Crete, in Greece, is one of the biggest and most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the most culturally rich places in the world. The island has many accommodation options, including all-inclusive hotels, family resorts, and luxury hotels. This is the ultimate list of the best hotels in Crete.
BUT ALSO CHECK:
- For Beach: Caramel Grecotel
- For Families:Creta Maris
- For Couples:Abaton Island
- All-Inclusive:Nana Princess
- Adults Only:Stella Island
- In Chania: Domes Noruz
- In Heraklion:Onira Suites
- In Rethymno:Rimondi
Crete is a pretty big island, and it’s the Greek island with the most accommodation options. But the area and the hotel you stay in can make or break your holidays.
I also highly recommend you take the 45-minute flight from Athens to Crete instead of the 9-hour ferry, as it can be very dull and tiring. Plenty of luxury hotels, family resorts, and small bed and breakfasts are run by local families and owners.Keep reading…
READ ALSO:
VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW:- Best Hotel in Crete: Domes Noruz Chania Hotel
- Best Villa in Chania, Crete: Winehill Villa
- Best Family Hotel in Crete: Creta Maris Beach Resort
- Where to Stay in Crete: Unless you stay in an all-inclusive resort or a unique villa, you will need a car on the island for more than 5 days. The best area to stay in Crete is the western part of the island, or the “Chania prefecture”, as it has the most picturesque villages, the gorgeous Samaria Gorge, the beautiful beaches of Balos, Falassarna, Platanias, Elafonissi, and the most scenic town of Crete, which is Chania old town.
- Where Are the Best Hotels in Crete? The best hotels in Crete are scattered everywhere on the island, but the most impressive resorts are located in the Elounda beach area and the beachfront towns of Heraklion prefecture.
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So…without further ado, let’s see the Best Hotels in Crete:
1. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas
Daios Cove Luxury Resorts & Villas is located in Ag. Nikolaos is just 20 minutes from the fishing village of Elounda, 10 minutes from the cosmopolitan town of Agios Nikolaos, and less than an hour from Heraklion International Airport.
This stunning hotel has 165 private sea-water pools, a spa, and luxurious rooms with spectacular sea views. The rooms, suites, and individual villas offer spacious living areas and elegant bathrooms with separate bathtubs and rain showers.
Free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, and a coffee/tea maker are provided. In addition to the amenities at Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas, there are two tennis courts, two outdoor pools, water sports, and a kids’ club. Guests can enjoy breakfast overlooking the crystal waters of the cove and a separate adults-only dining area with excellent service and staff.
It turns into an International food bazaar with many International theme nights at night. The Greek Tavern is set at the water’s edge and offers local specialties and fresh seafood daily.The resort also has a private beach and is very family-friendly, making it one of Crete’s best hotels. See availability >>>
2. Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa
Almost all accommodations have a private swimming pool and spacious outdoor areas where guests can enjoy Cretan Sea views. Some suites and villas have saunas, steam rooms, or private gyms.
Every suite and villa has a luxurious bathroom with a rain shower and a separate bathtub. The hotel also has a Spa centre that offers beauty treatments, hairdressing services, and holistic therapies, ensuring guests feel spoiled.
Some sports facilities, including a tennis court, beach volleyball, mini soccer, children’s animation programs and shows, and a mini mall with luxury goods, are also provided. Guests have a choice of 3 restaurants where they can taste a variety of fine dining options inspired by Cretan cuisine and Mediterranean flavour. Cocktails and refreshing drinks can be enjoyed at the on-site bars.Also, there is a cigar lounge and shisha bar. It’s one of the best hotels in Crete as it is ideal for couples and families with children. See availability >>>
3. Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort
All units at Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort open to a balcony. Each includes a flat-screen TV, minibar, and safe deposit box. The bathroom also has a shower, slippers, and a hairdryer, offering complimentary toiletries.
Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout. Guests have the choice of a buffet breakfast.
Later, they can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant. A snack bar and room service are also available.A private beach area and a table tennis table can also be found in the hotel. Also, massages can be arranged at the spa centre of the neighbouring property if wished. See availability >>>
4. Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel, Six Senses Spa Estate
The accommodation is elegant and modern, decorated with balconies or terraces with sea views. The hotel offers a living room, and all air-conditioned suites and villas come with a minibar. Some units have luxurious bathrooms with steam baths, and most have a private and individually heated pool.
Guests will also find an outdoor swimming pool with free sun loungers and a children’s care centre. A private sandy beach with beach service, watersport facilities, and tennis courts is also offered.
There is also a 50-seat cinema which features private screenings of films. The Six Senses Spa has an authentic Turkish steam bath (hamam), where guests can enjoy holistic treatments and therapies.An American-style breakfast can be enjoyed while gazing at the sea view. Calypso Restaurant prepares gourmet dishes by the pool, and the “Koh” Pan-Asian restaurant, located just above sea level, serves Asian cuisine.
