sits in central Rethymno Town, within reach of the Venetian Harbour and the Archaeological Museum, so a family can mix sightseeing with short walks back to rest. Suites have fully equipped kitchens, which makes meals with children simple. Outside there is a sun terrace, a garden and a hot tub. Free WiFi and private check-in and check-out keep arrivals easy. I would book it for families who want suite space and a kitchen in the town centre.

Phaedra Suites
Adults-only elegance with a pool, close to Rethymno Beach and the Venetian Harbour
Why guests love itPhaedra Suites is adults-only, so it is not suitable for children, and I would say so plainly to any family. For couples and friends it offers elegant, air-conditioned rooms with kitchenettes and private bathrooms in Rethymno Town, plus a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a sun terrace and a garden. WiFi is free. Rethymno Beach is a short walk away and the Venetian Harbour is close. Rated 9.7 from 275 reviews, I would book it for the quiet and the kitchenettes.

Mythos Suites Boutique Hotel
Historic boutique hotel with a pool and spa in Rethymno's old town
Why guests love itMythos Suites occupies a 16th-century Venetian building in Rethymno's old town, about 100 metres from the Venetian Harbour and a sandy beach. Families can walk to the sea and back for a swim in the courtyard pool. Studios and rooms have private balconies or terraces, and studios give a little extra room for a family. A spa and wellness area completes the picture. I would suggest it for families with older children who enjoy old streets as much as the beach.

Calmare suites
Family-friendly suites with sea views, steps from Rethymno Beach
Why guests love itCalmare Suites puts Rethymno Beach just steps away, which makes it easy to go back to the room for lunch or a nap. The family rooms have sea views, private balconies or terraces and air-conditioning, giving parents somewhere to sit outside while children rest. A sun terrace and a lush garden add outdoor space away from the sand, and WiFi is free. There is no pool listed, so the beach is the main playground, and its 9.7 rating suggests guests are very happy with that.

La Montre Luxury Boutique Suites
Central Rethymno suites with modern comforts and easy access to the beach
Why guests love itLa Montre Luxury Boutique Suites is a central address in Rethymno Town, a short walk from Rethymno Beach and close to the Archaeological Museum and the Venetian Harbour. The suites are air-conditioned, soundproofed and have private bathrooms and free WiFi. Guests rate it 9.7 from 387 reviews. I would choose it for couples and travelers who want to explore the old town on foot from a quiet, comfortable base.

Mardinik Hotel Apartments
Family-friendly aparthotel with kitchenettes, balconies, and a garden near Rethymno Beach
Why guests love itMardinik Hotel Apartments gives families in Rethymno Town recently renovated aparthotel units with air conditioning, a kitchenette, a balcony and a private bathroom. A washing machine and dining area make longer stays easier, and the sun terrace, garden and bar offer somewhere to relax. Rethymno Beach is a three-minute walk away and WiFi is free. With a 9.7 rating from 526 reviews, one of the highest I have seen in the area, I would choose it for space and independence.

PORTA SQUERO Premium Suites
Luxury sea-view suites in the heart of Rethymno Town
Why guests love itPORTA SQUERO Premium Suites offers family-friendly, sea-view suites in central Rethymno Town. Each suite has a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning and a private bathroom. The Venetian Harbour, the Fortezza Castle and the Archaeological Museum are a short walk away, and Koumbes Beach can be reached on foot. Guests rate it 9.6 from 347 reviews. I would choose it for families who want a kitchen and a sea view in the old town.

Cortiletto Timeless Suites
Comfortable suites with a year-round pool and garden in Rethymno Town
Why guests love itCortiletto Timeless Suites is a quiet base in Rethymno Town built around a lush garden and an outdoor pool open all year, useful for families travelling outside high summer. Rooms are air-conditioned, with private bathrooms and balconies, and free Wi-Fi is included. A shared kitchen and daily housekeeping help with longer stays, and the breakfast offers varied choices with local specialties. Note that the kitchen is shared, not private.

White Swan
Family-friendly stay with a pool, hot tub, and bike hire near Rethymno
Why guests love itWhite Swan is in Kallithea, about 1.7 km from Rethymno Town, which gives families a quieter setting with the town close by. Children have an outdoor pool and a garden to play in, while parents can use the sun terrace and the hot tub. Bike hire makes short rides around the area easy, and car hire is available for longer trips around Crete. An airport shuttle can also be arranged. I would book it for families who prefer a calm base just outside town.

