Crete With Kids – Where To Stay
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- Booking.com – the best online platform (and most budget-friendly rates) for reserving lodging in Crete.
- Where To Remain in Crete for Families: My preferred towns in Crete are Chania (beautiful, intimate, charming) and Agios Nikolaos (attractive, peaceful, less costly). Rethymno is a less-refined, less touristy revision of Chania. Elounda is a beautiful high-end seashore resort. Heraklio is a little gritty, less picturesque, but surely worth a visit. Knossos (simply outside Heraklio) is the top historical site on the island.
- An electric bicycle tour of Athens` historic sites
- National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth: The huge maritime collection of boats and artifacts is perfect for somewhat older kids.
- Best Hotel for Families in Heraklio: Aquila Atlantis Hotel
A mention of the ” Andronis Boutique Hotel” on the Booking.com website
- Inexpensive Hotel Options for Families in Crete: The Sea & City Apartments (Chania) provides spacious suites near the beach and Old Town. The Mantraki Hotel Apartments (Agios Nikolaos) is a good budget option with sizable family rooms.
- Water Parks in Crete: Limnoupolis (Chania) – WaterCity (Heraklio, the largest on Crete) – Aqua Plus (Hersonissos) – Star Beach (Hersonissos)
- Considered one of the finest kid-friendly beaches on Crete, the stunning Elafonisi beach is approximately a 90-minute drive from Chania via bus or automobile.
The 19 Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Crete
1. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort – Elounda
Hotel Phone: +30 28410 68000
Home to both the largest beachfront pool and children`s club in Crete, Porto Elounda represents an outstanding option for families. The children`s club incorporates indoor and outdoor playgrounds coupled with two pools offering a schedule consisting of arts and crafts, storytelling, and Greek cultural experiences for younger kids, while older children can enjoy a miniature waterpark, watersports, beach games, movie nights, and mini discos in addition to teen activities such as sailing, tennis, or golf lessons (there is a nine-hole course on site). Guests are served by no less than seven dining establishments and five bars with round-the-clock room service available. Accommodations ranging from studio apartments up to villas encompassing 120 square meters of interior space all feature ocean views and private balconies or terraces, most including an attached shared pool or secluded pool. Gorgeous locale within an upscale resort complex approximately 2.5 km south of Elounda village and around 8 km south of Plaka Marina and Plaka Beach.
2. Domes Zeen – Chania
Hotel Phone: +30 23108 10624
This luxury five-star resort situated on a private beach offers well-appointed suites, connected rooms and villas boasting private outdoor spaces like patios and terraces, along with walk-in showers and often swimming amenities. Largest are the two-bedroom villas and grand pavilion fit for multigenerational getaways. Catering to families, amenities involve kids` menu options, on-site childcare, and activity programs for differing age groups, while facilities provide multiple pools, dining selections and round-the-clock room service. Ideal locale only a short drive from the historic port city of Chania, permitting leisurely vacations paired with cultural daytrips.
3. Amirandes, Grecotel Exclusive Resort – Gouves
Hotel Phone: +30 28970 41103
This upmarket resort distributes accommodations across an extensive range to suit different needs, including comfortable family suites accommodating up to four guests, as well as expansive Grand Beach Residences for groups of eight. Divisible family suites incorporate separate spaces, terraces, gardens and private pools. The massive residence homes incorporate two infinity pools, jacuzzis and manicured gardens within the design. Built around a central lagoon and including an Olympic-sized saltwater pool, the resort elicits an atmosphere of refined opulence throughout its lush tropical surroundings.
4. Elounda Peninsula All Suites Hotel – Elounda
Hotel Phone: +30 28410 68250
Luxury resort on a private, shallow, sandy shore with spacious suites and villas (1-3 rooms, sleeping 3 to 7 visitors) and even larger dwellings (up to 7 rooms for up to 14 guests). All boast private terraces with outdoor pools, heated upon request, plus marble bathrooms with separate showers and tubs, and ocean views. Larger suites and villas add kitchenettes or full kitchens, gardens, jacuzzi tubs, and more. The shore is adjacent to the huge pool the resort shares with its sister property Porto Elounda, where families also have access to the comprehensive kids’ club with its own little water park, shallow pools, and guided activities for babies, children, and teens
5. Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas – Elounda
Hotel Phone: +30 28410 63000
This spectacular waterfront lodging boasts lavish suites and rooms, including an exceptionally spacious two-bedroom family suite well-suited for groups of four to seven people or families.
