The largest of Greece’s many idyllic isles comes with epic historic ruins, postcard-perfect beaches and great hiking opportunities – plus a whole lot of fabulous places to stay while you make the most of it all.
Whether you’re visiting in the height of summer and want a beachside pad for relief from the sultry weather, or are coming during more temperate (but still gloriously sunny) spring or autumn for an active adventure, here’s our edit of some of the finest places to call spíti (that’s Greek for ‘home’).
Daios Cove Luxury Resort, Agios Nikolaos
Perched on a secluded, half-moon inlet that opens onto wider Mirabello Bay, Daios Cove caters to everyone well – families after fun and sun, couples seeking hideaway romance, solos craving a wellness reset in the excellent Kepos by Goco spa.
Resort rooms are built up along the island’s rugged coast, affording layers of epic views out towards the water as well as plenty of privacy. Food and drink is taken very seriously, with ultra-fresh Cretan produce prepared in fine-dining plates and cocktail menus designed by award-winning Athenian bar The Clumsies.
Book it: From £302 half-board. Book it here
Phāea Cretan Malia, Malia
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While coastal Malia has a reputation for being rather lively, this stylish resort – set on a golden strip of beachfront – provides a more family-friendly perspective.
Minimalist, white-washed rooms and bungalows big enough for a brood centre around landscaped gardens and pools, so you can cool down during days spent immersed in activities. For little ones that means baking classes, theatre or organic garden explorations in the expansive kids’ clubs, accommodating ages zero to 12. For parents it’s all about the yoga, art exhibitions and olive oil or wine tastings.
Book it: From £163. Book it here
Read more: The best hotels in Corfu
Minos Palace Resort, Agios Nikolaos
Home to a new longevity-focused concept, Nao, this adults-only stay on Mirabello Bay dangles on a peninsula that affords the space (and the panoramic sea views) for a feel-good reset.
Spend days enjoying the vitality pool, cryo chamber or photobiomodulation room (which delivers healing red light therapy) – or, of course, more conventional wellbeing delights such as the private sandy beach or freshwater infinity pool. Yacht cruises can be booked to explore hidden coves if you want to get off-site, but between the beach bar and naps in your slate and wood-hued suite you may find you haven’t the time.
Book it: From £189. Book it here
Numo Ierapetra, Ierapetra
Tucked away from some of the more populated tourist stretches, this indie-feeling stay on the south coast provides a different perspective on Aegean Crete. With stripy pool loungers, grounding wood and stone interiors and a restaurant that incorporates Peruvian and Asian influences, the adults-only retreat is pitched towards an aesthetically conscious crowd that expects the style and convenience of the city with the outdoors of the countryside.
Start days in the coffee shop, end them with an al fresco movie on bean bags, and in between get out and explore. Nearby local sights like a 14th-century mosque, Ottoman school and Napoleon’s Home (a supposed overnight stop of the emperor on his return journey from Egypt) provide a hands-on intro to the island’s rich, eclectic history.
Book it: From £131. Book it here
Domes Zeen Chania
Part of The Luxury Collection’s excellent roster of hotels, Domes Zeen Chania is one of the most picturesque hotels in Crete, set in a tropical estate dotted with banana and palm trees. Although it’s tempting to stay cocooned in your room or bungalow, surrounded by light grey drapes, rattan furnishings and marble floors— don’t miss the chance to swim a few lengths in the sleek pool, or dine at Enino Gastronomy Restaurant, where there’s an excellent local wine list to match the Cretan-inspired food.
If you want to venture further afield, the characterful old port town of Chania, one of the oldest settlements in the world, is within walking distance and well worth a visit.
Details: rooms from about £213 a night. Book it here
Elounda Peninsula, Elounda
If Crete is the island in your sights, it doesn’t get much better than Elounda Peninsula. Boasting its own smooth sand beach, the suite-only hotel has boutique vibes and unbeatable views across the Aegean Sea and Sitia mountains. In 2023 it had a sleek, modern makeover, with all suites and villas rebuilt, and a new beachfront villa with a pool was added. It also boasts the largest waterfront accommodation in Crete, the six-bedroom Diamond Residence — in case you and your crew are feeling flush.
Add a Six Senses spa, a multi-award-winning Japanese restaurant, Sumosan, water sports, a kids’ club and a nine-hole golf course and you’ll be hard pushed to explore everything the hotel has to offer during your stay.Details: Rooms from about £420 a night (breakfast included). Book it here
Creta Maris, Hersonissos
With seven restaurants, endless watersport opportunities and breathtaking beaches on your doorstep, this recently revamped all-inclusive is ideal for families. The resort is arranged around cobbled paths, flagstone squares and lush gardens brimming with flowers and herbs in an ambiance reminiscent of a Greek Cycladic island in miniature.
Pithos, the organic restaurant is a must, as is the new a la carte fish restaurant Alatsi serving Aegean caught fish in a Cretan style. At the main restaurant, the buffet is a thing of wonder, offering a vast array of traditional Cretan dishes plus endless permutations of delicious salads. This place offers serious value for money and will keep all generations happy.
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. Book it here
Seaside A Life, Agia Pelagia
Just half an hour from Heraklion airport, this adults-only five-star haven is designed for those seeking a serene escape, with panoramic views of the Mediterranean from sunrise to sunset. The 248 suites and rooms are set out over a steep, multi-levelled, maze-like design, while the rustic interior design draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape.
The resort’s crowning jewel is undoubtedly the Cave Spa. Reminiscent of a natural cave, it offers a unique setting with soothing lighting that instantly relaxes the body and mind, boasting a sauna, steam bath, indoor pool, massage rooms, hair salon and ice fountain. Bliss.
Details: Room rates start at £144. Book it here
