Family Holidays to Crete
Bordered by Blue Flag beaches and activities galore, a family holiday to Crete can be as chilled-out or adrenaline-fuelled as you’d like. Paddle in clear, shallow waters or take a banana boat trip – that is, if you aren’t occupied by splash parks, swimming pools and scuba diving lessons.
Best family friendly beaches in Crete
Crete has plenty of beautiful beaches to choose from, with shallow waters, soft sand and family-friendly facilities making many of them ideal for a day by the sea.
- Maleme Beach is a great choice for younger children, with a gently shelving shoreline, clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Rethymnon Beach stretches for miles along the coast, with soft sand, shallow waters and a promenade lined with cafés and restaurants.
- Hersonissos beaches offer a choice of sandy coves with clear waters, watersports and plenty of places to grab a snack or settle in for the day.
- Georgioupolis Beach is a long sandy stretch with shallow waters and plenty of space for families to paddle and play.
- Agia Marina Beach combines golden sand and clear waters with a good choice of restaurants, cafés and family-friendly facilities nearby.
Best family activities in Crete
From waterparks and boat trips to wildlife encounters and exploring the island’s landscapes, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained in Crete.
- Acqua Plus Waterpark near Hersonissos has waterslides, pools and a dedicated children’s area, with plenty of options for different ages.
- Limnoupolis Waterpark near Chania is another great choice for a fun day out, with slides, splash areas and a lazy river.
- Family boat trips are a great way to explore Crete’s coastline, with glass-bottom boats and snorkelling trips offering chances to spot marine life.
- Dinosauria Park near Heraklion is a fun choice for younger children, with life-sized dinosaur models, interactive attractions and fossil-themed activities.
- Dikteon Cave offers an exciting change of scenery, with impressive rock formations and a fascinating connection to Greek mythology.
- Samaria Gorge is perfect for active families with older children, offering spectacular scenery, walking trails and streams to discover.
Frequently asked questions about family holidays to Crete
Hersonissos is a great all-rounder for families, with sandy beaches, waterparks, watersports and plenty of family-friendly hotels, restaurants and things to do.
Aghia Marina is a popular choice for a relaxed family beach holiday, with a long sandy beach, shallow waters and plenty of restaurants and shops close by.
Georgioupolis is ideal for families looking for a laid-back escape, with a long sandy beach, shallow waters and a relaxed resort atmosphere.
Gouves offers a quieter family-friendly setting, with sandy beaches, calm swimming spots and plenty of family hotels and restaurants nearby.
Stalis is a great option for families who want a traditional seaside resort vibe, with a sandy beach, shallow waters, watersports and a good choice of places to eat.
Rethymnon combines family-friendly beaches with plenty to explore, including its charming old town, historic sights, restaurants and boat trips.
Agia Pelagia is a good choice for families looking for a smaller resort, with a sheltered sandy beach, calm waters and a relaxed atmosphere.
Popular family hotels in Crete
Looking for inspiration for your family holiday in Crete? Here’s some of our most popular family hotels: