These hotels in Crete are perfect for an upscale Greek island escape
The best hotels in Crete offer a luxurious base from which to enjoy everything the largest island in Greece has to offer – from glorious stretches of beach to age-old ruins waiting to be explored.
If a Mediterranean escape is on your list for 2024, Crete is just one of the idyllic islands to consider. The best hotels in Sicily offer a taste of la dolce vita in Italy and the best hotels in Ibiza are perfect if you're all about those Balearic boho vibes. But if Greece is the place for you, there are many reasons to visit Crete this summer. For those looking to hit more than one Greek island this year, we've also picked our favourite Corfu hotels and Santorini hotels with private pools (if sharing a pool won't do).
Blessed with year-round sunshine and mild weather, the island of Crete is home to flawless beaches and some of the world‘s most important archaeological sites, including the Palace of Knossos, the remnants of the great Minoan kingdom.
Crete boasts impressive mountainscapes, fertile valleys, steep gorges and a plethora of walking trails, as well as a rich gastronomic culture, making it perfect for foodies. Head to Chania to wander the old town's cobbled alleys, taking in beautiful Venetian relics, churches, museums and historical monuments as you go.
For something a little different, visit the city of Rethymno on the north coast, which blends historic splendour with modern-day amenities. Don't miss the Fortezza, a castle and fort built in the 1500s during the island's Venetian occupation.
Whether you're looking for sun, sea and stunning scenery or an adventure-packed getaway, we've rounded up the best hotels in Crete for a luxury escape this year. From adults-only indulgence to stylish, family-friendly beachside boltholes, there's a luxury hotel in Crete for everyone.
Acro Suites, Agia Pelagia
Nestled on the rocky cliffside of Mononaftis Bay, in the northernmost part of Agia Pelagia, Acro Suites is a boutique, eco-friendly haven. This little slice of paradise offers much more than just a holiday, since the brand’s concept is built around health, wellbeing, and rejuvenation.
One of the best hotels in Crete, it's home to an array of beautifully crafted suites and villas, merging contemporary design with a bohemian flare; all with calming views of the Aegean Sea. You'll find earthy tones and materials like wood, stone and marble.
The iconic Cave Suites are a perfect choice for couples or solo travellers seeking ultimate privacy in blissful surroundings. Think marble from the archaeological site of ancient Festos, raw silk bedding, and endless views of the water. There's a beautiful spa, a Byzantine hammam, petite cold-water pools, rain showers and an extensive choice of therapies, too.
You can also head to the charming bamboo yoga shala for daily yoga and meditation classes. And, when you're peckish after all that stretching, the Cremnos restaurant, described by the owners as a 'nurture house', offers nutritious dishes crafted using fresh, hand-picked ingredients, sourced from local farms around the island.
Cretan Malia Park, Malia
Far removed from the identikit beach hotels that dot Crete’s coastline, Cretan Malia Park is a flora-filled retreat that augments classic Aegean hospitality with a focus on refined luxury and slow-paced living that's perfect for families, couples and solo travellers.
The 204-room hotel has a unique aesthetic inspired by the colours and textures of the island. Key to the hotel’s identity is its commitment to sustainability — a crucial philosophy that informs all aspects of the design and operations. Factor in a fresh, Mediterranean kitchen inspired by Crete’s culinary traditions, an organic wellness menu for luxurious recalibration, and exquisitely landscaped botanical gardens leading to the sparkling Aegean Sea, and you have a whole new spin on carefree Cretan luxury.
Beyond the contemporary design concept, the hotel plays host to a roll call of high-end design names — including GUBI, House of Hackney, Børge Mogensen, 101 Copenhagen and LRNCE—resulting in a wholly unique series of looks that ranges from mid-century modern to laidback boho.
Whoever you're travelling with, everyone will love the Beach Shack – a stylish, relaxed hangout spot serving Greek tapas during the day and sundowners as the night draws in, soundtracked by soothing reggae beats.
Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas, Agios Nikolaos
This stunning 35-hectare family-friendly resort is one of the most well-known of the best hotels in Crete. Daios Cove has an array of spacious rooms, suites and villas, with uninterrupted views across the azure waters of the bay and the Mediterranean Sea beyond.
The elegantly designed rooms include marble bathrooms, king-size beds, private balconies or terraces – many with private saltwater pools for ultimate indulgence.
You'll find eight restaurants and bars offering a host of cuisines, all made from the finest seasonal and locally sourced produce. There is also a state-of-the-art spa, a children’s club, watersports centre, heated infinity pool, adults-only pool and a private sandy beach offering a choice of fun-filled activities to fill your days with.
From the sun-filled lobby, with its carefully selected works of art, to the Beach House bar with inventive cocktails, this is the perfect spot for a high-end holiday.
Kapsaliana Village Hotel, near Rethymno
If you're looking for a charming, authentic hotel in a secluded countryside setting, make a beeline for Kapsaliana Village Hotel.
Set in the island's largest olive grove, it boasts its own 18th-century olive press, along with a museum celebrating the ancient craft. Its mountainside setting makes it ideal for hiking (be sure to visit the Arkadi Monastery, which is just three miles from the hotel).
Accommodation comes in the form of 22 traditional stone village houses (hence the hotel's name), built between the 17th and 19th centuries. They've all been restored to reflect the natural beauty of the area, mixing original features with modern finishes, and many have sea views.
Relax by the pool with views over the olive groves and out to the sea beyond, before enjoying dinner at the hotel's rustic restaurant terrace, where simple, organic local delights are the order of the day. It's a blissful back-to-nature spot perfect for all types of traveller.
The Syntopia Hotel, Rethymno
The Syntopia Hotel is a swanky adults-only haven defined by its carefree attitude and stylistic modernity.
Set just minutes east of Rethymno, it offers a holiday all about bohemian island living. Its decor consists of wood, wicker and stone, for chic and laidback vibes.
The Syntopia redefines the concept of all-inclusive holidays. It’s hip and refined, with all you can eat from 07.30am to 11pm, and drinks available on tap from 10.30am to 11pm. If you'd rather exercise a little more restraint, there's also a bed and breakfast option if you prefer.
The spa offers an assortment of classic treatments that will help you reach a state of total tranquillity. Take a break in the sauna or hammam, or retreat to the zen relaxation area – perfect for staying at peace between treatments. Alternatively, sign up for yoga, tai chi and meditation classes for a soothing treat.
The hotel also has a great location: it's close to the beach, as well as a number of Crete's bustling hotspots.
Domes Noruz Chania, Chania
Follow the sun to beachside Domes Noruz Chania, which woos with sea and sand views, a buzzing bar and a trio of pools. It's an adults-only resort, where you can treat yourself to refreshing cocktails, treatments at a blissful spa and mouthwatering Mediterranean flavours at the restaurant.
Accommodation-wise, the Sublime Loft Rooms earn their name with superlative views of the sea and beach bar, not to mention a terrace equipped with a hammock and uninterrupted sea views. Haven Rooms are also worth a mention, each of which is a two-floor expanse, with a bed that’s perfectly placed for sunset sessions (courtesy of the sky-framing windows).
There are three pools: two outside and one in the spa. The pool by the bar tends to get more footfall (try the cocktails and you’ll see why); the one closer to the hotel entrance feels quieter and more secluded. Of course, you can also splash around in the warm waters of the Aegean Sea (a few steps from the restaurant). And each room also has its own plunge pool, outdoor Jacuzzi or alfresco pool.
The Soma Spa counts an indoor pool, juice bar and fitness room among its charms. Facials and body treatments use Elemis products – plus local Cretan herbs from the island.
Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel, Elounda
Perched on the water's edge, Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel enjoys beautiful views across the iridescent Aegean Sea and Sitia Mountains. Perfect for honeymooners, families and solo travellers seeking for the ultimate island getaway, this seaside paradise offers top-notch accommodation, including private suites, villas and residences, offering direct access to private jetties and the hotel’s very own beach.
