7 Best Hotels in Crete, Greece

A 300-year-old hamlet set amid vast olive groves has been converted to one of Crete's most distinctive and relaxing lodgings, with luxurious, stylishly appointed rooms, welcoming lounges, and an excellent dining room—all fashioned out of ancient stone houses that were once part of the Arkadi Monastery holdings. Surrounding the main lounge of the restored Olive Mill, rooms are beautifully presented with bold wooden beams, mighty stone walls, and carefully selected furniture. Arches, cobblestone lanes, terraces, sublime views of the surrounding countryside and the sea, and a refreshing pool all contribute to an idyllic retreat and a taste of Cretan life—though surely rural life was never as luxe as this.

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.

Quite simply one of the best hotels in Greece, this is the classic Greek seaside hotel brought up to date with a chic and funky twist, where Cycladic and Scandinavian design references throughout create an atmosphere that is both modern and timeless. Rooms, in white with primary color accents, are a good size with clean lines, and the sandy beach is just steps away. The simple pleasures are elevated to an art form here—thoughtful staff, delicious food, and an extraordinary attention to detail complete the picture. People return year after year because they just do everything so right here.

If you have an ounce of romance in your body you'll love this gorgeous hotel—in 1835 Captain Delfino sailed from Genoa, only to founder on the rocks off Gramvousa, but, smitten by the beauty of Chania, he bought this Renaissance Venetian mansion as his home. Six generations later, his descendants have sensitively restored this astonishing property to its former glory. Stylish and sophisticated, with soft tones and vibrant highlights, every room is individual and whispers history. Intimate and very grown-up, the matinee-idol looks are backed by assured and discrete service; it is somewhere that makes you feel very special—a classic. Sister property Villa Oleander, a modern, contemporary house by the sea, which can house up to 14 people, is equally stunning.

Step through the heavy 16th-century wooden door of this hotel and you are transported to an oasis of civility away from the bustle of Rethymnon's busy streets, where two buildings split by a pretty pedestrian alleyway house some of the most sumptuous rooms in town. The owners are architects and it shows—contemporary chic furnishings are allied to carefully selected antiques to offer a superbly comfortable and elegant stay. A dramatic courtyard pool with a palm tree in each corner is a smart place to while away the hours, day or night. The hotel also has two well appointed self-contained residencies a short walk down the street.

A superbly individual revamp of an old tannery complex overlooks the sea in the former light industrial area of Tabanakia. Inside, restored machinery reminds of the former use while the large rooms with solid wood floors, large windows, and marble bathrooms add a touch of loft-living dash. A heated indoor pool, a handsome spa, and a small gym cater to wellness needs and the outdoor terrace is a perfect place to enjoy the sunset views. Breakfasts are especially good and the Periplous restaurant serves a modern take on classic Cretan cuisine.

The German high command occupied this seaside villa during World War II (Rommel supposedly enjoyed the old swimming pool that is still next to a larger one in the garden). The yellow, neoclassic mansion contains large suites—some on two levels with sleeping areas upstairs—that overlook the garden or face the sea. Ornate painted ceilings, marble floors, and tapestry rugs add to the elegance of the communal spaces. It's a walk from the main town, but there are restaurants and bars nearby, and the views across to Chania are charming.