Best Five-Star Hotels on Crete

Beautiful, glamorous Crete was one of the first of the Greek islands to have a luxury hotel, in fact quite a few of them sprang up here in the ’60s, in a string of seven little fishing villages around Elounda, and as the A-list stars arrived, so did the five-star ratings. Today Elounda is still a good choice for five-star luxury, with adults only, family-friendly, and all-inclusive options all part of the offering. But there’s even more choice on the island, with the option to go five-star in lively capital, Heraklion; beach beauty, Agios Nikolaos; charming, romantic and historic Chania; and on the quiet stretch of coast outside Hersonissos.

  • Galaxy Hotel Heraklion, Crete 127 rooms from £86

    Families  -  Interconnecting rooms, the large pool, and a policy of kids under 5 stay for free make this a good family option
    Value chic  -  With fresh modern design and five-star amenities, this is a luxury stay offered at very good rates
    Golf  -  Reduced green fees and priority tee times at the 18 hole PGA Crete Golf Club in Heronissos
    Architectural  -  Avant garde architecture contrasting with ancient Heraklion
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    A great value five star hotel offering fabulously friendly service and sleek modern design. Located in an upmarket part of town, the sites are all easily accessible. With a huge freshwater pool and two restaurants to choose from, this is a convenient base for all travellers. See More

    Check Availability
  • Serenissima Boutique Hotel Chania 731 31 7 rooms from £148

    Local exploring  -  Close to beaches and lovely coastline walks, so there's plenty of sea-exploring to do and Chania itself is a gorgeous old town
    Hotel boats for hire  -  The Yacht Club is a two-minute stroll away, at the old harbour, where you can embark on private expeditions
    Beach Life  -  Spend lazy days on nearby Elafonissi Beach, known for its turquoise waters and pinkish sand
    Boutique  -  Interiors perfectly mix the building's original features with subtle-chic modern design
    Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessParking
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    A boutique hotel nestled down a quaint cobbled street in Chania's Old Town. True to its Venetian history, the decor is simple yet elegant, but with modern amenities. The beach is a short stroll away, with numerous others dotted along the coast- and the outstanding cuisine is bound to impress! See More

    Check Availability
  • Minoa Palace Resort and Spa Chania, Crete 254 rooms from £154

    Families  -  Parents chill by the pool while the youngsters make the most of the kids' club, children's playground and entertainment staff
    Resort  -  With activities for all, multiple pools, a spoiling spa and more - this is perfect for those who want everything onsite
    5* Luxury  -  An elegant five star with chic modern design, attentive service, and a wide choice of amenities
    Total relaxation  -  Relax to the max with hot tub, hammam, sauna, aromatherapy treatments and hot stone massages
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking

    A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. There are many dining options from Greek to Italian and the four bars serve up wonderful cocktails. See More

    Check Availability
  • Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel Elounda (Lasithi) 88 rooms from £162

    Active Holiday  -  With great conditions for watersports on Mirabello Bay, make this an active holiday on the water
    Hotel boats for hire  -  Enjoy a day out on a yacht; enquire to book from the hotel's fleet on Ferettis
    Honeymoons  -  Book a suite with your own private hot tub for a honeymoon with added luxury
    Beach Life  -  With its own private beach, this hotel is perfect for a seaside retreat
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    This five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. A luxury beach holiday. See More

    Check Availability
  • Ambassador's Residence Chania (Crete) 9 rooms from £189

    Active Holiday  -  Whether you want to explore historic sites or hike, sail, and try your hand at watersports - there is plenty to do here
    Local exploring  -  You won't find a better location - overlooking Chania's harbour and stumbling distance from its bars and cafes
    Historic  -  Once the private residence of 19th-century German Ambassador and with many of the original features remaining
    Boutique  -  The property has been sensitively updated mixing original features with fresh modern design
    Air conditioningDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    A 19th-century mansion converted into a 5* hotel set in Chania's Old Town. Once an ambassador's residence, expect an amalgamation of the old and new - rustic style meets modern amenities with exposed stone and espresso machines. With prime harbour views, this is an easy choice for local exploring. See More

    Check Availability
  • Elounda Bay Palace Elounda 152 rooms from £209

    Families  -  The young ones are kept happy with loads of activities at the kids club and playground, while parents get time to relax
    Active Holiday  -  Never a dull moment with mini golf, billiards, darts, tennis, scuba diving, sailing, waterskiing, fishing and more
    Restaurant  -  Thalassa Waterfront restaurant serving delicious seafood dishes and Aretoussa Restaurant - Greek & international cuisine
    Sailing  -  Either charter your own boat or take a skipper, and set sail directly from the hotel
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection

    Impressive luxury resort, totally insulated from the outside world in semi-tropical gardens. Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. Suites have private pools. An epic choice of restaurants and bars. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. See More

