Agapi Beach Resort

Perfect location and very friendly stuff. We had great time.

The staff were all lovely. The people of Crete were all lovely. The plumbing was exceptional. The facilities were very good. The selection of food and drink was better than any other all-inclusive we’ve been to. First rate.

This stay was booked by Premier Travel using Jet2 as they always manage to find sensible timed flights from Stansted our nearest airport. The hotel is situated about a 15 - 20 minute taxi ride from Heraklion airport in Crete and check-in was both smooth and quick, possibly as we didn't turn up with those arriving by coach! We had booked a Premium Double Room with sea view and that is exactly what we got, I did email a few days before we went away requesting a high level room if at all possible, we got one of the six rooms on the 5th and highest floor. The room was very modern with a split level (single bed on lower level) and looked out over the Lobby bar, main pool and of course, the sea. The room, I guess like the others that have been refurbished, was done more for looks (they were good) than for practicality. Storage space was somewhat sparse with one two door wardrobe and two bedside drawers, which fortunately, were quite deep. It appeared that there could have been more storage space but there was just a long stretch of wooden wall. The room did have probably one of the best electronic safes we have encountered, and it was a very useful size. The en-suite shower room was again probably one of the best we have encountered with a fully enclosed shower cubicle, no flooded floor for once, and a large Ideal Standard hand basin with a concealed plug that actually worked! Perhaps I should mention at this point the cleanliness not only of the room but the whole hotel even to the point of fallen leaves being swept up on a daily basis. I mentioned earlier that our room overlooked the main pool, considering the number of guests that this hotel could accommodate the pool was rather on the small side, there was another pool (signed as heated, but only in the cooler months apparently). We tended to use this pool as it was quieter than the main pool. I suppose because we tended to use the smaller pool we never really used the Amora Pool (main pool bar) but instead went to the Sansa Beach Bar which was quite small and always very busy. Maybe an extension of this bar and more staff would be something for the future. On the subject of drinks, the hotel advertises itself as Premium All Inclusive giving the impression that some international branded drinks are included, as far as we could ascertain all international branded spirits attracted an additional price of at least €5.00. Having been to Corfu earlier in the year we were somewhat surprised that the main 1978 Lobby Bar had about 3 times the amount of smoking tables to the non-smoking ones. True there were smokers there, but the ratio of tables was considerably out of kilter and it was sometimes difficult to avoid other guest’s smoke. The main Mediterraneo restaurant was like so many other all-inclusive resorts somewhat manic made worse by the sheer number of buggies and pushchairs (babies and toddlers) who were there at the same time as us. Buggies and pushchairs were brought into the restaurant and left rather haphazardly in walkways and at the end of tables. One feature that we have not seen elsewhere was the General Manger and his Deputy not only walking around the restaurant and indeed the resort, but also showing guests to tables, wiping surfaces down and clearing tables. I am sure that staff are pleased to see Management mucking in and getting their hands dirty rather than just standing by. Others have commented on the repetitive nature of the food, and I must confess that we agree with them, added to which there was a tendency for the type of food to be geared very much to the rather large contingent of European guests rather than those from the UK. Finally, the a la carte Restaurants, we tried them both but didn’t go back. At the Italian we were made to feel as if we were doing them a favour by being there, our female server treated us with a degree of indifference and my supposed signature beef dish was both bland and pretty much tasteless. We did get the impression that if you were prepared to buy a bottle of wine rather than just have the house wine you would be fawned over for all the time you were there! The Taverna a la carte – well, we were expecting the meze but not the six dishes, nor the salad that followed, followed by the main course and then dessert! Far too much which, of course, led to quite a degree of food wastage and not only at our table. Strange, as at the main restaurant is a sign asking for guests to help save food wastage! It would be interesting to know just how many diners at the Taverner a la carte managed to eat all that was placed in front of them! Well, a rather long review which hopefully will be of use to others contemplating going to this resort. Would we go back, probably not, difficult to say why but possibly due to the number of toddlers and babies especially as there was little or nothing for them to do there, guess it will have to be adults only in future!

We would like to thank you the whole staff for amazing vacation. You made it really special with all your care. Big thank to reception team, especially Daria!

Overall Impression My two friends and I spent a week at Agapi Beach Resort in early September, and we all had a fantastic experience. It is evident that the staff take great pride in their work; every team member we encountered was diligent, professional, and welcoming. The entire resort - including the gardens, pool areas, and beach - is exceptionally well-maintained and clean. Finding three sunbeds and an umbrella on the beach was never an issue, regardless of the time of day. A quick tip for future guests: bring water shoes for the hot sand and as a precaution for sea urchins, though we did not spot any during our stay! Accommodation We stayed in a upper-level garden bungalow (No. 612), which offered a lovely side sea view. It was spotlessly clean, comfortably spacious for three adults, and featured high-quality linens. The air conditioning was quiet and effective, allowing for a very peaceful night's sleep. The bathroom was well-stocked with premium Greek toiletries, saving valuable luggage space (though bringing your own hair conditioner is recommended). Dining & Amenities The food and beverage offerings exceeded our expectations across all meals. The buffets were varied and high quality, with the Cretan dishes and the exceptionally tender lamb being standouts. Unlike many resort buffets, the food was consistently served piping hot and continuously replenished. The open kitchen layout was a reassuring touch of professionalism, and the dining rooms remained immaculate even during peak hours. The house wine and cocktail selection - particularly the gin and tonics - were very good. The only minor addition that would have elevated breakfast further would be freshly squeezed orange juice, though the daily fresh smoothies were a wonderful alternative. Digital Experience & Service The resort's app-based system is excellent. We appreciated not having to wear traditional all-inclusive wristbands; instead, a single QR code on the app managed our verification seamlessly after the initial check-in. The app also made booking the Seaside Taverna and checking dining themes effortless. Strong Wi-Fi coverage extended all the way to the beach, which was very convenient. A special mention must go to Hara and Argiro, who looked after us throughout the week in the main restaurant. Both were exceptionally kind, hardworking, and attentive - they are a true credit to the resort. Location & Practical Info The resort is conveniently located, with a taxi rank and bus stop situated just outside the property. Excursions can be easily booked via reception (note that cash in Euros is required for tour payments). Final Thoughts Agapi Beach provides a truly relaxing, high-quality holiday. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would gladly recommend this property to anyone seeking a well-managed getaway in Crete.