Crete is the largest Greek island and one of the few Mediterranean destinations where you can swim on a long sandy beach in the morning, have lunch in a Venetian harbour at noon and drive through centuries old olive groves before dinner. The northern coast, from Rethymno through Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos, strings together resorts with wide, well kept beaches, and that is exactly where the hotels we most often recommend are located. Direct charter flights from Belgrade take under two hours, so you do not lose the first day of your holiday in transit. You can read more about the island on our Crete destination page, and below we single out six hotels from our offer where the sea is genuinely a few steps from the room.
Kriti Beach, Rethymno
Kriti Beach sits in the centre of Rethymno on the northern coast, directly across from a long sandy beach where sunbeds, umbrellas and beach towels are free for hotel guests, which is rarer than you would think in Greece. The Venetian harbour and the old town, with its narrow streets, tavernas and shops, are a few minutes on foot. The hotel has 94 modern rooms and suites, and the location works equally well for couples who want evening walks and for families who want the beach without a transfer. Heraklion airport is about 80 km away. Packages start from 2080 euros for two people.
Hersonissos Palace, Hersonissos
Hersonissos Palace stands in a central but calm part of Hersonissos on the northeastern coast, only 60 metres from the sandy town beach and close to the small harbour. The airport transfer is short, around 25 km from Heraklion, which matters when you travel with children. The hotel has 149 carefully decorated rooms, standard doubles of 28 square metres for two, or with a sofa for a third person. It is a solid choice if you want resort comfort with the town's restaurants and shops within walking distance. Prices go from 1920 euros for two people.
Aegean Pearl, Rethymno
Aegean Pearl is separated from Rethymno's Blue Flag sandy beach only by the seafront street. It stands at the end of the town promenade, 2.5 km from the centre, with shops, bars and tavernas within 50 metres, so quiet evenings and lively ones are both an easy walk away. The hotel has 112 rooms in several categories, including rooms with a side sea view, all modern and bright. Guests who want a peaceful holiday and families pick it most often. Packages start from 2230 euros for two people.
Akasha Beach Hotel and Spa, Hersonissos
Akasha Beach Hotel and Spa is set directly on a beautiful sandy beach in Hersonissos, 25 km from Heraklion airport, with free sunbeds and umbrellas for hotel guests. The rooms and suites are the most luxurious on this list at this location, from 30 to 45 square metres, with options such as the Azure Suite with a jacuzzi on the balcony or a private plunge pool. If you want a spa hotel where you step from breakfast straight onto sand, this is the one. Prices start from 2460 euros for two people.
Aquila Rithymna Beach, Adelianos Kampos
Aquila Rithymna Beach is a luxury complex in Adelianos Kampos, 7 km east of Rethymno, on a landscaped 500 metre beach of sand and fine pebbles that holds a Blue Flag. The resort combines a main building with bungalows spread through the grounds, and the nearest shops, restaurants and cafes are less than 100 metres away, with a local bus stop for Heraklion and Rethymno right across the road. It is the address we suggest to guests celebrating something. Packages go from 2980 euros for two people.
Mistral Bay, Agios Nikolaos
Mistral Bay is the budget friendly pick, a four star hotel in the centre of Agios Nikolaos, 80 metres from the beach across the street and five minutes on foot from the famous lake. The hotel was fully renovated and has 98 rooms with town, sea or side sea views, plus a rooftop bar with a view that guests remember. Bars and restaurants surround it, and Heraklion airport is 60 km away. Prices start from 1310 euros for two people.
Which one to choose
If walking to the old town every evening matters most, take Kriti Beach or Aegean Pearl in Rethymno. For the shortest airport transfer and lively surroundings, Hersonissos Palace and Akasha are the answer. Aquila Rithymna Beach is for guests who want the full resort treatment, and Mistral Bay proves that Crete works on a smaller budget too. All prices listed are for two people, flights from Belgrade included, and our team will gladly check live availability for your dates.
