The legendary island of gods and myths is one of the most beloved summer holiday destinations. Landscapes of mountain gorges and rocks, green plains with the scents of herbs and flowers, fresh sea breeze, clean, superbly equipped beaches and comfortable hotels create favorable conditions for an all-inclusive holiday in Crete to be an interesting, memorable and bright event.
Which resort to choose
The resorts of Crete are some of the best in the Mediterranean. Consider a small part of them, which can be classified as “family friendly”. They are located in the north and south of the island. Bali is located on the slopes of the mountains, characterized by an atmosphere of silence, serenity of the sea, cozy bays, beautiful morning sunrises. You can take a walk on tourist sea boats, go diving, fishing or rent a canoe. There are sandy and pebbly, clean and comfortable beaches. Lots of cafes, taverns, shops. The surrounding villages are interesting for their crafts, way of life, culture.
Panorama
A pretty fishing village with narrow streets immersed in thickets of climbing vines and blooming bougainvillea. It is good for both adults and children. In addition to large hotels, small hotels and apartments are open for accommodation. Cafes and taverns offer Cretan cuisine, there are fish establishments. Church of St. Sofia V-VI centuries. testifies to the role of Christianity on the island in ancient times. In summer, the streets of the village are lined with cafe tables and chairs, inviting you to have a leisurely meal according to the Mediterranean tradition. There is a bus service and a port. There is a calm sea and uncrowded beaches.
Skeleta
A small village for a secluded quiet holiday with children away from the bustle of the world and large settlements. There is an excellent spacious and well-maintained sandy beach with a rescue service. Since the coast is not protected by a bay, the waves of the sea are felt during the northern winds. There are several hotels, cafes in the village, and a bus service. There are no noisy entertainment events, nightlife, shopping and a promenade here, but if you wish, all this can be found in neighboring villages, at a distance of 4-6 km.
Agia Pelagia
The modern resort is located in a beautiful bay, close to the new state road E75. From the height of this route, the village looks impressive: bright houses around the bay, a picturesque coastline, snow-white yachts on the endless sea surface. Photographers will be pleased with the pictures taken here. The town is named in memory of the monastery of St. Pelagia, which has not been preserved since the Middle Ages. There is a sandy, civilized beach and an atmosphere of complete harmony with nature. The only drawback is the steep descent into the sea water. The resort is equipped with everything you need. There are no problems with accommodation, you can choose a hotel for every taste.
Kalamaki
The popular resort fully meets all the needs of vacationers. There is a beautiful beach, hotels, apartments, restaurants for every taste and budget. The resort is located in the center of the south coast, making it easy to visit attractions and many scenic spots. Ecologically clean area. The resort does not have a noisy nightlife, it rages in Matale next door. Here is a measured rhythm of relaxation, swimming, contemplation of the landscapes of the Libyan Sea, hilly landscapes and the Gulf of Messara with fantastic sunsets.
Which hotel to choose
Hotels for a prestigious and respectable holiday offer a range of services to families with children, young people who are thirsty for fun, romantic couples in love and independent tourists.
Capsis Oh! All Suite Hotel Deluxe (Capsis Elite Resort) 5*
One of the best hotels for those who want to relax chic, without denying themselves anything. Located on a private peninsula in the village of Agia Pelagia. There are spacious rooms with excellent views of the area. Cuisine for every, the most refined taste. In restaurants, dishes are prepared only from natural products, many of which grow here in greenhouses. On the territory there is a botanical garden, a Euphoria Spa complex with unique therapeutic procedures, several pools, a private beach with a Blue Diva wooden platform. The underwater sea world awaits diving enthusiasts. The Capsis Minoan amusement park is open for children, and they will also be happy to visit a small zoo.
Sensimar Elounda Village Resort & Spa by Aquila 5*
A hotel from which you do not want to leave, but endlessly enjoy the service and hospitality, the company of your loved one away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Located near Agios Nikolaos. The famous Mirabello Bay creates a romantic atmosphere of falling in love. There are no noisy, capricious children here, the hotel has an age limit of “after 16”. The hotel is focused on impeccable service in all its details. For example, an arriving couple is waiting for a pleasant compliment in the room – fruits and wine. The award-winning restaurant serves breakfast, a full lunch with dessert, and a gourmet, gourmet dinner. You can dine by candlelight, secluded together on the beach or in your room. The spa center has its own swimming pool, offers color therapy treatments and Ayurveda programs.
Crete Maris Beach Resort 5 *
The resort hotel adheres to an ecological concept and a caring attitude towards nature, for which it has a Green Key certificate. It is located in the lively area of Limenas Hersonisou, where young people hang out in clubs and discos until late at night. There are spacious stylish rooms, several pools and courts, restaurants and bars, friendly employees. The territory is beautifully decorated and well maintained, there are many flowering plants. The food is varied. In addition to standard entertainment and services, Greek lessons, cooking, dancing, karaoke, aerobics, archery are offered. In the treatment rooms of the Hammam SPA salon, massages and beauty treatments are available, there is a sauna and a jacuzzi. There are clubs for teenagers and children. The sandy Blue Flag beach of Hersonissos is within walking distance.
