Top Destinations

Crete – Minoan myths, exotic beaches, and the authentic Mediterranean diet

Crete, the largest island in Greece, is a land of breathtaking contrasts, where ancient civilizations (the Minoan) merge with wild natural landscapes. From the Palace of Knossos to the exotic beaches of Elafonisi, Crete offers a luxury based on authenticity and wellness. Choosing a luxury resort here means combining modern comfort with renowned Cretan hospitality.

Minoan History and Iconic Cities

Crete's history is millennia old, with its heart beating in the Minoan civilization.

Palace of Knossos (Heraklion): The center of the Minoan civilization and the legendary labyrinth of the Minotaur. We recommend an in-depth guided tour to fully grasp the historical importance of the site.
Chania: One of the most fascinating cities, with its Venetian Harbour and lighthouse. Enjoy a romantic walk at sunset and a fresh seafood dinner in the harbor.
Rethymno: Famous for its Venetian Fortress and well-preserved old town, a mix of Venetian and Ottoman architecture.

Exotic Beaches and Spectacular Gorges

Crete's beaches are renowned for their unique beauty, often compared to those in the Caribbean.

Elafonisi Beach: Famous for its pink sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters, a true paradise. Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Balos Lagoon: Accessible by boat or car (with a dirt road), it offers an incredible panorama of turquoise and white waters.
Samariá Gorge: The longest canyon in Europe. A hike (about 5-7 hours) is an intense and rewarding experience in the wild Cretan nature.

Gastronomy: The Cretan Diet

The Cretan diet is the core of the renowned Mediterranean diet, based on extra virgin olive oil, fresh vegetables, cheeses like Graviera and Mizithra, and the famous liquor Tsikoudia (or Raki). An authentic experience is participating in a traditional Cretan cooking class.

Top 3 Restaurants (Real Experience): Avli (Rethymno, high-end Cretan cuisine in a Venetian mansion), Tamam (Chania, traditional Turkish-Cretan cuisine in a Turkish bath setting), Peskesi (Heraklion, to revive ancient Cretan cuisine with a modern twist).
No Michelin Starred Restaurants known in the region (currently).

Luxury Hotels and Resorts

Crete is home to many of the best luxury all-inclusive resorts and charming boutique hotels, especially on the north coast.

Top 5 Luxury/Charming Hotels:
1. Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa (Elounda, luxury and impeccable service).
2. Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection (Elounda, luxury suites with private pools).
3. Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa (Chania, historic Venetian mansion in the harbor).
4. Grecotel Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort (Rethymno, bohemian luxury beachfront).
5. Avli Lounge Apartments (Rethymno, boutique hotel with fine dining restaurant).
Curiosities and Traditions: The Mantra, a form of improvised poetry, is a Cretan tradition that is still alive during village festivals.

Useful Links and Transportation

Crete is served by three international airports: Heraklion (HER), Chania (CHQ), and Sitia (JSH). Renting a car is essential for exploring the island. Official sources:

Discover our thematic collection

54 Charming and Luxury Hotels in Crete

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Avli Lounge Apartments

Historical building,
Rethymno
-
Location Map

10
Score from 1 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Outdoor Jacuzzi, Restaurant, Free WiFi Internet, 12 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Asterion Suites & Spa - Designed for Adults

Resort,
Gerani Chanion
-
Location Map

9.1
Score from 178 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

69 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Phāea Blue - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Resort,
Elounda
-
Location Map

9.4
Score from 198 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Indoor Swimming pool, Outdoor Jacuzzi, Outdoor Swimming pool, Private Equipped Beach, Restaurant, Spa beauty center, Free parking, 47 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Elounda Gulf Villas by Sandglass

Resort,
Elounda
- Stelida -
Location Map

9.5
Score from 194 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Outdoor Jacuzzi, Outdoor Swimming pool, Private Equipped Beach, Restaurant, Spa beauty center, Free parking, Free WiFi Internet, 28 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Legacy Gastro Suites

Resort,
Heraklion
-
Location Map

8.9
Score from 317 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

12 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Domus Renier Boutique Hotel

