THE NEW CRETAN COOL: It involves your own POOL
Didn't think Hersonissos was hip? Think again: Galaxy Suites is here
Spoiler alert: We at Greek Column are partial to Crete. Yes, there are many other Greek islands, some even prettier than Crete (here’s looking at you, Corfu) but there is nothing like Crete — like Ireland, it is totally unique. Proud history. Profound literary heritage. Spirits (of many kinds), song, and soul.
That doesn’t mean that some parts of Crete haven’t succumbed to overtourism — it’s 2025 after all. Hersonissos and Malia in Crete in particular are your basic Mediterranean mass tourism, there’s no getting around it. The proximity to Heraklion (our favorite city in Crete) and Crete’s busiest airport are two factors that make that a reality — not bad for many people, but problematic for those who seek that more authentic Cretan vibe.
Well, guess what? You can find it even in Hersonissos, if you just know where to look. While most of the big resort hotels cling to the coast, there are actually quiet corners that cling to the hillside below the main east-west highway, Route 90. One such is the village of Koutouloufari, where last year the Galaxy Suites Boutique Resort opened. It is, they correctly state, “a captivating destination that effortlessly combines authentic Cretan hospitality with contemporary luxury.” This five-star resort village comes from the folks behind the Galaxy Hotel Iraklio, one of our favorite hotels in Heraklion. There are just 57 luxury suites, some with private pools. The hotel’s three main pools are beautiful, and the views over Heraklion Bay are stunning. There’s also a full-service restaurant and Luxe Bar.
Starting next season, Galaxy Suites Boutique Resort will be catering to a mostly adult clientele, meaning a more peaceful atmosphere is in store for guests than what is found at larger hotels where the presence of noisy kids can make just getting a cup of coffee a hair-raising experience.
If you’re planning a visit to Heraklion next April or after and don’t have a lot of time to see the rest of Crete, consider adding a couple of nights at Galaxy Suites on either end of your Heraklion “city break.”
The small resort is only about 25 minutes from Heraklion’s airport. The beaches of Hersonissos are just a short drive away. It’s also a short distance from the Crete Golf Club, which, remember, also has a very good hotel.🌐
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