14 Sustainable Eco-Resorts in Crete
Discover the best eco-resorts in Crete, Greece, where luxury meets sustainability. From beachfront escapes to boutique-style retreats, each resort offers an unforgettable experience. Perfect for eco-conscious travelers, since they blends modern comforts with innovative green practices.
Whether you’re looking for solar-powered accommodations or indulging in farm-to-table dining, Crete’s eco-resorts promise a responsible yet relaxing holiday. With commitments to renewable energy, waste reduction, and local community support, these destinations redefine sustainable travel in Greece’s largest island paradise.
What are Eco-resorts?
An eco-resort is a tourist resort with large number of rooms, many facilities and activities, but focusing on minimal impact operation on the local environment and the local communities. The difference between a normal resort and an eco-resort is that they prioritize sustainability.
Creta Maris Resort
Creta Maris Resort is a five-star all-inclusive eco-resort in Hersonissos emulating the charm of a traditional Greek village. The resort’s design features whitewashed buildings, cobblestone pathways, and vibrant bougainvillea-lined streets, creating an authentic Cretan ambiance.
Creta Maris features 680 rooms, suites, and bungalows, all designed with modern amenities and a Mediterranean touch. Facilities include multiple swimming pools, an on-site cinema, a spa, a water park, and several restaurants offering authentic Greek cuisine. The resort has a 19-acre organic farmland and vineyards and a Blue flag sandy beach.
The resort operates on 100% renewable energy for electricity. It has its own solar farm producing energy for water heating. Certified by GreenKey and TraveLife, Creta Maris is a pioneer in waste management, recycling and water-saving technologies.
Its sister property, Candia Maris, operates on 100% renewable energy for electricity and uses 59% of marine sources to cover its total water use and spare the island’s freshwater resources.
READ ON – How to Have the Best Time in Creta Maris Resort
Cactus Hotels
Cactus Hotels offers a collection of five distinct properties in Stalis: Cactus Royal, Cactus Beach, Cactus Mare, Cactus Village, and Cactus Bay. Each resort has its own unique character, ranging from family-friendly atmospheres to adults-only escapes, catering to a variety of travelers.
They collectively offer over 700 rooms, featuring a mix of suites, bungalows, and apartments, each designed with a contemporary aesthetic. Facilities include multiple swimming pools, spa and wellness centers, on-site dining with locally inspired menus, and direct access to sandy beaches.
Cactus Hotels is a family-owned hotel group where sustainability has been in the heart of operations since 1980. Solar energy powers approx. 16% of resorts total energy needs, where including water heating and lighting. Local, seasonal ingredients are sourced for their restaurants, reducing food miles while supporting regional producers. They also have advanced recycling programs and water-saving initiatives in place.
Corissia Hotels
The Corissia Hotels group is located in the charming seaside village of Georgioupolis, a hidden gem on Crete’s north coast. Comprising Chania Flair Boutique Hotel, Harmony Boutique Hotel, Corissia Beach, and Corissia Princess, these boutique-style eco-hotels offer a serene retreat for travelers seeking a balance of relaxation and cultural exploration.
With over 250 rooms collectively, the Corissia Hotels offer sleek, eco-friendly designs and modern comforts. Guests can enjoy facilities such as infinity pools, wellness centers, and rooftop dining with panoramic sea views. Unique to Corissia Harmony is its adults-only concept, providing a peaceful getaway for couples and solo travelers.
Sustainability is woven into the ethos of Corissia Hotels. They use both solar and geothermal energy to cover 95% of their hot water, heating and air conditioning needs. They are also planning to create their own solar farm to cover 100% of all energy needs with renewable sources. By promoting local artisans and sourcing ingredients from nearby farms, the group supports the regional economy while reducing its environmental footprint.
Mythos Palace Resort & Spa
Perched on the shores of Kavros Beach, Mythos Palace Resort & Spa is a luxurious escape that effortlessly combines natural beauty with contemporary amenities. Surrounded by mountains and azure waters, it offers a tranquil haven for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Cretan hospitality.
The resort features 206 elegantly furnished rooms and suites, many with private pools or direct beach access. Facilities include a state-of-the-art spa, multiple dining options, and a family-friendly pool area. A unique highlight is the farm-to-table dining experience, with organic produce sourced directly from the resort’s gardens.
Mythos Palace is dedicated to eco-friendly practices. Certified by GreenKey, they use solar panels to provide energy for 70% of its hot water needs whilst implementing advanced water-saving and waste treatment systems. By prioritizing organic farming and minimizing single-use plastics, Mythos Palace sets an example for sustainable luxury in Crete.
Euphoria Resort
Located in the peaceful village of Kolymvari, Euphoria Resort is a modern five-star retreat that blends cutting-edge design with eco-conscious values. Its serene surroundings and proximity to the sparkling waters of the Chania coastline makes them special.
Euphoria features 287 spacious rooms and suites, all with private terraces and stylish interiors. Guests can indulge in amenities like a large lagoon-style pool, wellness spa, and gourmet restaurants offering farm-to-table cuisine. The resort’s family-friendly approach is evident in its dedicated kids’ club and recreational activities for all ages.
From its energy-efficient lighting to its use of natural materials in construction, Euphoria Resort is built with sustainability in mind. Partnerships with local suppliers ensure a low environmental footprint while supporting the regional economy. Advanced waste reduction programs and an emphasis on renewable energy (with own solar farm and geothermal sources) make it a standout choice for eco-tourists.
Minoa Palace Resort
Situated in the vibrant area of Platanias, Minoa Palace Resort is a refined resort that captures the essence of Cretan luxury. It is the sister property of Euphoria Resort. Spread across lush gardens with breathtaking sea views, it provides a serene escape while being conveniently located near Chania’s cultural attractions.
Minoa Palace boasts 266 rooms and suites, each offering modern comforts and traditional design elements. Facilities include four swimming pools, a luxurious spa, and fine dining venues that serve locally inspired dishes. For active travelers, the resort offers tennis courts and direct beach access with water sports facilities.
Sustainability lies at the core of Minoa Palace’s operations. The resort uses renewable energy systems, including own solar farm and geothermal resources to reduce its carbon footprint. Its commitment to the environment extends to community engagement, supporting local farmers and artisans while ensuring eco-friendly practices throughout.
Cretan Malia Park
Located along the northern coast of Crete in Malia, Cretan Malia Park is a luxurious resort that seamlessly blends modern design with authentic Cretan charm. They call it earthy and boho.
The resort features 204 elegantly appointed rooms, suites, and bungalows, each thoughtfully designed to reflect the natural beauty of the surroundings. Guests can enjoy a variety of facilities, including multiple swimming pools, a state-of-the-art spa, and diverse dining options that highlight local and Mediterranean cuisine.
Cretan Malia Park is deeply committed to sustainability, implementing a holistic approach that encompasses environmental responsibility, cultural preservation, and community engagement. 92% of their total energy consumption derives from renewable sources. Initiatives like the Phāea Certified Organic Hotel Farming Program support local agriculture and provide guests with fresh, organic produce.
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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.