6 Best Hotels in Crete, Greece

On a headland in Hersonissos, 25 km (15 miles) east of Heraklion, Abaton Island Resort is a favorite for its blend of location, amenities, and luxurious presentation. Debuting in 2018, the hotel quickly established itself as an island best with two large pools, direct beach access and a branch of the trendy Buddha Bar among the superlative dining options. Rooms are chic with hand carved headboards, white walls and marble floors, some have mezzanine bedrooms and large terraces, while common areas are elegant with views out to the ocean.

This glamorous resort redefines the luxury concept with a mighty wow factor—spread over the sides of Vathi Bay (with a private sandy beach), every room has breathtaking views, and many have private terraces and pools. All rooms are spacious and furnished in a modern, natural, and simple style. Split over many levels, it is a maze of paths and walkways reminiscent of a Greek village; albeit one with a world-class spa, fine-dining options, and a funicular to take you up and down to the beach. Reportedly one of the most expensive hotels ever built in Greece, it is worth every cent.

A renovation in 2022 leaves this special resort lovely and luxurious—set within immaculate, verdant gardens overlooking the Gulf of Mirabello at the edge of Agios Nikolaos, the surroundings are magical. Oak wood, striped fabrics, bouquets of bougainvillea, rough-hewn stone walls, multiple pools, and a sandy beach make this a delightful Cretan cocoon. Rooms and small bungalows, all with terraces and sea views, some with private pools, are stylishly furnished. Unlike some of its glitzier neighbors, it retains a sense of Greekness that is supremely genuine. What it does, it does very well. The large number of guests who return year after year is a testament to its appeal.

A couple of kilometers in front of freshwater Kournas Lake and right on a stretch of golden sand with views of the Cretan Sea out front and the White Mountains behind, Anemos commands the coastline just outside Georgioupoli. Supersize with six restaurants, four outdoor pools, six bars, and an activity area with water slides and sports facilities, the resort offers something for all ages. Accommodation varies with garden or sea views and some benefit from private or shared pools, but all rooms are tastefully decorated with bright furnishings and golden accents.

For those who value privacy and comfort, this may be the ultimate Elounda destination—with less of a resort feel than its larger neighbors, it is a second home to those in search of relaxation and personal service. Family-run, all of the villas feature private pools, while the suites offer easy access to the main pool. These are exceptional accommodations with elegant and individual decoration. Perched on a hillside, there is a private beach served by shuttle bus 10 minutes away, but really this is a place to unwind in the impressive surroundings and take in the spectacular views of the gulf below.

To enjoy a remote Cretan retreat without sacrificing comfort, it's hard to beat these beautifully renovated stone houses in an ages-old village that clings to a mountainside high above the Libyan Sea. Fireplaces, handmade wood furnishings, and embroidered carpets enhance the character-filled surroundings, while terraces, a cliff-side pool, and an outdoor summer taverna are vantage points from which to take in the mountain and sea views. Excellent farm-to-table local fare is served in a fire-warmed, wood-beam restaurant. This is agro-tourism at its finest—a real escape to nature and a sustainable, traditional way of life far removed from the commercial hordes elsewhere.