Iberostar Selection Creta Marine
Panormos – Heraklion | Crete (Heraklion Area)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Set in lush gardens that tumble down towards the Cretan Sea, Iberostar Selection Creta Marine is a polished 5-star beachfront resort that feels made for easy family holidays. Think lagoon-style pools, sunset sea views, generous All Inclusive Plus, and a whole world of activities from Star Camp kids’ clubs to yoga, tennis and water sports – all wrapped in Iberostar’s certified sustainable approach.
Low-rise whitewashed buildings, swaying palms and turquoise pools set the tone at Iberostar Selection Creta Marine. A long seafront promenade threads between lawns and rocky coves, while stylish bungalows and rooms look across the gardens and out to the Aegean. Families are spoilt with kid-friendly dining, a dedicated children’s pool, access to a brand new waterpark at a nearby sister hotel, and the brilliant Star Camp concept that mixes fun with learning.
For couples and families seeking Crete (Heraklion Area)’s laid-back coast rather than the city bustle, Iberostar Selection Creta Marine hits a sweet spot: beachfront setting, polished 5-star service, and enough activities to keep every age happily busy. It’s around 2 hours from Heraklion Airport by coach transfer. See more Greece holidays.
Hotel Overview | Iberostar Selection Creta Marine
Highlights
🏖️ Beachfront location on Crete’s north coast
👨👩👧👦 Great for families with Star Camp kids’ clubs and children’s pool
🏡 Contemporary bungalows and modern hotel rooms set in lush gardens
🏊 Four outdoor pools plus an indoor pool and access to a nearby waterpark
♻️ Certified Sustainable Hotel meeting a GSTC-recognised standard
📶 Free Wi-Fi throughout
Rating and Board
Official rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rooms: 361 | Blocks: 36 | Floors: 4 | Lifts: 4
Board options: All Inclusive Plus, Half Board
Child age policy: typically up to 12 years for child pricing (rooms and offers may vary by date and occupancy).
Location | Iberostar Selection Creta Marine
Location
Iberostar Selection Creta Marine sits on the pretty north coast of Crete in Panormos – Heraklion, framed by rugged headlands and the Cretan Sea. The resort is laid out along the waterfront, so you’re never far from a sea breeze or a coastal stroll.
Head 4km to Panormos village for traditional tavernas, harbour views and three golden-sand coves sheltered from the wind – perfect for swimming, pedalo rides or jet skis. A little further, Rethymnon (18km) offers a charming old town with Venetian harbour, fortress ruins and buzzing cafés.
The area is ideal if you want a relaxed seaside base with easy day trips to culture-rich towns and ancient sites inland.
Distances and Transfers
• Beachfront setting with rocky coves and bathing spots in front of the hotel
• 4km from Panormos resort centre (restaurants, harbour, beaches)
• 18km from Rethymnon resort centre (historic old town and marina)
Approx. transfer time from airport: 2 hours from Heraklion (HER) by coach (subject to traffic and stops).
Map
Panormos – Heraklion, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece
Facilities and Rooms | Iberostar Selection Creta Marine
Restaurants and Bars
With five restaurants and five bars, Iberostar Selection Creta Marine makes eating and drinking a highlight of your stay.
Dias Restaurant is the main buffet venue, serving international favourites and Greek specialities at breakfast, lunch and dinner, with live show-cooking and dedicated kids’ options including a children’s buffet, kids’ menu, highchairs and even microwaves for warming baby food.
Alongside, you’ll find a strong line-up of à la carte experiences (reservations required, seasonal opening):
• Vegghera Cretan Taverna – Greek and local cuisine for dinner in a traditional taverna setting by the pool.
• Thalassa Mediterranean – Mediterranean and Japanese-inspired dishes right by the beach, ideal for a special evening.
• La Locanda Trattoria Bar & Restaurant – Italian classics served buffet-style at lunch and à la carte at dinner beside the pool.
• Greek Street Food Truck – casual Greek bites at lunchtime down by the beach (seasonal).
Bars are dotted across the resort so refreshment is never far: a relaxed pool bar, Anatoli Ouzo Bar, an adults-only Italian cocktail bar by the pool, Marine Lobby Bar for pre- or post-dinner drinks, and Thalassa Premium Cocktail Bar right by the sea (adults-only, seasonal). A smart-casual dress code applies in many venues (no beachwear; long trousers often requested for gentlemen in the evening).
All Inclusive Plus guests enjoy buffet meals in Dias, snacks for at least 3 hours daily, a wide selection of local and selected international drinks for a minimum of 12 hours per day, and a stocked minibar on arrival that’s refilled daily. Stays of 7–13 nights include two à la carte dinners; stays of 14 nights or more include four à la carte dinners (subject to reservation and availability). Half Board includes buffet breakfast and dinner with an à la carte dinner per 7-night stay at selected venues, and the option to swap dinner for lunch on some dates.