Historical building,
Chania
-
Location Map

9.6
Score from 241 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

11 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

NEMA Design Hotel & Spa - Adults Only

Resort,
Hersonissos
-
Location Map

9.2
Score from 1091 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

86 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Elounda Bay Palace, a Member of the Leading Hotels of the World

Resort,
Elounda
-
Location Map

8.7
Score from 242 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Indoor Swimming pool, Outdoor Swimming pool, Private Equipped Beach, Restaurant, Spa beauty center, Pets Friendly, Free parking, Free WiFi Internet, 44 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas, a Member of the Leading Hotels of the World

Resort,
Elounda
-
Location Map

9
Score from 72 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Outdoor Swimming pool, Private Equipped Beach, Restaurant, Spa beauty center, Pets Friendly, Free parking, Free WiFi Internet, 42 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort, Crete

Resort,
Chania
-
Location Map

9.2
Score from 252 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

35 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Phāea Cretan Malia, a Member of Design Hotels

Resort,
Malia
-
Location Map

8.7
Score from 331 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

204 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Ikaros Beach, Luxury Resort & Spa - Adults Only

Resort,
Malia
-
Location Map

9
Score from 328 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

185 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Minos Imperial Luxury Beach Resort & Spa Milatos

Resort,
Milatos
-
Location Map

8.2
Score from 1065 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Outdoor Swimming pool, Private Equipped Beach, Restaurant, Spa beauty center, Free parking, Free WiFi Internet, 346 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Aquila Atlantis Hotel

Resort,
Heraklion
-
Location Map

8.6
Score from 982 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Outdoor Swimming pool, Restaurant, Free WiFi Internet, 139 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Numo Ierapetra Beach Resort Crete, Adults only, Curio Collection Hilton

Resort,
Ierápetra
-
Location Map

8.8
Score from 275 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

132 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Nana Princess Suites Villas & Spa

Resort,
Hersonissos
-
Location Map

9.9
Score from 378 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Indoor Swimming pool, Outdoor Swimming pool, Free WiFi Internet, 112 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Seaside A Lifestyle Resort - Adults Only

Resort,
Agia Pelagia
-
Location Map

9.5
Score from 812 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

245 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Acro Suites - A Wellbeing Resort

Resort,
Agia Pelagia
-
Location Map

9.4
Score from 444 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

49 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa (Adults Only)

Resort,
Hersonissos
-
Location Map

9.5
Score from 599 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

225 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Knossos Beach Bungalows Suites Resort & Spa

Resort,
Kokkíni Khánion
-
Location Map

8.7
Score from 163 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

136 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Enorme Ammos Beach

Resort,
Malia
-
Location Map

9.2
Score from 804 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

80 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

The Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton

Resort,
Panormos
-
Location Map

8.9
Score from 311 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

151 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Caramel, A Grecotel Resort to Live

Resort,
Adelianos Kampos
-
Location Map

9.5
Score from 228 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

67 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Nalu Resort & SPA Adults Only Hotel

Resort,
Adelianos Kampos
-
Location Map

9.2
Score from 319 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

66 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Uzenie All Suites Boutique Resort

Resort,
Adelianos Kampos
-
Location Map

9.5
Score from 38 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

50 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Mitsis Selection Rinela

Resort,
Kokkíni Khánion
-
Location Map

8.8
Score from 282 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

393 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Grecotel LUXME White

Resort,
Adelianos Kampos
-
Location Map

9.1
Score from 443 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

264 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Insula Alba Resort & Spa (Adults Only)

Resort,
Hersonissos
-
Location Map

9.1
Score from 68 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

182 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Crete Golf Club Hotel

Resort,
Hersonissos
-
Location Map

9.2
Score from 107 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

25 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Amirandes, A Grecotel Resort to Live

Resort,
Gouves
-
Location Map

9
Score from 301 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

212 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Abaton Island Resort & Spa

