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Family Holidays: Crete family holidays
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Why
Crete – the largest of the Greek islands - is a fantastic destination for a family holiday. Great beaches, family friendly hotels for all budgets and the cradle of early Mediterranean civilisation all within a four-hour flight of the UK.
Plus it has the sort of food kids love and recognise – humous, tarmasalata, olives, pitta bread, chicken kebabs, the lot – a big relief when you’re abroad and the little ones won’t eat. Plus there’s the odd glass of Retsina for Mum & Dad and wherever you look white fishing villages, stunning landscapes and above all that sparkling blue Greek sea.
- Top left: Agios Nikolaos
- Top right: Minoan Fresco, Crete
- Bottom left: Traditional dress, Crete
- Bottom right: Agios Nikolaos Vai
When
Being the most southerly outpost of Europe, Crete has a mild and exceptionally dry climate with average monthly temperatures ranging from 22? to 35?C. In July and August the "meltemi", a northerly wind brings a cool breeze to the warm summer days.
How
British Airways offers a direct flight to Heraklion through its subsidiary GB Airways. There are also numerous direct charter flight options to Chania and Heraklion leaving and arriving back at several UK airports at both reasonable and highly unreasonable (especially with young kids in tow) times of the day. Excel Airways is our preferred airline and flys to Chania from Gatwick, Manchester and Newcastle, and to Heraklion from 9 UK airports. Or you can fly via Athens on Olympic Airways. Flight time is around four hours.
From the airport you'd either rent a car or have a transfer arranged for you.
Do
As little or as much as you like.
Just sit by the sea or laze by the pool while your children are entertained in a children’s club.
And when you or (less likely) they are bored with that, hire a car and head for Crete’s natural and ancient wonders.
There are impressive remains, which date from different periods of its history: Minoan palaces, Byzantine churches, Venetian castles and Turkish minarets.
The 13th century Byzantine church of Kera stands at the entrance to the picturesque village of Kritsa, 20 kms from Elounda. Its frescoes are considered to be the most beautiful of Crete.
A must is Knossos, Crete’s most important ancient palace around which the Minoan (lots of big moo moos) civilisation grew and prospered. The Iraklion Archaeological Museum houses a stunning collection of Minoan jewellery and artwork including the original frescoes from Knossos.
Another interesting trip is the Plateau of Lassithi where the legendary Dikte cave is located. Zeus, father of the Gods, was born here.
Crete’s landscape itself is a combination of rugged mountains with wild flowers, vineyards, orange groves, forgotten ruins and isolated chapels in the upland parts.
Travel reading
Lonely Planet Greek Islands
by David Willett
A highly informative and useful introduction to most Greek Islands.
Illustrated Guide to Greek Myths and Legends
by C. Evans et al
Buy from Amazon.co.uk - Save 20%
The whole family will enjoy this book.
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Booking Specials
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Porto Elounda, Crete
from £1,069*
Large 5 star family beach resort, overlooking Mirabello Bay, with a small private sandy beach
* per adult per week in a Porto Deluxe room. Includes, half board, flights and private transfers
Aldemar Royal Mare Village, Crete
from £539*
4* spa resort with great sports facilities and activities.
* from £539 per person for 7 nights. Includes flights, transfers and half board.
Rithymna Beach Hotel, Crete
from £555*
An elegant hotel with a beautiful beachfront location.
* per adult includes flights, coach transfer, room & breakfast for 7 nights
Blue Palace Resort and Spa, Crete
from £590*
Luxurious resort overlooking the Mediterranean with pools, private gardens, beach and spa.
* per adult for seven nights with flights, breakfast and transfers
Aloni Apartments, Crete
from £380*
Perfect family location offering modern, comfortable accommodation with superb facilities & crèche & mini club
* from £380-£565 per person based on 4 people sharing a 2 bed apartment on a self catering basis for 7 nights. Includes breakfast, transfers and car hire.
Villa Selli, Crete
from £4,799*
Sleeps up to 12. Peaceful location, 3 pools, luxury facilities and great views
* from £4799 for 7 nights based on 4 adults and 6 children sharing a villa including flights and car hire
Villa Katerina, Crete
from £2,161*
Sleeps 10. Spacious, well equipped. Spectacular views of the coast.
* from £2161 based on 4 adults and 4 children sharing a villa for seven nights including flights from and car hire.