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The best family friendly hotels in Crete

In our opinion Crete (Greece’s largest island) serves up a hard to beat family holiday recipe; soft, sand beaches; crystal clear waters; year round sunshine and not to mention the delicious local food. Whether you’re looking for a baby friendly boutique bolthole, five star facilities for kids and adults alike, or authentic village style stays with plenty of space for energetic toddlers, there’s something for you in this round up of our favourite family home stays and hotels in Crete

Words by Frankie Collinson

We’ve spent hours reading the hundreds of reviews you’ve shared with us, to produce a visited & verified shortlist of the best family friendly hotels Crete. We hope you find this really useful, and if you do, that you consider booking via our complimentary Tiny Travel Agency service or the affiliate links in the article (meaning we make a small commission, and can keep providing you with this kind of content!)

A bite sized guide to: The best family friendly hotels in Crete

Best for a rooted-in-place resort – Agapi Beach Resort 
Best for soft play and a splash pad – Nana Golden and Nana Princess
Best for style & substance – The Royal Senses
Best showstopping swimming pool – Avra Imperial
Best boutique villa resort – Paradise Island Villas
Best for an easy airport transfer – Mitsis Selection Laguna 
Best for gangs of mixed ages – Amirandes, A Grecotel Resort to Live
Best fully fledged water park – GRECOTEL Marine Palace & Aqua Park 
Best for an epic playground – Lyttos Mare and Lyttos Beach 
Best village resort – Creta Maris 
Best easy beach break – CRETA PALACE GRECOTEL BEACH LUXE RESORT  
Best for endless entertainment – Domes of Elounda
Best for purse pleasing private pools – Mitsis Rinela 
Best for budget-friendly bells & whistles  – Candia Park village 
Best for a grown up getaway – Minos Beach art hotel 
Best hidden gem – Elea Suites & Residences
Best affordable all inclusive for aesthets – GRECOTEL LUXME WHITE
Best for laid back activities & lazy days – Village Heights Resort
Best elevated all inclusive – Daios Cove
Best budget boutique – Monastery Estate Retreat
Best for authentic luxury – Phāea Blue Palace
Best for design details – Phāea Cretan Malia
Best for a taste of local life – Kapsaliana
Best for no compromises – Domes Zeen Chania
Best for foodie flexibility – Porto Elounda 
Best uber luxe hideout – Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites 
Best seafront location – Elounda Beach Hotels & Villas 
Best for boutique bliss and family ease – Caramel, A Grecotel Resort to live

Is Crete a good destination for families?

Crete is a standout family holiday destination that manages to feel both reassuringly easy and endlessly interesting. As Greece’s largest island, it offers incredible variety, from long, sandy beaches with shallow waters that are ideal for children, to dramatic mountains, gorges and traditional villages waiting to be explored. Flight times are manageable from across Europe, and families are brilliantly catered for with a huge choice of family-friendly resorts, relaxed hotels and spacious villas, many offering kids’ clubs, splash parks and activities that keep everyone happy. Beyond the beach, Crete is rich in culture and history, with ancient ruins, charming old towns and boat trips that add a sense of adventure to slower-paced days

Which is the best hotel for children by age?

How am I best to book my holiday?

We’ve designed Tiny Travelship to make booking your family holiday as simple, transparent, and stress-free as possible. If a hotel is an official Tiny Travelship partner, you’ll be directed to their dedicated listing page in our digital directory, where you’ll find detailed information on everything from flight & transfer times to room layouts, and monthly temperature guides. On these pages, we also provide honest advice on the best way to book. This might be via Tiny Travel Agency, in the instance they price match what you would pay by going direct (whilst seamlessly planning your escape end to end, for free, and even unlocking extra perks!). Or, you might get the best rates by booking with the hotel themselves (though sometimes Tiny Travel Agency can still step in and help, if you’re eager to forgo any holiday headaches). If a hotel isn’t an official partner, we’ll either link you through to booking.com to complete your booking – meaning we make a small commission – or flag that we’d recommend booking via Tiny Travel Agency (again, so you can access great rates & added benefits, whilst receiving complimentary support and insider intel). Either way, rest assured, every hotel we feature has been tried, tested, and genuinely loved by fellow well-travelled parents

