Greece · Hub
Private seawater pools above the Cretan Sea
Crete does pools at two extremes: sprawling lagoon resorts on the north coast and tiny private plunge pools cut into the cliffs around Elounda. We rank the island's best, from Chania rooftops to Mirabello Bay infinity edges.
Ranking
#1–10 · Page 1 of 2
Elounda · Private bungalow pools · seawater main pool
Bungalows with their own heated seawater pools stepped down toward the bay, plus a large seawater main pool framed by bougainvillea.
Elounda · Infinity pool · private villa pools
A terraced hillside of private pools ending in an infinity deck that looks straight across the water to Spinalonga island.
Chania / Kalamaki · Lagoon-style main pool · private pools
A low-slung, garden-heavy resort where the main pool curves through palms a few steps from the sand.
Hersonissos · Private heated pools · beachfront pools
An adults-oriented beachfront resort built around private heated pools, with sea-facing decks and an oversized spa.
Agios Nikolaos · Cliffside main pool · private villa pools
Villas cascade down a cliff into a private cove, each with its own pool, above a large sea-level main pool and beach club.
Gouves · Lagoon pool · Olympic-length pool
A saltwater lagoon pool weaves between villas and gardens, alongside a serious lap pool right by the beach.
Hersonissos · Infinity pools · private suite pools
Stacked infinity decks and dozens of private pools on a rocky headland, with a design-forward adults area.
Chania Old Town · Rooftop plunge pool · old town view
A 17th-century mansion in the old town with a small rooftop plunge pool looking over tiled roofs to the harbour and the White Mountains.
Plaka, Elounda · Infinity pool · private pools
A small hillside resort in Plaka where the infinity pool and private suite pools all aim at Spinalonga.
Sissi · Multiple outdoor pools · heated indoor pool
A sprawling low-rise resort with a series of connected outdoor pools plus a heated indoor pool for shoulder season.
By style
The Top 10 in Crete ranks every pool by overall score. These shortlists narrow it down by what kind of afternoon you want.
Skyline views, sunset DJs, plunge pools above the city.
Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa
Chania Old Town · Rooftop plunge pool · old town view
Nautilux Rethymno by Mage Hotels
Rethymno · Rooftop pool · sea view
Big-water, full-cabana hotels — closest thing to a beach resort in town.
Elounda Mare Relais & Châteaux
Elounda · Private bungalow pools · seawater main pool
Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort
Elounda · Infinity pool · private villa pools
Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort
Chania / Kalamaki · Lagoon-style main pool · private pools
Low-key crowd, no party soundtrack, real swimming space.
Elounda Mare Relais & Châteaux
Elounda · Private bungalow pools · seawater main pool
Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas
Agios Nikolaos · Cliffside main pool · private villa pools
Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa
Chania Old Town · Rooftop plunge pool · old town view
Where the pool comes with a proper wellness floor.
Elounda Mare Relais & Châteaux
Elounda · Private bungalow pools · seawater main pool
Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort
Elounda · Infinity pool · private villa pools
Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort
Chania / Kalamaki · Lagoon-style main pool · private pools
Neighborhoods
A quick map of which Crete neighborhoods have the most pool hotels — and what to expect from each.
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