Family-Friendly Beachfront Resorts with Special Activities for the Kids
There are multiple resorts that aim to please families with children on Crete, including options right on the beach. Porto Elounda lies along the Elounda coast about an hour east of Heraklion offering spectacular sea and mountain views. It has its own beautiful private beach and a wealth of amenities for all ages. Teens can enjoy sailing, tennis and golf lessons, water skiing and all sorts of ball games. They also get their own dedicated space filled with board and table games. The activity list for kids aged 5 through 11 is extensive, including water sports, arts and crafts, treasure hunts and beach Olympics. The water park includes two shallow swimming pools and two water slides, while an olive grove adjacent to it features swings, slides, ramps and a trampoline. There’s even a wellness program, Six Senses Kids, which includes athletic hours, educational presentations, nutritional workshops, healthy snacks, and special treatments.
The grownups can take diving lessons, play a round of golf, go windsurfing, take a wine-tasting class and enjoy the Six Senses Spa, which offers Reiki treatments, a hammam, massage, and a thalassotherapy pool.
Water Parks and Local Experiences Tailored for Children
While some of Crete’s hotels and resorts offer water parks for their guests, there are several others too, like Watercity. Located between Hersonissos and Heraklion in the Anopolis area, it features multiple pools, including pools just for the kids, wave pools and a giant park pool, along with a lazy river, thrilling rides and games.
Local experiences can be enjoyed throughout the island that are specially tailored for the younger ones too, like “The Myth Around the Palace of Knossos.” Fun for the whole family, you’ll explore the myths that surround the ancient Palace of Knossos. Led by experienced pedagogues, walk through the ancient scenery while enjoying interactive activities and playing games based on writer and philosopher Nikos Kazantzakis’ book, At the Palaces of Knossos. It includes a picnic based on foods common in the Minoan diet too.
Another fun option is “The Fall of the City Crown” excursion which delves into the fascinating culture and medieval history of fortified Heraklion. Aimed to entertain all ages, you’ll get to search for clues, playing a game while walking to the city walls. Chat with locals and visit some of the most important monuments for a trip back in time to 1669 Heraklion.