193, El.Venizelou Street, Hersonissos, Greece | (618) 248-8274
Small Cretan village-style hotel with lots of greenery
Quiet, tranquil vibe despite attracting families
Very well located for all of Hersonissos’ attractions
Small pebble beach with free loungers
Wellness area with steam bath and whirlpool
Regular daytime and evening entertainment, as well as animation events
Luggage holding service and shower room available for late departures
Choice of two large pools; one freshwater, one saltwater with lovely sea views
Plenty for active travelers with a small gym and tennis courts
Spotty Wi-Fi
Some all-inclusive guests have complained about the lack of variety of food
Evening dress code throughout the property
Guest have complained about the lack of available lounge chairs
Size of property can make it difficult to navigate
Rooms near the pools can be noisy
Some rooms have two single beds pushed together, and showers are tiny
This all-inclusive property stands out from others nearby because it doesn't require wristbands and it is within easy reach of Hersonissos' attractions. Formerly an adults-only property, this mid-range now caters to children with family-friendly entertainment and numerous pools. Adults will likely enjoy the wellness area and the formal vibe created through evening dress codes. However, bland, small rooms leave plenty to be desired with hard mattresses and tiny showers.
Scene
Families with young children and couples of all ages who appreciate a peaceful, central location
Ideally located at the heart of the lively beach resort of Hersonissos, Silva Beach features a smart, trendy reception area that fronts the busy main road on one side, but opens on the other side to a peaceful, sprawling complex of ochre tinted, Cretan style houses shaded by vines and surrounded by flowering plants. Slightly difficult-to-navigate flights of stairs and narrow alleys lead to suites and rooms, then down to a large pool where various water activities are organized during the daytime. While the property used to be adults-only, it now allows children and caters to families with a daily entertainment, a children's pool, and a variety of room types.
Location
On the east side of the lively resort of Hersonissos and overlooking a charming pebbled cove
At the heart of lively Hersonissos and 20 minutes via car from Heraklion’s international airport, Silva Beach is near Spinalonga, the eponymous island featured in Victoria Hislops bestselling novel, which can be reached by boat from the laid-back beach resort of Elounda. Opposite a pebbled cove and within walking distance of a string of sandy beaches, the resort is also within easy reach of lively Mecca Malia and the fabled Minoan remains of Knossos palace.
Rooms
With pleasant garden, sea, or pool views, but otherwise bland
Set on a small slope, short flights of steps lead to the hotel's village-style, two-floor complex of 302 rooms and suites, which are mostly clustered around the hotel’s larger pool. Rooms are clean and neat, but feature bland decor and some have single mattresses pushed together to form doubles. All twin and double-bedded rooms have en suite bathrooms with tiny walk-in showers, air conditioning, mini-fridges, and balconies or terraces with sea, pool, or garden views. One-bedroom suites located in the main building also have DVD players and coffeemakers, as well as bathrobes and slippers and welcome gifts of fruit.Rooms around the pool area are very popular, especially with families, although they can be noisy during the daytime. Guests seeking a more peaceful environment should choose second floor rooms with garden views.
Features
Two good-sized pools, several restaurants and bars, and daily entertainment
Silva Beach’s main pool, with its romantic pool bar, is a popular hangout during the daytime, especially as a there a range of fitness activities on offer here. There are several other pools as well, including a children's pool. Other on-site activities include tennis courts, a tiny fitness center, a playground, beach volleyball, and a wellness center with a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool.For lunchtime and evening meals guests head for the main Minoan restaurant, where a buffet of Greek and Italian specialties are served and there is regular evening entertainment. For more exclusive dining The Olive Tree has candlelit tables, an a la carte menu and tables overlooking the sea below. Close to the smaller pool and overlooking the pebble beach, a well-shaded beach bar serves drinks, snacks, and ice cream.