Glaros Royal Beach Hotel formerly Cretan Blue Beach Hotel
Hersonissos | Crete (Heraklion Area)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Perched on Crete’s north coast right by the sea, Glaros Royal Beach Hotel (formerly Cretan Blue Beach Hotel) is a compact, contemporary retreat that places you between the waterfront and the lively heart of Hersonissos. Expect soft Mediterranean tones, a chic rooftop pool, and a seafront restaurant where the catch of the day and Cretan flavours take centre stage – all wrapped into an easy Half Board stay.
From the rooftop pool you can watch the Aegean change from morning turquoise to sunset gold, then wander down to the beachfront restaurant for grilled fish and local wine. Glaros Royal Beach Hotel is all about those pared-back Mediterranean moments – think whitewashed walls, sea views and Hersonissos’ bars and tavernas just a few minutes’ stroll away.
For couples or friends keen to mix Crete (Heraklion Area)’s beaches with easy nightlife, Glaros Royal Beach Hotel formerly Cretan Blue Beach Hotel hits a sweet spot: a smart, intimate base right by the water and steps from Hersonissos’ main strip. It’s around 1 hour from Heraklion airport. See more Greece holidays.
Hotel Overview | Glaros Royal Beach Hotel formerly Cretan Blue Beach Hotel
Highlights
🏖️ Beachfront spot just 100m from the sand
🛏️ Modern Superior Double rooms with balcony or terrace
🌊 Rooftop freshwater pool and sun terrace
🌅 Seafront à la carte restaurant for sunset dinners
🌆 Peaceful base a short stroll from lively Hersonissos
📶 Free Wi-Fi throughout
Rating and Board
Official rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Board options: Half Board
Child age guideline: up to 11 years (for pricing and occupancy).
Hotel layout: 2 blocks | 4 floors | 2 lifts | 51 rooms.
Location | Glaros Royal Beach Hotel formerly Cretan Blue Beach Hotel
Location
Set just back from the seafront in central Hersonissos, Glaros Royal Beach Hotel gives you the best of both worlds: a peaceful, compact hotel in a small side-street setting, and the buzz of the resort just a few steps away.
Stroll around 100m to reach the nearest beach with its watersports, beach bars and loungers. The main strip and waterfront promenade are also about 100m away, putting tavernas, cocktail bars, shops and late‑night venues within very easy walking distance.
By day you’ve got classic north‑coast Crete – bright-blue seas, boat trips and nearby waterparks – and by night Hersonissos comes alive with music bars and lounges, while you still have a calm base to come back to.
Distances and Transfers
• Beach: approx. 100m
• Nearest bars, restaurants and shops: approx. 100m
• Hersonissos resort centre: approx. 100m
• Heraklion (HER) airport: approx. 25km
Approx. transfer time from airport: 1 Hour
Map
Hersonissos, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece
Facilities and Rooms | Glaros Royal Beach Hotel formerly Cretan Blue Beach Hotel
Restaurants and Bars
Food is a real highlight here, with dining split between the stylish seafront Cretan Blue Restaurant and the main buffet restaurant at the nearby sister hotel.
Cretan Blue Restaurant (beachfront à la carte)
• À la carte restaurant right on the water’s edge
• Serves international, Italian, Greek and local cuisine
• Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks (typically 01 Apr–31 Oct)
• Kids’ menu and highchairs available
Glaros Beach Hotel Main Restaurant (sister hotel, ~100m away)
• Buffet restaurant for Half Board breakfast and dinner
• Mix of Mediterranean favourites and international dishes
• Smart-casual dress code (no beachwear; long trousers for gentlemen requested in the evening)
Bars
• Rooftop pool bar (usually 01 Jun–30 Sep, approx. 18:00–02:00) – perfect for a sundowner with sea views
• Lobby bar/main bar (typically 01 Apr–31 Oct, approx. 07:30–00:00)
Restaurant openings, dress codes and supplements can change by season and board basis, so use this as a guide rather than a guarantee. For a deeper dive into what food and drink packages usually cover, see what All Inclusive typically includes.
Pool Areas and Beach
The hotel’s signature feature is its rooftop terrace, home to a compact freshwater pool and a generous sunbathing area with loungers – a lovely perch for laid‑back afternoons and golden‑hour views over the Cretan coastline. Pool towels are available for a local charge.
The nearest beach is only around 100m away, so you can easily mix pool time with sea swims and watersports. Along the seafront you’ll find a choice of organised sections with sunbeds and parasols (local charges apply), plus beachfront bars for drinks and snacks between dips.
Spa, Sports and Other Facilities
While Glaros Royal Beach Hotel keeps things simple on the activities front, it offers the essentials for a comfortable, easy holiday base:
• 24‑hour reception
• Currency exchange (local charge may apply)
• Lobby seating area and bar
• Wi‑Fi throughout the hotel (usage levels may vary by area)
Beyond the hotel, Hersonissos is packed with things to do – from watersports and diving centres to boat trips, waterparks and excursions to Knossos and inland villages – making this a great “beach and explore” base.
