This time, I wanted to focus on those unique venues that will turn your experience into something unforgettable: The best hotels and most luxurious resorts in Crete.

Each resort is located in the best areas of Crete, close to the island’s beautiful beaches, with panoramic views of the city, the crystal clear water of our seas, or the Cretan mountains.

The Best Luxury Hotels in Heraklion

These are among the most beautiful resorts by the sea, they are located a few kilometers from the city center of Heraklion and close to some of the best beaches in the area and Crete’s most important archaeological site (Knossos Palace).

These are some of my favorite luxury places to stay in Heraklion.

This is a great place to stay in Crete, with its private beach, outdoor pool, garden, and mini-golf course.

The resort helps the guests organize day trips, tours, and boat trips to discover the island too.

On the premises, there are 4 restaurants, a convenience store, and a gift shop. There is also the possibility to use their airport shuttle for transfer.

The venue features 10 swimming pools, a water park with waterslides, and 21 tennis courts among other surprises!

Guests adore watching the chefs in live-action cooking both local and international delicacies. There are different sports facilities, including football courts, a golf course.

Among the activities offered with their wellness and sports program, you can enjoy aerobics archery, tennis, and an indoor pool.

The resort also features evening entertainment, and on the premises, you’ll find shops, a convenience store, free parking, and an indoor pool

GOOD TO KNOW: Lyttos Beach is a great location for family holidays. It’s especially loved by kids who can have fun at the children’s pool, the kids club, or at the water park with fast food restaurant!

It’s located in a privileged position, on a private peninsula overlooking the stunning bay of Agia Pelagia, about twenty minutes from the main attractions in Heraklion including the archaeological museum, the Minoan Palace of Knossos, and more. 

The property features 7 fresh-water pools, 7 restaurants, and a spa with a hydrotherapy pool. There is a private beach, tennis equipment, a water park, evening entertainment, free parking, and shuttle service for guests.

And to kickstart the day the right way, breakfast can be enjoyed in the relaxing setting of your suite as well!

Guests enjoy the unique resemblance to a Cretan village, surrounded by extensive gardens, a river, and three beaches.

On the premises, guests can take aerobics classes, practice archery, spend a night watching live sports events (broadcast), and attend live performances and music shows.

There are also hypoallergenic rooms available upon request, as well as a gorgeous honeymoon suite.

During the day, guests can join cooking classes, talking tours, and bike tours around the small village of Koutouloufari, a walking distance from the premises.

In the evening, guests can have a drink at their happy hour, participate in themed dinners, have fun with performances and live music, and dine in one of the 6 on-site restaurants.

The Best Luxury Resorts in Rethymnon

Located close to everything, Rethymnon is an ideal place to stay in Crete.

The following resorts offer the possibility to enjoy a unique and romantic stay in the area, as well as perfect family holidays, and unforgettable experiences in the biggest of the Greek islands.

The fantastic swimming pool and the surrounding area are some of the main reasons to choose this accommodation.

Suites and rooms are super modern, with every comfort you need.

The restaurant has very good reviews as well. Check the rooms with the jacuzzi on their balconies!

The hotel is an adult-only property, offering activities such as live performances and music shows, movie nights, and water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing (all of them off-site). The hotel also provides a shuttle service for transfer.

The hotel offers a wide range of activities including live performances and beach parties. Children have their pools and entertainment programs.

On the premises, guests can enjoy 2 swimming pools, a terrace, and a garden, as well as free parking facilities.

Everything they need for a relaxing stay by the sea.
Guests adore the hot tub, the massages, the spa, and the sauna.

The resort is on a picturesque bay near Panormo and it has been built like a characteristic Cretan village.

Rooms, studios, and bungalows are tastefully decorated rooms surrounded by fragrant gardens with offer views over the pool, the sea, or the garden.

The hotel offers an excellent range of themed dinners and all-inclusive dining (Greek, Mediterranean, and Asian).

One of its restaurants has been recognized with an award for the best organic restaurant.

There are archery and aerobics lessons available, tennis equipment for guests, and an ATM on-site. The hotel offers live music, evening entertainment, and performances as well.

On the premises, there’s a private beach, shops, and a convenience store. The hotel also offers an airport shuttle for transfers.

Close both to Rethymnon and Heraklion, Blue Bay Lifestyle offers a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and a bar.

The hotel’s bar serves refreshing drinks and cocktails during the daily happy hour, which you can enjoy at the furnished terrace overlooking the scenic bay.

At the venue, you’ll find a private beach and the possibility to practice snorkeling and other water sports on-site.

The hotel offers car rental services, free parking, and shuttle service for transfers. Hypoallergenic rooms are available upon request.

The Best Luxury Beach Resorts in Chania

Chania is the most scenic area on Crete, home to idyllic sandy beaches and stunning landscapes.

Combine those with a top-class luxury resort and you get nothing but a magnificent holiday. Check these stunning beach resorts in Chania.

Known as the first Greek resort to be awarded honoree for its interior and exterior design.

Domes Noruz features a state-of-the-art spa center and 2 pools overlooking the sea. As a plus, fine champagne and fresh seafood can be enjoyed at the poolside bar.

All accommodations have extended outdoor living areas, outdoor bathtubs, and either a hot tub or plunge pool.

The architecture is inspired by the Venetian Arsenals with Cretan sandstone as the main building material.

It offers accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center.

Their buffet breakfast is simply out of this world! Moreover, the accommodation offers a sauna and a children’s playground. The area is popular for golfing and cycling.

On the premises, guests can take advantage of the big swimming pool, aerobics classes, bike tours, and off-site cycling.

