Mitsis Selection Rinela Beach Resort & Spa
Mitsis Selection Rinela punches above its price with one of the best sandy beaches in Crete, a rare 24-hour late-night buffet, five included a la carte restaurants, and a walkable village location. It trails premium competition on spirits quality and room size — but for families and couples wanting solid all-inclusive value with a genuine beach, it is the best Mitsis entry-point in Crete.
Mitsis Rinela Beach Resort Crete Review — Quick Verdict
Mitsis Selection Rinela Beach Resort & Spa is one of those Crete all-inclusive resorts that keeps popping up on “best value” lists for a good reason. Sitting directly on a Blue Flag sandy beach in Kokkini Hani — just 15 minutes from Heraklion airport — it offers five a la carte restaurants, swim-up rooms, and a rare late-night buffet that runs until 5am, all at rates that start under $200 per night. It is not trying to compete with Ikos on premium spirits or Butler service. What it does deliver is a genuinely excellent beach, reliable food across eight dining venues, and a location that lets you walk to a real Greek village rather than being trapped inside a resort compound. For families who want waterslides and kids clubs alongside an adults-only beach zone for parents, Rinela threads the needle better than almost anything else in this price bracket on Crete.
Score: 8.1 out of 10 — The best-value beachfront all-inclusive in northern Crete, especially for families.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Blue Flag beach with gentle sandy entry — best on Crete’s north coast | Airport noise from Heraklion flights, especially July-August |
| 24-hour main buffet running until 5am | A la carte restaurants bookable once per week per venue |
| Five a la carte restaurants all included | Standard rooms are 25 sqm with thin walls |
| Walkable to Kokkini Hani village | Only local/house spirits — no premium brands included |
| Adults-only beach zone and Wine & Sushi bar | Swim-up “sharing pool” rooms share with multiple units |
| Three kids clubs spanning ages 4 to 16 | Service can slow during peak July-August periods |
| Private pool villas from $420/night | Summer 2026 renovation may cause construction disruption |
| Daily minibar restock and 24-hour room service | Motorized watersports all cost extra |
The Resort at a Glance
Mitsis Selection Rinela sits on the beachfront at Kokkini Hani, a small coastal village roughly halfway between Heraklion and the resort strip of Hersonissos. The property belongs to the Mitsis Hotels group and carries the upper-tier “Mitsis Selection” badge. It is currently undergoing a phased renovation through 2026, so expect a refreshed product by late summer. Here are the essential numbers:
- Rooms: 393 rooms and suites across 9 categories
- Restaurants: 8 (1 buffet, 4 a la carte, plus pizza station, BBQ corner, and creperie)
- Bars: 7 (including an adults-only Wine, Champagne & Sushi bar)
- Pools: 6 (2 main freshwater, 2 kids’ with waterslides, 1 swim-up sharing pool, 1 indoor spa pool)
- Beach: Blue Flag certified sandy beach with sunbeds and parasols included
- Airport: 10 km / 15 minutes from Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis (HER)
- Season: April through October
- Kids Club: Three clubs — Mini (4-7), Junior (8-11), Teens (12-16)
- Ratings: Booking.com 8.8/10 (282 reviews) and TripAdvisor 4.5/5 (7,177 reviews)
Rooms and Suites
Standard Rooms — Superior Double (25 sqm)
Let me be direct: the standard rooms are small for a five-star hotel. At 269 square feet, they are more in line with a good four-star property. That said, the 2024-2026 renovation is modernizing interiors with marble bathrooms and refreshed furnishings. You will choose between three views: Garden View (from $192/night), Sea View ($220), and Sea Front ($250). The Sea Front rooms are worth the upgrade if your budget allows — being meters from the beach with a Mediterranean-facing balcony makes the compact size feel less noticeable, because you will spend most of your time outside anyway.
One consistent complaint across guest reviews is soundproofing. If you are a light sleeper, the thin walls between standard rooms can be a problem, especially with families on either side. Bring earplugs or upgrade to a suite.
