Overview
Think you’ve seen every family-friendly all-inclusive in Europe? Think again. Agapi Beach Resort is one of Crete’s best-kept secrets – conveniently placed along the coast near Heraklion, yet miles away from the feel of a typical big-name resort. It’s the kind of under-the-radar find that changes minds, especially if you’ve previously dismissed all-inclusive as a one-size-fits-all experience
Agapi blends boutique-style intimacy with the ease families crave, all while championing local life at every turn. We’re talking wine and olive oil tastings, cooking lessons, and live music evenings. Most notably, it’s one of only a handful of places to include a dinner at a traditional local taverna within its all-inclusive offering, meaning you can experience the island properly without ever reaching for your wallet
When it comes to the day-to-day, the resort more than delivers. There are four restaurants and four bars, giving you plenty of variety. Three outdoor pools are dotted across the grounds (one is seasonally heated in April and October), alongside a private stretch of sandy beach, so you can switch up your setting depending on the mood (or nap schedule)
The kids’ club (with supervised sessions available for children aged 4+ and a stay-and-play policy for parents of younger children) keeps days busy with everything from arts and crafts to games and mini discos, while teenagers get their own tailored programme. There’s also a playground and paddling pool for younger guests, so no one is ever short of something to do. When it comes to where you’ll sleep, there’s plenty of choice, from sea-view rooms to more spacious bungalows. Travelling as a larger group feels easy here too, thanks to Two-Bedroom Maisonettes that comfortably sleep up to five – without the usual price jump. And if being close to the water is top of your wish list, the One-Bedroom Family Suites deliver in spades, sitting just steps from the beach – something that’s surprisingly hard to come by in Europe
Location-wise, it’s a bit of a dream. You’re just a 15-minute hop from the airport, which means check-in to flip-flops happens gloriously quickly. And while it’s easy to imagine not wanting to leave again until it’s time to head home if you do want the best of both worlds, Agapi makes exploring effortless. The island capital of Heraklion is just around the corner, where families can step straight into history via the Archeological Museum or legendary Knossos Palace
Mama
Get in touch
Flight
4 hr flight from London to Heraklion
Transfer
Approximately 15 minutes from Heraklion International Airport. Transfers can be arranged (with age appropriate car seats), from 30 euros each way (for up to 4 people) and 50 euros each way for a mini van (up to 6 people)
Best time to visit
Late spring (April to June) is ideal for those travelling with younger children: think warm, sunny days without the intensity of peak summer heat, quieter beaches and a more relaxed pace all round. July and August bring long, hot days and a livelier atmosphere, perfect for families with older kids who thrive on energy, activities and a sociable buzz. Come September and October, the island softens again; the sea is at its warmest after summer, the crowds thin out, and everything feels that little bit easier, often a sweet spot for school-age families during half-term
Agapi Beach Resort is open from April – November and you’ll find our Crete weather guide below:
January: highs of 16 degrees
February: highs of 16 degrees
March: highs of 17 degrees
April: highs of 20 degrees
May: highs of 24 degrees
June: highs of 28 degrees
July: highs of 29 degrees
August: highs of 29 degrees
September: highs of 27 degrees
October: highs of 24 degrees
November: highs of 20 degrees
December: highs of 17 degrees
Favourite room
For families of three: The 30 sq.m. Exclusive Bungalows are a standout choice
For families of four: The (beachfront!!) 35 sq.m. One Bedroom Family Suite or 40 sq.m Family Rooms with connecting doors would be our top choice. One Bedroom Family Suites feature a main bedroom separated from a spacious living room (where the kids can sleep) and private bathroom, while Family Rooms boast 2 interconnecting rooms, 2 bathrooms and 2 balconies
For families of five or more: The 60 sq.m. Two Bedroom Maisonettes are our go-to, offering proper space to spread out across two levels and are again positioned right on the beach. Here you’ll find two spacious bedrooms and two fully equipped bathrooms
Interconnecting rooms are available
Price & Special Offers
from £200 p/night in low season and £390 p/night in high season for a family of three in an Exclusive Bungalow
from £359 p/night in low season and £669 p/night in high season for a family of four in a Family Room with connecting door
from £392 p/night in low season and £675 p/night in high season for a family of five in a Two Bedroom Maisonette
Meet the family...
Mama @pennyw28
Parent to Tiny Travellers aged 2 & 5
Wow, what a dreamy spot! It was all very chic, full of soft neutrals and totally Instagrammable. Yet that was combined with a vibe that was super chilled and friendly. While the resort felt small, safe & relaxed, there were loads of options when it came to eating and activities - the best of both worlds. I’d recommend it in a heartbeat. It had such a boutique feel, never too busy or overwhelming, but still with plenty to keep everyone entertained. Honestly, it felt like heaven
Worth waking the baby for
01
Palace of Knossos
Just a short 15-20 hop from Agapi Beach Resort , the Palace of Knossos is where ancient Greece meets family storytelling gold. Best for school aged children, when myths of minotaurs and labyrinths suddenly feel very real, it’s a sprawling site of ruins & faded frescoes. Go early if you can, for the cooler temperatures
02
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
About 10 to 15 minutes from Agapi Beach Resort, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is your very elegant backup plan for when the sun is doing a little too much. Home to one of the world’s most important Minoan collections, expect everything from intricate jewellery to the famous frescoes of Knossos. It’s compact enough not to overwhelm younger attention spans, making it an easy cultural win before heading back to the pool
03
CRETAquarium
About 15 to 20 minutes from Agapi Beach Resort, CRETAquarium is the kind of family stop that saves the day when you want something entertaining and air-conditioned. One of Europe’s largest aquariums, it’s home to everything from hypnotic jellyfish and tiny seahorses to big hunter sharks
