Almirida Beach – Almirida – Crete – Half Board – 5 Star

Situated right on the beach in the middle of the small, laid back village of Almyrida. The hotel faces the villages sandy beach with water sports and beach bars available and just steps from the hotel you’ll also find a good choice of local cafes and tavernas. Ten pin bowling alley, a choice of three swimming pools including a rooftop pool and terrace, pool side bar. Dionysus restaurant and a la carte menu.

Opinion: Attractive choice in fine position, compact pool terrace but adjacent beach compensates, friendly well run hotel ideal for a quiet relaxing holiday, value for money and one of the cheapest 5 star hotels around.

Grand Hersonissos – Hersonissos – Crete – Half Board – 4 Star

Standing in beautiful grounds, the Grand is a delightful hotel boasting stunning sea views and a host of amenities for all the family to enjoy. 3 swimming pools, free sunbeds and parasols, indoor heated pool (may-oct), table tennis, games room, volleyball, mini football, giant chess, gym, floodlit tennis court, sauna, Jacuzzi, massage, bridge room, wellness centre. Buffet style restaurant (long trousers must be worn for dinner), a la carte, snack bar (Greek and International) 2 Pool bars, bar.

Opinion: Pleasant accommodation and pool areas up the hillside with a good children’s pool area. A well-presented functional option but allocated away from the resort amenities, a bus or taxi ride away. Plenty to do on-site for families and couples.

Blue Aegean – Gouves – Crete – Self Catering – 4 Star

This attractive complex has been built to a high standard and totally geared to providing the perfect family holiday. The apartments are spacious and very well-equipped and the sandy beach less than 50 metres away. The resort is friendly with a series of beaches, shallow waters and restaurants. Swimming pool, free sunbeds and parasols, separate kids pool, tennis, pool table, video games, gym, cards tables, water polo, watersports from the beach.  Children’s day time entertainment and evening entertainment. Mini market, gift shop.

Opinion: A stylish and modern self-catering option set on a quiet side road within easy reach of the beach. Larger than average and well-presented facilities that will suit families, especially with its enclosed grounds and children’s services on offer.

Annabelle Village – Hersonissos – Crete – Half Board – 4 Star Plus

Annabelle Village is a stylish new deluxe hotel with extensive facilities and 2 km to the lively and popular resort of Hersonissos. The hotel has its own section of sandy beach, which has been awarded with the Blue Flag of Europe. 2 freshwater swimming pools, free sunbeds and parasols by the pool and beach, hotel run children’s mini club, mini market, table tennis, billiards, games room, tennis courts, beach volleyball, watersports on the beach. Fitness centre, sauna, Jacuzzi, massage. Main restaurant serves American buffet, Greek and International cuisine.

Opinion: Appealing option with a good range of facilities for all ages and superbly presented grounds to the beach. A good choice both for families due to its children’s services and couples with its relaxing grounds.

Candia Park – Aghios Nikolaos – Crete –  Self Catering - 4 Star Plus

Perfect for families and couples seeking a combination of discreet luxury and an idyllic setting. Situated on the beach overlooking the gulf of Mirabello, 3.5 km from the resort centre. Supermarket on site, buffet restaurant, poolside taverna selling snacks, bar, two outdoor swimming pools, Jacuzzi, sun terrace with loungers, tennis, basketball, volleyball courts, live music six days a week, children’s pool, children’s club, children’s menu, 24 hour reception with money exchange.

Opinion: Huge, village style complex with an authentic feel, superb landscaped beachside grounds, a larger than average pool and excellent views of the lovely coastline. Outside the main town in a rural location, but hard to see why you would want to leave this enjoyable, relaxing environment.

Apollon Aparthotel – Rethymnon area – Crete - Self catering – 3 Star

An idyllic setting in the peaceful Platanias area of Rethymnon, cascades of purple bougainvillea above a poolside terrace, a snackbar, with alfresco tables a handy mini market, and a beach about ten minutes stroll away. The centre of Platanias is 400 metres away and the nightlife of Rethymnon is 5 km away. Outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace with loungers and parasols, table tennis, fortnightly entertainment with Greek dancers (July/Aug), children’s pool, children’s prices apply to age 2-16.

Opinion: Straightforward, family run, self-catering choice. Within walking distance to the beach and the main resort, The local street offers the traditional outlets among weathered, local properties. A peaceful base for undemanding guests. Suitable for budget, couples, families with small children.

Kalimera Kriti – Sissi – Crete- Half Board – 4 Star

This Cretan style village complex extends throughout beautiful grounds, set beside the beach with stunning views out to sea. It is an idea choice for families and couples in search of luxury accommodation and excellent facilities in a seclude location. 1 km from the resort centre’s, shops, bars and restaurants. Two outdoor freshwater swimming pools, indoor heated swimming pool, fully furnished sun area, gardens, full programme of daytime and evening animation activities, children’s playground, children’s club age 4 +, mini market.

Opinion: Quality upmarket choice in particularly spacious and attractive grounds. Offering top quality entertainment and activities, which will particularly appeal to families. Although great for children, the ambience is still relaxed as the facilities are spread out so well.

Iberostar Mirabello Village – Aghios Nikolaos – Crete – Half Board – 4 Star

The Iberostar Mirabello Beach Hotel and village is set in a prime location overlooking Mirabello Bay and offers a range of quality accommodation. 120 metres from the beach, 100 metres to the nearest bar, restaurant and mini market, 2 km to the resort centre. Two outdoor pools, free sun loungers and parasols, gardens, tennis court, gym, pool table, two pool bars, beach bar with seaview, sailing and scuba diving (certificates required) windsurfing, waterskiing, two children’s pools, hotel run kids club age 4-12 yrs.

Opinion: A very large, stylish, modern option over two sides of the coast road, Impressive grounds with great sea views and loads of facilities for dining, drinking, being active or just relaxing. A super choice for families with its renowned children’s services. Adults are well served with the on-site spa. Some way from a good beach or the town, bus or taxi may be required.

Drossia Palms – Malia – Crete – Self Catering – 3 Star

Anyone seeking a lively holiday will appreciate the good standard of accommodation at these apartments. Set back from the main road, they are ideally located for access to the beach and local nightlife. Located 200 metres from golden sandy beach where watersports are available, 50 metres from nightlife, 50 metres from bars and mini market. Freshwater pool, sun terrace and free sun loungers, poolside bar, pool table, weekly barbeque.

Opinion: Stylish, self-catering option, nicely tucked away behind the main hustle and bustle of the street. Pleasant enclosed rear pool area and relaxing eating and drinking options. Suit singles and young, those wanting access to the nightlife and a short step to the beach and plenty of happy hours and cheap drinks.

Iberostar Creta Panorama Hotel – Panoramo – Crete – All Inclusive – 4 Star Plus

Set in the Panormo are of Rethymnon, this hotel enjoys extensive gardens beautiful ocean view, and scenic pathways which lead to the seafront. 3 km from Panoramo beach, 5 km from Panoramo. Five swimming pools, sun terraces and free sun loungers and parasols by the pool, indoor pool (adults only), gym, sauna, whirlpool, massages, water sports, pool table, tennis courts, children’s pool, mini, maxi and teens club, Buffet restaurant, Italian restaurant, bar, snack bar, music bar, 2 lobby bars, mini market, beauty salon.

Opinion: Smart all-inclusive with vast range of facilities. Elevated position provides outstanding sea views. All guests can use facilities at adjacent sister resort. Suit couples, families with small children, families with teenagers, singles.