The 52 Best Hotels in Crete

Updated: October 2, 2025
Greece › Crete › Best Hotels
By Santorini Dave

My Favorite Hotels in Crete

• Chania (Luxury): Casa Delfino
• Rethymno (Couples): Avli Lounge
• Heraklio: GDM Megaron
• Elounda (Beach): Elounda Beach
• Agios Nikolaos: Minos Beach Art
• For Families: Porto Elounda
• Best Pool: Elounda Peninsula
• New Hotel: JW Marriott
• Midrange: Olive Green
• Budget: Mantraki

1. Casa Delfino • 2. Serenissima • 3. Avli • 4. Royal Senses • 5. Nostos Beach • 6. Hotel Sofia • 7. Olive Green • 8. GDM Megaron • 9. Nana Princess • 10. Elounda Beach • 11. Porto Elounda • 12. Elounda Peninsula • 13. Minos Beach Art • 14. Mantraki • 15. Petra Mare

Crete Hotels – My Advice

My two boys in the Old Venetian Harbour of Chania.

• Our Favorite Places to Stay in Crete: Our favorite town in Crete is Chania, a romantic seaside town with loads of charm. We also love Rethymno – almost as gorgeous but not nearly as touristy. Elounda is a string of idyllic luxury beach resorts. Heraklio is a mid-sized city, filled with charm and true local culture; Knossos (just outside Heraklio) is the top historical site on the island. Agios Nikolaos, 60 km to the east of Heraklio, is low-key, relaxing, and less touristy than many of the more popular Crete beach resorts.
• Elafonisi (a 90-minute drive from Chania) is the best beach on Crete and one of my favorite beaches anywhere.
• My Suggested Itineraries: For 3 to 5 days in Crete, focus primarily on Chania with a short visit to Heraklio and Knossos. For one week in Crete, do 3 days in Chania (with day trips to nearby beaches), 3 days in Agios Nikolaos or Elounda, and 1 day in Heraklio (with a visit to Knossos). For a two week stay in Crete, take time to explore the wonderful coastal towns along the south coast and the inland villages of central Crete.

The Best Hotels in Crete

1. Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa – Chania

Hotel Phone: +30 28210 87400
My favorite hotel in Chania and all of Crete. Beautifully restored, individually decorated boutique hotel in a 17th-century Venetian mansion in the Old Town. Rooms have handmade Italian furniture, white marble bathrooms, and mini-bars. Suites add lounge areas, sofas that convert to single beds, jacuzzis in some, and balconies overlooking the courtyard/old town. Upgraded suites can be split-level, have bigger/deluxe jacuzzis, sofa beds, dressing rooms. The Ottoman Suite has an authentic marble hammam while the top-end Presidential Suite has a private panoramic roof terrace with harbor and sea views. Highlights include a spectacular rooftop bar with panoramic views, a luxury spa, complimentary breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Within easy walking distance of the beach and the main harbor.

2. Avli Lounge Apartments – Rethymno

Hotel Phone: +30 28310 58250, +30 28310 26213
This is our pick for Rethymno. This romantic, all-suite property set in Venetian-era buildings (Venetian arches, antiques) features a total of ten individually decorated, delightful, character-filled lounge apartments and suites with antique fireplaces and fittings, carved sofas, jacuzzi bathtubs, iron artwork/hand-painted beds, refrigerators, glass wardrobes. Top-end apartments add balconies, while the spirited candy suites (with names like cookie, brownie, jelly) have elements like antique chairs, handmade pillows, canopy beds. The hotel restaurants, fine dining Avli and Cretan meze bar Raki Ba Raki, and the wine bar Enoteca are among the best in Crete. Breakfast in the Avli courtyard is included. Cooking classes, wine tastings, and olive oil tastings are available.

3. Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas – Elounda

Hotel Phone: +30 28410 63000
Our top hotel in Elounda: a spectacular waterfront hotel with a lavish, contemporary, staggering accommodation range – sea view rooms with shared pools, sea view/waterfront/island suites, and luxury bungalows with private temperature-controlled swimming/whirlpool pools, to name a few. Basic rooms have balconies with bay views and in-bathroom tv and music, while bungalows have jacuzzi bathtubs and private terraces/gardens, heated floors and remote-controlled mattresses (some). Top-end, super-luxurious villas have outstanding features such as 3 decks, leather-coated ceilings, yachting designer furniture, touchscreen room controls, sunken bathtubs, private pools, and hydro-massage. Royal villas have indoor and outdoor pools, pianos.

4. GDM Megaron Hotel – Heraklio

Hotel Phone: +30 28103 05300
GDM Megaron is my favorite hotel in central Heraklio. We stayed here when my brother and his family came for a visit (and we all loved it, especially the location). Overlooking the harbor, this sophisticated hotel offers stylish rooms and suites with wooden floors, high ceilings, contemporary furniture, mini-bars, tea/coffee facilities, and balconies with city/sea views. Top-end suites have jacuzzis. Posh facilities include a rooftop pool, fitness center, complimentary breakfast, and a smart Cretan-Mediterranean restaurant with harbor views. The city center, bus station, ferry port, and the Archaeological and Historical Museums are within walking distance.