Swim-Up Rooms (25 sqm)
The Swim-Up Sharing Pool rooms sound more luxurious than they are. You get direct pool access from your veranda — which is genuinely pleasant for a lazy afternoon — but the pool is shared among multiple rooms. It is not a private plunge pool situation. The Sea Front Swim-Up variant ($270/night) adds a waterfront position and modern outdoor furniture. These are a good pick for couples who want pool access without fighting for sunbeds, but manage your expectations on privacy.
Junior and Family Suites (28-46 sqm)
The Junior Suites (from $290) bump you up to 28-40 square meters with a proper sitting area and your choice of garden, sea, or pool views. The Family Suites (from $320) are where the property gets genuinely competitive — at up to 46 square meters with multiple sleeping areas and private courtyard or shared pool access, they accommodate up to five guests. For families of four or five, these represent strong value compared to booking two standard rooms.
Suite Swim Up Private Pool (48 sqm)
This is the sweet spot. At 517 square feet with two open-plan living/bedroom areas, dual bathrooms, and an actual private pool with beachfront views, the Suite Swim Up Private Pool ($380/night) feels like a different hotel entirely. It costs roughly double the base room but delivers four times the experience. If you can stretch the budget, this is the category to book.
Private Residence / Villa (75-77 sqm)
The top-tier Private Residence gives you 807 square feet, multiple bedrooms, a kitchenette, a private pool, premium outdoor space, sea views, and dedicated waiter service — including access to the exclusive Secret Bar. At $420 per night, it undercuts comparable private pool villas at Greek luxury competitors by a significant margin. For a multi-generational family trip or a special occasion, these villas are the reason Rinela earns its five-star rating.
Our Pick
The Suite Swim Up Private Pool at $380/night is the clear winner. It transforms a solid mid-range all-inclusive into something that genuinely feels luxurious, and the private pool eliminates the shared-amenity compromises of the standard swim-up rooms. If you are booking a standard room, opt for Sea Front over Garden View — the $58/night difference buys you a meaningfully better vacation.
Food and Dining
Rinela has eight dining venues and seven bars, all included in the all-inclusive rate. That is an impressive count for a 393-room property. The critical caveat: each a la carte restaurant can only be booked once per week per stay. On a seven-night holiday, you can theoretically hit every one — but during peak season in July and August, tables fill within hours of the morning check-in wave. Book Destination Greek immediately on arrival. It fills fastest.
Main Restaurant — International Buffet
The main buffet is the workhorse, running breakfast from 7am to 10:30am, lunch from 12:30 to 2:30pm, dinner from 6:30 to 9:30pm, and — here is the standout detail — a late-night service from 10:30pm to 5am. That overnight buffet is genuinely rare at European all-inclusives and a real benefit for guests arriving on late flights, parents with jet-lagged children, or anyone who simply wants a midnight snack without paying room service prices. There is a children’s corner during high season and rotating themed dinner nights. The quality is solid if unspectacular — typical of large Greek all-inclusives — with adequate variety and reliably fresh Mediterranean staples.
Destination Greek (Cretan Taverna)
This is the standout restaurant and the one you should prioritize. Set beachfront with sea views, Destination Greek serves Cretan and Mediterranean dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Think grilled lamb with mountain herbs, dakos salad with Cretan barley rusks and local tomatoes, fresh seafood pulled from the Aegean. The setting alone — candlelight on the beach — makes this feel like dinner at a standalone Cretan taverna rather than a resort restaurant. Open for both lunch (12:30-2:30pm) and dinner (6:30-10pm), so you get two shots at booking it. Reservation required and you will want to make it within 30 minutes of checking in.
Italian A La Carte
Pastas, risottos, and pizzas in a themed Italian setting. It runs brunch from 9am to noon and dinner from 6:30 to 10pm. The brunch service is a nice touch — it is essentially a secondary breakfast option with Italian pastries and egg dishes that can feel like a welcome change from the main buffet rotation. Dinner is competent if not destination-worthy: handmade pasta with rich sauces, decent tiramisu. Fine for one visit during a week-long stay.
Pan-Asian A La Carte
Dinner only, 6:30 to 10pm (last order at 9:30). Described as a “gastronomic journey around the Far East” — which is resort-marketing speak for a mix of Thai, Chinese, and Japanese-inspired dishes. You will not mistake it for a Michelin-starred Bangkok restaurant, but the flavors are genuine and it provides welcome variety from the Mediterranean-heavy rotation.
