Early summer sun seekers can enjoy a Cretan welcome that’s even warmer than the weather, when Giannoulis Hotels & Resorts opens its five beachside hotels this season.
The biggest of the Greek islands, perennially popular Crete has it all; uncrowded, sandy beaches, hiking trails for active travellers, historical sites and architectural ruins, and an enticing food scene. May and June are ideal months to visit, when temperatures are just right for exploring and holidaymakers can take advantage of the lower, off-season prices.
Ranging from family-friendly properties to sports & wellness-focused resorts, and boutique, adults-only retreats, Giannoulis has four hotels near Chania and one near Ierapetra. Operated by a family business, each hotel has a beautiful stretch of beach and offers magnificent vistas, stylish rooms and suites, a range of restaurants and truly authentic Cretan hospitality.
Giannoulis Santa Marina Beach (4*) –
Set on a beautiful, sandy beach on the west side of Crete, just 8km from Chania, Giannoulis Santa Marina Beach is perfectly located for exploring the culturally-rich island. With a range of entertainment on offer and a fun-filled kids’ club, Santa Marina Beach is ideal for families. Guests of all ages can swim in the pool, relax on the sands of Agia Marina, and enjoy a meal at one of the four restaurants (two a la carte and two buffet).
The 214-room hotel has three swimming pools, one of which is a dedicated children’s pool, a gym and a wellness area offering massages. Other highlights include the uninterrupted views of Thodorou, an uninhabited island and national park just across the water from Agia Marina, and the welcoming hotel staff, whose authentically Cretan warmth and hospitality have kept visitors returning since the hotel opened its doors in the 1980s.
Prices in May start from 92€ (£76) per room, per night on a bed and breakfast basis, based on two people sharing a room. All-inclusive rates are also available from 151.50€ (£125) per night, based on two people sharing a room (www.giannoulishotels.com).
TUI (tui.co.uk) offers packages to the Giannoulis Santa Marina Beach from £430 per person, half-board. Price is based on two adults and two children sharing a Family Room with Garden View and Balcony or Terrace, with flights departing from London Luton on 4th May 2025, and includes 15kg hand luggage per adult.
Giannoulis Cavo Spada Luxury Sports & Leisure Resort (5*) –
Located 22km west of Chania, Crete, Giannoulis Cavo Spada Luxury Sports & Leisure Resort sits on a Blue Flag awarded beach and offers majestic views of the Gulf of Chania and Cape Spada. The 150-room resort offers a wonderful free-style lagoon-style swimming pool, three restaurants (two a la carte and one buffet), a main bar, a swim-up pool bar, kids’ club and boutique store. The beautiful spa and wellness area is home to an indoor heated pool, sauna, hammam and jacuzzi, and offers a range of massage and beauty treatments featuring Anne Semonin skincare, Apivita natural beauty products and Elixir makeup.
Ideal for active families and couples, the resort’s extensive sports facilities include two tennis courts, a paddle tennis court, spinning room, a beach volleyball court, obstacle area, two boule courts, a bicycle station, a running track, and a fully equipped gym.
Prices in May start from 134€ (£111) per room, per night on a bed and breakfast basis, based on two people sharing a room. All-inclusive rates are also available from 193.50€ (£160) per night, based on two people sharing a room.
Jet2holidays (www.jet2holidays.com) offers packages to Giannoulis Cavo Spada Luxury Sports and Leisure Resortfrom £819 per person for seven nights, half-board, based on two adults and two children. Price is based on departing from Manchester on 2nd May 2025 and includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.
Giannoulis Grand Bay Beach Resort (4*) –
Primely positioned on the sun-kissed beach of Kolymbari, Giannoulis Grand Bay Beach Resort is a 78-room, adults-only resort, just a two-minute drive from Kolymbari village and 23km west of Chania’s lively centre.
Ideal for couples and solo travellers, guests can enjoy the beach and swimming pool, sip cocktails at the pool bar, and dine at the exclusive Azzuro a la carte restaurant, SeaLine a la carte taverna or in the buffet restaurant. There is also a small but well-equipped fitness centre, a sauna and a wellness area offering massage and beauty services.
Prices in May start from 116€ (£97) per room, per night on a bed and breakfast basis, based on two people sharing a room. All-inclusive rates are also available from 186€ (£156) per night, based on two people sharing a room.
Jet2holidays (www.jet2holidays.com) offers packages to Giannoulis Grand Bay Beach Resort from £739 per person for seven nights all-inclusive, based on two adults sharing. Price is based on departing from London Stansted on 2nd May 2025 and includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers
Giannoulis Santa Marina Plaza (4*) –
Giannoulis Santa Marina Plaza is a boutique, 51-room, adults-only hotel set on the long sandy beach of Agia Marina village, just 8 km from Chania city centre. The hotel provides a serene environment for holidaymakers who want to relax in a peaceful, child-free environment.
Guests can enjoy a dip in the outdoor pool, dining with a sea view at the a la carte or buffet restaurant, drinks at the main or pool bar, keeping fit in the gym and relaxing with an outdoor massage under a tranquil gazebo.
Prices in May start from 100.45€ (£83) per room, per night on a bed and breakfast basis, based on two people sharing a room.
Jet2holidays (www.jet2holidays.com) offers packages to Giannoulis Santa Marina Plaza from £779 per person for seven nights, bed and breakfast, based on two adults sharing. Price is based on departing from Birmingham on 6th May 2025 and includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.
Giannoulis Almyra Hotel & Village (4*)-
Almyra Hotel & Village in Ierapetra, on Crete’s southern coast, is a contemporary, 231-room, low-rise beach resort offering plenty of space for families to relax in. Guests will enjoy the two adults swimming pools; one freshwater pool and one with a children’s area, plus a designated children’s splash park, and the beautiful ‘Long Beach’ with ample sunbeds, shady parasols and service from the beach bar.
Parents can leave children to be entertained at the kids’ club, while they visit the gym, spa or simply relax in the sunshine. The resort also has four bars, including the beach and pool bars, and two restaurants – one buffet and one à la carte restaurant – serving international cuisine.
Prices in May start from 133€ (£112) per room, per night on a bed and breakfast basis, based on two people sharing a room. All-inclusive rates are also available from 182€ (£153) per night, based on two people sharing a room.
Jet2holidays (www.jet2holidays.com) offers packages to Giannoulis Almyra Hotel and Village from £759 per person for seven nights, all-inclusive, based on two adults and two children. Price is based on departing from Leeds Bradford on 7th May 2025 and includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.
For more information and to book, please go to www.giannoulishotels.com, call +30 28240 22640 or email info@giannoulishotels.com