5. Serenissima Boutique Hotel – Chania

Hotel Phone: +30 28210 86386
Minimalist and lovely 7-suite boutique hotel in the heart of Chania’s Old Town and housed in a 16th-century Venetian manor featuring parquet floors, open stonework/exposed brick walls, high ceilings with wooden beams, and cement sealed bathtubs. Rooms have king-sized, eco mattresses and coffee and tea-making facilities while upgraded suites add lounge areas with sofa beds and private furnished terraces. The top-end split-level suite has a large outdoor terrace with mountain views. An a la carte breakfast is included.

6. Domus Renier Boutique Hotel – Chania

Hotel Phone: +30 28210 88806
Stunning, individually decorated 9-suite boutique hotel with designer furniture, hydro-massage showers, Nespresso coffee machines, and mini-bars. Six suites boast sweeping sea/harbor/lighthouse views. Junior suites have furnished balconies and outdoor jacuzzis, while high-end suites have lofts, painted ceilings, bathtubs with hydro-massage, and rain showers with chromotherapy. Close to many restaurants and bars. Breakfast is always included and served in the hotel’s private yard; the hotel is attached to the tasty Zepos Mediterranean restaurant, open all day.

7. Pnoe Breathing Life – Heraklion

Hotel Phone: +30 28100 00990
Chic, adults-only, all-suite, luxury hotel with a private beach, sumptuous dining, and an impressive wellness center on Karteros Beach – a zen-like oasis just a five-minute drive from the airport, a 10-minute drive from Heraklio’s historic center, and a 15-minute drive to Knossos Palace. Each lavish suite has a king-sized bed, furnished terrace, outdoor shower, and its own heated pool. Breathe Suites have jacuzzis built into their pools; Signature Suites add a steam room or sauna. Dining is extraordinary at their two seasonal, organic restaurants highlighting locally-sourced ingredients and Cretan delicacies. The same decadent fare can be served to your sunbed on the hotel’s private beach. The hotel’s two bars (one poolside and one on the rooftop) are equally impressive with signature cocktails, Cretan and Greek wines, sushi, and nibbles. The spa is not to be missed, with a comprehensive menu of traditional and modern therapies and indulgent rituals.

8. Elounda Mare Hotel – Elounda

Hotel Phone: +30 28410 68200
Chic resort with a range of accommodations from sea view rooms and suites to bungalows with private pools, royalty villas with private pools, and the top-tier Minoan Palace with a private pool. Rooms and suites have vibrant decor, marble bathrooms with tubs, and private balconies or terraces while the home-style bungalows add antiques and small private gardens. Top-end suites feature exposed stone and woodwork plus panoramic sea views. The resort features many award-winning restaurants and lounges, a holistic spa with wellness packages, a large heated pool overlooking the sea, a kids’ pool, and a private, sandy beach.

9. Nana Princess – Hersonissos

Hotel Phone: +30 28970 26900
We love this five-star, boutique, beachfront resort featuring an all-suite and villa concept, each with a king-sized bed, sea view, separate shower and bathtub, and a private pool (heated on request). The resort boasts three outdoor pools, an indoor pool, full-service salon, fitness center, and expansive spa with therapies based on guests’ zodiac signs. Three restaurants and three bars serve a broad choice of cuisines served in the hotel, poolside, or on the private beach. Located just a five-minute walk from their sister property Nana Water Park (guests get free access) and just a five-minute drive to Hersonissos Beach and the nightlife strip.

10. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort – Elounda

Hotel Phone: +30 28410 68000
Family-friendly, sprawling resort with excellent restaurants, a full-service spa, gardens, a private beach, an enormous kids club, and a 9-hole golf course. Offering yachts to charter, scuba diving, soccer camp, water sports, tennis, shopping, and even a chapel, this is the ultimate one-stop resort in Crete. The resort features sea view rooms, suites, and villas with mini-bars and marble bathrooms. Sea view rooms have furnished private balconies while the next category adds sitting areas and furnished terraces with direct access to shared pools. Top-end rooms have sea and golf course views and terraces with private saltwater pools. Suites add living spaces, while villas have living rooms with bars, dining areas, and private gardens with saltwater pools.

11. Minos Beach Art Hotel – Agios Nikolaos

Hotel Phone: +30 28410 22345
Minos Beach Art is our choice when staying in Agios Nikolaos. This tranquil beachfront hotel features villas with private pools, whirlpools, and home cinemas. Rooms, suites, and waterfront/seafront bungalows offer furnished balconies, mini-bars, and beautiful sea views. Top-end bungalows have private pools and jacuzzis, and top-end villas have dressing rooms, jacuzzi bathtubs, and fully equipped kitchenettes. The wonderful town of Agios Nikolaos is within walking distance.

12. Nautilux – Rethymno

Hotel Phone: +30 28317 01300
This is one of only two hotels in Rethymno with direct beach access; the other “beach” hotels sit across a narrow (but busy) road. Contemporary, five-star hotel with a private beach club, two outdoor pools, and a sublime wellness center with a heated, indoor pool. Greek-Mediterranean fare features strongly on the menu with different food themes each night. Breakfast and dinner are served buffet-style, while lunch and room service are a la carte. Both half board and full board options are offered. Most rooms have balconies; many have private, outdoor jacuzzis or heated pools. Excellent location in Rethymno, a pleasant 30-minute, seafront walk to the Old Town and Venetian harbor, passing by beach clubs, restaurants, and shops along the way.

