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?
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.
Elounda (Crete)
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.
Elounda
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.
Agios Nikolaos (Thessi Nissi)
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.
Agios Nikolaos
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.
Crete (Crete)
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.
Crete (Crete)
A home-away-from-home set in a stunning rural spot with beaches, bars and tavernas a walk away. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. Return to simpler times at this beautiful hideaway on Crete.
Crete
A great getaway to an idyllic blue bay in a car-free village, right on the beach. Off the beaten track, this tranquil hotel is ideal for a simple seaside holiday for families. Boasting unspoilt bay views, life plays out on a different tempo here. Utterly relaxing.
Elounda
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.
Rethymno
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.
Agios Nikolaos
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.
Elounda
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.
Rethymno (Rethymno 741 00)
A stylish modern hotel with spacious one-bedroom suites with a separate living room and great views over the ocean. Interiors are chic, contemporary and comfortable. There is a smart restaurant and bar and an outdoor pool area with a terrace. A classy, modern hotel.
Chania (Agioi Apostoloi)
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.
Hersonissos (Hersonissos)
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!
Hersonissos
A glamorous coastal property offering the upmost in luxury on Crete's picturesque coast. Accommodation is spacious and secluded, the best options have heated seawater pools, but all are utterly indulgent. The five restaurants serve a range of food from sushi to Greek and there's a fabulous spa too.
Rethymno (Crete)
This exclusive beachfront hotel in Rethymno recently underwent a full renovation. Boasting four stars, rooms are dressed in a traditional style; premium linens complement exposed stone walls and the best suites have terraces with sea views. Take a dip in the courtyard pool; a stylish seaside hotel.
Elounda (Lasithi)
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.
Crete (Crete )
A holistic approach to wellbeing underlies this luxury Cretan resort 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 farm-to-table breakfast before a bike ride.
Crete (Crete)
A beautifully crafted property on Crete's south coast. Rooms are finished with traditional stonework and lots of stylish warm wood, plus luxurious amenities including handmade beds with cocomat mattresses. Some boast a balcony with a sea view. A romantic hideaway on the quieter side of the island.
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