Crete isn’t just Greece’s largest island—it’s also the ultimate playground for both adventurers and lounge lizards alike. Imagine hiking through jaw-dropping mountain trails or discovering secret coves that even your GPS couldn’t locate. And let’s not forget the ancient wonders like Aptera and Malia, where even the ruins have better stories than your last vacation.
But if your idea of “active” is lifting a cocktail on a beach, Crete hotels have you covered. Picture yourself sunbathing on the island’s most stunning beaches or indulging in a food scene that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Local restaurants whip up dishes so fresh, they make farm-to-table look like old news—oh, and every meal ends with a generous shot of Ouzo, just in case you needed more convincing.
For those traveling with the whole family tree, Crete hotels are the crown jewels of Europe’s family-friendly escapes. And with two international airports, you’ll spend more time in paradise and less time in transit.
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Discover Why Crete Hotels Are the Ultimate Escape!
The Royal Senses Resort & Spa: Where Crete Hotels Redefine Luxury and Fun!
At The Royal Senses Resort & Spa in Panormos, everything faces north—literally and figuratively. This hillside gem near Rethymno is all about those jaw-dropping, bright blue views over the Sea of Crete. Whether lounging in your room or dipping into your private pool (yes, some rooms come with those), Crete hotels like this one make it impossible not to stop and stare. Add a Balinese-style floating breakfast to your morning swim, and suddenly, room service has a whole new meaning.
Speaking of breakfast, this place doesn’t do “just okay.” Think classic eggs Benedict rubbing elbows with traditional Cretan delights like fennel pie and sweet Bougatsa. Vegan? No problem. All of this deliciousness is served poolside with a live saxophone serenade—because why not? And for those celebrating life (or just a really good night’s sleep), there’s sparkling wine and strawberries on hand.
The Royal Senses masterfully balances the honeymooners and the family crew, as Crete hotels should. The adults-only pool and spa, the largest in Crete, scream romance, especially when paired with a degustation menu at the intimate Cretamos restaurant. Meanwhile, the shiny new kid’s club and water playground with slides for all ages ensure little ones stay entertained, and parents stay sane—cocktails in hand, of course.
Whether lounging by the palm-fringed pool or taking a dip in the sparkling sea at the nearby private beach, The Royal Senses truly redefines the meaning of luxury in Crete hotels.
Price: from £196 per night
Address: Herakliou 58 km, Panormos 740 57, Greece
Acro Wellness Suites: Where Crete Hotels Meet Santorini Vibes
Perched dramatically over a cliff with jaw-dropping views of Mononaftis Bay, Acro Wellness Suites brings a taste of Santorini to Crete. This thyme-scented paradise boasts stone-built suites and villas that blend into the landscape as effortlessly as Crete hotels blend luxury with charm. Nine dome-roofed cave suites are perfect for lovebirds, offering in-room tubs for steamy soaks and grotto pools on spacious terraces for laid-back lounging. If you’re after a honeymoon hideaway, this romantic adults-only haven might just top your list of Crete hotels.
For sunset chasers, the three pool villas offer front-row seats to nature’s nightly show, making it hard to choose between snuggling in or snapping photos. Beyond the swoon-worthy suites, the lagoon-like central pool invites leisurely dips, while the spa—complete with a Moroccan-style dome-roofed hammam and trickling water channels—calls for some serious pampering.
Price: from £375 per night
Address: Mononaftis, Ag. Pelagia 715 00, Greece
Daios Cove: The Crown Jewel of Crete Hotels
Daios Cove may be sprawling, with 300 rooms and 39 stone-built villas scattered around an olive-tree-covered cove, but this gem of Crete hotels knows how to pamper its guests. Service here is as smooth as the marble floors, ensuring that every stay is nothing short of perfection. Families are especially spoiled, with complimentary beach toys for the little ones and electric buggies that glide silently to your door—because walking is so last century.
The villas, split over two levels, boast sitting rooms that open onto infinity pools and terraces, with master suites and balconies tucked below. Comfort is an art form at Daios Cove, where you can choose from a pillow menu longer than a Greek epic and infuse your room with the scent of mango, vanilla, or violet. And let’s not forget the delightful surprises waiting in your room, like macaroons or feta muffins that make returning from the beach even sweeter.
The resort’s bars, restaurants, and swimming pools are perched on different levels of the rocky bay, all accessible via a funicular rail car that adds a touch of adventure to your stay. Down at the beach, child-friendly waves and sun loungers line the shore, making Daios Cove the ultimate family-friendly paradise among Crete hotels.
Price: from £246 per night
Address: Βαθύ, Kritsa 721 00, Greece
Domes of Elounda: The Ultimate Family Escape in Crete Hotels
Cretans adore children, so finding family-friendly Crete hotels isn’t a Herculean task. But the Domes of Elounda, cascading down a slope with jaw-dropping views of the sparkling seas and Spinalonga island, stands out as one of the best. This retreat is more like a picturesque village than a typical resort, offering top-notch facilities, including a sandy beach shaded by olive trees, several expansive pools (one just for grown-ups), gourmet dining spots, a kids’ club, and even a game room for teens. The cherry on top? An elegant spa with a kids’ treatment menu—because even little ones deserve some pampering!