More family holiday recommendations

Best for a rooted-in-place resort

Agapi Beach Resort 

Agapi Beach Resort is one of Crete’s best-kept family secrets, set just outside Heraklion and doing all-inclusive in a way that feels refreshingly un-cookie-cutter. It’s the kind of under-the-radar find that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about resort holidays. Think wine and olive oil tastings, cooking lessons and live music evenings, plus the rare inclusion of a taverna dinner as part of your stay (a very welcome break from buffet predictability). Add four restaurants, three pools, a private beach and well-run kids’ and teen clubs, and it becomes a very obvious solution to your summer holiday plans

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Best for softplay and a splash pad

Nana Golden Beach and Nana Princess 

Sister hotels Nana Golden Beach and Nana Princess have been cleverly designed to appeal to aesthete adults and distraction-demanding tots alike. Separated by a gate, guests have access to the array of amenities at both properties. Golden Beach is the more affordable abode, with bungalow accommodation spread across the lush grounds, while Princess is one of Crete’s most lavish getaways, with spacious villas boasting heated private pools and an uber luxe spa heralded as one of Europe’s best. Inside Nana Golden Beach you’ll find the impressive Kids Club. Supervised for those 3+, younger guests are also welcome to stay & play with parents, with the epic indoor ball pit and shaded soft play real winners. Alongside the sprawling set up for smalls (which gets a serious thumbs up from us), there’s also a splash pad for little legs and giant onsite water park for those with a more thrill-seeking attitude to aquatic entertainment

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Best for style & substance

The Royal Senses

A desirable destination for parents seeking a grown up getaway with all the trimmings, The Royal Senses has managed to create a space where rooms & restaurants are elevated and children’s activities equally exciting. First up – the aqua park, which is actually rather nice to look at. Home to a trio of flumes and water playground, it’s the perfect set up for entertaining multi-age groups. And did we mention, there’s a bar brilliantly placed to service the surrounding sunloungers. The Kids Club is just as considered, welcoming guests 3+ with mythology lessons, Greek cooking classes and gardening sessions. Families congregate around the stunning double-level infinity pool, or jump on the complimentary shuttle to be ferried to the beach across the road. If you’re not yet ready to part ways with your holidays of past, but do have tiny tots in tow, this is the no-compromise-needed hotel for you

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Best showstopping swimming pool

Avra Imperial 

Setting sky high standards for Crete’s luxe hotel scene, Avra Imperial offers a 360 degree feast for the senses. The all inclusive dining spans a la carte Asian through al fresco Italian to seaside Mediterranean (plus, children eat for free!) There are more loungers than guests lining the insta iconic glass walled pool, handily serviced by a bar so parents can supervise complimentary cocktail in hand. Alongside a Kids Club 4 months +, tiny travellers are treated to a playground, magic show and movie nights, with teens having their own hang out area. It’s a meltdown-free toddler-trot into the seaside resort of Kolymbari, where you’ll find a sprinkling of tavernas and a Blue Flag beach, while a local bus runs from outside the hotel into action-packed Chania itself 

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Best boutique villa resort

Paradise Island Villas 

At Paradise Island Villas you’ll find just 12 home-from-homes set within a boutique resort. Named after Greek gods, whether you bed down in Zeus, Aphrodite or Poseidon you’re in for a legendary stay, with each & every one featuring a private pool and fully equipped kitchen. While there isn’t a formal Kids Club here, there are 2 communal pools for sprogs to make friends, tennis court and a small playground. The onsite restaurant Ambrosia takes care of mealtimes, should you fancy someone else doing the cooking & cleaning, while the provided baby monitors make adult-only affairs possible (or book one of the babysitters). Nestled between Crete’s mountains and the Med, the nearest beach is just 10 minutes away on foot, and the walk itself is peppered with lovely local tavernas

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Best for an easy airport transfer

Mitsis Selection Laguna

An affordable all inclusive, with a heated pool, free Kids Club (4+), easy peasy 25 minute airport transfer and state of the art spa, Mitsis Selection Laguna proves it really is possible to have it all. Families are impeccably catered for with five swim spots, including a kiddie slide, outdoor playground, summer teen club, roster of evening entertainment and Willy Wonka-esque gelateria. In a move that proves the architects had parents in mind when designing this hotel, all rooms come with private balconies or terraces, so there’ll be no stuck in the dark nap traps here

