Crete: Mountains, myths and magnificent beaches

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, with so much variety to enjoy that it almost feels like a country in itself. Direct flights into modern airports make for easy journeys, and once you arrive, there’s something for every age and family stage.

Best beaches for kids in Crete

It’s impossible to pick just one or two, but the long, shallow beaches of Elafonissi and Falassarna are definite highlights. They have beautiful soft sand, and if your kids are more interested in taking photos than building sandcastles, the brilliant turquoise seas and amazing sunsets give plenty of scope for that perfect Insta moment. If you like a bit of space to play, Petres Beach near Rethymno sits at the eastern end of the longest single stretch of sandy beach in Crete, with plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for hire. East of Chania sits Almyrida, where gently sloping sands create a perfect family hangout with many watersports on offer.

Best holiday accommodation for kids in Crete

You’ll find fantastic villas for families all over Crete. For kids, we recommend the north coast over the more rugged south, in particular Chania & West Crete, Agios Nikolaos & The Gulf of Mirabello and Rethymno & Central Crete. If you prefer a hotel base, try the GK Beach hotel, set just behind a superb sandy beach, with complimentary Beach Life activities offered during the main school summer holidays.

Things to do on holiday in Crete with kids

Chania Town: leather and jewellery shops in the narrow shady streets, a photogenic Venetian harbour lined with tavernas and ice-cream parlours. Harbour boat trips.

Minoan’s World cinema, Chania: experience the ancient myths and legends in modern 3D format.

Kournas Lake: freshwater lake near Chania where you can hire canoes and pedaloes and swim with turtles.

The Palace of Knossos, near Heraklion: Crete’s most famous ancient site, where stories of the Minotaur and the labyrinth come to life.

Spinalonga Island, Mirabello Gulf: take a boat trip to the haunting former leper colony.

Diving school, Almyrida: learn the basic skills and try your first dive with PADI instructors

Cretaquarium, near Heraklion: see a wide range of Mediterranean marine life up close.

Water City: kids under 90cm tall get free entry at this large waterpark near Heraklion, with plenty of bigger rides for older kids and teenagers.

Aquaplus: slides, pools and more water-based thrills near Heraklion — this park claims to have “the tallest and scariest slides in all Greece”.

Chania Go-Karting: driving fun at a shady green site at Varipetro about 5km south of the city.

Horse riding in Georgiopolis: ride on the beach with lovely views, well-mannered horses and great guides.

Kiliaris Outdoor Activities, near Kalyves: rafting, kayaking and archery.

HOLIDAYS IN CRETE

CORFU: A bustling capital, calm blue bays & boats for hire

Corfu is lush, from its green hillsides to its idyllic sheltered bays just waiting to be explored. Hire your own small motor boat to find hidden coves and secret swim spots, or catch the little ferry over to Paxos and Anti-Paxos for an even more relaxed island vibe.

Best beaches for kids in Corfu

If you prefer to avoid the larger, developed resorts in the south of the island, the best beaches for kids are in north east Corfu. We love Kassiopi, well serviced with restaurants and water sports, and sandy Acharavi beach. Kalami Beach and Kouloura Beach have wonderfully clear water and tend to be quieter than Kassiopi. Sandy Avlaki, home of our Bella Mare hotel, is a top choice for all ages.

What to do on holiday with kids in Corfu

Motor boat hire: kids love the thrill of setting sail in a little motor boat; pack a picnic and let their imaginations run wild as you set off in search of dolphins, flying fish or a pirate’s sunken treasure chest.

Mermaid for a day: something a little bit different from Mermaids Corfu, who offer educational mermaid activities and boat experiences with a focus on water safety and protection of the fragile marine environment.

Corfu Town: Take the Old Port Pirate tour, especially fun for kids. The 50 minute tour is just enough to get a flavour of the town, with time for an ice cream afterwards.

Watersports: Older children love the watersports and low-key nightlife in the discreet little villages on the north east coast.

Visit the donkeys: Corfu has a donkey rescue centre in the middle of the island, about 30mins drive from Nisaki. Visitors can meet animals and learn about their care,

Olive oil mills: for a fun and educational experience, visit a working olive mill to learn how olives are processed and why they are so vital to Greek life.

Corfu Aquarium: Meet frogs, snakes and other reptiles as well as a wide variety of marine life at this family-run centre near Paleokastritsa.

Aqualand: Billed as one of the biggest waterparks in the world, there's hours of entertainment here for all the family, though best suited for kids aged 8+.

Best holiday accommodation for kids in Corfu

The north east coast is dotted with luxury villas with private pool, giving you a relaxed but still very indulgent base for your family holiday. If you’re in the mood for some like-minded company, the Bella Mare hotel on Avlaki beach is perfect, with watersports on the beach and an imaginative range of free activities for 5 to 11 year olds in the school holidays.

HOLIDAYS IN CORFU

Lefkada: Ferry-free transfers and breathtaking beaches

Lefkada – a.k.a. Lefkas – is our recommendation for families seeking a more laid-back atmosphere. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, it’s much easier to get to than some of the other islands, which is why we’ve based our fabulous Mousses Villas with childcare on Lefkada. Big on natural beauty, there’s also Lefkada town if you want a little more life, and some good bars, restaurants around the windsurfing centres of Nidri on the east coast and Vasiliki in the south west.

Best beaches for kids in Lefkada

Agios Ioannis is a soft sand and shingle promontory near our Mousses Villas. The sea here is often busier than the sand, filled with windsurfers and kitesurfers that are great fun to watch. Agios Nikitas is popular with families and busy in high season; you can walk there in about 10 minutes from Agios Nikitas village, which has a few little shops and tavernas. Nearby Kathisma beach is long and mainly sandy, popular with teenagers and fully equipped with parasols, sunbeds, cafés and beach restaurants.

Best activities for kids in Lefkada

Agia Mavra Fortress: fun for would-be knights and pirates to explore, extensive remains that sit just opposite Lefkada town.

Faneromeni Monastery: in the north of the island, close to Lefkada town, a beautiful peaceful spot with incredible views, plus a small animal park with parrots, deer and turtles.

Nydri Falls: a short, easy hike for all the family along a shady forest path. Cross the little wooden bridges and take a dip in the icy cold water of the clear, natural pools.

Kayak tours: for older kids, a group tour around the islands off Nydri holds just the right level of adventure.

Lefkada micro-farm: A wonderful olive oil farm that invites you to see, smell and touch Greece. Cooking classes available for older kids.

Inflatables fun: A playground in the sea for kids at Lygia, a 15-minute drive south of Lefkada Town. Watersports equipment and lessons also available.

Boat trips: take a group tour or indulge in a private charter on a beautiful wooden motor boat to explore the Lefkada coastline.

Best holiday accommodation for kids in Lefkada

Families with young children can’t get enough of Mousses, a group of 12, 2- or 3-bedroom villas set in private landscaped grounds with a large pool, bar and very friendly taverna. Daily complimentary childcare sessions are included (outside the main school holidays) kids have a blast while the parents have time to themselves.

HOLIDAYS IN LEFKADA