Grecotel Marine Palace & Aqua Park

Grecotel_Marine_Palace_&_Aqua_Park
Grecotel Marine Palace & Aqua Park

Grecotel Marine Palace & Aqua Park

Beachfront Cretan-village-style resort on a small bay Huge on-site “Kingdom of Poseidon” aqua park with slides & splash zone Dedicated kids’ clubs, indoor play areas & children’s pools 6 restaurants & multiple bars with varied All Inclusive dining Certified Sustainable Hotel meeting a GSTC-recognised standard Free Wi-Fi throughout

Official rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Board options All Inclusive
Child age for pricing up to 11 years
Resort layout 18 low-rise blocks | 419 rooms | up to 3 floors with 5 lifts
Ideal for families with children of all ages, multi-generational trips and waterpark lovers.

Overview

 
Designed as a whitewashed Cretan village spilling down to the sea, Grecotel Marine Palace & Aqua Park is a big-hearted All Inclusive resort that keeps every generation happy. Think beachfront setting, a full-scale aqua park, six pools and a huge choice of family-friendly dining, all a short stroll from the charming fishing village of Panormos.

Whitewashed lanes, terracotta rooftops and flowering bougainvillaea give Grecotel Marine Palace & Aqua Park the feel of a traditional Cretan village, but behind the postcard looks there’s serious family fun: a huge “Kingdom of Poseidon” aqua park, multiple pools, kids’ clubs and all-day All Inclusive dining. It’s the kind of resort where you can drop your bags, switch into flip-flops and not worry about a thing. For couples and families seeking Crete (Heraklion Area)’s charm with everything on the doorstep, Grecotel Marine Palace & Aqua Park delivers the perfect balance. It’s 2 hours from the airport. See more Greece holidays.

Map & location


Panormos – Heraklion, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece

Set on Crete’s north coast in the laid-back village of Panormos, Grecotel Marine Palace & Aqua Park sits right on the seafront with direct access to a small sandy/pebble beach. The resort is purpose-built in the style of a traditional Cretan settlement, with narrow lanes leading down towards the sea and landscaped gardens framing the pools and aqua park.

Panormos itself is a short stroll away, with winding streets, family-run tavernas, cafés and low-key bars that come to life in the evening. History fans can explore remnants of the area’s Roman and early Christian past in and around the village, while Rethymnon’s charming old town is within day-trip distance by car or local bus.

  • Beach beachfront (small bay directly in front of the hotel)
  • Panormos resort centre 500m (easy walk)
  • Approx. transfer time from airport 2 hours from Heraklion (HER)

Facilities

Pool & outdoors


Water babies are spoiled here. There are six outdoor pools, including two dedicated children’s pools and several options with integrated shallow sections for younger swimmers. A number of pools are saltwater, others freshwater, and selected pools are heated in spring and late autumn (typically April–May and October–November), extending the season for families.

At the heart of the resort is the “Kingdom of Poseidon” aqua park, included for guests and packed with high-adrenaline slides: multi-lane racers, inflatable ring slides, kamikaze and half-pipe flumes, aqua bowl and aqua loop chutes. Right alongside you’ll find a colourful splash park with tipping buckets, water cannons, jets, sprinklers and waterfalls tailored for younger children.

Sunbathing areas are dotted with loungers and parasols, baby-changing facilities are available near key pools, and pool towels are provided free of charge. The beachfront location means you can step from pool to sea in moments – the small coves below the hotel offer generally calm, sheltered waters ideal for swimming, with non-motorised and motorised water sports available from an external operator for an extra charge.

Spa, sports & wellness


Active guests have plenty of choice beyond the slides. There’s an air-conditioned gym with cardio and strength equipment, stretching zones and fitness studio areas, plus a programme that can include aerobics, aqua aerobics, pilates, yoga, basketball, football, darts, table tennis, petanque and more. Cooking classes are sometimes offered (extra charge) for a taste of Cretan cuisine.

The spa centre (charges apply) features an indoor heated saltwater pool with whirlpool, as well as sauna, steam room, massage and beauty treatments. There’s also an on-site hairdresser.

