GK Beach Hotel, Kalyves, Crete

The GK Beach Hotel, in western Crete, is a hidden gem; perfect for families who are looking for a relaxed family holiday away from the crowds and with direct access to the beach. This is a family-run hotel in a quiet location but is still only a 15-minute walk from the nearest village, Kalyves, where there are local shops, restaurants and tavernas to soak up the Greek atmosphere.

The hotel has a pool with poolside bar and restaurant, which showcases local produce, and is open to the public. There are two pools (one of which is a kids’ pool; the general public are not permitted to use the on-site pools) and landscaped gardens leading down to the beach. If you do want to leave this sanctuary, day trips can be organised through the hotel.

The rooms are simply furnished but comfortable and most of them have sea-facing balconies. All of them are air-conditioned and come with a fridge, with family suites sleeping either 3 or 4 people with a double bed and either an additional single or double folding bed.