Crete Hotels Right on the Beach - 10 Recommendations

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Crete is the largest island in Greece and a popular vacation destination. Here you’ll find long sandy beaches along the north coast, quieter bays in the south, and charming harbor towns like Chania in Western Crete. If you want to wake up in the morning with views of the water or head straight to the beach after breakfast, Crete hotels right by the sea are the best choice.

Our 10 Tips for the Best Crete Hotels Right by the Sea

That’s exactly why we’ve put together a selection of accommodations for you that are located directly on the beach, by a bay, or right by the water. There’s everything from more affordable mid-range hotels to luxurious resorts. Many hotels on Crete offer sea views depending on the room category, location within the resort, or floor. This way, you not only get to stay close to the beach, but also enjoy that special “vacation by the water feeling” that makes Crete so beautiful.

1. Civitel Creta Beach (Ammoudara / Heraklion)

The Civitel Creta Beach is located directly on the long sandy beach of Ammoudara and is a great choice if you’re looking for a beachfront hotel on Crete that isn’t too far from Heraklion. When it comes to rooms, you can choose between classic rooms and bungalows spread throughout the garden grounds. The bungalows in particular create a relaxed vacation atmosphere because you’re not staying in one large hotel building and instead get a bit more of a resort feel.

Furthermore, the property features a beautiful outdoor area, restaurants, a pool, and direct access to the sea. The location is ideal if you want to combine swimming and sightseeing because, as mentioned, Heraklion is only a few miles away. This makes the hotel a great option if you want to relax on the beach during the day but still be able to quickly head into the city, visit the harbor, or take excursions around Knossos. A great Crete hotel tip for anyone who wants to combine a beachfront location with convenient connections.

Book here: Civitel Creta Beach

2. Enorme Infinity Elounda – Adults Only (Elounda)

Enorme Infinity Elounda is a stylish adults-only resort above the bay of Elounda and offers wonderful views of the sea and the island of Spinalonga from many areas of the property. The rooms are bright, modern, and designed for relaxation. Categories with a terrace, sea view, or private pool are especially beautiful if you want to treat yourself to a little more peace and privacy during your vacation on Crete.

The resort is built amphitheater-style into the hillside and features pools, restaurants, and bars. The culinary focus is on Cretan and Mediterranean dishes, so the hotel fits the island perfectly not only visually but also when it comes to the food. Elounda itself is one of the most beautiful areas in eastern Crete and is perfect if you prefer somewhere a little quieter and more upscale while still being able to take trips to Agios Nikolaos or the island of Spinalonga.

Book here: Enorme Infinity Elounda

3. Pilot Beach Resort (Georgioupolis)

The Pilot Beach Resort is located on Almyros Bay near Georgioupolis and is one of those large beachfront resorts where you can easily spend several days without having to plan much. The rooms and suites are comfortably furnished and spread throughout the spacious grounds with gardens, pools, and plenty of room. Thanks to its location directly on the sandy beach, it’s especially convenient if you want to walk straight to the sea in the morning.

The resort offers several pools, including outdoor pools and a heated indoor pool, as well as plenty of recreational activities. It’s an especially good choice for families because the beach, pools, and activities are all close together, so you don’t constantly have to organize everything. Georgioupolis is also conveniently located between Chania and Rethymno, making it easy to visit both cities from here. A great hotel recommendation for Crete if you’re looking for a large resort with plenty to offer.

Book here: Pilot Beach Resort

4. Kimpton La Mer Crete (Georgioupolis / Kavros)

The Kimpton La Mer Crete is another upscale adults-only resort on the north coast of Crete and is primarily aimed at couples or travelers looking for a peaceful, stylish stay. The rooms are modern, elegant, and designed with plenty of bright elements. Depending on the category, you’ll get sea views or particularly beautiful outdoor areas that make the hotel an elegant retreat by the sea.

The property features a beautiful pool area, spa services, and restaurants. Its location between Chania and Rethymno is also very convenient if you don’t want to spend all your time on the beach and would like to explore two of Crete’s most beautiful cities. At the same time, the Georgioupolis/Kavros coast is peaceful enough to simply switch off for a few days.

Book here: Kimpton La Mer Crete

5. Galazio Beach Resort (Analipsi / Hersonissos)

The Galazio Beach Resort is our personal favorite in this selection if you’re looking for a modern hotel right by the sea that isn’t too huge. The rooms and suites are bright and, depending on the category, come with sea views, a balcony, terrace, kitchenette, or even pool access. We especially love the combination of modern design and a relaxed beachfront location, which makes the hotel a very pleasant choice for an easygoing vacation on Crete.

The property features a pool, restaurant, bar, and direct access to the beach. You’ll find convenient amenities such as supermarkets and restaurants nearby, while Hersonissos is only a few miles away. Heraklion Airport is also not far away, making your arrival very easy. This makes Galazio Beach Resort a great Crete hotel tip if you don’t want a huge hotel complex but are still looking for a beach, comfort, and a convenient location.

Book here: Galazio Beach Resort

6. Creta Maris Resort (Hersonissos)

The Creta Maris Resort is a large all-inclusive resort in Hersonissos and feels more like its own little vacation village by the sea. The rooms and suites are spread across different areas of the property, some closer to the beach and others in slightly quieter locations. With so many different room categories, both couples and families can find suitable accommodations here. The combination of Cretan style and plenty of space throughout the resort is especially beautiful.

