For those who’re attempting to select a Greek island for a household vacation, you may’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
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Actually, in contrast to a number of the smaller islands the place you may discover the highlights in every week, you’ll want longer to find every thing there’s to do on Crete with children – it positively pays to select your base properly if 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 the 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 – in addition to farther from the 2 airports at Chania and Heraklion, plus the primary ferry ports within the north – however whether or not you’re on the lookout 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 children for extra ideas and inspiration
Take pleasure in a seashore day
Crete is famed for having a number of the most stunning seashores in Europe, so you may’t plan a household vacation in Crete with no seashore day or two.
Wherever you’re staying, you’ll discover a number of the family-friendly seashores in Crete close by: there are such a lot of, that it’s exhausting to know the place to start. However to assist slender them down, I’ve listed a couple of of my favourites by space.
Household-friendly seashores within the west of Crete
- Falassarna Seaside – some of the stunning pure seashores in Crete, with high quality golden and pink sand and crystal clear waters.
- Platanias Seaside – a protracted 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 phenomenal 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 fort on the southern coast of Crete.
- Elafonisi Seaside – this distinctive seashore is known for its pink sand because of the hundreds of damaged seashells it comprises.
Household-friendly seashores in central Crete
- Matala Seaside – Crete’s laid-back hippie seashore resort sits in an enclosed bay, surrounded by tall cliffs suffering from 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 well-liked seashore in Crete with native households, this lengthy sandy seashore is far quieter than most of the huge 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 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 mountain 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 learners. 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, could be discovered at seashore resorts all around the island. You gained’t have to journey far to seek out to seek 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 phenomenal valley, there’s masses to do across the lake for a enjoyable household time out.
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, you too can 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.
For those who don’t have your individual automobile, there are day journeys to Lake Kournas and Chania in addition to excursions to native villages and Lake Kournas too
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 slender tree-lined streets, numerous 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 picket pirate ship, The Captain Hook. This half-day tour is assured to be a success 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 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 properly, 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 Might and October so ensure 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. Positioned 25 minutes from Heraklion on the north of the island, the big 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 children’ waterslides, exercise playgrounds, a fantasy inflatable fort, and much extra.
There’s a skip-the-line ticket with an optionally available pick-up from Rethymno if you happen to 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 standard enjoyable actions, from adrenaline-fuelled water slides to stress-free swimming pools, a loopy river, and kids’s leisure areas, so it’s ultimate if you happen to’re on the lookout for issues to do close to Chania with children.
There are tickets together with transfers and lunch accessible if you happen to 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 manner – positively some of the uncommon issues to do in Crete with children!
Ultimate 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 – after all – an enormous 1300sqm labyrinth for the entire household to get misplaced in.
You may also 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 historic Knossos-themed cafe.
Head to an aquarium
One other nice technique 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 at the moment, residence 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 big pythons to petting tortoises.
Cretaquarium
Cretaquarium is a big Mediterranean themed aquarium near Heraklion in central Crete. Presently one of many largest and most trendy aquariums in Europe, the centre is residence to over 2,000 sea creatures throughout 60 tanks.
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 may pay further 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’s to learn about dinosaurs at this interactive theme park dedicated to the prehistoric beasts.
At Dinosauria you may 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 Common Hospital of Dinosaurs. The park has a restaurant, reward store, and huge 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 historic landmarks and a must-visit for guests of all ages. The essential archaeological web site is residence to the ruins of a Bronze Age palace that was the ceremonial and political centre of Minoan civilization.
Thought-about to be Europe’s oldest metropolis, Knossos and its Palace are steeped in historic 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 numerous tales and legends that make this web site so vital.
No matter you select, it’s properly 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 time.
You should buy tickets prematurely from websites like Get Your Information, Tiqets and Viator however sadly if you happen to’re coming from the UK and travelling with children, there’s not at present choice to get the diminished 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 children aren’t usually followers of museums, that is positively one to placed on the record, and an ideal 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 instances, together with the world’s greatest assortment of Minoan treasures – simply one of the best museum to go to in Crete with children.
You’ll be able to wander by means of recreated interval rooms, taking a look at frescoes and sculptures, in addition to different artefacts alongside the best way, together with every thing from artworks to home goods.
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 if you happen to 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 technique 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 essentially the most well-known of those needs to be Dikteon Cave within the Lasithi plateau on the east of the island.
The big cave isn’t 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 produce choices to the Gods. At the moment, it’s a well-liked vacationer attraction the place you may study Greek myths and legends.
Uncover Historical Aptera
For extra historic 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 intensive historic ruins, from the Roman cisterns to the big 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 price of €2 to enter the archaeological web site.
Hike in Samaria Gorge
For energetic households who take pleasure in getting out in nature, you may’t miss mountain climbing Samariá Gorge.
Chopping by means of Crete’s White Mountains, the 16km canyon is without doubt 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 issue, so higher for older children or extra skilled younger hikers though you will discover guides with donkeys strolling up and down the route to supply some respite for little legs. The hike could be accomplished by your self or on a guided tour.
For those who’re on the lookout for different hikes in Crete with children, Imbros Gorge is an efficient 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 turned a leper colony and was nicknamed the island of the residing lifeless: 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 – if you happen to 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 writer, with the story informed by one of many little one characters from The Island, good for youths to be taught extra about Crete and Spinalonga
For those who’re a fan, or that’s merely piqued your curiosity, you may 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) amenities on the island, plus restricted info if you happen to don’t have a information – realistically, this isn’t an ideal one with youthful children.
For those who’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 if you happen to head to Chania or Rethymno, you may 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.
This enjoyable self-guided scavenger hunt is an efficient technique to get children exploring, with an audio information path that takes you to the city’s key sights as you observe clues to resolve the challenges.
And if you happen to’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 properly the Venetian harbour right here (with its personal lighthouse, additionally a substitute for the Venetian unique).
Lychnostatis open air museum
This little museum in Hersonissos is the right technique to get a style of what life was like in Crete in years passed by.
With a give attention to folks traditions and culutre, you may discover a shepherd’s shelter and little windmill, in addition to seeing previous wine and olive presses and wandering by means of 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 one of the best issues to do in Kefalonia, Kos, Skiathos and concepts for exploring Corfu, together with my information to Greece with children
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