As you know, the family and I love visiting Greece. Stoupa, on the southern Peloponnese peninsula, is one of our favourite holiday destinations, and this summer we’re hoping to explore even further: in Crete!
Friends of ours have had unforgettable family holidays on this gorgeous Greek island, and we’re tapping into their tips to inform our upcoming adventure. Read on for our how to make the most of your trip to Crete.
The Best Resorts in Crete for Families
Crete is well-known for its cheap family holidays, with all-inclusive prices starting from £170-per-person for an entire week this summer! With flights, accommodation, food, drink and entertainment included, we will be completely freed up to sit back and relax by the pool at one of these family-friendly hotels.
· Hotel Diogenis Blue Palace
Hotel Diogenis Blue Palace is said to have a great atmosphere with child-friendly staff and comfortable rooms, some of which look out over the sea. Our friends celebrated a birthday here and got presented with the best birthday treats by the chef! The Greek Saturday nights come highly recommended.
· Elmi Suites
Elmi Suites promises a relaxing holiday for adults as well as children, with amenities including everything from massages and a sauna to swimming pools and pool snack bars. If we end up going for a studio or apartment, we’ll definitely be chosing Elmi Suites.
· Hotel Semiramis Village
Hotel Semiramis Village is famed for its cheap family holidays, which means the kids will have plenty of potential new friends to play with by the pool. A bountiful buffet, tennis court and ping-pong table will ensure they’ll be well-fed and entertained while we kick back with a book.
Fun Things to Do in Crete with Kids
Looking at our list of family resorts, we’ll most likely stay between Heraklion and Hersonissos, and there is a lot to explore around there! These are the three main attractions on our holiday wish list.
· Labyrinth Theme Park
The Labyrinth Park really makes Greek myths come to life with a Trojan horse to climb, an Atlantis-themed escape room and a maze inspired by the myth of the Minotaur. We will make sure to read up on some of the local myths before we go.
· Lychnostatis Open Air Museum
I love integrating a bit of local culture into our holidays, so a visit to the Lychnostatis Museum will be a must. Here, the kids can visit traditional Cretan homes, huts and a herb garden while experiencing them with all of their senses.
· Water Parks
A holiday isn’t complete without a water park! Water City, Acqua Plus and Star Beach all have amazing slides and rides for different ages, with sunbeds and umbrellas for the unadventurous adults.
Greek Dishes That the Kids Will Love
Greek food is surprisingly family-friendly, and if we happen to venture out for an afternoon we’ll make sure to visit one of the traditional tavernas. From previous experience, children are welcomed here with open arms and the food is simple and tasty. Even at the hotel buffet, we expect to see some Greek staples such as:
- Tzaziki – a dip of yoghurt mixed with cucumber, herbs and garlic
- Dolmades – vine leaf parcels filled with herby rice and sometimes mixed with mince
- Souvlaki – chunks of skewered pork or chicken served in pitta bread with salad and tzatziki (or with chips!)
Please bear in mind that Greek food often contains nuts and dairy, so if you suffer from any allergies, you are advised to let the staff or waiters know.
We can’t wait for our family holiday to Crete and hope to tick as many things off our wish list as we can! Do you have recommendations to add to this list? Let us know in the comments below.