13. Elounda Peninsula All Suites Hotel – Elounda

Hotel Phone: +30 28410 68250
All-suite hotel overlooking the bay. Suites and residences have a yacht-like ambiance featuring marble bathrooms with separate showers and tubs, private balconies, and spectacular sea views. Upgraded suites add furnished terraces with private, saltwater plunge pools (heated on request). Also has beachfront suites, villas with lovely furnished gardens, and presidential waterfront villas with kitchenettes. Basic seaside residences have unobstructed sea views, surround sound, whirlpool tubs, sauna, massage rooms, and private indoor pools while upgraded residences add kitchens and more. On site restaurants serve a wide range of cuisines, including Italian, pan-Asian, and of course Greek. Family-friendly amenities include a kids pool, playground, kids club, swim lessons, and nanny service at their sister property, Porto Elounda.

14. Rimondi Boutique Hotel – Rethymno

Hotel Phone: +30 28310 51001
Elegant, boutique hotel with just 34 rooms and suites spread over two buildings (the Estate and the Palazzo, which dates to the Venetian occupation) in the heart of Rethymno’s Old Town. Each building has its own pool in a romantic courtyard garden; other amenities include a traditional hammam and wellness spa. Guests may take refreshments at the Palazzo Pool Bar, serving drinks and light bites from morning until well into the night, or at the all-day Estate Restaurant, with a rich menu of Cretan and Mediterranean plates. Breakfast is always included in the rates with a buffet for Palazzo guests and an a la carte menu for Estate guests. Rooms and suites may offer pool, city, or sea views, many with terraces or balconies. Master Suites feature indoor jacuzzi baths, while Spa Suites boast outdoor jacuzzis. Wonderfully located just steps from the 17th-century landmark Rimondi Fountain, 17th-century Neratze Mosque, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete, and the picturesque Venetian harbor.

15. Amirandes Grecotel Exclusive Resort – Gouves

Hotel Phone: +30 28970 41103
Surrounding a big lagoon, this outstanding resort has a staggering array of rooms, suites, specialty suites, bungalows, villas, and ‘ultimate accommodation’. Depending on the category, rooms may have enclosed glass balconies, terraces with dining areas, private pools, and mirrored walls. Family suites have children’s bedrooms, and bungalows have bathtubs with sea views. Top-end specialty suites feature ‘star’ pools with star lights and smooth currents (for exercising), private beach gazebos, wine coolers, and gym areas. Top-end villas add jacuzzi bathtubs with aromatherapy and color therapy and beds with direct pool access. The top-end ‘Ultimate’ property adds unique private pleasure/entertainment ‘caves’ with stone walls and floors, home cinemas, fully equipped kitchens, staff quarters, round jacuzzi bathtubs, private saunas, in-bathroom massage beds, billiards, and elliptical trainers. Amirandes is close to Heraklio’s airport and to the Knossos Archaeological site to score mega points for convenience.

16. Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites – Elounda

Hotel Phone: +30 28102 27721
Set on a hillside, this boutique complex has lovely suites, pool villas, spa pool villas, and beachfront villas with panoramic bay views. (The two, three, and four-bedroom villas are marvelous for families.) Suites have floor-to-ceiling windows and bathrooms with hand-painted ceilings. Upgrades get you private saltwater infinity pools and private massage rooms. Pool villas have fully-equipped kitchens and laundry facilities, while the top-end pool villas add infinity heated pools with jacuzzi tubs, private saunas, and pool terraces. The resort centers on a large, heated main pool with a jacuzzi and kids’ pool, plus a luxury spa and fitness center. Two Cretan restaurants and a bar are on-site, while a private, serviced beach club with light fare and drinks is just a short, complimentary shuttle ride away. For families, the resort offers a kids club with cultural activities and babysitting services.

17. Domes of Elounda – Elounda

Hotel Phone: +30 23108 10624
Family-friendly, all-suite and villa, luxury resort on a private, sandy beach – the only natural (not manmade) beach in the area. Child-centric amenities include spacious suites and villas with up to 4 bedrooms, movie nights, family yoga, a teen club, and a Montessori-inspired kids’ club with activities that include gardening, stargazing, trekking, and more. The hotel features an adults-only pool, a family pool (heated in the cooler months) with two smaller attached pools, a spa with its own pool, an outdoor gym, and live music. Four restaurants and four bars keep guests full and entertained with a range of traditional and contemporary culinary offerings, local wines, signature and classic cocktails, and more. All suites and villas include spacious balconies or terraces with private outdoor jacuzzis or pools (heated in the villas). Excellent location in Elounda just 1km south of Plaka Marina and the ferry to Spinalonga and 1.5km to the public, pebbly Plaka Beach, lined with casual tavernas and sunbeds.

18. Veneto Boutique Hotel – Rethymno

Hotel Phone: +30 28310 56634
Exquisite boutique hotel set in a restored 15th-century Dominican monastery amid the narrow alleys of the historical center, with 13 medieval-like, luxury suites with beds tucked under stone arches, wooden and terracotta flooring, beamed ceilings, walk-in showers, and sofa beds. Upgraded suites add private verandas and handmade orthopedic mattresses. The hotel has a fantastic wine cellar and Cretan-fusion restaurant set in a stunning 600-year-old courtyard. Wine tastings and cooking classes are on offer.