Steak House A La Carte
An elegant, stylish setting serving signature meat dishes at dinner only (6:30-10pm). Some guest reports flag potential surcharges at this venue — verify at booking whether premium cuts are fully included or carry supplements. When it is fully included, this is a strong evening out.
Casual Dining — Pizza, BBQ, and Creperie
Beyond the four reservations-required restaurants, Rinela has three walk-up casual venues that round out the dining picture. The Fine Italian Pizza Station serves handmade wood-fired pizzas beachfront from 10:30am to 6pm — perfect for a no-fuss lunch. The Beach BBQ Corner grills premium meats with local herbs from noon to 4pm. And the Creperie-Gelateria near the pool pumps out sweet crepes, waffles, and gelato from 8:30am until 12:30am. That creperie becomes surprisingly popular after 10pm with families whose children refuse to sleep.
Bars and Drinks
Seven bars cover most situations, from the Lounge Bar (open until 2am with live music and the latest closing time on property) to the Major Pool Bar to the Beach Bar for daytime refreshments. The standout is the Fine Wine, Champagne & Sushi Bar — an adults-only evening venue (6pm-1am) serving wines, champagnes, sushi, and artisan cheeses. It is a genuine step up from the standard bar offering and one of the details that separates Rinela from cheaper Greek all-inclusives.
Here is the honest trade-off: the all-inclusive package covers local and house-brand spirits only. No Hendrick’s gin, no Johnnie Walker Black, no Grey Goose. If premium spirits matter to you, this is a meaningful downgrade from Ikos Aria or top Turkish all-inclusives where premium brands are standard. The local Greek wines and beers are perfectly drinkable, but cocktail purists will notice the difference.
Food Quality Verdict
Rinela’s dining earns a solid B+. Five included a la carte restaurants at this price point is generous, and Destination Greek is genuinely excellent. The main buffet is reliable without being remarkable. The real strength is variety — between eight venues, you will rarely eat the same meal twice during a week-long stay. The weakness is the once-per-week booking rule, which creates unnecessary stress during high season.
Beach and Pools
The Beach
This is where Rinela genuinely excels and where it decisively beats its sister property Mitsis Laguna up the coast. The Blue Flag certified beach features fine sand with a smooth, gradual entry into calm, clear Aegean water — explicitly ideal for families with young children who need a gentle sea entrance rather than a sudden drop-off. Sunbeds and parasols are included, and the beach is generously sized for a 393-room resort, so finding a good spot is rarely an issue even in high season.
The adults-only beach zone is a genuine blessing for couples or parents trading off childcare shifts. It provides a quieter stretch with dedicated service, separated from the family-oriented areas. Multiple guest reviews describe this as the finest beach on Crete’s north coast, and after comparing it to the rockier, road-separated beach at Mitsis Laguna, that claim holds up. If beach quality is your top priority for a Crete all-inclusive, Rinela is your answer.
Pools
The pool setup covers all bases without being extraordinary. Two main freshwater pools serve as the primary gathering spots with sunbeds, parasols, and pool bar access. Two children’s saltwater pools feature waterslides and splash zones — these keep younger kids occupied for hours. The swim-up sharing pool connects to the swim-up room category. Guests in the Private Residence and top suites get their own private pools with waiter service. And the Zeen Spa houses an indoor hydrotherapy pool with whirlpool jets.
The pool scene is lively and family-oriented. If you want silent, meditative lounging, head to the adults-only beach zone instead.
Activities and Entertainment
Daytime Activities
Included activities lean heavily on watersports and fitness. Non-motorized watersports — canoeing and windsurfing — are free, along with beach volleyball, water aerobics, yoga, Pilates, table tennis, darts, and art classes. Motorized watersports (water skiing, banana boats, paragliding, pedal boats) all carry extra charges, as does scuba diving. Tennis courts are available but floodlit play costs extra, and bike rental is an add-on. Guests also get access to waterslides at the neighboring Norida Beach Hotel, a Mitsis sister property.
