The Best Resorts on the Island of Crete

Taking a family holiday in Crete? Anemos is one of the few Crete resorts for families to provide certified childcare services that include a popular kids’ club and play area with mini-golf. There’s a network of resort pools, some especially for children, set in Mediterranean gardens that lead down to the beach via a tunnel. Two-bed suites and bungalows allow for self-catering stays, plus there’s a variety of restaurants and sports facilities on site.

Amirandes Grecotel lies close to two coves on the island’s north coast and looks much like a grand Minoan palace. This Crete beach resort screams luxury, with its huge lagoons and Olympic-sized saltwater pool and a spa with Ayurveda treatments performed by Keralan therapists. The most impressive villas and bungalows are set on secluded areas of the beach and have their own hot tub and home cinema.

Come to this five-star, Greek all-inclusive resort near Heraklion for a family-friendly holiday. The resort, set on a Blue Flag beach, offers a range of watersports, not to mention land activities like volleyball and table tennis. Kids can splash around in dedicated pools with waterslides, while adults head to the Zen Spa for a treatment. By night, dine on typical Cretan food, such as mezze plates and moussaka at the wooden taverna followed by live entertainment.

The extensive all-inclusive plan at this beach resort in Crete includes dining options at four restaurants serving local and international cuisine, as well as a packed programme of sports and activities. Fill your schedule with a mix of cooking classes, tennis and spa sessions, while the little ones are occupied at the kids’ club – but don’t forget to chill out as well, either by one of the resort’s three pools or down on its private beach.

This Venetian-Ottoman mansion, set in the heart of medieval Rethymno, has been respectfully refurbished to honour its original stone architecture, offering adult-only suites with views over the old town. Modern features are incorporated with the old at this luxury resort in Crete, including hot tubs and rainfall showers. Enjoy the prime position in Rethymno – you’re within strolling distance of the Venetian harbour and historic sites like the church of San Francesco.

This newly renovated hotel complex caters to adults only, offering classy pool areas dotted with black loungers and bean bags. The rooftop terrace is the perfect place to sip a cocktail in the steaming hot tub while savouring sea views – the hotel lies 150m (500ft) from the beach, just east of Rethymno. There’s only a handful of suites, each with wood-beamed ceilings, designed in either Boho or Classical style.

For an all-inclusive resort in Crete overlooking the Aegean Sea, book into this swanky, multilevel resort set on a hillside in Agia Pelagia. The package includes all food, sports and evening entertainment. Cool off in three saltwater pools and enjoy a complimentary session at the spa, hopping from the hydro massage pool to sauna and steam bath. Spring for the superior rooms if you fancy having your own private pool and terrace.

The Knossos Beach Bungalows and Suites, named after the island’s famous ruins, are built from stone in authentic Cretan style. This means the five-star resort in Crete, set in peaceful pool gardens that lead down to Kokkini Hani beach, blends in with the island’s natural landscape. Expect ultra-modern luxury in the bungalows, which come with heated pools, hot tubs and open-sky showers. Travelling as a group? Opt for the three-bed beachfront suite that opens directly onto the sand.

The award-winning Thalasso Spa at Aldemar, near Hersonissos, is rated one of the best in the world – picture steaming whirlpools, hammams and essential oil massages. There’s also a nutritionist on site for diet consultations and a special focus on seawater treatments. If you can drag yourself away from the spa, bask poolside with a cocktail or head down to this beach resort in Crete private stretch of sand.