Calla Luxury Seafront Suites
Beachfront luxury suites with an infinity pool and sea views
Why guests love itCalla Luxury Seafront Suites is an aparthotel in Rethymno Town with direct beachfront access and striking sea views. The infinity swimming pool, sun terrace, pool bar, bar and lounge give families plenty of choice, and each unit has air conditioning, a private bathroom and a balcony or terrace. Private check-in and check-out and free WiFi keep things easy. Rated 9.6 from 160 reviews, I would book it for the beachfront position and the infinity pool.

Polyxenia Suites
Family-friendly aparthotel in Rethymno Town with city-view balconies
Why guests love itPolyxenia Suites is a family-friendly aparthotel in Rethymno Town with air-conditioned rooms and balconies with city views. Each unit has a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a tea and coffee maker and a refrigerator. Daily housekeeping and free WiFi are included, and Rethymno Beach and the Venetian Harbour are within walking distance. Guests rate it 9.5 from 270 reviews. I would choose it for families who want a central base on foot.

SAVUS Boutique Hotel
Adults-only boutique hotel with spa facilities near Rethymno Beach
Why guests love itSAVUS Boutique Hotel is adults-only, so families with children cannot book it; it suits couples and adult relatives on a trip together. It sits in Rethymno Town, a short walk from Rethymno Beach and the Venetian Harbour. Rooms are air-conditioned, with private bathrooms, city views, free WiFi and a balcony or terrace each. A sun terrace, outdoor seating, a hot tub and a spa bath give a place to rest after the beach. I would choose it for a quiet adults-only base near the harbour.

Hamam Oriental Suites
Adults-only suites in a historic hammam with spa features
Why guests love itHamam Oriental Suites is an adults-only property housed in a former Ottoman public hammam in Rethymno Town, so it is not for families with children. Some units have a spa bath, an outdoor hot tub, a small sauna or a steam bath. The sea is a 15-minute walk away and the Fortezza Fortress is 250 metres from the door. Guests rate it 9.5 from 344 reviews. I would choose it for couples who want a distinctive building with private spa features.

BIO BEACH Boutique Hotel - Adults Only
Beachfront boutique hotel with sea views and a relaxing spa
Why guests love itBIO BEACH Boutique Hotel is an adults-only, four-star hotel in Rethymno Town with direct beachfront access and sea views, so it is not for families with children. It has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and spa facilities, including a steam room and a hot tub. The restaurant serves Greek, local and European cuisines with various dietary options. Guests rate it 9.5 from 297 reviews. I would choose it for couples who want a beach and a spa together.

Casa Dei Delfini
Traditional mansion in Rethymno Old Town with spacious, self-catering units
Why guests love itCasa Dei Delfini is a traditional Venetian-Turkish mansion in the Old Town of Rethymno, and its self-catering units suit families who like space and independence. Units are air-conditioned, with beamed ceilings and stone walls, and some have separate seating and dining areas, which helps when children go to bed early. Free Wi-Fi is included and the Fortezza Castle is only 500 metres away. Rated 9.5 from 551 reviews, I would choose it for the authentic setting, not for hotel-style services.

Nautilux Rethymno by Mage Hotels
Beachfront hotel with sea views, a spa, and outdoor pool
Why guests love itNautilux Rethymno by Mage Hotels is a five-star beachfront hotel in Rethymno Town with direct access to the sea. A seasonal outdoor pool, a terrace and a large garden give children space outdoors, and many of the air-conditioned rooms have balconies with sea views. Parents can use the spa and wellness centre, the fitness centre and the beauty services. Rated 9.5 from 1,129 reviews, I recommend it to families who want the beach on the doorstep and the old town within reach.

Omma Suites
Adults-only apartments with sea views and spa facilities in Rethymno
Why guests love itOmma Suites is adults-only, so families travelling with children will need another option in Rethymno Town. It suits grown-up relatives on a trip together, such as parents taking a break on their own. The sea-view apartments have balconies or terraces, breakfast comes with a variety of options, and there are spa and wellness facilities. Rethymno Beach, the Archaeological Museum and the Venetian Harbour are all easy to reach. I would keep it for a couple's town-and-beach stay.

