Holiday homes & rentals on Crete

Crete is synonymous with family holidays, and for good reason. The island offers children beautiful sandy beaches, water sports, archaeological sites, aquariums, and interactive museums. Crete family rentals range from sea view apartments to traditional stone villas combining luxury and rustic charm. Explore one of the world’s most beautiful and history-rich islands knowing you’ll come back to your own private garden, where you can enjoy a family meal prepared with the amazing produce the island has to offer.

Crete prides itself with some of the most spectacular beaches in Europe. Kids will love swimming in the crystal clear waters of the famous Preveli Beach in Central Crete. This palm-lined beach is known for its natural pools, ideal for smaller children.

Crete is also a living history book. Take your children to see the Minoan Palace of Knossos – a well-preserved Bronze-age palace - and the charming Venetian pastel-coloured buildings of Chania Old Town. Then, head to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum - one of the most notable archaeological museums in the world - and gaze at its impressive Minoan collection. Heraklion Natural History Museum of Crete’s discovery centre, on the other hand, features an excavation facility and an earthquake simulator for kids.

15km east of Heraklion you’ll find the Cretaquarium, the largest aquarium in the Eastern Mediterranean area, where children can come face to face with big hunter sharks. In Chania, take your children to the Public Garden, featuring a playground, a small zoo, and lots of shade.

When it comes to food, Cretan cuisine will delight the whole family. Buy some tasty olive oil, organic vegetables and herbs, delicious lamb, and local life-prolonging honey for cooking delicious meals at your holiday letting. If you go out to restaurants you’ll notice that Cretans love children. The cooks will go out of their way to prepare a dish even the fussiest child likes.

Generally speaking, Crete’s best beaches are located in the south, while archaeological sites, museums, and the most beautiful towns are in the north. Matala is a popular beach in the south, famous for its rocky cliffs dotted with caves, once used as Roman tombs. If you prefer a quieter beach, stay in Plakias. Further west, it features a wide sandy beach surrounded by lovely restaurants and bars.

Eight kilometres to the east you’ll find what’s considered to be the best beach on Crete: Preveli. The palm-lined sandy beach is characterised by its natural pools formed by the river Megas Potamos spilling out to sea. While walking along the river, you'll see plenty of fossils and wildlife, including sea turtles. For relaxation and seclusion, pick a villa rental in Triopetra, a peaceful stretch of sand surrounded by coastal dunes. Nearby Galini, on the other hand, is a pretty whitewashed fishing village attracting travellers interested in Cretan culture.

An alternative to the quiet southern beaches are the north’s beautiful cities. Chania is a Venetian city with pastel-coloured buildings, a beautiful harbour, interesting museums, fine restaurants, and of course, some pretty beaches. Sougia is the quietest and most idyllic beach in the area. Rethymno, 65km east of Chania, has a delightful mix of Venetian and Ottoman historical buildings along narrow alleyways, with lots of inviting beaches nearby.

Take to the seas for a full day tour of the island of Spinalonga. After an idyllic boat cruise, explore the stunning ruins of a 17th-century Venetian fortress. Afterwards, enjoy a barbeque. Trips depart from Heraklion.

If an adrenaline rush is more your style, take to the Cretan mountains for an off-road buggy safari. Cruise through olive groves and picturesque villages in what's sure to be an unforgettable day out for the whole family.