Best Beachfront Stays in Rethymno Town, Crete

Calla Luxury Seafront Suites is an aparthotel in Rethymno Town with direct beachfront access and striking sea views. The infinity swimming pool, sun terrace, pool bar, bar and lounge give families plenty of choice, and each unit has air conditioning, a private bathroom and a balcony or terrace. Private check-in and check-out and free WiFi keep things easy. Rated 9.6 from 160 reviews, I would book it for the beachfront position and the infinity pool.

Omma Suites is adults-only, so families travelling with children will need another option in Rethymno Town. It suits grown-up relatives on a trip together, such as parents taking a break on their own. The sea-view apartments have balconies or terraces, breakfast comes with a variety of options, and there are spa and wellness facilities. Rethymno Beach, the Archaeological Museum and the Venetian Harbour are all easy to reach. I would keep it for a couple's town-and-beach stay.

Nautilux Rethymno by Mage Hotels is a five-star beachfront hotel in Rethymno Town with direct access to the sea. A seasonal outdoor pool, a terrace and a large garden give children space outdoors, and many of the air-conditioned rooms have balconies with sea views. Parents can use the spa and wellness centre, the fitness centre and the beauty services. Rated 9.5 from 1,129 reviews, I recommend it to families who want the beach on the doorstep and the old town within reach.

BIO BEACH Boutique Hotel is an adults-only, four-star hotel in Rethymno Town with direct beachfront access and sea views, so it is not for families with children. It has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and spa facilities, including a steam room and a hot tub. The restaurant serves Greek, local and European cuisines with various dietary options. Guests rate it 9.5 from 297 reviews. I would choose it for couples who want a beach and a spa together.

Lucky Suites sits right on the beach, with direct access to the sea, which makes the daily routine with children simple: swim, back to the unit, rest, swim again. Every unit has a kitchenette, a balcony and air-conditioning, so breakfasts and naps happen on the family's schedule. The hot tub gives parents a moment to relax in the evening, and the concierge can help with plans. A paid shuttle is available for trips beyond walking distance of Rethymno.

Dyo Suites is on the beachfront in Rethymno Town, just steps from the sand and a short walk from the old town. Each suite is decorated differently and has sea views and a spa bath, which children tend to love after a day at the beach. A spa and wellness area gives parents a quiet hour, and smart room keys and a digital voice assistant make the rooms easy to use. I would book it for families who want the beach and the old town without a car.

Iperion Beach Hotel is a family-friendly four-star hotel sitting directly on the beaches of Rethymno, with apartments and studios that have private balconies. It has a private pool, a restaurant with al-fresco dining and a beach bar, and some units have kitchenettes for self-catering. Breakfast and light Cretan lunches are served. Guests rate it 9.4 from 263 reviews. I would choose it for families who want the beach and a pool at the door.

Ilian Beach & Apartments is a family-friendly beachfront property in Perivolia, Rethymno, with self-catering studios and apartments set in gardens. It has a pool with a sun terrace, a poolside snack bar and spa and wellness facilities. Many units look onto the sea, the garden or the pool from their balconies. Guests rate it 9.4 from 402 reviews. I would choose it for families who want self-catering space beside the beach.

Ammos Suites is a four-star, family-friendly stay in Rethymno, only ten metres from the sandy beach. Air-conditioned units have balconies with sea, garden or pool views, a fridge and tea and coffee facilities, so snacks and early mornings are easy. The outdoor pool and sun terrace offer an alternative to the sea, and WiFi is free throughout. Rated 9.3 from 320 reviews, I would book it for the beach at the door and the suite-style space.

Pearl SeaBreeze Suites has beachfront apartments on Rethymno's Blue Flag beach, each with sea views and a veranda. Families get an organised beach area with sunbeds and umbrellas, a swimming pool for a change from the sea and a snack bar for quick lunches. Apartments give more room than a standard hotel room, which helps with children. A spa and wellness area is on site, and the historic town centre is close. I would book it for a beach-first family holiday.

Omiros Boutique Hotel is adults-only, so families with children cannot stay; it works for couples and adult relatives travelling together. It sits in Rethymno Town about 150 metres from the beach. An outdoor pool, a snack bar and spa and wellness facilities fill the time between swims. Rooms are air-conditioned with free WiFi, and most have a furnished balcony or terrace. I would book it for a calm adults-only beach stay with the town within reach.

Blue Sea Hotel Apartments is a beachfront aparthotel in Rethymno Town with direct access to the sea, so children can go from the room to the water in minutes. A seasonal outdoor pool and a sun terrace add a second place to swim and rest. Apartments are air-conditioned, with private bathrooms and fully equipped kitchens for family meals. A daily continental breakfast and an on-site restaurant save on cooking. I would choose it for a relaxed family beach holiday in Rethymno.

Mitos-Suites is a central address in Rethymno Town, with Rethymno Beach less than 1 km away. Guests have a sun terrace, outdoor seating and free WiFi, and the property offers private check-in and check-out, a paid shuttle service, daily housekeeping and a tour desk. Bike and car hire are available too. Guests rate it 9.1 from 323 reviews. I would choose it for travelers who like to have services and a tour desk at hand.

Ilios Beach Hotel Apartments is labelled adults-only, so I would not plan a stay here with children, even though the listing also mentions family rooms. For adult family groups, such as grown-up children travelling with parents, the set-up is practical: units have balconies and kitchenettes, the hotel is on the beachfront with a private beach area, and there is an infinity pool, a sun terrace and a bar. Beauty services are available. An 8.9 score from 78 reviews is promising.

Domenica Apartments are beachfront apartments in Rethymno, just 20 metres from Missiria Beach. They are air-conditioned with balconies, and you can choose between views of the Cretan Sea and the garden. Each apartment has a kitchenette, and guests can use the spa and wellness services of the neighbouring Aristea Hotel. Guests rate it 8.6 from 283 reviews. I would choose it for families who want a kitchenette beside the beach.

Filoxenia Beach is a beachfront hotel on the west side of Rethymno Town, with rooms and suites whose furnished balconies look over the Cretan Sea. Children have their own seawater pool next to the main outdoor pool, and the private beach area has free sun loungers. Parents can use the spa and wellness facilities. Rated 8.6 from 733 reviews, I recommend it to families who want the beach, a kids' pool and sea views without leaving the hotel.

Aquila Porto Rethymno is a five-star beachfront resort on a sandy beach in Rethymno Town, with a private beach. Three freshwater pools give families plenty of water beyond the sea. Rooms have balconies with views of the Cretan Sea or the town, air conditioning, satellite TV and minibars. Two restaurants are on site, and the spa offers massage treatments and yoga lessons for adults. Ask for a sea-view balcony when booking.