CASA GIORGIO EXCLUSIVE SUITES
Rooftop pool and spa baths in the heart of Rethymno Town
Why guests love itCasa Giorgio Exclusive Suites gives families a rooftop pool in the centre of Rethymno, so children can swim between visits to the old town. Family rooms are available, each with air-conditioning, a kitchenette and a balcony, so breakfasts and naps fit the family's rhythm. Rethymno Beach, the Archaeological Museum and the Venetian Harbour are all within easy reach on foot. Parents can use the hot tub and spa bath once the children are asleep.

Ilian Beach & Apartments
Beachfront apartments with a pool, spa, and sea views in Rethymno
Why guests love itIlian Beach & Apartments is a family-friendly beachfront property in Perivolia, Rethymno, with self-catering studios and apartments set in gardens. It has a pool with a sun terrace, a poolside snack bar and spa and wellness facilities. Many units look onto the sea, the garden or the pool from their balconies. Guests rate it 9.4 from 402 reviews. I would choose it for families who want self-catering space beside the beach.

Amalen Suites Adults Only
Adults-only suites with private pools, a spa, and free bikes near the beach
Why guests love itAmalen Suites is adults-only, so it is not suitable for children, and I would tell any family that plainly. For couples and friends in Rethymno it offers air-conditioned rooms with terraces, some with garden or pool views, plus a seasonal outdoor pool, a sun terrace and a spa and wellness centre. Free bicycles help with getting around, and Koumbes Beach and the Archaeological Museum are a short walk away. Rated 9.4 from 295 reviews, I would book it for the quiet and the spa.

Leo Hotel
Listed 1450s Venetian house beside the Loggia, 50 m from Rethymno's harbour
Why guests love itLeo can work for families who want to be in the middle of Rethymno's old town and do everything on foot. The Venetian harbour is about 50 m away and the Fortezza about 300 m, two outings that school-age children usually take to easily. The constraints come from the building: a 15th-century house with no pool or play area, so beach and swimming time happens outside the hotel. Cars cannot reach the door in summer, which means a walk from the car park with luggage and children. With toddlers and a pushchair, I would look for a hotel outside the old town.

Lucky Suites
Beachfront aparthotels with sea views and a hot tub in Rethymno
Why guests love itLucky Suites sits right on the beach, with direct access to the sea, which makes the daily routine with children simple: swim, back to the unit, rest, swim again. Every unit has a kitchenette, a balcony and air-conditioning, so breakfasts and naps happen on the family's schedule. The hot tub gives parents a moment to relax in the evening, and the concierge can help with plans. A paid shuttle is available for trips beyond walking distance of Rethymno.

Dyo Suites
Beachfront suites with sea views, spa baths, and smart technology
Why guests love itDyo Suites is on the beachfront in Rethymno Town, just steps from the sand and a short walk from the old town. Each suite is decorated differently and has sea views and a spa bath, which children tend to love after a day at the beach. A spa and wellness area gives parents a quiet hour, and smart room keys and a digital voice assistant make the rooms easy to use. I would book it for families who want the beach and the old town without a car.

Petalo Suites
Family-friendly apartments with city views and spa facilities in Rethymno
Why guests love itPetalo Suites offers family-friendly apartments in Rethymno Town, each with air conditioning, a balcony and a fully equipped kitchen. Rethymno Beach is a 15-minute walk, and the Archaeological Museum and the Venetian Harbour are close. Spa and wellness facilities are available, with various breakfast options. Guests rate it 9.4 from 383 reviews. I would choose it for families who want a kitchen and a central base in the old town.

Suitenes Coast
Sea-view aparthotel with kitchenettes, a sun terrace, and hot tub
Why guests love itSuitenes Coast works for small families who want to cook and stay close to the old town. Each unit has a kitchenette, air-conditioning and sea views, so breakfasts and simple dinners are easy to manage. Koumbes Beach is a short walk, and the Venetian Harbour and the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno are close enough for a family outing on foot. The sun terrace, garden and hot tub give parents a break. There is no restaurant, so meals happen in the unit or in town.

Allegro Suites
Family-friendly suites with kitchens and city views in Rethymno Town
Why guests love itAllegro Suites gives families in Rethymno Town real apartment space, with a kitchen, a washing machine and a dining area in each suite. Suites are air-conditioned, with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi, and a terrace or balcony looks over the city. The washing machine is a real help on longer stays with children. Koumbes Beach and the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno are nearby. Expect a practical, self-catering stay rather than hotel services.

