Crete is a great choice for family holidays: one of Europe's longest sunny seasons, pink-sand beaches and only a four-hour flight from London. The island also boasts three waterparks; reward for children if you've dragged them round some of the island's splendid Minoan and Roman sites, or Venetian forts and Byzantine churches. Our selection of the best family hotels on Crete offers you a wide choice from self catering villas to five star luxury resorts to quiet little guesthouses.......take your pick!

Minoa Palace Resort and Spa

Many of the larger resort hotels are geared to entertaining children, with children's clubs, children's pools and family suites or villas. Admittedly, these hotels can prove to be relatively pricey, but they give parents the comfort that their children are not going to be bored, and that they will have plenty of other potential playmates. Parents, too, get their 'treats'; often there is a spa, choice of pools, and several eating options, so there is a chance to try different cuisines.

Nana Princess

At the more budget end, Crete offers a range of family-friendly, traditional guest houses. And if you really want flexibility, a villa or self-catering apartment is another good choice. As the best family beaches are on the north coast, this is the area to concentrate your search for the best hotels for families on Crete.

15 of the Best family hotels on Crete

The Best Value Family Hotels on Crete

  • Quiet yet close to the beach, Villa Kynthia, in the low-key village of Panormos, offers both a family suite and a self-catering apartment. Rooms are cool and light with parquet floors and brass bedsteads.
  • Eleonas Traditional Houses offer the perfect spot for families who really want to get away from it all. Accommodation is in charming stone cottages and there's loads of onsite activities plus children's playground and pool.
  • Overlooking a central, car-free square in Chania's old town, Vilelmine Hotel is hard to beat both for price and location. Traditional-style rooms, including three- and four-bedroom suites, have private balconies, and breakfast can be taken outside in the square.

Crete's Best self-catering options for families

Paradise Island Villas

  • Vamos Traditional Village offers both good value and self-catering flexibility. This collection of rustically furnished, traditional cottages, in the heart of a sleepy village, is owned by the locals. Guests find lots of personal touches - fresh flowers, little snacks - while some cottages have private pools.
  • Pandora Suites in Chania offer a livelier location, as well as a more boutique-hotel feel, roof terrace and harbour views.
  • Paradise Island Villas is a collection of twelve super stylish properties each with its own private pool. Plus there's a tennis court on site and you're close to the beach.

The Best family hotels on Crete with Children's Clubs

Minoa Palace Resort and Spa

  • With a children's club, playground and entertainment staff, parents can also relax on holiday at Minoa Palace Resort and Spa, Chania, one of the island's best-priced modern, resort hotels.
  • There are heaps of activities for both parents and children - including kids' club, mini-golf, tennis, scuba diving and sailing - at the Elounda Bay Palace, a luxury resort with a choice of rooms, bungalows and villas dotted around 20 acre of gardens. There are several pools as well as two beaches.
  • Children are entertained with everything from tennis lessons to drawing classes at the smart Domes of Elounda. There's a crèche - which means toddlers are safe and well looked-after - as well as a private beach, plus a spa, wine-tasting and snorkelling for the grown-ups.

  • And if you'd like your own private pool for the family, check out Daios Cove Luxury Resort. Rooms and suites are chic, plus there's a kids' club, watersports, luxury spa, yoga sessions, private beach and three restaurants.
  • Another great choice for those in search of a private pool, is the Nana Princess. Accommodation options include family suites and there are villas which can sleep up to six. There are excellent on site facilities plus you can make use of the kids club at the sister property next door.

White Palace

  • Caramel Boutique Hotel is a smaller option with a beachfront location just outside Rethymno. They've a wide range of family friendly accommodation and there's activities on offer for all ages from tots to teens. Plus a luxury spa for the grown-ups!
  • White Palace is Crete's original grand dame, and she's been given a makeover. Gorgeous chic interiors, endless dining options and more activities and facilities than you can imagine....plus that all iimportant kids' club!
  • Elounda Peninsula offers luxurious family suites and villas with pools, plus there's baby sitting services and a kids' club. For adults you'll find gourmet dining and luxury spa.....Heaven!

Crete can be a children’s paradise island, and to make sure it is for the parents, too, use our guide to the best family hotels on Crete.

But, if you haven't found your idea of the best family hotel on Crete on our Guru's list of 15 you could:

15 of the Best Family Hotels on Crete

15 of the Best Family Hotels on Crete

Elounda Bay Palace

Elounda

Impressive luxury resort, totally insulated from the outside world in semi-tropical gardens. Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. Suites have private pools. An epic choice of restaurants and bars. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday.

