Minoa Palace Resort
Beachfront location on Platanias’ long sandy bay Elegant, low-rise design with landscaped gardens Great choice of pools, including indoor spa pool Certified Sustainable Hotel (GSTC-recognised standard) Spacious bungalows and family-friendly facilities Free Wi-Fi throughout
Overview
Elegant interiors, lush gardens and a prime spot on Platanias’ long sandy beach set the tone at Minoa Palace Resort. This refined, low-rise property blends contemporary lines with stonework and olive trees, creating a calm, resort-style hideaway that still keeps you within strolling distance of the bars, cafés and nightlife of Platanias. With two outdoor pools, an indoor spa pool, a choice of buffet and à la carte dining and spacious rooms – including bungalows and private-pool options – it’s a polished base for couples and families exploring Crete’s Chania coast.
Gallery
21 photos
Map & location
Platanias – Chania, Crete (Chania Area), Greece
Minoa Palace Resort sits on Crete’s sought-after north-west coast in Platanias, just west of Chania. The resort unfurls along the golden sands, with views across the Aegean, while behind you the White Mountains rise in the distance. Platanias’ lively strip of tavernas, cafés and bars is about 1km away, giving you the choice between peaceful pool days and evenings out in a genuine Cretan seaside town. Chania’s photogenic Venetian harbour and old town are within easy reach by taxi or local bus for culture-rich day trips.
- Beach 250m through the hotel’s gardens
- Platanias resort centre 1km
- Chania city and old harbour short drive away
- airport (Chania – CHQ) 30km
- Approx. transfer time from airport 1 hour 15 minutes
Facilities
Pool & outdoors
The resort is designed around water. Outside, you’ll find two freshwater pool areas, including a main pool with a children’s section and plenty of sunbeds and parasols on wide terraces, plus a separate outdoor children’s pool with shallow water and its own sunbathing area (typically open May–October, subject to weather).
Indoors, an adults-only freshwater pool with whirlpool jets sits within the spa centre, ideal for quieter swims or a cool-down after the gym. Pool towels are complimentary, so you can travel light.
Beyond the gardens, a short wander (around 250m) brings you to Platanias’ long sandy/pebble beach, where you can swim in clear water, relax on loungers and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere that makes this stretch of coastline so popular.
Spa, sports & wellness
Wellness is a strong point at Minoa Palace Resort. The spa (16+) features a sauna, Turkish bath, whirlpool and a menu of massages and beauty treatments, all available for an extra charge. The adult-only indoor pool is also located here and usually operates on daytime hours.
The air-conditioned gym comes equipped with cardio machines, a free-weights area and a stretching zone, open roughly 10:00–18:00. Active guests can also make use of cycling facilities, including bike hire and organised cycling tours (both chargeable), making it easy to explore the surrounding countryside and coastal roads.
There’s a light-hearted programme of activities and entertainment too: from occasional cooking classes showcasing Cretan flavours to small-team games by the pool, plus live music on selected evenings in high season. Facilities and schedules can vary by season and occupancy, but there’s generally a good balance of relaxation and low-key activities.
Activities
? Weekly cooking classes showcasing Cretan recipes (reservation required)
?️ Air-conditioned gym with cardio machines, free weights and stretch zone
? Cycling facilities with bike hire and guided cycling tours*
? Regular daytime entertainment in high season (small team games and activities)
? Evening entertainment including frequent live music (seasonal)
? Children’s playground with swings and slides (age/height limits may apply)
*Activities and frequency can vary by season and occupancy.
Guest services
?️ 24-hour reception and concierge services
? Currency exchange (local charges may apply)
♿ Equipment hire including motorised scooters and wheelchairs*
? Charging points for mobility scooters*
? Luggage storage for early arrivals and late departures
? Full-service spa with sauna, Turkish bath, whirlpool and massage treatments* (16+)
? On-site beauty treatments such as facials and body therapies*
? Highchairs available in several restaurants
? Daily room cleaning with linen and towel changes on request
*Extra charges apply for selected services; availability can vary by season.
