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15 of the Best Family Hotels on Crete

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

Villa Kynthia

  • 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.

Daios Cove Luxury Resort

  • 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

  • Vilelmine Hotel Chania (Crete) 10 rooms from £82

    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
    Air conditioningRestaurantViewsNo pets

    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. See More

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  • Villa Kynthia Panormos, Crete 5 rooms from £174

    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
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    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. See More

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  • Villa Ippocampi Hersonissos (Koutouloufari) 13 rooms from £113

    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
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViews
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    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. See More

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  • Eleonas Traditional Houses Crete 20 rooms from £120

    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
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    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. See More

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  • Vamos Traditional Village Vamos, Crete 51 rooms from £69

    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
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolParkingNo pets

    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. See More

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  • Pandora Suites Chania (Crete) 14 rooms from £84

    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
    Air conditioningGardenPet friendlyViewsParking

    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. See More

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  • Paradise Island Villas Anissaras 12 rooms from £215

    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
    Air conditioningTennisRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViews
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    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. See More

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  • Minoa Palace Resort and Spa Chania, Crete 254 rooms from £154

    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
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking

    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. See More

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  • Elounda Bay Palace Elounda 152 rooms from £209

    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
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection

    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. See More

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  • Domes of Elounda Elounda 118 rooms from £254

    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
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    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. See More

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  • Nana Princess Hersonissos 112 rooms from £472

    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
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolViews

    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! See More

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  • Elounda Peninsula Elounda 50 rooms from £279

    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
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    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. See More

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  • Caramel Boutique Resort Rethymno 69 rooms from £344

    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
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    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. See More

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  • White Palace Rethymno 237 rooms from £361

    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
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    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. See More

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  • Daios Cove Resort Agios Nikolaos 300 rooms from £533

    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
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViews

    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. See More

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Written by Helen Pickles

posted Tuesday, 2nd July 2019