Rooms
Superior Double Room
Sleeps: Minimum 2, Maximum 3
Contemporary rooms finished in cool whites and sea‑blue accents, with either a balcony or terrace for a bit of outdoor space. An ideal base if you plan to spend most of your time around the pool, on the beach or exploring Hersonissos.
Key amenities include:
• Flat-screen TV
• Wi‑Fi*
• Safety deposit box*
• Balcony or terrace
• Bathroom with shower
• Hairdryer
• Kettle
• Fridge
• Daily cleaning and towel change
*Local charges may apply for certain services such as Wi‑Fi speed upgrades or safety deposit boxes.
Room views, sizes and layouts can vary, and specific outlooks (such as sea view or land view) will depend on what you select at the time of booking and on hotel allocation.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
Activities & Experiences
Hotel Activities
While the on‑site activity programme is low‑key, the location makes it very easy to fill your days:
🎣 Stroll to the beach for swimming, snorkelling and local watersports (independent operators)
🌊 Enjoy boat trips and glass‑bottom cruises from Hersonissos harbour
💦 Visit nearby waterparks and family attractions in the Heraklion area
🏛️ Take excursions to Knossos, Heraklion city or traditional mountain villages
Ask reception for up‑to‑date information on local tours and experiences available during your stay.
Guest Services
🛎️ 24‑hour reception
💱 Currency exchange*
📶 Wi‑Fi throughout the hotel (speed and coverage may vary)
👨👩👧 Highchairs and children’s menus in restaurants
🧳 Luggage assistance on arrival/departure (subject to staff availability)
*Local charges may apply for some services; details are confirmed locally.
Practical Info
Good to know for Hersonissos & Crete
• Flight time from UK to Heraklion: approx. 4–4.5 hours
• Time difference: GMT +2 hours
• Local currency: Euro (€)
• Language: Greek (English widely spoken in resorts)
Hersonissos is one of Crete’s liveliest north‑coast towns, combining a long seafront with watersports, beach clubs, bars and tavernas. Families will find aquariums and waterparks nearby, while culture fans can head to Knossos and Heraklion’s museums.
Hotel information, opening dates and facilities are based on the most recent data available and can change from season to season. Some services are weather‑dependent, may operate at set times, or incur local charges.
For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Spain advice.
Prices and Book | Glaros Royal Beach Hotel formerly Cretan Blue Beach Hotel
Glaros Royal Beach Hotel formerly Cretan Blue Beach Hotel Prices & Book
Choose your dates in the search box for live availability and current offers on Glaros Royal Beach Hotel in Hersonissos. Secure your holiday with low deposits and full ATOL protection when you book with Travelisto.
FAQs | Glaros Royal Beach Hotel formerly Cretan Blue Beach Hotel
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How close is Glaros Royal Beach Hotel to the beach and Hersonissos centre?
The hotel is in a superbly central location: around 100m from the nearest beach and about 100m from the shops, bars, restaurants and main resort centre of Hersonissos. It’s easy to walk everywhere, so you won’t need a car to enjoy the seafront and nightlife.
2. What board basis is available at Glaros Royal Beach Hotel?
Stays are typically on Half Board. This includes buffet-style breakfast and dinner served at the Glaros Beach Hotel Main Restaurant, located at the sister property about 100m away. Lunch, drinks and à la carte meals at the Cretan Blue Restaurant are payable locally unless otherwise stated on your booking.
3. Does Glaros Royal Beach Hotel have a swimming pool?
Yes. There is an outdoor freshwater pool located on the rooftop terrace, with a surrounding sunbathing area and sunbeds. A rooftop pool bar operates in high season. Pool towels are available, usually for a deposit or small local charge.
4. What room facilities can I expect in a Superior Double Room?
Superior Double Rooms sleep up to 3 guests and come with a balcony or terrace, flat‑screen TV, Wi‑Fi (local charges may apply for premium access), safety deposit box (payable locally), shower bathroom, hairdryer, kettle and fridge. Rooms are cleaned daily with regular towel changes. Views and exact layouts can differ between rooms.
5. Is Glaros Royal Beach Hotel suitable for children?
Children are welcome and families can share Superior Double Rooms sleeping up to three people. The restaurants provide highchairs and children’s menus. However, there’s no dedicated kids’ club or splash pool, so the hotel tends to suit families who are happy to spend time together at the beach or exploring rather than relying on structured entertainment.
6. How long is the transfer from Heraklion Airport to Glaros Royal Beach Hotel?
The resort of Hersonissos is around an hour’s drive from Heraklion Airport (HER), depending on traffic and how many stops your transfer makes. Private transfers are usually quicker than shared coaches.
7. Is there Wi‑Fi at Glaros Royal Beach Hotel?
Yes, Wi‑Fi is available throughout the hotel. Connection speeds and coverage can vary by area, and some enhanced services may carry a local charge. It’s ideal for basic browsing, messaging and checking in with home.
8. Do I need to follow a dress code in the restaurants?
The main buffet restaurant at the sister hotel operates a smart‑casual dress code in the evenings. Beachwear is not permitted and gentlemen are typically asked to wear long trousers for dinner. The à la carte restaurant also expects guests to be appropriately dressed – think relaxed holiday smart rather than very formal.











