All-inclusive hotels in Heraklion: the best options

If you are looking for all-inclusive hotels in Heraklion, the region boasts one of the densest concentrations of such accommodations in Crete, mainly along the northern coast. From Hersonissos and Malia to the east, to Agia Pelagia and Ligaria to the west of Heraklion, options cater to all budgets, from three-star family hotels to luxurious resorts with private beaches.

Geographical location plays a role in the choice. Hersonissos and Malia are 25 to 35 km from Nikos Kazantzakis Airport and offer a lively tourist scene, numerous restaurants outside hotels, and easy access by KTEL bus. Analipsi is a smaller and quieter settlement between these two, while Agia Pelagia and Ligaria are located to the west, 10 to 15 km from the city, with a more tranquil character and steep coastlines with clear waters.

The all-inclusive package at most hotels in the area includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet-style, snacks between meals, local drinks and soft drinks from morning until late evening, and often selected imported drinks in higher-tier packages. Many hotels also offer a la carte restaurants two to three times a week without extra charge, depending on the length of stay.

The operating season for most establishments starts in late April or early May and closes at the end of October. Prices vary significantly by period, with July and August showing the highest rates, while May, June, and September offer better value for money with fewer crowds on beaches and in pools.

Hersonissos and Malia: the heart of all-inclusive tourism

Hersonissos is the largest tourist destination in the Heraklion region with dozens of all-inclusive hotels of various categories. The coastal zone stretches for several kilometres, and most hotels are either right on the beach or a few minutes' walk away. Access from Heraklion airport is easy, approximately 25 km and 30 minutes by car or taxi.

Malia, slightly further east, combines nightlife in the centre of the settlement with quieter areas to the east, where most all-inclusive resorts with large garden areas and multiple pools are located. The distance from the airport is about 35 km, which means 40 to 45 minutes by road.

Prices in this zone typically range from 90 to 160 euros per night for a double room with all-inclusive in June and September, while in July and August they can reach 200 to 260 euros in luxury establishments with sea views.

Many hotels in the area feature indoor pools or heated pools for cooler spring and autumn days, which is useful for families travelling outside July and August. Shallow children's pools are almost standard in all family-friendly all-inclusive hotels in Hersonissos and Malia.

The choice between Hersonissos and Malia primarily depends on whether you are looking for a livelier environment with nearby bars and shops, or a more secluded resort focused on relaxation within the hotel.

Analipsi: a quiet option between two major destinations

Analipsi is a small coastal settlement located between Hersonissos and Malia, approximately 28 km from Heraklion airport. It offers a quieter atmosphere compared to the two neighbouring centres, while maintaining easy access to shops and services with a short journey.

All-inclusive hotels in Analipsi are typically smaller in scale than the large resorts in Hersonissos, which makes them attractive for couples and families who prefer a more personal service. Prices are often slightly lower, ranging from 80 to 140 euros per night during the high season.

Analipsi beach is sandy with shallow waters, suitable for families with small children. Most hotels are located 200 to 400 metres from the shore, with organised transport or a short walk.

The all-inclusive package here follows the same basic model as in neighbouring resorts, i.e., breakfast, lunch, dinner buffet-style and drinks all day, often with less variety in themed restaurants due to the size of the establishments.

Choosing a hotel in Analipsi suits those who wish to avoid the greater hustle and bustle of Hersonissos, while still having easy access to activities and excursions in both neighbouring destinations.

Agia Pelagia and Ligaria: west of Heraklion, closer to the city

Agia Pelagia is located approximately 17 km northwest of Heraklion city and 20 km from the airport, in a bay with an amphitheatre-like layout and two main beaches. The area boasts some of Crete's most renowned all-inclusive resorts, with a focus on adult guests but also offering family options.

Ligaria is a smaller settlement next to Agia Pelagia, with a quieter character and steep rocky shores interspersed with sandy coves. The distance from the centre of Heraklion is about 12 km, allowing for easy visits to the city and the archaeological museum or Knossos.

Prices in this area are generally higher than Hersonissos, especially in luxury establishments, ranging from 140 to 300 euros per night depending on the room category and period.

Several hotels in Agia Pelagia offer premium all-inclusive packages with selected imported drinks, room service at no extra charge, and multiple a la carte restaurants, features that justify the price difference compared to family hotels east of the city.

The choice of Agia Pelagia or Ligaria suits travellers who want a combination of relaxation in a high-end resort with easy access to Heraklion city and nearby archaeological attractions.

All-inclusive hotels in Heraklion: our recommendations

Hersonissos

1. Creta Maris Beach Resort
Location: Hersonissos
Average cost: 190 €
Rating: 8.9
Facilities: all inclusive, multiple pools, private beach, spa

A large resort with extensive gardens and many restaurants, where the all-inclusive package includes buffet meals and drinks all day. It features outdoor pools with a children's section and an organised beach.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

2. Nana Golden Beach All Inclusive Resort & Spa
Location: Hersonissos
Average cost: 160 €
Rating: 9.1
Facilities: all inclusive, pool, sea view, spa

A hotel located directly on Hersonissos beach with an all-inclusive package that includes local drinks and snacks between meals. Most reviews mention good service and a variety of breakfast options.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

3. Aquila Rithymna Beach
Location: Hersonissos
Average cost: 150 €
Rating: 8.6
Facilities: all inclusive, children's playground, sports facilities

A family-friendly hotel with large green areas and a programme of activities for children. The meal package covers three main meals and snacks in between.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

