Iberostar Selection Creta Marine
Description
Iberostar Selection Creta Marine is a high-end, 5-star beachfront resort located near the village of Panormos on the north coast of Crete. If you are looking for the best things to do with kids in Crete, this recently renovated property offers a fantastic balance of relaxation and activity, featuring direct access to three private coves and extensive gardens. It is a brilliant choice for families seeking an upscale Mediterranean escape with everything handled in one place.
Prices for stays at the resort vary depending on the season, room type, and board basis, with options ranging from Bed & Breakfast to Premium All-Inclusive. You should check the official Iberostar website for real-time rates, early booking discounts, and package availability for your 2026 holiday dates to ensure the best value.
If you are looking for the best place for a relaxing, high-quality day out or a longer family holiday, this resort is an ideal base. With its collection of pools, dedicated kids' activity programme, and spacious bungalow-style accommodation, it provides a comfortable environment that keeps children engaged while allowing parents to enjoy the Cretan coastline.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: Yes
Features
Key Features
- Premium All-Inclusive: Offers a wide selection of dining and premium drinks, including access to speciality restaurants for longer stays.
- Extensive Pool Scene: The resort features two saltwater pools, one freshwater pool, and a dedicated children's pool to cater to all swimming preferences.
- Star Camp Programme: An innovative, age-specific activity programme where children learn through play and creative challenges.
- Spa Sensations: A professional wellness centre featuring an indoor heated pool, sauna, Turkish bath, and various beauty treatments.
- Active Recreation: Guests have access to a fitness centre, tennis courts, archery, and a range of water sports in the Aegean Sea.
Top 5 Highlights
- The Three Private Coves: The resort’s most unique feature is its direct access to three separate, crystal-clear gravel coves, perfect for swimming and snorkelling in a private setting.
- Star Camp Activity Zones: Children can join the "Monkey" (ages 4–7) or "Dolphin" (ages 8–12) camps, which are designed to feel like immersive adventures rather than standard childcare.
- The Water Park Access: Guests can use the water park facilities located at the nearby sister hotel, Iberostar Waves Creta Panorama & Mare, which includes slides and splash zones.
- Lush Garden Walks: The resort is designed around expansive, bougainvillea-filled gardens, providing a peaceful and scenic environment for evening family strolls.
- Evening Musical Shows: The hotel’s theatre hosts regular live performances and music events, providing high-energy entertainment for the whole family after dinner.
Facilities
- Lockers: Available for use in the Spa and Gym areas.
- Buggy Parking: The resort grounds are flat and paved, making them well-suited for strollers.
- Toilets: Well-maintained facilities are located throughout the hotel, including near the pools and restaurants.
- Food Options: A total of nine dining venues, including the main Dias Buffet Restaurant, a grill restaurant, and Italian-inspired dining.
- Convenience: Cots are available on request; medical services are on call if needed.
Pro-Tips for Parents
- Dining Bookings: Speciality restaurants require a reservation; book these early in your stay to ensure you don't miss out.
- Footwear: Because the beach coves are gravel, bring water shoes for the kids to make walking on the shore more comfortable.
- Airport Transfers: The resort is about 48 miles from Heraklion Airport; pre-booking a private transfer is the most stress-free way to arrive with children.
- Sun Protection: The Cretan sun is strong even in late spring, so ensure you have high-factor sun cream, especially for time spent in the open pool areas.
Targeted FAQ
- Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, the resort is well-suited for toddlers due to the dedicated children's pool, mini-club activities, and safe, enclosed garden environment, though you will need to bring any specific toddler brands or essentials you prefer.
- How long does a visit take? A 7-day stay is the perfect duration to enjoy the resort's pool facilities, the water park access, and a few excursions to nearby Rethymnon or the traditional village of Panormos.
- Where is the best place to park? The resort has a secure, complimentary parking area on-site, which is ideal for families renting a car to see more of Crete’s mountainous interior and historic coastal towns.
The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love
- Beach Access: Families consistently praise the private cove setting, which feels much more intimate than a single massive stretch of public sand.
- Staff Friendliness: The hotel team is often noted for being warm and engaging, particularly during kids' club sessions.
- Garden Atmosphere: The expansive, greenery-filled grounds give the resort a relaxing, village-like feel that many families prefer over high-rise city hotels.
