Crete (Heraklion)
The golden beaches and calm, shallow waters in Crete are perfect for little ones, while older kids and adults will love the boat trips, ancient ruins, waterparks, and lively towns full of history and amazing food.
Average weather in Crete (Heraklion)
Five Reasons to Visit Crete
Crete is one of those destinations that makes family holidays feel effortless. With sunshine almost guaranteed, beautiful beaches, and a lovely laid-back vibe, it’s perfect for families after a mix of chill time and adventure. Whether you’re paddling in shallow waters, exploring ancient ruins, or tucking into fresh local food at a seaside taverna, Crete has something for everyone.
Sunshine From Spring to Autumn
Safe, Sandy Beaches
History and Culture
Boat Trips
Family-Friendly Accommodation
Featured Deals
- Waterpark entry included
- Beachfront Location
- Kids Club & Playground
- Onsite Waterpark
- Close to the Beach
- 6 Outdoor Pools
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FAQs
Chania on the west side of the island is a firm favourite for families. It’s absolutely beautiful, with a charming old town, Venetian harbour, and lovely beaches nearby.
If you’re looking for more of a resort vibe, Elounda or Agios Nikolaos in the east are great options too – think relaxed luxury, calm waters, and gorgeous views.
For a quieter, more authentic experience, inland villages like Archanes offer a real taste of traditional Crete.
Yes! October is still warm in Crete, with daytime temperatures often sitting between 22–26°C. The sea is still warm enough for swimming, and it’s much quieter than the peak summer months, which makes it perfect for families with younger children or anyone looking for a more laid-back vibe.
Crete is mostly hilly and mountainous, especially inland. The coastal areas tend to be flatter, but you’ll definitely notice a few inclines here and there – even in towns. If you’re hiring a car, be ready for some winding roads (with amazing views!), and bring comfy shoes if you’re planning to explore on foot.
May, June, and September are often considered the best months to visit. The weather is warm but not too hot, everything’s open, and the island isn’t as busy as it gets in July and August. If you’re tied to school holidays, late May half-term or early September are both fantastic options for a family trip.
Flights from the UK to Crete take around 4 to 4.5 hours, depending on your departure airport and which part of the island you’re flying to. Just enough time for snacks, a film, and a bit of screen time before landing in the sunshine!
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How many people get to say they’ve slept on a frozen lake under the northern lights?! 😮✨
These little cabins are very basic, maybe not ideal for anyone who wants luxury - but - they are on skis 😮 and each evening the owner drags you onto a frozen lake with his snow mobile. No light pollution, no noise, just pure peace (aside from the sound of occasional cracking ice, which is apparently normal 😅😆)
These cabins are with @lakeinarimobilecabins - it was a few years ago that we went. I think they get booked up quite far in advance now - but message the fella, it’s naturally cheaper to book direct 🤍
#thetravelmum #lapland #inari #familytravel #northernlights
Sep 23
How many people get to say they’ve slept on a frozen lake under the northern lights?! 😮✨
These little cabins are very basic, maybe not ideal for anyone who wants luxury - but - they are on skis 😮 and each evening the owner drags you onto a frozen lake with his snow mobile. No light pollution, no noise, just pure peace (aside from the sound of occasional cracking ice, which is apparently normal 😅😆)
These cabins are with @lakeinarimobilecabins - it was a few years ago that we went. I think they get booked up quite far in advance now - but message the fella, it’s naturally cheaper to book direct 🤍
#thetravelmum #lapland #inari #familytravel #northernlights
This is one of the best Eurocamps we’ve been to, particularly for families who love a waterpark! There are so many slides, splash areas and pools to spend the day exploring. On top of that you’re right by a beach, close to the gorgeous city of Venice and there’s even a fun fair!
If you want more information on this camp comment GUIDE and ill send you our Union lido review and guide 💛
This was a PR trip from 2025 but this post and guide were made independently as it’s one of our favourite camps ✨
#thetravelmum #familytravel #holidayideas #waterparks
Sep 22
This is one of the best Eurocamps we’ve been to, particularly for families who love a waterpark! There are so many slides, splash areas and pools to spend the day exploring. On top of that you’re right by a beach, close to the gorgeous city of Venice and there’s even a fun fair!
If you want more information on this camp comment GUIDE and ill send you our Union lido review and guide 💛
This was a PR trip from 2025 but this post and guide were made independently as it’s one of our favourite camps ✨
#thetravelmum #familytravel #holidayideas #waterparks
We’re giving away £500 this Friday! 💰💰💰
All you have to do is share your honest family experience of a hotel you’ve visited. Good or bad, we want families to know what you wish you had known before visiting!
For more information and the links to start sharing your reviews, comment WIN and I’ll send you what you need in a DM 💛
We will be doing different giveaways EVERY month, as a thank you to our community for building this incredible resource with us. Follow @familyapprovedhotels to stay in the loop!
#thetravelmum #familyapproved #familytravel
Sep 22
We’re giving away £500 this Friday! 💰💰💰
All you have to do is share your honest family experience of a hotel you’ve visited. Good or bad, we want families to know what you wish you had known before visiting!
For more information and the links to start sharing your reviews, comment WIN and I’ll send you what you need in a DM 💛
We will be doing different giveaways EVERY month, as a thank you to our community for building this incredible resource with us. Follow @familyapprovedhotels to stay in the loop!
#thetravelmum #familyapproved #familytravel
This would be a CRAZY good deal for the right family. If you want to escape to warmer weather and just CHILL, this could be perfect. There’s an indoor pool, spa, gym and you’re right by the beach. This includes all your food and drink, flights, luggage and transfers 😮
It’s during term time so this is one for the home educators or families with younger kids.
Comment DEAL and I’ll send you a link to this deal plus the link to the last minute deals page where you can find your own bargain 💛
Links we share are affiliate links - all the deals we share are from a variety of providers and are always found by us as a deal we would book ourselves.
#thetravelmum #budgettravel #cheapholidays
Sep 21
This would be a CRAZY good deal for the right family. If you want to escape to warmer weather and just CHILL, this could be perfect. There’s an indoor pool, spa, gym and you’re right by the beach. This includes all your food and drink, flights, luggage and transfers 😮
It’s during term time so this is one for the home educators or families with younger kids.
Comment DEAL and I’ll send you a link to this deal plus the link to the last minute deals page where you can find your own bargain 💛
Links we share are affiliate links - all the deals we share are from a variety of providers and are always found by us as a deal we would book ourselves.
#thetravelmum #budgettravel #cheapholidays
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