A selection of the best hotels in Crete

Relax at one of our amazing five star hotels in Crete - whether you're looking for a spa holiday, romantic break, honeymoon destination or a spot of golf.

Browse guest reviews, photographs and special offers for each of our properties.

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Crete destination guide

As the largest of the Greek islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Crete boasts a fascinating diversity of landscapes, with stunning beaches, isolated coves, and beautiful countryside, making it the perfect setting for a luxurious romantic Greek getaway. Home to some of Europe’s most spectacular natural scenery, Crete is also known for its rugged mountain backdrop, dotted with hidden caves, and interspersed with dramatic gorges - the most impressive being the Gorge of Samaria, the island’s most captivating natural wonder.

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For those looking for a special cultural break in Crete, the archaeological site of Knossos in Heraklion and the vast ancient cities of Gortyna and Rethymnon, with their Roman ruins, sacred monasteries and Byzantine cathedrals, offer a unique insight into Crete’s colourful and fascinating history.

A more coastal ambience can be found in the evocative Venetian port of Chania, which never fails to induce a sense of splendour. This can also be said of the small tranquil fishing town of Elounda, with its spectacular view of the small and mysterious island of Spinalonga, once home to an old leper colony. A visit to Crete would also not be complete without a trip to the scenic palm tree lined beach of Vai and its fabulous sandy bay.

EATING AND DRINKING

The island of Crete offers visitors the chance to sample a selection of traditional Greek dishes and delicious delicacies, in local tavernas and restaurants. Here is a list of our Top 4 best restaurants and bars on the island:

1. Restaurant Brilliant – Brilliant Gourmet restaurant serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine
2. Mr Gyros – This restaurant offers a terrific menu that is not limited to gyros and includes an open charcoal grill, several salad dishes and more
3. Elounda Lotus Eaters – Enjoy Greek cuisine with an international twist at this seafront restaurant
4. Spyros Taverna – The friendly and charming Spiros and his wife create a positive vibe that adds to the already wonderful dining experience

CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS

Crete is renowned for its rich culture and history and tourists can visit many of the island’s interesting museums and archaeological sites during their stay in Crete. Here is our list of the Top 5 most interesting cultural attractions:

1. Natual History Museum of Crete – The Natural History Museum’s aim is to carry out research into the natural world and authentic Mediterranean cuisine promote the unique habitats in Crete and the Mediterranean
2. Lychnostatis Open Air Museum of Folklore – A museum that promotes an understanding and awareness of Cretan folk culture
3. Preveli Monastery – A holy monastery located in the south prefecture of Rethymmon
4. St.Catherine’s Museum – St Catherine's church was founded in the 2nd Byzantine period, and was a centre of intellectual and artistic activity.
5. Phaistos Palace & Archaeological Site – One of the most important sites in the Minoan civilization's history

THINGS TO DO

Crete also has a number of activities and things to do from walks in the park to snorkelling off Plakias Beach. Our Top five favourites are listed below:

1. Fodele Beach Waterpark – A water park and beach resort that's a fun experience for the family
2. Botanical Park of Crete – A location that houses 150 species of fruit trees and presents some of the richest areas for flora
3. Golden Fun Park – Largest Entertainment Park in Crete offering a diverse range of activities
4. Milia Mountain Resort – Milia is an authentic 17th century mountain settlement transformed into an eco-friendly tourist complex
5. Crete Aquarium – Explore the Mediterranean Sea at the Cretaquarium where hundreds of species and thousands of organisms reside