Enorme Santanna Beach
Ierapetra | Crete (Heraklion Area)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Enorme Santanna Beach is a fresh, design-led bolthole on Crete’s sun-drenched south coast, terraced into a small hillside above the Libyan Sea. Think clean lines, whitewashed architecture and big sea views from many corners of the property. Three sleek freshwater pools – including a rooftop plunge pool – set the scene, while the beach waits just across the road. Half Board dining with themed buffet nights, a choice of chilled-out bars and a compact collection of only 69 rooms (many with either private or swim-up pools) make this a grown-up escape with a boutique feel.
Perched just above the shoreline with sweeping views over the Cretan Sea, Enorme Santanna Beach combines a cool, contemporary look with a laid-back beach-club vibe. Sip something cold at the rooftop pool, wander down to the sand in moments or retreat to your own private or swim-up pool – this compact hideaway is made for long, lazy days in the sun.
For couples and friends seeking Crete (Heraklion Area)’s quieter, more authentic side, Enorme Santanna Beach hits a sweet spot: a hillside setting with sea views, a stylish pool scene and easy access to Ierapetra’s tavernas and harbour. It’s around 1 hour 30 minutes from Heraklion Airport. See more Greece holidays.
Hotel Overview | Enorme Santanna Beach
Highlights
🆕 New for Summer 2025 – contemporary feel and fresh facilities
🏖️ Just ~50m from the beach on Crete’s relaxed south coast
🏊 Individual private-pool and swim-up rooms for a luxe upgrade
⛰️ Photogenic hillside setting with panoramic sea views
🌊 Trio of freshwater pools including a cool rooftop plunge pool
📶 Free Wi-Fi throughout
Rating and Board
Official rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Board options: Half Board (buffet breakfast & dinner in main restaurant)
Hotel features: 8 low-rise blocks | 69 rooms | 2 floors | No lifts
Child policy: Children welcome (typical child age up to 6 years for child pricing – check at time of booking)
Location | Enorme Santanna Beach
Location
Enorme Santanna Beach sits on the south coast of Crete, just outside Ierapetra – one of the sunniest spots in Greece and notably less developed than the island’s north. The hotel is built into a small hillside facing the Libyan Sea, so many public areas capture wide-open blue views.
Stroll about 50m down to the local beach for a dip, then wander a couple of kilometres into Ierapetra for seafront tavernas, flower-decked old-town streets and the small harbour where boats leave for Chrissi Island. This is a great base if you’re looking to combine pool time with low-key exploring, coastal drives and boat trips.
Distances and Transfers
Beach: approx. 50m (across the road)
Ierapetra resort centre (harbour, tavernas, shops): approx. 2.5km
Approx. transfer time from airport: 1 hour 30 minutes (from Heraklion – HER)
Map
Ierapetra, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece
Facilities and Rooms | Enorme Santanna Beach
Restaurants and Bars
The heart of the food offering is the bright main restaurant, where Half Board guests enjoy buffet-style breakfast and dinner. Expect a mix of Mediterranean and international dishes, live show cooking and regular themed evenings, plus a pleasant terrace so you can dine with a sea breeze.
Three bars cover every mood: a relaxed beach bar for daytime refreshments by the sand, a casual lobby bar for a pre-dinner drink, and a rooftop pool bar serving drinks with far-reaching views. Smart-casual dress is usually requested at dinner (no beachwear in the restaurant or lobby bar).
Menus, opening hours, and how included items work with Half Board can change seasonally, so check the latest details in-resort. For reference on inclusions, see what All Inclusive typically includes.
Pool Areas and Beach
You’ll have three outdoor freshwater pools to flit between. Two are located at ground level with surrounding sunbathing areas, loungers and parasols, ideal for a lazy day of reading and dipping. Up top, a petite rooftop plunge pool creates a more exclusive, adults-leaning atmosphere with panoramic views over the sea and coastline. Pool towels are complimentary, so you can pack lighter.
The nearest beach is only around 50m away, accessed by crossing the road. This stretch of coast is typically more peaceful than the north, with clear water and a relaxed, local feel – perfect for unhurried swims and sunset strolls.
Spa, Sports and Other Facilities
Stay active in the compact but well-equipped, air-conditioned gym, fitted with cardio machines, a free-weights area and fixed strength equipment (minimum age 16 years; usually open 08:00–22:00).
When it’s time to slow the pace, head to the small spa for massage or beauty treatments (18+, extra charge; typical opening 09:30–18:00). Occasional evening entertainment, such as live music between April and September, brings a sociable but low-key ambience after dark.
A 24-hour-style reception team is on hand for luggage storage and local tips, and the whole property benefits from free Wi‑Fi so you can keep in touch or work remotely if needed.
Rooms
Single Room
Sleeps: 1
Ideal for solo travellers wanting a stylish base. You’ll have a balcony or terrace, flat-screen TV, free Wi‑Fi, safety deposit box, air conditioning, shower bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobe and slippers, plus kettle and coffee-making facilities. Daily cleaning keeps everything fresh.
