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As Greece’s largest island, you are spoiled for choice with things to do in Crete. Other than the island’s heavenly beaches, there are numerous historical attractions to visit and exciting family activities to do, guaranteeing an unforgettable trip for you and your children!
Read on to discover our top activities to do in the East of Crete.
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No visit to Crete is complete without visiting Knossos Palace, the most important Bronze Age archeological site on the island. Built by the Minoan civilisation, the large site covers around 14,000 square metres, and was surrounded by a town in antiquity. The palace served as the ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan civilisation and culture, and was the residence of the mythical King Minos, one of the sons of Zeus in Greek mythology. Located around a 20-minute drive from Heraklion, the best way to explore the palace is with an expert historian who can share insight and stories associated with the historical site.
Located around 15 kilometres south of Crete, the beautiful uninhabited Chrissi Island is an untouched slice of nature, ideal for a relaxing day trip with your family. Chrissi Island, meaning ‘Golden Island’ in Greek, covers an area of just 4,743 square kilometres, and is a protected nature reserve. Being the natural habitat of non-poisonous snakes, lizards, Caretta-Caretta sea turtles, and more, the island is an important ecosystem. If you like snorkeling, you will love this place, as due to pirates inhabiting the island in recent history, ruins of pirate merchant ships can be found laying at the bottom of the seabed. The island also boasts intriguing history, with a 13th-century church and graves from the Roman Empire. You can access the island by taking a boat from Ierapetra, Heraklion, as well as from other ports in Crete.
Known as one of the best museums in the world for Minoan art, the Heraklion Archeological Museum is one of the oldest and most important museums in Greece. It showcases numerous artifacts from all periods of Cretan prehistory and history, and boasts a unique Minoan collection, which includes the masterpieces of Minoan art. Located in the town centre of Heraklion, it is easily accessible by car or on foot. You can combine your visit to the museum with a delicious Cretan lunch by the port, and a visit to the famous Knossos Palace after a better understanding of the rich history of Crete, located only a 20-minute drive apart.
The old Venetian fortress, accessible by boat from Agios Nikolaos, Plaka, or Elounda, is definitely worth visiting. Guided tours to Spinalonga provide insight into the island's dark history, and often include time to swim or snorkel, as well as visits to nearby attractions. The island has a rich heritage that stretches all the way back to antiquity, however it is better known for being one of the last active leper colonies in Europe, hosting almost 400 inhabitants during the outbreak of the illness. Victoria Hislop’s novel entitled ‘The Island’ is worth reading before a visit here, for a better understanding of the sad history and livelihoods of the people imprisoned at Spinalonga. If not for its fascinating history, Spinalonga is worth visiting for its picturesque views looking out from the island.
Located around a half-hour drive from Heraklion, the Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Centre is great for a fun couple of hours with your children. Unlike lost aquariums, visitors are encouraged to get up close and personal with the little creatures - stroke the lizards, feed the turtles, or get a picture with a snake around your neck if you are brave enough!
Go horse riding in Heraklion to enjoy a trot through the scenic landscape of the Finikia Mountains and ride across from the legendary mountains where the Greek god Zeus is said to sleep, a wonderful experience for visitors of all ages! The exciting activity is open to all visitors, experienced or not, and usually includes a delicious traditional Cretan lunch with some homemade wine. You can also go horse riding in other parts of Crete for a different route, for example in Lasithi or Fourni, through the magnificent Cretan mountains and quaint streets of small villages - the perfect thrilling activity for children in Crete.
Known as the birthplace of the famous Zeus in Greek mythology, the impressive Cave of Zeus is a stunning portrayal of stalagmites, kept cool even on the hot summer days. As the god of sky and thunder who ruled as the King of Mount Olympus, the cave had great importance and was a place of worship in ancient Greece. Located around 1.5 hours from Heraklion, in the mountains of Crete, make sure you don’t forget to wear your walking shoes on your visit to the cave!
Inspired by Crete’s Minoan heritage, the Labyrinth park in Hersonissos promises fun for visitors of all ages. Though the large Labyrinth maze is the main attraction, the theme park which boasts an impressive towering Trojan Horse, provides numerous amusing activities including a high-tech laser maze, a pottery workshop, mini-golf, archery, and horse riding. One of the best activities to do with children in Crete!
Rocca a Mare Fortress, or Koules Fort, located at the entrance of the old port of Heraklion just a 10-minute walk from the centre is one of the main attractions in Crete and is definitely worth a visit. Sitting atop a natural rocky outcrop, the 16-century historical fortress used to guard entry to the port, mostly to protect the island from pirates, and also housed a prison and storage for food and munition on the ground floor. The tower was called Rocca a Mare during the Venetian era, however, the Greeks now call the tower ‘Koules’, which derives from the name ‘Su Kulesi' given to the tower during the Ottoman occupation.
The Venetian fortress of Rethymno, ‘Fortezza’, is a great castle built on the hill of Paleokastro, visible from almost every corner of the town of Rethymno. Visit the historical site to see the panoramic views of the town and the coast of the West of Crete, and find out more about the castle in which the city’s population took refuge during the fifth Ottoman - Venetian War when an Ottoman force besieged Rethymno.
With an endless list of things to do and see, Crete is the ideal destination for children. Visit the island for an unforgettable time with your family, filled with memories of fun activities and captivating stories about the fascinating history of the island!
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