Crete’s beachfront accommodations cater to diverse preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone. From the tranquil ‘no shoes, no news’ resorts ideal for couples, bubbles enthusiasts, and families seeking relaxation, to lively family-friendly hotels offering an array of seashore activities.
The options range from resorts featuring lavish spa facilities, gourmet restaurants, to those boasting exclusive art collections. Nestled overlooking sheltered rocky coves, expansive golden sand stretches, or picturesque pebble-lined shores kissed by the sparkling sea, our selection encompasses the finest beach hotels in Crete.
Explore these exceptional locations, including Chania, Elounda, Georgioupolis, and Agios Nikolaos.
Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas
Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas is situated near the meandering coastal road, occupying a natural amphitheater that gently slopes down to a secluded sandy beach.
Just a short distance away from the vibrant town of Agios Nikolaos and the historic Spinalonga, the resort is featured in Victoria Hislop’s acclaimed novel, “The Island,” which revolves around the last 20th-century leper colony in Europe.
Each of the 230 rooms, 30 suites, and 40 villas at the resort boasts floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of the crystal-clear waters of Vathi Bay. Larger suites come with private sea-view terraces and refreshing plunge pools.
The resort’s amenities include two tennis courts, multiple outdoor pools, and a rejuvenating spa.
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Abaton Island Resort & Spa
Abaton Island Resort & Spa, situated near Hersonissos, is an opulent Cycladic-style retreat where no expense has been spared in its creation.
The design exudes elegant minimalism, characterized by low white structures mirroring lagoon-like water features and expansive pools, along with expansive glass walls in public areas offering uninterrupted sea views.
The resort features two outdoor public pools—a vast infinity pool with daybeds and wet beds, and a children’s pool—along with a heated indoor pool. With five restaurants and a spa, guests can indulge in a variety of culinary and wellness experiences.
The sandy cove, equipped with ample sun beds, is complemented by rocky formations along the shoreline. For an unparalleled experience, consider the Loft Luxury Seafront room, featuring an outdoor whirlpool and a private pool, where budgetary considerations take a back seat to luxury.
Check the latest rates and availability here.
Anemos Luxury Grand Resort
Situated across from an expansive sandy beach, this sophisticated five-star resort is in proximity to Kournas, the sole lake in Crete. Upon entering, guests are enveloped in a feeling of exclusivity as they traverse the vast reception area adorned with plush blue Baroque-style sofas and sparkling chandeliers.
The reception opens up to expansive pools connected by shallow lagoons, bordered by lush plants and manicured lawns where the sounds of croaking frogs fill the night air.
Thoughtfully designed with distinct zones catering to various age groups, the resort ensures a serene atmosphere, even when bustling with children. Adding to the seamless experience, a subterranean tunnel beneath a busy road provides safe access to the fine sand beaches on the opposite side.
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Elounda Mare Hotel
Situated along a private stretch of intricately shaped coastline, this five-star retreat on the enchanting Greek island of Crete presents charming villas, bungalows, and suites adorned with tasteful furnishings, fireplaces, and exclusive private pools.
The service is both personable and accommodating, complemented by a host of amenities including a nine-hole golf course, a rejuvenating spa, and a range of watersports, including scuba diving.
A quaint sandy beach invites guests to unwind beneath umbrellas on stone-built lidos or take a refreshing plunge in the expansive salt-water pool. Serving as a tranquil oasis, the resort offers numerous serene spots for enjoying an aperitif or indulging in a peaceful read.
Three distinctive restaurants cater to diverse preferences, spanning from formal evening dining to a relaxed beachside experience.
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Ikaros Beach Resort & Spa
This welcoming resort exudes a comforting “home away from home” ambiance. The aesthetic is gracefully substantial, featuring sizable stone-walled villas nestled amid meticulously manicured gardens, restaurants boasting breathtaking sea views, and a sophisticated spa encased in glass walls.
The classic rooms, located on two floors in the older section, offer substantial balconies. The expansive Classic and Deluxe bungalows showcase bathrooms nearly as spacious as the bedrooms, along with a terrace and a stretch of lawn adorned with sun loungers for indulging in sea or sunset vistas.
While certain suites and bungalows share moderately-sized pools, the larger suites designed for five guests boast petite plunge pools. However, for an indulgent experience, the luxury seafront suites are well worth the splurge.
Impeccable breakfast service is a highlight in the Ayeri restaurant, featuring panoramic sea views.
Check the latest rates and availability here.
Nana Princess
Perched on a slope with captivating sea views just beyond Hersonissos, Nana Princess showcases black-stone buildings, some adorned with strikingly monumental glass facades, creating a low and robust profile reminiscent of a traditional village. Interconnected by sunken walkways, the architectural layout exudes a village-like charm.
The seafront area features two relatively small pools, a playful pool within the kids’ club, and a sheltered coarse sand beach complete with a generous array of sunbeds. The resort places a significant emphasis on wellness, boasting a state-of-the-art spa with a futuristic ambiance, ranking among the best in Crete. Some rooms even offer private gyms.
For sports enthusiasts, the Executive Fitness Suite stands out, providing a private pool and gym equipment. Alternatively, the Ambassador Wellness Suites cater to those seeking a comprehensive wellness experience, offering a gym, sauna, and steam room.
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Amirandes Grecotel Exclusive Resort
The essence of refined coastal living permeates this place, with staff donning Greek toga-style flowing robes, evoking a touch of mythology reminiscent of Peter Greenaway’s artistic flair.
An exquisite Olympic-sized seawater pool, adorned with overwater gazebos, stands out as a focal point, alongside a meticulously maintained lawn near the beach, catering to families with toddlers.
The sandy beach boasts plenty of comfortable sunbeds, complemented by a small watersports center for enthusiasts. A second sandy beach is exclusively reserved for Villa guests, enhancing their exclusive experience.
The resort is home to several chic restaurants, including one housing a collection of Picasso originals, creating a fusion of culinary and artistic delights. Furthermore, a spa invites guests to indulge in relaxation and rejuvenation.
Check the latest rates and availability here.