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Modern hotel pool with wooden pavilion and clear water under a blue sky.
Beach with sun umbrellas, lounge chairs, and view of the blue sea under clear sky.
Brightly decorated hotel room with sea view and modern, comfortable bed.
Hotel terrace with tables, chairs, and umbrellas next to a lake.
Hotel with a round pool, white buildings, and blue sky in the background.
Modern outdoor hotel area with trees and set tables under a blue sky.
Hotel pool area with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and guests at the bar.
Friends enjoy colorful cocktails at a beach bar with sea view and thatched umbrellas.
Elegant hotel rooftop terrace at night with tables, chairs, and decorative lighting.
Infinity pool at sunset overlooking the sea with an outdoor seating area.
Open terrace with tables and chairs, sea view and sunset
Spacious hotel restaurant with wooden tables and chairs, modern lighting, and sea view.
Beach with lounge chairs and umbrellas by calm blue sea under clear sky.
View of the sea and sky from a terrace with table, chairs, and cocktail.
Empty beach with loungers and umbrellas, calm sea and clear sky in the background.
Modern hotel reception with wooden ceiling, geometric wall paneling, and elegant desk.
Modern hotel complex with white facades, wooden railings, and balcony views of hills.
Modern hotel entrance with large arches and palm trees, illuminated at dusk.
Modern restaurant overlooking the sea at sunset, elegant tables and chairs set up.
Small chapel with blue door in beach setting with blue sky and sea.
White roof overlooking the sea, surrounded by trees and beach umbrellas.
An elegant, modern dining area with wooden furniture and decorative partitions in warm tones.
Modern open restaurant area with wooden tables and chairs in a hotel overlooking the beach and palm trees.
Small gym with treadmill, strength machine, and dumbbells in hotel room.
Man receives a massage in a calm, wood-paneled spa room with a relaxing atmosphere.
Two people relax in a sauna with wooden walls and hot stones.
Two people relax in a wooden sauna with hot stones and a water bucket.
Modern hotel room with two beds, TV, and balcony overlooking the garden.
Modern hotel room with wooden beam ceiling, double bed, and seating area with desk.
Modern hotel room with double bed and sea view through large windows.
Modern hotel room with double bed, wooden beams, and balcony with seating area.
Modernly furnished hotel room with double bed, sofa, wooden beams, and kitchenette.
Bright living area with white sofa, wooden ceiling beams, and balcony view with curtains.
Brightly decorated hotel room with double bed, wooden furniture, and direct access to a terrace.
Modern hotel bathroom with wooden furniture, two sinks, and glass shower under arched ceiling.
Modern hotel corridor overlooking a narrow outdoor pool and private seating areas.
Modern hotel corridor with wooden floor and bathroom area featuring mirror and sink.
Modern hotel room with wooden ceiling, desk, sink, and open sleeping area.
Modern hotel room area with gray sofa, wooden table, desk, and wall-mounted TV.
Modern hotel with private pool and balconies, surrounded by wooden railings under a sunny sky.
Modern hotel room with loft bed, seating area, and minimalist décor.
Modern hotel fitness room with wooden ceiling, exercise equipment, dumbbells, and a small kitchenette.
Bright bathroom with freestanding bathtub and modern glass shower in hotel.
Modern hotel room with double bed, wooden furniture, and view of outdoor pool.
Modern hotel area with illuminated pool and balconies at night.
Bright hotel room with double bed, wooden beam ceiling, and balcony access with a view.
Modern hotel room with small pool, sun loungers, parasol, and garden area.
Griechenland ∙ Kreta ∙ Stalis

Cactus Mare *****
Tour operator category

HER525
Logo - https://static.schauinsland-reisen.de/certificates/LOG000-03.jpg
Unser Label "Reisen mit Zukunft" kennzeichnet Hotels, welche sich nach GSTC-Standard für eine nachhaltige Zukunft engagieren.
Map

Highlights

  • Adults-only hotel for guests aged 16 and over in Stalis.
  • Direct beach location with buffet restaurant and two à-la-carte restaurants.
  • Certified with the Green Key sustainability label.
  • Room amenities include Nespresso machine, pillow menu and daily restocked minibar.
  • 4-star hotel with two swimming pools and all-inclusive board.

Location

In the summer of 2019, the well-known Cactus Hotels chain opened a completely renovated 4-star comfort hotel exclusively for adults.
In the summer of 2023, the Cactus Mare was expanded with an annex building, which is located opposite the main building in the 2nd row from the beach (a road must be crossed).
As an adults-only hotel (16+), the Cactus Mare offers a very special atmosphere with the attentive service and high-quality accommodation expected from Cactus. It is located in Stalis; the main building is situated directly on the sandy beach (bathing shoes are recommended as there are stone slabs in the water), between the towns of Malia and Hersonissos. Shopping and entertainment options are in the immediate vicinity and can be easily reached on foot. The distance to Heraklion Airport is approx. 32 km.
Beach with lounge chairs and umbrellas by calm blue sea under clear sky.
View of the sea and sky from a terrace with table, chairs, and cocktail.
Infinity pool at sunset overlooking the sea with an outdoor seating area.
Empty beach with loungers and umbrellas, calm sea and clear sky in the background.

