Holidays with children

Holidays with children in Crete – relaxed, varied and family-friendly

Crete is an ideal destination for families with children. Greece's largest island combines safe beaches, short distances, warm hospitality and many child-friendly excursion destinations. Whether you have toddlers, schoolchildren or teenagers, there's no chance of boredom in Crete.

Why Crete is perfect for families

Gently sloping sandy beaches
Warm, clear sea
Short transfer times from the airports
Family-friendly hotels and tavernas
Lots of outdoor and adventure activities

The relaxed lifestyle of the locals ensures that children are welcome everywhere – even in restaurants or on the beach.

Family-friendly beaches in Crete

Many beaches are ideal for children as they offer fine sand, shallow entry and often lifeguards.

Popular family beaches include:

Elounda & Elia Beach – quiet and flat
Elafonissi – pink sand, very shallow water
Falassarna – plenty of space to play
Ammoudara (near Heraklion) – well organised, close to the city
Rethymno Beach – long promenade, ideal for pushchairs

Activities & excursions with children

Water parks & leisure fun

Acqua Plus & Watercity (near Heraklion) – large slides, children's areas
Limnoupolis (near Chania) – clearly laid out & family-friendly
CRETAquarium – an amazing marine world for young and old alike

Experience culture in a child-friendly way

Knossos Palace – exciting with short explanations and imagination
Archaeological Museum of Heraklion – well structured, also suitable for children
Spinalonga – boat trip + history (for older children)

Nature & adventure

Imbros Gorge – easier than Samaria, easily manageable with children
Botanical Garden near Chania – nature, animals & shady paths
Boat trips along the coast or to small islands
Donkey or farm visits in the interior of the island

Eating out with children

Cretan tavernas are very child-friendly. Typical dishes such as:

chips, souvlaki, pasta
fresh fish or chicken
yoghurt with honey

are popular with children. High chairs are usually available and waiting times are relaxed