Being the largest and most populous island in Greece, Crete has plenty to offer visitors.
Most people head to the beach, but you should check out the luxurious resorts that sit right on the beachfront.
Whether you’re looking for a 5-star spa, an all-inclusive package, or a quiet spot for adults-only, we’ve got you covered.
Of course, there’ll be plenty of fun activities for families as well.
Here are the best luxury Crete resorts on the beach.
1. Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa
This 5-star resort is probably one of the most luxurious dwellings on the island.
Aesthetically pleasing buildings – think black stone with glass facades – connect like a traditional village.
A selection of 102 immaculate suites and villas are available to choose from.
Each room is dressed with luxurious furnishings and private pools with breathtaking views.
Some even have steam rooms, saunas, and private gyms.
Menus at the three onsite restaurants are designed by a Michelin-starred chef.
For drinks, there’s a private beach bar and a unique shisha lounge.
At the spa, there’s a wide range of facilities, but make sure you try the high-tech Nuvola treatment beds and Finnish sauna.
- Guest Rating: 9.7
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Dream princess villa
- Address: Drapanos, Hersonissos, 70014, Greece
2. Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort
‘Pretty and private’ is how the Caramel Grecotel resort describes itself and it couldn’t be more apt.
This boutique gem is an all-suite and villas retreat located in an idyllic beachfront setting.
Spaces here are opulent and the service is deeply personal.
Handmade floor tiles, designer fabrics, and a mixture of antique and contemporary furniture feature in the rooms.
Each is entirely unique, from the main house suites, bungalow suites, maisonettes, and villas.
If you want to relax outside, there’s a large seawater pool and cabanas right on the beach.
The cuisine is not only delicious, but it’s also caring: all is sourced locally including fruits, fish, and bread.
For adults, there’s a spa that offers signature treatments.
Plenty of activities are on offer for children too, such as the kids club and watersports nearby.
- Guest Rating: 9.4
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Villa – Beach front
- Address: Adele Rethymno, Adelianos Kampos, 74100, Greece
3. Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel
Ideal for couples, this boutique adults-only property overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay.
The first of its kind in Greece, this is an ecologically green hotel that’s still packed with luxuries.
Five types of accommodations have uniquely designed interiors that are furnished by famous designers.
All rooms are brightly lit, air-conditioned, and have divine Cretan sea views.
Some have their own Jacuzzis or private pools: we recommend the Deluxe Room with Private Pool.
Stand-out features include the Euphoria Spa where a range of alternative and holistic therapies command the treatment menu.
Two restaurants and three bars offer plenty of choice with everything from Mediterranean classics to sushi.
- Guest Rating: 9.2
- Star Rating: 5 star
- Best Rooms: Deluxe room with private pool
- Address: Elounda, Lasithi Elounda, 72053, Greece
4. Lyttos Mare
There’s an emphasis on the element of water at this exclusive family-friendly beach resort.
The presence of water is all around: there’s a large central pool, private pools, water fountains, and a unique laguna.
It’s also situated directly on the hotel’s own stretch of sandy beach.
Plenty of room types are available to suit every traveler’s needs.
If you’re with children, there’s an extended Kid’s entertainment program.
There’s also an onsite water park with eight water slides, water toys, and a lazy river.
For the adults, there’s a new Gym & Spa which comes complete with a heated indoor pool.
Those that enjoy their food can journey through the five different restaurants and three unique bars throughout their stay.
- Guest Rating: 9.2
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Junior suite
- Address: Anissaris, Anissaris Hersonissos, 70014, Greece
5. Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection
The vibe is uber-chic at this adults-only beachfront retreat.
You’re invited to take R&R seriously here.
Rooms and suites come to life with mood lighting and posh amenities.
Guests are treated to plush robes, and minibars loaded with everything from indulgent snacks to Vitamin C tablets.
For dining, you’ll find Cretan cuisine and a wine list with more than 150 vintages.
To relax, the Soma Spa dishes out expert treatments including the signature massage inspired by Greek mythology.
Or, you can sit at the poolside bar enjoying a sundowner and sushi as the DJ plays on.
If you’d prefer to get out and explore, the buzz of Chania’s nightlife is close by.
- Guest Rating: 9.2
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Sublime loft
- Address: Pantelaki Street 5, Agioi Apostoloi, Kato Daratso, 73100, Greece
6. Euphoria Resort
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive hotel, then the newly built Euphoria Resort offers a ‘Euphoric Ultra’ all-inclusive concept.
Food and beverage choices are exceptional.
There are five restaurants including sumptuous buffets with show-cooking, plus cuisines such as Italian and Greek.
Impressive facilities include an expansive pool that ends on the beachfront.