Facilities

Modern hotel reception with wooden ceiling, geometric wall paneling, and elegant desk.
Modern hotel complex with white facades, wooden railings, and balcony views of hills.
Modern hotel entrance with large arches and palm trees, illuminated at dusk.
Friends enjoy colorful cocktails at a beach bar with sea view and thatched umbrellas.
Modern restaurant overlooking the sea at sunset, elegant tables and chairs set up.
Small chapel with blue door in beach setting with blue sky and sea.
White roof overlooking the sea, surrounded by trees and beach umbrellas.
An elegant, modern dining area with wooden furniture and decorative partitions in warm tones.
Modern open restaurant area with wooden tables and chairs in a hotel overlooking the beach and palm trees.
Fresh white tones and light wood give the modern property its luxurious charm. The main building has 90 rooms, and the annex has 31 additional rooms. In the main building, a 24-hour reception, lobby, luggage room, main restaurant, and fitness/wellness area await you. Wi-Fi is included throughout the property. The outdoor area of the main building extends in terraces towards the sea, ensuring a magnificent sea view from almost every sunbed. Additionally, a swimming pool with a pool bar provides refreshments, and the beach bar serves drinks at the beach.
The newly built annex from 2023 also offers 2 à la carte restaurants (steakhouse & Italian), a swimming pool, and a pool bar. All facilities of the main building can also be used.
Sunbeds and umbrellas are included at both pools and at the beach, subject to availability. Beach towels are also included for all rooms. Parking at the hotel is free of charge, subject to availability.

Accommodation

Superior Double Room Main Building

The rooms are located in the main building.
The pleasantly cool design of the property is reflected in the rooms. The airy and light-filled rooms combine traditional elements with modern design. They are equipped with walk-in shower/WC, hairdryer, toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, telephone, individually adjustable air conditioning, safe, iron and ironing board, 40'' flatscreen TV, minibar (included; restocked every 2 days with 2 soft drinks, 2 fruit juices, 2 beers, 1 mini bottle of wine as well as Ouzo, Vodka, and Gin; other drink requests or more frequent restocking can be ordered at the reception for a fee), Wi-Fi, coffee/tea maker (daily replenishment), Nespresso machine (2 capsules per day included), pillow menu, as well as a balcony or terrace (DSU).
Upon arrival, a bottle of wine and a bottle of water are provided in the room.
Optionally bookable for single use (DSE).

Modern hotel room with two beds, TV, and balcony overlooking the garden.
Modern hotel room with wooden beam ceiling, double bed, and seating area with desk.
Modern hotel room with double bed and sea view through large windows.

Superior Double Room Side Sea View

With the same facilities as the Superior double rooms, these additionally feature a side sea view (D2S). Optionally bookable with direct sea view (DMU).

Superior Double Room Whirlpool

With the same facilities as the Superior double rooms, these additionally feature a whirlpool on the terrace (J2N).
The whirlpool is not supervised by a lifeguard. We request careful behavior and special attention when using this area.

Modern hotel room with double bed, wooden beams, and balcony with seating area.
Modernly furnished hotel room with double bed, sofa, wooden beams, and kitchenette.
Bright living area with white sofa, wooden ceiling beams, and balcony view with curtains.

Suite Main Building

Located in the main building, these offer more space and a separate seating area with a sofa compared to the Superior double rooms (S2). Optionally bookable with side sea view (2SS).

Suite Whirlpool

Like the suites, also located in the main building, with a whirlpool on the terrace (S2J).
The whirlpool is not supervised by a lifeguard. We request careful behavior and special attention when using this area.

Brightly decorated hotel room with double bed, wooden furniture, and direct access to a terrace.
Modern hotel bathroom with wooden furniture, two sinks, and glass shower under arched ceiling.

Superior Double Room Annex

The rooms are located in the newly built annex from 2023 in the 2nd row from the beach (a road must be crossed).
The pleasantly cool design of the property is reflected in the rooms. The airy and light-filled rooms combine traditional elements with modern design. They are equipped with walk-in shower/WC, hairdryer, bath amenities, bathrobes, slippers, telephone, individually adjustable air conditioning, safe, 40'' flatscreen TV, minibar (included; restocked every 2 days with 2 soft drinks, 2 fruit juices, 2 beers, 1 mini bottle of wine as well as Ouzo, Vodka, and Gin; other drink requests or more frequent restocking can be ordered at the reception for a fee), Wi-Fi, coffee/tea maker (daily replenishment), Nespresso machine (2 capsules per day included), pillow menu, as well as a balcony or terrace (AO2).
Upon arrival, a bottle of wine and a bottle of water are provided in the room.
Optionally bookable for single use (AO1).

Superior Double Room Sharing Pool Annex

Like the Superior double rooms, in the annex building, with access to a sharing pool (DPX).
The sharing pool is not supervised by a lifeguard. We request careful behavior and special attention when using this area.

