Creta palace ~ Crete

Family friendly and chic

Indulge in the essence of luxury

Welcome to Creta Palace, one of Crete’s most prestigious luxury resorts, located on the pristine shores of Rethymno Bay. Part of the renowned Grecotel collection, this five-star beachfront resort seamlessly blends authentic Cretan architecture and hospitality with modern comforts and world-class amenities. Spread across lush gardens and a private stretch of golden sand beach, Creta Palace offers guests direct access to crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

The resort features a wide range of accommodations, including elegant sea-view rooms, spacious family bungalows, and exclusive suites with private pools, designed to suit diverse needs and preferences. Guests can indulge in multiple dining options on-site, from gourmet restaurants serving refined Mediterranean cuisine to casual beach tavernas highlighting local flavours and fresh ingredients.

Creta Palace also stands out for its extensive facilities, including several swimming pools (including adult-only and children’s areas), a fully equipped fitness centre, tennis courts, and a dedicated kids’ club offering engaging activities and entertainment. For those seeking relaxation and wellness, the Elixir Beauty Spa provides holistic treatments inspired by traditional Cretan herbs and olive oil, complemented by serene indoor pools and a hammam.

Conveniently located just a few kilometers from the historic town of Rethymno, Creta Palace offers guests easy access to vibrant cultural experiences, charming Venetian architecture, and lively waterfront dining. Whether you are planning a family vacation, a romantic retreat, or a solo escape, Creta Palace delivers an exceptional blend of luxury, comfort, and authentic Cretan hospitality to make your stay truly memorable.

During my recent trip to Crete, I had the pleasure of visiting Creta Palace by Grecotel in Rethymno. While I didn’t stay overnight, my visit gave me a clear sense of what makes this resort so special. From its stunning beachfront setting to its thoughtful design and world-class amenities, Creta Palace is a standout choice for families and couples seeking luxury with a local touch.

As soon as I arrived, I was struck by the resort’s peaceful atmosphere. Creta Palace blends traditional Greek architecture with modern luxury, all surrounded by manicured gardens and palm-lined paths. The open-air lobby, with views stretching out to the Aegean Sea, creates a serene and sophisticated welcome.

I toured a variety of accommodations during my visit. From spacious sea-view rooms to elegant family bungalows and upscale suites with private pools, there’s something for everyone. Rooms are bright and well-appointed, using calming tones and local textures to reflect the island’s relaxed charm.

The resort has several dining options, each celebrating fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional Greek flavors. I visited a few of the venues, and each one had its own style—from elegant fine dining to relaxed beachfront bites.

Creta Palace is just a short drive from Rethymno Old Town, one of Crete’s most charming historic areas. This makes the resort ideal for those who want a mix of relaxation and exploration—you can spend the morning wandering through cobbled Venetian streets, then unwind on the beach by afternoon.

Even from a short visit, I could see why so many guests return again and again. If you’re considering where to stay in Crete, Creta Palace deserves a top spot on your list.” ~ Hannah

Location

All the things you need to know

Experience a escape where every room, suite, villa, and bungalow is thoughtfully designed to evoke the comforts of home while exuding an air of unparalleled luxury & elegance.

  • Bungalow
  • Bungalow with sea view
  • Double sea view 
  • Panoramic guest room sea view 
  • Family bungalow garden view
  • Superior family bungalow
  • Maisonette
  • Deluxe family bungalow with balcony
  • Grand family room sea view 
  • Junior bungalow suite 
  • Family suite sea view main building 
  • Palace junior suite 
  • Family bungalow suite sea front private pool
  • Presidential villa private pool
  • Creta palace 8 bedroom mansion
  • LABYRINTH ATRIUM RESTAURANT
A food hall inspired restaurant amidst Mediterranean courtyards filled with bougainvillea and herbal plants. Part patisserie, part grill house and part charcuterie. The restaurant features show cuisine counters serving everything from classic recipes to pizza and paella. Enjoy wine and fresh vegetable & fruit juices and a great coffee menu. The modern style dining rooms open up to cool verandas and breezy patios.

  • BARBAROSSA FISH RESTAURANT
Nothing ever changes at this traditional establishment bathed in sunset light. Legendary recipes created with pride & technique by our wonderful cuisine masters throughout Grecotel’s history! The persons that take care of you maybe young but its only because they are 2nd or 3rd generation… Classics include Lobster Napoleon, Bon Fillet with fois gras and fresh fig ice cream.
Private dining events happily prepared.

  • ARIADNE RESTAURANT
Discover the essence of Mediterranean dining at our elegant poolside restaurant, where authentic flavors meet refined Italian influences. Savor a carefully crafted à la carte menu in a relaxed al fresco setting, surrounded by tranquil ambiance and soft, soothing music. This is lounging at its most delicious.
 