Iperion Beach Hotel
Beachfront hotel with private pool and family-friendly apartments
Why guests love itIperion Beach Hotel is a family-friendly four-star hotel sitting directly on the beaches of Rethymno, with apartments and studios that have private balconies. It has a private pool, a restaurant with al-fresco dining and a beach bar, and some units have kitchenettes for self-catering. Breakfast and light Cretan lunches are served. Guests rate it 9.4 from 263 reviews. I would choose it for families who want the beach and a pool at the door.

Lines Concept Accommodation
Sea-view rooms with kitchenettes, a spa, and family-friendly facilities
Why guests love itLines Concept Accommodation is a three-star in Rethymno Town that clearly thinks about families. Each room has a balcony, a kitchenette and a private bathroom, with sea views, and an indoor play area keeps children busy when they need a break from the sun. Parents can use the spa and wellness area, and bicycle hire makes short rides easy. Rethymno Beach is about an 8-minute walk away. I would choose it for a practical family week in town.

Avli Lounge Apartments
Venetian elegance in Rethymno Old Town with rooftop hot tub and fine dining
Why guests love itAvli Lounge Apartments occupies a former Venetian lord's house in Rethymno's Old Town, a setting that turns a family stay into a small history lesson. Suites come with spa baths, a welcome soak after a day in the lanes, and the rooftop terrace has a hot tub. The fine dining restaurant and wine list are aimed at adults, so it suits families with older children who enjoy a long dinner. The Old Town location keeps everything within walking distance.

Pepi Boutique Hotel (Adults Only)
Adults-only boutique hotel in Rethymnon Old Town with a pool
Why guests love itPepi Boutique Hotel is adults-only, so families travelling with children cannot book it; it suits couples and groups of adult relatives instead. It sits in Rethymno Old Town, surrounded by restaurants and bars, with easy access to the beach. An outdoor pool with sunbeds and showers gives a calm break between walks. Each room has a coffee corner with a fridge, free WiFi and a smart TV. I would choose it for an adults-only stay inside the Old Town.

Poseidon Hotel
Family-friendly hotel with sea views, steps from Rethymno Beach
Why guests love itPoseidon Hotel gives families a simple beach holiday in Rethymno Town, steps from Rethymno Beach. Sea-view family rooms have a balcony, air conditioning and a private bathroom, with a tea and coffee maker and a refrigerator for snacks and milk. The on-site restaurant serves Greek and international dishes and there is a bar, so you are not forced to search for dinner after a beach day. At 9.3 from 564 reviews and two stars, I would book it for location and value, not for extras.

Pearl SeaBreeze Suites
Beachfront apartments with sea views, a pool, and close to Rethymno's old town
Why guests love itPearl SeaBreeze Suites has beachfront apartments on Rethymno's Blue Flag beach, each with sea views and a veranda. Families get an organised beach area with sunbeds and umbrellas, a swimming pool for a change from the sea and a snack bar for quick lunches. Apartments give more room than a standard hotel room, which helps with children. A spa and wellness area is on site, and the historic town centre is close. I would book it for a beach-first family holiday.

Menta City Boutique Hotel
Boutique comfort with a rooftop pool and spa in Rethymno Town
Why guests love itMenta City Boutique Hotel in Rethymno Town has spacious, soundproofed rooms with balconies or terraces and kitchenettes, useful for snacks and simple meals with children. Bathrooms have hydromassage showers. Families can cool off in the seasonal outdoor pool, and breakfast is served on the rooftop. Parents have a gym, a bar and a small spa centre with a spa bath. I would recommend it to families who want a town base with a pool and a kitchenette.

Omiros Boutique Hotel (Adults Only)
Adults-only boutique hotel with a pool, spa, and beach access near Rethymno Town
Why guests love itOmiros Boutique Hotel is adults-only, so families with children cannot stay; it works for couples and adult relatives travelling together. It sits in Rethymno Town about 150 metres from the beach. An outdoor pool, a snack bar and spa and wellness facilities fill the time between swims. Rooms are air-conditioned with free WiFi, and most have a furnished balcony or terrace. I would book it for a calm adults-only beach stay with the town within reach.

Dea Del Porto Signature Suites
Family-friendly suites with sea views, a pool, and spa facilities
Why guests love itDea Del Porto Signature Suites gives families plenty to do without leaving the property. The outdoor pool is open all year, so swimming does not depend on the season, and family rooms are available, many with private balconies and sea views. Parents can take turns at the spa, hot tub and fitness centre, while the coffee shop and bar cover snacks and drinks. Several breakfast options make mornings easier with children who have their own ideas about food.

