Just Back From: Crete

I have been (not so) patiently waiting for the opportunity to get back to Europe for a while now, and seeing as how I have less than three months before baby #2 arrives, now seemed like the time to make the trip happen!  Because this was going to be a family vacation, I knew that I wanted somewhere that our whole family could enjoy and still gave me the opportunity to experience somewhere that many of my clients might appreciate as well.

I chose Crete because it would be a new experience for me. I have been to other greek islands, but Crete seemed particularly well suited for families as well as a worthwhile consideration for couples both as a stand alone destination as well as part of a larger Greek itinerary.

Greece was one of the first European countries to open its borders to American travelers, and so a trip here made sense at the end of June. The country had a little time to work out the kinks of reopening, and were ready and waiting with open arms to start to see travelers come back.

Here are a few things about that made our trip perfectly suited to the type of family vacation I was hoping for.  Note that we kept our vacation pretty centered around Chania prefecture, but depending on how much time you have to explore, and the age of your traveling party, there is a ton to explore on Greeks largest island!

Favorite Accommodation: Villa Emanuele

I searched long and hard for the perfect place to base my family for our week long vacation in Greek. Depending on what works best for you, there are plenty of options when it comes to family-oriented resorts that basically operate as self-contained communities, along with hotels that cover the spectrum in the main cities. We opted for a villa for our party of 5, and could not have been more thrilled with our stay at Villa Emanuele.

The hosts are some of the kindest and most hospitable people you will ever meet, and the villa boasts the most amazing views and a pool and garden area that will make it difficult to pull yourself away and want to do anything else! 

Favorite Activity: Visit beautiful beaches

One of the reasons Crete was so appealing to me was because you have your choice of beautiful and stunning beaches all around the island. We spent many of our days at the beach, and it was nice to have the options that the area provided to mix it up and provide different experiences for our fun in the sun days. Some of them remote and hard to reach, and others just down the road beckoning you on a daily basis.

Local Beaches - Platanias Beach/ Agia Marina Beach

Down the road from our villa, Platanias and Agia Marina provided the perfect location to visit one of the numerous beach clubs, and spend the day splashing in the water, sipping on drinks, eating delicious food, and making sure the whole family was having a good time. 

Seitan Limania Beach

One of my favorite beaches we visited was Seitan Limania beach. Nestled in a canyon leading out to the sea and inside the narrow slip between two cliffs, is Seitan Limania beach with turquoise waters that turn to deep blue as it joins the sea. This is definitely more of a hidden gem, and not one I’d recommend for kids or anyone with any type of mobility issues.  You have to hike down a steep cliff to reach the pebbly white sand, and there are no facilities of any kind. But the reward is worth it, and if you go at the right time, you might only have goats joining you.

Elafonissi Beach

The absolute stunner that is Elafonissi Beach did not disappoint, It is ideal for families since the waters are incredibly shallow and create lagoons where kids can play safely. It does happen to be one of the biggest tourist attractions in Crete, as it is considered one of the best beaches in Europe (and ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world), so keep that in mind if you go during high season. Thankfully the timing of our visit allowed us to experience it without the normal summer crowds and have one of our favorite afternoons in Crete.  

Favorite Meal: The Five Restaurant

As a general rule of thumb, I don’t think you can really go wrong with fresh food along the Mediterranean. But if you want to know what my go-to meal is in Greece, I have to be honest and tell you I’m partial to a good, greasy gyro.  We had them all throughout the trip, and they always hit the spot. When in doubt -- eat a gyro!

On our last night, we did go to a restaurant that blew our socks off though. Just outside of old town Chania sits The Five Restaurant, located just opposite of Neo Chora beach. From start to finish, the food was exceptional and everything we ordered hit the spot. Of course the view isn’t so shabby either, and it’s the perfect place to appreciate endless sea views, and watch the sunset.

Favorite place for nighttime stroll: Old town Chania

I’m a sucker for beautiful cobblestone streets and wonderful architecture, so the old town of Chania did not disappoint. The Venetian harbor area is easily the heartbeat of the city, and here you’ll find a waterfront area lined with bustling cafes, bars, and restaurants. You also should enjoy a romantic stroll through the old buildings which have been transformed into small hotels, shops and even homes that people still live in.  There are different districts of the old town, each with its own unique characteristics.  The area is a perfect place to eat, drink, shop, and watch the sunset with the beautiful Chania old port lighthouse in the background.

Crete is a perfect place for many types of vacations, but I hope I was able to show you that it can also be considered for a kid-friendly vacation that doesn’t involve mouse ears or a generic kids club.  The entire family enjoyed this trip, and we made the very best memories here in Greece. 

I’d be happy to help you plan your own perfect trip here or anywhere else your heart desires!