Why Crete Is Ideal For A Family Holiday

Travelling to Crete with children doesn’t have to be a stressful experience - especially if you choose to stay in one of our villas recommended for families.  What's more, Crete is an ideal place for both adults and little ones, with ancient ruins to explore and glorious stretches of sandy beach with water sports and ice cream outlets galore!  Cretan tavernas are genuinely delighted to welcome young children through the door and often spoil them with complimentary fruit and extra attention - leaving parents free to relax.

Since 2002, Crete Escapes has been able to offer perfect family villas with memorable views and facilities for the whole family, including larger groups. With a flight time of less than 4 hours from London Gatwick, Crete is the ideal destination for you to take your family. Take a look here for more general information on staying in Crete!

Things to do with the kids

Elafonissi Beach in Chania is an ideal destination to take the children. The beach is a long peninsula which has white (and pink!) sandy beaches on both sides. There are lots of little coves dotted around the beach which are ideal for snorkelling, as well as plenty of seemingly untouched dunes for the kids to play in. The views are idyllic and it is the perfect place to bathe and relax whilst the children enjoy the natural sandy play-ground. 

Mountain biking on the picturesque Cretan roads, through the villages and onto the dirt tracks is a great way to explore Crete whilst keeping the kids entertained. Bicycles are often available to hire from the car hire companies across North West Crete and scheduled bike tours are easy to find.  Alternatively - why not plan your own!

Although a little further across the island than most of our villas, a two-hour drive away from Chania is the Aquaworld Aquarium in Hersonissos. Aquaworld displays local sea life as well as reptiles from around the world. It is a great way to teach the kids about the sea life of Greece as well as incorporating a fun road-trip across the island.

For those choosing to hire a car (and happy to drive approximately 1.5km west of Almyrida) the beautiful Balos Beach is a must see. Last year The Telegraph hailed Balos as one of Europe's "Top 10 beaches" and for good reason. As one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, Balos is blessed with pure white sand and invitingly clear crystal water. Kids will enjoy walking out to the rocky island opposite the beach called Gramvoussa, on top of which sits an impressive Venetian Castle with outstanding views across the sea.

Ideal Family Villas 

Our villas are all set in idyllic Crete surroundings with a variety of child-friendly activities - from safe sandy beaches and pedalos to thrilling waterparks and even Segway tours around Chania town! All of our villas include a private pool and WiFi to occupy the kids without even having to leave your villa.  Why not enjoy some family time in one of these villas especially recommended for families? Villa Poppy, Villa De Tara, Villa Kallisto or Florianna’s Villa.  All four of the aforementioned villas include sea views, a private pool and a BBQ, the essentials for a summer holiday in Greece. Some of the family villas also offer child-friendly amenities upon request such as high-chairs and cots.

Children will enjoy visiting the local supermarket to select delicious and unusual options for lunches and dinners at the villa - from strangely shaped (but delicious!) fruit and vegetables to local honey and cereals. Eating al fresco at your own villa is a great way for the whole family to relax on holiday without the stress of requiring good behaviour at all times!

Why Book With Crete Escapes

Hidden extras are never nice, especially when travelling as a family and having to budget wisely. That's why we are completely transparent with our prices and include things such as air conditioning, WiFi and bed linen as standard. All of our villas are also fully licensed properties meaning that they have been inspected and approved as rental properties by the Greek authorities. We visit our villas in Crete to ensure that a good standard is being maintained throughout and keep in regular contact with all of our villa owners.

If your idea of a family holiday includes 10 or more people, be sure to browse this special selection of villas, providing some of the best group accommodation anywhere in Greece.

Why not browse our villas in Crete today and consider us for your next visit to this magical island? 

Ours are some of the finest luxury villas in Crete, guaranteed to give you and the family an unforgettable holiday experience.