Party-friendly, family-forward, romance-heavy – this Greek spot has it all. There are so many amazing Crete hotels to choose from. From 5 star luxury to firm family favourites, we bring you the best places to stay in Crete. Take your pick!
(Formally Sensimar) Kalliston Resort and Spa by Atlantica, Nea Kydonia
Best for luxury
Star rating – 5*
With the Sensimar brand, you know exactly what you’re getting – endless decadence with a whole lot of luxury. The Kalliston by Atlantica is completely adults-only, equipped with a sauna and massage therapy, plus beauty treatments and a jewellery shop on-site.
There are three freshwater swimming pools and one indoor spot, though Glaros Beach is quite literally on your doorstep. And to top it all off, dining here is superb. At the four a la carte restaurants you’ve got Greek, Italian, Asian and gourmet fare – and whatever you can’t find here, there’s the bay-view buffet to fill in the gaps.
Sensatori Resort Crete, Lyttos Beach
Best for pool days
Star rating – 5*
The pool scene at the Sensatori Resort Crete is massive – and we’re not just saying that. There are six swimming pools in all, coming in all different shapes and sizes. They’re lagoon-style, curvy like a river, next to swim-up rooms and with loungers in the water.
There are two family pools, two adults-only pools, one for activities and another that’s a splash park. As if this weren’t enough, the entertainment roster is endless, featuring activities like archery, yoga, a full-fledged spa, special kids’ entertainment and West End-style shows.
Ilios Malia, Malia
Best for party holidays
Star rating – 3*
Set right in the thick of Greece’s main party town, the Ilios Malia joins the fun with its Ice Bar, a popular watering hole in its own right. The hotel is located along Malia’s main strip, making getting home at sunrise about as easy as easy comes.
The pool scene keeps the energy up with a line of sunbeds and whirlpools, and the beach is only a 10-minute walk away, too. You can save your pennies for cocktails by opting for a Self Catering studio, though the hotel’s restaurant will have you covered if whipping up a full English after a long night is too much to bear.
Family Life Creta Paradise by Atlantica, Gerani
Best for families
Star rating – 4*
It’s in the name – families are at the forefront of this spacious hotel’s mind. You’ll get a whole lot of water here with a beachfront location, winding pools and lagoon-shaped ones, plus swim-up rooms. And on dry land, there’s mini-golf, beach volleyball, football and basketball on the menu, plus an outdoor amphitheatre for evening entertainment.
An on-site kids’ club keeps little ones occupied while you can sneak a peek at the beach bar or take tennis lessons. Then it’s back together again for mealtimes, best spent at any of the hotel’s restaurants, which includes a buffet, an a la carte taverna, and a grill at a sister restaurant just steps away.
Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay, Aghios Nikolaos
Best for romantic getaways
Star rating – 5*
Clad in traditional Greek stonework and with an incredible two – yes, we said two – beaches with two beach bars to match, the Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay has a lot to brag about. There are two swimming pools, too, and for other activities you’ve got tennis, beach volleyball and a spa on hand.
You won’t be disappointed in the ways of dining, either, with an alfresco restaurant and the occasional Greek barbecue, in addition to the main restaurant. And when all else fails, you can just order room service and really up the romance factor.
Still on the lookout for the best Crete hotels? Have a peek at our Crete travel guide to find out where to stay and the top hotel deals in each area.