Food & drink
Dining at Minoa Palace Resort is varied and high quality, with Cretan flavours woven through international favourites. Elia Main Restaurant is the buffet hub, serving breakfast and dinner with live cooking stations and plenty of choice for all ages. Over by the beach, Thalassa Restaurant offers buffet and à la carte options for breakfast, lunch and dinner with sea views and Greek, local and international dishes.
For more intimate evenings, Galazio Restaurant dishes up refined Greek and local cuisine à la carte, right on the beach and reserved for adults only. Casual bites come courtesy of Kafenion, which serves traditional Greek plates at lunchtime, and Ta Nissia Italian Restaurant by the pool for relaxed Italian classics.
Drinks are spread across three bars: Mythos Piano Bar in the lobby is your elegant spot for aperitifs and live piano ambience; Thalassa Beach Bar keeps you refreshed on the sands; and Tholos Pool Bar looks after poolside cocktails, juices and coffees throughout the day. Smart dress codes apply in some venues, and reservations or supplements may apply depending on your chosen board basis.
What All Inclusive typically includes.
Rooms
Bungalow Double Room Sleeps 2–4
Sleeps 2–4. Set in low-rise bungalow buildings, these spacious rooms are ideal for couples wanting more space or small families. Located either on the ground floor or upper levels, they offer a balcony or terrace plus the same amenities as Double Rooms, including coffee-making facilities, Wi‑Fi, bathrobes and daily cleaning.
Bungalow Family Suite Sleeps 2–4
Sleeps 2–4. Designed for families seeking extra room to spread out, these suites are located in the bungalow section (ground or upper floor). Expect a separate sleeping area or open-plan layout (configuration can vary), balcony or terrace, flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee-making facilities and kettle, bathrobes and slippers, and a bathroom with shower.
Double Room with Inland View Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps 2–3. Stylish rooms overlooking the inland or hotel grounds, with the same high standard of amenities as pool-view rooms: balcony or terrace, air conditioning, Wi‑Fi, flat-screen TV, coffee-making facilities and kettle, minibar (charge), bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, shower bathroom and daily housekeeping.
Double Room with Mountain or Garden View Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps 2–3. These rooms look towards the mountains or gardens, giving a greener outlook. Facilities mirror other doubles with Wi‑Fi, TV, safe, coffee-making kit, balcony or terrace and shower bathroom.
Imperial Double Room Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps 2–3. A step up in space and comfort, Imperial Doubles feature a bathroom with both bath and separate shower, plus upgraded feel in furnishings. You’ll still enjoy coffee-making facilities, kettle, Wi‑Fi, minibar (charge), bathrobes and slippers, balcony or terrace and turndown service.
Imperial Double Room with Side Sea View Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps 2–3. Similar to Imperial Doubles but with a side sea view from the balcony or terrace, combining extra comfort with glimpses of the Aegean. Includes a bath and separate shower.
Imperial Double Room with Private Pool Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps 2–3. For a treat, these Imperial rooms include a private swimming pool on your terrace, perfect for secluded dips. Inside you’ll have a bath and separate shower, plus all the usual amenities – air conditioning, Wi‑Fi, coffee and tea facilities, safe, minibar (charge), bathrobes and slippers and turndown service.
Imperial Double Waterfront Room with Direct Sea View Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps 2–3. Prime-position rooms located closer to the water, with uninterrupted sea views from the balcony or terrace. They feature a bath and separate shower, enhanced furnishings and the full list of in-room comforts, ideal for couples who want that extra “wow” factor.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
More info
Platanias – Chania offers a laid-back beach scene paired with plenty of bars, tavernas and beach clubs, making it easy to balance lazy days with lively evenings. Expect a long stretch of sand and shingle, clear swimming waters and the option to visit nearby Chania for Venetian architecture, markets and harbourfront dining.
Language: Greek
Currency: Euro (€)
Time difference from UK: GMT +2 hours
Average flight time from UK: approx. 4 hours
Local price guide (subject to change):
• Local beer: around £3.40
• Three-course meal for two: around £42.00
Resort details and opening dates for certain facilities are often seasonal and may change from year to year. Always check the latest information close to departure. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Greece advice.
Prices & book
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Live availability and real-time offers. Low deposits, full ATOL protection.