If you happen to’re making an attempt to select a Greek island for a household vacation, you’ll be able to’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 youngsters.
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In reality, not like a few of the smaller islands the place you’ll be able to discover the highlights in per week, you’ll want longer to find all the pieces there’s to do on Crete with youngsters – it undoubtedly pays to select your base properly once you’re reserving lodging.
From Venetian historical past to seashores and boat journeys, there’s loads to tempt close to Rethymno (or Rethymnon) and Chania with youngsters 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 in addition farther from the 2 airports at Chania and Heraklion, in addition to the primary ferry ports within the north – however whether or not you’re searching for historical past and delusion, chilled out solar, energetic journey or household enjoyable, you’ll discover loads of issues to do for youths in Crete.
Learn my information to Greece with youngsters for extra suggestions and inspiration
Get pleasure from a seashore day
Crete is famed for having a few of the most lovely seashores in Europe, so you’ll be able to’t plan a household vacation in Crete and not using a seashore 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 onerous 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 Seaside – one of the crucial lovely pure seashores in Crete, with effective golden and pink sand and crystal clear waters.
Platanias Seaside – a protracted sandy seashore simply west of Chania with loads of vacationer services, together with resorts, eating places, water sports activities, lifeguards, and extra.
Balos Seaside & Lagoon – a stupendous secluded seashore with white sand and shallow turquoise waters, accessible by (a busy) ferry from Kissamos port or boat tour.
Frangokastello Seaside – a sandy seashore sitting under a 14th century fortress on the southern coast of Crete.
Elafonisi Seaside – this distinctive seashore is known for its pink sand due to the 1000’s of damaged seashells it incorporates.
Take a look at my suggestions for visiting Elafonisi Seaside with youngsters
Household-friendly seashores in central Crete
Matala Seaside – Crete’s laid-back hippie seashore resort sits in an enclosed bay, surrounded by tall cliffs plagued by cave tombs constructed by the Romans 2,000+ years in the past.
Bali Seashores – for a quiet household seashore day, head to the 5 small sheltered seashores that encompass the calm and picturesque seashore resort of Bali (nothing to do with the one in Indonesia!)
Potamos Seaside – a preferred seashore in Crete with native households, this lengthy sandy seashore is way quieter than most of the massive 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 Seaside – a big stretch of gorgeous white sand seashore with crystal clear turquoise waters in Mirabello Bay on the northeastern coast of Crete.
Vai Seaside – a secluded seashore surrounded by one of many largest palm tree forests in Europe, with loads of picturesque nature and nice climbing routes close by.
Hit the water
Discover extra of Crete’s gorgeous 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 superb space for newbies. You’ll discover loads of diving colleges providing classes for youths across the Bay of Afrata.
Different water sports activities akin to sea kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, browsing, and jet skis, will be discovered at seashore resorts everywhere in the island. You gained’t have to journey far to search out to search out courses or tools rent.
Spend a day at Lake Kournas
For a barely extra mellow time out with youthful kids, head to Lake Kournas, the one freshwater lake on Crete. Nestled in a stupendous valley, there’s masses to do across the lake for a enjoyable household time out.
You possibly can take a stroll across the lake (a full lap takes round an hour), cease for a picnic alongside its banks, or take advantage of the solar loungers and umbrellas on the a number of small pebble seashores.
On a heat day, you can even take a swim within the lake or rent a pedalo to move out onto the water. And don’t overlook to seize some meals to feed the lake’s many geese.
If you happen to don’t have your individual automotive, there are day journeys to Lake Kournas and Chania in addition to excursions to native villages and Lake Kournas too, or certainly one of my favorite automotive rent websites is Zest Automobile Rental
Take a Pirate Boat cruise in Rethymno
The historic Venetian city of Rethymno is without doubt one of the prettiest locations to go to in Crete, with its slim tree-lined streets, various architectural types, and grand fifteenth century fortress.
However the primary factor to do in Rethymno with youngsters is to move right 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 a success with youngsters.
Attempt a ship journey to the smaller islands
In case your youngsters 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 prospect to be taught extra historical past of the world and to cease, swim and snorkel.
Or attempt 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 effectively, each appropriate for youths aged over 4.
Head to a waterpark
Nothing screams enjoyable household time out 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 be certain that to examine 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 kids, you’ll discover excessive slides just like the Kamikaze and Giants of Terror, whereas little ones can benefit from the youngsters’ waterslides, exercise playgrounds, a fantasy inflatable fortress, and plenty extra.
There’s a skip-the-line ticket with an non-compulsory pick-up from Rethymno in the event 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 embody:
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 stress-free swimming pools, a loopy river, and youngsters’s leisure areas, so it’s superb in the event you’re searching for issues to do close to Chania with youngsters.
There are tickets together with transfers and lunch accessible in the event you don’t wish to drive or take a taxi.
Labyrinth Park
This distinctive Minoan-themed amusement park near Heraklion is a superb place to show youngsters about Greek mythology in an entertaining and interactive means – undoubtedly one of the crucial uncommon issues to do in Crete with youngsters!
Ideally suited for youthful kids, Labyrinth Park has an enormous vary of actions, together with mini golf, quad bikes, archery, horse rides, a reside escape recreation, and – in fact – an enormous 1300sqm labyrinth for the entire household to get misplaced in.
You can too pop by the projector room, the place movies on the traditional Minoan Civilization of Crete are proven all through the day, and revel in lunch within the historical Knossos-themed cafe.
