The hype
Guests love the aesthetics and the staff, but the noise from the airport and road is a constant theme in reviews.
Knossos Beach Bungalows & Suites
$150-350/ night
Book this if You want a whitewashed Greek village vibe with direct beach access without the $1,000/night Santorini price tag.
Why People Love It
- Direct access to a sandy beach with shallow, turquoise water
- Swell Restaurant offers legitimate fine dining with Michelin-star chef influence
- Bungalow layout feels more like a village than a hotel block
Quick Take: A charming, photogenic resort that struggles to block out the roar of planes from the nearby Heraklion airport.
Reviewed by @periclesrosa: I honestly couldn't stop smiling when I saw my villa! Having a private pool and cabana right outside my door was a dream come true. The room is huge, the bathroom feels like a spa, and the ocean is just steps away. It’s the perfect spot to feel totally spoiled in Crete.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'private beach' is lovely but narrow, and you might have to fight for a sunbed if you don't wake up early.
- You prioritize beach proximity over total silence
- You want a romantic, bungalow-style room rather than a high-rise block
- You enjoy high-end dining on-site (Swell Restaurant is a standout)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some reports of missed sand on floors.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean, but older bungalows may show grout wear and calcium buildup.
- Maintenance: Most grounds are manicured, but some 'cabanas' and beach furniture look weathered.
- Linens & towels: Towels can be a bit scratchy/older in standard rooms; plush in suites.
- Odors & scents: Fresh sea air, occasionally marred by jet fuel fumes if the wind is wrong.
Sleepability™
5.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Low-flying aircraft (Heraklion airport approach)
- Traffic noise from the main coastal road
- Thin walls in some connecting bungalows
Before you book
Good to know
- The outdoor pools are freshwater but unheated; chilly in May/October.
- Climate tax is now approx €10-15 per night, payable at check-in.
- You are 15 minutes from Heraklion, making it a great base for city/museum trips.
What to pack
- Water shoes (rocky patches and urchins in the water)
- Noise-canceling headphones (for the pool deck vs. planes)
- Mosquito repellent (gardens can get buggy at dusk)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Waterfront Bungalows (Series 100 or 200) for direct sea access and less road noise
- Island Suites for a more modern, renovated feel
Rooms to avoid
- Galatia Annex rooms (located across a busy street, disconnected from the vibe)
- Bungalows near the reception/road (high traffic noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a 'Waterfront Bungalow' as far from the main road and reception as possible to minimize traffic noise. Please ensure I am NOT placed in the Galatia annex building.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
Only the indoor pool in the spa is heated. The outdoor pools are freshwater and can be cold in the shoulder season.
Is it all-inclusive?
Not by default. They offer Half Board and Full Board packages, but many guests prefer a la carte dining at Swell.
Can I hear the planes from the room?
Yes. The hotel is directly under the flight path for Heraklion Airport. It's loud.
Is the beach sandy or rocky?
The beach itself is sandy, but the entrance to the water has slippery rocks and sea urchins. Bring water shoes.
Is there a gym?
Yes, a basic fitness center with cardio machines and some weights. Good for maintenance, not for bodybuilders.
How far is the strip/nightlife?
Hersonissos center is about 10-15 minutes by taxi. Kokkini Hani itself is much quieter with just a few tavernas.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Book a dinner at Swell Restaurant at sunset—the view is worth the splurge.
- ✨
Walk 5 minutes east along the beach to find local tavernas that are half the price of the hotel bar.
- ✨
The 'VIP' beach cabanas often have an extra charge unless you're in a top-tier suite—ask before you sit.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Garden View' rooms often just view the back of another bungalow or a hedge.
💡The indoor pool is part of the spa and may require an appointment or fee depending on your package.
💡Cats are everywhere on the property—great if you love them, annoying if you're allergic.
💡The 'private beach' is technically public coastline, so locals do walk through.
💡Room service can be slow during peak dinner hours.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Knossos Beach Bungalows & Suites is located and what's nearby.