Cactus Beach Hotel (Detailed Review)
Stepping through the hotel’s archway, we left the busy streets of Stalis behind and arrived in a peaceful, village-like setting with sand-colored stone buildings, cacti, citrus trees, and bougainvillea. Children were playing in the pool or on the playground, while families gathered around the main agora, sipping cocktails. Cats lazily strolled along the pathways, looking for a bit of a cuddle.
The atmosphere was relaxed, with no one in a hurry—not the staff and certainly not the guests. People unwound under the shade, basked in the sun, lost themselves in a good book, played cards, or simply enjoyed chatting with one another. Leaving our luggage in the room, it took us five minutes to slip into the holiday spirit and another five minutes to find ourselves on the beach, where the soft sand and gentle waves seemed to welcome us into a carefree world.
Welcome to my review of Cactus Beach Hotel, in Stalis, Crete, Greece. They hosted me for three days in October 2024. But nobody told me what to write. These are my honest views and the true reflection of my experience. I did not accept any payment in exchange for any coverage.
Introducing Stalis, Crete
Stalis (also known as Stalida) is a small seaside resort village located on the northern coast of Crete, nestled between Hersonissos and Malia. While it may be quieter than its neighbors, Stalis offers a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of restaurants, shops, and other businesses mainly catering to tourists.
For a glimpse into the area’s ancient history, visit the small Byzantine chapel of Agios Ioannis (pictured below). Tucked away between hotels and resorts, it is easy to find by turning right at the hotel entrance and then left shortly after, near a car rental shop called Euromotor. Look for a small brown sign with Greek letters. It took us just five minutes to reach on foot. You can already see it from the street if you peek inside.
The village’s convenient proximity to Heraklion, the island’s capital and main transport hub, adds to its appeal. Visitors can easily reach Stalis from Heraklion International Airport, located just 20 miles away, making it a popular tourist destination.
Introducing Cactus Beach Hotel
Cactus Beach Hotel is the first hotel of Cactus Hotels Group established in 1980 by Theofilos
Chalkiadakis. The Group is still family owned by the Chalkiadakis family and now includes five properties.
- Cactus Village is a four-star, family-friendly hotel up on the hill just above Cactus Beach.
- Cactus Royal Resort and Spa is a five-star, adults-only hotel located next to Cactus Beach along the main street.
- Cactus Bay are Cactus Mare are both four-star beachfront hotels with sea view from most rooms.
Since 2015, the Group turned its focus towards sustainability, achieving numerous milestones like TraveLife and GreenKey certifications, as well as significant reductions in energy and water consumption, implementing waste management initiatives, and supporting local communities.
ECO PROFILE – Learn about how Cactus Hotels embrace sustainability – coming soon…
Cactus Beach Hotel is the largest facility catering specifically for families. It offers almost 400 rooms, a water park, three swimming pools, and two children’s pools, main buffet restaurant, a playground, beach volleyball court, mini golf, outdoor chess, an amphitheatre, and four bars with snack points.
Our room was a two-bedroom family suite with two balconies overlooking the children’s pool. It was conveniently located near the amphitheater, where the evening entertainment was held.
All-inclusive dining
This eco-resort was all-inclusive, featuring one main buffet restaurant with a different theme each night. We had themes like Cretan night with authentic, Greek dishes as well as a Mexican night with burritos, tacos, and tequila.
Before diving into the food, I must highlight the incredible work of the restaurant’s two maître d’s. Both were exceptionally well-organized, kind, and always smiling. They were quick to act, creating a welcoming atmosphere that made every guest feel at ease and cared for. Even during the busiest times, they managed everything so seamlessly that you hardly noticed anyone waiting or queueing.
Buffets offered a wide variety of dishes to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, including international cuisine and local specialties. There was a “Cretan Corner” specifically designed for trying authentic local dishes, featuring seafood, meat, and various vegetables. We all thought the food was tasty and flavorful. We could find plenty of dishes to try and they were indeed delicious.
