Greece and its many beautiful islands has so much to offer families.
Whether you are off on a learning adventure and want to immerse yourself in its ancient heritage or you want to explore the wonderful scenery, wildlife or go on an active adventure like hiking, cycling, or kayaking there is always something to meet the interests of children and adults alike !
There are places of interest for all ages, budgets and lifestyles !
Today's blog though is for those families who have been waiting to get back to the travelling with their children, who have been saving their money and are looking forward to some relaxation around the pool but with plenty of fun and activity for the children to enjoy !
I have been helping families just like this to plan their perfect getaway to beautiful resorts that offer a little luxury as well as downtime, in locations that offer a warm climate still out of season, but also have plenty of culture and day trips to enjoy if they wish.
Here are my four favourite resorts with 4 / 5 star reviews* on Trip Advisor for those with money to spare or save up. I've chosen ones that are suitable for younger children too. (at time of writing*)
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1) Arina Beach Resort - East Crete
Arina Beach resort as the name suggests has its own private sandy beach, overlooking crystal blue seas in Kokkini Chani in the Heraklion area of Crete. The Winner of the Traveller's Choice award in 2022, a Tui global hotel award. and displaying a Green Key ecolabel , the resort has 4-5 review rating on TripAdvisor and is popular with families and couples.
What families love about Arina Beach
**Transfer time from Heraklion airport only 45 minutes by shuttle.
30 minutes by car.**
- Beachfront location - with a long stretch of sandy beach.
- Relaxed and friendly atmosphere
- Lots of entertainment - sports activities and evening shows
- All inclusive option with a range of choices and dietary needs met
- Public transport links are conveniently located outside the hotel
- Clean, spacious rooms
- Waterslides, pools to chill next to and a beach to lounge on !
What caught my eye in particular ?
The beach bungalows with their sea view and private pools !
How stunning do they look ! So a luxury feel for the adults with lots of fun activities for the kids ! Ticked all the boxes !
2) Grecotel Marine Palace Aqua Park
This lovely resort designed with elements of a Cretan village has won environmental awards. Overlooking a bay and a local village, families can sit and eat breakfast looking out to the ocean, then enjoy choosing from whole host of activities - from relaxing around one of the 6 swimming pools, to sports and watersports, or whizzing down the water slides ! There's even an indoor pool and fitness centre, spa, and boutique shops to look around... fun for all the family.
It is a longer transfer time from the airport (over an hour) but it is looks well worth the journey !
What families love about Grecotel Marina Aqua Park
- Ocean views and beautiful sunsets
- A short walk to a local Cretan village
- Lots of choices of food including snack bars , ice cream and crepes.
- Night time swimming access
- All inclusive dining including an award winning organic restaurant
- Great entertainment for the children
- The family bungalows - separate rooms for children
3) Stella Palace Aqua Park - Crete
What families love about Stella Palace Aqua Park
- 1 minute walk from the beach !
- Private beach area
- 3 children's pools as well as lagoon style pools !
- great for multigenerational families
- Pool bars and a la carte restaurants* (*reservation needed)
- Lots of activities throughout the day
- Of course the amazing waterpark !
What caught my eye ?
I couldn't decide if it was the swim up room or the fact that that these rooms had two bedrooms and bathrooms !
4) Lyttos Beach
This ocean front resort is set amidst acres of beautiful gardens, amongst palm trees and flowers. Another resort winning awards for sustainable travel including direct access to a Blue Flag sandy beach. Yet another hotel suitable for all ages - it offers a combination of relaxation and something for the sports enthusiasts who love to be active as much as they can ! Indoor and outdoor pools - so perfect for colder months, including an adults only Olympic standard pool with lanes and a water polo standard pool !
There is also a tennis academy amongst the various sports facilities and kids clubs for all ages (teens included).
What families love about Lyttos Beach
- Fantastic animation team
- Wonderful spa treatments
- So many pools to choose from !
- Wide selection of food, drink and snacks
- Great entertainment for the children including teens !
- Lazy river and splash park not to mention the waterpark!
What caught my eye in particular ?
The rooms with their private pools ! (especially with a sea view too !)
Other options:
Fodele Beach - with plenty of activities for teens AND breath taking views ! Private beach, surrounded by mountains and yet another wth a range of activities to keep the children busy ...what more could you ask !
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Have you stayed in a hotel with its own waterpark ? What did you think? I'd love to hear your recommendations, or if you stay at one of these let me know how it was !
