Stunning Beach Resorts in Crete
Beach resorts and hotels in Crete: Where to stay in Crete near the sea, beach resorts in every region, and stunning places for a relaxing vacation on the island!
There are plenty of beautiful beach resorts in Crete, and of course, there is one that is perfect for you! Some hotels are elegant, relaxing, and ideal for a quiet and restful holiday. Other beach hotels are fun-filled, child-friendly venues with plenty of activities to keep all the family happy. Ready to discover the best resorts by the sea?
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Crete shelters dozens of fantastic beaches, all of them unique and diverse. There are small secluded coves, beaches with smooth pebbles and crystal clear waters, and huge sandy beaches with many water sports.
There are also endless choices when it comes to seaside resorts. In addition to letting you stretch out on a sun lounger by the beach, many beachfront accommodations have other tempting facilities, including gorgeous spas and gourmet restaurants.
If you’re considering splurging by the sea this season, here are ten beach resorts in Crete that I love.
HERAKLION
Enorme Ammos Beach Resort
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
📍 Malia, Heraklion
The word ammos is Greek for sand, and this resort remains faithful to that meaning thanks to its stunning location on the sandy beach of Malia, featuring an exclusive, private beach area for its guests.
Most rooms boast gorgeous views, and the excellent on-site restaurant overlooks the magnificent bay, which is particularly beautiful at sunset.
The hotel features a pool, a spa, and a wellness center. The hotel is a short walk from Kernos Beach and the lively Malia Strip, which has dozens of bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Abaton Island Resort & Spa
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
📍 Hersonissos, Heraklion
This stylish resort is in a sandy cove with tranquil blue waters and plenty of sun loungers. It has been designed in a classic Cycladic and minimalistic style with white-washed buildings contrasting with the lagoon-style pool.
Many of the public areas have glass walls, making the resort light and bright and incorporating beautiful views of the sea. The luxurious guest rooms, suites, and villas have an outdoor terrace, private pool, or hot tub.
There is a huge infinity pool, a children’s pool, and a heated indoor pool. The Resort has five a la carte restaurants, each with its own character and menu, all inspired by the island’s cuisine. For some time by the sea, the Buddha Beach Bar is the perfect place to unwind at sunset with a drink and a light snack.
🤓 As if all this were not enough, most online reviews praise the professional and attentive service of the hotel’s staff.
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Fodele Beach Water Park Resort
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
📍 Fodele, Heraklion
This luxury, all-inclusive resort with a seafront location is next to the sandy beach of Fodele on Crete’s north coast. The resort is perfect for families as the spacious guest rooms have kid-friendly comforts.
The hotel has three restaurants offering French and Greek cuisines. There are also three beautiful pools with poolside bars, and guests can enjoy massages, sauna facilities, and a gym.
The hotel is a top choice for family holidays, and children will enjoy spending time at the water park or the resort’s Kids’ Club.
🤓 The slides are so fantastic that they also made it to our Best Water Park Hotels in Crete article.
Ikaros Beach Luxury Resort & Spa – Adults Only
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
📍 Malia, Heraklion
This stylish Malia resort has a private sandy beach and a choice of suites, bungalows, and villas. It has been carefully designed to capture the character of a Greek village, and its name evokes a well-known character from Greek mythology.
The guest rooms have large balconies, whilst the bungalows have large family-sized bathrooms plus a terrace and lawn. The resort has a spa and three stunning pools surrounded by palm trees. Some bungalows have a shared pool.
CHANIA
Domes Noruz Autograph Collection
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
📍 Agioi Apostoli, Chania
This stylish adults-only hotel features an award-winning design. Suits are carefully grouped around two beautiful pools overlooking the hotel’s beach, which features lush green areas, lawns with sun loungers, and cozy cushions. There is also a swim-up bar where guests can enjoy a glass of champagne and fresh seafood.
Despite its exclusive beachfront area, Domes Noruz is not far from several other beautiful beaches in Chania. On the premises, all guestrooms have spacious living areas with an outdoor bathtub, hot tub, or plunge pool.
🤓 The hotel has a fitness center with a personal trainer and a stylish spa with a hammam and a sauna.
Anemos Luxury Grand Resort
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
📍 Georgioupolis, Chania
The elegant hotel is in a spectacular beachfront location not far from Lake Kournas, Crete’s stunning natural lake. As you step into the reception area, you will immediately feel that this is no ordinary place. Impressive features include opulent sofas and chandeliers.
he guest rooms, bungalows, and suites are equally elegantly decorated. Some boast a private pool, ideal for a romantic getaway. The hotel has three restaurants that serve Cretan and Greek cuisine.
Among the many highlights are the four large pools linked by shallow lagoons and surrounded by lush greenery. Besides, an underground tunnel connects directly to a private sandy beach.
RETHYMNON
Atlantis Beach Hotel
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
📍 Rethymnon Town, Rethymnon
This beautiful hotel overlooking the city’s sandy Blue Flag beach is just under 10 meters from a private shore and only minutes from the amazing old town of Rethymnon.
The hotel has comfortably furnished guest rooms that are spacious, bright, and modern, with gorgeous views of the coastline. It also features a large outdoor pool with a pool bar.
The on-site Knossos restaurant serves Greek and Cretan cuisine. Other relaxing facilities include a fitness room, sauna, children’s playground, and games room.
Blue Bay Lifestyle
⭐ ⭐ ⭐
📍 Bali, Rethymnon
This hotel in Bali is an affordable option for those who want to enjoy a fantastic seaside location minus the high price tag!
The hotel is set on an elevated position in the fishing village of Bali. It has a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and a bar, while all air-conditioned rooms have a private balcony and a mini fridge. There is free on-site parking at the premises.
LASITHI
Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
📍 Vathi, Lasithi
This magnificent complex is one of the top luxury hotels on the island. It stands on a hillside overlooking Vathi Bay with an exclusive sandy beach.
The resort features stunning guest rooms, suites, and 40 villas, each with a stylish living area, huge panoramic windows, and spectacular sea views over the bay.
Rooms have marble bathrooms, a coffee maker, and a personalized pillow menu. Larger suites have beautiful sea terraces and private seawater plunge pools. Guests can enjoy two pools, a spa, water sports, and tennis courts on the premises.
Elounda Beach Hotel and Villas, a Member of the Leading Hotels of the World
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
📍 Elounda, Lasithi
Overlooking Mirabello Bay on the northeast coast of Crete is Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas, a gorgeous hotel decorated in a light, modern style. It offers luxurious rooms, suites, and bungalows, some of which have private pools.
A beautiful outdoor pool with seawater, tennis courts, basketball, and volleyball courts are also part of the deal!
The resort also features a spa center with a gym, a hammam, and a steam bath. Several restaurants and a range of family-friendly activities are available. The hotel is only a short boat ride away from Spinalonga Island.
>> Looking for more hotels on Crete’s northeast coast? Check the Domes of Elounda and the Elounda Blue Palace in this article featuring 17 Stunning Luxury Resorts in Crete.
So, would you like to sleep right by the sea? Will you be staying by the sea in Crete?
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Amazing Beach Resorts in Crete
Gabi, the Crete Insider
Hi, I’m Gabi — your go-to local expert in Crete! I’ve been living in Chania, Crete since 2016, and I’ve turned my love for the island into a full-time passion — guiding travelers, writing for travel media, and curating local experiences.
I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and other guides. I run the blogs The Tiny Book, Greece Planner, and My Cretan Recipe. Through this platform I help travelers design unforgettable trips to Crete.