For extra concepts of the perfect issues to do in Heraklion with youngsters, take a look at my prime picks
Head to an aquarium
One other nice method to spend a day in Crete with youngsters is by visiting one of many island’s finest aquariums to be taught concerning the native aquatic life.
Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Centre
Aquaworld was Crete’s very first aquarium and remains to be certainly one of its hottest points of interest as we speak, residence to native sea life and quite a lot of reptiles from all over the world.
A lot of the animals are rescued or have been injured and now have a brand new sanctuary at Aquaworld. Children will love getting hands-on with fascinating creatures, from holding large pythons to petting tortoises.
Cretaquarium
Cretaquarium is a Mediterranean-themed aquarium near Heraklion in central Crete. At the moment 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 large sharks to microscopic plankton, youngsters can be taught all about marine life within the area and there’s an audio information as you discover (or you’ll be able to pay additional for a brief guided tour too).
E-book 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’ll be able to journey again in time to the Mesozoic period as you wander across the park discovering full-sized animatronic dinosaurs, whereas interactive screens educate you concerning the life and habitats of every dinosaur you encounter.
Children may also get hands-on with enjoyable actions together with fossil excavations, hatching a dinosaur egg, and caring for injured creatures on the Common Hospital of Dinosaurs. The park has a restaurant, reward store, and huge kids’s play space too.
Go to the Historic Minoan Palace of Knossos
The Palace of Knossos is certainly one of Crete’s most well-known historical landmarks and a must-visit for guests of all ages. The vital 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 in addition 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 kids can hear the numerous tales and legends that make this website so important.
Take a look at my full assessment and recommendations on visiting Knossos with youngsters right here
No matter you select, it’s effectively price reserving tickets prematurely 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 prematurely from websites like Get Your Information, Tiqets and Viator however sadly in the event you’re coming from the UK and travelling with youngsters, there’s not presently choice to get the decreased little one fee on these websites so that you’ll have to guide direct – kids 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 youngsters aren’t usually followers of museums, that is undoubtedly one to placed on the checklist, and an important 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 finest assortment of Minoan treasures – simply the perfect museum to go to in Crete with youngsters.
You possibly can wander by recreated interval rooms, taking a look at frescoes and sculptures, in addition to different artefacts alongside the way in which, 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 in the event 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 method to discover Heraklion with youngsters
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 massive cave isn’t solely ecologically spectacular with its many stalagmites and stalactites, however in line with 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. At this time, it’s a preferred vacationer attraction the place you’ll be able to study Greek myths and legends.
For the perfect youngsters’ books about Greece, to introduce kids to Greek gods and historical past, take a look at my prime 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 industrial centre of Crete round 2,000 years in the past.
Children can discover the intensive 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 charge of €2 to enter the archaeological website.
Hike in Samaria Gorge
For energetic households who get pleasure from getting out in nature, you’ll be able to’t miss climbing Samariá Gorge.
Slicing by Crete’s White Mountains, the 16km canyon is without doubt one of the longest and most well-known of its variety in Europe. The climbing route begins from Xyloskalo on the Omalos Plateau and ends on the seaside village of Agia Roumeli on the south coast.
Alongside the way in which, 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 complete hike takes round 6 hours and is medium problem, so higher for older youngsters or extra skilled younger hikers though you can see guides with donkeys strolling up and down the route to supply some respite for little legs. The hike will be finished by your self or on a guided tour.
If you happen to’re searching for different hikes in Crete with youngsters, Imbros Gorge is an efficient one to think about
Find out about 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 turned a leper colony and was nicknamed the island of the dwelling lifeless: at its peak, it had round 400 residents.
The colony wasn’t disbanded till 1957, making it one of many final of its variety in Europe. Its darkish historical past impressed the best-selling novel, The Island – in the event you haven’t learn it, I extremely suggest it – and it’s turn out to be one thing of a vacationer magnet because of this.
Take a look at Maria’s Island by the identical creator, with the story instructed by one of many little one characters from The Island, excellent for youths to be taught extra about Crete and Spinalonga
If you happen to’re a fan, or that’s merely piqued your curiosity, you’ll be able to 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 charge 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 in the event you don’t have a information – realistically, this isn’t an important one with youthful youngsters.
If you happen to’re intrigued by the thought 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 in the event you head to Chania or Rethymno, you’ll be able to 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 alternative.
There’s a self-guided scavenger hunt of the town – I often suggest these as an effective way to discover with youngsters 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 ran right into a string of issues leading to a annoyed 10-year-old slightly than a enjoyable expertise
And in the event you’re visiting Rethymno with youngsters, the Fortezza – because the Venetian citadel is thought – nonetheless towers above the city, and you’ll go to the star-shaped constructing, as effectively the Venetian harbour right here (with its personal lighthouse, additionally a alternative for the Venetian authentic).
Lychnostatis open air museum
This little museum in Hersonissos is the right method to get a style of what life was like in Crete in years passed by.
With a concentrate on folks traditions and tradition, you’ll be able to discover a shepherd’s shelter and little windmill, in addition to seeing previous wine and olive presses and wandering by 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 recommendations on visiting the Greek islands with youngsters, take a look at my posts on the perfect issues to do in Kefalonia, Kos, Skiathos and concepts for exploring Corfu, together with my information to Greece with youngsters
*First revealed 2022, final up to date 2024*
Disclosure: This put up incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
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