In case you’re attempting to select a Greek island for a household vacation, you possibly can’t overlook the most important of the bunch – not least as a result of there are such a lot of issues to do in Crete with children.
comprises affiliate hyperlinks*
In actual fact, in contrast to a few of the smaller islands the place you possibly can discover the highlights in per week, you’ll want longer to find all the pieces there’s to do on Crete with children – it positively pays to select your base correctly once you’re reserving lodging.
From Venetian historical past to seashores and boat journeys, there’s a lot to tempt close to Rethymno (or Rethymnon) and Chania with children within the western a part of the island, and additional east in direction of Elounda, however you’ll discover most household points of interest close to Heraklion, the island’s capital, and Hersonissos.
The south and much east of the island are quieter and fewer touristy – but additionally farther from the 2 airports at Chania and Heraklion, in addition to the principle ferry ports within the north – however whether or not you’re in search of historical past and delusion, chilled out solar, lively journey or household enjoyable, you’ll discover loads of issues to do for youths in Crete.
Learn my information to Greece with children for extra ideas and inspiration
Take pleasure in a seaside day
Crete is famed for having a few of the most lovely seashores in Europe, so you possibly can’t plan a household vacation in Crete with out a seaside day or two.
Wherever you’re staying, you’ll discover a few of the household pleasant seashores in Crete close by: there are such a lot of, that it’s arduous to know the place to start. However to assist slim them down, I’ve listed a couple of of my favourites by space.
Household-friendly seashores within the west of Crete
- Falassarna Seashore – one of the crucial lovely pure seashores in Crete, with tremendous golden and pink sand and crystal clear waters.
- Platanias Seashore – an extended sandy seaside simply west of Chania with loads of vacationer services, together with resorts, eating places, water sports activities, lifeguards, and extra.
- Balos Seashore & Lagoon – a wonderful secluded seaside with white sand and shallow turquoise waters, accessible by (a busy) ferry from Kissamos port or boat tour.
- Frangokastello Seashore – a sandy seaside sitting under a 14th century citadel on the southern coast of Crete.
- Elafonisi Seashore – this distinctive seaside is known for its pink sand because of the hundreds of damaged seashells it comprises.
Try my ideas for visiting Elafonisi Seashore with children
Household-friendly seashores in central Crete
- Matala Seashore – Crete’s laid-back hippie seaside resort sits in an enclosed bay, surrounded by tall cliffs affected by cave tombs constructed by the Romans 2,000+ years in the past.
- Bali Seashores – for a quiet household seaside day, head to the 5 small sheltered seashores that encompass the calm and picturesque seaside resort of Bali (nothing to do with the one in Indonesia!)
- Potamos Seashore – a well-liked seaside in Crete with native households, this lengthy sandy seaside is far quieter than lots of the huge vacationer resorts.
- Hersonissos Seashores – a group of small native seashores simply to the east of Heraklion, with calm, clear waters and loads of family-friendly services.
Household-friendly seashores within the east of Crete
- Voulisma Seashore – a big stretch of beautiful white sand seaside with crystal clear turquoise waters in Mirabello Bay on the northeastern coast of Crete.
- Vai Seashore – a secluded seaside surrounded by one of many largest palm tree forests in Europe, with loads of picturesque nature and nice mountain climbing routes close by.
Hit the water
Discover extra of Crete’s beautiful shoreline with some family-friendly enjoyable on the water, together with loads of water sports activities from scuba diving to sea kayaking.
For scuba and snorkeling, Chania and the north west of Crete is a good space for learners. You’ll discover loads of diving colleges providing classes for youths across the Bay of Afrata.
Different water sports activities equivalent to sea kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, browsing, and jet skis, might be discovered at seaside resorts all around the island. You gained’t must journey far to search out to search out courses or tools rent.
Spend a day at Lake Kournas
For a barely extra mellow day trip with youthful youngsters, head to Lake Kournas, the one freshwater lake on Crete. Nestled in a wonderful valley, there’s hundreds to do across the lake for a enjoyable household day trip.
You’ll be able to take a stroll across the lake (a full lap takes round an hour), cease for a picnic alongside its banks, or profit from the solar loungers and umbrellas on the a number of small pebble seashores.