Ammos Suites
Beachfront suites with an outdoor pool and family-friendly amenities
Why guests love itAmmos Suites is a four-star, family-friendly stay in Rethymno, only ten metres from the sandy beach. Air-conditioned units have balconies with sea, garden or pool views, a fridge and tea and coffee facilities, so snacks and early mornings are easy. The outdoor pool and sun terrace offer an alternative to the sea, and WiFi is free throughout. Rated 9.3 from 320 reviews, I would book it for the beach at the door and the suite-style space.

Casa D'oro - Luxury Suites
Luxury suites with modern amenities in the heart of Rethymno Town
Why guests love itCasa D'oro - Luxury Suites is a four-star base in central Rethymno, close to the Archaeological Museum and the Venetian Harbour, so evening walks with children stay short. Family rooms are available, and each suite has air-conditioning, a kitchenette and streaming services for quiet evenings in. The sun terrace adds space outside. Rethymno Beach is a 16-minute walk, so I would plan beach days with water and snacks or take a taxi with very young children.

John & Mary Suites
City-centre suites with balconies, a hot tub, and family-friendly comfort
Why guests love itJohn & Mary Suites is a central aparthotel in Rethymno Town with family-friendly suites, so parents and children can spread out more than in a standard room. Balconies look over the city, and the hot tub and outdoor seating give a place to rest after a day out. Rethymno Beach and the Venetian Harbour are both within walking distance, which keeps the car parked. I would choose it for a family town stay that mixes beach time and old-town walks.

Neratze Hammam Suites
Family-friendly suites with hot tubs and city views in central Rethymno
Why guests love itNeratze Hammam Suites is a suite property in central Rethymno, and families get real space: there are family rooms, kitchenettes for simple meals, and terraces with city views. The hot tub is a nice extra after a day out, though it is not a pool. Rethymno Beach, the Archaeological Museum and the Venetian Harbour are all a short walk away, so you can leave the car parked. Daily housekeeping keeps things tidy. A 9.2 score from 809 reviews is very good.

Blue Sea Hotel Apartments
Direct beachfront access with family apartments and a pool
Why guests love itBlue Sea Hotel Apartments is a beachfront aparthotel in Rethymno Town with direct access to the sea, so children can go from the room to the water in minutes. A seasonal outdoor pool and a sun terrace add a second place to swim and rest. Apartments are air-conditioned, with private bathrooms and fully equipped kitchens for family meals. A daily continental breakfast and an on-site restaurant save on cooking. I would choose it for a relaxed family beach holiday in Rethymno.

Casa di Gaga Luxury Suites
Luxury aparthotel in Rethymno with pool, spa, and city-centre access
Why guests love itCasa di Gaga Luxury Suites offers aparthotel-style suites in the centre of Rethymno Town, with air conditioning and kitchenettes. A seasonal outdoor pool and an outdoor seating area give families somewhere to cool off, and rooms have garden or pool views, free WiFi and streaming services for the evenings. The central position keeps local attractions and amenities close. Rated 9.2 from 498 reviews, I would choose it for the space and the pool, remembering that the pool is seasonal.

Mansio Boutique Hotel
Boutique comfort with a year-round pool and traditional Greek dining
Why guests love itMansio Boutique Hotel offers family rooms in Rethymno Town, close to Rethymno Beach and the Venetian Harbour, so a day can mix sand and an evening walk along the old port. The outdoor pool is open all year, which helps outside the summer months, and there is also a hot tub and a sun terrace. The traditional Greek restaurant on site saves a search for dinner after a long day. I would ask for a family room when booking.

The City Hotel & Suites
Family-friendly suites with a pool and spa in Rethymno Town
Why guests love itThe City Hotel & Suites is a three-star, family-friendly hotel in Rethymno Town offering suites with air conditioning and private bathrooms. A sun terrace with a swimming pool and a shared lounge give families somewhere to relax, and a full buffet breakfast starts the day. Spa and wellness facilities, free WiFi and business services are on offer. Rated 9.2 from 258 reviews, I would book it for the suites, the pool terrace and the breakfast.

