Hotel & Village Panorama Review – Staying in Agia Pelagia, Crete

During my most recent trip to Greece, I had the chance to stay at Hotel & Village Panorama located in Agia Pelagia. This all-inclusive hotel, perched on a scenic hill with stunning views of the Mediterranean, was just as beautiful as the pictures suggested. Here’s my full review of the property, amenities, and surrounding area.

Location and First Impressions

The hotel is about a 20-minute taxi ride from Heraklion Airport. We booked through a travel company and had a transport shuttle waiting for us. Be sure to have all your shuttle details ready, as the airport can be busy with shuttles for different areas of Crete.

Hotel & Village Panorama is perched on a hill between the bays of Agia Pelagia and Lygaria, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s just minutes from local beaches and a short drive to Heraklion town, making it a great base for both relaxing beach days and city excursions.

Agia Pelagia itself is charming, with authentic Greek restaurants, small cafes, gift shops, and scenic rocks to explore along the beaches. Lygaria is quieter, with a more local feel. Both villages offer watersports and boat trips to nearby caves. Nightlife and entertainment are limited, making this hotel ideal for those seeking a peaceful getaway.

Rooms and Amenities

The hotel offers spacious rooms with either sea view or garden terrace options. We stayed in a garden terrace room which was very clean and roomy, with air conditioning and a hairdryer. The only downside was that our balcony overlooked a communal walkway, so I’d recommend a sea view room for more privacy.

Hotel amenities include:

• Two spacious pools

• 24-hour reception with exceptionally friendly staff

• Massage centre (highly recommended)

• Gift shop

  
  

Being all-inclusive, there is a wide range of food and drinks, including cocktails served at bars near the pools. The hotel entertainment is fun but limited, catering mostly to families and older guests.

Activities and Excursions

Beach access is easy but involves a steep walk. While a bus runs a few times a day, it gets crowded, so it may not be the best option for those with mobility issues.

The hotel desk offers a variety of excursions, including day trips to nearby islands such as Santorini. I did the Santorini trip which was very reasonably priced, included all transport, a local tour guide, and lunch provided by the hotel. Definitely worth it!

Visitor Tips

·       Visit the pool early in the morning or later in the afternoon; alternatively, hit the beach first.

·       Book a sea view room for more privacy.

·       Take at least one island excursion — Santorini is highly recommended.

 

My Experience

I stayed here with a friend for a week in July last year. Although it was peak season, the hotel was surprisingly calm and never felt overcrowded. One of the main highlights of our trip was definitely the staff who were so accommodating, friendly, and always willing to help.

As part of our booking, we were offered a complimentary meal at the on-site restaurant, which isn’t usually included in the all-inclusive package. It turned out to be one of the best parts of our stay, as we enjoyed dinner while watching the sun set over the beautiful scenery.

While the entertainment was fairly limited, it was still great fun to watch. We spent most evenings at the hotel bar, watching guests have dance-offs with the entertainment team or laughing along to the occasional bad karaoke performance. During the day, we even joined in the aqua zumba sessions which was a lot of fun and a great way to cool off!

Overall, the hotel felt like our own little base. A comfortable, friendly spot to return to after exploring the nearby towns.

Verdict

The hotel has a relaxing vibe that is ideal for couples and families seeking peace and a taste of local Greek life. It’s secluded enough to avoid busy tourist crowds, yet close enough for day trips to busier towns and islands.

If you’re looking for a laid-back escape, comfortable rooms, stunning views, and access to local excursions, this hotel is a perfect choice in Agia Pelagia, Crete.