On a heat day, it’s also possible to take a swim within the lake or rent a pedalo to move out onto the water. And don’t neglect to seize some meals to feed the lake’s many geese.
In case you don’t have your personal automobile, there are day journeys to Lake Kournas and Chania in addition to excursions to native villages and Lake Kournas too, or one in all my favorite automobile rent websites is Zest Automobile Rental
Take a Pirate Boat cruise in Rethymno
The historic Venetian city of Rethymno is likely one of the prettiest locations to go to in Crete, with its slim tree-lined streets, various architectural kinds, and grand fifteenth century fortress.
However the primary factor to do in Rethymno with children is to move all the way down to the Venetian harbour and take to the water on a pirate ship.
Set sail to discover the caves, rock formations, and seashores surrounding Rethymno on a conventional wood pirate ship, The Captain Hook. This half-day tour is assured to be successful with children.
Attempt a ship journey to the smaller islands
In case your children don’t fancy a pirate boat, otherwise you’re staying elsewhere on Crete, there are a string of different boat journeys to select from – once more, you’ll be spoiled for selection.
This half-day boat tour from Chania takes you to Lazaretta Island (a former leper colony), in addition to providing the possibility to be taught extra historical past of the world and to cease, swim and snorkel.
Or strive a crusing journey from Heraklion to Dia island, simply to the north of Crete with time to snorkel, swim and sit back – there’s a morning boat tour as nicely, each appropriate for youths aged over 4.
Head to a waterpark
Nothing screams enjoyable household day trip in Crete like a visit to one of many island’s water parks. Most water parks in Crete are solely open for the summer time season between Could and October so ensure that to test opening dates earlier than your go to.
Acqua Plus Water Park
Acqua Plus is the most important and hottest water park in Crete. Situated 25 minutes from Heraklion on the north of the island, the massive park has over 50 thrilling water slides, rides, and video games for youths and adults of all ages.
For teenagers and older youngsters, you’ll discover excessive slides just like the Kamikaze and Giants of Terror, whereas little ones can benefit from the children’ waterslides, exercise playgrounds, a fantasy inflatable citadel, and much extra.
There’s a skip-the-line ticket with an non-obligatory pick-up from Rethymno when you don’t wish to drive, in addition to different tickets together with transfers from elsewhere on Crete.
Different water parks close to Heraklion in central Crete embrace:
Limnoupolis
Slightly below 5 miles from Chiana, Limnoupolis is one other enjoyable water park for households within the west of Crete.
The park has the same old enjoyable actions, from adrenaline-fuelled water slides to enjoyable swimming pools, a loopy river, and kids’s leisure areas, so it’s superb when you’re in search of issues to do close to Chania with children.
There are tickets together with transfers and lunch obtainable when you don’t wish to drive or take a taxi.
Labyrinth Park
This distinctive Minoan-themed amusement park near Heraklion is a good place to show children about Greek mythology in an entertaining and interactive manner – positively one of the crucial uncommon issues to do in Crete with children!
Perfect for youthful youngsters, Labyrinth Park has an enormous vary of actions, together with mini golf, quad bikes, archery, horse rides, a stay escape recreation, and – in fact – an enormous 1300sqm labyrinth for the entire household to get misplaced in.
It’s also possible to pop by the projector room, the place movies on the traditional Minoan Civilization of Crete are proven all through the day, and luxuriate in lunch within the historical Knossos-themed cafe.
For extra concepts of the most effective issues to do in Heraklion with children, take a look at my high picks
Head to an aquarium
One other nice strategy to spend a day in Crete with children is by visiting one of many island’s greatest aquariums to be taught in regards to the native aquatic life.
Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Centre
Aquaworld was Crete’s very first aquarium and continues to be one in all its hottest points of interest right now, residence to native sea life and a wide range of reptiles from world wide.
A lot of the animals are rescued or have been injured and now have a brand new sanctuary at Aquaworld. Youngsters will love getting hands-on with fascinating creatures, from holding big pythons to petting tortoises.
