In the event you’re making an attempt to choose a Greek island for a household vacation, you possibly can’t overlook the largest of the bunch – not least as a result of there are such a lot of issues to do in Crete with children.
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In actual fact, not like a number of the smaller islands the place you possibly can discover the highlights in per week, you’ll want longer to find every thing there may be to do on Crete with children – it undoubtedly pays to choose your base properly if you’re reserving lodging.
From Venetian historical past to seashores and boat journeys, there’s lots 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 primary ferry ports within the north – however whether or not you’re in search of historical past and delusion, chilled out solar, energetic journey or household enjoyable, you’ll discover loads of issues to do for teenagers in Crete.
Learn my information to Greece with children for extra suggestions and inspiration
Get pleasure from a seashore day
Crete is famed for having a number of the most lovely seashores in Europe, so you possibly can’t plan a household vacation in Crete with no seashore day or two.
Wherever you’re staying, you’ll discover a number of the household pleasant seashores in Crete close by: there are such a lot of, that it’s laborious to know the place to start. However to assist slender them down, I’ve listed a number of of my favourites by space.
Household-friendly seashores within the west of Crete
Falassarna Seaside – one of the vital lovely pure seashores in Crete, with effective golden and pink sand and crystal clear waters.
Platanias Seaside – an extended sandy seashore simply west of Chania with loads of vacationer amenities, together with motels, eating places, water sports activities, lifeguards, and extra.
Balos Seaside & Lagoon – a wonderful 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 beneath a 14th century citadel on the southern coast of Crete.
Elafonisi Seaside – this distinctive seashore is known for its pink sand because of the 1000’s of damaged seashells it comprises.
Try my suggestions for visiting Elafonisi Seaside with children
Household-friendly seashores in central Crete
Matala Seaside – Crete’s laid-back hippie seashore 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 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 lots of the massive vacationer resorts.
Hersonissos Seashores – a set of small native seashores simply to the east of Heraklion, with calm, clear waters and loads of family-friendly amenities.
Household-friendly seashores within the east of Crete
Voulisma Seaside – a big stretch of beautiful 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 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 superb space for newbies. You’ll discover loads of diving colleges providing classes for teenagers across the Bay of Afrata.
Different water sports activities reminiscent of sea kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, browsing, and jet skis, may be discovered at seashore resorts everywhere in the island. You received’t must journey far to seek out to seek out courses or gear 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 wonderful valley, there’s hundreds 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 benefit from the solar loungers and umbrellas on the a number of small pebble seashores.
On a heat day, you can too 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.
In the event you don’t have your personal automotive, 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 automotive rent websites is Zest Automobile Rental
Take a Pirate Boat cruise in Rethymno
The historic Venetian city of Rethymno is among the prettiest locations to go to in Crete, with its slender tree-lined streets, various architectural types, and grand fifteenth century fortress.
However the primary factor to do in Rethymno with children 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 successful with children.
Strive 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 realm 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 teenagers 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 season season between Might and October so make sure that to test opening dates earlier than your go to.
Acqua Plus Water Park
Acqua Plus is the largest 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 teenagers 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 children’ waterslides, exercise playgrounds, a fantasy inflatable citadel, and plenty extra.
There’s a skip-the-line ticket with an optionally available 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 embrace:
Limnoupolis
Just below 5 miles from Chiana, Limnoupolis is one other enjoyable water park for households within the west of Crete.
The park has the standard enjoyable actions, from adrenaline-fuelled water slides to enjoyable swimming pools, a loopy river, and youngsters’s leisure areas, so it’s excellent in the event you’re in search of issues to do close to Chania with children.
There are tickets together with transfers and lunch obtainable 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 children about Greek mythology in an entertaining and interactive means – undoubtedly one of the vital uncommon issues to do in Crete with children!
Very best for youthful kids, 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.
You can even 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 perfect issues to do in Heraklion with children, try my high picks
Head to an aquarium
One other nice method to spend a day in Crete with children is by visiting one of many island’s greatest aquariums to be taught concerning 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, dwelling to native sea life and quite a lot of reptiles from around the globe.
Many 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 large pythons to petting tortoises.