Pool Areas and Beach
The resort is a dream for water babies, with a choice of outdoor pools and a sheltered children’s pool.
• Three outdoor saltwater pools with sun terraces, loungers, parasols and baby-changing facilities (typically open May–October).
• One outdoor freshwater children’s pool, perfectly sized for younger guests, with surrounding sunbeds and shade.
• An indoor freshwater pool ideal for cooler days or a quiet swim (seasonal opening).
Free pool towels are provided, so you can travel light.
The hotel sits directly on the seafront, with rocky coves and bathing spots just steps away, plus easy access to boat trips and an external water sports centre offering snorkelling, scuba diving, motorised options and inflatables. For classic sand-between-your-toes time, the three golden coves of Panormos are a short drive or taxi ride away and are naturally sheltered from the wind – excellent for swimming and families.
Spa, Sports and Other Facilities
Stay as active or as relaxed as you like.
Sport & fitness
• Gym (typically open mid-May–November)
• Aerobics and dance classes
• Pilates and yoga
• Basketball and short tennis
• Table tennis, darts, petanque and snooker
Spa Sensations & wellness
Spa Sensations (minimum age usually 15 years) offers a sauna, massages and beauty treatments (extra charge). It’s a soothing space for post-pool pampering, open daily in season.
Other facilities
• On-site mini-market for holiday essentials and snacks
• Reception with concierge, currency exchange (local charge) and luggage storage
• Equipment on request/hire including kettles and wheelchairs (subject to availability, charges may apply)
Evening programmes feature in-house shows, live music, professional performances and a mini-disco for little ones, helping each day wind down on a high note.
Rooms
Waterfront Bungalow with Sharing Pool
Sleeps 2–3. Ground-floor bungalows set right by a shared pool, with a terrace leading almost directly to the water. Facilities include flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safety deposit box, terrace, coffee making facilities, kettle, fridge, pillow menu, turndown service, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, air conditioning, shower bathroom and minibar (local charge). Daily cleaning and towel change.
Family Bungalow with Front Sea View
Sleeps 3–4. Family-friendly bungalows facing the sea, located on either the ground or first floor. Expect a balcony or terrace with front sea view, flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safety deposit box, coffee making facilities, kettle, fridge, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer and shower bathroom. Air conditioning in season, with daily cleaning and linen/towel change on request.
Double Room with Garden View
Sleeps 2–3. Classic hotel rooms overlooking the gardens, with balcony or terrace, flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safety deposit box, coffee making facilities, kettle, fridge, hairdryer and shower bathroom. Seasonal air conditioning (typically mid-April–end October), with housekeeping and linen/towel change on request.
Double Room with Sea View
Sleeps 2–3. Similar layout to the Garden View doubles but with a balcony or terrace looking out to the sea. Includes TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, kettle, coffee making facilities, fridge, hairdryer and shower bathroom. Seasonal air conditioning, daily cleaning and linen/towel change on request.
Premium Double Room with Sea View
Sleeps 2–3. Upgraded double room category with enhanced sea views and a balcony, along with TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, kettle, coffee facilities, fridge, hairdryer and modern shower bathroom. Air conditioning in season, daily cleaning and towel change on request.
Family Room with Garden View
Sleeps 3–4. Ideal for families needing extra space. These rooms feature a balcony with garden view, flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee and tea-making set, fridge, hairdryer and shower bathroom. Seasonal air conditioning, daily cleaning and linen/towel change on request.
Family Room with Sea View
Sleeps 3–4. As above, but with a balcony facing the sea, plus TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, kettle and coffee facilities, fridge, hairdryer and shower bathroom. Air conditioning and daily cleaning service included.
Junior Suite with Front Sea View
Sleeps 3–4. Spacious option for couples or families, with a balcony and striking front sea view. Includes flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee making facilities, kettle, fridge, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer and shower bathroom. Seasonal air conditioning, daily cleaning and linen/towel change on request.
Bungalow with Front Sea View
Sleeps 2–3. Bungalows located on the ground or first floor, with direct front sea views from a balcony or terrace. Facilities include TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee making facilities, kettle, fridge, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer and shower bathroom. Seasonal air conditioning, daily cleaning and linen/towel change on request.
Bungalow with Garden View
Sleeps 2–3. Garden-facing bungalows on either ground or first floor, each with balcony or terrace, TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, kettle and coffee facilities, fridge, hairdryer and shower bathroom. Air conditioning (in season) plus daily cleaning and linen/towel change on request.
Bungalow with Sea View
Sleeps 2–3. Similar to the Garden View bungalows but with a balcony or terrace offering sea views. Includes TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, kettle and coffee facilities, fridge, hairdryer, shower bathroom and seasonal air conditioning, with daily cleaning and linen/towel change on request.