Cretaquarium
Cretaquarium is a Mediterranean-themed aquarium near Heraklion in central Crete. Presently one of the crucial fashionable aquariums in Europe, the centre is residence to over 2,000 sea creatures throughout 60 tanks so it’s straightforward to whereas away a couple of hours.
From big sharks to microscopic plankton, children can be taught all about marine life within the area and there’s an audio information as you discover (or you possibly can pay additional for a brief guided tour too).
Ebook tickets with free cancellation right here.
Stroll with prehistoric creatures at Dinosauria Park
Little ones can be taught all the pieces there’s to find out about dinosaurs at this interactive theme park dedicated to the prehistoric beasts.
At Dinosauria you possibly can journey again in time to the Mesozoic period as you wander across the park discovering full-sized animatronic dinosaurs, whereas interactive screens educate you in regards to the life and habitats of every dinosaur you encounter.
Youngsters may also get hands-on with enjoyable actions together with fossil excavations, hatching a dinosaur egg, and caring for injured creatures on the Normal Hospital of Dinosaurs. The park has a restaurant, present store, and enormous youngsters’s play space too.
Go to the Historic Minoan Palace of Knossos
The Palace of Knossos is one in all Crete’s most well-known historical landmarks and a must-visit for guests of all ages. The necessary archaeological website is residence to the ruins of a Bronze Age palace that was the ceremonial and political centre of Minoan civilization.
Thought of to be Europe’s oldest metropolis, Knossos and its Palace are steeped in historical historical past and Greek mythology, most famously the legend of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur but additionally the story of Daedalus and Icarus, who flew too near the solar,
To essentially get probably the most out of the Palace of Knossos and its museum, go to on a guided tour so youngsters can hear the various tales and legends that make this website so important.
Try my full assessment and tips about visiting Knossos with children right here
No matter you select, it’s nicely value reserving tickets upfront and getting there early (or ready till later within the afternoon) to keep away from the queues and the warmth throughout summer time.
You should buy tickets upfront from websites like Get Your Information, Tiqets and Viator however sadly when you’re coming from the UK and travelling with children, there’s not presently choice to get the lowered little one fee on these websites so that you’ll must guide direct – youngsters who’re EU residents get in free.
The Heraklion hop-on hop-off bus stops at each Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in addition to exploring the town
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Even when your children aren’t usually followers of museums, that is positively one to placed on the checklist, and a terrific choice to mix with a go to to Knossos, round quarter-hour away.
With 27 galleries throughout two flooring, its assortment covers 5,500 years, from the Neolithic age to Greco-Roman occasions, together with the world’s greatest assortment of Minoan treasures – simply the most effective museum to go to in Crete with children.
You’ll be able to wander via recreated interval rooms, taking a look at frescoes and sculptures, in addition to different artefacts alongside the best way, together with all the pieces from artworks to home items.
It’s additionally blissfully air conditioned. You should buy joint tickets, though as with the palace of Knossos, you solely appear to have the ability to get little one tickets when you guide direct.
The Heraklion hop-on hop-off bus stops at each the museum and the Palace of Knossos in addition to the town’s different highlights, so it’s a sensible and enjoyable strategy to discover Heraklion with children
Discover the cave the place Zeus was born
The Cretan mountains are residence to over 3,000 caves and caverns. However probably the most well-known of those needs to be Dikteon Cave within the Lasithi plateau on the east of the island.
The big cave will not be solely ecologically spectacular with its many stalagmites and stalactites, however based on legend, it’s additionally the birthplace of Zeus, the chief Greek God.
Locals would as soon as head off on a pilgrimage to the sacred cave to worship and convey choices to the Gods. Right now, it’s a well-liked vacationer attraction the place you possibly can study Greek myths and legends.
For the greatest children’ books about Greece, to introduce youngsters to Greek gods and historical past, take a look at my high picks
Uncover Historic Aptera
For extra historical Greek historical past, go to the stays of the town of Aptera close to Chania, as soon as the business centre of Crete round 2,000 years in the past.
Youngsters can discover the in depth historical ruins, from the Roman cisterns to the massive amphitheatre and hilltop Ottoman fort, plus there’s loads of area to run round as you get a style of the island’s fascinating historical past.