Melrose Rethymno by Mage Hotels
Family-friendly hotel with a pool, spa, and beach access in Rethymno
Why guests love itMelrose Rethymno by Mage Hotels is a four-star family stay 70 metres from Rethymno beach. The swimming pool gives children an alternative to the sand, and a spa and wellness area gives adults a quiet hour. Rooms are individually air-conditioned, with free Wi-Fi and furnished balconies, some with views of the Cretan Sea. A breakfast buffet, lunch and a snack bar are on site, which keeps meals easy. Ask for a sea-view room when booking.

Mitos-Suites
Beachfront suites with sea views in the heart of Rethymno Town
Why guests love itMitos-Suites is a central address in Rethymno Town, with Rethymno Beach less than 1 km away. Guests have a sun terrace, outdoor seating and free WiFi, and the property offers private check-in and check-out, a paid shuttle service, daily housekeeping and a tour desk. Bike and car hire are available too. Guests rate it 9.1 from 323 reviews. I would choose it for travelers who like to have services and a tour desk at hand.

C Suites
Adults-only city centre suites with a spa and hot tub
Why guests love itC Suites is an adults-only stay in the city centre of Rethymno Town, a short walk from Rethymno Beach and the Venetian Harbour, so it does not suit families with children. Air-conditioned rooms have city views and private balconies, and guests have a sun terrace, a hot tub and a spa and wellness centre. Guests rate it 9.1 from 350 reviews. I would choose it for couples and adult travelers who want a central, relaxed base.

Sutor Chic Manor
Central manor with a sun terrace, restaurant, and family-friendly amenities
Why guests love itSutor Chic Manor is a family-friendly base in central Rethymno, with family rooms and the old town's historic sights and the beach within reach. The sun terrace and outdoor seating give children somewhere to sit outside, and the restaurant and coffee shop on site save a search for food after a long day. A tour desk and a shuttle service help with excursions around Crete. I would pick it for families who want to explore Rethymno on foot.

Ilios Beach Hotel Apartments ADULTS ONLY
Beachfront aparthotel with private beach access and an infinity pool
Why guests love itIlios Beach Hotel Apartments is labelled adults-only, so I would not plan a stay here with children, even though the listing also mentions family rooms. For adult family groups, such as grown-up children travelling with parents, the set-up is practical: units have balconies and kitchenettes, the hotel is on the beachfront with a private beach area, and there is an infinity pool, a sun terrace and a bar. Beauty services are available. An 8.9 score from 78 reviews is promising.

May Beach Hotel
Family-friendly hotel with a pool, tennis court, and easy beach access
Why guests love itMay Beach Hotel is a four-star, family-friendly hotel in Rethymno Town, an eight-minute walk from Rethymno Beach. Family rooms have air conditioning, private bathrooms and balconies. The sun terrace, garden, seasonal outdoor pool and tennis court give families options, and the buffet breakfast offers local specialities, fresh pastries and dietary options. Greek cuisine is served. Rated 8.7 from 308 reviews, I would book it for the pool, the tennis court and the breakfast.

Filoxenia Beach
Sea-view rooms and a private beach on the west side of Rethymno
Why guests love itFiloxenia Beach is a beachfront hotel on the west side of Rethymno Town, with rooms and suites whose furnished balconies look over the Cretan Sea. Children have their own seawater pool next to the main outdoor pool, and the private beach area has free sun loungers. Parents can use the spa and wellness facilities. Rated 8.6 from 733 reviews, I recommend it to families who want the beach, a kids' pool and sea views without leaving the hotel.

Fortezza Hotel
Old Town charm with modern comforts and a short walk to the beach
Why guests love itFortezza Hotel is a family-friendly three-star in Rethymno's Old Town, a handy base for families who want to explore the lanes on foot. Rooms are air-conditioned, with private balconies or windows, and there is free Wi-Fi. The on-site restaurant and two bars save evening searches, and the 24-hour reception helps with late arrivals. Private parking is a real plus for families with a car in the Old Town. I would book it for a walkable town stay.

Domenica Apartments
Beachfront apartments with sea or garden views and spa access near Rethymno
Why guests love itDomenica Apartments are beachfront apartments in Rethymno, just 20 metres from Missiria Beach. They are air-conditioned with balconies, and you can choose between views of the Cretan Sea and the garden. Each apartment has a kitchenette, and guests can use the spa and wellness services of the neighbouring Aristea Hotel. Guests rate it 8.6 from 283 reviews. I would choose it for families who want a kitchenette beside the beach.

