Silva Beach

Ideally located at the heart of the lively beach resort of Hersonissos, Silva Beach features a smart, trendy reception area that fronts the busy main road on one side, but opens on the other side to a peaceful, sprawling complex of ochre tinted, Cretan style houses shaded by vines and surrounded by flowering plants. Slightly difficult-to-navigate flights of stairs and narrow alleys lead to suites and rooms, then down to a large pool where various water activities are organized during the daytime. While the property used to be adults-only, it now allows children and caters to families with a daily entertainment, a children's pool, and a variety of room types.

At the heart of lively Hersonissos and 20 minutes via car from Heraklion’s international airport, Silva Beach is near Spinalonga, the eponymous island featured in Victoria Hislops bestselling novel, which can be reached by boat from the laid-back beach resort of Elounda. Opposite a pebbled cove and within walking distance of a string of sandy beaches, the resort is also within easy reach of lively Mecca Malia and the fabled Minoan remains of Knossos palace.

Set on a small slope, short flights of steps lead to the hotel's village-style, two-floor complex of 302 rooms and suites, which are mostly clustered around the hotel’s larger pool. Rooms are clean and neat, but feature bland decor and some have single mattresses pushed together to form doubles. All twin and double-bedded rooms have en suite bathrooms with tiny walk-in showers, air conditioning, mini-fridges, and balconies or terraces with sea, pool, or garden views. One-bedroom suites located in the main building also have DVD players and coffeemakers, as well as bathrobes and slippers and welcome gifts of fruit.

Rooms around the pool area are very popular, especially with families, although they can be noisy during the daytime. Guests seeking a more peaceful environment should choose second floor rooms with garden views.

Silva Beach’s main pool, with its romantic pool bar, is a popular hangout during the daytime, especially as a there a range of fitness activities on offer here. There are several other pools as well, including a children's pool. Other on-site activities include tennis courts, a tiny fitness center, a playground, beach volleyball, and a wellness center with a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool.

For lunchtime and evening meals guests head for the main Minoan restaurant, where a buffet of Greek and Italian specialties are served and there is regular evening entertainment. For more exclusive dining The Olive Tree has candlelit tables, an a la carte menu and tables overlooking the sea below. Close to the smaller pool and overlooking the pebble beach, a well-shaded beach bar serves drinks, snacks, and ice cream.