19. Mitsis Rinela – Kokkini Hani

Hotel Phone: +30 28107 61713
Five-star, family-friendly, all-inclusive resort with an enormous main pool, a spa with an indoor pool, and serviced beach with an adults-only section. Their thoughtful family program includes three age-specific kids clubs for minis (ages 4 to 7), juniors (8 to 11), and teens (12 to 16). There are also two kids’ pools, water slides, a beachfront playground, and a game room just for teens. The culinary program incudes four a la carte restaurants, one buffet, and a slew of casual dining spots: a pizzeria, barbecue station, creperie, cafe. Of course, there is wine bar and cocktail lounge, too. All rooms and suites have king-size beds, minibars replenished daily, and private balconies or patios; most offer sea or seafront views; some with sharing pools. Ideal location just a 10-minute drive to the airport, 15 minutes to the the Old Town of Heraklio, and 20 minutes to Knossos Palace.

20. St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas – Agios Nikolaos

Hotel Phone: +30 28410 90200
Mediterranean-style, contemporary, bay resort with a huge variety of rooms, suites, and villas with pools, mini-bars, lounge corners, and balconies with stunning bay views. Upgraded suites feature private terraces with heated pools and jacuzzi-style bathtub; villas add kitchenettes.

21. La Maison Ottomane – Chania

Hotel Phone: +30 28210 08796
Intimate, opulent boutique hotel in a carefully restored Venetian-era home with design inspired by the Ottomans who once ruled Crete. Comprised of just three luxurious suites, attention to detail and personal service is paramount. Stays include a rich breakfast served al fresco in the courtyard garden; the menu features Cretan, Turkish, and Arabic dishes all made fresh in house with locally sourced ingredients. Wine and light fare is available throughout the day. Each suite is unique, but all are filled with Moroccan and Mid-Eastern antiques, Egyptian cotton bedding, mother-of-pearl inlayed furnishings, and embroidered silks. Nestled in the heart of Chania’s Old Town, behind the marina, just a short walk to Kiutsuk Hasan Mosque, the Folklore Museum, and the Venetian harbor.

22. Domes Zeen – Chania

Hotel Phone: +30 23108 10624
Set on a private beach just two kilometers from Chania’s Venetian harbor and Old Town, Domes Zeen offers spacious rooms, suites, and villas with garden or sea views, walk-in showers, and private terraces, many with sharing pools or private pools. Ideal for families, the resort offers a baby club for ages 4+ months, a kids club for ages 4 to 12 with a yard, garden and pool, babysitting services, kids’ menus in the restaurants, and grand villas for up to 8 guests. Its gorgeous beachfront pool is lined with sunbeds and umbrellas, with more set up on the private, serviced beach. The culinary program features a wine-themed, fine-dining Mediterranean restaurant and a casual, seaside taverna serving fresh, organic Cretan dishes; the pool is served throughout the day by a bar offering light fare and refreshing drinks. The wellness center features a second pool and outdoor gym. Perks include 24-hour room service, complimentary breakfast, and a range of tasting activities: wine, cheese, olive oil, and sea salts.

23. Niko Seaside Resort – Agios Nikolaos

Hotel Phone: +30 28413 04040
Luxury, urban oasis in Agios Nikolaos, about five minutes on foot to the Archaeological Museum and lovely Lake Voulismeni, ringed with tavernas and fishing boats. The hotel resort has its own small, pebbly beach across the road with sunbeds on the shore and on its little jetty, plus two heated pools (the main pool and a shallow, rooftop pool). Cretan, Italian, and sushi are served in the hotel’s restaurants, complemented by craft cocktails and Greek wines. The hotel offers wine tastings that highlight local producers and twice weekly rooftop yoga. Rooms and suites vary in size and layout, many with sea views, French or full-sized balconies, or private heated plunge pools. Adults-only; pet-friendly.

24. Azade Boutique Hotel – Chania

Hotel Phone: +30 28211 01358
Nine-suite boutique hotel in a restored Venetian-Ottoman villa from the 17th century. Spacious, high-ceilinged suites feature minimalist decor in an earthy palette, walk-in showers, and wine coolers, many with private verandas and sea views. Its atmospheric courtyard features an Ottoman bath repurposed into a water feature. Breakfast is included in the rate, while light refreshments and Greek wines are available 24 hours a day. Rare for a historic property, Azade offers a suite with a roll-in shower for wheelchair users and an elevator. Tucked away in Chania’s romantic Old Town, the hotel is less than 100 meters from the Venetian Harbor and under five-minutes on foot to the Venetian Firka Fortress, the Ottoman-era Kiutsuk Hasan Mosque, and the maritime museum.

25. Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa – Elounda

Hotel Phone: +30 28410 44700
Nestled on a hillside above Plaka Beach and facing mysterious Spinalonga Island, Cayo Exclusive is an elegant, boutique resort with two sparkling outdoor pools, one indoor heated pool, and a spa with therapies inspired by Cretan and Greek traditions. Three restaurants and two bars in the main building serve casual and gourmet plates, local wines, and cocktails. The resort’s beach club on pebbly Plaka offers light fare and beverages throughout the day, accessible via the resort’s free shuttle. Rooms and villas range from 35 to 200 square meters and all include mini-bars, Nespresso coffee, and private terraces with outdoor pools, heated on request.

26. Acro Suites – Agia Pelagia

Hotel Phone: +30 28108 12240
Adults-only, all-suite, wellness resort with a freeform pool, Byzantine-inspired spa, and a sea-view yoga shala. The well-equipped spa features an outdoor, saltwater pool, hammam, dry sauna, and jacuzzi, along with an extensive menu of treatments based on Greek and international healing traditions. Their Cretan and Nikkei restaurants spotlight local, seasonal ingredients, comfort dishes, and modern twists on classic flavors. Suites and villas shine with an elevated boho style, all with king-size beds, sea views, furnished terraces, and private saltwater pools (heated on request). Villas add more space and privacy; the largest sleeps up to eight guests in four bedrooms with two pools. Clifftop locatino above Mononaftis Beach with elevator access to the beach through their sister hotel next door. There are a couple of tavernas within walking distance, but a car is strongly recommended for exploring the wider region.

