Discover the Giannoulis Hotels collection in Chania, from adults-only beachfront stays and family resorts to private villas and a new heritage hotel project.

Chania has long been one of Crete’s most popular destinations, thanks to its stunning Old Town, breathtaking beaches and Venetian Harbour. What is even more appealing, is that within half an hour, you can be wandering through mountain villages, swimming in a quiet cove, enjoying lunch at a family-run taverna or driving roads lined with vineyards and centuries-old olive groves. 

With so many different ways to experience the region, where you stay becomes part of the journey itself. Some travellers are searching for an adults-only hotel close to Chania, others want a family-friendly resort with everything on hand, while many prefer the privacy of a villa by the sea. For more than four decades, Giannoulis Hotels & Resorts has been welcoming visitors to western Crete with a collection of properties that reflects these different styles of travel.

Family-owned and operated since the early 1980s, the collection has grown from a single beachfront hotel into one of Chania’s most established hospitality groups. Today, it includes a range of four and five-star properties, each offering a unique experience while remaining true to the warm Cretan hospitality on which the family has built its reputation.

From the adults-only tranquillity of Santa Marina Plaza and the family appeal of Santa Marina Beach to private villas and an exciting new heritage hotel project taking shape in Kissamos, these are the Giannoulis properties worth knowing about.

Santa Marina Plaza

With just 51 rooms and suites, Giannoulis Santa Marina Plaza feels quite different to many of the larger beachfront hotels found along this stretch of the Chania coast. Reserved exclusively for adults, it offers a quieter stay on Agia Marina Beach while remaining only a 15-minute drive from Chania’s Old Town, making it easy to spend the day by the sea before heading into the city for dinner, drinks or an evening wandering through its historic streets.

The hotel’s location is one of its biggest advantages. Agia Marina’s long sandy beach sits directly in front of the property, while the swimming pool, shaded gazebos and spa treatment cabin offer plenty of alternatives for guests who prefer to spend part of the day away from the sand. Whether you choose to stay within the hotel or venture out to explore western Crete, everything feels close at hand, from nearby tavernas and beach bars to some of the region’s best-known beaches and villages.

Accommodation ranges from comfortable double rooms to sea-front options, while the two spacious Junior Suites are the standout choice, featuring generous balconies overlooking the Cretan Sea. Dining is another highlight, with Greek and Cretan produce featured throughout the breakfast and dinner menus, alongside Azzuro, the hotel’s à la carte restaurant overlooking the water. During the summer months, weekly Cretan evenings introduce guests to traditional regional dishes that have long been part of the island’s culinary culture. For couples looking for a smaller adults-only hotel within easy reach of Chania, Santa Marina Plaza is the standout property in the Giannoulis collection.

Cavo Spada Luxury Sports & Leisure Resort

Located in Kolymbari, around 30 minutes west of Chania, Giannoulis Cavo Spada Luxury Sports & Leisure Resort combines a beachfront setting with one of the most extensive leisure offerings in the collection. Set beside a Blue Flag beach overlooking the Gulf of Chania, it is particularly well suited to travellers who enjoy balancing time by the sea with wellness and activity.

At the centre of the resort is a large lagoon-style swimming pool surrounded by gardens, while the beach, spa and wellness facilities provide plenty of opportunities to unwind. Guests can spend their mornings by the water, retreat to the hammam or indoor pool in the afternoon, and finish the day with an aperitivo overlooking the sea.

Dining is a central part of the experience, with options ranging from traditional Cretan dishes to Italian-inspired fare. For travellers who like to remain active while away, the resort’s sporting facilities, fitness spaces and courts provide a welcome alternative to a day spent entirely on a sun lounger. The result is a well-rounded resort experience that appeals to couples, families and active travellers alike.

Santa Marina Beach

The hotel that started it all for the Giannoulis family, Santa Marina Beach first opened in 1981, long before Agia Marina became one of Chania’s best-known holiday destinations. Built on a stretch of beach overlooking the protected island of Thodorou, one of the last refuges of Crete’s native kri-kri wild goats, it marked the beginning of what would become one of western Crete’s best-known family-owned hotel groups. Today, the property continues to welcome families looking for a relaxed beachfront stay just a short drive from Chania.

Spacious accommodation, multiple swimming pools, family facilities and a range of dining venues allows guests to settle into holiday mode from the moment they arrive. Restaurants showcase many of the ingredients that define Cretan cuisine, from local olive oil and honey to fresh seafood and regional wines, while the beachfront setting makes it easy to alternate between the pool, the sea and leisurely lunches overlooking the water. It remains an excellent base for families wanting to explore western Crete while enjoying the facilities of a full-service resort.

Grand Bay Beach Resort

Located on the waterfront in Kolymbari, Giannoulis Grand Bay Beach Resort offers another adults-only stay in one of western Crete’s quieter coastal villages. While many visitors choose to stay closer to Chania, Kolymbari appeals to travellers seeking a stronger connection to local island life.

Fishing boats still line the harbour, family-run tavernas serve the day’s catch, and evenings are more likely to be spent enjoying a long dinner by the water rather than moving between bars and beach clubs. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it particularly appealing for couples looking to escape the crowds.

Guests can divide their time between the pool, beach and waterfront dining options, while beyond the hotel, they can explore nearby traditional villages, monasteries, and some of western Crete’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. 

Ele Villas

For those wanting the privacy of a villa with uninterrupted sea views, Giannoulis Ele Villas are the newest addition to the Giannoulis collection. Opened in 2024 and named after the founder’s daughter, Eleftheria, the two contemporary beachfront villas overlook the Cretan Sea and the Gulf of Chania, and feature direct beach access, private sunbeds, landscaped gardens and a private swimming pool.

Each villa accommodates up to six guests across three bedrooms, with generous indoor and outdoor living spaces, a fully equipped kitchen and large verandas designed to make the most of the waterfront setting. Whether travelling as a family or with friends, they offer the space and flexibility of a private holiday home without compromising on comfort.

Although completely private, guests also have access to the restaurants, bars, spa and leisure facilities at nearby Giannoulis Cavo Spada Luxury Sports & Leisure Resort, with the villas serviced daily by the hotel team. Their location on Crete’s west coast also places Balos, Falasarna, Elafonisi and the White Mountains within easy reach, making them an excellent base for exploring some of the island’s most spectacular landscapes.

Coming Soon: The Kissamos Project

Giannoulis Hotels is preparing to unveil a new property in Kissamos, one of the most intriguing hotel developments currently taking shape in western Crete. Unlike many new-build projects, this hotel begins with a story that stretches back almost a century.

At its centre stands a former pomace oil and soap factory dating back to 1928, and rather than replacing this piece of local history, the vision has been to preserve its character while adapting it for a new purpose.

Overlooking Kissamos Bay, the hotel will bring new life to a building that has long been part of the region’s identity. It is a fitting next chapter for a family business with deep roots in western Crete and a project that reflects a growing appreciation for preserving the stories and heritage that make destinations like Chania so unique.