Double Room
Sleeps: 2
Similar in style and amenities to the Single Room but with a double occupancy layout. Expect a balcony or terrace, modern shower room and all the essentials: Wi‑Fi, TV, air con, safe, bathrobe and slippers, kettle and coffee-making facilities.
Superior Room
Sleeps: 2–3
More space for a longer stay, these rooms feature either a balcony or terrace and additional seating. Along with Wi‑Fi, TV, air conditioning and safe, you’ll have a fridge, kettle, coffee-making facilities, bathrobe and slippers, and a sleek shower bathroom.
Double Room with Private Pool
Sleeps: 2
Step straight from your terrace into your own private pool. These rooms swap a standard balcony for a private terrace with sunbeds, creating a more secluded experience. Facilities include flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, safe, hairdryer, bathrobe and slippers, coffee-making facilities, kettle, fridge and a modern shower room.
Superior Room with Private Pool
Sleeps: 2–3
All the extra space of a Superior plus a private swimming pool and furnished terrace with sunbeds. Great if you like the idea of lazy mornings by “your” pool before heading to the beach. In-room touches include fridge, TV, Wi‑Fi, air con, safe, kettle, coffee maker, bathrobe and slippers and daily cleaning.
Swim Up Double Room
Sleeps: 2
Terrace rooms that open directly onto a semi-shared swim-up pool, usually shared with a handful of neighbouring rooms. Features include sunbeds on the terrace, Wi‑Fi, TV, air conditioning, safe, fridge, kettle, coffee-making facilities, bathrobe and slippers and a shower bathroom.
Swim Up Superior Room
Sleeps: 2–3
The most spacious swim-up option, with a larger terrace leading onto a shared pool. Designed for couples or small groups looking for a sociable but upmarket pool experience. Facilities mirror the other upgraded categories: fridge, TV, Wi‑Fi, air con, safe, kettle, coffee-making facilities, bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer and walk-in shower.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
Activities & Experiences
Hotel Activities
💪 Air-conditioned gym with cardio and strength equipment (16+)
🏊 Three freshwater pools, including rooftop plunge pool
🎶 Occasional evening entertainment with live music (Apr–Sep)
🌅 Sunset drinks by the rooftop pool or beach bar
🚤 Easy access to boat trips from Ierapetra, including Chrissi Island (bookable locally)
Guest Services
🛎️ Reception with luggage storage and local information
🧴 Spa with massage and beauty treatments (18+, extra charge)
🧼 Daily housekeeping in all rooms
📶 Free Wi‑Fi throughout hotel and rooms
🛏️ Bathrobes, slippers and in-room coffee facilities in most room types
🚕 Assistance with local taxis and excursions (via reception; charges apply)
Practical Info
Ierapetra offers a more authentic slice of Crete, with a flower-filled old town, a waterfront promenade and day trips to nearby Chrissi Island. The local language is Greek and the currency is the Euro (€). Crete is usually +2 hours ahead of the UK, and typical flight time from the UK to Heraklion is around 4.5 hours.
Seasonal facilities (such as entertainment, bar and pool opening times) may vary by month, weather or occupancy and some services incur local charges. Always check the most up-to-date information with the hotel on arrival.
For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Greece advice.
Prices and Book | Enorme Santanna Beach
Enorme Santanna Beach Prices & Book
Choose your dates in the search box for live availability and offers. Book with low deposits. ATOL Protected.
FAQs | Enorme Santanna Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How far is Enorme Santanna Beach from the nearest beach?
The hotel is set on a small hillside just across the road from the shoreline, roughly 50 metres from the beach. You can be on the sand in just a couple of minutes’ walk from the main building.
2. What is included with Half Board at Enorme Santanna Beach?
Half Board usually includes buffet-style breakfast and dinner in the main restaurant. Drinks with meals and any snacks or à la carte items are normally at extra cost unless stated otherwise on your booking or by the hotel. Theme nights and show cooking are often featured at dinner.
3. Are there private pool or swim-up rooms at Enorme Santanna Beach?
Yes. Several upgraded categories offer extra pool perks, including Double and Superior Rooms with private pools, as well as Swim Up Double Rooms and Swim Up Superior Rooms where your terrace leads directly to a semi-shared pool. These are ideal if you like the idea of moving between room and pool with minimal effort.
4. Is Enorme Santanna Beach suitable for guests with limited mobility?
The hotel is built on a small hillside and spread across multiple low-rise blocks with two floors and no lifts. There are slopes and steps in and around the property and down towards the beach, which may make it less suitable for guests with reduced mobility. If accessibility is important, speak to a Travelisto travel designer before booking for tailored advice.
5. What is the approximate transfer time from Heraklion Airport?
The journey from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Enorme Santanna Beach in Ierapetra typically takes around 1 hour 30 minutes by road, depending on traffic and any stops. Private transfers are often a little quicker than shared coaches.
6. Does Enorme Santanna Beach have Wi‑Fi?
Yes, free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the hotel, including in guest rooms and most public areas, making it easy to stay connected or stream content during your stay.
7. Is there evening entertainment at Enorme Santanna Beach?
The hotel offers occasional evening entertainment between mid-April and the end of September, usually including live music. The programme is seasonal and can change, so check the weekly schedule on arrival.















