Best hotels in Crete, from family-friendly resorts to mountain retreats

Independent

14-03-2025

Proper mountains, miles of beach, historic towns and a distinctive culture: you'll find it all in captivating Crete. The Minoan civilisation put the island on the map in the Bronze Age, leaving behind ancient palaces, temples and exquisite artworks (don't miss Heraklion's archaeological museum). Much later, colonising Venetians added fortresses and interesting architecture, which means the island is packed with things to see. Better still, as Greece 's southernmost isle, Crete has the longest tourist season and is pretty much the sunniest place in the country. What's not to like?
From a natural perspective too, there are heaps of attractions. Massive gorges carve into the mountains at the heart of the island, and there are some truly impressive beaches - both built-up and beautifully wild. The north and east coasts are busiest, the south is much more sleepy; and whatever vibe you're seeking, these are the Crete hotels to know about.
The best hotels in Crete for 2025
At a glance
1. Creta Maris hotel, Hersonissos
There's no shortage of family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in Crete, but this Hersonissos behemoth is a long-standing favourite. By spreading its 680 rooms between a main block and village-style clusters of bungalows, the atmosphere here is way less crowded than you might imagine. Families will appreciate the abundance of activities (including an on-site water park) and the convenience of being just 20 minutes from Heraklion airport. For a more relaxed experience, the adults-only section has its own beach bar, pools and dedicated dining. Need more comforts still? Choose a sea-front room or pool villa for perks such as VIP lounge access and late checkout.
2. Cook's Club hotel, Hersonissos
Hersonissos's waterfront is lined with touristy Irish pubs, making this a jarring choice for a credible brand such as Cook's Club. But don't be perturbed by its busy main-road location: once you step through the shipping container at the entrance to the property, you enter a secret world complete with spa, tattoo parlour and barber shop. As with other Cook's Club resorts, the central pool has a party atmosphere that appeals to a youthful audience. Plan ahead if you want to catch one of the occasional (and very popular) Cook's Club Sessions: DJ sets from established and up-and-coming musical talents.
3. The Tanneries Hotel & Spa, Chania
Named for the four 19th-century tanneries from which it was transformed, this boutique beauty sits to the east of central Chania, directly on the rocky waterfront. The heritage buildings were painstakingly restored to retain their stone façades, tiled roofs, arched doorways and industrial history. The result - as befits a member of Design Hotels - is supremely stylish. There's a spa, a seaside restaurant specialising in Cretan cuisine and ingredients, and just 20 luxurious and spacious suites, all with King beds, a natural-tones colour scheme and marble bathrooms with walk-in showers, plus lovely views across the water to Chania's Venetian fortress.
Address: Vivilaki 19, Chania, Crete 731 33
4. Tella Thera hotel, Kissamos
Concerned about your carbon footprint? You'll love this super-sustainable hotel in Kissamos, 45 minutes from Chania. As well as a zero-waste kitchen, this nature-inspired boutique retreat is built from local stone, natural wood and other renewable materials. Buildings (including all 20 suites) are planted with green roofs to minimise heat absorption; and the resort is almost entirely powered by solar energy. Keeping with the theme is an on-site, farm-to-table restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients. What's more, with Kissamos being the closest big resort to Balos Beach (one of Crete's best), guests can dash here to enjoy it before busloads of day-trippers arrive.
5. Milia Mountain Retreat hotel, Vlatos
Holidays in Crete don't have to be all about the beach. In Western Crete's White Mountains, this small-scale, off-grid retreat is as far removed as you'll get from a gargantuan all-inclusive. Surrounded by forest and birdsong, the character-filled hideaway was crafted from the ruins of a medieval village that were carefully rebuilt, restored and brought back to life. Original elements such as spring-fed water supplies and vegetable gardens have been reinstated and enhanced with solar power and modern conveniences. The stone-built cottages are dressed traditionally but comfortably with period furniture; and the views across the peaks are out of this world.
6. Elia Hotel & Spa, Ano Vouves
Another inland option is this super-cute hotel near the sleepy hillside village of Ano Vouves. Named after the ancient olive tree that is this village's claim to fame, Elia Hotel & Spa offers ten spacious, individually decorated rooms in a character-packed, 200-year-old building. The vibe here is one of relaxation coupled with strong eco-credentials thanks to the use of solar power and thoughtful procurement of every element, from local, organic ingredients in the kitchen to eco-friendly mattresses made from coconut fibres. For such a small property, the spa provides an impressive array of treatments that include masks, wraps, aromatherapy and sauna.
7. Grecotel LUXME White hotel, Kampos
Back on the north coast, not far beyond Rethymnon, lies this classier-than-average all-inclusive with white-on-white décor. Situated on a prime beachfront plot, it has all you need for a fly-and-flop break: stacks of facilities, a seawater pool and a good-sized stretch of sandy shore. Seven restaurants offer a different option for each day of a week-long stay, and there's heaps to do too, from spa treatments and al fresco yoga to kids' club activities. Still not enough? Head off-site to Grecotel Marine Palace, a 15-minute drive away, for access to slides and all-day splashing at its Kingdom of Poseidon Aqua Park.
8. InterContinental Crete hotel, Agios Nikolaos
International chain hotels aren't everybody's cup of ouzo, but this seaside property in east-coast Agios Nikolaos is a scene-stealer. Overlooking Mirabello Bay, it has ultra-modern architecture that gives it a sense of grandeur, plus state-of-the-art amenities for a truly indulgent stay. A standout here is Aegeo spa, whose treatments use natural ingredients such as olive oil and saffron. Local products also feature prominently in the restaurants, all three of which are in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef, Nikos Roussos. The 199 rooms and suites are suitably high-end, all with minimalist design, quality furnishings and private balconies for the (mostly) sea views.
9. Naiades Boutique Hotel, Elounda
Elounda is perhaps Crete's most desirable summer address. There are some genuinely fancy hotels hereabouts (many with hefty price tags); but skip the big brands and aim instead for this chic gem by the beach. As an adults-only, design-friendly hideaway, it offers relaxed, upmarket stays made all the more enjoyable by the reasonable rates. Most rooms have at least a partial sea view, service is highly rated and, although the restaurant only serves breakfast, there are plenty of places to eat nearby. It's perfectly placed for day-trips to uninhabited Spinalonga islet, immortalised in Victoria Hislop's best-selling novel, The Island.
10. Hotel Neos Ikaros, Agia Galini
Crete's south coast, being furthest from the airports, is generally bypassed by tourist hordes - so head here if you're looking for a simple, fuss-free break. A good bet is the village of Agia Galini, which tucks itself around a pretty harbour beneath a mountainous backdrop; it lives up to its name too, which translates as 'sacred calm'. At the top of town, furthest from the sea, you'll find Neos Ikaros, which has 31 basic-but-comfortable guestrooms (some of which can accommodate families). It's an ideal launch pad from which to explore the south coast's attractions, which include some truly dramatic limestone gorges.