A selection of Greek and International wine labels is available at the wine cellar. See availability >>>
5. Minos Beach Art Hotel
Minos Beach Art Hotel is located in Agios Nikolaos, just 800 metres from the center of Agios Nikolaos, and the nearest airport is Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport, around 50 50-minute drive. The hotel offers an excellent health and beauty center, breakfast, and parking.
The hotel provides a variety of accommodations, such as suites and exclusive villas, with a modern style and home comforts, including LCD TVs. Some have spa bathtubs. Enjoy and relax at Minos Beach Hotel’s pools while admiring the stunning sea views.
There is also a waterfront restaurant where you can enjoy delicious seafood. A regular bus service from Minos Beach Art’s entrance takes you directly to Elounda Village and Agios Nikolaos. See availability >>>
6. Abaton Island Resort & Spa
Abaton Island Resort and Spa is located in Hersonissos. This stunning hotel features a collection of luxurious guestrooms, suites, and villas that are beautifully designed, styled, and furnished.
All accommodation options offer a spacious outdoor terrace, private pool, or hot tub with fantastic sea views. The most marvelous thing about the hotel is its location and design, which are perfectly integrated into nature. The 3 restaurants at the hotel are a fantastic choice and are inspired by the authentic Cretan cuisine.
The main bar, “Ladies & Gentlemen,” is an ideal place to drink before dinner while enjoying the sunset. Buddha Beach Bar, an excellent spa offering various treatments, also offers beverages and wines, a selection of light snacks, and inspired platters.
Free WiFi is available throughout. The hotel is only half an hour away from the airport. See availability >>>7. Elounda Garden Suites
All accommodation options have a furnished balcony with mountain views. They feature modern-style furnishings, air conditioning, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant or have a refreshing drink and a light meal from the snack bar.
More dining options and mini markets can be found 100 metres away. See availability >>>
8. St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas
St Nikolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas is located in Agios Nikolaos, just a 10-minute drive from the town. The nearest airport is Heraklion Airport, 50 50-minute drive. The hotel has two outdoor swimming pools (not heated) and a luxurious spa and wellness centre.
Its stylish accommodation offers spectacular views of the charming Μirabello Bay. All accommodations are spacious, with terraces or balconies with spectacular sea views.
They have free Wi-Fi, LCD satellite TV, a DVD /CD player, and elegant marble bathrooms. Some suites offer a spa bath and a private pool.
There are five restaurants on site where you can enjoy cuisines such as Asian, Mediterranean, and Cretan. Also, a cocktail bar, pool bar, and beach bar are available on site.An airport shuttle service is available upon request at an extra charge. See availability >>>
9. Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa (Adults Only)
The International cuisine buffet restaurant is in a perfect location overlooking the pool and a wooden deck extending over the water. Mediterranean and Cretan cuisine can also be enjoyed at the resort’s restaurants, while the Cabana bar offers refreshing drinks and light snacks. Spa, sports facilities, and a fitness centre are also available, where you can find yoga and TRX courses at different difficulty levels.
The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 9.3 miles from Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa. See availability >>>
10. Blue Palace Resort and Spa
Blue Palace Resort and Spa is located in Plaka. This 5-star hotel has infinity pools, a water sports centre, and two tennis courts. It offers elegant suites and bungalows with amazing views of the island of Spinalonga, most with private pools.
Each one has a comfortable living area with a satellite LCD TV. Some room types enjoy private access to a section of the beach. The Spa contains indoor pools, 24 treatment rooms, two hammams, saunas, and hot tubs.
A fitness centre and a beauty salon are also available. A private boat can take couples around the Gulf of Elounda while having cocktails. Guests can start their day with the Greek Breakfast, while Cretan, Italian, Asian, and Greek cuisine are some dining options at the Blue Palace hotel.
Moroccan-style, pool, and beach bars serve exotic cocktails and finger food with magnificent views across the Cretan Sea. The resort is 10 minutes (by car) away from Elounda village and 500 metres from the village of Plaka, which has many tavernas and shops.Boats to Spinaloga depart from Plaka. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 44 miles from the resort. See availability >>>
11. Elounda Mare Relais & Châteaux Hotel
Each has an elegant decoration, and the bungalows have private swimming pools. The Spa features a hammam and a sauna and offers a variety of treatments.
The hotel also has a large outdoor pool and a private sandy beach where sun loungers and umbrellas are provided free of charge. There is also a tennis court with instructors, a gym, and the sports centre offers scuba diving and water skiing lessons.
A rich buffet breakfast is provided at the Deck restaurant with its sea view, the Yacht Club offers fish specialties by the beach, and the Old Mill restaurant specializes in Cretan gourmet cuisine. In contrast, a beach bar is available for drinks and cocktails. See availability >>>12. Domes Noruz (Adults Only)
All accommodation options have a terrace with lounge furniture, outdoor bathtubs, and hot tubs or plunge pools. The spa centre features a hammam, sauna, and hot tub. Massage treatments can also be provided.
