Knossos Beach Bungalows and Suites

"Knossos Beach gave us the feeling of having our own little Santorini in Crete — with beautiful scenery, countless picturesque spots, and far fewer crowds. We absolutely loved our stay and would happily recommend this hotel to anyone, especially people who enjoy taking beautiful photos. Location The location is excellent. The hotel is very close to the airport, so it was the quickest transfer to a hotel we have ever had. You will see planes flying overhead quite frequently, sometimes every minute. This was not a problem for us at all — we actually enjoyed it and even took photos with the planes in the sky. If you are sensitive to aircraft noise, it is worth keeping in mind, but for us it added to the experience rather than taking away from it. Beach and amenities The beach is wonderful, with clear water and a pleasant seabed for swimming. One of our favourite things was that there were always free sunbeds, both on the beach and by the pool. Unlike many other hotels, you do not have to wake up at 6 a.m. to reserve one — and still risk finding nothing available. The food was also excellent. There was a little bit of everything, and everything we tried tasted great. The only danger is that you may return home having gained a few kilos — but it will be worth it! We also had the opportunity to visit both of the hotel’s à la carte restaurants for free. We especially loved the Greek and Asian fusion restaurant and highly recommend it. The location was absolutely stunning, and the service was top-notch too. There were also great fast-food options during the day, including pizza, burgers, and more. They would even pack the food as proper takeaway, so you could bring it back to your room — a very convenient touch. The only slightly odd thing was that, despite all the great food, there were no gyros! Atmosphere and service The atmosphere was amazing: beautiful, relaxed, and welcoming. The service was friendly and helpful without ever feeling excessive. The staff gave us enough space to relax, while still being available whenever we needed something. We interacted most often with a red-haired bartender at the pool bar near our room. Unfortunately, we did not catch her name, but she was always kind, friendly, and helpful. Rooms Our room was huge, and the balcony was enormous — a real highlight. The design is not the newest, but the room was clean, well maintained, and in great condition. We had no complaints at all. Cleanliness and noise level Everything was clean throughout the hotel. The noise level was also very good. The only small issue was a door in our room that made some noise when it was windy, but it was not a major problem and did not affect our stay. Value For us, the hotel offered excellent value. You get beautiful surroundings, a lovely beach, great food, plenty of space, friendly service, and an atmosphere that feels much more exclusive and peaceful than many crowded destinations. We loved Knossos Beach and would recommend it without hesitation <3 It feels like a private, more relaxed version of Santorini — but in Crete, with easier access and fewer crowds. There are a million beautiful photo opportunities around the hotel, so it is especially perfect for influencers, photographers, or anyone who loves taking beautiful pictures. We would definitely come back!"

"Excellent service, magnificent food, beach ideally relaxing"

"Tranquil, ideally located, built in the traditional Cretan village style in elegant lines, with lovely well-kept herb and flower gardens, within a short walking distance from one end of the premises to the opposite one, big smimming pool, clean beaches with cristaline waters, top food, wonderful friendly staff, pet and child friendly, very environment-oriented, two sandy, safe-to-swim beaches, perfect for couples, seniors and families seeking rest and recovery, not noisy parties (no pop music blaring from radios or boom boxes at the sea - nothing but the breeze and the waves, as it should be). We got a spacious, newly-erected suite with a wide terrace overlooking the sea, a very elegant bathroom complete with jacuzzi tub and private open-air patio with extra shower, a well-separated living and sleeping areas thanks to sliding doors, so I could work on my laptop or watch TV while my elderly mother napped. Safe, stocked minibar, potent A/C, fluffy bath towels and beach towels, bathrobes and slippers, quick, thorough and discreet roomkeeping with daily replenishment of water. The beach was less than two minutes' walk away, on wooden ramps for those with walking impairments or kids inside prams. The food is outstanding - freshly picked, organic fruit, veggies, salads, honey and homemade jams all from the hotel owner's own orchard. Cretan and international specialties of every sort, a very well-stocked hot and cold dish buffet three times a day, very attentive, friendly and language-proficient waiters. Which takes me to the highlight of our stay - the staff, dedicated to their job and to solving every hiccup and wish above and beyond the line of duty. A special mention to Niko the Maitre D' for being spot on every day with his culinary recomendations, and to Anastasia, Maria, Niki, and especially Nina and Eva (who chatted fluently with us in Spanish, what a lovely surprise!), who are so quick and efficient and always glide around noiselessly, smiling genuinely even in the rush hours, ever patient, gentle and kind to toddlers and babies so the little ones feel at ease in the restaurant room (believe me, it's NOT easy), and who always remembered our favourite tables, dishes, drinks and breakfast preferences, and were extra attentive to my 85-year-old mother's needs). Thank you to the kind and helpful manager and to the three reception ladies, especially a blond lady who speaks perfect Russian and Georgian and was incredibly flexible and helpful, and to the fantastic PR Manager Ms Haris, who is really knowledgeable about local culture, shopping and event spots, who always kept up with our excursion plans to find the best options for us, immediately found the info I was seeking about a local pet shelter (Gouves Animal Shelter, run by volunteers of every nationality who do an incredible job with very little means - help them if you can, food and medicine and money donations welcome), and who, as a professional piano teacher, knew where to find the best Greek music recordings and partitions, and whose level of English and Russian language is impressive. The saxophone player at the Swell restaurant (amazing Cretan specialties) is a true virtuoso, and made an already lovely dinner a memorable event. The waiter/lifeguard at the terrace bar was very fast, cheerful and watchful of stray bathers who swam too far away from the shore, always reminding them with his whistle to return to the safe limits. The gardener kept an impeccable herb and flower garden, and always had a happy "Kalimera!" greeting even in the hottest hour and the most stressful moments - like all the staff. This is the hallmark of true professionals who also love their job, and are proud to host guests and make their stay as closest as staying with loved relatives - we felt right at home from the first day! The spa is also lovely and up-to-date with all kinds of massages and pampering treatments, by the way. We also were lucky to see a candlelight romantic dinner in a pavillion right on the beach (a hint if you are planning on a successful proposal), and a charming beach wedding there the next day. Also, pets are welcome and spoiled rotten by the staff there - they even have a doggy pool, and they can also share your beach sunbed or cabana and bathe with you in the sea if you follow a few simple rules. A special cuddle to Hermes the Labrador dog, a big furry heart on legs who is part of the staff, and the sweetest, most welcoming creature to every guest, human or canine. My mother and I have spent our summer holidays at the Knossos Beach Bungalow Suits and Spa Resort for the last four years, and intend to return as soon as possible. We have stayed at other way more expensive hotels near Heraklion, and none of them can compare with the all-round perfect experience at Knossos Beach."