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European travelers reject busy hotels for quieter local alternatives

Saturday, 20 June 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

A growing trend across Europe shows travelers increasingly choosing apartments, villas, and locally-run guesthouses over traditional hotels for summer holidays. Three in four Belgian travelers now prefer these more authentic accommodation options, seeking quieter, less crowded destinations. For visitors heading to Crete, this shift is noticeable: popular resort areas can feel busy in peak season (July and August), while inland villages, the eastern coast, and lesser-known beach towns offer a more genuine experience. Booking a private villa or local guesthouse in areas away from Heraklion and Malia can provide better value, more space, and direct contact with Cretan culture. Travelers planning a summer stay in Crete should book accommodation early, as authentic local rentals in off-the-beaten-path areas fill up quickly during the high season.

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