Surrounded by stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, Crete is the largest of the Greek islands. With sparkling white sand beaches, beautiful hiking trails, and quaint cities rich in history, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular destination. Whether you are looking to try out adventurous water sports, or spend your time relaxing at the spa, Crete has it all. For the ultimate island experience, check out our top resort recommendations. With so many lavish choices, we’re certain your stay in this Mediterranean paradise will be nothing short of incredible!
Minoa Palace Resort & Spa
Location: Platanias, 7-minute walk from the beach
Amenities: Terrace | Garden | Private beach | Hot Tub | Spa and wellness center | Fitness Center | Games room |Tennis court
Pool: Indoor and outdoor
Restaurant: Elia Main buffet restaurant | Galazia restaurant | Ta Nisia restaurant | Thalassa restaurant
Price Range: $180-$780
Settled right on the water in the popular Platanias area, Minoa Palace feels every bit like stepping foot into an actual palace. What sets this hotel apart from the rest is really its facilities. With activities for the whole family like cycling, diving, or billiards, and a playground for the kids, there’s always something fun to do. The hotel’s pools are really the gem of this resort. Sprawling out across the property, you can soak in views of the crystal clear sea while swimming or lounging. If you’ve had too much time in the sun, head inside for a luxury spa treatment or a trip to the steam room. Whatever you choose, Minoa Palace won’t disappoint!
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Ambassadors Residence Boutique Hotel
Location: Chania Venetian Harbor, 15-minute walk from the beach, 5-minute walk from Chania city centerAmenities: Sun Terrace | Library | Bicycle rental
Amenities: Sun Terrace | Library | Bicycle rental
Pool: No
Restaurant: None on-site
Price Range: $275-$400
Ambassadors Residence is a luxury resort built inside a renovated 18th-century house. Settled in the quaint Chania Venetian Harbor and nestled amongst charming cobblestone streets, it boasts views of the picture-perfect harbor. Wander around the city center to explore the variety of shopping, eating, and drinking options the seaside town has to offer. Then pack up your bags and head to the beach, just a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Guests love the homey yet elegant feel of the hotel and rave about the sun decks overlooking the water.
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Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa
Location: Analipsi, 15 km from the airport
Amenities: Terrace | Garden | Private beach | Hot Tub | Spa and wellness center | Fitness Center | Tennis court
Pool: Indoor and outdoor
Restaurant: International Cuisine restaurant
Price Range: $290-$400
The highlight of this resort is the lagoon-style swimming pool that spreads out along the length of the hotel. With gorgeous views all around and palm trees surrounding the water, it really feels like a tropical paradise tucked away inside the resort. If the true outdoors is more your style, take a short walk down to the beach to swim in the ocean, or arrange a bicycling or horseback riding trip with the hotel staff. For a luxury stay that offers quiet ambiance away from the city noise, this hotel has it all.
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Sensimar Minos Palace
Location: Agios Nikolaos, on the beach, 2 km from town center
Amenities: Terrace | Garden | Private beach | Hot Tub | Spa and wellness center | Fitness Center | Library
Pool: Outdoor (saltwater, seasonal)
Restaurant: Amalthea restaurant | Kulinarium in Blue Tavern
Price Range: $160-$480
Located on the beautiful Agios Nikolaos Bay, this hotel boasts all the luxuries of a 5-star resort with an amazing selection of fun and adventurous activities to keep you busy during your stay. Swim in the hotel’s saltwater pool, or try your hand at canoeing, tennis, or any of their other sports activities. With its location right on the water, Sensimar Minos Palace is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery in style.
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Radisson Blu Beach Resort, Milatos Crete
Location: On the beach in Milatos Bay
Amenities: Terrace | Garden | Beachfront | Waterpark | Spa and wellness center | Fitness Center | Library | Water sports facilities | Bicycle rental | Children’s playground
Pool: Outdoor pool and water slide (seasonal)
Restaurant: Mosaic buffet restaurant | Italian deli | Ariadni Taste of Crete | On the Rocks Grill | 1948 Bellevue restaurant
Price Range: $240-$1100
With separate areas and activities specially designed for kids and adults, this hotel is perfect for the whole family. Sip on a cocktail at one of the resort’s five different bars, while the kids enjoy the “mini club” and waterpark facilities. The hotel is situated right on the water and offers a variety of watersports activities to keep you entertained. If you’re keen on staying indoors, the resort also provides full spa services like massages and steam baths. Luxury combined with fun makes the Radisson Blue a perfect choice for a seaside vacation.