Resort,
Heraklion
-
Location Map

8.9
Score from 818 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Indoor Swimming pool, Outdoor Swimming pool, Private Equipped Beach, Restaurant, Spa beauty center, Free parking, Free WiFi Internet, 152 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection

Resort,
Elounda
- Stelida -
Location Map

9.2
Score from 189 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Indoor Swimming pool, Outdoor Swimming pool, Private Equipped Beach, Restaurant, Spa beauty center, Pets Friendly, Free parking, Free WiFi Internet, 181 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa

Resort,
Elounda
-
Location Map

9.4
Score from 315 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

90 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Elounda Mare Relais & Châteaux Hotel

Relais,
Elounda
-
Location Map

9.3
Score from 161 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Golf, Outdoor Swimming pool, Private Equipped Beach, Restaurant, Spa beauty center, Free parking, Free WiFi Internet, 93 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Elounda Peninsula Luxury Resort, Six Senses Spa

Relais,
Elounda
-
Location Map

9.6
Score from 55 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Golf, Outdoor Swimming pool, Restaurant, Spa beauty center, Free parking, Free WiFi Internet, 25 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection- Adults Only

Resort,
Agioi Apostoloi
-
Location Map

9.5
Score from 168 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

78 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Atlantica Amalthia Beach Hotel - Adults Only

Resort,
Agia Marina Nea Kydonias
-
Location Map

8.6
Score from 344 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Outdoor Swimming pool, Private Equipped Beach, Spa beauty center, Free parking, Free WiFi Internet, 122 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Alcanea Boutique Hotel

Historical building,
Chania
-
Location Map

9.6
Score from 357 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

8 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Arcus Suites

Historical building,
Rethymno
-
Location Map

9.4
Score from 53 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

7 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Creta Blue Boutique Hotel

Resort,
Hersonissos
-
Location Map

9.3
Score from 262 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

29 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

DOM Boutique Hotel

Historical building,
Heraklion
-
Location Map

8.9
Score from 1897 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

41 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Happy Cretan Suites

Resort,
Agia Pelagia
-
Location Map

9.5
Score from 465 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

47 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Rimondi Boutique Hotel - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Historical building,
Rethymno
- Naxos Chora -
Location Map

9
Score from 439 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Outdoor Swimming pool, Free parking, Free WiFi Internet, 34 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Palazzo Vecchio Exclusive Residence

Historical building,
Rethymno
-
Location Map

8.6
Score from 244 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Outdoor Swimming pool, Free WiFi Internet, 22 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Momi Slow Living Hotel

Resort,
Hersonissos
-
Location Map

9.2
Score from 238 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

71 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Pagopoieion - Adults Only Suites

Historical building,
Heraklion
-
Location Map

8.9
Score from 665 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

8 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

The Syntopia Hotel - Adults Only

Resort,
Adelianos Kampos
-
Location Map

9
Score from 130 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

127 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Kapsaliana Village Hotel

Country house,
Kapsalianá
-
Location Map

9.5
Score from 162 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

25 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Conte Marino Villas

Villa,
Kondomárion
-
Location Map

9.8
Score from 8 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

2 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

The Island Concept Luxury Boutique Hotel Heated Pool

Resort,
Agios Nikolaos
-
Location Map

9.5
Score from 183 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

Outdoor Swimming pool, Restaurant, Pets Friendly, Free parking, Free WiFi Internet, 15 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Consolato Boutique

Historical building,
Chania
-
Location Map

9.6
Score from 301 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

6 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Amalen Suites Adults Only

Historical building,
Rethymno
-
Location Map

9.5
Score from 263 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

5 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

The Sand Villas

Villa,
Agios Nikolaos
-
Location Map

8
Score from 1 review/s
Gift vouchers accepted

1 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

Sutor Chic Manor hotel

Historical building,
Rethymno
-
Location Map

9.1
Score from 125 review/s
Recommended by icastelli.net as favorite hotel Our favorite hotels offer a guarantee of quality and service, and they have received a feedback score of more than 8.5 out of 10: this is why we recommend them!
Gift vouchers accepted

5 Rooms

Starting prices per room/night

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