6. Royal Senses Resort & Spa – Panormos
Hotel Phone: +30 28340 55002
A luxurious ocean view resort with a water park, two saltwater pools, a freshwater children`s pool, and children`s menus in the restaurants. The energetic kids` club includes workshops on pottery, dancing, theater, and more. Family suites and villas are spacious, ranging from 40 square meters (for four guests) up to 84 square meters (sleeping up to five), all with king-sized beds, sofas that convert to beds, and about half with private pools. Extra beds can be added in the larger suites/villas. Casual dining with high-quality cuisine is always available at the resort`s four restaurants and four bars. Guests of the Royal Senses have access (via the resort’s free shuttle) to the private beach and tennis courts of the hotel’s sister property across the road, the Royal Blue Resort. Situated in a quiet part along Crete’s north-central coast, about 18 km from Rethymno).
7. Domes of Elounda – Elounda
Hotel Phone: +30 23108 10624
Situated on Elounda`s sole natural beach, ringed by shade-giving olive trees, Domes of Elounda offers an assortment of amenities tailored for families. Notably, their Montessori-inspired children’s program includes varied educational activities like gardening, hiking, and astronomy observing, supplemented by a teen club, family yoga sessions, movie nights, and additional offerings. Suites and villas, reaching up to four bedrooms, provide balconies or terraces boasting secluded outdoor hot tubs or swimming pools. Additional features encompass two pools, one for adults without heating and another for all ages that is heated, eight restaurants serving diverse cuisines, round-the-clock room service, and a wellness center. Conveniently situated 1.5 km from the pebbly Plaka Beach and 1 km from Plaka Marina, where the ferry departs for the island of Spinalonga.
8. Elounda Mare Hotel – Elounda
Hotel Phone: +30 28410 68200
The hotel features rustically charming, earth-toned bungalows with private pools accommodating groups of five, outfitted with minibars, hardwood floors, fireplaces, furnished balconies overlooking private gardens. The property boasts a Blue Flag recognized sandy beach and an excellent Kid’s Ark (animal-themed children`s area), water park, dance lessons, soccer camp, and kid’s spa (some facilities are located at the hotel`s sister resort, Porto Elounda)).
9. Royal Blue Resort – Panormos
Hotel Phone: +30 28340 55000
Family-owned luxurious coastal resort with two swimming pools (one saltwater, one freshwater) set on a private sandy beach. Suites for families, luxury, royalty, and presidential clients and luxury villas all sleep up to four guests and range from 55 to 135 square meters and offer one king-sized or two twin beds plus a convertible sofa, most with private pools, some spread over two floors, and a few with direct beachfront access. On-site activities include live music, Cretan nights with dancing, tennis, and a game lounge. Breakfast is always included. Guests of Royal Blue Resort have access to the supervised children’s club (with activities like dancing, drawing, theatre, pottery workshops, and more) of the hotel’s sister property across the street, Royal Senses using the resort’s free shuttle service. Idyllic beachfront location on a quiet beach within a short drive of Rethymno Town and the popular public beaches of Spilies, Panormos, and Geropotamos).
10. Elounda Bay Palace – Elounda
Hotel Phone: +30 28410 67000
This stylish beachfront lodging contains spacious multi-room suites well-suited for families of six persons. Two-bedroom family suites include convertible furniture, full baths and private balconies while the three-bedroom penthouse adds a kitchen, whirlpool tub, and an expansive sun terrace. Amenities free of charge are a gymnasium, tennis courts, sauna and hammam facilities.
11. Minos Beach Art Hotel – Agios Nikolaos
Hotel Phone: +30 28410 22345
A tranquil beachfront resort blending artistry and relaxation amid lush greenery. Spacious private oceanview villas accommodating up to six guests include home theaters, dressing areas, well-appointed minikitchens, and direct sea access from sun-drenched terraces with private pools. Two secluded beaches and proximity to the town are additional features of this laidback vacation spot.
