in Crete, Greece
Creta Maris Resort
- Baby
- Toddler
- Kid
- Teen
One of Crete's original big all-inclusive resorts, Creta Maris in Hersonissos is a village of gardens, seventeen pools, a water park and its own beach on the north coast. It is large and busy in peak season, but the sheer amount included, from a free kids club to a teen club and open-air cinema, makes it a genuine one-price family holiday, and Heraklion and Knossos are an easy day trip.
Our verdict
The classic big all-inclusive for families who want maximum water, maximum inclusions and a base for Knossos. Accept the scale and the crowds, and request a bungalow near a pool with young children.
The rooms
A huge estate of village-style bungalows and rooms spread through gardens down to the beach, with family rooms and connecting options. Bungalows near a pool suit families with small children; the trade-off is a large site where you will walk a fair bit between your room, the buffets and the water park.
At a glance
- Pools
- Seventeen, plus a water park
- Board
- All-inclusive, seven restaurants
- Kids club
- Ages 4 to 11, free; teens 12 to 15
- Beach
- Own beach on site
- Knossos
- Easy day trip, about 25 km
- Airport
- About 25 min from Heraklion
How the KidProof Score works
Every hotel is rated on eight things families actually care about, then weighted by how much each one drives your choice. Room setup counts the most. The little touches break the ties.
Sleeps how many? Connecting rooms, family suites, a real extra bed?
Clean travel cot, high chair, bottle warmer, changing table, kit to borrow.
Shallow pool or paddling area, playground, kids club (free or paid).
Quick breakfast, kids menus, allergy options, snacks on hand.
Secured windows, protected corners, watched pool, well kept grounds.
Laundry, in-room fridge, stroller access, parking, reliable Wi-Fi.
Close to family attractions, easy transport, park tickets or access.
Welcome gift for the child, staff who talk to kids, themed rooms.
Why families love it
- Seventeen pools plus a water park with slides and splash zones
- Several children's pools, one with waterslides, across the gardens
- Free kids club for ages 4 to 11 and a teens club for 12 to 15 in summer
- All-inclusive with seven restaurants and multiple snack points
- Open-air cinema, playground and sports courts on site
- Own beach, and Heraklion and Knossos within an easy day trip
🗓️A day here with kids
- 8:00
Buffet breakfast
Beat the queues before the pools open.
- 9:30
Pools and kids club
Stake out a shady spot early.
- 13:00
Lunch and siesta
Cool down in the shaded bungalow.
- 15:30
Water park
Slides for the big kids.
- 20:30
Open-air cinema
A calm end to the day.
Family things to do nearby
Water park day
Slides and splash zones plus a children's pool with its own slides.
Free kids club
Supervised crafts, games and sports for 4 to 11s, included in the rate.
Knossos day trip
The Minoan palace and Heraklion museum, about 25 km along the coast.
Open-air cinema
Family film nights under the stars, a gentle end to a busy day.
Is it right for your kids?
Baby
0 to 1 yr
All-inclusive and cots on request help with babies, but the large site means a lot of pushing the pram.
Toddler
1 to 3 yrs
Several shallow kids pools and the free club suit toddlers, if you base near a pool.
Kid
4 to 11 yrs
The peak age here: water park, kids club, pools and the beach all included.
Teen
12 yrs and up
A summer teens club, water park and Knossos trips keep 12 to 15s engaged.
Plan your stay
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Live prices & availability
Stays near Creta Maris Resort, Hersonissos, Crete, Greece
We compare Booking, Expedia, Hotels.com and more so you book at the best price. Prices update in real time.
Parents also ask
Is it too big for young children?
It is a large resort, so there is a lot of walking. It works well with young children if you request a bungalow near a pool and the kids club when you book.
What is included in the all-inclusive?
Meals across seven restaurants, snacks, drinks and the kids club are included. Some activities such as tennis lessons carry an extra charge.
Can we visit Knossos from here?
Yes. The Minoan palace of Knossos and Heraklion are about 25 km away, an easy half or full-day trip by car or organised excursion.
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