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Best for gangs of mixed ages

Amirandes, A Grecotel Resort to Live 

With an Olympic sized swim-spot, private pool rooms and coastal postcode, Amirandes gets an A* for aquatic aesthetics. Bringing upscale, adult-feeling decor, to a family-friendly resort, expect a generous Kids Club 4+, alongside a holistic spa and impressive roster of restaurants. Travelling with teens? There’s beach volleyball, basketball, table tennis, hip-hop and traditional Greek dance classes to keep their heads out of phones. For the younger set, the genius GrecoBaby takes care of all essential equipment, saving you precious packing space, with bed guards, baby monitors, prams and potties all provided. The culinary scene is rather special, with a roster of restaurants offering plenty of foodie flare, but our favourite touch? Kids up to 12 eat for free as part of the half-board meal plan

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Best fully fledged water park

GRECOTEL Marine Palace & Aqua Park

A budget friendly hotel with a fully-fledged water park? GRECOTEL Marine Palace & Aqua Park offers guests their choice of fly-and-flop or plane-and-plummet (see what we did there?) The Kingdom of Poseidon is not short on thrills, with record breaking aqua towers, heart-stopping rides and more gentle slides, but as it sits in its own entertainment enclave, the atmosphere in the rest of the resort remains chill. Coastal contemporary rooms range from doubles to family apartments sleeping up to 6. There’s 5 all inclusive restaurants to dine around and plenty of evening entertainment for a post dinner treat 

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Best for an epic playground

Lyttos Mare and Lyttos Beach 

Bringing another double act to this round up of Crete’s best family friendly hotels are Lyttos Mare and Lyttos Beach. The former is the more expensive, set on a quieter resort with a laser focus on exceptional food, while the latter has the more family-focused facilities at its fingertips (including Lyttopia; a ginormous 2-acre playground and Kids Club 4+, with rope bridges, climbing frames, tunnels and archery lessons). It’s also home to a substantial waterpark, where mini merpeople are treated to sprinkle tunnels, a pool-playground, lazy river and plenty of speedy slides. Guests of Lyttos Mare can use the facilities of Lyttos Beach, but not the other way around 

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Best village resort

Creta Maris

A celebration of Crete’s culture and cuisine, Creta Maris is designed as a ‘village’ resort of picturesque squares, Aegean abodes and bougainvillea-covered pathways. Alongside a deep rooted sense of place is a whole host of family-first facilities. Comfort and convenience seamlessly blend in the spacious rooms, which can sleep up to 6; there’s a much-loved Kids Club (4+), roster of activities for teens and a baby room kitted out with toys for the youngest of guests; lively evening entertainment keeps the fun flowing; and that’s not even mentioning the outdoor playground or splash-tastic water park yet. If you’re looking for a failsafe all inclusive, with more than enough going on to justify never leaving the hotel, Creta Maris is a spend-savvy solution

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Best easy beach break

GRECOTEL CRETA PALACE BEACH LUXE RESORT

The clue is in the name here, CRETA PALACE GRECOTEL BEACH LUXE RESORT commandeers a sensational swoop of coast, just ten minutes (drive) from Rethymo’s culturally-rich city centre. From double rooms with sea views, through to family bungalows, and even villas with private pools, there’s a bedroom for all brood sizes and budgets here. The diverse all inclusive offering keeps meal times interesting with 10 different restaurants to choose from. You’ll find the coveted Grecoland Kids Club here too (4+), where those too young for the supervised sessions are welcome to stay and play with their parents in the pirate-ship outdoor playground. Alongside the freshwater main swimming pool there’s also a children’s watering hole, complete with 2 small slides. A great choice for school aged sprogs, you’ll find all the hallmarks of a hassle free family holiday here

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Best for endless entertainment

Domes of Elounda

The magic of the Mediterranean is in full force at Domes of Elounda; from the olive tree lined private beach to the culinary creativity showcased in the range of restaurants. Yes, the food is undoubtedly standout, but this holistic hotel has a few other tricks up her sleeve as well. The unique ‘Core’ open air plaza houses a unique mini village, with pop-up boutiques, gourmet food trucks and live shows. All important evening entertainment keeps the smallest of guests enthralled, with puppet performances, al fresco cinema nights and bubble shows. The much-loved Kids Club welcomes tots from 4 months, and the clever layout ensures that once you’ve shrugged off responsibility of your offspring you don’t have to worry about being disturbed by anyone elses either – simply slink off to the adult’s only pool for the rarest of parental luxuries, five minutes of peace

