Top hotels in Crete for every budget

Discover the Best Places to Stay on Crete

Crete, the largest of Greece’s many idyllic isles, offers a unique blend of historic ruins, breathtaking beaches, and excellent hiking trails. Whether you're looking for a cozy beachside retreat during the summer or an adventurous escape in the spring or autumn, there are countless exceptional places to stay that will make your visit unforgettable.

Daios Cove Luxury Resort, Agios Nikolaos

Nestled in a secluded half-moon inlet that opens into Mirabello Bay, Daios Cove is a perfect destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. The resort caters to families, couples, and solo travelers, offering a range of amenities including the Kepos by Goco spa, which provides a wellness-focused reset. The rooms are strategically built along the rugged coastline, ensuring panoramic views of the sea and ample privacy. The dining experience is equally impressive, with fresh Cretan produce featured in fine-dining plates and cocktails crafted by award-winning Athenian bar The Clumsies.

Book it: From £302 half-board.

Phāea Cretan Malia, Malia

Despite its reputation as a lively coastal town, Phāea Cretan Malia offers a more family-friendly alternative. The resort features minimalist, white-washed rooms and spacious bungalows centered around landscaped gardens and pools. Families can enjoy activities such as baking classes, theater, and organic garden explorations at the kids’ clubs. For adults, yoga sessions, art exhibitions, and olive oil or wine tastings provide a more relaxed experience.

Book it: From £163.

Minos Palace Resort, Agios Nikolaos

Located on Mirabello Bay, Minos Palace Resort is an adults-only retreat that focuses on longevity and wellness. The resort includes a vitality pool, cryo chamber, and photobiomodulation room for healing red light therapy. Guests can also enjoy the private sandy beach, a freshwater infinity pool, or yacht cruises to explore hidden coves. The tranquil environment makes it easy to forget about the outside world.

Book it: From £189.

Numo Ierapetra, Ierapetra

Tucked away from the more crowded tourist areas, Numo Ierapetra offers a unique perspective on the Aegean coast. The adults-only retreat features stripy pool loungers, wood and stone interiors, and a restaurant that blends Peruvian and Asian influences. The location allows for easy exploration of nearby historical sites, including a 14th-century mosque, Ottoman school, and Napoleon’s Home.

Book it: From £131.

Domes Zeen Chania

Part of The Luxury Collection, Domes Zeen Chania is one of the most picturesque hotels on the island. Set in a tropical estate with banana and palm trees, the hotel offers sleek rooms with light grey drapes, rattan furnishings, and marble floors. The Enino Gastronomy Restaurant provides an excellent selection of local wines and Cretan-inspired dishes. The old port town of Chania is just a short walk away and well worth a visit.

Details: Rooms from about £213 a night.

Elounda Peninsula, Elounda

Elounda Peninsula is a top choice for those seeking luxury and stunning views. The suite-only hotel boasts a smooth sand beach, boutique vibes, and unbeatable vistas of the Aegean Sea and Sitia mountains. Recently renovated, the hotel features new suites, villas, and a six-bedroom Diamond Residence. Additional amenities include a Six Senses spa, a multi-award-winning Japanese restaurant, water sports, a kids’ club, and a nine-hole golf course.

Details: Rooms from about £420 a night (breakfast included).

Creta Maris, Hersonissos

Ideal for families, Creta Maris offers seven restaurants, endless watersport opportunities, and breathtaking beaches. The resort features cobbled paths, flagstone squares, and lush gardens that evoke the charm of a Greek Cycladic island. Highlights include Pithos, an organic restaurant, and Alatsi, a new a la carte fish restaurant. The buffet at the main restaurant offers a vast array of traditional Cretan dishes and salads.

Details: Creta Maris has rates from £275 for a Family Plan Room based on two adults and two children under 12 on an all-inclusive basis.

Seaside A Life, Agia Pelagia

Just half an hour from Heraklion airport, Seaside A Life is a five-star adults-only retreat offering serene escapes with panoramic views of the Mediterranean. The 248 suites and rooms are designed in a maze-like layout, with rustic interiors inspired by the surrounding landscape. The standout feature is the Cave Spa, which offers a natural cave setting with a sauna, steam bath, indoor pool, massage rooms, hair salon, and ice fountain.

Details: Room rates start at £144.