Aptera is positioned round 8 miles from Chania and there’s a small price of €2 to enter the archaeological website.
Hike in Samaria Gorge
For lively households who take pleasure in getting out in nature, you possibly can’t miss mountain climbing Samariá Gorge.
Slicing via Crete’s White Mountains, the 16km canyon is likely one of the longest and most well-known of its sort in Europe. The mountain climbing route begins from Xyloskalo on the Omalos Plateau and ends on the seaside village of Agia Roumeli on the south coast.
Alongside the best way, the hike takes you thru Samaria Nationwide Park, a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, which is residence to distinctive wildlife in addition to the eye-catching surroundings.
The total hike takes round 6 hours and is medium problem, so higher for older children or extra skilled younger hikers though one can find guides with donkeys strolling up and down the route to supply some respite for little legs. The hike might be achieved by your self or on a guided tour.
In case you’re in search of different hikes in Crete with children, Imbros Gorge is an effective one to think about
Study Crete’s deserted leper colony
Spinalonga is a small rocky island within the Gulf of Elounda in north-eastern Crete that was as soon as dominated by the Venetians and the Ottomans. Within the early 1900s, the island grew to become a leper colony and was nicknamed the island of the residing useless: at its peak, it had round 400 residents.
The colony wasn’t disbanded till 1957, making it one of many final of its sort in Europe. Its darkish historical past impressed the best-selling novel, The Island – when you haven’t learn it, I extremely advocate it – and it’s change into one thing of a vacationer magnet in consequence.
Try Maria’s Island by the identical writer, with the story informed by one of many little one characters from The Island, excellent for youths to be taught extra about Crete and Spinalonga
In case you’re a fan, or that’s merely piqued your curiosity, you possibly can go to the deserted settlements on the island and be taught extra on a guided tour.
Ferries run from Plaka or Elounda – there’s a further price to pay on the island itself – in addition to excursions to Spinalonga from Heraklion and Rethymno, and longer boat excursions which cease at Spinalonga.
Do take water and any snacks with you as there are restricted (and pricy) services on the island, plus restricted data when you don’t have a information – realistically, this isn’t a terrific one with youthful children.
In case you’re intrigued by the concept of a leper island however are staying within the west of Crete, Lazaretta island is a cease on some boat journeys from Chania – though there’s not an enormous quantity remaining from its previous historical past.
Discover Venetian fortifications
This Greek island, like its northern neighbour of Corfu, was as soon as dominated by the Venetians, and when you head to Chania or Rethymno, you possibly can nonetheless discover the fortifications they constructed.
In Chania, the Venetian partitions encompass the town, encircling the older Byzantine ones, whereas the harbour was additionally constructed by the Venetians – the unique lighthouse is lengthy gone, however there’s a beautiful stroll out to its substitute.
There’s a self-guided scavenger hunt of the town – I often advocate these as a good way to discover with children however whereas this one from World Metropolis Path does take you to the city’s key sights as you try to resolve the challenges, we bumped into a string of issues leading to a pissed off 10-year-old slightly than a enjoyable expertise
And when you’re visiting Rethymno with children, the Fortezza – because the Venetian citadel is understood – nonetheless towers above the city, and you’ll go to the star-shaped constructing, as nicely the Venetian harbour right here (with its personal lighthouse, additionally a substitute for the Venetian authentic).
Lychnostatis open air museum
This little museum in Hersonissos is the right strategy to get a style of what life was like in Crete in years passed by.
With a give attention to folks traditions and tradition, you possibly can discover a shepherd’s shelter and little windmill, in addition to seeing previous wine and olive presses and wandering via a herb backyard.
There’s a gallery with work by Cretan artists on show too, plus there’s an audio information and a beautiful little cafe. Purchase tickets with free cancellation right here.
For extra tips about visiting the Greek islands with children, take a look at my posts on the most effective issues to do in Kefalonia, Kos, Skiathos and concepts for exploring Corfu, together with my information to Greece with children
*First printed 2022, final up to date 2024*
Disclosure: This submit comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Photographs courtesy of Depositphotos