    Check Availability
  • Paradise Island Villas Anissaras 12 rooms from £215

    Families  -  Cots and extra beds are provided, there are a playground and tennis court for kids plus babysitting is available
    Local exploring  -  Located just 1km from the Traditional Cretan Villages of Koutouloufari, Old Hersonissos and Piskopiano
    5* Luxury  -  All villas are individually designed with a private pool and every comfort you could want
    Groups  -  Villas sleep from 2 to 6 guests making this a great option for group getaways
    Air conditioningTennisRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViews
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    A super chic collection of villas in sophisticated Cretan style. Each villa has its own pool and living areas. Romantic rooms have parquet floors, four poster beds, and attractive furnishings. Excellent restaurant, lots of spa treatments. Romantic, grown-up, close to the beach, and family friendly. See More

    Check Availability
  • St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel and Villas Agios Nikolaos (Thessi Nissi) 107 rooms from £226

    Romantic Break  -  Spoil yourselves with chartered yachts, tandem massages, chic rooms, five on site restaurants plus cocktail bar and beach bar
    Total relaxation  -  Totally unwind with relaxing Poseidon Spa face and body therapies, sauna, Hammam, hot tub and cocktails!
    Sailing  -  Explore untouched beaches and coves in the hotel's 34-foot sailing boat.
    Full of character  -  The retro 60's look adds an element of "cool"
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyParking
    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection, Small Luxury Hotels

    Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. Suites and private villas have personal pools. A good selection of bars and restaurants. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. See More

    Check Availability
  • Legacy Gastro Suites Heraklion (Crete) 12 rooms from £237

    Beach Life  -  Located a stone's throw from the beach, this hotel is a perfect base for a beach holiday
    Foodies  -  Foodies will fall for this hotel's gastro theme, in particular the in-room food station
    Romantic Break  -  Couples love this hotel for its beautiful sea views and cosy suites
    Sailing  -  Take a day trip to Dia Island accompanied by a gourmet picnic packed by the hotel
    Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    A five-star boutique hotel in the heart of Crete's seaside capital. Rooms are dressed in 1950s style and offer a unique gastro station where guests can sample delicious Greek cuisine; the best have king-size beds and sea views. Sample the restaurant's à la carte menu; an indulgent seafront hotel. See More

    Check Availability
  • Domes of Elounda Elounda 118 rooms from £254

    Spa  -  The spa includes an indoor seawater pool, a hammam, a sauna & steam, a frigidarium & tepidarium plus a wide range of treatments
    Resort  -  With everything you could want on-site, this is a great choice to come and simply unwind
    Families  -  Numerous activities for children from tennis lessons and watersports to drawing classes
    Beach Life  -  With a private sandy beach this is an easy choice for a beach getaway
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay. See More

    Check Availability
  • Phaea Blue Palace Elounda (Crete) 47 rooms from £266

    Beach Life  -  Relax on a private beach with turquoise waters, soak up panoramic views of Spinalonga, and snorkel in the clear Aegean depths
    Foodies  -  Gourmet adventure, from organic garden feasts to coastal Cretan delicacies at Blue Door Taverna, serving fresh, local fare
    Honeymoons  -  This is honeymoon stuff - blue skies, crystal clear waters, indulgent spa, luxury accommodation and sunset cruises
    Sights nearby  -  Wander through Plaka’s charming streets, discovering authentic tavernas serving freshly caught fish
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels

    Set on Crete's tranquil coast, this luxe hideaway merges natural splendour with refined Greek charm. Interiors blend rustic stone and sleek minimalism, echoing the island’s rich heritage. Guests can unwind with private pools, a choice of eateries, and beachfront views. A Mediterranean sanctuary. See More

    Check Availability
  • Elounda Peninsula Elounda 50 rooms from £279

    Families  -  Family suites and private villas with pools - plus babysitting services and a kids' club
    Spa breaks  -  An award winning spa specializes in unique treatments and medicinal treatments
    Foodies  -  Sumosan - an award winning restaurant on site serves Japanese gourmet cuisine
    Diving  -  Crystal clear waters and fascinating flora and fauna to discover
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary decor and great sea views. All suites come with an outdoor pool and, along with its adjacent sister hotels, there’s an abundance of facilities, including 10 restaurants and bars, a spa, kids’ club and watersports. Bliss. See More

    Check Availability
  • Amirandes Anissaras 205 rooms from £288

    Spa breaks  -  Signature treatments using organic plants and extracts from Crete’s rare herbs and Ayurvedic therapies by Indian therapists
    Active Holiday  -  If you want to stay active there is plenty to choose from including tennis, fishing, watersports, mountain biking, and diving
    Families  -  With a kids' club, an all-day (free) kids buffet, and even little dressing gowns provided - children will feel welcome here
    Artworks  -  One of the hotel's restaurants boasts a collection of Picasso originals
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection

    A palace fit for the legendary King Minos himself. Villas boast private pools, white on white decor and huge picture windows. There's a choice of nine casual and fine dining restaurants and bars plus lots of activities for couples and families alike. A spoiling getaway. See More

    Check Availability
  • Elounda Mare Elounda 74 rooms from £327

    Romantic Break  -  Enjoy couples' treatments in the spa and choose one of the suites with a private pool for an intimate stay
    Families  -  Although the feel is somewhat quiet, there is an excellent kids' club and a wide choice of activities
    Active Holiday  -  There's so much to do without even leaving the property's grounds from watersports to tennis or golf
    Spa breaks  -  Each month offers the option of a particular programme, be it cleansing, massage, facials or detox
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux

    Luxury hotel spread across a hilly cove shares impressive facilities with its sister hotels. Expect private beaches, yachts to charter, watersports, a golf course, a Sixth Sense spa, and fine dining. Rooms, suites, bungalows, and separate royal suites boast private pools. This is an indulgent choice See More

    Check Availability
  • Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas Elounda 204 rooms from £331

    Scuba course  -  Explore the crystal clear waters of Crete, with the PADI certified dive center ranging from elementary to specialised courses
    Total relaxation  -  With palatial suites, private pools, a pampering spa, and unbeatable service you are sure to leave relaxed and refreshed
    Weddings  -  Overlooking the deep blue Mirabello Bay, this is a fairytale location for a wedding plus the property has its own chapel
    Hotel Entertainment  -  With plenty of bars and pools plus mini golf, table tennis, basketball and a bridge club there is never a dull moment
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection

    An indulgent luxury hideaway in a fabulous location. Smart rooms and suites make the most of the epic sea views. A range of restaurants serve standout cuisine from Mediterranean to Asian. Activities to suit all and a truly pampering spa. A benchmark for luxury on Crete. See More

    Check Availability
  • Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos 129 rooms from £336

    Honeymoons  -  A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay
    Beach Life  -  Set directly on the crystal clear waters, indulge in diving, sailing, fishing or simply basking on the stunning beaches
    Hotel boats for hire  -  Venture out in the hotel's motorboat around the bay or day cruises to Spinalonga and Mochlos
    Artworks  -  A wealth of fine art and sculptures are scattered through the property
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels

    Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. Ideal for totally relaxing. See More

    Check Availability
  • Caramel Boutique Resort Rethymno 69 rooms from £344

    Romantic Break  -  For romance pick the Caramel Luxury Suite Private, which has a good-sized terrace with sea views and an outdoor whirlpool bath
    Families  -  With a spa for adults and a kids club complete with boundless activities for children, this is an ideal choice for families
    Local exploring  -  The location feels secluded, however, the attractions of Rethymnon are just 7km away
    Beach Life  -  Set directly on a stretch of sandy beach, this is the perfect beach destination
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. Suites, bungalows, and villas are light and airy with large swathes of glass and a modern take on Cretian design. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. A luxurious hideaway near Rethymnon. See More

    Check Availability
  • White Palace Rethymno 237 rooms from £361

    Watersports  -  Banana boating, wind surfing and much more are available on the nearby beach
    Families  -  There is a popular kids' club allowing grown ups some fun of their own
    Romantic Break  -  Utterly chic interiors with sea views - great for a romantic getaway
    Local exploring  -  Well located close to Rethymnon’s museums and nightlife
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    A chic hotel with white on white style complete with accents of sea blue. The former grande dame of the 'Cretan Riviera' has been given a full make-over and a bigger, grander choice of accommodation. Dining and entertainment options are crowd-pleasers, suiting both couples and families. See More

    Check Availability
  • Domes Noruz Chania Chania (Agioi Apostoloi) 83 rooms from £364

    Romantic Break  -  A beautiful location, gorgeous views, long walks on the beach and no kids around-the ideal spot for a romantic getaway!
    Total relaxation  -  Feel utterly rejuvenated with indulgent spa treatments, lazy days on the beach, and healthy cuisine
    Beach Life  -  Domes Noruz Chania boasts private beach access making it an easy choice for a beach getaway
    Local exploring  -  If you can tear yourself away from the beach, Chania's old town is just ten minutes away
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolPet friendlyViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    Domes Noruz Chania boasts a spectacular location on the coast of Crete. This 5* property offers boutique accommodation decorated in a typically Mediterranean fashion and with either a private plunge pool or hot tub. Fantastic food served up and two bars for you to try out. A spoiling stay. See More

    Check Availability
  • Nana Princess Hersonissos 112 rooms from £472

    Total relaxation  -  Relaxation is Nana Princess's prime aim, and it boasts tailor made services and spa facilities that are hard to beat
    Romantic Break  -  Luxury accommodation, stunning sea views, private pools, gourmet a la carte dining - what more could you want?
    Beach Life  -  A stunning luxury contemporary property with its own private sandy beach
    Families  -  Superb family accommodation with some villas sleeping up to seven
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolViews

    A stunning contemporary five star resort that will leave you wanting for nothing! Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. A spoiling beach treat! See More

    Check Availability
  • Daios Cove Resort Agios Nikolaos 300 rooms from £533

    Active Holiday  -  Endless onsite activities such as watersports, a scuba diving centre, sailing and motor yacht rental, yoga, and tennis courts
    Families  -  There is a wide range of family friendly accommodation including villas with pools, plus on site kids club etc
    Beach Life  -  A wonderful luxury resort with its own private beach and excelllent watersports facilities
    Spa breaks  -  There is a luxury spa on site with extensive facilities for a pampering break
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViews

    Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. Sumptuous suites and villas have contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilities for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. See More

    Check Availability