Around the resort you’ll find a mini-market for holiday essentials, dedicated baby and child equipment for hire (from kettles and bottle warmers to buggies and mobility scooters, subject to availability and local charges), and a 24-hour reception team able to assist with concierge services, local tips and onward travel.

Activities


⚽ Multi-sports: football, basketball, petanque & more
?️ Fitness: air-conditioned gym, aerobics, aqua aerobics, pilates & yoga
? Water fun: aqua park slides, splash park, multiple pools
? Water sports from the beach: canoeing, pedalos, snorkelling & scuba diving* (external provider; age limits apply)
? Creative sessions and games as part of the entertainment programme
? Occasional cooking classes* for a taste of Cretan cuisine

*Extra charges may apply for selected activities, especially water sports and specialist classes.

Guest services


?️ 24-hour reception and concierge-style assistance
? Luggage storage to maximise your last day
? On-site mini-market for snacks, toys and beach essentials
? Spa, beauty salon and on-site hairdresser*
? Baby and child equipment hire (bottle warmers, kettles, pushchairs, etc.)*
♿ Mobility scooter and wheelchair hire plus charging points*
? Daily housekeeping with towel changes on request

Children are particularly well catered for with:
• Kids’ club for ages approx. 4–12 years with arts and crafts, sports, movie nights and water-based fun
• Several children’s playgrounds and indoor soft-play areas for different age groups
• Mini-disco and family-friendly evening shows during the main season

*Local charges may apply for some services and equipment; availability can vary by season.

Food & drink

Food is a big part of the experience at Grecotel Marine Palace & Aqua Park, and the All Inclusive programme is built around a generous mix of buffets, casual bites and speciality venues:

• Marine Palace – the main all-day international buffet restaurant with show-cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Expect classic favourites, Greek specialities, kids’ buffet and baby corner facilities.
• Big Blue Taverna – Greek buffet and à la carte dishes by the pool, open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in season, with a children’s menu and sea views.
• Trattoria di Casa Marina – Mediterranean, Italian and Greek flavours in buffet and à la carte format by the pool, open certain dates/occupancy.
• Marin Bay Club – Asian à la carte with show-cooking and snacks, ideal for a themed evening.
• Antikristo Traditional BBQ – al fresco, by-the-beach grill spotlighting Cretan techniques and local produce for leisurely dinners under the stars.
• Dine Out programme – selected evenings at an external Greek restaurant are sometimes included, for an authentic local taverna feel (seasonal, reservation required).

Snacks and drinks are plentiful with several pool and beach bars, a lobby bar for pre-dinner cocktails, a traditional-style coffee house in the gardens and casual souvlaki and snack outlets close to the action. A smart-casual dress code applies in many restaurants in the evening, and some à la carte venues require advance reservations or supplements depending on your board.

What All Inclusive typically includes.

Rooms
Casa Marina Family Apartments & Suites


The Casa Marina buildings house some of the most versatile accommodation, ideal for longer stays and larger families (many sleeping up to 5 or 6):
• Separate bedrooms and living/sleeping areas
• Kitchen or kitchenette with fridge-freezer, dishwasher, oven, microwave and cooking rings in selected suites
• Washing machine in higher-category suites
• Two bathrooms in several layouts
These feel more like holiday apartments, while still benefiting from full resort facilities and All Inclusive dining.

Maisonettes & Multi-Level Rooms


Maisonette-style rooms in the main building or Casa Marina complexes offer sleeping spaces across two levels linked by internal stairs, giving children and parents more privacy. Many come with garden, pool, side sea or full sea views.

garden, pool, side sea or full sea views

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Double Rooms & Bungalows for Couples


If you’re travelling as a couple or with one child, you can opt for classic double rooms (including sole-use doubles) or cosy bungalows with garden, side sea or sea views. These include all the essentials – balcony or terrace, Wi‑Fi, shower bathroom, air‑conditioning and tea and coffee-making facilities – in a simpler footprint.

double rooms

(including sole-use doubles) or cosy bungalows with garden, side sea or sea views. These include all the essentials – balcony or terrace, Wi‑Fi, shower bathroom, air‑conditioning and tea and coffee-making facilities – in a simpler footprint.

bungalows

with garden, side sea or sea views. These include all the essentials – balcony or terrace, Wi‑Fi, shower bathroom, air‑conditioning and tea and coffee-making facilities – in a simpler footprint.