The Kokkini Hani village location adds a dimension many enclosed resorts cannot match. A short walk puts you among local tavernas serving fresh fish at half the resort price, traditional coffee shops, a small supermarket for snacks, and a bus stop with regular service into Heraklion — where you can visit the Archaeological Museum, Venetian harbor, and Knossos palace.
Evening Entertainment
The evening program runs nightly at the outdoor theatre area, featuring live bands, dance shows, and DJ nights. The All-Day Outdoor Theatre Bar (open until 1am) doubles as the entertainment hub. The Lounge Bar offers a more refined evening with live music and cocktails until 2am. Entertainment quality is standard for a large Greek resort — competent and varied without being Cirque du Soleil.
Kids Clubs
Rinela runs three age-bracketed clubs: Mini Club (ages 4-7), Junior Club (8-11), and Teens Club (12-16). Activities include a children’s disco, beach playground, dedicated kids’ pools with waterslides, and age-appropriate programming. This is a genuine strength — many Greek all-inclusives lump all children into one club, while Rinela’s three-tier system means your 14-year-old is not stuck doing finger painting with toddlers.
Spa and Wellness
The Zeen Spa occupies its own building with treatment rooms, an indoor hydrotherapy pool, and a fully equipped fitness center. Treatments — massages, facials, reflexology, body wraps, and an aromatic Greek bath that uses local herbs and oils — all cost extra. Yoga, Pilates, and water aerobics classes in the main resort areas are included. A notable bonus: an on-site nutritionist is available for dietary consultation, which guests with allergies or specific dietary needs have praised in reviews. The spa is pleasant but not a destination in itself — if a world-class spa is your priority, look at Mitsis Royal Mare with its thalassotherapy focus instead.
What Is Included vs. What Costs Extra
| Included in All-Inclusive Rate | Costs Extra |
|---|---|
| All meals: buffet breakfast, lunch, dinner, late-night (to 5am) | Spa treatments at Zeen Spa |
| All 5 a la carte restaurants (once/week/venue rule) | Motorized watersports (water skiing, banana boats, paragliding) |
| Local/house alcoholic and soft drinks all day | Scuba diving |
| Wine, Champagne & Sushi Bar (adults, evenings) | Tennis court lighting fee |
| Beach and pool sunbeds, parasols, towels | Excursions and day trips |
| Room minibar restocked daily | Bike rental |
| 24-hour room service | Babysitting service |
| WiFi throughout resort and rooms | Premium/brand-name spirits |
| Kids clubs (ages 4-16) | Government tax EUR 4/night (cash on arrival) |
| Non-motorized watersports | |
| Evening entertainment program | |
| Yoga, Pilates, water aerobics |
Pricing and How to Book
Price Ranges by Season
| Season | Period | Price Per Night (Double Room) |
|---|---|---|
| Early Season | April - May | $192 - $250 |
| Shoulder Season | June, September - October | $240 - $350 |
| Peak Season | July - August | $350 - $480 |
| Suite/Villa | Year-round | $290 - $420+ |
All prices are per room per night on an all-inclusive basis. The EUR 4/night government tax is payable in cash on arrival and is not included in the room rate.
Best Time to Book
Book three to four months ahead for July and August stays — a la carte restaurant availability alone makes this worth it, since early arrivals in a check-in wave get first pick at Destination Greek. For the best value, target May-June or September-October: warm weather, uncrowded beaches, significantly lower rates, and no competition for restaurant bookings. Last-minute deals sometimes appear for May and September departures.
Where to Book
Book directly through mitsis.com first — Mitsis regularly runs early-booking discounts of 25% or more that beat OTA pricing. Booking.com is the reliable fallback with flexible cancellation policies. British Airways Holidays and Aegean Airlines both offer flight-plus-hotel packages that can undercut booking separately, particularly from UK airports. Compare all three before committing.
Compared to Nearby Resorts
Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa (Anissaras) is the most common comparison — same Mitsis Selection tier, same Crete coast, roughly the same price. Rinela wins decisively on beach quality (fine sand with gentle entry vs. Laguna’s smaller, rockier beach across a road) and location (walkable village vs. isolated compound). Laguna counters with more pools, a quieter atmosphere, and less airport noise. If beach matters most, pick Rinela. If pool variety and silence matter most, pick Laguna.