What Visitors Don't Like
- Buffet Crowds: During the peak summer weeks, the main buffet area can become quite busy; opting for outdoor seating or late dining times can help.
- Gravel Beach: While the coves are beautiful, some families miss having a traditional long sandy beach directly on-site.
- Sunbed Competition: Popular spots around the main pools can be claimed early, so a morning stroll to reserve your sunbeds is often necessary.
What to see
Detailed Inventory: Attractions & Activities
Family Activities & Kids' Clubs:
- Monkey Camp (4–7 years): Adventures focused on discovery and creative play.
- Dolphin Camp (8–12 years): Underwater-themed activities and creative workshops.
- Eagle Camp (13–17 years): Teen-focused activities, available during the peak summer months.
- Games Room: A dedicated indoor play space for children.
Beyond the Main Attraction:
- Panormos Village: A traditional village located just 2 miles away, perfect for experiencing local life and quiet tavernas.
- Rethymnon Town: A 11-mile drive to the larger town of Rethymnon to explore its Venetian harbour, fortress, and historic old town streets.
- S’Albufera Nature Reserves: Nearby coastal paths for family walks and exploring the natural Cretan landscape.
- Water Sports: On-site opportunities for scuba diving, paddle surfing, and body surfing.
New for 2026 (Enhanced Sports Programme):
- Family-Centric Tournaments: Daily "Family Challenge" events where parents and children can team up for tournaments in football, volleyball, and mini-golf.
- Diverse Multi-Sports Court: An upgraded multi-sports area now supports basketball, tennis, and group fitness sessions tailored for all age groups.
- Structured Seasonal Challenges: The entertainment team has launched a series of "themed sports weeks" featuring skill-building sessions and progress tracking for kids.
Price
Price: Paid
Price Details
For family 2 Adults & 1 children for 2 nights:
Sea-View Double with Whirlpool
- Half Board: €631
- Flexible Rate: €701
- All Inclusive: +€62 per person/night
Bungalow Sea View
- Half Board: €636
- Flexible Rate: €707
- All Inclusive: +€62 per person/night
Sea-View Family Room
- Half Board: €697
- Flexible Rate: €774
- All Inclusive: +€62 per person/night
Family Suite Garden View
- Half Board: €702
- Flexible Rate: €781
- All Inclusive: +€62 per person/night
Waterfront Bungalow
- Half Board: €723
- Flexible Rate: €803
- All Inclusive: +€62 per person/night
Junior Suite Sea View with Whirlpool
- Half Board: €738
- Flexible Rate: €820
- All Inclusive: +€62 per person/night
Beachfront Family Bungalow
- Half Board: €744
- Flexible Rate: €826
- All Inclusive: +€62 per person/night
Garden-View Bungalow Sharing Pool
- Half Board: €774
- Flexible Rate: €860
- All Inclusive: +€62 per person/night
Sea-View Deluxe Junior Suite
- Half Board: €812
- Flexible Rate: €903
- All Inclusive: +€62 per person/night
Bungalow Waterfront Sharing Pool
- Half Board: €823
- Flexible Rate: €914
- All Inclusive: +€62 per person/night
Sea-View Superior Suite
- Half Board: €1,632
- Flexible Rate: €1,813
- All Inclusive: +€62 per person/night
Deluxe Sea-View Suite
- Half Board: €2,004
- Flexible Rate: €2,227
- All Inclusive: +€62 per person/night
Deluxe Sea-View Villa with Private Pool
- Half Board: €2,133
- Flexible Rate: €2,370
- All Inclusive: +€62 per person/night
Birthday Parties
Offer Birthday Parties: Yes
Birthday Party Details
Please email the hotel guest relations team at creta.marine@iberostar.com to inquire about organising private family celebrations or children’s birthday arrangements.
NA
Address: Iberostar Selection Creta Marine, PO Box 265, Panormos, 74100, Crete, Greece
Post Code: 74100
Council: Rethymnon
County: Crete
- Transport: The hotel is easily reached by taxi or shuttle bus from Heraklion Airport (approx. 1 hour).
- Parking: Complimentary on-site parking is provided for guests who choose to hire a car to explore the island.
Rating breakdown
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