Europa Beach Hotel

This casual beach hotel has a laid-back atmosphere that appeals to couples and families, and has a high percentage of French clientele. The lobby is a large, bright space with plenty of comfortable, albeit tired, seating areas. White walls and light-gray floors make use of the natural light, while wood paneling and subtle hues of orange in the inlaid ceiling and wall accents warm the atmosphere. Brightly colored artwork peppered around the room and the occasional mauve couch add visual color. The restaurant and bar areas are similarly simple, with neutral-tone color schemes and some artwork. Grounds are beautiful and lush with flowering plants lining walkways, and every open space overflowing with greenery. The hotel overall is beginning to show its age, and issues such as cracked and peeling paint and water stains take some of the polish off this otherwise pleasant hotel. 

Europa Beach Hotel is on the northern coast of Crete, a 25-minutes drive east of Heraklion. There's a pretty but small, rocky beach across the road, plus additional beaches and a few restaurants within walking distance. The hotel sits at the end of a quiet street, surrounded by open land with just a few hotels in walking distance.

The hotel does have free parking and there is a bus stop on the road directly outside the front entrance. It is a 14-minute drive to Limenas Chersonisou, a bustling town with plenty of shopping, restaurants, and boat excursions. It is a 16-minute drive to Crete Golf Club, a full 18-hole golf course, and Acqua Plus, a fun water park with slides. A 27-minute drive from the hotel will bring guests to Knossos, the archaeological dig site the oldest known city in Europe. Heraklion Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. 

Rooms are simple affairs with white walls and tile floors, blonde-wood furniture, and shades of brown in the duvets and curtains. A brown accent wall and a piece of colorful artwork over the bed are the only stylish touches in the room. All rooms have a balcony or terrace, mini-fridge, flat-screen TV, and a safe (for a fee). Basic white-tiled bathrooms have a curtained shower/tub combo, hairdryer, and soap dispensers; there are no other toiletries provided. Some maintenance issues are apparent, such as worn grout and chipped paint, but guests find that rooms are generally clean and adequate for their needs. Wi-Fi is not available in rooms, though those near reception can pick up the signal. 

A decent list of facilities gives all-inclusive guests plenty of options for relaxing or enjoying an active vacation. The main restaurant is a simple space done in ivory and brown, with a few vases and Greek paintings on largely blank walls. Guests generally find the buffet-style meals good, but repetitive over the course of their stay. The snack and pool bars are self-service; these areas are functional but appear in need of a refresh. A market is on-site for sundries, snacks, and alcohol.

Two pools give guests a choice between freshwater and seawater, each with a nearby wading pool for kids. The main pool is a large area, with plenty of free loungers set on the concrete patio. An open-air theater shares the space and the animation team runs activities in and around the area. The beach is a short walk down the road to a strip with some sand and a rocky entrance into the water. 

Kids can make use of the small playground and kids’ club with supervised activities. A simple spa offers a variety of treatments, a sauna, and a small fitness room with just a few machines. Fitness classes, sports activities such as tennis and basketball, and table games round out activity options. Some guests appreciate the evening shows more than others, but most agree that the animation team is friendly and not too pushy for those who do not want to participate.