Crete is both the largest and most southern of all the Greek Islands with one of the best climates in Europe, and so has understandably become one of the most popular choices for a family holiday. Crete has long sandy beaches for lazing on, rocky bays to snorkel from, spectacular mountain gorges to walk in, ancient ruins to ruminate on and chicken kebabs for the kids to chew on. Childfriendly offer a huge choice of family holiday packages, from large resorts with a vibrant nightlife to hotels or villas in more tranquil surroundings. Once there you can just lie back and enjoy a blissful holiday with the kids enjoying the pool or beach and with organised clubs and activities for them in many of the resorts. There is lots to see and explore in this historic Island so try and use a little of your precious holiday time to discover the real Crete. Check out our great selection of Child Friendly holidays in Crete below or read on for some tips on attractions and days out.
Top Tips for that extra special family holiday in Crete:
- If any of the children are interested in history then do your best to arrange a visit to the ruins of Knossos, just outside Heraklion. The ancient palaces of this centre of Minoan civilization have been imaginatively restored. For that little bit extra visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum which houses the lovely Minoan jewellery, artwork and original frescoes from the site.
- If the kids are fit then take them to Zeus birthplace, The Dikteon Cave. It is a steep 30 minutes walk to the entrance, but the views of the Lassithi Plateau below with hundreds of windmills are lovely and the cave has beautiful stalactites and stalagmites and an underground pool.
- Hire a car or take a tour to really appreciate the flowered slopes of Crete’s rugged mountains, with orange groves, isolated villages and spectacular gorges. The most stunning is Samaria Gorge, in South West Crete. It is now a National Park and if your family enjoys walks, a stroll along the river will provide one of your most memorable ones.
- Arrange an outing to one of the coastal towns. For example the beautiful old port of Chania has a Venetian Harbour lined with cafes, with winding cobbled alleyways leading to picturesque squares. Narrow streets have old Venetian buildings courtyard restaurants and Cretan handicraft shops,
- For a fun outing with the kids choose a trip to one of the four main Water Parks on Crete. All have similar facilities to the ones in UK but with almost guaranteed hot sun! The largest one is called Watercity and is close to Kokkini Hani Resort, AquaPlus, just outside of Hersonissos, is smaller but has other attractions besides water based ones.
Perfect for a 3 star family holiday to Crete. Overlooking an award winning beach, plus a kids pool, and playground on the beach
Perfect for a luxury family holiday to Crete. Stylish without being stuffy, and with plenty of activities to keep the little ones busy
A firm family favourite with holiday makers to Crete, owing to the flexibility of self catering combined with a great kids club and pool
Thomson offer a great range of family holidays to Crete. Look out for their Free Kids places
With free kids places and kids clubs, First Choice is a great option for family holidays to Crete
