Where to Stay in Crete, Greece, for a Beach Holiday
If you need to feel the sand between your toes as soon as you step out of your hotel, you’re in good hands. The beautiful island of Crete is teeming with resorts and hotels located right on the beach. Whether you’re visiting with children or seeking a romantic escape, book into one of the best places to stay in Crete and enjoy all that this dreamy Greek island has to offer.
1. Minos Beach Art Hotel
Luxury, Hotel
This luxury boutique hotel has a prime position, right on the water’s edge in Lasithi, to the east. Expect boho-chic interiors, lush gardens, a private beach and mouth-watering food across three restaurants and three bars. Choose from suites, bungalows and villas with up to three bedrooms – all have wonderful views of the gardens or sea, and the best have private pools. When it comes to deciding where to stay in Crete, this spot should be at the forefront of your mind.
2. Lyttos Beach
Hotel
With direct beach access, private and shared pools and a plethora of family-friendly activities, this all-inclusive resort in Hersonnisos is a good option for sporty types. There’s everything from golf to mountain biking on offer, plus football, tennis and swimming camps. Little ones will love the waterpark, while parents can indulge with a sauna or treatment in the spa.
3. Grecotel Creta Palace
Luxury, Hotel
Whitewashed walls, palm trees and sea views stretching as far as the eye can see provide the setting for this luxury resort on the beach in Rethymnon. There’s a great range of accommodation options – suites, villas and bungalows – plus free activities such as yoga, beach volleyball and tennis. For children, there are kids’ clubs, special menus and high chairs, while the spa offers adults relaxing treatments including Ayurvedic massage.
4. Enorme Lifestyle Beach
Resort
For a romantic break, try this adults-only resort, perfectly positioned on the Blue Flag sandy beach of Amoudara. Watch the sunset from your daybed with a glass of fizz, join a yoga class and taste organic, Mediterranean fare in the restaurant. Rooms are sleek and contemporary, some with swim-up access. Superior rooms have shared plunge pools with a tanning ledge.
5. Atlantis Beach Hotel
Luxury, Hotel
Located on a private sandy beach in Rethymnon, this five-star hotel is perfectly positioned for an early morning sea dip. Inside, you’ll find 91 comfortable rooms, two restaurants, a pool bar with live music, spa facilities and family-friendly touches. It comprises a main house and six smaller, two-storey buildings dotted around the pools with beautiful gardens. Rooms feature sunny balconies, and there’s evening entertainment, a children’s playground and watersports can be arranged.
6. Sea Side Resort & Spa
Luxury, Resort, Spa Hotel
There’s a fresh, rustic-chic feel to this all-inclusive spa resort, dramatically positioned on a cliff above Aghia Pelagia with its soft sand and turquoise sea. Rooms are contemporary but pared-back, with muted colour schemes, wood floors and crisp white linen. Splash out on a superior double or suite for a private pool. The open-air verandah of the main restaurant offers breakfast with a view, or try the typical Cretan taverna or Asian restaurant for your sushi fix.
7. The Syntopia Hotel
Hotel
Swanky guestrooms, Cretan hospitality and a golden beach just steps away makes this hotel a great option for everyone from couples to solo travellers. Rooms have a bohemian feel – with minimalist decor, rustic lampshades and a black and white colour palette. There’s even a tepee by the pool and Aztec-style cushions to relax on by the pool bar. Melt any aches away in the spa – treatments include reiki and a Cretan massage that uses local olive oil.
8. Agapi Beach Resort
Resort
You won’t go hungry at this smart, all-inclusive resort, located on an idyllic beach, just 10 minutes from Crete’s capital, Heraklion. There are six dining options, including the indoor-outdoor main restaurant and an Italian pizzeria. Activities on offer include cooking lessons, watersports and tennis. Families are well looked after, too – the children’s club has a daily programme of activities run by specially-trained staff.
9. Elina Hotel Apartments
Hotel
10. Creta Maris Beach Resort
Resort, Hotel
11. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas
Resort, Hotel
12. Balos Beach Hotel
Hotel
13. Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort
Resort
Looking for somewhere different to stay? Book into one of the best luxury hotels in Crete for an unforgettable holiday. Inspire your itinerary with the must-visit attractions on this Greek island, including the best beaches. While you’re here don’t miss out on the best local fare with a meal at one of the best restaurants in Crete.
Evangelos Tsirmpas contributed additional reporting to this article.
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