My kids especially loved the section dedicated to simple meals that children typically enjoy, right next to the ice cream freezer. Quite convenient location, wouldn’t you agree? 😊
Since I need to eat gluten-free and my husband avoids dairy and eggs, we always pay close attention to how accommodations cater to dietary needs. By our second visit to the restaurant, the maître d’ already recognized us and personally guided me around, pointing out which dishes were suitable based on their ingredients. While I appreciated the effort, and the process was quick and hassle-free, I have to say it would have been much more efficient if the dishes had labels on the name tags.
Beach
The hotel’s beach was not only a Blue Flag beach but also certified as a sustainable beach by Costa Nostrum. It was beautifully maintained, with plenty of sun beds and umbrellas available (though not included in the all-inclusive package). The beach was spacious enough for building sandcastles and offered a long stretch of shoreline perfect for leisurely strolls in either direction.
And indeed, we ended up building multiple sandcastles, as the light brown sand was incredibly soft and inviting. It completely captured our kids’ attention, shifting their focus away from the sea when we first arrived at the beach. They became so immersed in creating the perfect sandcastle that swimming had to wait until their masterpiece was complete!
When lunchtime rolled around, there was no need for us to head back to the main restaurant. Instead, we enjoyed a charming taverna-style eatery with large windows offering stunning views of the beach and sea. While the menu was limited, the souvlaki was a hit with all four of us. A simple yet delicious treat in the perfect setting is exactly what we needed before going back to finish our sand castles and splashing around in the water.
Swimming pools
The hotel features three outdoor swimming pools: one near the main bar and agora, another at the back near the children’s pool, and a third at Cactus Village, which all guests of Cactus Beach are welcome to use. The only indoor pool is part of the spa facilities at Cactus Royal, which Cactus Beach guests can also access for a small additional fee.
The outdoor pools, designed to be refreshing during the heat of summer (making them ideal for peak season), felt a bit brisk during our late October stay. However, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as we found ourselves gravitating back to the beach, where the sea was still delightfully warm and inviting still at the end of October. We did not mind one bit as we came for the beach and for the atmosphere.
Water Park
The Water Park at Cactus Beach is tucked away at the back of the hotel, offering a charming space for family fun. It features three long slides and a playful kids’ area complete with a pirate ship and various aquatic elements. While we made an effort to explore every corner of the resort, I noticed the water park was relatively quiet during our October visit. However, I was told it’s one of the most popular spots during the summer months. It is easy to see why!
Kids’ activities
The kids eagerly voted for the playground and the kids’ corner as the first areas to explore. Throughout our stay, they happily participated in numerous activities, but both agreed that the absolute highlight was the face painting. The animation team was wonderfully kind and patient, ensuring every child had their turn. The kids returned with huge smiles, proudly showing off their painted faces to everyone.
The only thing that ended up almost topping the face painting was the mini disco. The animation team’s enthusiasm was absolutely contagious—no child could stay seated! Every single one joined in, dancing and enjoying the fun moves with boundless energy and joy.
Activities to do nearby
It is tempting to stay within the comforts of the resort, where everything you need is readily available. However, stepping outside and exploring the nearby surroundings can lead to some truly special experiences—all within a short distance from the hotel.
Lychnostatis Open Air Museum
This lovely open air museum is just a 10-minute drive from Cactus Beach Hotel. Entirely handcrafted with local materials, the museum features fascinating exhibits such as a traditional Cretan farmhouse, a windmill, and an authentic wine press.
We spent about 1 to 1.5 hours meandering through the herb garden, peeking into a recreated village school, and marveling at the intricate textiles in the farmhouse. It was an immersive journey into how Cretans lived centuries ago.
My daughters, aged 6 and 9, loved discovering the many little details in every corner. Next time, I’d love to visit on a Wednesday to join the raki-making and grape-treading demonstrations—something we unfortunately missed.
Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Center
Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Center is a charming rescue center, founded in 1995 by a UK expat just 5-minute drive from Cactus Beach Hotel. Located in the heart of Hersonissos, it is a small but fascinating space filled with rescued sea and land creatures.
We had the chance to meet Stephania, a blind sea turtle swimming gracefully alongside her ray companion. It was also our first time encountering an axolotl—an incredible amphibian often referred to as the “Mexican walking fish.”
The garden outside was full of surprises: reptiles roamed freely, and my husband even held a yellow python. Iguanas lounged on tree branches, and a giant tortoise named Blondie wandered around at her leisure. It was a memorable experience for the whole family.
Heraklion
The island’s capital is only a 20-minute drive from the hotel, making it perfect for a short visit before heading to the airport. Wandering through the bustling streets of Heraklion, we ended up at the Venetian harbor, complete with its historic fortress.
For those interested in Crete’s rich history, the Archaeological Museum offers incredible insights into the island’s past. If you have extra time and a car, a visit to the nearby Knossos Palace – one of the most significant Minoan archaeological sites – is highly recommended.
Lassithi Plateau
About an hour from Stalis, the Lassithi Plateau is a peaceful retreat into nature, surrounded by the dramatic Dikti Mountains. This area is perfect for a day trip, offering a blend of stunning landscapes, charming villages, and historical significance.
The plateau is dotted with picturesque villages like Tzermiado, Agios Georgios, and Psychro, each with its own unique appeal, local crafts, and inviting tavernas. One highlight is the Dikteon Cave, believed to be the birthplace of Zeus—a must-see for mythology enthusiasts.
Best time to visit
Spring: Cactus Beach Hotel opens its doors in April, welcoming guests with mild, pleasant weather. The warm, sunny days paired with cooler evenings make spring an ideal time to enjoy the hotel’s offerings before the summer crowds arrive.
Summer: Peak season at Cactus Beach Hotel kicks off as early as May, offering long, hot days perfect for sun-soaked holidays. This is the prime time for travelers seeking endless sunshine, warm seas ideal for swimming and water sports, and vibrant evenings. With all amenities in full swing, guests can enjoy outdoor dining, water activities, and Crete’s lively summer atmosphere.
Fall (September – October):
The hotel is still busy during we enjoyed the amenities without encountering large crowds. The weather remains comfortably warm, perfect for sunbathing and exploring the outdoors without the intensity of summer heat.
Winter: As the season winds down, Cactus Beach Hotel closes its doors mid-November for annual maintenance and renovations.
How to get there
Getting to Cactus Beach Hotel is straightforward, with options from Crete’s two main airports: Heraklion Airport (HER) and Chania Airport (CHQ).
From Heraklion Airport (HER):
The closest airport, Heraklion Airport, is just a 20-minute drive from Stalis. Taxis are widely available, or you can arrange a private transfer through the hotel. Renting a car is another great option, giving you the freedom to explore Crete at your own pace.
From Chania Airport (CHQ):
Chania Airport is farther away, about a 3-hour drive from Stalis. Guests arriving here can rent a car for a scenic journey across the island or opt for a shuttle or private transfer to reach the hotel in comfort.
We chose to arrive in Chania and spent a couple of days exploring the charming old town and bustling port. We also visited the famous Elafonissi pink beach before renting a car and driving to Stalis to stay at Cactus Beach Hotel and explore the eastern side of the island.
Summary – final thoughts
I found that Cactus Beach Hotel offering a wonderfully family-friendly and relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for a stress-free getaway. With its long, sandy beach, charming water park, and the many activities you can do on-site and nearby, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And we certainly did that.
Whether building sandcastles, strolling along the shore, splashing in the swimming pool, or enjoying a quiet moment under the shade, Cactus Beach creates the perfect balance of fun and relaxation for guests of all ages.
If you are seeking relaxation and family-friendly fun, I am happily recommend Cactus Beach Hotel. Visit the official website for more details, special offers, and easy booking!
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.