Agapi Beach Resort

When it comes to all-inclusives, Crete has quite a few, but not many will tick all the expected boxes in the same way family-friendly beachfront option Agapi Beach Hotel does. A swimmable sandy beach, great all-inclusive food, a good range of facilities, and friendly, efficient staff all contribute to high occupancy rates: the hotel stays busy even until the end of low season. Facilities are clean and well-maintained, and the hotel’s pretty landscaped grounds provide a delightful setting for guests. Decor in the lobby area is a modern corporate style, and two-story ceilings, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, allow for plenty of natural light. Other public areas, such as the main buffet restaurant, continue this architectural theme. It's a bright and elegant space that’s paired with tasteful wood and wicker accents. 

The rooms are spread across two main buildings, plus there's a grassy village area where two-story bungalows are nestled amongst landscaped gardens. A healthy dose of kid-friendly facilities attracts many families, although the hotel also sees a good fraction of middle-aged and mature couples. The majority of guests hail from Germany, Russia, and France, with the odd British guest thrown in. 

Agapi Beach Hotel is located in the Heraklion suburb of Ammoudara, known for its long stretches of sandy beach. It’s just off the main road running through the area, surrounded by other hotels and small shops. Central Heraklion, with its old town and popular attraction like Knossos Palace, is a 15-minute drive away. Alternatively, it can be accessed via a bus stop just outside the hotel. Heraklion Airport is a 20-minute drive. The vibrant city of Rethymnon is just over an hour away. Elounda, popular for its exclusivity and natural beauty, is just over an hour drive east.

Some rooms at Agapi Beach Hotel are not as beautifully decorated as the public areas, but all are comfortable with a pleasant seaside vibe, and some bungalows have been renovated to a more modern style. All units come with a free welcome bottle of water, small fridge, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, marble bathrooms, and furnished outdoor spaces. Rooms on higher floors have better sea views, though the majority of "sea view" rooms do not directly face the seafront. Bathrooms are clean but somewhat dated, with either showers or tubs. 

Standard rooms vary by the view, while bungalows are set away from the main buildings in the landscaped garden area. Superior Bungalows have a better position closer to the pool or beachfront. Exclusive Bungalows are larger, have a prime position with direct pool access, and come with extra amenities including bathrobes, slippers, and tea/coffee facilities. Suites have a separate living room and bedroom, and come with extra amenities.

Agapi Beach Hotel has a balanced abundance of facilities, focused around good food and ample activities for kids and adults alike. The long sandy beach, although often windy, is well-maintained and has a shallow entrance for swimming. The nearby water-sports center offers numerous activities including water skiing and parasailing. A beachfront bar serves drinks, while the beachfront taverna serves traditional Greek cuisine. The hotel’s main pool is its busiest, with a poolside bar that serves snacks. The remaining two pools have a quieter atmosphere, although one is reserved for use by guests staying in Exclusive Bungalows only. It can be a chore to find an open sun lounger. The main buffet restaurant, an Italian a la carte restaurant, and Greek street food cafe round out food options, providing plenty of high quality choices. All-inclusive rates provide unlimited access to the food venues, adding considerable value to the meal plan. 

Kid-friendly facilities include a kids’ club, special kids’ buffet at lunch and dinner, and hosted activities. Adult recreation is varied and includes a highlight on local culture, such as Sirtaki dance lessons, Greek cooking lessons, and art classes. Evening entertainment in the form of live piano in the lobby bar and other live performances helps to add ambience and fun at night. The spa comes equipped with a sauna, steam room, and gym -- although facilities are dated and not the hotel’s best features. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout, including certain areas of the beach, and free private parking.