Crete has long since been one of the most popular Greek Islands , and not just because it’s the biggest. Mountainous hiking trails, secret coves and ancient architectural sites like Aptera and Malia mean active travellers will find plenty of things to do . But if lying on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches or touring the local food scene holds more appeal, there’s opportunity for that kind of holiday, too.
Restaurants source local produce and draw from generational recipes to serve mouthwateringly fresh cuisine, and meals are finished with a shot of the famous Greek spirit, Ouzo. For multi-generational groups, Crete continues to be a hit, and it’s home to some of the best family-friendly hotels in Europe as well as two international airports so time spent in transit won’t take away from the trip. What is the best location to stay in Crete? Lured by the picture-postcard Venetian harbour and proximity to the pink sand beach of Elafonisi, visitors generally flock to Chania in the northwest.
With an abundant crop of grand new Greek island hotels opening their doors, however, the island’s lesser-known eastern half – famed for its near-deserted beaches lapped by mirror-clear waters and great value tavernas serving local specialities – is becoming increasingly popular. What's the best resort in Crete for families Crete is home to some of the best family-friendly hotels in Greece , so there are plenty to choose from. One of our favourites is Cretan Malia Park with its river-esque swimming pool, teens-only cinema area and bungalows with built-in bunkbeds, or Domes of Elounda , which overlooks the Unesco-protected island of Spinalonga.
Book into a Luxury Residence or Ulta-Luxe Villa where the self-catering facilities offer the perfect setup for families with little ones. How we choose the best hotels in Crete Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination.
We’re always looking for beautiful design, a great location and warm service – as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve. Find out more about our editorial standards and how we review hotels .
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