Decorated with luxurious finishes, including marble bathrooms, a sauna and a massage room, the hotel also features an indoor pool, plus an outdoor pool that looks out over the sparkling sea.
There are games and wellness programmes for adults, children and teens, making this a getaway that’s got everyone covered.
Considered one of the best hotels in Crete, Elounda Peninsula is one of the most exclusive hotels in Europe, with suites featuring seafront private pools. There are one-, two- and three-bedroom suites available, and a wealth of opportunities for anyone to needing to recharge, reconnect and relax under the Cretan sun.
Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas, Elounda
Positioned in one of the best waterfront locations in Crete, Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas comes with two private sandy beaches and an array of waterfront private villas and bungalows, many of which feature private heated pools and huge terraces.
The hotel caters to both couples and families, and boasts a penthouse Chenot Spa – the sought-after medi-spa brand's only presence in the Greek Islands.
You won't be short of things to do or delectable local food to eat; there are six waterfront restaurants, activities such as various kinds of watersports and tennis, as well as a private helipad should you want to arrive in celebrity-worthy style.
Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa, Elounda
Designed by Italian architect Gian Paolo Venier and boasting a gourmet menu curated by chef Lefteris Lazarou – the first Greek chef to be awarded a Michelin Star – Cayo is the ultimate luxury retreat in Crete.
Sophisticated and chic, it's a style-seeker’s dream. Arguably Elounda’s most stylish design hotel, Cayo offers stunning surroundings, a mind-body balancing spa, and incredible views of Spinalonga island.
The hotel is perched serenely close to the water's edge overlooking the famous Elounda Bay, with its own spot on Plaka's pebble beach. Its design evokes the beauty of the surrounding hills and the azure water of the Cretan archipelago. This natural palette is reflected in the eclectic decor, which includes tailor-made furniture, touches of bright white marble and a sprinkling of volcanic black pebbles.
Gourmands will love the farm-to-fork ethos, incorporating the freshest seasonal produce, locally sourced from selected eco-friendly farms and the resort’s own organic garden.
There's a beautiful spa and fitness centre, where you can enjoy pampering massages, yoga and Pilates, detox therapies, and more ways to find mental wellbeing.
The hotel's 71 rooms, suites and villas boast incredible sea views and many have private swimming pools. There's also two main swimming pools, three restaurants, and two bars to choose from.
St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas, Agios Nikolaos
Surrounded by the sparkling Aegean Sea, this slice of paradise in the beautiful Elounda region of Crete is a chic playground for friends, families or couples looking to escape to the Med. St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas' small but perfectly formed private beach is just steps from the large pool with pretty sea views.
The interiors are airy and contemporary, with a focus on local art and culture; there's even an art gallery at the hotel, exhibiting a range of paintings and sculptures by well-known Greek artists.
There are no less than seven different dining and drinking options, ranging from the laidback Bonatsa Jetty Bar, to the poolside Minotaure, where you can enjoy Asian fare in an intimate candlelit setting under the stars.
The lovely town of Agios Nikolaos is just a mile away from the hotel. Here, you can immerse yourself in the trendy shops, boutiques, cafés, bars and restaurants right on the sea front.
Domes of Elounda, Elounda
Domes of Elounda is a stunning retreat with secluded suites and a top-notch spa.
Emerging from the hillside, this beachfront resort offers picture-perfect views towards the historic Venetian castle and across the Aegean Sea.
You can enjoy a Greek odyssey of boat trips around the island of Spinalonga and Minoan cooking courses at the family-friendly resort. Located near the village of Plaka in Crete, the hotel enjoys amazing sea views over the bay of Mirabello.
Check in to one of the elegantly designed suites, which feature touches of classic Mediterranean architecture, and soak up the sea views from the privacy of your outdoor pool or Jacuzzi. The Luxury Residence Villas provide an extra layer of luxury with their own private spa, pool and domed octagonal-shaped bathroom.
Asterion Suites & Spa, Platanias
This five-star complex of 67 design-forward suites opened in 2021 and is relatively new to the best hotels in Crete list. Asterion Suites & Spa is unpretentious and contemporary in design, while influenced by Cretan traditions.
