Is Crete worth visiting? That’s the question I asked myself before choosing to stay at the best Crete hotel in Greece! Casa Porto Boutique Hotel was kind enough to host my best friend Nicole and I for three nights. Before arriving in Crete, I had no idea what to expect. I knew that Greece as a whole was a beautiful country but with so many islands to choose from, I had no idea whether I had picked the best one.
When to Visit Crete
Crete has beautiful weather year-round but the most popular times to visit are between the months of July and September when it’s the middle of summer. I got to Crete in the second week of June and couldn’t have been happier about the timing! The weather was amazing and the mass of tourists hadn’t yet arrived.
If you’re hoping to miss the crowds, I’d recommend going during the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October). You’re still likely to have great weather but will feel like you have the island to yourself! If you choose to go during peak season, make sure you book your stay well in advance to secure the best accommodation.
Getting to Agios Nikolaos
Casa Porto is located right in the centre of Agios Nikolaos which is about 60 km from Heraklion airport or ferry terminal. You have a few different options when it comes to getting from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos:
- Bus – This is the best option if you’re travelling on a budget! Take a 1.5-hour bus from Heraklion for €7.10 and then walk about 10 minutes to the centre of the town. You can buy tickets on arrival with cash or card.
- Taxi/Private car – The only other way to get to Agios Nikolaos is by a private car. Casa Porto organizes private divers for your convenience for €85. This is the best option if you have an early or late flight when buses may not be running.
Why I Loved Casa Porto
I love boutique hotels because they aren’t the same as your typical hotel chain. They offer unique services, room styles and much more. Here are a few reasons why I chose to stay at Casa Porto Boutique Hotel:
The Rooms
The rooms at Casa Porto speak for themselves.
We spent one night in a Superior Panoramic Sea View room. The bed was so comfortable but the balcony view was the star of the show, especially because I’m a sucker for a good view!
The next two nights were spent in a Queen room with a spa bath. I’d never experienced a room with a spa bath and private outdoor section but I loved every second. It was so nice to have a private space to quick back and relax while outside.
The Outdoor Terrace
The rooftop terrace might be my favourite thing about this Crete hotel in Greece. The space has SO much to offer, from the stunning views to the rope swings and various seating options. It’s a great place to read a book on a sunny afternoon, eat your breakfast in the morning or catch a sunset unlike any you’ve seen before. The way that the sun disappears behind the white buildings and water ahead is nothing short of spectacular!
The outdoor terrace is also a great place for digital nomads to get work done! Casa Porto had incredibly fast and reliable wifi, which is great if you’re working remotely and need a comfortable spot to get a few hours of work in. The large table at the edge of the terrace is perfect if you want to switch it up and stand for a while as you work and you can’t beat that view.
The Location
Casa Porto Boutique Hotel is in the perfect location. Nestled between the best taverns in town, right next to Voulismeni Lake and just minutes from beaches with crystal clear water, you can’t ask for anything more!
I spent the day at both Almyros Beach and Voulisma Beach. Almyros was just a few minute scenic walk from Casa Porto. The water is bright blue, there are many beach chairs to relax on and water activities if you’re looking for more of an adventure.
Voulisma Beach was slightly further but worth checking out! It only takes about 15 minutes to get there by bus (about €3 for a return ticket) but make sure you check bus times before you head out and plan on coming back. We didn’t plan ahead so we ended up waiting a while to wave down a bus on the way back to town.
The Food/Drinks
I’m not usually sold on hotel breakfasts but Casa Porto’s breakfast was great! They had many different options from greek yogurt and granola to fresh jams and toast, fruits, salads, muffins and just about everything in between. They also had a coffee machine to kickstart your day with much-needed caffeine.
Casa Porto also serves their very own signature cocktails throughout the day and they were delicious. Grab a seat across from the bar and enjoy a cocktail (or two) as you kick off your vacation!
Are you convinced yet?
Are you ready to book Casa Porto for your Crete Hotel in Greece? I have nothing but good things to say about this hotel and hope to return next time I’m in Crete!
I’ll be back shortly with a new blog but in the meantime, you can follow my travels on Instagram and TikTok. I share daily travel tips and am always around to answer questions in my DMs.
Cheers,
Amy xx
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