4. Star Beach Village & Waterpark
Location: Hersonissos
Average cost: 130 €
Rating: 8.3
Facilities: all inclusive, water park, beach

A complex with access to a neighbouring water park, suitable for families with children of all ages. The all-inclusive package includes buffet meals and drinks until evening.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

Malia and Analipsi

5. Sirens Beach & Village
Location: Malia
Average cost: 120 €
Rating: 9.2
Facilities: all inclusive, beach, pool with sunbathing area

A hotel with beach access and a quiet setting in eastern Malia. The package includes breakfast, lunch, dinner buffet-style and drinks throughout the day.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

6. Dessole Malia Beach
Location: Malia
Average cost: 105 €
Rating: 8.0
Facilities: all inclusive, pool, near the centre

A four-star hotel near the centre of Malia, with easy access to shops and nightlife. The all-inclusive package covers basic meals and local drinks.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

7. Petra Mare Hotel
Location: Malia
Average cost: 110 €
Rating: 8.2
Facilities: all inclusive, beach, children's pool

A beachfront hotel in a peaceful location outside the centre of Malia. Families often choose this hotel due to its children's pool and shallow beach waters.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

8. Zorbas Village
Location: Analipsi
Average cost: 95 €
Rating: 8.1
Facilities: all inclusive, pool, quiet location

A smaller hotel in Analipsi, between Hersonissos and Malia, with personal service. The all-inclusive package includes buffet meals and local drinks all day.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

Agia Pelagia and Ligaria

9. Out Of The Blue Resort & Spa
Location: Agia Pelagia
Average cost: 230 €
Rating: 9.1
Facilities: all inclusive, private beach, spa, multiple restaurants

A luxury resort with a private beach and an extensive all-inclusive programme, including a choice of a la carte restaurants. It features pools of various sizes and a children's area.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

10. Seaside A Lifestyle Resort
Location: Agia Pelagia
Average cost: 260 €
Rating: 9.3
Facilities: all inclusive premium, adults only, infinity pools, sea view

An adults-only hotel in a rocky location with sea views, offering a premium all-inclusive package that includes selected drinks and high-quality meals.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

11. Panorama Village Hotel
Location: Agia Pelagia
Average cost: 115 €
Rating: 7.9
Facilities: all inclusive, pool, bay view

A smaller hotel with views of Agia Pelagia bay, suitable for couples seeking a quiet stay with a basic all-inclusive package.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

12. Pelagia Bay Hotel
Location: Agia Pelagia
Average cost: 125 €
Rating: 8.0
Facilities: all inclusive, pool, near the beach

A hotel near Agia Pelagia's main beach, with a simple yet complete all-inclusive package and comfortable walking access to the shore.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

13. Lyttos Beach
Location: Ligaria
Average cost: 170 €
Rating: 8.7
Facilities: all inclusive, large beach, sports facilities

A large resort near Ligaria with an extensive sandy beach and many sports activities included in the all-inclusive package.

Check availability & prices on Booking.com

Practical tips before booking

• Check exactly what the package includes Before booking, read carefully if the all-inclusive covers only local drinks or also selected imported ones, and if a la carte restaurants require a reservation without additional charge.
• Opt for May, June, or September for better prices Outside July and August, prices are significantly lower, and beaches are less crowded, without compromising on warm weather for swimming.
• Compare distances from the airport Hersonissos and Malia are 25 to 35 km from the airport, while Agia Pelagia and Ligaria are closer to Heraklion city, which is useful if you plan excursions to the city centre.
• Check for an indoor or heated pool For trips in early spring or late autumn, an indoor or heated pool is useful, a feature mentioned in each hotel's characteristics.
• Read recent reviews for food quality The quality of the all-inclusive package varies significantly between hotels, so recent reviews on Booking provide a better picture than the general rating.

Frequently Asked Questions about all-inclusive hotels in Heraklion

What is the best area for all-inclusive hotels in Heraklion?

It depends on your preferences. Hersonissos and Malia have the most options and a lively atmosphere, while Agia Pelagia and Ligaria offer a quieter environment close to the city.

How much do all-inclusive hotels in Heraklion cost?

Prices start from approximately 80 to 90 euros per night in smaller hotels outside the high season and can reach up to 260 to 300 euros in luxury resorts in July and August.

What does the all-inclusive package usually include?

It includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet-style, snacks between meals, local drinks and soft drinks all day, while higher categories add selected imported drinks and a la carte restaurants.

When are all-inclusive hotels in Heraklion open?

The majority open in late April or early May and close at the end of October, with full operation of facilities from May to September.

Which area is best for families with children?

Hersonissos, Malia, and Analipsi have several family-friendly all-inclusive hotels with children's pools and shallow beaches, suitable for small children.

Do I need a car if I stay at an all-inclusive hotel in Heraklion?

It is not essential if you stay within the hotel, but a car makes it easier to visit Heraklion city or take excursions to neighbouring beaches and attractions.

Conclusion

Heraklion offers one of the widest selections of all-inclusive hotels in Crete, with options to suit every budget and holiday style. Hersonissos and Malia remain the most popular destinations due to the large number of accommodations and easy access from the airport, while Analipsi offers a quieter alternative between them.

Agia Pelagia and Ligaria, west of the city, are suitable for those seeking a more luxurious all-inclusive experience with easy access to Heraklion city centre and the region's archaeological attractions. Regardless of your choice, always check the details of the meal package and seasonal prices before booking your stay.

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