This sanctuary is home to a Cretan restaurant, where you can try traditional dishes with a modern twist, and a pool bar with panoramic views of the Aegean.
Located in the west of the island, the local landscape boasts some of Crete's most dramatic scenery and popular sites for excursions, like Chania’s 14th-century Venetian harbour – a historical gem.
Elafonisi and Balos are the most iconic beaches on the island and are easily reachable from the hotel. Elafonisi is famous for its sparkling pink sand, and is ideal for a family visit, while Balos is a striking blue lagoon with exotic white sands and stunning turquoise waters.
Domes Zeen Chania, Chania
Situated on Crete’s north-west coast, Domes Zeen Chania is the work of Berlin-based designers Lambs and Lions, who combined mid-century and brutalist styles with stone, grainy woods and rattan to bring us a seriously chic place to stay.
The bedrooms feature oversized windows and terraces for relaxing in the Cretan sun, and there's a duo of gourmet restaurants, a beachfront spa and classic island experiences to tick off your to-do list while here. Ideal for keeping you entertained, there are cookery and ceramics classes, wine tastings and beach hikes.
An open-air Jungle Spa sits right by the beach so your treatment is sound-tracked by the waves. The spa also has a gym and studio for yoga, Pilates and other fitness classes, with personal trainers available on request.
For families, there's a Montessori-inspired kids’ club offering everything from painting classes to sleepovers in a tepee (giving parents the chance for a night off), and kids have the opportunity for volunteering and educational play with children from the local community.
Amirandes, Gouves
Treat yourself to a stay at this ultra-luxe resort on the east coast of Crete. Accommodation starts with the superior rooms, boasting wonderful sea or garden views. There are also superior family guestrooms and options within this category that have a private pool and garden – there's something to suit all different types of travellers.
At Amirandes, you can choose from seven palate-pleasing restaurants that reflect the resort’s opulence and cosmopolitan vibe, from a traditional taverna over at the farm in Rethymnon to a classic Greek seafood restaurant on the beach and an Asian eatery on-site. Entertainment comes in all forms, from beach volleyball and sunrise yoga to live-music nights with a backdrop of the sparkling lagoon and sea.
Need a spot of me time? The hotel's spa specialises in signature treatments using organic plants and extracts from Crete and Ayurvedic therapies. We're packing already…
Minos Beach Art Hotel, Agios Nikolaos
This minimalistic and modern escape is certainly one of the best hotels in Crete for lovers of art. The artwork on show is inspired by the island's heritage and natural beauty, and much of the G & A Mamidakis Foundation collection is found within the hotel and throughout its open-air museum, which guests can discover by simply strolling around the grounds.
Minos Beach Art Hotel is nestled on a landscape of sand, rocks, greenery, and trees, and is peppered with whitewashed bungalows, villas, and terraces that face the sea.
There are threee restaurants, three bars, a wine cellar and a kafeneion (traditional Cretan coffee shop), with all ingredients at each all sourced from trusted local suppliers in and around Agios Nikolaos, including the majority of the wines that come from nearby vineyards and wineries.
Whether you're looking for relaxed alfresco fare or a formal dining experience, gastronomes won't be disappointed here.
Creta Maris, Hersonissos
Recently extensively renovated, Creta Maris has been welcoming families for sun and fun ever since 1975. The family-owned, five-star resort is in the seaside town of Hersonissos and close to the island’s capital, Heraklion.
Part of the refurbishment was a rethink of the resort's food and drink offering and it's now a dream destination for foodies – it's especially appropriate for parents in search of somewhere that meets their exacting standards while also catering for kids. There are now a total of seven restaurants (including two seaside ones) and 10 bars, with two shiny new adults-only cocktail bars added into the mix. It's now the proud owner of a dedicated Aperol Spritz bar.
Of the new eateries, highlights include Mademi, a classic steakhouse meets Cretan barbecue kind of joint, adults-only Alatsi for seafood (sea bream with fennel and orange beurre blanc, grouper tartare with melon and cucumber gel) overlooking the bay. Guests will also be able to frequent Adama, home to an impressive collection of both Cretan and international wines, and the Vegra Lounge, catering to your every beverage need, all the way from morning coffee to late-night cocktail.
