Crete offers a wide range of options for accommodation, dining, entertainment, and exploration. Yet, it also stands out as an exceptional destination for families with children seeking to engage in activities together, enjoy fun experiences, gain knowledge, and find relaxation.

Explore the 8 compelling reasons why Crete is the perfect destination for families with children:

Safety

Crete is a safe destination for families with children, boasting hospitals in major cities, private clinics, as well as health centres and rural clinics on the mainland. This ensures that you can enjoy a tranquil holiday, knowing that any unforeseen event will be promptly addressed.

Comfortable Stay

When travelling with children, safety and enjoyment are every parent's top priority. In Crete, you can rest assured that accommodation options will cater to even the most discerning visitors. The island boasts state-of-the-art hotels and provides facilities such as children's camps to ensure a memorable and worry-free experience for families.

Children can have an absolute blast in specially designed children's pools, all under careful supervision. Additionally, babysitting services are also available. Children can also engage in a variety of sports and artistic activities, as well as enjoy the company of magicians and entertainers, while parents have the opportunity to relax and unwind.

Exploring Beaches and Excursions Aboard in Crete

Children adore the sea, the joy of swimming, and the carefree play on the beach during the summer. It's a season when they can truly feel free, make new friends, and gather unforgettable experiences. In Crete, you'll discover a multitude of beaches that are tailor-made for families with children. These beaches are thoughtfully organised and have lifeguards on duty, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for your little ones to relish the sun, sand, and sea.

Crete offers a wide variety of beaches to suit every preference, from sandy and pebbly shores to calm, shallow waters.

Keratokampos and Tsoutsouras in Heraklion are beloved destinations for families with children, offering delightful beaches. If you're seeking beaches with amenities, the ports of Gouves, Hersonissos, and Stalis have you covered. For a charming swimming experience with picturesque vistas and an array of dining options, Agia Pelagia is an excellent choice.

Rethymno boasts stunning beaches in Plakias and Damnoni, while Bali offers sheltered and shallow beaches. In Chania, you won't want to miss the sandy shores of Frangokastelo, Paleochora, Elafonisi, and Falasarna.

What could be more exciting than treating your children to a boat trip in the crystal-clear waters of Crete? Daily boat excursions are available to access secluded beaches like Preveli, Loutro, and Balos. These organised trips often include lunch on board, music for dancing, and the chance to swim in the middle of the sea, making it an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.

Traditional Lifestyle

A trip to Crete can offer children a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and experience traditional ways of life. The island is renowned for preserving its traditions, customs, and manners, providing an ideal environment for cultivating children's interests and concerns. This immersive experience can be both educational and enriching for young travellers.

Agrotourism and alternative tourism accommodation in Crete offers children the chance to connect with nature, engage in organised excursions, and even learn horseback riding. These experiences can be both educational and enjoyable for young visitors, providing them with a deeper understanding of the natural world and traditional activities on the island.

Children in Crete can enjoy various outdoor activities, including safe hikes along mapped trails. Additionally, they can participate in activities like planting and cooking, allowing them to engage with the natural environment and local traditions while having fun.

Playgrounds and Gardens

Crete has parks with modern, well-equipped playgrounds in every city, providing safe and enjoyable spaces for children to play.

Georgiadis Park in Heraklion is an excellent choice for families with children. This park features a playground, open spaces for sports and recreation, a refreshment bar, and even a specially designed area for skateboarding and a bicycle path along the coastal front.

Chania's municipal garden is a great place for a family outing. You can take a leisurely walk, enjoy an open-air film at the cinema, grab some refreshments at the bar, and let your children have fun at the playground.

Rethymno offers options for family activities as well. Mikrasiaton Square is perfect for cycling and skating, while the municipal garden provides a shaded, green environment for relaxation and play.

Hikes

Exploring the natural wonders of Crete with your children can create lasting memories. The island is famous for its gorges and hiking trails, many of which are suitable for families with relatively easy routes. Your journey through nature will captivate your children as they discover the beauty of the landscape, including lush forests, flowing rivers, and tranquil ponds. The Astrakiano Gorge is a highly recommended choice, and you can also consider exploring other gorges like Imbros, Agiofarago, and Richti for a memorable outdoor adventure with your family.

Museums and Culture

Visiting museums in Crete can be a wonderful choice for families.

In Heraklion, you can explore the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, where you'll find a rich collection of artefacts from the Minoan civilisation. Additionally, a visit to the impressive Knossos Palace is a must, as it offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient history and mythology.

For a comprehensive understanding of Crete's history, the Historical Museum of Crete is an excellent choice, as it provides engaging audio-visual material that can make learning about the island's past fun and informative for children.

You can also visit Natural History Museum of Crete.

Additionally, make sure not to miss the chance to explore the Maritime Museum of Crete in Chania and the historic island of Spinalonga across Elounda (Lasithi) During the summer season, you can take daily boat trips to Spinalonga, which once served as a leper colony, offering a unique historical experience for the whole family.

Finally, there are excursions and museum visits on the island that include special activities designed for children to learn through interactive play. Additionally, during the summer months, you can enjoy concerts, full moon nights, and numerous cultural events that offer a diverse range of entertainment and learning opportunities for the whole family.

Entertainment

Summer is synonymous with water play, and what better way to enjoy it than by visiting water amusement parks. These parks offer fun water slides and pools suitable for both children and adults, all under the watchful eye of trained supervision.

Additionally, you can find numerous businesses offering activities like go-karting, paintball, and amusement parks, providing endless moments of laughter and fun for the whole family.

Finally, the island offers businesses that provide unique experiences for children, including pirate ships and theme parks that bring to life adventures from different eras.

Photos: Region of Crete