Uncover the best rooftop bars, restaurants and pools nestled along the eastern coast of Crete, the largest island in Greece. From the elegance of Elounda to fun in Agios Nikolaos immerse yourself in the splendour the most stunning rooftop retreats. Offering unparalleled sea views, luxurious amenities, and unforgettable experiences these rooftop bars, restaurants and pools promise to elevate your stay on this enchanting Mediterranean island.
Poseidon Restaurant
Best for: 🍽🐠🥂
Location: Royal Marmin Bay Hotel in Elounda (map)
View: The ocean and mountains
Vibe: Floaty
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2018
Warm/dry weather only? No
Rooftop review roundup: Named after the God of the Sea (and Earthquakes) this restaurant couldn’t be in a more stunning setting overlooking the sea. Technically not a rooftop as we know them but is on a hilltop so totally counts when the view is this sensational. The food was fantastic too, my main was a little underwhelming but the rest spot on. But we had been spoilt in Crete. Based at the very wonderful hotel (that also houses my favourite beach restaurant and pool which I am also counting as a rooftop. This place is magic – book for sunset and you won’t be disappointed.
Website: Click here
Alexandros Roof Garden
Best for: 🕺🏼💃👯♂️🍹🍸🍺🥂
Location: Just off the harbour in Agios Nikolaos – you can spot it from a distance (map)
View: The harbour but that’s not why you go! 😉
Dress code: Anything goes
Vibe: FUN!
Prosecco price: 🍾
Food available? Snacks
Booking available? I say no as I couldn’t get through but you don’t need it.
Smoking allowed? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2019
Warm/dry weather only? No
Rooftop review roundup: This was a treat! Claims to be a rooftop garden – which it is but it is also a rooftop disco! I went for a drink and stayed dancing till it nearly closed. Everyone was just so happy, the drinks are cheap but the service is brilliant. You can also go and just enjoy a drink as plenty of seating away from the music – which was Abba when I went. And it was my birthday! I couldn’t have been a happier little rooftoper!
Website: No website but a Facebook page: Click here
Asteria Rooftop Bar
Best for: 🍸🍹🍺
Location: Opposite the harbour in Agios Nikolaos (map)
View: The port and Alexandros rooftop 💃
Vibe: Chilled and fun evenings
Prosecco price: 🍾
Food available? Snacks
Booking available? No
Smoking allowed? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2019
Warm/dry weather only? Yes
Rooftop review roundup: Discover this hidden gem during the early evening, a tranquil spot for pre-dinner drinks with a serene atmosphere. While compact, the terrace offers stunning views and occasional DJ nights, complemented by attentive staff.
Website: Click here
Yacht Club Restaurant
Best for: 🍽🐠🥂
Location: At Elounda Mare Hotel Complex (map)
View: The ocean and mountains
Vibe: Bustly
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2018
Warm/dry weather only? No
Rooftop review roundup: Nestled within an exclusive complex offering a plethora of dining options, including the renowned Old Mill which would have been my second choice. The terrace isn’t your usual ‘rooftop’ but it hover over the ocean and with it’s restractable roof totally counts! This was a fabulous family friendly restaurant where you could choose your own fish. Mesmerizing sea views enhanced the dining experience, complementing the fabulous cuisine, including the giant Ferrero Rocher pudding I still think about. Sunset adds an extra touch of magic to this culinary gem so be sure to book for then.
Website: Click here
Ikaros Hotel Roof Bar
Best for: 🍸🍹🍺🥂
Location: Agios Nikolaos on top of the Hotel Ikaros (map)
View: Town and ocean
Dress code: Chilled
Vibe: Quiet
Prosecco price: 🍾
Food available? Snacks
Booking available? Yes but I couldn’t get through
Smoking allowed? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2019
Warm/dry weather only? No – part is enclosed
Rooftop review roundup: An enchanting rooftop, boasting a blend of picturesque views, accessed through a quirky art hotel, and greeted by the most delightful staff. This is a hidden gem in Crete!
Website: Click here
Sky Bar
Best for: 🥂🍹🍸🥤
Location: In Elounda above the Akti Olous Hotel (map)
View: The town & the sea
Dress code: Casual
Vibe: Pool bar, chilled by day busier in the evenings
Prosecco price: 🍾
Food available? Yes snacks
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2019
Warm/dry weather only? No – the bar itself had a roof with sweeping sea views some of the area spills out to the rooftop pool and seating area.
Rooftop review roundup: A simple does what it says on the tin rooftop bar set above an adults only 3 star hotel. (Open to non residents). Lovely friendly barman & amazing views – could sit there all day staring out to sea.
Website: Click here
Royal Marmin Bay Hotel Pool
Best for: 💙⛱🍹
Hotel guests only? Yes
Location: Elounda (map)
View: The ocean & mountain
Vibe: Very chill
Food available? Yes
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Booking available? No
Smoking allowed? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2018
Warm/dry weather only? Yes
Rooftop review roundup: The is a rooftop pool to rival most rooftop pools. Though technically it’s not a rooftop in the way we know them. But totally counts when this high up and a view to lose yourself in all day. That or their incredible cocktails. The bar is very much a daytime visit though a there were few evening stragglers for a post dinner drink but it’s the day time you come here for. Just wow.
Website: Click here
