Crete is an idyllic family holiday destination, boasting stunning beaches, vibrant towns and traditional villages to discover. Plus, Crete’s culinary scene will surely not disappoint – making this break an especially special treat!
Village Heights Resort is an ideal family-friendly destination in Crete, situated just outside Hersonissos and offering its own beach. Additionally, guests have access to tennis, mini golf, basketball and two outdoor swimming pools for relaxation.
1. Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas
Daios Cove is a top-of-the-line luxury resort perched atop a rock face overlooking its private sandy bay. Its 300 rooms, suites and villas are tastefully decorated in neutral tones of tan and taupe with splashes of Aegean blue.
Rooms feature flat-screen TVs, personalized pillow menus and tea/coffee makers. Some units also boast a balcony or terrace.
Family-friendly amenities include a kids’ club and babysitting services. Plus, there’s a full-service spa as well as several restaurants and bars to choose from.
Daios Cove places great emphasis on wellness, boasting 165 private seawater pools and a luxurious 2,500-m2 spa. If needed, diagnostics are available, and the staff is more than happy to assist in reaching your health objectives.
2. Atlantica Caldera Palace
Crete is an idyllic Greek island with stunning beaches, vibrant markets and plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. It is also home to the magnificent Palace of Knossos – a testament to Minoan culture at its finest.
Atlantica Caldera Palace, situated on the northern coast of Crete, is just a stroll away from Lyttos Beach and Analipsi – a traditional village with some cafes and bars. A little over 10 minutes by car to Hersonissos – an exciting town with plenty of attractions for a night out – is your next destination.
This all-inclusive resort boasts 4 outdoor swimming pools, a waterslide and fitness center. Guests can unwind with a drink at one of the property’s 4 bars/lounges or 7 restaurants. A complimentary breakfast is served daily. Rooms feature free minibar items, deep soaking bathtubs and furnished balconies for added enjoyment.
3. Domes of Elounda
Domes of Elounda, perched atop a hill overlooking the Mirabello Gulf and Unesco-protected Spinalonga island, is an intimate boutique hotel featuring suites, villas and residences. It boasts an exquisite spa as well as its Blue Flag sandy beach with plenty of kid-friendly amenities.
At its heart, The Greek Islands boast four restaurants offering contemporary Asian, Italian and Greek cuisine as well as traditional Cretan fare. Enjoy award-winning seafood creations at Topos 1910 on the beach; or treat yourself to an elevated Greek feast with panoramic views at Frureo.
There’s plenty to keep the whole family busy at Spinalonga, including tennis courts, a games room with PlayStation and X-box console, as well as exciting excursions into nearby Spinalonga. On Tuesday and Friday nights, Core area transforms into an immersive recreational zone that incorporates leisure, art, action and culinary treats.
4. Amirandes Luxury Resort & Spa
Amirandes Luxury Resort & Spa, situated on a stunning sandy beach near Heraklion, is the perfect destination for families seeking 5-star Cretan hospitality. This property features an Olympic-sized pool, beachfront waiter service and VIP beach section exclusively for guests staying in Suites or Villas.
This hotel features 212 modern rooms, suites and villas with luxurious amenities and outdoor spaces. Each room comes complete with large flat-screen TVs, DVD players, minibars, pillow menus and bathrobes/slippers for added comfort.
Dining options abound at this resort, with one main buffet and five themed restaurants. A Cretan organic restaurant and modern Asian a la carte meny offer healthy dishes with breathtaking sunset sea views while Minotaur restaurant features authentic Picasso ceramics decor.
5. Villa Kynthia
Villa Kynthia, run by the charming couple Korinna and Antonis Miliaraki, is an idyllic village hotel that combines both family home comforts with exclusive retreat amenities. Situated in Panormos, it makes an ideal home base to explore Crete’s charming villages.
This idyllic village offers plenty of ‘away from it all’ appeal, yet is only 25km from Rethymno and an hour from Heraklion airport. Direct charter flights operate year-round from London as well as many European cities.
Pass through an ornate gateway into a serene courtyard with flowers everywhere. An ancient pine tree shades the pool and cafe-style tables in this private oasis. Enjoy an indulgent buffet breakfast served here (or in the spacious breakfast kitchen) each morning.
6. Kapsaliana Hotel
Kapsaliana Village Hotel, nestled in the hills outside Rethymno, was originally part of Arkadi Monastery but has been lovingly restored and transformed into an inviting village retreat that brings together history, nature, Cretan traditions and culture with excellent hospitality.
This captivating settlement, situated in the island’s largest olive grove, boasts an 18th-century olive press and museum (with original pitharia – clay storage vessels), plus a homely restaurant and flower-flanked outdoor pool. Rooms are kept simple with stone interiors and arches.
Breakfast at the hotel is a casual affair with local products from nearby producers like cheese, yogurt, bread, eggs, honey and cold deli meats and jams. Plus the hotel’s restaurant serves delicious meals prepared by an award-winning chef.
7. Lato Hotel
Lato offers guests comfort, gracious hospitality and stunning views of the Venetian fortress at Heraklion’s old city harbor. Plus, their outstanding service makes this a great base from which to explore Heraklion and Crete’s other must-see attractions.
Rooms offer a host of modern conveniences, like coffeemakers and mini bars, plus free wireless Internet. Some rooms even boast sea views from their balconies; larger suites even come with sliding screens that separate lounge areas from bedrooms.
Brillant Gourmet Restaurant serves an extensive menu. Guests may also dine on the rooftop Herbs Garden for stunning views of Heraklion’s old harbor and Cretan Sea from its terrace. Additionally, there is a stylish bar on-site; open daily for breakfast and lunch.
8. Creta Maris Beach
Creta Maris Beach in Hersonissos is an all-inclusive resort that combines Aegean Architecture with luxurious facilities and warm Cretan hospitality. With 13 pools, 6 restaurants and bars, 2 tennis courts and a playground, Creta Maris Beach creates the ideal holiday setting for you to unwind in style.
Accommodation at The Accommodation includes studios, family rooms and suites with mountain, garden or sea views from your balcony or terrace. Each room comes complete with slippers, a minibar and air conditioning for added comfort.
The hotel is conveniently situated close to Hersonissos City, a bustling promenade lined with shops and cafes. Additionally, it’s just a short drive away from Heraklion, the capital, as well as nearby resorts of Malia and Stalis.
9. Village Heights Resort
Village Heights Resort is set amidst an idyllic garden, overlooking Hersonissos’ stunning coastline. It provides guests with elegant accommodation and an indulgent spa to unwind in style.
These charming residences offer one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes for a relaxing and comfortable stay. Situated in an isolated area of Hersonissos yet less than 10 minutes’ drive away from the town centre with beaches, shops and restaurants, guests can enjoy peace and quiet during their stay.
The hotel provides a complimentary daily shuttle to and from Hersonissos. There’s also an on-site gym and spa, along with 2 outdoor pools and an indoor heated pool.
10. Pilot Beach Resort
Pilot Beach Resort offers an idyllic family-friendly getaway, complete with its private sandy beach, 4 outdoor pools, stylish bungalow accommodation and variety of dining venues on-site.
This 450-room hotel, situated between Chania and Rethymno, is widely praised as one of Crete’s best. With four beautiful pools, a kids’ pool, wading pool and elegant spa, guests are sure to have an enjoyable stay.
Kids’ clubs, sports facilities and organized games keep little ones occupied throughout the day. Furthermore, there are several restaurants to choose from as well as karaoke bar and music bar options.