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Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, Crete
Location: On the beach in Plaka, 5 km from Elounda
Amenities: Terrace | Garden | Children’s playground | Hot Tub | Spa and wellness center | Fitness Center | Library | Water sports facilities | Games room | Bicycle rental
Pool: Indoor and outdoor
Restaurant: Olea, Isola, Asia Blue, Blue Door, and Flame restaurants
Price Range: $350-$1150
Blue Palace features a huge selection of activities for its guests. Whether you want to relax in one of their steam rooms or seek thrills while windsurfing or diving, this resort has it all. Soak in views of the sea while swimming in their infinity pool, and grab a cocktail at the pool bar. For dinner, you can choose from a huge variety of culinary masterpieces at each of its five on-site restaurants. Or if you’d prefer, you can opt to wander out to the surrounding fishing village of Plaka or drive into Elounda for even more shopping and dining. For luxury and fun for the whole family, Blue Palace doesn’t disappoint.
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Sentido Blue Sea Beach
Location: Stalida, 1-minute walk from the beach, 32 km from the airport
Amenities: Terrace | Garden | Private beach | Hot Tub | Spa and wellness center | Fitness Center | Nightclub | Water sports facilities | Children’s playground
Pool: Indoor and outdoor
Restaurant: Buffet and a la carte restaurant
Price Range: $85-$350
Sentido Blue Sea Beach prides itself on providing luxury entertainment for all its guests. Children can enjoy their own mini swimming pool and play area, while adults can head to the on-site spa for a massage or steam bath. One feature that makes this resort stand out from the rest is its nightclub and DJ. If partying isn’t for you, you can take advantage of their on-site water sports facilities on the beachfront or soak up the sun by the gorgeous outdoor pools.
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Insula Alba Resort & Spa
Location: Analipsis, 15 km from the airport, 5 km from Aquaworld Aquarium
Amenities: Garden | Sauna | Hot Tub | Spa and wellness center | Fitness Center | Pool bar
Pool: Indoor and outdoor
Restaurant: Insula buffet restaurant | Nubes a la carte restaurant
Price Range: $180-$400
This resort is reserved for adults only. For a relaxed atmosphere and the ultimate pampering experience, try the hotel’s spa facilities, or lounge by its extensive outdoor pool that sprawls along the compound. Serving drinks at the pool and an amazing selection of local gourmet food at their restaurants, the Insula Alba resort certainly knows how to spoil its guests. For a fun day trip, take a quick drive over to the local aquarium or spend the day soaking up the sun at the beach. Guests really love the style and look of this resort that gives it the true feel of a luxury retreat.
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Albatros Spa & Resort Hotel
Location: 1-minute walk from the beach, 5 minutes from Hersonissos town, 25 km from the airport
Amenities: Terrace | Garden | Beachfront | Hot Tub | Spa and wellness center | Fitness Center | Library | Games room | Bicycle rental | Children’s playground
Pool: Outdoor
Restaurant: Mediterraneo buffet restaurant | Daphne a la carte restaurant
Price Range: $90-$200
Situated right on the beach and just a short walk from Hersonissos, this resort has everything you need for a truly luxurious vacation. Its on-site spa offers deep relaxation treatments like massage and steam baths. Guests love the evening entertainment options (like live music!) and rave about the recreational activities in the games room. Enjoy a game of pool or table tennis, and then venture down to the beach to splash in the crystal clear waters. With the town of Hersonissos just 5 minutes away, this resort has everything needed to make your stay feel like perfection.
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Minos Beach Art Hotel
Location: Agios Nikolaos, 9-minute walk from the beach
Amenities: Terrace | Garden | Private beach | Spa and wellness center | Fitness Center | Library | Water Sports | Complimentary bicycle rental | Ski school | Games room
Pool: Outdoor
Restaurant: Waterfront restaurant
Price Range: $250-$3200
Nestled amongst picturesque trees and gardens with gorgeous views of the water, Minos Beach Art Hotel doesn’t disappoint. From the beautiful scenery to the 5-star treatments at the on-site spa, this resort was built for luxury. Just a short jaunt to the center of Agios Nikolaos, the hotel’s free bicycle rentals makes seeing the local sights a breeze. Explore the nearby town, or take a stroll down to one of the many gorgeous beaches nearby. For on-site recreation, the hotel offers both water sports and a games room, making it the perfect choice for both relaxation and fun.
