Steeped in a rich history of myth and legend, the Greek island of Crete delivers a sublime slice of sun-dappled paradise. Here are the best resorts on the island. Crete is Greece’s largest island, replete with white sand beaches, olive-tree-lined hiking trails, and historic mythological sites like the Diktaean Cave (the birthplace of Zeus, no less). This Greek island is a little more affordable than its more cosmopolitan, picture-perfect sibling islands like Santorini, making it a wonderful spot for families, couples, and solo travellers. Whether you want to spend some time soaking up the year-round Grecian sun on a private beach, or exploring archeological sites that date back millennia, here are the best spots to stay in Crete.
Acro Suites
For a break that delivers wellness, quietude, and relaxation, the adults-only Acro Suites is one of Crete’s finest. Built into jutting stone cliffs overlooking the glittering azure Aegean sea, this beautiful hotel brings a slice of exclusive luxury to the busy island of Crete. Align your body and mind in the hotel’s Byzantine-themed hammam, or stretch away your tension in the calming Asana Yoga Shala.
Villas and suites at the Acro have crystal-clear private pools with breathtaking sea views, promising a truly serene, private escape. Try one of the Cave Suites for some blissful sunny solitude, or stay in one of the west-facing Sunset Villas to catch the best sunsets you’ll see all year.
Daios Cove
Nestled among olive trees overlooking a private white sand beach is the five-star Daios Cove hotel. This Crete hotel is one of the largest on the island, with 300 rooms and 38 private villas. There are multiple heated seawater pools at this island getaway, including a large infinity pool with a corner reserved for children, alongside a quiet adults-only pool.
Inside this maze-like luxury resort, you’ll find a range of attentive bars and high-end dining options serving a selection of locally sourced Cretan dishes. There’s also a relaxing wellness spa, a large outdoor gym complete with combat training gear, and a medical-grade spa that offers IV vitamin infusions (perfect replenishment if you had a few too many at the bar the day before).
Cretan Malia Park
A true bohemian escape, the Cretan Malia Park is one of the most iconic hotels in Crete, having first opened its doors in the eighties. Surrounded by a picturesque hilly expanse with plenty of natural greenery, this family-friendly beachside resort embodies the best of Cretan hospitality and culture. Sip on some Greek syrah wine at a candle-lit beachside dinner, or tuck into a delightful locally sourced meal under the canopy of banana and fig trees at the foodie-friendly The Garden restaurant. The kids will be well entertained hanging out on the hammocks at the hotel’s outdoor cinema, or for the younger tots, in the Tiny Explorers’s Club.
Kapsaliana Village Hotel
If you love olives, wine, and history, you will love the quaint Kapsaliana Village Hotel. Tucked away in a historic monastic village near the famous 16th-century Arkadi Monastery, this chic Cretan hotel offers a rustic, authentic Greek experience with tasteful dining options led by Michelin-starred chef Pavlos Kyriakis. Paying homage to the area’s olive-oil-producing heritage, the Kapsaliana offers guests unique olive oil-tasting experiences, alongside local wine-tasting sessions, if you’re seeking a more heady evening. The lands surrounding this charming Crete hotel are fragrant with lemon and olive trees and are utterly inviting for an afternoon wander.
Domes Noruz Chania
For a more modern Crete experience that bubbles with spontaneity and activity, the Domes Noruz Chania hotel is a destination unto itself. By day, this adults-only beach hotel is a sublime oasis for soaking up some Mediterranean sun, but when the sun goes down, the hedonistic fun begins. Every night is a party at this Crete hotel: sink into some hand-crafted cocktails and enjoy an eclectic roster of musical entertainment, from local and international DJs to live jazz bands.
It isn’t all about the party, though. Here you can enjoy a Hippocratic therapeutic massage at the Soma Spa, or get your sweat on with some outdoor circuit training while overlooking the glorious Aegean sea. For a more exclusive experience at the Domes Noruz, the ultra-luxurious Haute Living suites have the feel of a private hotel-within-a-hotel, embodying the ethos of ‘exclusively all-inclusive’.
Pnoé Breathing Life
Pnoé, meaning ‘breath’ in Greek, is where modern luxury meets natural Cretan charm. Located a few steps away from the sandy Karteros Beach, hotel suites at Pnoé are so well-equipped you may not want to leave your room at all. The Signature Suite for instance is replete with a private sauna, pool, and chromotherapy rain shower, giving you everything you need to take that deep breath and relax in the comfort of your own space. Suites also have thoughtful fixings for the more modern, tech-savvy traveller, such as wireless bedside chargers, bluetooth speakers, and smart lighting features that can be adjusted to suit different moods (‘romantic’, for instance).
As with many five-star hotels, wellness is a core focus at Pnoé. The spa has a hyperbaric oxygen chamber designed to help your body speed up its natural healing processes, alongside a menu of traditional treatments, such as luxury facials by Dr. Barabara Sturm. You’ll also never tire of the food served at this five-star hotel, whether it’s the local honey and cheese served at breakfast, or the exquisite veal cuts plated up at the Anasa restaurant.
St. Nicholas Bay Resort
St. Nicholas Bay is a resort that will please just about everyone. Located near the fishing village of Elounda, this five-star hotel brings a slice of authentic, unpretentious luxury to the island of Crete, and the staff are exceptionally warm. There are five restaurants to blaze your way through at St. Nicholas, from international restaurants like The Labyrinthos to more intimate, private dining spots like The Minotaure.. There’s also plenty to keep the kids entertained, such as daily kids clubs, game rooms fitted with PlayStations, and a professional babysitting service.
This hotel embraces its Cretan heritage with pride and hosts a permanent exhibition of rotating local artists, as well as a ‘Cretan Museum’, which has a creative selection of handcrafted goods, pottery, and rugs.
Final Take
Over the years, Greece has become synonymous with luxury resorts, and the island of Crete is particularly favoured for its laid-back, warm approach to hospitality. With its glittering, expansive seas and fertile olive-laden lands, this Mediterranean island really does feel like a little paradise – a vibe that’s nourished by these much-loved hotels.
