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Thanks to its sunny climate all year long and its splendid beaches, Crete is perfect for family activities. In fact, Crete has always been a vehicle for community values and a warmth of life that makes it an ideal destination for children. To combine the desires of parents and children, we have concocted a list of activities to do with family during your stay in Crete.
What is certain is that nature is prolific in Crete. This Greek island indeed has spectacular beaches where it is good to spend a few hours. Your children will love wading in the clear azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. On the borders of Europe and the East, Crete has exotic accents, and it feels good! Imagine diving into the pink waters of Elafonissi or admiring the beautiful lagoon of Balos. These extremely well preserved beaches are an ode to nature. If most Cretan beaches have shallow waters and are therefore perfect for a nice family afternoon, there are also wild coves that can be more dangerous for your children. If you go to the side of Red Beach or Kommos Beach, not far from the archeological site of the same name, be more careful!
To the delight of families, Crete is home to architectural and cultural treasures that are not to be missed. In addition to the famous Venetian port of Chania, Crete has a myriad of charming villages in which one can get lost with family. Among them are Loutro, located in the southeast of the island, in the hollow of a small bay. This charming little isolated village seems to be at the end of the world. And for good reason. With remarkable tranquility, this port village is perfect for a family outing. A few kilometres from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda is a village filled with magic. Stroll along the fishing port quays and marvel at the salt marshes where you can watch the sun reflect. Finally, not far from Chania, Milia will delight all lovers of ecotourism. Rebuilt with ecological materials, Milia enjoys a natural environment of dreams, with lush vegetation and mostly renewable energy.
Located in Gournes, not far from Héraklion, the Cretaquarium is a huge aquarium and the perfect opportunity to introduce your children to aquatic life! At first, due to the small amount of light, you will be able to observe closely the dark groupers, red corals, crayfish and gorgonians. The tour continues to the richest ecosystems of the world. Your children will be amazed by the beautiful anemones, lobsters and jellyfish! From seahorses to impressive sharks, the aquatic fauna of the Cretaquarium is incredible and definitely worth a visit! At the school, interactive activities are also organised so that your children can have fun and learn new things!
In the middle of nature, the Lassithi plateau is one of the most fertile regions of Crete. For a relaxing family afternoon, we recommend that you organise a horse ride. So you can traverse the heart of the valley mills and lush landscapes. Located 850 metres above sea level, the Lassithi plateau offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. Take the opportunity to admire the beauty of the Cretan nature and to take beautiful travel photos!
In Paleochora, a small fishing village in Southwest Crete, it is possible to organise a boat trip to swim with dolphins. Once the boat is stopped in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, your children and you can approach these sublime marine mammals. Snorkel and swim alongside these magical creatures. Your holidays in Crete will become unforgettable!
Between the White Mountains and Samaria Gorge, Crete offers a plethora of possibilities for organising family hikes. If some trails are more difficult than others, we will favour the most accessible paths so that young and old can enjoy the Cretan nature. Among them, we recommend the Gorges d'Imbros, much less crowded than the Gorges of Samaria. The departure is in the village of Imbros. In about two and a half hours, you can see all the beauty of these natural gorges strewn with steep cliffs. A walk along the Elafonissi lagoon, which enchants visitors with its pink sand and pristine waters, is also an excellent choice for a family hike.
Healthy and traditional, Cretan cuisine is full of flavour. During your escapade, do not miss tasting the specialties of this island which are of a gastronomy that is somewhat different from that of Greece. Among the dishes to savour, we recommend trying the kakavia, an elaborate soup made of legumes and fish. Fish and seafood are also exquisite in Crete. If you prefer meat, order a good stifado, which is veal cooked with onions. You can taste these specialties in most Cretan restaurants but we advise stopping in taverns, which are more authentic and more charming. To bring back beautiful memories of Crete, take a tour of the local grocery stores to buy olive oil, herbs and cheese, three ingredients at the base of all local cuisines.