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Domes Noruz Chania
Location: On the beach, 4 km from Chania Town
Amenities: Terrace | Private beach | Hot Tub | Spa and wellness center | Fitness Center | Steam room | Water sports facilities | Bicycle rental
Pool: Two outdoor
Restaurant: Zen restaurant | Raw Bar sushi and cocktails
Price Range: $330-$600
Praised for its immaculate design and decor, the Domes Noruz Chania is the epitome of 5-star luxury. With a private beach and impressive spa facilities, it’s easy to find yourself falling into a state of deep relaxation during your stay here. Overlooking the sparkling waters, the hotel’s Raw Bar features specialty cocktails and seafood delicacies. Specializing in an adults-only atmosphere, this resort is perfect for singles or couples looking for the ultimate celebrity experience.
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Stella Palace Resort & Spa
Location: Analipsi Beach, 4 km from Hersonissos
Amenities: Terrace | Garden | Private beach | Hot Tub | Spa and wellness center | Fitness Center | Mini Golf | Games room | Tennis courts | Children’s playground
Pool: Indoor and outdoor (seasonal): 2 lagoon style pools and 3 children’s pools
Restaurant: Buffet and a la carte restaurant
Price Range: $215-$500
One of the features of this resort that makes it such an amazing place to stay is its selection of private villas. For the cost of most other single rooms, you can get the royal treatment here in your own villa room with private swimming pool. Or, if you prefer, enjoy the selection of public pools the resort offers. It features separate areas for kids and adults to play and relax, including a children’s playground and pool, tennis courts, and a variety of evening entertainment options. Swim at the hotel’s private beach, or take a trip into Hersonissos for shopping and dining. Whatever you choose, Stella Palace has everything you need for an incredible seaside vacation!
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Knossos Beach Bungalows & Suites
Location: On the beach in Kokkini Khanion
Amenities: Terrace | Private beach | Garden | Massage | Fitness Center | Horseback riding | Water sports facilities | Bicycle rental | Games room | Children’s playground
Pool: Two outdoor
Restaurant: Ambrosia buffet | Swell a la carte restaurant
Price Range: $180-$775
If you’re looking for adventure without having to sacrifice on quality, Knossos Beach Bungalows and Suites is for you. Surrounded by stunning views of the sea and featuring waterfront massage services, it has all the luxury you could want in a 5-star resort. But for the thrill-seekers amongst you, it also offers a variety of sports and recreation activities like windsurfing, horseback riding, and diving. Guests love the on-site karaoke as well!
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Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa
Location: Chania town, 9-minute walk from the beach
Amenities: Terrace | Garden | Hot Tub | Spa and wellness center | Library | Steam room
Pool: No
Restaurant: Bar and all-day breakfast only
Price Range: $180-$300
Situated in the heart of Chania town, this fully restored 17th-century Venetian mansion is as quaint as it is resplendent. The hotel’s interior features traditional marble accents and a stone courtyard that hints at the royal palaces of the past. The resort’s steam room and spa services offer the most luxurious treatments to send you into a state of deep relaxation. Take a stroll down to the gorgeous sand beaches, or explore the dining and shopping options of Chania town. For a quiet stay that will make you feel like royalty, Casa Delfino is the perfect choice for your vacation in Crete.
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Iolida Beach
Location: Agia Marina, 1 minute from the beach, 10 km from Chania
Amenities: Terrace | Garden | Massage services | Fitness Center | Billiards | Children’s playground
Pool: Outdoor
Restaurant: Breakfast buffet | A la carte restaurant | Snack bar
Price Range: $115-$200
With a sparkling blue pool at the center of the resort, Iolida Beach is a place that exudes elegance. With bright white decor and state-of-the-art facilities, this hotel is the perfect way to enjoy Crete. Children can enjoy the playground area, while adults relax with a massage of a game of pool. The beautiful Agia Marina beach is just a one-minute walk from the hotel, where you can swim, snorkel, or soak up the bright summer sun. For a quick day trip, take a drive into Chania town for local shopping and dining. With prices under $200 for most rooms, you really can’t go wrong with a luxury stay at Iolida Beach!
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With this list of incredible holiday vacation spots, we’re confident your trip to Crete will be unforgettable. With stunning views and luxurious accommodation, no matter which resort you choose you’re bound to feel like royalty. Have a favorite spot in Crete? Let us know!