  • Families - The young ones are kept happy with loads of activities at the kids club and playground, while parents get time to relax
  • Active Holiday - Never a dull moment with mini golf, billiards, darts, tennis, scuba diving, sailing, waterskiing, fishing and more
  • Restaurant - Thalassa Waterfront restaurant serving delicious seafood dishes and Aretoussa Restaurant - Greek & international cuisine
  • Sailing - Either charter your own boat or take a skipper, and set sail directly from the hotel
from £200 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Minoa Palace Resort and Spa

Crete (Crete)

A modern North Western Crete resort and spa, surrounded by acres of lush landscaped gardens. The modern rooms boast private balconies overlooking the bay, gardens or pool. There are many dining options from Greek to Italian and the four bars serve up wonderful cocktails.

  • Families - Parents chill by the pool while the youngsters make the most of the kids' club, children's playground and entertainment staff
  • Resort - With activities for all, multiple pools, a spoiling spa and more - this is perfect for those who want everything onsite
  • 5* Luxury - An elegant five star with chic modern design, attentive service, and a wide choice of amenities
  • Total relaxation - Relax to the max with hot tub, hammam, sauna, aromatherapy treatments and hot stone massages
from £148 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Pandora Suites

Chania (Crete)

This townhouse turned boutique self-catering option has fabulous harbour views from the pretty roof terrace. Traditionally styled interiors are light and airy and apartments have either two or four beds. Well suited to small groups and families.

  • Museums - For the culture vultures both the Achaeological Museum of Chania and the Nautical Museum of Crete are within walking distance
  • Local exploring - Situated right in the old town, within easy walking distance of the port and the main shopping and eating spots
  • Groups - The spacious and charming self-catering apartments (2-4 beds) are ideal for groups travelling together
  • Less £ - With accommodation starting below the 100 Euro mark, this is a great option for a good value stay
from £80 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Domes of Elounda

Elounda

A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay.

  • Spa - The spa includes an indoor seawater pool, a hammam, a sauna & steam, a frigidarium & tepidarium plus a wide range of treatments
  • Resort - With everything you could want on-site, this is a great choice to come and simply unwind
  • Families - Numerous activities for children from tennis lessons and watersports to drawing classes
  • Beach Life - With a private sandy beach this is an easy choice for a beach getaway
from £243 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Paradise Island Villas

Anissaras

A super chic collection of villas in sophisticated Cretan style. Each villa has its own pool and living areas. Romantic rooms have parquet floors, four poster beds, and attractive furnishings. Excellent restaurant, lots of spa treatments. Romantic, grown-up, close to the beach, and family friendly.

  • Families - Cots and extra beds are provided, there are a playground and tennis court for kids plus babysitting is available
  • Local exploring - Located just 1km from the Traditional Cretan Villages of Koutouloufari, Old Hersonissos and Piskopiano
  • 5* Luxury - All villas are individually designed with a private pool and every comfort you could want
  • Groups - Villas sleep from 2 to 6 guests making this a great option for group getaways
from £206 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Caramel Boutique Resort

Rethymno

A luxury boutique hotel with quirky design and a private stretch of beach. Suites, bungalows, and villas are light and airy with large swathes of glass and a modern take on Cretian design. There's a gorgeous lagoon-style pool, a small spa, and a restaurant. A luxurious hideaway near Rethymnon.

  • Romantic Break - For romance pick the Caramel Luxury Suite Private, which has a good-sized terrace with sea views and an outdoor whirlpool bath
  • Families - With a spa for adults and a kids club complete with boundless activities for children, this is an ideal choice for families
  • Local exploring - The location feels secluded, however, the attractions of Rethymnon are just 7km away
  • Beach Life - Set directly on a stretch of sandy beach, this is the perfect beach destination
from £328 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Villa Kynthia

Crete

A characterful guesthouse set in a pretty and relatively undiscovered village right on the coast. Rooms are bursting with history with plenty of antiques, exposed beams, and beautiful polished wooden floors. Traditional breakfasts are served and there are two sandy beaches within walking distance.

  • Full of character - The building dates back to the 1890s and is utterly charming with bags of original character and packed with antiques
  • Hideaway - Panormos is a small and pretty-much undiscovered village on the north coast of Crete
  • Groups - The property has just five bedrooms making it an ideal option for a group trip
  • Beach Life - There are two sandy (and relatively secluded) beaches within walking distance
from £166 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Daios Cove Resort

Agios Nikolaos

Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. Sumptuous suites and villas have contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilities for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club.