Modern hotel corridor overlooking a narrow outdoor pool and private seating areas.
Modern hotel corridor with wooden floor and bathroom area featuring mirror and sink.
Modern hotel room with wooden ceiling, desk, sink, and open sleeping area.
Modern hotel room area with gray sofa, wooden table, desk, and wall-mounted TV.

Suite Annex

The rooms are located in the newly built annex from 2023 in the 2nd row from the beach (a road must be crossed).
They offer more space and a separate seating area with a sofa compared to the Superior double rooms (ANS).

Suite Sharing Pool Annex

Like the suites in the annex, with direct access to a sharing pool (SUX).
The sharing pool is not supervised by a lifeguard. We request careful behavior and special attention when using this area.

Modern hotel with private pool and balconies, surrounded by wooden railings under a sunny sky.
Modern hotel room with loft bed, seating area, and minimalist décor.
Modern hotel fitness room with wooden ceiling, exercise equipment, dumbbells, and a small kitchenette.
Bright bathroom with freestanding bathtub and modern glass shower in hotel.
Modern hotel room with double bed, wooden furniture, and view of outdoor pool.

Loft Annex

The rooms are located in the newly built annex from 2023 in the 2nd row from the beach (a road must be crossed).
The lofts are arranged on 2 levels and have the same facilities as the Superior double rooms. The sleeping area is located on the lower level, and the bathroom with walk-in shower/WC or bathtub is on the upper level (LAN).

Superior Double Room Private Pool

Like the Superior double rooms, additionally with a private pool (U2P).
The private pool is not supervised by a lifeguard. We request careful behavior and special attention when using this area.

Modern hotel area with illuminated pool and balconies at night.
Bright hotel room with double bed, wooden beam ceiling, and balcony access with a view.
Modern hotel room with small pool, sun loungers, parasol, and garden area.

Meals

All Inclusive

Modern restaurant buffet with diverse dishes, wooden ceiling, and large windows overlooking outside.

All Inclusive

Breakfast (7-10 a.m.), lunch (12:30-2 p.m.), and dinner (6:30-9 p.m.) are offered in the buffet restaurant of the main building. Dinner in the à la carte restaurants is included once per stay (reservation required).
Refreshing drinks and snacks are available at the pool bar from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The beach bar provides various local drinks from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fresh gyros, souvlaki, pizza, and burgers are offered from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included at the bar from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Gluten-free meals are offered.
Vegetarian and various diet meals are available upon request.

Sports included

Small fitness room in the main building
(The fitness room at Cactus Royal can also be used)
Small gym with treadmill, strength machine, and dumbbells in hotel room.

Sports for a fee

Water sports at the beach provided by local operators.

Wellness

Man receives a massage in a calm, wood-paneled spa room with a relaxing atmosphere.
Two people relax in a sauna with wooden walls and hot stones.
Two people relax in a wooden sauna with hot stones and a water bucket.
For a fee (in the main building): Spa with sauna, massages, and various treatments.
The spa at the Cactus Royal hotel can also be used for a fee (excluding the indoor pool, sauna, and steam bath, which are included).

Hotel service

Wi-Fi is included throughout the property.
Water stations are available around the clock.
***
Daily room cleaning, towel change every 2 days, bed linen change twice a week.
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Laundry service, ironing service (both for a fee).

Credit card

All common credit cards are accepted.
MasterCard, Visa, and American Express.

Sustainability

Travel with a Future provides guidance for making conscious choices. Our label identifies hotels that are certified according to internationally recognized standards for sustainable business practices and actively invest in a more sustainable future. These standards cover social responsibility, environmental awareness, as well as cultural and economic aspects of sustainable tourism, as established by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

Further information on sustainability at Schauinsland-Reisen can be found at: https://nachhaltigkeit.schauinsland-reisen.de/reisen-mit-zukunft

This hotel has the following certification:
  • Green Key

Hotelhinweis

Adults-only property, bookable for guests 16 years and older!
**********
Pets up to 5 kg are allowed upon request.
**********
Due to many stairs and steps, the hotel is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
**********
Rated 5 Suns due to the complete renovation and good location.

Zusatzhinweis

Hotel contact:
Cactus Mare
Phone: 0030 2897305150
E-Mail: reservations@cactus-mare.gr/info@cactus-mare.gr
In the "Young Stars" 2025/26 catalog on page 32.
In the "Greece · Cyprus" Summer 2026 catalog on page 150.

Destination information: Climate Resilience Tax

For stays from January 1, 2018, the Greek government levies a climate resilience tax, which must be paid by the guest locally, comparable to a tourist tax.
The amount depends on the type/category of the accommodation and, as of January 1, 2025, is staggered from 0.50 Euros to 15 Euros per room per day.
For stays in the high season April 1 - October 31:
1-2 Star category 2 Euros
3 Star category 5 Euros
4 Star category 10 Euros
5 Star category 15 Euros
For stays in the low season November 1 - March 31:
1-2 Star category 0.50 Euros
3 Star category 1.50 Euros
4 Star category 3 Euros
5 Star category 4 Euros

Tour operator category

5 Suns *****

Country category

4 Sterne
Last updated: 08.07.2026 11:13