Larger Family Combinations


Families or groups up to six can book adjoining family rooms (two rooms next to each other, sometimes double rooms or bungalows) or spacious Casa Marina Grand Family Suites with kitchen facilities, sunbeds on the balcony/terrace and both bath and separate shower.

*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.

adjoining family rooms

(two rooms next to each other, sometimes double rooms or bungalows) or spacious Casa Marina Grand Family Suites with kitchen facilities, sunbeds on the balcony/terrace and both bath and separate shower.

*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.

More info

Key facts
• Country: Greece – Island of Crete
• Resort: Panormos – Heraklion area
• Flight time from UK: around 4.5 hours (to Heraklion, HER)
• Local time: GMT +2 hours
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Official language: Greek (English widely spoken in tourist areas)

Panormos is a relaxed former fishing village with three small, sheltered coves tucked beneath its harbour. Calm waters make swimming easy for children, and there’s a choice of jet skis and pedalos nearby for something more active. Above the village you’ll still see traces of the area’s ancient and medieval history, giving a nice sense of place when you venture beyond the resort.

The hotel is flagged as a Certified Sustainable Hotel, meaning that at the time of the latest review it met a sustainability standard recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Certification can change over time, and some facilities and inclusions are seasonal or weather-dependent.

For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Spain advice.

Prices & book

Find your dates

Live availability and real-time offers. Low deposits, full ATOL protection.

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FAQs
Is Grecotel Marine Palace & Aqua Park suitable for young children?
Yes. The resort is very family-focused, with children’s pools, a splash park, small slides suitable for younger ages, kids’ club for around 4–12 year olds, indoor soft-play areas (including toddler zones) and several playgrounds. Many restaurants offer kids’ menus, buffets and highchairs, and family rooms/bungalows are designed to accommodate parents and children together.
Do guests pay extra to use the aqua park?
No – access to the “Kingdom of Poseidon” aqua park and the splash park is included in your stay. Some water sports offered from the beach, such as motorised activities, snorkelling or scuba diving, are run by an external company and carry an extra charge. Note that age, height or weight restrictions apply on certain slides for safety reasons.
What does the All Inclusive package include at this hotel?
The All Inclusive typically covers buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main restaurant, snacks between meals for a minimum of three hours daily, and a broad range of local drinks (beer, wine, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks) served from around 10:30 until midnight at selected bars. Guests usually receive one included dinner per week in selected à la carte or speciality restaurants, subject to advance reservation and seasonal availability. Entertainment, daytime activities and access to the aqua park are also part of the package. Exact details can vary from season to season, so always confirm on arrival.
How far is Grecotel Marine Palace & Aqua Park from Panormos village?
The hotel is on the beachfront just outside Panormos, and it’s roughly 500 metres’ walk into the resort centre. There you’ll find small supermarkets, traditional tavernas, cafés and relaxed bars clustered around narrow streets and the little harbour – perfect for an evening stroll after dinner.
Are there quiet areas for adults if the resort is busy?
Although this is very much a family resort, its village-style layout and multiple pool zones mean you can usually find quieter corners away from the main aqua park. Sea-view terraces, the spa area (for adults and older teens, charges apply) and some of the smaller pools and garden areas offer a more laid-back vibe if you want to relax with a book while the children join activities.
What room types work best for larger families or multi-generational stays?
For bigger groups, the Casa Marina family apartments and suites, adjoining family rooms (two rooms next to each other) and Casa Marina Grand Family Suites are ideal. They can sleep up to 5 or 6 guests, with multiple bathrooms, some kitchen facilities and generous outdoor space. Multi-level maisonettes also work well if you’d like separate sleeping areas but want to remain in one unit.
Is Wi‑Fi available throughout the resort?
Yes. Free Wi‑Fi is available throughout Grecotel Marine Palace & Aqua Park, including most public areas and guest rooms, so it’s easy to stay connected, stream content or check local information during your stay.