Elounda Akti Olous Adults Only

Adults only, directly on the sandy shore of Elounda Bay, and run with a family touch rather than a resort-machine feel. Hotel Akti Olous suits you if you want the sea close, a proper restaurant on site and somewhere to sit down without having to organise the evening like a military exercise.

The atmosphere is straightforward and grown-up. You have a small private beach, a roof garden bar with views across the bay, and a rooftop pool for the moments when you would rather look at the water than get in it. The hotel's website is available in English and French, useful for sorting out the practical details before you arrive.

This is a place for adults travelling as a couple or with friends. The minimum check-in age is 18, and the hotel does not accept children.

You are in Elounda, Crete, on the waterfront rather than somewhere inland with a generous interpretation of the word 'coastal'. The hotel has direct access to the bay and its own private beach area, with sun loungers and umbrellas ready for a slower spell between excursions.

Elounda centre is about 1,000 feet away, close enough for an evening wander, a coffee or a change of scenery without committing to a taxi. Nearby options include Malibu Cafebar, about 1,250 feet away, the Peacock Bar at roughly 1,550 feet, and Ariadne Pizzaria Restaurant at around 750 feet.

The local history is close at hand too. The ancient site of Olous is about 1,750 feet away, while Spinalonga Fortress is around 2.8 miles from the hotel. Agios Nikolaos, with its seafront restaurants and shops, is about 7.5 miles away; Lake Voulismeni is roughly 6 miles beyond.

The rooms use a classic style and come with balconies looking towards the sea, garden or mountains, depending on the category. Choose a sea-view room if opening the door to blue water matters more than having extra room; the Junior Suite is the more comfortable couple's choice when you want a little more space around the bed and the day's belongings.

For three adults, the Triple Room is the practical answer, with two single beds and a sofa bed. It is a room for sleeping rather than a sprawling base camp, so pack with some discipline. You do get the essentials that matter once the salt has been rinsed off: air conditioning, a fridge, a private bathroom, slippers, a hairdryer and a kettle.

Some units add a seating area, while soundproof rooms are available. A smartphone with unlimited calls and mobile data is offered during your stay, which is handy for checking meeting points, calling the group or finding dinner without using your own allowance. Daily housekeeping keeps the room reset while you are out.

Blue Sea Restaurant sits by the water and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Its cooking covers seafood alongside Greek and international specialities, so you can stay local when you want to, or retreat to something familiar when the day's appetite has narrowed your choices to 'food, now'.

There are two named bars. Breeze Main Bar handles the first cold drink and can bring refreshments to your room or to the sunbeds, while SKY Pool Bar keeps the rooftop pool supplied. A snack bar and an on-site coffee house add simpler options between meals.

Breakfast can also be served in your room. The hotel offers packed lunches as well, useful when a boat trip or a day out leaves little time for a leisurely table.

The rooftop outdoor pool gives you a second place to swim, with the Cretan Sea spread out beyond it. Sun loungers, beach chairs, umbrellas, a sun terrace and the garden cover the main requirement after a busy day: somewhere horizontal that does not ask you to make conversation.

When you do want to move, the hotel offers bicycle rental, walking tours and tennis equipment. Evening entertainment and a happy hour are also available on site, while board games and puzzles are there for a quieter night when the legs have had enough of Crete.

The surrounding area opens up more options. Excursions include boat trips, island visits, waterfalls, markets and snorkelling. Cycling, canoeing, windsurfing, fishing, horse riding and tennis are available away from the property, giving you ways to fill a non-diving day without pretending that every holiday needs an itinerary.

Heraklion International Airport is about 37 miles away by road, with a typical drive of around 55 minutes. Sitia Public Airport is roughly 45 miles away and takes about 1 hour 20 minutes by car. Airport transfers are not listed as a hotel service here, so arrange your onward transport before landing; car hire is available and free private parking is provided on site.

Check-in runs from 15:00 to 23:30, while check-out is from 06:30 to 11:00. A 24-hour reception, express check-in and check-out, luggage storage, concierge assistance and a tour desk make the arrival and departure mechanics fairly painless, particularly if your flight times are not designed by a person who travels.

WiFi is free throughout the hotel. The property has a lift, upper floors accessible by elevator, air conditioning, non-smoking rooms and a shared lounge with TV. Payment is accepted in cash, and guests must be at least 18 to check in.