Kyma Suites Beach Hotel
Sea-view suites with a pool, fitness centre, and free bikes in Rethymno
Why guests love itKyma Suites Beach Hotel is a five-star family stay in Rethymno Town, with many rooms facing the sea from balconies. The outdoor pool is open year-round, with a sun terrace, and there is a fitness centre and a spa for the adults. A restaurant and a bar are on site, and complimentary bicycle use helps the whole family get around. Rethymno Beach and the Venetian Harbour are a short walk away.

Aquila Porto Rethymno
Luxury beachfront hotel with three pools and a private beach in Rethymno
Why guests love itAquila Porto Rethymno is a five-star beachfront resort on a sandy beach in Rethymno Town, with a private beach. Three freshwater pools give families plenty of water beyond the sea. Rooms have balconies with views of the Cretan Sea or the town, air conditioning, satellite TV and minibars. Two restaurants are on site, and the spa offers massage treatments and yoga lessons for adults. Ask for a sea-view balcony when booking.

Elina Hotel Apartments
Family-friendly apartments near the beach with a pool and easy Old Town access
Why guests love itElina Hotel Apartments is a family-run property about 100 metres from Rethymno's sandy beach, so beach days with children need no car. The seasonal outdoor pool has a separate children's section. Studios and apartments are air-conditioned, with kitchenettes for simple meals and COCO-MAT mattresses. The Old Town and the Venetian Fortezza are within walking distance, with tavernas and cafes on the way. I would book it for families who want self-catering space between the beach and the Old Town.

Minos Hotel
Newly renovated hotel near the beach with sea views and dining options
Why guests love itMinos Hotel was recently renovated and sits near both the beach and the centre of Rethymno, so families can split the day between sand and town without long transfers. Rooms look over the pool, the gardens or the sea. Meals are easy with children: a buffet restaurant with local and international dishes, an à la carte restaurant by the pool, plus a cafeteria and lobby bar. I would pick a pool-view room for families who like to stay close to the water.
What to expect
- Of the 58 hotels on this page, 13 are in the Venetian old town and 17 sit directly on the beach; together they average 9.3 out of 10 over more than 22,000 reviews.
- The Fortezza, the Venetian fortress on the headland above the old town, gives the widest view over the town, the harbour and the beach.
- The town beach is a long stretch of sand running east from the Venetian harbour towards Platanias and Adelianos Kampos, where most beachfront hotels stand.
- The Rimondi fountain and the minaret of the Neratze mosque sit a few lanes apart in the old town, the clearest traces of its Venetian and Ottoman past.
Local tips
- For dinner on foot every evening, stay in the old town or at its eastern edge; a hotel deep in Adelianos Kampos means a bus or taxi back into town each night.
- Look at the wind forecast before a beach day: the town beach faces north, and a strong northerly raises waves that can make swimming with children difficult.
- Drivers should ask where to park before arriving: the old town lanes are not built for cars, and the closest spaces are around its edges, then a walk with luggage.
- Rethymno has no airport, so compare flights into Chania and Heraklion; KTEL buses on the north coast road connect both cities with the Rethymno bus station.
- Walk up to the Fortezza late in the afternoon, when the light falls on the old town below and the beach stretches out to the east.
- The Venetian harbour is tiny and lined with fish restaurants; for a quieter dinner, I would head into the lanes behind it rather than sit on the quay.
Where to stay
FAQ
Where is the best area to stay in Rethymno?
The Venetian old town for atmosphere and evenings on foot, or the beach strip east of the harbour for sand and pools. The old town suits couples; the beachfront hotels towards Platanias and Adelianos Kampos suit families who will spend their days on the beach.
Is Rethymno old town walkable from the beach hotels?
Only from those close to town. The beach runs for kilometres east, so hotels near the harbour are a short walk from the old town, while hotels in Platanias or Adelianos Kampos need a bus or taxi for dinner in town.
Which airport is closer to Rethymno, Chania or Heraklion?
Rethymno has no airport of its own and sits between the two. Both work: KTEL buses on the north coast road link Rethymno with Chania and with Heraklion, and the best choice depends on your flights and where else in Crete you will travel.
Is Rethymno beach good for swimming?
On calm days, yes: a long sandy beach with a gradual entry. It faces north, though, so when the summer northerly blows the waves build up quickly; on those days, keep an eye on the flags and on young children.
Can you drive into Rethymno old town?
Not usefully. The old town's lanes are narrow and mostly closed to traffic, and parking is around its edges. Ask your hotel where guests park before arriving, especially if you have a lot of luggage.