There is also tennis equipment available and the possibility to explore the nearby natural parks and landscapes (think of the impressive Samaria Gorge, for instance!) with hikes to the south coast and other organized activities

For further fun, there are music shows, evening entertainment, and live performances on-site.

There is a 250-m² indoor pool, a sauna, and a hammam. Wellness treatments include aromatherapy and hot stone massages.

Among the main characteristics, the hotel has a sun terrace and private beach area, shops, a barber’s and beauty shop, and free parking facilities.

There are family rooms and a bridal suite available, breakfast served in the room, facilities for guests with disabilities, and evening entertainment.

Other perks include diving, cycling, and bike rental, as well as an airport shuttle (at an additional charge).

This 5-star accommodation features an outdoor and indoor pool, two bars, and a top-class restaurant.

Guests love the sauna, the hammam, and the fitness room.

As far as outdoor activities, it’s possible to practice water sports such as water skiing, paragliding, and scuba diving.

At this hotel, guests will find a heated pool, an infinity pool, beachfront facilities, a sun terrace, and on-site watersport facilities.

There is a daily happy hour, karaoke, and themed dinner nights. Among the perks are a library, free parking facilities, and darts.

The hotel has ultramodern guest rooms, some of them with a private pool, or a spacious terrace with a hot tub.

There’s also a spa with 10 massage rooms and a beauty salon. Guests love the Finnish sauna, the state-of-the-art gym, and the indoor pool.

At the premises, there is a parking garage, 3 swimming pools, and a sun terrace. The beachfront hotel offers aerobics classes, bike tours, and a shuttle service.

There is a library for guests and family rooms available.

Great Luxury Resorts in Lasithi

East Crete boasts a pristine coast both on the northern and southern coasts.

Resort areas such as Elounda and others attract hundreds of tourists every year eager to splurge on the tranquil waters of Mirabello Gulf.

Check out these unique seaside resorts in the region of Lasithi in Crete. 

The resort offers 165 private seawater pools as well as a unique 2,500-m² spa. The high-end designed rooms have spectacular views of the sea.

There are 3 restaurants on-site, a designated smoking area, and different shops including a gift shop, a minimarket, and a barbershop.

The hotel has a private beach and special rooms such as a bridal suite and family rooms. There are facilities for guests with disabilities and a shuttle service for transfer.

Are you an art fan? Then this place will enchant you with its art gallery and temporary art exhibitions.

Besides, Minos Beach Art Symposium displays the works of contemporary Greek and international artists. Admire the stunning works of art that adorn the hotel’s grounds.

The hotel also has an excellent health and beauty center, gardens, pools, and imposing views over the Mirabello Gulf.

Amenities include complimentary parking, live music, live sports events (broadcast), shuttle services, shops, a pool, a garden, a picnic area, and an outdoor fireplace.

It is also possible to enjoy the private beach and sports such as canoeing and diving, join bike tours, take cooking lessons or attend classes about the local culture.

The hotel features designated smoking areas, soundproof rooms, and happy hours.

Located right on the magnificent coast of Elounda, this 5-star hotel features luxurious suites and bungalows for total relaxation. Its main characteristic is the award-winning cuisine served on-site.

The hotel has a private beach, a sun terrace, a garden, a tennis court, and a swimming pool, and offers the opportunity to make use of the water sports facilities on-site.

Moreover, there are cooking classes, themed dinner nights, shuttle service, and the possibility to taste a delicious breakfast in the privacy of your room.

Last but not least, Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection which is probably one of the most renowned resorts on the island.

It’s located overlooking the magnificent Bay of Mirabello, right opposite Spinalonga Island, and only a few kilometers from Agios Nikolaos, the capital of the region.

The hotel has a private beach, shops, and a library. It is possible to take advantage of the shuttle services and the parking facilities.

There is entertainment, a library, water sports, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and the possibility to enjoy morning breakfast in your room.

Charming, stylish, luxurious… These are some of the most beautiful seaside resorts in Crete. Perfect for a romantic escape and ideal for a relaxing holiday.

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More resources to enhance your Crete adventure

Start by checking out my ultimate guide to planning your trip to Crete, packed with helpful essential information. Explore the articles on prices in Crete, common mistakes to avoid, and insider secrets for an unforgettable experience.

When it’s time to plan, explore the best places to visit on Crete Island, discover my tours and activities, and be amazed at Crete’s incredible beaches. If you are exploring specific areas like Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lasithi, and Chania, I’ve got detailed guides to help you make the most of your time.

Suggested accommodation in Crete

No time to read all my accommodation guides? Check out these places to stay:

• Heraklion: So Young Hostel ($), Capsis Astoria ($$), Galaxy Hotel ($$$).
• Chania: Cocoon City Hostel ($), Porto Antico ($$), Hotel OFF ($$$).
• Rethymnon: Matthias Hotel ($), Archipelagos Hotel ($$), Avli ($$$).
• Agios Nikolaos: Villa Galini ($), Hotel Port 7 ($$), Minos Beach Art Hotel ($$$).

More useful travel resources

• Check out all the digital travel guides I’ve specifically written about Crete. They are affordable and practical to check from your mobile.
• Find convenient ferry tickets with Ferryhopper.
• Welcome Pickups offers a convenient pre-paid airport transfer service, while Discover Cars is my favorite engine for finding a rental car on the island.
• To book adventures, tours, and cultural experiences, I recommend Get Your Guide for its flexible cancellation policy.

Pin this Guide to the Top Luxury Resorts in Crete for Your Next Vacation!

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