Rooms, suites, and villas are linked by charming winding alleys adorned with vibrant bougainvillea and jasmine. Accommodations range from super comfy to ultra-luxurious, many featuring private plunge pools or whirlpool baths. Families will fall in love with the self-catering Luxury Residences, perfect for a homey vibe. But if privacy is the name of the game, the Ultra-Luxe Villas are the crown jewels of Crete hotels. These standalone houses come with private gyms, saunas, and both indoor and outdoor pools, ensuring you never have to leave your lavish bubble of tranquility.
Price: from £201 per night
Address: Tsifliki, Schisma Elountas 720 53, Greece
Pnoé Breathing Life: Where Style Meets Serenity in Crete Hotels
Pnoé Breathing Life, translating to “breath” in Greek, is more than just a stylish adults-only escape; it’s a sanctuary of sophistication in the world of Crete hotels. Just ten minutes from Heraklion airport, this chic designer resort blends edgy, modern aesthetics with a nod to Crete’s ancient Minoan architecture. The result? A breathtaking, private-club vibe that will have you forgetting the outside world exists.
This stunning retreat offers 60 spacious private pool suites, each designed with an earthy palette that reflects the rugged beauty of the Cretan landscape. The open-plan architecture ensures you’ll soak up sunshine all day long, with each suite thoughtfully positioned around a central almond-shaped pool that’s the heart of this oasis.
Pnoé’s philosophy revolves around offering the very best of Crete, from its minimalist yet flavorful cuisine—crafted by Crete’s top chef Panagiotis Magganas—to its conscientious service that’s redefining luxury on Karteros Beach. Whether you’re lounging by your private pool or dining on the freshest local produce, Pnoé Breathing Life is setting a new standard for Crete hotels, where wellness and indulgence go hand in hand.
Price: suites from around £513 per night
Address: Karteros Beach, Heraklion, TK 71500, Greece
St Nicolas Bay: Where Serenity Meets Style in Crete Hotels
Tucked away on the unspoiled eastern coast of Crete, between the charming town of Agios Nikolaos and the picturesque fishing village of Elounda, lies the tranquil haven of St Nicolas Bay Resort. This isn’t just another stop on the Crete hotels circuit—it’s a hidden gem where the sea twinkles from every angle and relaxation comes standard. Life here feels blissfully simple, a far cry from the bustling tourist traps.
Families can’t get enough of the chic new Olives & Sea suites. With separate bedrooms for the little ones, private terraces, and a pool perfect for laps and rosé-fueled relaxation, parents can gaze across the stunning Mirabello Bay while the kids nap peacefully inside. Scattered across six acres of rustic Grecian charm, the resort’s all-white stone walls are fringed with pink oleanders and olive trees, offering an authentic slice of Crete.
Whether lounging on the private sandy beach or finding a tucked-away spot under fragrant bougainvillea, this place is all about serene moments. The kids’ club, run by the delightful Roula, the baby and Olympic-sized infinity pools, and the tempting culinary offerings—from wood-fired souvlaki at the Greek Kafeneion to fine sushi dining at Minotaur—add layers of delight to your stay.
But the real magic lies in the people. From Eleni’s warm high-fives for every child to Nikos’ impromptu buggy rides for tantruming toddlers, and manager Alex’s personal touch with every family, St Nicolas Bay stands out among Crete hotels. It’s not just a vacation spot; it’s a place that feels like a clever, secret discovery.
Price: from £252 per night
Address: Thesi Nissi, Ag. Nikolaos 721 00, Greece
Cretan Malia Park: Where Classic Charm Gets a Boho Makeover
Welcome to Cretan Malia Park, where the charm of classic Crete hotels gets a chic boho makeover that’s all about blending retro vibes with modern pizzazz. This gem on the island’s north-east shore, originally opened by the Sbokou family in the 1980s, has undergone a transformation that’ll make you think it’s been plucked straight out of a trendy European travel magazine.
Imagine low-rise buildings nestled amid tropical gardens sporting banana trees, palms, and cacti—now add a dose of modernist flair. Italian sunbathers kick back on the private beach, a Parisian gets lost in literary masterpieces, and Germans sip Negronis like they’re at a swanky rooftop bar. This place is the crème de la crème of family hotels in Europe. Kids are in their element, bouncing from the kids’ club to the river-like pool with inflatable pink flamingos and crocodiles, while teens enjoy “The Place,” an outdoor cinema with hammocks that’s a no-adults-allowed zone.
The Sbokou family’s 2019 renovation focused on sustainability and a splash of Cretan soul, thanks to designer Vana Pernari’s tonal textures and nature-inspired hues. Deluxe family bungalows are a hot ticket, with built-in bunks and separate bedrooms ensuring parents and kids alike get their own space. At Mouries restaurant, you can watch chefs turn garden-fresh veggies into culinary masterpieces by day and savor farm-to-table delights under the stars by night.
With a starting price of just £144 per night, this Cretan treasure offers an experience that’s far from ordinary.
Price: from £144 per night
Address: Malia 700 07, Greece