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Best for purse pleasing private pools

Mitis Rinela 

A smug state of Zen is guaranteed at Mitsis Rinela. The calming interiors and serene seascape certainly help, but the real trump card is the criminally cheap price tag. And with room rates being all inclusive, the biggest dilemma is which cocktail to order next. Offering a reassuringly refined take on resort living, expect easy-on-the-eye accommodation and effortless entertainment in the form of complimentary childcare (4+), a playground, jam packed activity agenda and handful of mini water slides. With 8 restaurants to dine around, you’ll never tire of meals to try. When you’re not nose deep in a novel, enjoying an adults-only lunch, or going for a solo swim, don’t miss a stroll to neighbouring Kokkini Hani, a former fishing village loved by locals and tourists alike. Nab one of the Suite Swim Up Private Pools for the ultimate peace & privacy, or, if your sprogs like to make friends, the Family Suite Swim Up Sharing Pool rooms provide a minimal bed:water commute, with a side of sociability for smalls 

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Best for budget-friendly bells & whistles

Candia Park village

Cheap and chic don’t often go hand-in-hand, but Candia Park village proves big, beautiful, things can come with small price tags. Built like an authentic Cretan village with pastel-hued home-from-homes dotting the hillside, this a hotel that leans into locality, whilst also delivering on fabulous family facilities. Two bedroom suites have seascape balconies and come kitted out with bottle warmers, baby bouncers, sterilisers and prams; there’s a complimentary Kids Club (4+) with endless activities to keep boredom at bay; babysitters on tap; and, a private pine-fringed beach to keep water babies, of all ages, in their element. The beckoning day beds surrounding the sparkling pools make a good case for an uninterrupted fly and flop, but should you want to explore, the charming towns of Elounda and Agios Nikolas are on the doorstep 

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Best for a grown up getaway

Minos Beach art hotel

There’s a magic to Minos Beach – an alfresco gallery, hotel hybrid dishing up a (Greek) feast for the eyes, stomach and soul. One for parents not willing to relinquish their taste for refined relaxation, this is definitely a grown up getaway that welcomes families into the fold. Shoulders drop and tensions ease the minute you arrive at this seaside sanctuary. Hotel ‘rooms’ are sugar-cubed bungalows and villas (many with private pools) facing either the glittering ocean or glorious gardens. There’s no need to schlepp your sprogs to the sands here, when the bed to beach distance is as minimal as opening your front door. A snaking seafront promenade is peppered with sunbeds and ladders leading directly into the welcoming waters, whilst the private coves provide a safe space for sandcastle building smalls. Parents are pampered with zen-inducing spa treatments, daily yoga sessions and hyperlocal fine dining, with thoughtful, mental-load-offloading, touches including bottle sterilisers, baby baths and personalised purees happily whipped up. For some there’s nothing more relaxing than being lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves – for others the ease of access into the ocean may make this pad better suited to parents of pre-crawlers 

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Best hidden gem

Elea Suites and Residences

If you’ve been around the (holiday) block a few times, there are names that pop up time and time again as hotel honeypots that families flock to. For some this badge of recognition is a good thing, for others joy lies in the undiscovered. Lesser known Elea Suites and Residences is a hidden gem hotel that’ll have you in inner turmoil over whether to brag to your friends or keep it a safeguarded secret. Serving as an alternative to some of the island’s larger resorts, this is for the traveller who wants to feel they’ve visited a country. Authentic aesthetics are married with modern comforts – think minimalist Mediterranean interiors, fully equipped kitchens, a stunning central pool and homegrown menus. Separate sleeping spaces? Tick. Beach in reach? Tick. Local tavernas to taste test? Tick. All this for as little as £71 p/night – don’t tell too many people or it won’t remain under the radar for long!

