TRAVEL
SANTA MARINA BEACH HOTEL
If Cavo Spada is elegance wrapped in calm, Santa Marina Beach is its more vibrant sibling- a lively beachfront hotel that’ s made for families. A split resort with the pools located across the road reached by tunnel, our part of the resort was set directly, and to the absolute delight of Jaxon, on the golden sands of Agia Marina, offering instant access to one of Crete’ s most popular beaches, along with a welcoming atmosphere that feels almost village-like.
Our rooms were located in the beachside part of the complex with balconies looking directly over the sea, so mornings began with the sound of the waves and the sight of parasols rising. Guests can either head to one of two pools in the second half of the complex or nab a sought-after spot at the beach. The sea here is gloriously swimmable, shallow for quite a stretch and safe for children to play for hours as adults soak up the sun nearby.
Santa Marina offers the same attention to food as its sister property, though with a more relaxed, buffet-led style that suits its livelier pace. Fresh grilled meats and fish, crisp salads, traditional favourites and, of course, those honeyed desserts Crete does so well. Meals often spill out onto the terraces, where warm breezes and the gentle crash of waves make even the simplest of dishes taste a little bit better.
What we loved was the sense of community. Children from different countries playing together in the sand, parents sharing a chat over cocktails and staff that seemed to know every guest by name. It’ s the kind of place where memories are made without needing to plan them. And of course it’ s perfectly positioned for a short taxi or bus ride into Chania Old Town, where you can amble along cobbled streets to the harbour and watch the spectacular sunsets by the lighthouse.
Giannoulis’ s Cavo Spada and Santa Marina Beach offer two sides of a Cretan summer. One is serene, sophisticated and spacious, perfect for those who want a blend of luxury and leisure. The other is vibrant, social and beach-centred, a joyful base for families who thrive on connection and exploration.
What unites them is a commitment to hospitality that feels genuinely personal, to food that celebrates both Cretan tradition and global tastes, and to settings that make the most of the island’ s natural beauty. For us it was the perfect combination- days of seaside charm followed by laid-back evenings of quiet indulgence.
And as we flew home, sandy shoes in the suitcase and olive oil in our bags, I knew that Crete had given us something rare: a family holiday that felt both restorative and connecting, thanks in no small part to the care and character of Giannoulis Hotels.
Prices at Giannoulis Cavo Spada Luxury Sports and Leisure Resort start from £ 111 per room, per night, on a B & B basis, based on two people sharing a room. All-inclusive rates are also available from £ 160 per night, based on two people sharing a room.
Prices at Giannoulis Santa Marina Beach start from £ 87 per room, per night on a B & B basis, based on two people sharing a room. All-inclusive rates are also available from £ 134 per night, based on two people sharing a room.
giannoulishotels. com cavospadaresortandspa santamarinabeachhotel
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