Set on a beach in Stalos, this 5-star hotel offers 3 freshwater pools and a poolside bar with a sun terrace. Leisure facilities include a Turkish bath, sauna and a fitness centre. Fitted with private balconies or terraces, all spacious rooms at Cactus Royal include large windows and elegant furniture. Each comes with individually controlled air conditioning and satellite TV. Guests can join an aerobic class or have a relaxing massage. Water sports are available at the beach and there is a separate swimming pool for children. For a quiet afternoon, there is a TV room with fireplace. The Cactus Royal hotel is located between Agios Nikolaosnd the capital Heraklion. It is 21.7 miles from Nikos Kazantzakis airport and private parking is possible on site.

Crete. As well as the magnificent beaches and warm seas, the size and physical variety of the island of Crete invites exploration, and Cactus Royal, located at Ag. Ioannis Str., Stalida, Heraklion Region, 70007, Greece, is the ideal staring point. Uniquely among Greek islands, Crete’s mountainous spine creates a sense of spaciousness, a life distinct from sea and sand. Fly-drive holidays to Crete – or simply the hire of a car for some days during your stay in Cactus Royal, – will enable you to seek out the rugged formations of the interior, the fertile countryside and tiny chapels filled with frescoes, the mountain villages where time has stood still. Always, the authentic spirit of the islanders, their fierce independence and pride – as well as the best cooking and most delicious meals that constitute the famed “Cretan Diet” – will more likely be found where few others are looking. With so much to see, with dolphins to watch, shaded squares to paint, olive trees and wild orchids, Minoan remains and sweeping beaches, no wonder Crete holidays and Cactus Royal are revisited so often.