Crete's Best Beach Hotels | The Hotel Guru

With a summer season lasting well into October — September is still considered high season — and almost tropical-warmth seas at the height of summer, Crete has one of Europe's longest beach-holiday seasons. It is hardly surprising then that there are a world-class selection of beach hotels to choose from. Our hotel experts have scoured the length and breadth of the island to bring you a collection of Crete's best beach hotels selected on their location, designs, service, and amenities. Whether you are planning a getaway with the family, a couples' escape or a luxury break — there is something to suit most tastes and budgets here. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next beach break?

For great value

The Authentic Village Boutique hotel is a fabulous find on Crete's south coast. Its rooms are beautifully finished with traditional stonework and lots of warm wood and most of the rooms have a private balcony or patio. There are two beaches within a short stroll, where you can rent loungers and enjoy lazy days. The best bit? Incredibly good value room rates!
Aspros Potamos offers exceptional value accommodation on the quieter southern coast, just minutes from the beach. Accommodation is in traditional stone cottages, which make the perfect base for a simple family-friendly break.
Hotel Porto Loutro is a hidden gem right on the beach with glorious views over the Med. It's off the beaten track, but once you get here, you won't be disappointed and doubles start from very reasonable levels.

For private beach access

Close to Agios Nikolaos, and right on the beach, Minos Beach Art Hotel offers white-washed Minoan-style cottages with contemporary-furnished interiors — some with private pools — plus waterside dining and peaceful gardens. A romantic, stylish choice for a beach holiday.
Blue Palace, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is an ultra-luxurious haven combining the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. There's also an award-winning spa plus fine dining options. The private beach area (complete with an open-air cinema in the evenings) seals the deal.

For a rejuvenating break

A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies the luxury Cretan Malia Park in Malia. Set on an unspoiled beach, the resort offers bespoke suites and private bungalows with custom-made furniture and natural accents inspired by the landscape. Start the day with a farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride. Perfect for a tranquil break.

For families

The Minoa Palace Resort & Spa is a beachfront property for all the family with miriad facilities including kids club, playground and entertainment staff. It's a five-star option, but without the hefty price tag of some of its rivals.
Out of the Blue Capsis Elite is a huge property, occupying its own private peninsula. So as well as superb facilities for all the family (think amusement park and kids club for the little ones and yoga lessons and spa for the adults), it has access to three private beaches and an excellent array of watersports.

For couples

Abaton Island Resort is a glamorous property offering the utmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. Accommodation is spacious and secluded while the Loft Luxury Seafront room is ideal for romantic couples with its mezzanine bedroom, outdoor whirlpool tub and private pool.
St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel and Villas is a 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. Couples can spoil themselves with chartered yachts, tandem massages, and fine dining.

For a boutique

Swell Boutique Hotel is a stylish modern boutique hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites complete with separate living areas and great views over the ocean. With its smart restaurant, bar, and outdoor pool — this is a grown-up stay well suited to a couples' getaway.
Domes Noruz Chania boasts a spectacular coastal location. This is a 5* boutique property which offers chic accommodation decorated in a typically Mediterranean fashion and all rooms with either a private plunge pool or hot tub. Fantastic food is served up and there are two bars. A spoiling option.

For local exploring

Thalassa Boutique Hotel is an exclusive beachfront property located in historic Rethymno. Rooms are traditionally dressed and the best of these have private terraces with sea views. A great jump-off point to explore local historical sites and then there's always the pool and beach to return to for a cooling dip.

For luxury

Experience luxury in abundance at Elounda Peninsula with its contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. All rooms come with an outdoor pool and private hot tub. Plus there's an award-winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. Total bliss.
Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel is a five-star eco-hotel that overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda. All rooms boast sea views while the best have a private terrace hot tub. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars. All the makings of a great luxury stay.
Nana Princess is a stunning contemporary five-star property in Hersonissos with its own private sandy beach. Almost all of the accommodation comes with a private pool, plus you'll find three fine dining restaurants, a wonderful spa and tailor-made services that are hard to beat.
With only 69 rooms, the Caramel Boutique Hotel is like a luxury resort hotel but with an intimate feel. Right on Réthymno beach, if offers stylish white-and-blue rooms, a palm-fringed pool, shady gazebos and plenty of watersports. Very family friendly too.
At the other end of the scale, the Elounda Bay Palace is a full-blown, luxury resort with two semi-private beaches, several pools, endless activities for all the family — including a kids' club, mini-golf, tennis, scuba diving, sailing — and five restaurants. As well as spacious rooms, there are bungalows and villas dotted around 20 acres of gardens.
Equally swish — and perhaps just that little bit smarter — the Domes of Elounda offers a private beach, a huge spa, saltwater pools plus extensive children’s activities, and plenty for grown-ups, including snorkelling (if you’re feeling active) and wine-tasting, if not! There are also three restaurants, so no chance of growing bored.
And if you'd like your own private pool, as well as access to a private beach, Daios Cove Luxury Resort might be just the thing. This sleek, luxury resort is close to Agios Nikolaos and offers chic villas and suites plus watersports, a luxury spa and three restaurants.

Still not sure where to book?

Expand your search to include all the best places to say on Crete
Refine your search by location to the best places to stay in Heraklion, the best places to stay in Rethymno or the best places to stay in Chania
Refine your search to our Guru's recommendations for 10 of the Best Luxury Hotels on Crete or 15 of the Best Spa Hotels on Crete
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

20 of Crete's Best Beach Hotels

Out of the Blue Capsis Elite

Heraklion

An opulent resort comprising five hotels in one on a private peninsula. Highly discreet, with striking designs, each hotel is different. Plenty of suites and private villas have pools. There are seven restaurants to choose from, a kids' club, and a wide range of activities - a real crowd pleaser.

Active Holiday - For those who want an active break there is plenty to do on-site including watersports, tennis, fishing, and scuba diving
Families - With Capsis Minoan Amusement Park, a playground and a supervised pool the kids stay happy and everybody gets a holiday!
Beach Life - Set on a private peninsula in Agia Pelagia, with access to three beaches and a huge array of watersports
Hotel Entertainment - There's never a dull evening here with seven bars and a disco featuring live dj sets

from $200 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

20 of Crete's Best Beach Hotels

For great value

For private beach access

For a rejuvenating break

For families

For couples

For a boutique

For local exploring

For luxury

Still not sure where to book?

20 of Crete's Best Beach Hotels

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