Crete is commonly referred to as one of Greece’s ‘party islands’ but there’s much more to Greece’s largest and most diverse island than beer and beaches and it’s actually a great destination for travellers with young families in tow.
So if you’re headed to Crete on a family holiday here’s our guide to making the most of what the island has to offer…
The Best Time to Travel
No matter what time of year you travel to Crete there is something for everyone, from brilliant beaches with watersports galore, to enchanting ruins or the luxury of a city break.
And because Crete has the best climate of any Greek island, you can visit any time between May and October and pretty much be assured your holiday won’t be a wash-out – but if hitting the beach and swimming is your thing, it’s best to visit between June and September.
Speaking of which…
The Best Family Beaches on Crete
Stalis, also known as Stalida, is a soft, white sand beach that sits around 20 miles from the town of Heraklion and has crystal clear waters perfect for both swimming and snorkelling, but the water can get choppy on windy days so take care, especially with children.
Alternatively, the resort of Agia Pelagia sits under 10 miles from Heraklion and the long, golden sandy beach has lots of sun loungers, plenty of water sports facilities, and because it is well protected from the northern summer winds the water, is always calm and crystal clear.
The Best Tourist Attractions for Families
Knossos is one of the most easily accessible historical sites for families on the Greek islands and is home not only to the largest Bronze Age archaeological site in Crete, it is also thought to be Europe’s oldest city.
Set aside a couple of hours to take a guided tour around the ancient cobblestones, crumbling ruins and the palace, and try to make sure you get there before 10am to beat the crowds and the sweltering midday sun. And maybe take a picnic as the facilities there aren’t the best.
Once you’ve had your fill of history, the Aquaworld Aquarium at Hersonissos is home to an array of reptiles, fish, amphibians and mammals and is a great way to go to get out of the midday heat, particularly if you’re holidaying in July or August.
The Best Towns to Visit
Heraklion is Crete’s largest city, and although the fact that it’s a working city with all the associated hustle and bustle can be off-putting at first, it’s a good place to start and does have a world-class museum.
Agios Nikolaos is a charming harbour town that sits on the shores of the beautiful Mirabello Bay and is full of pedestrianised areas with plenty of shops, tavernas, cafes and restaurants as well as an archaeological museum has a compelling Minoan collection.
The old town of Chania, also known as Hania, is full of winding lanes and alleys that kids will love to explore as well as a great mix of family-friendly restaurants and cafes, and a scenic harbour full of boats and bustle.