Why Crete Is On Our Travel Radar This Summer

After sightseeing in Heraklion, make like the locals and enjoy a leisurely lunch at Parasties which has been serving Greek classics for over 100 years. Today, it’s a more modern affair where diners can enjoy dishes cooked over an open wood-fired grill. Its traditional loukoumades (small donut-like bites) are not to be missed. Pekesei, a five-minute walk away, offers farm-to-table dining to highlight the best produce in the region – dishes change weekly so there’s always something delicious on the menu. Lola is another popular spot in Heraklion. A proper old-school tavern, it’s open until 1am and serves the likes of aubergine with candied peppers and one of the best Cretan salads you’ll find.

Elsewhere, Agia Fotia Taverna in Preveli Beach to the south is a must-visit. Perfect for a romantic evening or special family meal, diners arrive by boat to enjoy seafood overlooking the water. Guests are encouraged to stay for hours and soak up the relaxed atmosphere. La Bouillabaisse at Minos Beach Art Hotel also has beautiful views. Here, you can expect modern Mediterranean dishes like seafood orzo pasta with fennel oil; Romana salad with marinated anchovies; and seabass ceviche with avocado and grapefruit. 

…For Something New

Some of the biggest news on the island is the long-awaited opening of Rosewood Blue Palace, which will open later this year. Set between a charming fishing village and a picturesque port, the property will feature 154 rooms and suites, with interiors that honour Crete’s rich culture and history, offering an oasis where guests feel deeply connected to the island.

Launching on 1st June, The Revery – a member of Leading Hotels of The World – will occupy a secluded location near the pink-sand shores of Elafonisi beach, in the wild surrounds of southwestern Chania. Rooted in nature and local culture, the property will comprise 24 safari-inspired tented pavilions and clifftop suites, each designed to immerse guests in the island’s untamed beauty.

Hotel group Domes has lots of newness for 2026. Domes of Elounda is now home to the new Chora adults-only lifestyle wing, featuring 16 design-led suites with sea views, private pool or Jacuzzis and beautiful private terraces designed to replicate traditional Cretan villages. There’s also a new restaurant, Antonino’s. Aulūs Chania by Domes is a whole new hotel. Set on one of northern Crete’s scenic coastal stretches, this new ultra-all-inclusive adults-only resort has three pools, a floating sea deck, a Soma Spa, five restaurants and bars, and rooms and suites in calming, earthy tones with private or plunge pools.

This month sees the arrival of INNSiDE by Melia Elounda. From scenic sea view rooms to spacious Beach Houses with their own private pool, the hotel offers eight thoughtfully designed room types, plus an infinity pool and two restaurants, both led by Greek chef Lefteris Soultatos. Then Ikos Kissamos will launch at the end of the month. Spanning more than 53 acres of landscaped gardens along the Cretan Sea, the resort will blend contemporary Mediterranean design with the character of western Crete, where unspoiled beaches and crystalline waters define the landscape.

Phāea Cretan Malia is a design-led, boho resort on Crete’s northern coast. New for 2026 is its 12 swim-up bungalows, which open directly onto private verandas and a large shared pool. Guided by Phāea’s conscious wellbeing philosophy, they feature a vitality bar with herbal infusions, adaptogenic blends, Cretan mountain teas and cold-pressed juices. Perfect for families, the hotel’s new treehouse day cabanas offer an imaginative escape among the treetops. They’re available for daytime use or as part of a family treehouse camp-in (a night under the canopy, complete with lantern lighting, bedding, board games and evening storytelling).

…If You’re On A Budget

Crete has an excellent range of accommodation for all budgets, whether you’re after family villas or small boutique hotels. Over the last few years, the island has also seen an influx of luxury hotels and resorts, so there’s no shortage of places to stay for a blow-the-budget holiday. For a family affair, Daios Cove is tucked along a craggy cliff overlooking a private cove in Vathi, a small village near Heraklion. Choose between one, two- or three-bedroom villas set across two levels, each with a heated saltwater pool and private terrace. There are plenty of activities on offer, from archery and trips to local olive farms, to treasure hunts and games on the beach. Adults can also make use of two tennis courts, a fitness centre and the spa with an indoor pool.

Elsewhere, Phāea Cretan Malia (a member of Design Hotels) is an eco-friendly hotel surrounded by a lush Mediterranean garden just a short walk from Malia beach. Parents can drop off little ones at the Explorers Kids’ Club to take part in eco-focused activities, while teenagers can relax in a separate area, complete with its own outdoor cinema, games hub and hammocks. Family rooms and bungalows are surrounded by gardens, and some have private pools. This is also a great spot for families that love food – choose from Mouries, which celebrates Crete’s UNESCO-protected food scene, Mezze for Levantine sharing plates, The Beach Shack for a taste of the sea and The Crush for fun ice-creams by the pool.

Domes Zeen in Chania is another family-orientated resort with suites and villas where little ones can play in private gardens and pools. Adults will appreciate Gallina, the in-house restaurant, and the Jungle Spa, while kids can make friends at the junior club or book activities like mountain biking and horse riding. For a more affordable option, Ammos is a laidback retro beachside hotel, just a short drive from Chania’s harbour. The hotel has its very own award-winning Red Jane bakery – a hit when it comes to laidback breakfasts. Families will be pleased to know all its rooms have fully equipped kitchenettes and there’s a great kids’ club with supervised games and arts and crafts.

Finally, JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa opened last June. Set along one of Greece’s most breathtaking coastlines, the Marathi resort is integrated into the landscape with planted roofs, olive and carob tree groves, and natural materials like marble and wood. There are six restaurants, the ANOSEAS Spa, which combines traditional Cretan healing rituals with modern immersive therapies, plus a yoga deck and four swimming pools with panoramic sea views. For families, the resort delivers a rich, multi-generational experience tailored to younger guests. The Phestos Den is all about cultural discovery, hands-on learning and creative play. Outdoor areas include shaded tents, imaginative play zones and a dedicated vegetable garden, all designed to foster curiosity and a connection to nature.

…In Total Luxury

For an adults-only retreat, Numo Ierapetra Beach Resort is a surprisingly affordable option in Ierapetra, one of the quieter towns in southern Crete. The beachfront hotel is surrounded by gardens, while design-led rooms are chic and minimalist, with private balconies or pools. There’s also Màre Màre, its destination cocktail bar where guests make a beeline for sundowner drinks, as well as three fine-dining restaurants. Also southeast is the original Cook’s Club experience, Cook’s Club Hersonissos. Half an hour from the airport, it’s well placed for you to explore the island’s culinary scene, nightlife and beautiful beaches – plus, it has a beach of its own and a newly revamped wellness offering for 2026. Creta Maris near Heraklion has also just refurbished its adults-only accommodation.

To the far west, you’ll find Balos Beach Hotel, a simple and traditional property spread across four buildings and a private beach. A great place from which to explore Crete’s western cape, guests can stay in beach apartments and studios – ideal for a fun girls’ trip. The beautiful Balos Lagoon and beach is just a ten-minute walk away. If you’d rather stay in the city, Dom Boutique Hotel in Heraklion has smart rooms and suites with boho-inspired interiors. You won’t find a restaurant or bar, but there are plenty of options on its doorstep. Similarly, Vranas Ambiance Hotel in Chania’s Old Town has a buzzy atmosphere with simple yet comfortable rooms. The Venetian Harbour, the Archaeological Museum and the Egyptian Lighthouse are all a short walk away.