Various outdoor activities are provided, such as yoga, an outdoor personal training session, and other sports. Free Wi-Fi and parking are available on site.
Chania Town can be found within 2.5 miles from the property, where you can find many restaurants, cuisines, bars, and shops. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best hotels in Crete and Chania. See availability >>>13. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel
Breakfast is served daily in the hotel dining area. The resort also has a private beach area, which seems like heaven.
Great location. It’s only a 20- 25-minute flat walk into Elounda beside the sea, paved and lit for evenings, and a similar distance the other way to Plaka.
The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, which is 43.5 miles away. See availability >>>14. Silver Beach Hotel & Apartments
The air-conditioned rooms are spacious with seating areas and offer views of the hotel gardens, the pool, or the sea. The Silver Beach hotel serves a traditional Cretan breakfast every morning.
The on-site restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and refreshing drinks and cocktails are available at the poolside bar. A gym, volleyball, and mini football fields are also available, and there is safe play at the hotel’s playground for the children. See availability >>>
15. Monastery Estate Retreat
Monastery Estate Retreat is set in Sougia. It features a bar, garden, spa, wellness center, free WiFi, and private parking. Guest rooms feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer, and a private bathroom.
The accommodation offers a sauna, a terrace, and Continental and à la carte breakfast options. It’s a quiet place, with a modern, minimalistic design and attention to detail. A few kilometres, a 10-minute drive to the nearby beach at Sougia, with waterfront cafes/tavernas/small supermarket.
Beautiful location with access to many walks and hikes. This place is great for those who are looking for some peace.
The nearest Airport is Chania International, 56.5 miles from the hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service. See availability >>>16. Elounda Blu Hotel(Adults Only)
The hotel, which is surrounded by lush trees, has a restaurant and a bar. This family-friendly hotel has a modern style and comfy rooms.
Very close to Plaka and Elounda centre (mostly by car) where loads of restaurants and shops can be found and have a wonderful time. See availability >>>
17. Plakias Resort
Plakias Resort is set in Plakias, less than 5 5-minute walk from the centre of Plakias with shops, taverns, and bars, and 21.7 miles from Rethymno. This resort offers sea views, landscaped gardens, 3 swimming pools (one of them is a baby pool) with a pool bar.
Each air-conditioned unit has a fully equipped kitchen with a dining table. Free Wi-Fi, TV, and private parking are provided. Guests can use sun loungers and umbrellas around the swimming pool, and children can enjoy playing on the playground. A games room is also available.
The Plakias beach, just across the road, is ideal for windsurfing, diving, and swimming. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, and the resort offers an airport shuttle at an additional charge. See availability>>>
18. Royal Heights Resort
Royal Heights Resort is set in Malia. The beaches are just a 2-minute drive away, and Heraklion International Airport is a 20-minute drive.
The resort offers elegant rooms with verandas and villas with private pools. All the accommodation options are decorated with modern furnishings, have a fully equipped kitchen, and have air conditioning, including a seating area with a satellite TV.
The villas offer a beautiful garden with patio furniture. The resort offers a fully equipped fitness centre, beauty and hair salon, and spa with a hammam and sauna.
Buffet breakfast is served daily, and a restaurant and a cafe bar for drinks, coffee, cocktails, and snacks. See availability >>>19. Thalassa Beach Resort & Spa (Adults Only)
The resort offers sea and garden views with floor-to-ceiling windows, a sea-facing pool, and a spa. The rooms are modern and elegant, fitted with parquet floors and climate control. TV, satellite, and free Wi-Fi are provided.
There is an à la carte restaurant, a snack bar for drinks, cocktails, and light snacks, and the beach tavern serving Greek meze. Private dining on the beach can be arranged. The spa offers indoor pools and massage treatments. See availability >>>
20. Enorme Santanna Beach
Enorme Santanna Beach is set in Ierapetra, 1.7 miles from West Beach of Ierapetra. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 57.8 miles away. The hotel offers free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a bar-restaurant.
A 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, and room service are also available. All air-conditioned rooms have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
Continental and buffet breakfast options are available every morning at the hotel. Also, a car and bike hire is available at the hotel. The hotel offers stunning sea views, and your stay will be magical. See availability >>>
CONCLUSION
I believe that Domes Noruz is the best hotel in Crete, but to be honest, there are so many good hotels and resorts on the island that it will be difficult to pick one. All hotels offer amazing services from a very lovely staff.
You should never forget that, apart from the amazing landscape and the stunning facilities, the food in Crete is probably the best in Greece. You will be amazed by the fresh produce and the local delicacies.