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Best affordable all inclusive for aesthetes

GRECOTEL LUXME WHITE

All Inclusives are definitely having a renaissance for parents seeking an easy, breezy break. GRECOTEL LUXME WHITE is a failsafe option for exhausted parents in need of an easy life (for a week or two at least!). Child nirvana comes in the form of a Kids Club (4+), Willy Wonka approved Pâtisserie-Chocolaterie and access to the Kingdom of Poseidon Aqua Park at sister hotel. Bringing the golden age of all inclusives up to date, interiors are far from stuck in the past, with elegant and airy rooms, beachy aesthetics, and arguably the most sensational sunset showing on the whole of Crete. Parents are catered to with 6 upscale restaurants to choose from, a stunning central swimming pool, unlimited alcoholic drinks, midnight snacks and a holistic spa

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Best for laid back activities & lazy days

Village Heights Resort

Welcome to Village Heights, where laid back, low key family escapes reign supreme. The kind where you swap your phone for a book, lose track of time, and bask in doing as little (or as much) as you like away from any hustle and bustle. What Village Heights lacks in ultra modern luxury, it more than makes up for in warmth and serenity. Nestled high in the Cretan mountains, holidays here are as effortless as they come, encouraging you to reconnect with nature and each other through yoga sessions, tennis matches, mini golf and hours spent round the pool. And as every parent knows, convenience is king – yet another box ticked as the self catering apartments are complemented by 6 amazing onsite restaurants. Far from out of bounds, a hotel shuttle runs to the local beach at Stalida, where reserved sun loungers, parasols and beach club access await. The chance to truly relax and unwind comes courtesy of the Kids Club activity agenda, packed with sessions from sunrise to sunset, spanning arts and crafts, singing and dancing and ecologically minded entertainment. But if you ask us what’s calling our name, it’s the bespoke spa treatments big on local produce, using avocado extracts, olive oil, aloe and lavender

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Best elevated all inclusive

Daios Cove

Turned off by the idea of a traditional all inclusive? Daios Cove is one of a new breed of hotels where fine dining and top notch service is served alongside first class childcare. An easy, breezy 60 minute transfer from the airport, this super chic hotel is a haven for bleary eyed parents. Set across 6 levels, which have been cleverly chiselled out of the cove it calls home, there are panoramic views over the bay at every turn.Don’t worry about getting around – kids and adults alike will love riding the Willy Wonka esque funicular. The glittering saltwater infinity pool is a real show stealer, but the private sandy beach, with its calm, shallow, welcoming waters, doesn’t disappoint either. You can’t go wrong with room choice at Daios Cove, with even the entry level rooms boasting separate living spaces, blissfully private balconies and bathtubs (all music to parent’s ears). Families will love the villas, which come pre-prepared with all parental paraphernalia you could possibly need (freeing up more room in the suitcase for you!). Guests of the villas and suites benefit from the all inclusive residents club package. The gastronomic room service menu is ideal if you want to put the baby down for the night in their cot rather than the pram. The main restaurant hosts a buffet of international food, but this isn’t a buffet like you’ve seen before – the food is incredible. Unlike a lot of hotels, the creche welcomes tiny travellers from as young as 4 months and the service is impeccable. Babysitters can be arranged for an adults only date night or spa day. Not the case at all luxury resorts, parents are never made to feel out of place at Daios Cove. There’s no disapproving glances at tantruming toddlers but a sense of solidarity is created with ‘we’ve all been there’ smiles

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Best for a budget boutique

Monastery Estate Retreat

Nestled in Crete’s nature-rich south west corner, you’ll find Monastery Estate Retreat and her sprinkling of spacious suites – a boutique baby friendly bolthole that proves great things come in small packages. This isn’t an all singing all dancing facility heavy hotel, but for those looking for solitude, style and a sumptuous spa, it’s rustic rural luxury at its finest. The spacious interiors combine boho beautiful design with family functionality; there’s plenty of space next to the beds for the provided cots, or in them for co-sleepers, and many rooms have their own plunge pools. The distance ratio of sunbathing to crib couldn’t get any closer with all of the suites home to private outdoor spaces (and soul stirring mountain views). A cornucopia of Cretan delights is delivered to your room each morning for breakfast whilst dinner is served at the terrace restaurant. If you prefer to dine out, there’s a string of traditional tavernas closeby. Whilst not set on sandy shores this is a peaceful pebble beach  a short drive away. Hikers and culture vultures are spoiled for things to do; visit world-famous gorges and ancient towns. All of this, for a applaudable affordable price tag, delivered with plenty of warm Cretan hospitality and staff who make it a priority to learn the names and preferences of their tiny guests