Mitsis Royal Mare (Hersonissos) sits at a higher tier with a dedicated thalassotherapy spa and a more adults-leaning atmosphere. It costs 20-30% more than Rinela and is the better choice for couples prioritizing wellness. Families should stick with Rinela.
Ikos Aria (Kos) or Ikos Dassia (Corfu) represent the premium tier that Rinela is not trying to match. Ikos includes premium spirits, Michelin-trained chefs, and complimentary off-site dining excursions — but at $400-800+ per night. Rinela delivers roughly 75% of the experience at 50% of the price, which is exactly the value proposition that earns it an 8.8 on Booking.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mitsis Rinela truly all-inclusive?
Yes — meals, snacks, local/house-brand drinks, a la carte restaurants, room service, minibar, sunbeds, kids clubs, and non-motorized watersports are all included. The main exclusions are spa treatments, motorized watersports, premium spirits, tennis lighting, and excursions. You will also pay EUR 4/night government tax in cash on arrival.
How do the a la carte restaurant bookings work?
Each of the four reservation-required a la carte restaurants (Destination Greek, Italian, Pan-Asian, and Steak House) can be booked once per week per stay. Book within 30 minutes of checking in during July and August — tables fill fast. The pizza station, BBQ corner, and creperie are walk-up with no reservation needed.
Is the airport noise really that bad?
It depends on your tolerance and your room location. At 10 km from Heraklion airport, flight paths do pass near the resort, and planes are audible during peak summer hours. Garden-view rooms on the south side of the property are more affected than sea-front rooms. It is not constant — bursts during takeoff/landing windows — but sensitive sleepers should be aware.
Is Mitsis Rinela good for families with young children?
It is one of the best choices on Crete. The gentle sandy beach entry is explicitly safe for toddlers, three age-bracketed kids clubs cover 4 to 16-year-olds, two dedicated children’s pools have waterslides, and Family Suites accommodate up to five guests. The 24-hour buffet is a lifesaver for families on different eating schedules.
How does Rinela compare to Mitsis Laguna?
Rinela wins on beach quality (fine sand vs. smaller/rockier), walkability to a real village, and bus access to Heraklion. Laguna wins on pool count, quiet isolation, and distance from airport noise. Both are Mitsis Selection five-star properties at similar pricing. Most repeat visitors who have tried both prefer Rinela for the beach.
Should I worry about the 2026 renovation?
The renovation started in 2024 and is phased — not a full closure. Summer 2026 may still see some construction activity in parts of the property. If you are booking for peak summer 2026, confirm with the hotel directly which areas are affected. Shoulder season bookings (September-October 2026) should find the refresh largely complete.
Final Verdict
Mitsis Selection Rinela Beach Resort & Spa — one of the strongest options in Greece — earns an 8.1 out of 10 — and that score reflects both its genuine strengths and its honest limitations. The beach is superb, possibly the best sandy stretch attached to any all-inclusive on Crete’s north coast. The dining variety across eight venues is generous for a mid-range price point, and Destination Greek is a legitimately excellent Cretan restaurant that happens to be included in your rate. The 24-hour buffet, walkable village location, and comprehensive kids clubs round out a package that delivers real value.
Where it falls short of a higher score: the standard rooms are too small and too thin-walled for a property carrying five stars. The local-spirits-only policy will disappoint anyone accustomed to Ikos-level drink quality. And the once-per-week a la carte restriction creates unnecessary friction during high season.
Who should book: Families with children under 16 who want a beach-focused Crete vacation without paying Ikos prices. Couples seeking the adults-only beach zone and Wine & Sushi bar as a quieter retreat within a family property. Value-conscious travelers who prioritize beach quality and dining variety over room size and premium spirits.
Who should skip: Luxury travelers expecting large rooms and top-shelf drinks. Adults-only purists who want no children anywhere on property. Anyone booking peak summer 2026 who cannot tolerate potential renovation activity.
For the price — starting under $200 per night all-inclusive — Mitsis Rinela is one of the smartest bookings you can make on Crete. For more options across the continent, browse our guide to the best all-inclusive resorts in Europe.