Our experience at a five-star all-inclusive resort near Hersonissos, with several pools, themed restaurants, family facilities and plenty of opportunities to relax.
Returning to Hersonissos, almost 20 years later
Our first holiday in Crete was in Hersonissos, almost 20 years ago. Since then, we have returned to the island several times, discovering historic sites, beautiful beaches, traditional tavernas and places we would happily visit again.
This time, we had the opportunity to experience a different kind of holiday at Nana Royal Premium Resort & Spa, a five-star all-inclusive resort on the northern coast of Crete.
Crete is an island that offers plenty of reasons to explore. You can spend your days visiting ancient sites, wandering through old towns, discovering beaches or enjoying local food in a traditional taverna. But not every holiday needs to involve a new excursion every morning. Sometimes, especially when you have visited an island several times, it is nice to slow down and enjoy the place where you are staying.
That was our experience at Nana Royal. We found enough facilities and activities to enjoy the resort without feeling that we had to leave every day to discover something else.
Nana Royal Premium Resort & Spa: A five-star resort in Crete
Nana Royal is located in the Sarandaris area, close to Hersonissos, on Crete’s northern coast. Opened in 2026, the five-star resort offers several room categories, swimming pools, restaurants, bars and facilities designed for families.
One of the first things we noticed was the view from our room. We stayed on an upper floor, in a spacious and clean room with a balcony overlooking both the pool and the sea. It is the kind of detail that makes a difference when you spend several days at a resort. You want to feel comfortable not only around the pools or restaurants, but also in the place where you return at the end of the day.
The minibar was included, although alcoholic drinks were not part of the complimentary minibar selection. We did, however, find champagne in the room. The resort has different types of rooms and suites, including accommodation suitable for families. It is worth checking the exact facilities and conditions of each room category when making a reservation.
All-inclusive dining and themed restaurants
Food was one of the highlights of our stay. The all-inclusive package offered plenty of variety, and having several restaurants meant that meals did not become repetitive.
We tried the Mediterranean, Asian and Italian themed restaurants. Each offered a different dining experience, which is a nice advantage when you spend several days in the same place. An important detail: reservations are required for the themed restaurants. It is a good idea to check availability early during your stay. Another useful feature is the restaurant that serves food during the night. This can be particularly convenient if you arrive late, have an unusual flight schedule or simply feel hungry after the evening entertainment.
There are also several bars, including options near the swimming pools and on the beach. Everything is close at hand, making it easy to enjoy a relaxed holiday without constantly having to look for somewhere to eat or have a drink.
Swimming pools, the sea and a beach with its own character
One of the advantages of Nana Royal is the choice of swimming pools. You do not have to spend every day in the same place, and one of the pools features heated seawater. The beach is right next to the resort, with sun loungers and a lifeguard service. The sea water is beautiful, but there is something worth mentioning: the beach is not entirely sandy. Some areas have sand, while others have a different surface. If you are looking for a beach covered entirely in fine sand, this is something to consider.
The resort is situated on a peninsula, with several small bays and beaches in the surrounding area, offering different places to enjoy the sea. The proximity of the pools, beach and relaxation areas makes it easy to organise your day without much planning. You can spend the morning by the sea, move to the pool in the afternoon and finish the day with dinner at one of the restaurants.
Facilities and activities for children
Nana Royal has several facilities dedicated to families. These include indoor and outdoor children’s areas, separate swimming pools for younger guests and a mini club. Activities are organised throughout the day, while the evening programme includes entertainment and shows. Adults also have options, from sports activities to music and evening events.
During our stay, there was something happening every day. Of course, you do not have to participate in everything. The important thing is that families have plenty of choices, and parents do not need to organise every moment of their children’s holiday themselves. For families looking for a resort where children have activities while adults can also enjoy some time to relax, these facilities can make a difference.
Service makes a difference
A hotel can have beautiful rooms, swimming pools and restaurants, but the overall experience also depends on the people working there. At Nana Royal, we found the service excellent. We noticed the same attention to guests both at reception and from the housekeeping team. These are details that are not always obvious in hotel descriptions, but they matter when you are actually staying there.
There is another thing worth mentioning. Planes regularly pass over the resort, sometimes at fairly short intervals. We noticed them quite often, but the noise was surprisingly limited and did not disturb us. If you are sensitive to aircraft noise, it is useful to know about their presence, even though it was not an issue during our stay.
What can you visit near Nana Royal?
Nana Royal is conveniently located for anyone arriving in Crete by plane. Heraklion International Airport is approximately 25 km away, and the journey by car takes around 25–30 minutes, depending on traffic. We did not use the airport transfer, so travel times may vary depending on the transport option.
Hersonissos is nearby, while Stalis and Malia are other coastal destinations worth exploring. If you are travelling with children, Cretaquarium is another option for a short excursion. Heraklion also deserves a visit. You can explore its old town, see the Venetian Koules Fortress and visit the Archaeological Museum. Just outside the city, the Palace of Knossos is one of Crete’s best-known archaeological sites and an important place connected to the Minoan civilisation.
If you have more time, you can plan longer excursions around the island. Rethymnon, with its beautiful old town, is one possibility. We have also explored the famous [Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island], two of the best-known destinations in western Crete. Distances on the island can be longer than they appear on the map, so visiting the western part of Crete requires a full day.
We have already explored many of the island’s best-known attractions. This time, we enjoyed a different pace, with more time at the hotel and less travelling around. For anyone returning to Crete, this can be a pleasant change.
Pantheon Water Park: A new attraction announced for 2027
Families planning a holiday for 2027 may have another reason to consider Nana Royal. According to information published by the resort, Pantheon Water Park is planned approximately 300 metres from the hotel. The water park is inspired by the gods and mythology of Ancient Greece and is expected to include slides, pools and attractions for both children and adults. The hotel has announced free access for its guests. As the opening is planned for 2027, we recommend checking the actual opening date and access conditions before booking your holiday.
Is Nana Royal the right resort for your holiday in Crete?
After spending several days at Nana Royal, we would consider it a good option for travellers looking for a five-star all-inclusive resort with several swimming pools, varied dining options, family facilities and activities for different age groups. It is particularly suitable for families, but couples and travellers looking for a relaxing holiday can also enjoy what the resort offers.
We would probably not choose this type of accommodation for a holiday focused on visiting a different town or attraction every day, with very little time spent at the hotel. However, if you want to combine the beach, swimming pools, good food and evening entertainment in one place, Nana Royal offers plenty of opportunities to do just that.
Crete is an island we keep returning to, and every visit brings something different. This time, Nana Royal gave us the chance to enjoy the island at a slower pace, with fewer excursions and more time by the sea.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nana Royal Crete
- How far is Nana Royal from Heraklion Airport? The resort is approximately 25 km from Heraklion Airport. The drive takes around 25–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Do the themed restaurants require reservations? Yes. Reservations are required for the Mediterranean, Asian and Italian restaurants.
- Does Nana Royal have a sandy beach? The beach has both sandy and non-sandy areas. The sea water is beautiful, but the entire beach is not covered with fine sand.
- Is Nana Royal suitable for children? Yes. The resort has a mini club, separate children’s swimming pools, indoor and outdoor play areas and daily activities.
- What is Pantheon Water Park? It is a water park announced for 2027, approximately 300 metres from the resort. It will have an Ancient Greek mythology theme, and the hotel has announced free access for its guests.
We would like to thank the Nana Royal team for the invitation. As always, this article reflects our own experience, including both the things we enjoyed and the practical details we believe travellers should know.