27. Veneziano Boutique Hotel – Heraklio

Hotel Phone: +30 28103 44758
Beautifully restored boutique hotel in a historic landmark Venetian and Ottoman building. Four double rooms and two 2-story family apartments surround a gorgeous interior courtyard with daily breakfast and afternoon wine. Gracious and attentive service. Minutes from Lion’s Square, the Basilica of St. Mark, and museums.

28. Royal Blue Resort – Panormos

Hotel Phone: +30 28340 55000
Family-owned, family-friendly, luxury resort on a private, sandy beach with a seafront saltwater pool, a freshwater pool, and a thalassotherapy spa. The culinary program emphasizes fresh, local produce, products, and seafood with three a la carte restaurants, a Cretan buffet, a wine cellar, and three cocktail lounges. Rooms, suites, and villas range from 30 to 135 square meters with one king-sized or 2 twin-sized beds, bathrooms with dual vanities, many with sofabeds, superior rooms with sharing pools, and suites and villas with private pools. Extras include a game room, boutique shops, tennis courts, live music, and Cretan nights with dancing. Well-situated in the middle of the north coast, near the pebbly beaches of Spilies and Geropotamos and the sandy beach and village of Panormos, about 18 km from the town of Rethymno.

29. Alcanea Boutique Hotel – Chania

Hotel Phone: +30 28210 75370
Spirited boutique hotel in a 500-year-old Venetian building attached to the fortress and just steps from the maritime museum, Byzantine/Post-Byzantine Museum, Kiutsuk Hasan Mosque, and the Old Town’s best restaurants and shopping. Two beaches (Nea Chora and Koum Kapi) are only a 15-minute walk away. The hotel’s eight suites tend toward the cozy side, though the family rooms sleeps up to four guests in 53 square meters of space. Rooms have queen or king-size beds, walk-in showers, local handicrafts, and folk art decor. One room has a balcony; two have terraces. Alcanea’s wine bar and cafe is popular with locals and travelers alike, serving rustic Cretan fare and Greek wine under a grapevine-covered pergola from 8 a.m. until midnight. A rich a la carte breakfast is always included in the room rates.

30. Domes Noruz – Chania

Hotel Phone: +30 23108 10624
Perfect for romantic getaways, Domes Noruz is a luxury, adults-only, beach resort with two pools (the heated quiet pool and unheated vibrant pool with a bar), a therapeutic spa, and an outdoor gym with yoga and pilates classes. Rooms, lofts, and suites all come with with private terraces with outdoor jacuzzis, plunge pools, or private pools. The all-day restaurant Topos serves Cretan-Mediterranean dishes using local, organic produce paired with thoughtfully selected wines, while Raw offers fresh sushi and champagne in the evenings. Beautifully located on Glaros Beach, about 3.5 km from the sights, shopping, and dining of central Chania.

31. Minos Palace Hotel – Agios Nikolaos

Hotel Phone: +30 28410 23801
Lavish, adults-only, beachfront hotel on a private peninsula. Filled with lush gardens that are dotted with meditation nooks and quiet zones, wellness is at the forefront here. You’ll find a holistic spa, infinity pool, 24-hour fitness center, and a range of activities here, including sunrise yoga, meditation, fire ceremonies, and chill out DJ sets in the evenings. Farm-to-fork dining based on Cretan and Mediterranean traditions are served in the all-day a la carte restaurant or in the main buffet, along with cocktails and wine in the lounge or on the beach. Rooms and suites all offer private, furnished balconies or terraces, king-sized beds, and bathrooms with dual vanities; some suites have private or sharing pools. Tranquil location but only a five-minute drive from central Agios Nikolaos or 15 minutes to Elounda. Not to be confused with Minoa Palace Resort below.

32. Euphoria Resort – Kolymvari

Hotel Phone: +30 28244 40500
Family-friendly, all-inclusive, luxury resort on a Blue Flag beach. Waiter service is offered on the beach and at the pools. Posh facilities include a 3500 square meter river pool, a second outdoor pool, and an indoor pool in the wellness center. Families will also find a kids’ club, teens’ club, water park, babysitting service, and a menu of baby gear parents can borrow for their stay: bouncy chairs, baby monitors, strollers, baths, and more. Four a la carte and three buffet restaurants cook up a range of Mediterranean, Pan-Asian, and Italian dishes. Located in Kolymvari, a less touristy beach town, the hotel is about a five-minute drive to the fortress monastery, Gonia Odigitria Monastery, and well situated for hiking trips to Samaria Gorge or day trips to Chania’s Old Town.

33. Royal Senses Resort & Spa – Panormos

Hotel Phone: +30 28340 55002
Gorgeous, family-friendly, luxury resort with two saltwater pools, a freshwater kids’ pool, kids’ club, a small water park, and an herbal spa with treatments based on ancient Minoan and Cretan rituals. Rooms, suites, and villas all have king-sized beds and walk-in showers, most with private terraces and some with private pools. Dining is high-quality and plentiful here with four restaurants serving a variety of local delicacies in fine and casual settings, plus four tasteful bars offering local spirits, wine, and classic cocktails. Guests of Royal Senses also have access to the beach and tennis courts of their sister property, Royal Blue, across the street. Great location almost right in the middle of Crete’s north coast, near popular Spilies, Geropotamos, and Panormos Beaches and about 18 km from Rethymno.