The range of amenities is huge: There are numerous pools, a water park, kids club, several restaurants, bars, a spa, fitness center, and even an open-air movie theater. For families, Creta Maris is therefore one of the most exciting options on this list because children get plenty of variety while you still stay directly by the sea. Hersonissos itself also offers restaurants, bars, shopping, and excursions in the surrounding area.

Book here: Creta Maris Resort

7. Kakkos Beach Hotel – Adults Only (Koutsounari / Ierapetra)

Kakkos Beach Hotel is located on Crete’s south coast near Koutsounari and is an adults-only hotel for anyone who prefers a quieter atmosphere. The rooms and suites are modern, elegant, and some offer views of the Libyan Sea or the gardens. “It feels a bit upscale without being overdone, making it a great fit for a relaxing vacation by the sea in southern Crete.

The property features spa services, a fitness area, hot tub, restaurants, and beautiful outdoor areas, among other amenities. The south coast around Ierapetra generally feels a little more authentic than many places in the north of the island. So if you’re looking for a hotel where the beach, peace and quiet, and sunshine take center stage, Kakkos Beach is a very fitting choice. Trips to beaches such as Agia Fotia or the area around Ierapetra are also easy from here.

Book here: Kakkos Beach Hotel

8. Arina Beach Resort (Kokkini Hani)

The Arina Beach Resort is located directly by the sea in Kokkini Hani and is a large, modern all-inclusive resort in a very convenient location between Heraklion and Hersonissos. The rooms are bright and comfortable, and many areas of the property have been modernized, creating a fresh vacation atmosphere. One of the best things about the hotel is that its waterfront location gives you that typical beach resort feel almost everywhere.

Arina Beach Resort is especially interesting for families because it offers several pools, a water park with slides, restaurants, a spa, fitness activities, and activities for children. At the same time, the location is convenient: Heraklion Airport isn’t far away, you can also reach Heraklion itself quickly, and trips toward Hersonissos or Agios Nikolaos are easy to manage. A great choice if you’re looking for a comfortable vacation by the sea on Crete with plenty of amenities.

Book here: Arina Beach Resort

9. The Royal Blue Resort and Spa Crete (Panormos / Rethymno)

The Royal Blue Resort & Spa Crete is a luxurious beachfront resort near Panormos and feels almost like a small Cretan village by the sea. The rooms and suites are stylishly furnished, and many categories offer sea views, private pools, or particularly beautiful outdoor areas. If comfort, peace and quiet, and an upscale atmosphere are important to you on vacation, this hotel is a wonderful luxury hotel tip on Crete.

The property features a private bay, pools, restaurants, bars, and a wellness area. Its sheltered location by the sea is especially pleasant if you want to spend lots of time by the water. Panormos is also conveniently located between Heraklion and Chania, while Rethymno is easy to reach. This allows you to combine a beach vacation with excursions to one of Crete’s most beautiful old towns.

Book here: The Royal Blue Resort & Spa Crete

10. Creta Palm Resort Hotel (Stalós / Chania)

The Creta Palm Resort Hotel & Apartments is located on the beach in Stalós west of Chania and is a good choice if you’re looking for somewhat more affordable yet still comfortable accommodations by the sea. The studios, apartments, and suites are spacious and most have a balcony or terrace. In many rooms there is a kitchenette, which also makes the hotel a good option if you like having a little more flexibility on vacation and don’t always want to eat out.

The property features pools, a restaurant, bar, fitness area, and a few entertainment options such as Greek nights or karaoke. The hotel is also convenient for families because there are apartments with more space and the beach is right nearby. From Stalós, you can also quickly reach Chania, while plenty of restaurants, cafés, small supermarkets, and additional beaches can be found along the coast. An easygoing Crete hotel tip for anyone who wants to combine a beachfront location with proximity to Chania.

Book here: Creta Palm Resort Hotel & Apartments

Crete: Tours and Tickets

Would you rather explore with a guide who knows the area inside and out? Then we recommend taking a guided tour with a local. It’s a great way to experience Crete from a completely different perspective. At GetYourGuide, you’ll find plenty of exciting tours for Crete.

How to Get to Crete

The most convenient way to get to Crete is by plane. The island’s main airports are located in Heraklion and Chania. Heraklion is especially convenient if you’re heading to the north coast around Hersonissos, Kokkini Hani, Elounda, or farther east. Chania, on the other hand, is a good choice if your hotel is in western Crete, for example around Chania, Stalós, or Georgioupolis. During peak season, there are many direct flights from Germany and other European countries. You can compare prices and connections, for example, at Skyscanner.

You have several options for continuing your journey around Crete. Many hotels offer transfers, and taxis and rental cars are also available at the airport. You can reach many places by bus as well, although it isn’t always quite as flexible. If you want to see more of the island, a rental car is a good choice.

Alternatively, you can also reach Crete by ferry. The main connections depart from Piraeus near Athens and travel to Heraklion or Chania/Souda. The ferries often travel overnight, which conveniently saves you the cost of one night at a hotel. You can find tickets and departure times, for example, at Omio.

Have you ever been to Crete and do you know any other beautiful hotels? Would you prefer a Crete hotel right by the sea? We’d love to hear your feedback.