Overview
Caramel nails the brief for families after a boutique stay that’s big on style but still feels unmistakably Greek. Set right on Crete’s golden coastline and just minutes from Rethymno’s storybook Venetian harbour, it’s got the best of both worlds—beautiful beach days on the doorstep and laidback exploring. Straight out of a postcard, the setting is dotted with whitewashed houses, bursts of bougainvillea, and lush green gardens at every corner. At the heart of it all? A lagoon-style saltwater pool that’s pure holiday goals, flanked by sunbeds and cabanas made for all-day lounging
For families, Caramel ticks all the boxes. Children 4+ have plenty to keep them entertained at Grecoland Kids Club, with creative arts and crafts, weekly cooking sessions, sports, and hands-on outdoor activities. Teens are well looked after too, with table tennis, watersports, mountain biking, and scuba diving to keep the adrenaline pumping. Meanwhile, parents can rest (and pack!) easy knowing GrecoBaby provides all the baby essentials—from cots and pushchairs to bottle sterilisers and baby baths
Nailing accommodation too, Caramel offers everything from Junior Suites with private gardens—ideal for parents avoiding nap-time chaos—to Family Suites with two completely separate sleeping spaces, luxe bungalows with private pools, through spacious villas that sleep up to six. The interiors nail that retro-glam cool, with handcrafted pieces and quirky touches that make parents feel totally spoiled—without making it feel like a no-sprogs-allowed kind of zone. And thanks to the Kids Go Free offer, families save big—kids up to 12 stay and eat for free, making it a no-brainer for for value-conscious parents
Dining here is equally considered, blending local Cretan flavours with a fresh, modern twist. Families love the Dine Club half-board setup, which hooks kids up with free snacks, lunch buffets, and credits for à la carte meals
All in, Caramel is a no-brainer for families craving culture, convenience and comfort—offering an authentic slice of Crete, standout family-friendly perks, and plenty of polish
Mama
Get in touch
Flight
4 hrs from Gatwick to Heraklion and Chania airports
Transfer
Caramel is conveniently located approximately 1 hour from both Chania and Herkalion airports. The hotel can arrange private transfers and age-appropriate carseats, with prices starting from £104
Best time to visit
Caramel is open from April to November, and you’ll find our Crete weather guide below:
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
Favourite room
For families of three: Open plan Junior Suites with private gardens offer one combined sleeping and living space, while Deluxe Bungalow Suites have the option of a sliding dividing door, and some come with private pools
For families of four: Family Suites Main House boast two separate bedrooms (1 king and 2 single beds), divided by sliding doors
For families of five: 2 Bedrooms Villas offer the most space, with private gardens and pools to boot
Price
from £325 p/night in low season and £865 p/night in high season for a family of three (Junior Suite private garden)
from £345 p/night in low season and £910 p/night in high season for a family of four (Family Suite Main house)
from £900 p/night in low season and £2350 p/night in high season for a family of five (2 Bedroom Caramel Villa)
Meet the family...
Mama Paola
Parent to Tiny Traveller aged 2
The main building of the resort felt very much like a Dutch residence in South Africa, with marble, wood, green velvet, and brass details and finishes. The rooms, on the other hand, had a Mediterranean feel, with white patterned tiles and sea-inspired colours. The hotel had so many comforts that we didn’t feel the need to go out, especially with a small child. The pool was definitely fantastic for spending the afternoons. The food was simply amazing. I couldn’t choose whether breakfast or dinner was better. A wide variety, with both classic and more unique flavors
Worth waking the baby for
01
Agreco Farm
Just 15 minutes from Caramel, Agreco Farm is a dreamy countryside escape where families can meet animals, roam olive groves, and enjoy delicious farm-to-table meals—and with the Dine Club half-board concept, you’ll even have credits to use towards its mouthwatering à la carte menu
02
Water City
A 50-minute drive from Caramel, Water City is the perfect day trip for families, with everything from high-speed flumes for thrill-seekers, lazy rivers and bubbling whirlpools for chilled-out floaters, and splash zones and mini slides made just for little paddlers. With over 30 attractions to dive into, there’s something for every age (and bravery level!)
03
Cretaquarium
Just 10 minutes from Water City—and under an hour from Caramel—Cretaquarium is a brilliant add-on to a thrill-filled morning, swapping water slides for mesmerising under-the-sea scenes. Little ones will love spotting seahorses, jellyfish and sharks up close, making it the perfect mix of high-energy fun and making new fishy friends