34. Elounda Bay Palace – Elounda

Hotel Phone: +30 28410 67000
Set on the bay edge in 20 acres of verdant gardens with private beaches, this hotel offers a huge range of impeccable rooms, bungalows, villas, and suites, many having shared pools or private heated pools and private balconies with bay, mountain, or garden views. Upgraded suites get you bathtubs, private patios, and kitchenettes. Top-end silver club properties have bathrooms with skylights, jacuzzi bathtubs, private heated whirlpools, while exclusive club properties have fully equipped kitchens, dressing rooms, and private gardens. The resort features five restaurants and bars, an outdoor saltwater pool, and an indoor freshwater pool. Family-friendly perks include a kids’ pool, kids’ club, and teen activity programs.

35. Minoa Palace Resort – Platanias

Hotel Phone: +30 28210 36500
Family-friendly luxury resort on a sandy beach with waiter service. Grounds include four outdoor pools, an extensive wellness center with an indoor, heated pool, and a plethora of free activities for guests: cooking classes, bike tours, live music, and more. Families can enjoy roomy suites with up to two bedrooms plus connecting options that sleep up to six guests, along with a playground, lifeguards at the pools and beach, and babysitting on request. All rooms have private balconies or terraces and marble bathrooms, many with sea views; some suites add private pools. Its three bars and four restaurants serve everything from Mediterranean fine dining to traditional Italian fare; the main buffet restaurant has a different international theme each night. All-inclusive, half-board, or bed-and-breakfast meal plans on offer. Excellent location in the lively beach town Platanias, about a 20-minute drive from Chania’s Old Town and harbor. Not to be confused with Minos Palace Hotel above.

36. Blue Palace Resort & Spa – Elounda

Hotel Phone: +30 28410 65500
Luxe resort with rooms, suites, and villas, some with private heated pools, some with private infinity pools, all with complimentary breakfast and excellent sea views. Upgrades get you Nespresso Coffee machines, spacious patios/verandas, deep-soaking jacuzzi bathtubs. Villas have terraces with sunbeds, butler services (upon request), saunas, and jetted outdoor and indoor pools. The top-end villa has a wood-burning oven (chef services) and barbecue facilities around the pool.

37. Grecotel Creta Palace – Rethymno

Hotel Phone: +30 28310 55181
Massive family-friendly beachfront resort with a great range of bright guestrooms, suites, bungalows, two-story maisonettes and traditional villas, with stone/wooden floors, handcrafted furniture, balconies/terraces, mini-bars (on request), refrigerators, and garden/sea views. Maisonettes and family bungalows have colorful kid’s bedrooms, while suites feature hand-carved furniture, sofa beds, and gardens with private pools. The top-end beachfront villas have private plunge pools, jacuzzi bathtubs, and large terraces with pergolas. The resort boasts a fantastic sky bar and restaurant.

38. Abaton Island Resort & Spa – Hersonissos

Hotel Phone: +30 28970 26410
Luxury, beachfront resort offering indoor and outdoor pools, a high-tech spa and fitness center, and butler service. Abaton features a wide selection of rooms, suites, and villas, all with private verandas or patios, most with sea views, some with sharing pools, and a few with both outdoor jacuzzis (always heated) and private pools (heated on request). Six top-notch bars and restaurants thread through the property, including Cretan fare, a steakhouse, a fresh seafood restaurant, and a Buddha Bar outpost, serving Asian fusion, original cocktails, and world-class DJ sets to the pool and beach. Great location less than a five-minute drive to Hersonissos’ famed nightlife and beach.

39. Isla Brown Chania Resort – Stavros

Hotel Phone: +30 28211 01358
Casual, seafront luxury resort with four saltwater pools and a spa. Set on a rocky, natural beach with crystalline water, sunbed sets, and a floating deck. For a more “traditional” sandy beach experience, the hotel offers a free shuttle to the beach in Stavros, where Zorba the Greek‘s dance was filmed (also, there is a free shuttle to Chania). All rooms and suites have private balconies, twinnable king-sized beds, and sofabeds; some add sharing pools or private pools. Buffet and a la carte restaurants offer fresh Cretan-Mediterranean fare, supplemented with a poolside snack bar and cocktail bar.

40. Aquila Atlantis Hotel – Heraklio

Hotel Phone: +30 28102 29103
Large, cosmopolitan hotel with spacious, modern rooms and suites with mini-bars and coffee/tea facilities with city or unobstructed harbor views. Upgraded rooms add balconies, while suites add deep spa tubs and living spaces. Has two pools, a spa, restaurant, and lounge bar. The city center, bus station, and ferry port are within walking distance.

41. Kapsaliana Village – Kapsalianá

Hotel Phone: +30 28310 83400
Once an autonomous settlement centered around an olive mill in the largest olive grove in Crete, Kapsaliana Village has been lovingly resurrected as a sustainable, boutique hotel. Operational from 1763 until 1955, the mill’s houses have been converted into 22 rooms and suites, designed with respect to the original architecture. Traditionally inspired rooms and suites may feature stone walls, wood beam ceilings, and archways; some have balconies or patios. The Family Suite has a walled yard, while the Aquarius Suite features an outdoor jacuzzi, and the two-bedroom Borealis Suite has a private pool. Grounds include a sea view pool, a massage/yoga room, a creative Cretan restaurant, charming cocktail bar, history museum, vineyard, and culinary garden. A wide range of activities are on offer, including cooking classes, olive oil tasting, soap making, and guided mountain hikes. Situated in the mountains about 5 km from the 16th-century Monastery of Arkadi and 15 km from the old Venetian harbor of Rethymno.