A Fitness Center, Spa and wellness area, and full evening entertainment are also available.
For kids, there are different clubs and programs with loads of activities, but the slides at Waterland is the highlight.
344 spacious rooms and suites including the hotel’s ‘Signature Collection’ make up the accommodations.
- Guest Rating: 9.2
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Suite with side sea view-sharing pool
- Address: Kolymvari, Kolymvari, 73006, Greece
7. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas
Splayed across multiple levels of a cove, the modern yet natural-looking buildings sit on the rock face.
Expect the ultimate luxury considering this is the second most expensive beach resort built in Greece.
The spa is more than just beauty treatments, it’s a ‘pioneering hub of wellbeing.’
There’s a therapeutic water circuit and cutting-edge treatments such as cryotherapy and colonic hydrotherapy.
The show-stopper is perhaps the main swimming pool.
You can sample many culinary delights at three a la carte restaurants with the dine-around program.
For more fun, there’s a games room, and a kids club to give parents a break.
All rooms are elegantly designed, featuring spacious living areas and plush marble bathrooms.
- Guest Rating: 9.2
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Two-bedroom villa with private pool
- Address: Vathi, Agios Nikolaos, 72100, Greece
8. Blue Palace Elounda
Though this place gives you a sense of an older, more timeless Greece, it’s every bit luxurious and elegant.
Accommodations are designed for people who like their own space.
Think suites and villas that are generously proportioned with a mass of amenities and services on hand.
Besides the beach, you can relax at the infinity pool or state-of-the-art spa.
For something more adventurous, there’s a watersports center and tennis courts.
Another highlight includes the meze and grilled fish at Blue Door, the onsite quintessentially Greek taverna.
Celebrating the history of the island, there’s a selection of tailor-made excursions including trips to Spinalonga.
- Guest Rating: 9.1
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Island luxury suite
- Address: Plaka, Elounda, 72053, Greece
9. Abaton Island Resort & Spa
All-white and uber-chic, this Cycladic-style resort is on Crete’s northern coastline.
Décor in the bedrooms is simple and crisp; most have sparkling blue sea views.
For the ultimate luxury, we recommend The Royal Villa which is perched in a prime seafront spot.
Outside, you can swim at the beach or there pools.
On sunny days, enjoy the outdoor infinity pool, or if you don’t want to get tanned, there’s a heated pool in the spa.
Talking of the spa, the Elemis spa comes complete with a Turkish bath and nail bar.
When it comes to meal times, there are five restaurants to choose from.
Beachside Bony Fish is one of the best seafood spots on the island, while F-Zin Ivy League is a prime spot for sunset views.
- Guest Rating: 9.1
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: The Royal villa
- Address: Themistokleous Avenue, Hersonissos, 70014, Greece
10. Minos Beach Art Hotel
For the perfect mix of luxury and Cretan authenticity, consider a stay at the Minos Beach Art Hotel.
On arrival, you’ll see a traditional architectural design and minimalist interiors.
There are 121 secluded bungalows and villas that have private pools.
Reinvigorate, revive and rejuvenate are the key words for the wellness facilities.
At the spa, there’s a full-service menu with products that focus on natural ingredients.
Fitness enthusiasts can keep up their workouts at the gym, or partake in a range of sports activities.
Beyond all the facilities, there’s a whole host of experiences too.
Enjoy anything from private dining, wine masterclasses, art walks, and mythology classes.
- Guest Rating: 9.1
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Three-bedroom villa
- Address: Akti Ilia Sotirchou, Agios Nikolaos, 72100, Greece
11. Fodele Beach Water Park Resort
Want a hotel and a waterpark in one? Look no further.
Carved into the cliffside, the Fordele Beach property is made up of 412 guestrooms that make you feel right at home.
They’re designed to offer maximum comfort and sophistication.
Guests can expect bright rooms, spa-inspired bathrooms, and premium amenities.
The beach is right at your feet, as is a water park complete with slides, rides, and pools.
Other activities include basketball, archery, tennis courts, a gym, and a scuba club.
Spend time relaxing with a stress-reducing treatment at the spa or chilling on the Balinese beach beds.
Plenty of dining choices are available; at the main restaurant special theme nights highlight food from Spain, Mexico, and Asia.
- Guest Rating: 9.0
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: VIP suite
- Address: Fodele, Fodele, 71500, Greece
12. Creta Maris Beach Resort
The Creta Maris Beach Resort is located in the heart of Hersonissos, overlooking the Blue Flag Hersonissos Beach.
Rooms are traditional yet elegant and are kitted out with luxurious furniture.
Configurations include standard bedrooms, suites, and lavish villas, many with stunning sea views.
The all-inclusive program allows guests to enjoy six restaurants, nine bars, and two snack points.