Grecotel Club Marine Palace 5*
The hotel is located in Panormo among the greenery of flowering gardens, on the shore of the bay with a captivating play of evening colors. Provides the perfect family vacation. The hotel is ecologically oriented, in its activities the main focus is on the conservation of nature. Interior of elegant style and luxury. The cuisine is focused on natural farm products, regularly delivered to the table. The hotel offers a family room, a studio and a bungalow. The main restaurant offers three meals a day. Three swimming pools plus a heated therapeutic Thalassa. An entertainment evening program for the family, dance performances, games is arranged. There is a water park on site. Great beach with the same Blue Flag.
Stella Palace Resort & Spa 5*
This hotel in Hersonissos, surrounded by palm trees and fragrant gardens, is designed for a carefree stay. It has its own sandy beach, two picturesque swimming pools, tennis courts, games and water activities for children. Rooms with balconies towards the garden or the sea. There are rooms with a private pool and terrace. The main restaurant serves appetizers, salads and hot dishes. In the morning there is always fresh juice from vegetables and fruits. The bar has live piano music, signature drinks and cocktails. In the SPA center, the guest will receive a relaxing massage session. The sea breakwater protects the beach from storms. Near the park with entertainment and a rich selection of sports games.
Crete is a crossroads between West and East, between Europe and Africa. A poetic island where nature has created a fairy tale, a piece of paradise, and the prosaic reality of life has receded into the background.
When is the best time to rest
The most suitable time to stay in Crete is from mid-April to the velvet season of the first half of autumn. This is due to the climate in different parts of the island. In the north it is moderate Mediterranean, in the south, beyond the mountain range, it is hot and dry, almost North African. It's always cooler in the mountains. April and May daily air temperature is 20–24 °C. Everything is filled with the aroma of spring flowering, this is the most elegant time of the year. From mid-April, tourists begin to arrive. In May the water temperature is 19°C. Swimming is still cool, but sunbathing is already possible. Summer is the high season with a large influx of tourists. It is hot and dry, especially in the south. Often there are winds with sand and dust. Temperatures in the south can rise to 40°C. Especially hot weather is set in July and August, the water heats up to 25 ° C. The midday sun burns mercilessly, therefore, you should go to the beach in the morning or in the late afternoon. During these months, it is better to relax in the north of Crete, on the shores of the Aegean Sea.
September is the most comfortable time on the island, this is the velvet season. The water still retains heat, it is only 1–2 °C cooler. The weather is conducive to a pleasant stay on the beach, the resorts are already not crowded. In October, the daytime conditions are almost the same, but the nights become much colder. The indisputable advantage of the velvet season is the low prices for accommodation. In October, you can visit excursions:
The tourist season closes in the second half of October. Winter in Crete is mild and warm. The air temperature is on average 12-14 °C. This period and the beginning of spring belong to the low season. But the tourist life does not stop, people who are not interested in the beach, but are attracted by the ancient history, culture, architecture of the region, have a rest.
Benefits of All Inclusive Tours
Dreams of a seaside vacation among palm trees and lush greenery will come true to the fullest if you choose the All Inclusive service. The range of services may vary depending on the category of the hotel. As a rule, it includes the use of a hotel room, mandatory three meals (sometimes 4-5) with a selection of drinks, entertainment for adults and children. In some upscale hotels, in addition to the planned meals, they offer a compliment in the form of ice cream or delicious local wine. Holidays under this program are popular in Crete. By purchasing an all-inclusive tour, you provide yourself with significant benefits, namely:
Some hotels have their own food systems: board, half board or ultra all inclusive.
Vacation with children
Crete is perfect for spending holidays with a child, especially if he is over five years old, for such there are all conditions: sandy beaches, a shallow sea near the coast, an abundance of amusement parks, a large selection of good hotels. The hotel restaurants always have dishes suitable for children, according to their age. All kinds of services for kids are provided – babysitting, animation, playrooms, kids clubs and sports grounds. According to vacationers, the resorts of Rethymno are attractive. The beaches here are mixed, sand and pebbles, with a pleasant entrance to the sea. To the east of the city there is a spacious, well-equipped section of the coast, where active children have a place to roam. A good place for kids is windless Bali with bays, a sandy strip and shallow water. In the west, in Agia Apostoli, the sea is warm even in June. There are many Greek families with children here. Georgioupolis has no bays, but is famous for its beautiful beaches and picturesque mountains. Famous Star Beach in Hersonissos with a large range of children's entertainment. It is also good with kids in the east in Malia, Elounda, Sitia. The hot south of Crete is hardly suitable for children, but there are good resorts here, for example, Matala or Sfakia.