Amy Adejokun
Section editor
The Anissa Beach & Village is an all-inclusive hotel in a relaxing and 'nature' setting. All your senses are awakened by the colours and scents of its country gardens, in which you will find authentic wells and impressive cacti. The accommodation is basic but comfortable, ideal for exploring the region of Anissaras without too much fuss.
Anissa Beach - © Gutton / EASYVOYAGE
Anissa Beach - © Gutton / EASYVOYAGE
The Anissa Beach was named after its location in the region of Anissaras, 15 mi from Heraklion and 2 mi only from Hersonissos, a dynamic town, popular with tourists and famous for its lively nightlife.
Accommodation at the Anissa Beach is simple and functional. The standard bedrooms are decorated in the colours of the sea, with a bright touch of yellow. They are generally equipped with two single beds laying side by side, storage space and a small desk. The bedrooms have balconies furnished with two plastic chairs and a table and they have a view of the sea or the garden. Some of the rooms give on to rooftops, but you can still make out the sea in the distance. All rooms are equipped with a fridge, a hair-dryer, a telephone, a small television and individual air-conditioning.
The two main buildings housing 310 rooms are covered in ivy and rose bushes. Nature certainly is prominent at the Anissa Beach. The huge gardens full of flowers are delightful: fruit trees, rose bushes and large open green spaces stretch out over the whole estate. From the birds singing to the fragrances in the air, this is a guaranteed change of scenery and guests can relax here on the numerous deck chairs spread out over the lawn. The hotel has a large indoor pool, a 7,500 sq ft outdoor pool filled with freshwater, as well as a kids' pool. Deckchairs and parasols are freely available. A large wooden canopy houses the mini-club, but as for all the activities here, the main language spoken is German.
The hotel has one main restaurant which goes by the name of Veranda and serves three meals in the day. The interior is a little gloomy but the many windows let enough light in. The veranda itself naturally has large bay windows. The plastic furniture, however, is not very elegant. For lunch and dinner, meat and fish are cooked in the Italian, Greek and international way. The inevitable fruits and salads are never lacking. Once a week, all-inclusive clients can have a meal at the Tavern, a typically Greek a la carte restaurant. Coffee and cakes are served from 4:00pm to 5:00pm.
The large, sandy beach of Anissa Beach is particularly pleasant. Equipped with free deckchairs and parasols, it also has a bar where the drinks are included in the all-inclusive option. The hotel has its own pedal boats and canoes, which can be used by the guests for no extra charge. A club outside the hotel hires out jet skis and all sorts of water motorsports.
Built in 1990 and renovated in 2007, the Anissa Beach stretches over more than 12 acres. Open from May to October, this hotel's clientele is mainly German, with a few French and Russian guests coming to stay as well. The Anissa Beach is an all-inclusive hotel with a choice of imported drinks as well as local brands of soda and liquors.
massage
tennis, gym, aqua gym, aerobics, football, volleyball, beach volley, basketball, paddle boats, canoe, dance, step, bums and tums, sports
The Bella Maris is the exclusive club of the Fram tour operator in Crete. It is a medium class hotel.
This small, Francophile, very convivial hotel is located on the seashore, 2 miles from Hersonissos seaside resort. You will appreciate its calm and the famous Cretan evenings, which are the friendliest of the whole island's hotels.
This economy hotel is a good pied à terre to discover Crete with the experienced Fram organisation. A charming, welcoming hotel if you are interested in tasting something else than the island's sea pleasure.
The Hara Ilios is a family-oriented, old fashioned establishment that is a bit withdrawn from the sea but that has a lot of charm. The amenities are modest, to avoid saying Spartan, especially in the guest rooms. The Cretan village atmosphere is particularly enjoyable and the hotel provides a good starting point to set off on many an expedition into the marvels of the island of Crete.
A large, functional hotel. The comfort, the all-inclusive formula, and the proximity of a very comprehensive water park make this hotel an ideal family vacation accommodation.
This hotel, in the centre of Hersonissos, does not live up to its promise of a luxury stay, and it is surrounded by an unattractive urban landscape. In short, the Hersonissos Palace, which offers both the half-board and the all-inclusive option, is in serious need of renovation work if it wishes to reclaim its luxury status.
The Stella Palace opened as recently as 2008 and it claims to offer a high level of comfort, though the layout of its rooms and their amenities are not exactly luxurious. In fact, the highlight of this brand new hotel is its two huge lagoon pools.
The Creta Maris is a large, refined hotel with a high standard of comfort. There are numerous swimming pools and facilities, as well as great food to enjoy in a stylish setting. It is ideally located within easy walking distance of Hersonissos, a lively town popular for its nightlife. Guests can choose one of three accommodation options - bed & breakfast, half-board or full-board.
This comfortable hotel was designed as a charming Cretan village, with flowerbeds and several swimming pools. An upscale address worth the trip.
The Creta Maris is a large, refined hotel with a high standard of comfort. There are numerous swimming pools and facilities, as well as great food to enjoy in a stylish setting. It is ideally located within easy walking distance of Hersonissos, a lively town popular for its nightlife. Guests can choose one of three accommodation options - bed & breakfast, half-board or full-board.
The contemporary decor of this superb and recently renovated seafront hotel is particularly attractive, making it the ideal setting for a holiday surrounded by all the hallmarks of style. Thanks to its location overlooking the sea, guests can enjoy fine panoramic views, especially from the bar terrace. Its location in Hersonissos, Crete's nightlife capital, means there is a profusion of beachfront night club options to choose from.
The Alexander Beach is a comfortable hotel, designed as a small Cretan village. Refined decor, traditional architecture, and beautiful golden beach: a very pleasant setting for a great seaside vacation.
The Rinela Beach is an all-inclusive hotel which has managed to maintain a certain level of quality . It guarantees a fun-packed holiday for families, with its wide choice of restaurants and pools and numerous brightly-coloured pergolas.
A stone's throw from the centre of Hersonissos and its lively nightlife and with direct access to the sea, the Aquis Silva Beach Hotel is entirely dedicated to adults. Good facilities for this village-style, friendly and sporty hotel, but don't expect more from the spa than a small well-being centre.
Don't be misled by the grand name of the Kosta Mare Palace & Spa: it is a basic, all-inclusive hotel which is well-maintained but certainly not luxurious. Its many facilities raise it to four-star status, but the setting is starkly lacking in character.
A modest hotel built in the middle of a pleasant park, peaceful and well-maintained. An ideal place for a family seaside vacation.