42. Wyndham Grand Mirabello Bay – Agios Nikolaos

Hotel Phone: +30 28410 28400
Luxe resort with two saltwater pools, a holistic spa, two private beaches, and its own marina. Spacious rooms and suites all have marble bathrooms, sitting areas, and balconies with garden or sea views. The largest suites sleep four to six guests with up to two-bedrooms, many with private outdoor pools. Ideal for families, the Wyndham Grand is home to a playground, kids’ club, and kids’ pool. A la carte restaurants include an Italian trattoria, a rustic Greek taverna, and a beachfront grill house, along with a Mediterranean buffet restaurant. Located in Agios Nikolaos, just a five-minute drive to the town center and a 10-minute drive to Elounda.

43. Legacy Gastro Suites – Heraklio

Hotel Phone: +30 28102 21200
Twelve-suite, five-star, food-focused hotel just steps from the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Bembo Fountain, and Lions Square. Suites are all art-themed around painting, literature, and poetry and include both indoor and outdoor dining areas, pantries stocked with local foods and products, wine bars, and mini-bars with cold cuts and cheeses – with pairing suggestions, of course. The cuisine is astounding at its signature Papi Osteria, run by lauded chef Ettore Botrini. A la carte breakfast is served daily to each suite or terrace at any time of the morning.

44. Olive Green Hotel – Heraklio

Hotel Phone: +30 28103 02900
Modern, eco-friendly hotel with minimalistic rooms featuring vivid digital art, mini-bars, laptop-sized safes, and city/park views. Most rooms have balconies, while OG Club Elite rooms sport large furnished terraces. A complimentary breakfast buffet is included in the rate, or guests may upgrade to an a la carte breakfast at 626 All Day Lounge, serving international and Cretan fare until 11:00 pm. Short walk away from the ferry port, museums, central market, and city center.

45. Casa Vitae – Rethymno

Hotel Phone: + 30 28310 35058
Picture-perfect, renovated old Venetian house converted into three luxury villas. Each one or two-bedroom villa boasts its own private pool plus a fully-equipped kitchen, separate living area, two bathrooms, jacuzzi bathtubs, and a private terrace. The old town center is a few minutes’ walk away.

46. Caramel Grecotel – Adelianos Kampos

Hotel Phone: +30 28310 71803
Gorgeous boutique resort having a wide range of super bright suites, bungalows/maisonettes, villas with antique and contemporary designer furniture, handmade tiled floors, large furnished balconies (some), Nespresso coffee machines, refrigerators, and sea/garden views. Family suites have a kid’s bedroom; top-end bungalows feature spa bathrooms, fully-furnished verandas, and open-air jacuzzis (some). ‘Unique’ category properties have features like private outdoor jacuzzis, private pools, and outdoor fireplaces, while ‘ultimate’ category properties have top floor private jacuzzis (some), direct beach access, and wine coolers. The hotel has a beautiful confetti (color-changing) pool. Very quiet and best suited for visitors seeking solitude.

47. Elafonisi Resort – Elafonisi

Hotel Phone: +30 69835 16137
Relaxed, family-owned boutique resort with just 30 rooms spread out over a 20-acre olive grove and garden. Rooms, studios, and bungalows vary in size and facilities, though all have a walk-in shower and a private balcony or terrace; many have kitchenettes or full kitchens. Perfect for families, the resort offers connecting rooms for up to eight guests, along with a small playground and all-day, Cretan restaurant. But the main draw is the beach. At 600 meters away, this is the closest hotel to Elafonisi Beach. Known for its soft, slightly pink sand and calm, turquoise water, Elafonisi is widely considered to be the best beach in Crete and a contender for top beach in all of Greece.

48. White River Cottages – Aspros Potamos

Hotel Phone: +30 284305 1120
Rustic getaway on the south coast of Crete (but not too primitive – there is still a pool). These thirteen stone cottages were once seasonal homes for villagers who came in to work on the nearby farms. Built directly into the hillside, the cottages blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings filled with ancient olive trees, wildflowers, and herbs. Each self-catered unit has its own kitchenette, dining area, and a patio or terrace; the largest sleep up to four guests. The closest beach, Analipsi, sits on the Libyan sea about one kilometer away, while the nearest, sizeable village, Makry Gialos, is just 500 more meters away, with several tavernas, shops, a supermarket and busier beaches. A perfect spot for exploring the wilder side of Crete – its gorges, ruins, secluded beaches, and traditional villages. Definitely rent a car.

49. Kakkos Beach Hotel – Koutsounari

Hotel Phone: +30 28420 62000
Adults-only, beachfront, five-star resort with an infinity pool set on a private, sand-and-pebble beach. Rooms and suites are spacious and sunny, each with a private balcony or terrace, most with sea views, and some with private outdoor pools. The main restaurants offers an ever-changing menu with wide range of flavors, beginning with an American buffet breakfast, followed by a Cretan-Mediterranean lunch, and finishing with international dinners with themed nights that can be Asian, Latin, or Greek, among other cuisines. Both all-inclusive or bed-and-breakfast meal plans are available. Set in the small south coast village Koutsounari (perhaps a little remote for some) with dazzling views of the Libyan Sea and the Thrypti Mountains as a backdrop. Nerably attractions include the aptly named Long Beach and the wild Ha Gorge (experienced hikers only).