Double Room with Garden View for Sole Use
Sleeps 1. A smart choice for solo travellers, with garden views from a balcony or terrace plus TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee and tea-making facilities, fridge, hairdryer and shower bathroom. Seasonal air conditioning and regular housekeeping with linen/towel change on request.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
Activities & Experiences
Hotel Activities
🏋️ Gym and fitness sessions (aerobics, dance, pilates, yoga)
🎾 Basketball, short tennis, table tennis, darts, petanque & snooker
🌊 Water sports from an external provider – scuba diving, snorkelling, motorised options, inflatables & water polo
🎭 Daily daytime entertainment including arts and crafts, family games, team sports and water-based fun (seasonal)
🎤 Evening entertainment with live music, in-house shows, professional performances, DJs and mini-disco for children (seasonal)
Guest Services
🛎️ 24-hour-style reception with concierge support
💼 Luggage storage for early arrivals and late departures
💳 Currency exchange (local charge)
🧴 Spa Sensations with sauna, massages and beauty treatments (min age 15, extra charge)
🛒 On-site mini-market for snacks, drinks and beach essentials
👶 Children’s facilities including kids’ pool, playground, highchairs and kids’ menus
🧸 Star Camp kids’ clubs:
• Monkey (4–7 yrs) – arts & crafts, games, music & story time
• Dolphin (8–12 yrs) – sports, water-based activities, drama & music
• Eagle (13–17 yrs, high season) – team games, sports & water activities
♿ Equipment hire including wheelchair on request (subject to availability, charges may apply)
📶 Free Wi‑Fi across rooms and public areas
Practical Info
Need-to-know for Iberostar Selection Creta Marine
• Location: Beachfront setting in Panormos – Heraklion on Crete’s north coast
• Flight time from UK to Heraklion (HER): around 4.5 hours
• Transfer time to hotel: approximately 2 hours by shared coach
• Language: Greek (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time difference: GMT +2 hours (usually +3 in UK summer time)
Panormos itself has roots as the Roman port of Axos, and you can still feel echoes of its past in nearby ruins and fort remains. The modern village is all about lazy harbour lunches, calm coves and low-key evenings – ideal if you prefer authentic Crete to full-on nightlife.
Hotel information, opening times and entertainment are subject to seasonal changes and local regulations, which may alter facilities without notice. Some activities and services carry an extra charge and may require reservation.
For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Greece advice.
Prices and Book | Iberostar Selection Creta Marine
Iberostar Selection Creta Marine Prices & Book
Choose your dates in the search box for live availability, real-time prices and current offers. Secure your Crete escape with low deposits and full ATOL protection when you book with Travelisto.
FAQs | Iberostar Selection Creta Marine
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Iberostar Selection Creta Marine suitable for families?
Yes. Iberostar Selection Creta Marine is very family-friendly, with a dedicated children’s pool, playground, Star Camp kids’ clubs for ages 4–17, family rooms and bungalows, child-friendly dining options, and access to a new waterpark at a nearby sister hotel. There’s also a full programme of daytime activities and evening mini-discos.
2. How close is Iberostar Selection Creta Marine to the beach?
The hotel is set directly on the seafront in Panormos – Heraklion, with rocky coves and bathing spots just metres from the gardens. For wider sandy beaches, the sheltered coves beneath Panormos harbour are around 4km away and easy to reach by taxi, car or local transport.
3. What’s included with All Inclusive Plus at Iberostar Selection Creta Marine?
All Inclusive Plus typically includes buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner in Dias restaurant, snacks for at least 3 hours each day and a wide choice of local and selected international drinks for a minimum of 12 hours daily. Guests staying 7–13 nights are usually entitled to two à la carte dinners at selected restaurants, while stays of 14+ nights include four. A minibar is stocked on arrival and refilled daily. Inclusions can change, so check the latest details at check-in.
4. Do the rooms at Iberostar Selection Creta Marine have sea views?
Many categories do: you can choose from Double Sea View, Premium Double Sea View, Junior Suite Front Sea View, and various bungalows and family bungalows with sea or front sea views. Garden-view and inland-facing options are also available for better value, so you can match the room to your budget and priorities.
5. How long is the transfer from Heraklion Airport to Iberostar Selection Creta Marine?
The approximate transfer time from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Iberostar Selection Creta Marine is around 2 hours by coach, depending on traffic and the number of stops en route. Private transfers are often quicker and can be arranged at an additional cost.
6. Is there a dress code at Iberostar Selection Creta Marine’s restaurants?
A smart-casual dress code generally applies in the main buffet and à la carte restaurants. The hotel usually requests that beachwear is not worn at dinner and that gentlemen wear long trousers in the evening in some venues. Exact guidance may vary by season and restaurant, so it’s best to check the information provided on arrival.
7. Does Iberostar Selection Creta Marine have a spa?
Yes. Spa Sensations at Iberostar Selection Creta Marine offers a sauna, massages and beauty treatments, typically for guests aged 15 and over. Treatments carry an additional charge and should be booked locally. It’s a great spot to unwind after a day of sun and sightseeing.






















