Food and Drink

MINOTAUR

Gourmet Italian à la carte fine dining
An amazing collection of rare original Picasso ceramics adorns the “Minotaur” restaurant at Amirandes since 2013, inspired by the artist’s admiration of the mythical Cretan creature. Located by the lagoon, “Minotaur” offers an impeccable setting and exceptional Italian gastronomy accompanied by indulging wine pairings. For an unforgettable enchanting idyll, choose to dine outside by the star-studded lagoon with an imaginative international menu immersed in its spectacular waterfront setting.

LAGO DI CANDIA

Grill fine à la carte Dining
A superb waterfront location is the perfect backdrop for an elegant dinner. The Lago di Candia is a sparkling, a la carte Restaurant with prime “steaks & fresh fish” grill menu. It features the endless horizon of the Cretan sea. Great wines and mainstream sounds feel up the spectacular scenery while the sun falls into the deep blue sea.

XASTERIA RESTAURANT

Cretan organic à la carte Restaurant
Xasteria pays tribute to Cretan cuisine with a menu bursting with island flavours. When Cretan people eat, they spend a long time, eating and drinking raki or wine while talking about everything under the sun. Xasteria recreates a village-style menu using the freshest ingredients from local villages including organic produce from Grecotel’s own Agreco Farm.

XASTERIA RESTAURANT

Cretan organic à la carte Restaurant
Xasteria pays tribute to Cretan cuisine with a menu bursting with island flavours. When Cretan people eat, they spend a long time, eating and drinking raki or wine while talking about everything under the sun. Xasteria recreates a village-style menu using the freshest ingredients from local villages including organic produce from Grecotel’s own Agreco Farm.

BLUE MONKEY RESTAURANT

Asian à la carte Restaurant
Serving oriental delicacies cooked to order, Blue Monkey features modern twists on Eastern favourites. Breathtaking sunsets create the perfect backdrop for an avant-garde Asian dining experience.

AMIRANDES THE RESTAURANT

Int. Buffet Restaurant
Traditional Mediterranean cuisine combined with international delicacies in the hotel’s main restaurant. Serving extensive buffets for breakfast and dinner – including healthy and vegetarian options and don’t miss the chefs preparing fresh specialties. Four dining areas encircle the ornamental lagoon. Enjoy live music at breakfast & dinner on selected days.

PETRINO RESTAURANT

Beachfront Seafood Restaurant
Petrino, meaning stone in Greek, is the Amirandes beachfront seafood restaurant. Savour simple, stylish, al fresco lunches with seascapes to match. Succulent fish and seafood are as fresh as the gentle sea breeze at this waterfront restaurant. Share a Greek meze with your friends, try the island delicacies or order the freshest fish and seafood in Crete from the catch of the day.

LABYRINTH

The Labyrinth lounge bar reflects the resort’s indulgent details and cosmopolitan appeal. A popular spot for sipping a ‘sundowner’ and enjoying the views of the lagoon and sea from trademark sunken seats create the impression of floating on the surrounding water, drifting along to the serenades of the live evening music… Enjoy your drink or cocktail with the views of the lagoon and sea from the sunken lounges, drifting along to the serenades of the live evening music.

KNOSSOS PATISSERIE

Discover our organic herbal teas & traditional homemade “kaloudia”. A ritual not to be missed and always cherished.

AGRECO FARM TAVERNA

Don’t miss the unique culinary experience which awaits you at the Taverna of our farm in Rethymnon, tasting diverse seasonal dishes based on the fruits of the land and the legendary nutritional Cretan cuisine.

PRIVATE DINING

Create and customise your own dining experience, prepared and served in a location of your choice with live music, seductive décor and specially created menus.

BY THE POOL

Relax and enjoy your drink or cocktail by the pool, with the views of the lagoon and the Cretan sea!

BEACH BAR & SUNSET LOUNGE

Selected lounge music and the most whimsical cocktails on the exclusive Amirandes beach, a unique seaside setting for delighting in the stunning sunsets over the mesmerizing Cretan skyline.

Local Area

Explore Crete

KNOSSOS – HERAKLION

Discover the wonders of Crete. Start your day at the legendary Knossos Palace, a masterpiece of Minoan architecture and home to King Minos. A 20-minute drive away, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion showcases stunning Minoan pottery and jewelry. Finish with a visit to Heraklion Town, exploring vibrant streets, local cafes, and stopping by Kir Kor Cafe for bougatsa or Outopia Cafe for chocolate fondue.

FESTOS, GORTYNA & ZAROS

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Crete by visiting Festos, Gortyna, and Zaros. Begin with a visit to the ancient Minoan palace of Festos, then head to Gortyna to see the Gortyn Code —the earliest recorded laws in the Mediterranean. End your journey in the picturesque village of Zaros, where you can enjoy Cretan specialties and spring water by the lake.

LASITHI AND VILLAGE KRASI

Begin your adventure by visiting the sunken Sfendili village, just 30 minutes from Amirandes, and enjoy traditional Tsikoudia at Mohos village square. Continue to the Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, known for its miraculous Virgin Mary icon. End your day by exploring the Lasithi Plateau’s windmills, olive groves, and charming villages like Krasi, where you can dine by the ancient Platanos tree.

NECROPOLIS OF ARMENOI, RETHYMNO AND AGRECO FARMS

Visit to the Necropolis of Armenoi near Rethymno, where you can explore ancient tombs that offer a fascinating glimpse into Crete’s past. After immersing yourself in the history of this archaeological site, continue to the nearby Tavern Alekos or Goules for lunch. This cozy spot is known for its delicious home-cooked food, lovingly prepared with local ingredients, and its warm, welcoming atmosphere.

RETHYMNO OLD TOWN & MARGARITES VILLAGE

Explore Rethymno Old Town, where stone-paved streets and Venetian architecture transport you back in the city’s rich history. Visit Papalexakis’ workshop to see traditional instruments like the lyra, then stop by Siganos’ shop to watch handmade Cretan stivania being crafted. Experience Chatziparaschou’s baklava workshop before exploring the ancient Eleftherna ruins. End your day in Margarites Village, enjoying Cretan cuisine and browsing the village’s pottery studios.

PALAIOKASTRO, VAI AND TOPLOU MONASTERY

Embark on a day trip from Amirandes to Eastern Crete, visiting Palaikastro, Vai Palm Forest, and Toplou Monastery. Next, explore the ancient Minoan ruins at Palaikastro an the the Palm Forest of Vai for a serene winter retreat, taking in the peaceful atmosphere of this natural oasis. Conclude your day at Toplou Monastery, known for its 15th-century architecture, admiring frescoes and enjoying a hearty Cretan lunch in its peaceful courtyard, featuring dishes made from its own produce, accompanied by its famous wines.

MOUNT IDA AND ANOGEIA VILLAGE

Begin your morning with a trek to Crete’s highest peak, Mount Ida, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views and the rugged beauty of the landscape. Afterward, explore Anogeia village known for its traditional “mantinadologous” poets nestled on Mount Psiloritis. Explore narrow streets where artisans showcase weaving and carving skills. Stop at the local kafenion for tsikoudia, lamb “ofto,” and galaktoboureko. If weather permits, enjoy a scenic hike through Crete’s rugged landscapes. Anogia offers a true taste of Cretan culture.

DISCOVER CRETAN SEA LIFE

With more than 200 different marine species and 60 tanks, the Cretaquarium presents the rich history of Crete’s underwater life. Only a few minutes from Grecotel Amirandes, Cretaquarium offers a spectacle for the eyes. For a truly unique experience, consider indulging in a private dining arrangement surrounded by the enchanting tanks.