With kids · Crete · Greece
Crete with kids
Family-tested sights, a calm base and the practical details that make travelling with children easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Creteman, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Crete is one of Greece's best family islands: shallow lagoon beaches such as Elafonisi, castles and Minoan palaces that bring myths to life, an aquarium and boat trips to Spinalonga. Rethymno and Chania's resort coast make easy bases. Top picks: Knossos, Elafonisi and Spinalonga. Families usually base themselves in Rethymno.
Key facts
- Family picks
- 6
- Best area for families
- Rethymno
- Rainy-day options
- 1
- Busiest months
- July–August
Best things to do with kids
Historic site · Heraklion
1.Knossos
The largest Minoan palace, about 5 km south of Heraklion, was the centre of a Bronze Age civilisation more than 3,500 years ago. Arthur Evans excavated and partly rebuilt it in concrete in the early 20th century, with painted replicas of frescoes, so the throne room, grand staircase and storerooms are easy to picture.
Arrive at opening or in the late afternoon to avoid the heat and tour groups, and see the museum in Heraklion the same day.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Buy e-tickets online in advance in summer, when ticket queues build by mid-morning.
- Iconic
- History
- Kids
- Architecture
Beach · Southwest Crete
2.Elafonisi
A protected island and lagoon in the southwest where crushed shells tint the sand pink in places. You can wade across the shallow water to the islet, and the calm, warm lagoon makes it one of the island's best beaches for young children.
Visit early or late in the day; avoid taking sand or shells, as the area is a protected nature reserve.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Kids
- Nature
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
Island · Agios Nikolaos and Elounda
3.Spinalonga
A small island in the Gulf of Elounda fortified by the Venetians in the 16th century and used as a leper colony until 1957. Short boat rides from Plaka, Elounda or Agios Nikolaos lead to its walls, restored streets and the colony's houses, made famous by the novel The Island.
Take the short boat from Plaka, and allow time for a swim and lunch in Plaka afterwards.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Kids
- Views
Aquarium · Hersonissos and Malia
4.Cretaquarium
A large aquarium at Gournes, about 15 km east of Heraklion, with tanks of Mediterranean marine life including sharks, jellyfish and seahorses. It is a reliable rainy-day or heat-of-the-day outing for families.
Combine it with a beach afternoon nearby, or go when the midday sun is too strong for the beach.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Rainy day
Castle · Rethymno
5.Rethymno Old Town and Fortezza
The Venetians built the Fortezza on a headland above Rethymno in the 16th century after pirate raids; inside are a domed mosque and wide views. Below it, the old town's lanes lead past the Rimondi fountain, the Neratze mosque minaret and wooden Ottoman balconies.
Visit the Fortezza late in the afternoon for the sunset view over the sea.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Views
- Architecture
- Kids
Nature · Lasithi Plateau
6.Lasithi Plateau and the Dikteon Cave
A fertile upland plain ringed by mountains, once dotted with thousands of white-sailed windmills used for irrigation, a few of which survive. Above the village of Psychro, the Dikteon Cave is linked in myth to the birth of Zeus, with stalactites lit along a steep path.
Wear shoes with grip for the cave path and bring a layer; the plateau is cooler than the coast.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Kids
- History
Rainy-day ideas
- Cretaquarium — Combine it with a beach afternoon nearby, or go when the midday sun is too strong for the beach.
Where families should stay
$$ · Best for families, first-timers, couples and beach
Rethymno
Rethymno's old town of narrow lanes, wooden Ottoman balconies, minarets and the Rimondi fountain sits beneath the Venetian Fortezza, and a long sandy town beach runs east from the harbour. It is central on the north coast, with good access to Arkadi, Preveli and both Chania and Heraklion.
- Good
- Old town and beach together; Central location; Good value compared with Chania
- Watch out
- Beachfront hotels line a busy road; Old town crowded at midday in summer
- Nearby
- Fortezza, Rimondi Fountain, Arkadi Monastery, Preveli
Family travel tips
- Choose one or two bases to avoid long drives with children.
- Visit archaeological sites early in the morning, before the heat.
- North-coast beaches can have waves when the wind blows; lagoons like Elafonisi stay calmer.
- Book car seats with the hire car in advance.
Day trips for families
- Chrissi island (About 1 hour by boat from Ierapetra) — A protected, uninhabited island off the south-east coast with shallow turquoise water, shell-strewn beaches and an ancient juniper forest growing on sand dunes.
- Lake Kournas (About 50 minutes by car from Chania) — Crete's only natural freshwater lake lies in a green bowl of hills near Georgioupoli, with pedal boats, turtles in the shallows and lakeside tavernas.
When to go with children
The best months overall are May–June and September–October. July–August are the busiest, so book the big sights early. Weather by month.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Crete good for kids?
Crete is one of Greece's best family islands: shallow lagoon beaches such as Elafonisi, castles and Minoan palaces that bring myths to life, an aquarium and boat trips to Spinalonga. Rethymno and Chania's resort coast make easy bases.
+What can kids do in Crete?
Knossos, Elafonisi, Spinalonga, Cretaquarium and Rethymno Old Town and Fortezza.
+Where should families stay in Crete?
Rethymno: Venetian-Ottoman old town and fortress beside a long sandy beach.