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Best for authentic luxury

Phāea Blue Palace

Featuring awe-inspiring architecture, heart-warming hospitality and inviting infinity pools, check into Phāea Blue Palace for utter relaxation and the real Greek experience. This family run hotel is deeply dedicated to showcasing the culture of the island; with a big focus on family and food. The design here is classic Greek elegance – think soaring arches and local pink-hued stone – a far cry from the copy and paste high rise resorts lining neighbouring areas. The welcoming staff invite you to make yourself at home the minute you step through the grand doors. Home is a collection of low-slung buildings scattered across shrubbery-studded grounds looking out onto the aquamarine Aegean sea. Many of the bungalows and suites have private pools and the option of interconnecting rooms. Facilities, which include – a gym, yoga and pilates classes, and watersports – are excellent. The piece de resistance is the stunning spa, and the pampering isn’t restricted just to mamas – somewhat unusual for a 5 star resort, children aged 5 and older are welcome to indulge in mini massages and mani / pedi with their mamas (or papas). There is a kids club for tiny travellers aged 3+ and babysitters can be arranged. There’s five restaurants to choose from including a beachside Italian, fine dining Asian and traditional taverna housed in a former fishermans hut serving fresher than fresh fish. Opposite the private, pebble beach is Spinalonga – a former leper colony, UNESCO site and the inspiration for Victoria Hislop’s book The Island, which can be reached via the hotel’s wooden fishing boat

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Best for design details

Phāea Cretan Malia

A member of Design Hotels, Phāea Cretan Malia is a green-fingered holistic hideaway where every piece of furniture and fixture has been carefully considered.The uber cool look is matched with a super friendly feel. There is a beautifully designed playroom for children aged 4-12 called ‘The Little Explorer’s Club’ – a charming space for children to be creative, with a small playground outside. The curated programme of activities for tiny travellers are all aligned with the resort’s commitment to sustainable living; there’s a mini organic garden for children to pick their own ingredients for cooking lessons and an environmental awareness space. There’s also a separate area for teenagers with an outdoor cinema screen to watch movies under the stars. There’s several restaurants to choose from; a gorgeous Italian on the beach, traditional Cretan, poolside snacks and a gelateria sweet treat heaven. Family life here is centred around the long winding river pool, which flows through the botanical gardens and has plenty of shallow sections perfect for paddling. The icing on this aesthetically pleasing cake is the sumptuous striped double daybeds scattered outside, with thoughtful canopies to protect snoozing babes. Families who stay here tend to be very like minded; parents seeking a relaxing holiday big on style who make sure their children are on their best behaviour. As such the ambience is surprisingly peaceful for somewhere with so many tiny travellers in tow. All rooms come gorgeously decorated with plant prints, rattan furniture, geometric tiles and copper elements. Parents will love the family rooms or suites with their separate living spaces, private terraces and bathtubs. The nearest town is Malia, which need not be high on your to visit list, but there’s enough on site (spa, gym, tennis court, yoga pavilion and beach) for a fabulous fly and flop

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Best for a taste of local life

Kapsaliana

Far from the maddening crowds of Crete’s larger resorts and set high in the mountains is Kapsaliana – a blast from the past that we guarantee is unlike anywhere you’ve stayed previously. More village than typical resort – the architect owner has been buying local houses and lovingly restoring them into a cluster of boutique boltholes. History buffs will rejoice at the 18th century olive press and on site mini museum. Kapsaliana is one for serenity seekers, a stay here is about leaning into a slower pace. All rustic chic rooms are rich in original character  with discreet luxury touches. Upper floor suites have lounges and large sea-view terraces. The family suite also has an enclosed ground floor patio.  Kids can roam free in the citrus scented gardens, or splash around in the communal pool, which is set amongst flowering shrubs and sun loungers. The food here is worth a pilgrimage alone – a delectable menu of organic, locally sourced delicacies. Kapsaliana is an ideal place for young parents to rest and calibrate in an oasis of peace. Older kids might find it a bit too quiet