  • ZEUS + AMALTHIA SKY BAR & RESTAURANT
Zeus and Amalthia Sky Bar Restaurant offers a refined à la carte dining experience with a panoramic view of the Aegean that will take your breath away. Discover an inspired menu of exotic Asian flavors, where every dish is a journey for the senses. Elevated above the ordinary, this unique restaurant invites you to dine under the sky and savour a world of taste with every bite.

  • KAFENION “THE BEAUTIFUL HELLAS”
A Greek village Kafenion (Coffee House), with a selection of Ouzo, Raki and other local drinks. Taste Fourty Herbs – Sarantadentri, a special herb tea mixes of forty endemic aromatic plants that has a range of healing or tonic properties.

  • TALOS LOBBY BAR
An all-marble lobby bar located in the main building, that extends onto a spacious veranda overlooking the pools and garden.
The hotel is situated on 300 m of sandy and pebbled beach awarded the “Blue Flag” as complying with the directives of the European programme: water quality, environmental management, safety, services and facilities, environmental education and information.

Beach amenities include:
  • Changing cabins, sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, beach towels
  • Waiter Service (extra charge)
  • Separate beach area with private Pavilions and exclusive services (extra charge)

Pools
  • 1 large freshwater main pool (786 m²)
  • 1 children’s pool with 2 waterslides (200 m²)
  • 10 private pools for villa guests
  • 1 indoor freshwater pool (55m², heated October & April)

 

  • Daytime activities
    Fitness & Wellness: Morning Gymnastics, Aqua Gym, Aerobics, Yoga, Hiking & Trekking (extra charge), TRX Training, Private Fitness (extra charge), Outdoor Fitness

  • Elixir Spa
    Spa facilities include indoor pool with hydromassage and water cannon, indoor whirlpool, saunas, private massage rooms, beauty salon, gazebo open-air massage, open-air atrium with relaxation loggia and changing rooms.

  • Sports & Fun
    Table Tennis, 1 Astroturf Tennis Court, Boccia, Beach Volley. Horse-riding. Creta golf club. Soccer. Evening entertainment.

  • Watersports
    Located right on the hotel’s beach (ages 8 and above, extra charge): Water-Ski, Jet ski, Wet Bikes, Scuba Diving, Parasailing, Pedal Boats, Canoes, Banana, Rings, Swimming Lessons.
Amazing Grecoland kids’ club, discovery adventure activities, children’s pool and waterslides, sandy beach, lawns and gardens and kids-friendly staff. What else to ask for?

The Grecoland club is a crossroad between nature & the future. Outside is the organic hotel garden and inside the latest rising-sphere mini kitchen. Brightly coloured benches and tables, costumes, crafts, activities, games and competitions create a magical holiday experience for children 4-12 years, during the whole season, 6 times per week. Children under 4 are welcome to use the Grecoland facilities but must be supervised at all times by a parent or guardian.
 
GrecoKids 4 – 6 yrs
GrecoKids is all about having fun in combination with learning about Greek culture, its history and its natural environment. Six days a week, kids can enjoy arts & crafts, water activities, water activities, team games, theme events, environmental days, treasure hunts & gardening fun – all at Grecoland.

GrecoJuniors 7 – 12 yrs
These junior guests love active holidays and that’s just what they get! The Grecoland Club organises discovery adventures, parties & discos, sports, team games, water activities, creative crafts.

GrecoTeens 13+ yrs
Mid-June/Mid-September
Teenagers (13-17 yrs old) may join in the activities during the main summer months. A selection of activities is available, such as beach volleyball, basketball, beach soccer, tournaments, hip hop dancing, Greek dancing, safe internet surfing, parties and more. Wi-Fi internet connection in the lobby (free of charge) is also available.
 
  • Child-friendly Blue Flag beach
  • Paddling & children’s pools
  • Waterslides
  • Playground
  • Spacious lawns & gardens
  • Family accommodation
  • Babysitting in guest room (extra charge) 
  • Infant food (to order in restaurants or at the hotel shops)
  • High chairs in all restaurants
  • Grecoland parties & birthday celebrations
  • Kids menus in a la carte restaurants
  • Shows & disco for all the Family
  • Pediatrician (doctor) on call
  • Hotel stores have a range of baby products, such as: Nappies, baby wipes and baby powder, sun care, toys & games, infant food, beach shoes & clothes, bathroom accessories.
  • DVDs (including cartoons) at Grecoland
  • Culinary Lessons
  • Sports activities including tennis, cycling, volleyball, table tennis, beach soccer, watersports etc.
  • Arts & Crafts: Table games, Wet-Wet-Wet activities, Team & Group Games, Theme days, Greek dancing, Children’s & Family Shows, Family Disco, Green and Blue Environmental Days

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Let's Chat

We are here to help. Our travel experts will organise and book your dream holiday.
call us today or complete our online enquiry form to start your next adventure.

Let's Chat

We are here to help. Our travel experts will organise and book your dream holiday.
call us today or complete our online enquiry form to start your next adventure.