Azade Chania
Crete has several five-star resorts with every bell and whistle conceivable, but for something a little more local and low-key, there are slightly more boutique options on the island. These smaller-scale hotels are perfect for couples in search of somewhere quieter and more romantic. One such stay is Azade Chania, a charming boutique hotel close to the Venetian harbour in Chania.
It was once the residence of the American poet Charles Henri Ford. Previous notable proprietors of this 17th-century dwelling include an Ottoman pasha. The nine suites have high ceilings and Ottoman-era influences, such as the attic or oda in some; and there’s a fountain in the courtyard leftover, too.
It's the perfect choice for history fans hoping to discover more about the island's storied past. Book a room with a terrace and you’ll be able to admire the harbour and Chania’s landmark lighthouse, from your snug spot, safely within the city walls.
The Island Concept, Agios Nikolaos
Back to the idyllic beach life that Crete is famous for though and a dream fly-and-flop resort: the Island Concept, which is near the port town of Agios Nikolaos in the east of Crete, and less than 45 minutes by car from Heraklion airport. As the name suggests, the hotel does what Greece does best: island heaven, with private plunge pools, endless sunshine, super-fresh seafood and a life-prolonging diet (Crete has one of the highest life expectancies among the Med's already long-living population).
The boutique retreat is more like a private villa, since there are only 15 rooms – even the main communal pool will feel like it's all your own. Days out (if you can bear to drag yourself away) can be spent touring Heraklion’s wine routes or locating Lake Voulismeni to follow in Artemis and Athena’s footsteps for a swim.
Paradise Island Villas, Anissaras
There are 12 Paradise Island Villas in total on this close-to-perfect patch near Anissaras, along the northern coast of Crete. Each has its own garden and private pool, with a backdrop of mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Drinks and room service can of course be delivered directly to you, so you won't have to leave your sanctuary.
The family-run retreat also has landscaped gardens (with all of the joyfully pink bougainvillea you'd hope for), a pool bar, a tennis court and a bistro where guests can enjoy classic Cretan dishes, seafood pastas and a daily special. It has a kids' menu, too. The hillside setting means magical views of the sea and mountains.
Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Hersonissos
On Crete’s northern shores, Abaton Island Resort & Spa may be close to clubbing haven Malia but the similarities stop there – although it is down for a good time, always. Fun comes in the form of five restaurants, which include a traditional taverna and a steakhouse, a spa and sea views from almost every angle.
There are lots of sugar-cube structures for added Greek island authenticity. Many of the rooms have their own terrace, and some are even further improved by the presence of a hot tub on the deck. Some rooms have a private pool but there are shared options available, too.
Nana Princess, Hersonissos
If you’re headed to Crete with the kids in tow, this five star, family-friendly resort, located on the island’s north coast, between the port city of Heraklion and buzzy seaside town Agios Nikolaos, is the perfect choice. For the grown-ups, there’s a well-equipped spa and gym at Nana Princess, plus sporting facilities available for guests’ use over at sister site Nana Golden Beach (helpfully just next door). Unsurprisingly, there are lots of restaurants and bars between the two resorts to keep you busy. As an added bonus, each guestroom has a private saltwater pool.
For the children, who also get the use of both hotels, there are various places for them to run free, including beaches, playgrounds, a waterpark and a kids’ club.
NIKO Seaside Resort MGallery, Agios Nikolaos
The lively coastal town of Agios Nikolaos is one of the most popular places on the island for visitors and it’s not hard to see why. It’s the perfect place to head to once the sun cools off a little, for a stroll through its winding streets in search of souvenirs and trinkets, a meal at one of its harbour-edge tavernas or a swim in the sea.
The adults-only NIKO Seaside Resort MGallery is a slick stay, with clean-lined, contemporary rooms, many of which have a view of the water. The hotel’s open-air restaurant has a similarly fortunate vantage point.
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