Cretaquarium
Cretaquarium is a Mediterranean-themed aquarium near Heraklion in central Crete. Presently one of the vital fashionable aquariums in Europe, the centre is dwelling to over 2,000 sea creatures throughout 60 tanks so it’s simple to whereas away a number of hours.
From large 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 every thing there may be 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 concerning the life and habitats of every dinosaur you encounter.
Youngsters can even get hands-on with enjoyable actions together with fossil excavations, hatching a dinosaur egg, and caring for injured creatures on the Basic Hospital of Dinosaurs. The park has a restaurant, present store, and enormous kids’s play space too.
Go to the Historical 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 vital archaeological website is dwelling 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 essentially the most out of the Palace of Knossos and its museum, go to on a guided tour so kids can hear the various tales and legends that make this website so vital.
Try my full assessment and recommendations on visiting Knossos with children right here
No matter you select, it’s nicely value 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 season.
You should purchase 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 children, there’s not presently choice to get the diminished little one charge on these websites so that you’ll must e-book 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 town
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Even when your children aren’t usually followers of museums, that is undoubtedly one to placed on the record, and an awesome possibility 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 perfect museum to go to in Crete with children.
You possibly can wander via recreated interval rooms, frescoes and sculptures, in addition to different artefacts alongside the way in which, together with every thing from artworks to home items.
It’s additionally blissfully air conditioned. You should purchase 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 e-book direct.
The Heraklion hop-on hop-off bus stops at each the museum and the Palace of Knossos in addition to town’s different highlights, so it’s a sensible and enjoyable method to discover Heraklion with children
Discover the cave the place Zeus was born
The Cretan mountains are dwelling to over 3,000 caves and caverns. However essentially the most well-known of those must be Dikteon Cave within the Lasithi plateau on the east of the island.
The massive cave shouldn’t be solely ecologically spectacular with its many stalagmites and stalactites, however in accordance 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 produce choices to the Gods. At this time, it’s a preferred vacationer attraction the place you possibly can find out about Greek myths and legends.
For the perfect children’ books about Greece, to introduce kids to Greek gods and historical past, try my high picks
Uncover Historical Aptera
For extra historical Greek historical past, go to the stays of 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 intensive historical ruins, from the Roman cisterns to the massive amphitheatre and hilltop Ottoman fort, plus there’s loads of house to run round as you get a style of the island’s fascinating historical past.
Aptera is situated round 8 miles from Chania and there’s a small payment of €2 to enter the archaeological website.
Hike in Samaria Gorge
For energetic households who get pleasure from getting out in nature, you possibly can’t miss mountain climbing Samariá Gorge.
Chopping via Crete’s White Mountains, the 16km canyon is among the longest and most well-known of its variety 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 way in which, the hike takes you thru Samaria Nationwide Park, a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, which is dwelling to distinctive natural world 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 you will see guides with donkeys strolling up and down the route to offer some respite for little legs. The hike may be carried out by your self or on a guided tour.
In the event you’re in search of various hikes in Crete with children, 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 grew to become a leper colony and was nicknamed the island of the dwelling useless: 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 advocate it – and it’s develop into one thing of a vacationer magnet in consequence.
Try Maria’s Island by the identical creator, with the story instructed by one of many little one characters from The Island, good for teenagers to be taught extra about Crete and Spinalonga
In the event 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 payment 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) amenities on the island, plus restricted data in the event you don’t have a information – realistically, this isn’t an awesome one with youthful children.
In the event you’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 possibly can nonetheless discover the fortifications they constructed.
In Chania, the Venetian partitions encompass 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 stunning stroll out to its alternative.
There’s a self-guided scavenger hunt of town – I normally advocate these as an effective 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 unravel the challenges, we ran right into a string of issues leading to a annoyed 10-year-old relatively than a enjoyable expertise
And in the event you’re visiting Rethymno with children, the Fortezza – because the Venetian citadel is thought – nonetheless towers above the city, and you may go to the star-shaped constructing, as nicely 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 proper method to get a style of what life was like in Crete in years passed by.
With a give attention to people 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 stunning little cafe. Purchase tickets with free cancellation right here.
For extra recommendations on visiting the Greek islands with children, try my posts on the perfect issues to do in Kefalonia, Kos, Skiathos and concepts for exploring Corfu, together with my information to Greece with children
*First revealed 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
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