Athina Palace Resort & Spa — destination wedding venue in Mades 715 00, Greece
Hotel

Athina Palace Resort & Spa

Mades 715 00, Greece, Greece20150 guests$$$
Type:Hotel
Capacity:20150 guests
Budget:$$$
Airport:Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (Heraklion International) (HER), 90 minutes

Athina Palace Resort & Spa commands views across the Cretan landscape from its hilltop position in Mades, where whitewashed architecture rises against Mediterranean horizons. The property's terraced grounds feature gardens and pool areas that cascade down the elevation, offering multiple outdoor ceremony and reception backdrops. Stone archways and classical Greek design elements provide an authentic regional aesthetic without requiring travel to remote islands.

Highlights

  • Located in Mades, Crete at 715 00 postal code with panoramic views of surrounding hills and valleys
  • Full-service spa facility on-site for bridal parties and guest relaxation before ceremonies
  • Hotel accommodates 150+ guests with on-property lodging eliminating need for external accommodation coordination
  • 4.2/5 Google rating based on verified guest reviews
  • Terraced outdoor spaces allow for ceremonies at sunrise or sunset with natural landscape backdrops

Quick facts

Capacity20150 guests
Venue typeHotel
Price range$$$
LocationGreece
Nearest airportHER

Plan your wedding at Athina Palace Resort & Spa

Getting there

Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (Heraklion International) (HER)

90 minutes to venue

Private car rental

€40-60 per day rental plus fuel

90 minutes · Self-drive from Heraklion airport via national highway to Mades

Arranged shuttle service

Typically €30-50 per person (confirm with venue)

90 minutes · Resort can coordinate transfers from airport to venue for wedding parties

Taxi or ride-share

€60-80 depending on surge pricing

90 minutes · Available from Heraklion airport, though advance booking recommended during peak season

Cost estimate

Ceremony / venue fee

€800-1,500 (venue hire for ceremony space)

Reception (per guest)

€45-75 (catering, beverages, service)

Accommodation (per night)

€90-180 (standard to suite rooms)

Estimated total

€8,000-15,000 for 100-guest wedding with 2-night guest stays

Pricing varies by season (peak July-September commands premiums). Spa services, décor upgrades, and premium menu selections incur additional costs. Off-season (November-April) rates typically 20-30% lower. Contact venue directly at http://www.athinapalace.com.gr for customized quotes.

Sample wedding weekend

Thursday (Day 1)

3:00 PMGuest arrival and check-in; welcome cocktail by pool

Thursday

6:00 PMRehearsal dinner at resort restaurant

Friday (Day 2)

10:00 AMBridal party spa services (massages, facials)

Friday

5:00 PMCeremony on terraced garden space with hill views
6:30 PMCocktail reception by pool terrace
8:00 PMReception dinner and dancing

Saturday (Day 3)

10:00 AMFarewell breakfast; guest departures

This is a sample itinerary. Your wedding weekend can be fully customized.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum guest capacity?
Athina Palace Resort & Spa can accommodate up to 150 guests for ceremonies and receptions, with on-site hotel rooms for out-of-town attendees.
Are there indoor backup options for outdoor ceremonies?
Yes, the resort features indoor event spaces available if weather requires moving ceremonies or receptions inside.
Does the venue offer catering and bar services?
As a full-service resort, Athina Palace provides comprehensive catering, beverage, and dining services tailored to wedding menus and preferences.
Are there spa services available for wedding parties?
The on-site spa offers treatments including massages, facials, and wellness services that can be booked for bridal parties and guests.
What is the nearest airport?
Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (Heraklion) is approximately 60 kilometers away with roughly 90-minute transfer time by car or arranged shuttle.

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