12. St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas – Agios Nikolaos
Hotel Phone: +30 28410 90200
This appealing resort situated in lovely landscaped grounds overlooking the gulf features spacious three-bedroom suites and villas accommodating up to six individuals plus an infant/young child containing minibars, bathtubs, and verandas. High-end options include private heated swimming pools with sundecks, whirlpool bathtubs, and secluded patios. Guests should be aware that numerous staircases are present throughout so request lodging on the lowest level if mobility is a concern.
13. Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites – Elounda
Hotel Phone: +30 28102 27721
This boutique resort is located on a hillside overlooking the sea on the island of Crete. It has a heated seasonal pool and kids` pool, as well as a playground, wellness center, and two restaurants serving Cretan cuisine on site. A free shuttle provides brief transportation to the private beach, which remains accessible all day via a relaxed beach club. Both a kids` club for ages 4-12 and a baby club for ages 4 months to 4 years offer hands-on activities like swimming lessons, tennis lessons, and experiencing Greek culture. Additional family amenities incorporate strollers, baby monitors, babysitting, and more. The Family Suites, Pool Villas, and Seafront Villa range from 100 to 250 square meters and accommodate between 4 to 8 guests comfortably in up to 4 bedrooms. All include private terraces, with most adding private pools, and many containing full kitchens. The quiet location lies roughly 3 kilometers south of the charming village of Elounda.
14. Ostria Resort & Spa – Ierapetra
Hotel Phone: +30 28420 25711, +30 28420 25714
Ideal for active families with older children, this beachfront resort offers numerous amenities. Six outdoor pools, a children`s program, playground, babysitting, and sports facilities for soccer, archery, and tennis provide entertainment. Kayaking, jet skiing, and scuba diving are accessible through their water sports center. Suite accommodations for up to four or six guests incorporate separate sleeping quarters, convertible seating, and private ocean views. The relaxed surroundings are close to a village and renowned beach.
15. Aquila Atlantis Hotel – Heraklio
Hotel Phone: +30 28102 29103
Conveniently positioned near the city center, ferry terminal, and waterside eateries, this reasonably priced hotel provides spacious family rooms accommodating up to four individuals. Guests enjoy amenities like coffeemakers, mini-bars, and ample balconies overlooking the scene. Additional facilities include a rooftop pool and indoor pool near the renowned archaeological museum.
16. Palazzo Duca – Chania
Hotel Phone: +30 28210 70460
Advantageously placed at the center of Chania`s historic district close to the Old Venetian Harbor, this charming lodging features spacious suites (fit for a family of 4) with hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, sleeper sofas, small refrigerators, basic kitchen areas, and balconies looking out. The largest suite on the top floor includes a jacuzzi for unwinding on the patio. Various eateries, bars and tavernas serving local specialties are within a brief stroll.
17. Atlantis Beach Hotel – Rethymno
Hotel Phone: +30 28310 51002
Situated directly across from sandy beaches and a short walk from town amenities, this modern bungalow-style hotel consists of comfortable and spacious two-room family suites accommodating up to four guests. In-unit amenities like sofa beds and refrigerators complement furnished balcony or patio spaces for each room. Guests benefit from private beach access on the hotel grounds in addition to an adjacent supermarket.
18. Mantraki Hotel Apartments – Agios Nikolaos
Hotel Phone: +30 28410 28880
These Greek-style apartments in Salamis offer bright, roomy lodging suitable for small families. All units include sofa beds, fully-equipped kitchens, and expansive balconies with marina scenery. Several have lovely water vistas. The excellent central location allows easy access on foot to the town center, lake, harbor, eateries, and retailers. It represents an ideal long-term lodging option.
19. Suites Pandora – Chania
Hotel Phone: +30 28210 43588, +30 28210 43589
This traditionally designed hotel is located in the historic center of Chania and offers spacious suites with high ceilings and antique furniture. The accommodations contain modern kitchenettes with refrigerators and stoves along with marble bathrooms and some have balconies. An elevator is lacking however harbor view rooms provide pleasant vistas. Noise from nearby clubs could occasionally be heard. The rooftop terrace features stunning perspectives of Old Town.