You could probably swim in a different pool for each day of your stay if you wish.
There’s a total of 16 pools including a water park with slides.
For young guests, there’s a games room, playground, baby room, and a teenagers club with daily activities.
- Guest Rating: 9.0
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Villa with private pool
- Address: Hersonissos, Limenas Hersonissou, Hersonissos, 70014, Greece
13. Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa
Sitting pretty on the Blue Flag Anissaras beach in Hersonissos, this property is one of the richest all-inclusive’s in Crete.
351 breathtaking rooms combine luxury with comfort.
Modern furniture and amenities are available in every configuration.
The absolute pinnacle, and our choice of room, would be the Royal Suite which has two vast bedrooms.
A choice of seven restaurants and five bars is enough to please even the fussiest of eaters.
There’s a Wine & Sushi Bar, Cretan-style taverna, pan-Asian a la carte, and a main buffet restaurant.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Creperie & Gelateria serves all-day cakes, waffles, and ice creams.
Relaxing is best at the Venice-style pool or the state-of-the-art spa.
A Mini Club is available for children aged 4-11.
- Guest Rating: 9.0
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Royal suite
- Address: Anissaras, Anissaras Hersonissos, 70014, Greece
14. Lyttos Beach
This is a huge family-friendly, all-inclusive resort located on the north coast of the island.
There’s a water park complete with nine large slides, water toys, a lazy river, and a baby area.
Children will also love the educational and fun, Lyttopia playground and Kids Club; a 2-acre purpose-built recreational area.
For grownups, there are 20 tennis courts, two football fields, an outdoor basketball court, and a golf course.
A slower pace can be found at The Spa where there are 12 therapy rooms, a dark relaxation room, and a spa circuit.
When you’ve worked up an appetite, guests can enjoy ‘dining around’ at one of five restaurants.
Accommodations are spacious and stylish but look for those with private or shared pools.
- Guest Rating: 8.9
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Family three-bedroom suite
- Address: Analipsi, Anissaras Hersonissos, 70014, Greece
15. Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas
This property is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.
There are all types of luxurious suites to suit couples and families.
Each offers fabulous views of the gardens or out to Mirabello Bay.
Days are best started with a delicious and plentiful breakfast buffet which is included in the room rate.
In total, there are seven restaurants to try with cuisines including Italian, Greek, and Japanese-Peruvian.
A highlight is the Chenot SPA where guests can choose from a range of personalized treatments.
Other features include plenty of sporting facilities such as five tennis courts, and basketball and volleyball courts.
- Guest Rating: 8.9
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Presidential bungalow suite
- Address: Main Street, Elounda, 72053, Greece
Crete Beach Resorts Map
Find More Beach Resorts in Crete
FAQs
The Fodele Beach Water Park Resort has its own award-winning water park onsite.
It’s packed with slides, rides, kids’ animation, and a snack bar.
The hotel is stunning, as is the beach, which is right at your feet.
Also check our guide on Best Family Hotels in Crete with Water Slides.
The beachside Domes Noruz Chania is the best adults-only resort in Crete.
Treatments at the spa, countless cocktails, or a dip in the pool or the sea, are the order of the day.
This chic and stylish playground for adults offers the perfect space, particularly for honeymoons.
For more intimate rooms, have a look at the guide Best Luxury Crete Hotels with Private Pools.
The best all-inclusive resort is the Creta Maris Beach Resort.
A huge choice of F&B options including six restaurants, two snack points, and nine bars are available.
There’s so much to offer the whole family; 16 swimming pools, a waterpark, and a kids club will keep everyone happy.
Kepos by Goco, the spa at Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas offers an unparalleled experience.
There are nine treatment rooms, a private hammam suite, a sauna, a steam room, and a vitality pool.
Cutting-edge facilities include a Hyperbaric Oxygen chamber, Colon Hydrotherapy room, and Cryotherapy chamber.
Summary
| Luxury Crete Resorts | Best Rooms |
| Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spas | Dream princess villa |
| Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort | Villa – Beach front |
| Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel | Deluxe room with private pool |
| Lyttos Mare | Junior suite |
| Domes Noruz Chania | Sublime loft |
| Euphoria Resort | Suite with side sea view-sharing pool |
| Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas | Two-bedroom villa with private pool |
| Blue Palace Elounda | Island luxury suite |
| Abaton Island Resort & Spa | The Royal villa |
| Minos Beach Art Hotel | Three-bedroom villa |
| Fodele Beach Water Park Resort | VIP suite |
| Creta Maris Beach Resort | Villa with private pool |
| Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa | Royal suite |
| Lyttos Beach | Family three-bedroom suite |
| Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas | Presidential bungalow suite |
