Hotel Club Marmara Athina Palace

Located about 9 miles on the island's northern coast, west of Heraklion and Kazantzakis international airport, the Athina Palace neighbours the Angel Village, also built on the hills of Ligaria, across from Aghia Pelaghia Bay. Also nestled on the side of the mountain, but very different in style than the Angel Village, it overlooks the surrounding area, which includes, on one side, the coast constantly disturbed by the excavators, and on the other side, the hypnotising blue sea. The contrast is amazing.

The hotel is open from April to the end of October. It is not recommended for people with limited mobility, because of its numerous stairs. The absence of a proper beach is notable. Being built on the side of a mountain, the Athina Palace does not have a beach.
The Ligaria village beach is 1 mile and a half below. A small grey sand cove, it is maintained by the city and offers deckchairs, parasols, and showers. There are also a bar and a restaurant.

Built in 1996, this hotel is built in stairs and mazes that would be quite charming if not for the tiredness and vertigo it can cause to some people. The architecture, mainly straight lines and concrete masses, creates a surprising contrast with the environment, preventing any harmony with it. Inside, the hotel displays high luxury, with marble everywhere and antique furniture.

There are no rooms in the main building. All rooms are distributed among the various blocks built in successive terraces along the rocky slope. Standard rooms, cottages, or suites: there are 349 rooms in total. All have a balcony or a terrace with (straight or side) sea view. They have air conditioning, television (10 channels), a safe (for rent), a direct international access telephone, and a refrigerator. The bathroom (there are 2 in the suites or cottages) features a tub and a hair dryer.

Located in the upper part of the hotel, the main restaurant overlooks the surroundings, with a superb view of the sea and of the Cretan coasts nearby. It is possible to eat on the large patio and, therefore, enjoy the sun and seaview. Numerous buffets offer Greek specialities and a selection of international dishes. The cuisine is similar in the second restaurant, and two snack-bars located by the swimming pool serve refreshments and snacks at any time of the day.