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Best for no compromises

Domes Zeen Chania

Domes Zeen Chania is a testament to our belief that parents need not sacrifice their taste for their toddlers when booking family holidays. This blissful beachfront bolthole is equal parts stylish, sophisticated and kid friendly. A dream set up for interior lovers; the vibes are tropical modernism with natural materials, earthy tones and concrete elements. Centred around the Greek concept of ‘Ef Zeen’, the art of living well, everything from the decor, food and music choices have been designed with parents in mind. The Kids Club is equal parts aesthetically pleasing to the adult eye and enticing for children; with environmentally aware, Montessori led learning and beautiful, well kept toys. Weekly supervised sleepovers are also held in the magical bedouin tents. New parents will enjoy garden or sea view doubles, whilst bigger families may prefer the one bedroom suites or two bedroom villas. Not many rooms have baths, so bring a collapsible one with you. The restaurant-rich town of Chania is a short stroll away and well worth exploring, (don’t miss the food at Ginger Concept)

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Best for foodie flexbility

Porto Elounda 

Snuggled along the picture-perfect shores of Mirabello Bay, Porto Elounda welcomes guests with the epitome of laidback luxury. Distilling the best of a boutique hotel with the perks of resort living, here you’ll find a sumptuous Six Senses spa, activity-focused Kids Club (4 months +), spacious sanctuary-esque rooms (plus, suites & villas), alongside a series of sea facing swimming pools. Gastronomy goes the extra mile, with the dine around programme including dinners at the two neighbouring sister hotels. While an award-winning wellness programme may not scream family-first, at first, the team at Porto Elounda certainly know how to care for frazzled parents from top to toe. Everything from strollers to sunscreen can be provided on request; boredom busting distractions include traditional Greek dancing, yoga and beach olympics for smalls; while the pretty village of Elounda is a stone’s throw away, for easy exploring

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Best uber luxe hideout

Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites

Clinging to the hillside, overlooking the opal ocean, Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites combines the facilities of a 5* hotel with the intimacy of a boutique bolthole. Peace & privacy abound here, with a collection of only 33 suites and villas in the ‘resort’. Showcasing their individuality, no two rooms are the same in design, but share generous proportions. Deluxe Family Suites are handily located near the children’s pool, and come complete with two bedrooms, while 3 and 4 bedroom villas appeal to large groups with their private pools and fully equipped kitchens. Gastronomy is taken seriously here, and fine dining is on the menu at the 2 excellent onsite restaurants – where half board plans are available. There’s a Kids Club for those 4 months +, as well as a shaded outdoor playground for families to enjoy together.  Loved by A listers, unadulterated R&R awaits guests who check into this uber luxe location

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Best seafront location

Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas 

Nestled on Crete’s coveted northeastern coastline, Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas is famed for its spacious rooms, pinch-me views and spectacular seafront location. A member of the Leading Hotel of the World, things aren’t done by halves here. Boasting not one, but two power-soft beaches, thrill-seekers can take to the waves, while luxurious sun loungers beckon those looking to rest their weary legs. There’s a range of room choices, to suit all tastes, with plenty of multi-sleeping-space set ups for families, including villas with private pools. A smart choice for parents of teens, hormones are kept happy with a raft of watersports, tennis, football & basketball courts. For the younger set, the Kids Club welcomes those 4+ and pram-wielding-parents will be delighted to know the landscape here is flat and easily manoeuvrable. With 7 restaurants onsite there’s no shortage of tempting food, but should you wish to explore the local foodie scene the charming fish port of Elounda is only 30 minutes away on foot 

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Best for boutique bliss and family ease

Caramel, A Grecotel Resort to live

Caramel combines boutique luxury with authentic Greek charm. Set on a stunning stretch of golden beach near Rethymno’s picturesque Venetian harbour, it offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Families are spoiled with thoughtful amenities—from Grecoland Kids Club (4+) and teen-friendly sports to GrecoBaby gear for little ones. Stylish suites, villas, and bungalows cater to all needs, while the Kids Go Free deal (with stays and meals on the house for little ones up to 12) adds unbeatable value. With standout dining, lush surroundings, and a postcard-perfect setting, it’s the ultimate stress-free escape for families seeking comfort, culture, and fun

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