  • Active Holiday - Endless onsite activities such as watersports, a scuba diving centre, sailing and motor yacht rental, yoga, and tennis courts
  • Families - There is a wide range of family friendly accommodation including villas with pools, plus on site kids club etc
  • Beach Life - A wonderful luxury resort with its own private beach and excelllent watersports facilities
  • Spa breaks - There is a luxury spa on site with extensive facilities for a pampering break
from £509 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Vamos Traditional Village

Crete

A shining example of how to do low-impact tourism. Vamos is a collection of locally owned self-catering accommodation in and around a sleepy village. Interiors are comfortable and rustic and many feature private pools. Stunning views of the White Mountains are thrown in too. Ideal for families.

  • Value chic - Offering bags of character, swimming pools, and plenty of activities - you are getting a lot for your money here
  • Families - Private self-catering villa accommodation is perfect for families looking for an independent stay
  • Self catering - Stone cottages have kitchens, fireplaces and TVs and are decorated in a traditional style
  • Swimming Pool - For a little extra luxury, book one of the villas with a large private pool
from £66 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
White Palace

Rethymno

A chic hotel with white on white style complete with accents of sea blue. The former grande dame of the 'Cretan Riviera' has been given a full make-over and a bigger, grander choice of accommodation. Dining and entertainment options are crowd-pleasers, suiting both couples and families.

  • Watersports - Banana boating, wind surfing and much more are available on the nearby beach
  • Families - There is a popular kids' club allowing grown ups some fun of their own
  • Romantic Break - Utterly chic interiors with sea views - great for a romantic getaway
  • Local exploring - Well located close to Rethymnon’s museums and nightlife
from £345 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Vilelmine Hotel

Chania (Crete)

A gracious 19th-century townhouse overlooking a palm-lined square and Chania's grand Panagia Trimartiri cathedral. Offering whimsical interiors - four-poster beds and Juliette balconies - for visiting couples as well as practical family suites. Excellent value and a great location.

  • Views - On the north side windows overlook the metropolitan town square and the south side they overlook the colourful Betolo St
  • Value chic - Utterly charming accommodation plus a great location offered at an inviting price
  • Local exploring - Walking distance from Chania's harbour, shops and cafes, and the beach
  • Beach nearby - Well positioned just 800m away from the Blue Flag beach of Nea Chora
from £79 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Elounda Peninsula

Elounda

Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary decor and great sea views. All suites come with an outdoor pool and, along with its adjacent sister hotels, there’s an abundance of facilities, including 10 restaurants and bars, a spa, kids’ club and watersports. Bliss.

  • Families - Family suites and private villas with pools - plus babysitting services and a kids' club
  • Spa breaks - An award winning spa specializes in unique treatments and medicinal treatments
  • Foodies - Sumosan - an award winning restaurant on site serves Japanese gourmet cuisine
  • Diving - Crystal clear waters and fascinating flora and fauna to discover
from £266 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Eleonas Traditional Houses

Crete (Zaros 700 02)

A charming farmhouse offering stone cottages with classic furniture set amidst beautiful scenery. An on-site restaurant and cafe serves local cuisine (much of the produce is grown onsite). Cooking classes, archery lessons and wine tours available are all available. A charming rural escape.

  • Active Holiday - There is plenty to do in the surrounding area including hiking along trails that pass through historical sites
  • Country Escape - A working farm where olive oil is produced, vegetables are grown, and there are goats and chickens
  • Families - A lovely retreat for families, with lots of space, a large pool, and farm animals onsite
  • Less £ - With great amenities and chic design this is a very good value stay
from £114 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Villa Ippocampi

Hersonissos (Koutouloufari )

A small owner-run all-suite hotel nestled in a pretty hilltop location. Each suite is individually styled but all have the traditional white and blue colour palette, kitchenettes, and lovely views. A poolside cafe serves casual regional dishes. An adults-only stay, ideal for a tranquil hideaway.

  • Eco break - The hotel relies on solar power for hot water plus there's an eco friendly pool cleaning system and sewage management
  • Total relaxation - With an adult-only policy, a laidback vibe, and a quiet location this is the perfect spot to simply unwind
  • Local exploring - Centrally located, perfect to explore lesser known beaches plus ancient ruins
  • Active Holiday - For those who want to keep busy, there are fabulous hikes in the area
from £108 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Nana Princess

Hersonissos (Hersonissos)

A stunning contemporary five star resort that will leave you wanting for nothing! Luxurious rooms, suites and villas - most with private heated pools - boast stunning views and top notch amenities. Three fine dining restaurants, state of the art spa, private sandy beach. A spoiling beach treat!

  • Total relaxation - Relaxation is Nana Princess's prime aim, and it boasts tailor made services and spa facilities that are hard to beat
  • Romantic Break - Luxury accommodation, stunning sea views, private pools, gourmet a la carte dining - what more could you want?
  • Beach Life - A stunning luxury contemporary property with its own private sandy beach
  • Families - Superb family accommodation with some villas sleeping up to seven
from £451 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by Helen Pickles

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