50. Chania Flair Boutique Hotel – Chania

Hotel Phone: +30 28218 21200
Contemporary, adults-only hotel just steps from Nea Chora Beach, near seafront restaurants, sunbed/umbrella sets for rent, and beach clubs. The romantic Old Town, Venetian harbor, and lighthouse of Chania are just a 15-minute walk away. The top floor houses an indoor, heated pool with sea views, a spa with a sauna, and a fine dining restaurant. Downstairs, find a cocktail bar and the breakfast room; a la carte breakfast features Cretan and Mediterranean recipes and is included. All rooms have a private balcony, complimentary minibar, and walk-in (or roll-in in the wheelchair accessible room); some add indoor jacuzzis.

51. Ostria Resort & Spa – Ierapetra

Hotel Phone: +30 28420 25711, +30 28420 25714
Casual, luxury, beachfront resort on the quiet, southeastern shore of the island. Facilities include six outdoor pools (including one for adults-only and one kids’ pool), an extensive wellness center with an indoor, heated pool, and two sports centers – one on land (soccer, archery, and tennis) and one on the sea (jet skiing, kayaking, scuba diving, and more). Seven restaurants and four bars serve a range of Cretan, Mediterranean, and seafood favorites, along with an extensive wine selection and classic cocktails. Wine and olive oil tastings are on offer, along with a half-day grill class. Rooms and suites offer a balcony or patio, one queen or two twin beds (many with sofabeds), and several with private pools. Peaceful location about 1.5 miles from Koutsounari Long Beach and 6 km from central Ierapetra village.

52. Lato Boutique Hotel – Heraklio

Hotel Phone: +30 28102 28103
Set right above the old harbor overlooking Koules Fortress, this boutique hotel has modern rooms and suites with mini-bars and city or sea views. Upgraded rooms have balconies or verandas with panoramic sea and fortress views. All suites add sitting areas, and some add jacuzzi bathtubs. On the rooftop, guests will find the exceptional Herb’s Garden restaurant in the summer months with sweeping views over the city and harbor. During the winter months, Brilliant restaurant offers its deliciously distinctive Cretan menu. Ideal location a short walk away from the ferry port, bus station, city center, and museums.

Staying in Chania

Chania is a great city with a wonderful Old Town. It has tavernas strung around the crescent-shaped waterfront and hotels and shops on the streets and alleys back from the water’s edge. A good beach is within walking distance from town, and even better ones are a short bus ride away. Chania is a good base if you want to do the Samaria Gorge or make a day trip to the beaches of western Crete (like Balos or Elafonisi). That said, it’s easy to spend 2 or 3 days here and not get much farther than the great traditional restaurants found around the town center. All of the hotels listed below are in the wonderful Chania Old Town and are surrounded by shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes.

Best Hotels in Chania

Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa • Serenissima Boutique Hotel • Domus Renier Boutique Hotel • La Maison Ottomane • Azade • Domes Zeen • Alcanea • Domes Noruz • Chania Flair

Staying in Rethymno

Rethymno is similar in some ways to Chania but on a smaller scale with less touristy development. The village is steeped in rich history dating to the Minoan era with monuments of great empires strung through its Old Town and harbor, including an imposing Venetian fortress and domed Ottoman mosques. Rethymno Beach sits east of the marina, a pleasant walk from the Old Town. A short drive farther east leads to even more soft, sandy beach resorts at Spilies and Bali. In summer it has direct ferries to Santorini (twice a week) making it a convenient stop if you’re going to the Cyclades.

Best Hotels in Rethymno

Avli Lounge Apartments • Nautilux • Rimondi Boutique Hotel • Veneto Boutique Hotel • Casa Vitae • Grecotel Creta Palace

Staying in Heraklio

Heraklio is not picturesque like Chania or Rethymno (some areas are a little rough and ugly) but it has a working-class charm and Greek flavor that many of the tourist towns lack. The city is home to the best museum in Crete and the must-see historical sight of Knossos is just outside the city. If you’re catching an early morning ferry to Santorini you’ll probably spend a night here whether you want to or not.

Best Hotels in Heraklio

GDM Megaron Hotel • Pnoé Breathing Life • Veneziano Boutique Hotel • Aquila Atlantis Hotel • Legacy Gastro Suites • Olive Green Hotel • Lato Boutique Hotel

Staying in Agios Nikolaos and Elounda

Agios Nikolaos is my 2nd favorite town in Crete and a good base for exploring eastern Crete. It’s a beautiful town with a pedestrian-friendly waterfront. Good beaches are nearby, and the popular small town of Elounda is a short bus ride away and has many of the best luxury resorts in Crete. This is a great area to spend a few days relaxing and unwinding as it’s much less busy than Chania, Rethymno, or Heraklio.

Best Hotels in Agios Nikolaos and Elounda

Elounda Beach Hotel • Elounda Mare Hotel • Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort • Minos Beach Art Hotel • Elounda Peninsula All Suites Hotel • Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites • St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas • Domes of Elounda • Niko Seaside Resort • Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa • Elounda Bay Palace • Blue Palace Resort & Spa • Minos Palace Hotel • Wyndham Grand

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