Greece’s largest island is also one of its most idyllic, boasting numerous fine-sand beaches, an imposing mountain range and an array of ancient historical landmarks steeped in Greek mythology. The island also has a buzzing nightlife, with plenty of bars and restaurants, as well as traditional tavernas selling salty-fresh seafood and the famous Greek alcoholic beverage of Ouzo.
Owing to the large number of tourists who descend on Crete each year, the island has a huge choice of accommodation options, with family-friendly properties in particularly large supply. If it’s the convenience of an all inclusive hotel or resort you’ve looking for, look no further as we’ve picked out 7 of the best below.
Star Beach Village & Water Park
FROM €232/ NIGHT
Seconds away from a sandy beach, this 4-star hotel boasts an idyllic location with an array of exciting amenities. There’s a large pool with waterslides, a kid’s play area, numerous dining options a lobby bar and a poolside snack bar. Studios and one-bed apartments come with a living area and there are also family rooms available too. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and there are also communal desktop computers available for guests’ use. A wide number of shops, bars and restaurants are within a 10-minute walk of the hotel.
Creta Maris Beach Resort Beach
FROM €266/ NIGHT
Overlooking one of Crete’s best beaches, this vast 5-star property is one of the island’s most popular all inclusive options. There are an impressive 6 outdoor and 1 heated indoor swimming pools, 5 kid’s pools, a water sports centre and two floodlit tennis courts. For adults, the Hamman Spa is a major hit and can be enjoyed while the little ones are being kept entertained in the dedicated kid’s club. Dining options include Italian, Cretan and seafood restaurants across a total of 6 eateries and 7 bars. Guest rooms are equipped with satellite TV, fridge, tea/coffee-making facilities and a private balcony or veranda offering either mountain, garden or sea views. Free WiFi is available in all areas including rooms, and there’s free private parking too.
Blue Aegean Hotel & Suites
FROM €128/ NIGHT
Located in the pretty resort town of Kato Gouves, this charming 4-star hotel is family-run and its fun and relaxing atmosphere certainly reflect that. Amenities include an outdoor pool, a kid’s pool and playground, a table tennis table, an on-site restaurant serving traditional Greek cuisine, a bar area offering drinks throughout the day, a minimarket, a fitness centre, and a poolside pagoda where guests can enjoy indulgent massages and beauty treatments. Guest apartments are spread across several buildings and are each decorated in bright style and have their own balcony and kitchenette. The nearest beach is just 50 yards from the hotel and the shops and bars of Hersonisos Town are a short drive away.
Silver Beach Hotel
FROM €187/ NIGHT
Positioned on Crete’s Gerani Beach, this hotel offers plenty of amenities along with a prime location. There’s a swimming pool nestled within pristine gardens, a well-equipped gym, volleyball and mini-football facilities, and a kid’s splash pool and playground. Guest rooms are bright and spacious, and feature a TV, safe, fridge and scenic views of the gardens, pool or ocean, while some also come with a kitchenette. Authentic Cretan cuisine is served in the on-site restaurant and there’s also a poolside bar. Chania Airport is just over 16 miles away.
Stella Palace Resort & Spa
FROM €270/ NIGHT
One of Crete’s best hotels, a stay at the 5-star Stella Palace comes at a price, but most would contend it’s worth every penny. Set on its own private stretch of beach, the hotel boasts two lagoon-style swimming pools, three kid’s pools, two tennis courts, an on-site restaurant serving a range of Mediterranean and international dishes, an indoor bar where live piano music is played each evening, and two pool bars. Activities that can be enjoyed on site include basketball, badminton and water aerobics, and indulgent massages are also available. Guest rooms come with stylish fixtures and fittings, satellite TV, and a mini fridge, and most offer views of the hotel’s pretty garden. The vibrant town of Hersonissos is 2.5 miles away.
Agapi Beach Resort Premium
FROM €227/ NIGHT
Situated a minute on foot from the nearest beach, this hotel is both well located and well equipped for a great holiday in Crete. There are three fresh-water pools, a range of dining options, and a bar hosting live nightly piano music. There are also regular beach parties staged by the hotel and guests can book onto a variety of activities including Greek cooking lessons, aerobics classes, pedalo or canoe trips, jet skiing, yoga and water polo. The smart, modern guest apartments and bungalows are spread across two separate buildings. A wide range of shops, including a mini-market and souvenir store, can be found nearby.
Imperial Belvedere Hotel
FROM €231/ NIGHT
Resting on a hill overlooking the town of Hersonissos, this hotel features a grand total of 7 swimming pools, along with a more modest 3 tennis courts, 2 children’s pools with water slides, 2 buffet restaurants serving a range of international dishes, and 2 bars. Other amenities include a lounge bar, a gym, a sauna and an indoor pool. Guests can book onto diving lessons at reception. Bright and spacious guest rooms come with a 21-inch satellite TV, a safe and a mini fridge, along with a balcony with scenic views across the ocean. For golf fans, there’s an 18-hole golf course just over 4 miles from the hotel. Heraklion Airport is 15.5 miles away.