Chania – and that means the entire Chania region, not just the city in northwestern Crete – is an ideal destination for families. It offers a world of fun for young and old alike, with plenty of experiences suitable for all ages. From beautiful beaches and family-friendly experiences to educational sites and natural wonders, Chania is made for memorable family holidays. You’ll find plenty of places to stay with excellent facilities (Platanias, Kalyves, Georgioupoli, Agia Marina, Stalos are some of the most popular), but the best family fun in Chania comes when you start exploring. Below are some of the best things to do with the kids in Chania depending on their age.
- Pick your family-friendly beach
- Visit the Botanical Garden of Crete
- Explore the Samaria National Park or Agia Irini Gorge
- A stroll in the Old Town of Chania
- Family-friendly cultural excursions
- Enjoy a slice of local life in the Apokoronas villages
- Day trip to Lake Kournas
- Creative activities for all the family
Pick your family-friendly beach
There’s no debate about what tops the list of things to do with kids in Chania. Crete is famous for its beaches and Chania is no exception. For families staying in the city of Chania, the beach at Georgioupolis is a great choice, not only because of its proximity but also for its shallow water and excellent facilities. Further away but well worth a day trip is Elafonisi, famous for a reason and a great option if you’ve got older children.
With shallow, beautifully clear waters and pink-white sand, kids can play safely and enjoy the sea. Other wonderful choices are the ever-lively Agii Apostoloi Beach and Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti) and, if you’re looking for something quieter, Marathi and Kalyves beaches.
Top tip: You won’t have difficulty finding a beach with family-friendly watersports in Chania, such as Platanias, Nea Hora, Agia Marina, Pachia Ammos and many more.
Visit the Botanical Garden of Crete
Another place for both adults and kids in Chania. The Botanical Garden of Crete is a 200-acre expanse, created with great care and passion. Herbs, trees and spices from different corners of the world line the pathways, and there’s a small enclosure with donkeys, ducks and other animals that will delight the little ones. It’s not just fun – it’s an educational experience too! At the end of your walk, enjoy a meal made from local ingredients at the on-site restaurant, accompanied by a refreshing homemade lemonade.
Explore the Samaria National Park or Agia Irini Gorge
If you love nature and hiking, Crete boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes in Greece. The Samaria Gorge is an unforgettable experience. While walking the full length of the gorge (16 km) may be too much for younger children, there are gentler routes within the park offering the same epic scenery. Alternatively, the Agia Irini Gorge is just as beautiful but shorter and more accessible. You’ll love spotting the animals and plants along the way.
A stroll in the Old Town of Chania
The Old Town of Chania is rich in history and picturesque charm. With its narrow alleys, colourful buildings and small shops, it’s a delight to explore with children. Don’t miss the chance to relax at one of the many tavernas by the harbour, where you can enjoy traditional Cretan flavours while admiring the iconic Chania Lighthouse. If you’re staying in the city of Chania, you’ll find yourself returning here often. Otherwise, it’s worth setting aside part of your day to explore a settlement shaped by Venetian, Ottoman and Jewish influences.
Family-friendly cultural excursions
Family holidays in Crete wouldn’t be complete without a cultural experience or two. The best place to start is the Archaeological Museum of Chania. Located in a state-of-the-art building in the Halepa district (the heart of the city in Venetian times), it houses more than 3,500 artefacts, arranged chronologically from Prehistoric times (10th-8th centuries BC) to the end of the Roman occupation in the 3rd century AD. Highlights include tablets with Linear A and B scripts, some of the earliest examples of writing. Also popular with kids is the Maritime Museum of Crete, by the entrance to the Old Town’s Firka Fortress. The museum tells the story of Chania’s seafaring history from antiquity up to the Battle of Crete in 1941 through replicas of ships, shipwreck findings, navigation instruments and more.
If you’re looking for a family culture trip, the Archaeological Site of Aptera overlooks Souda Bay. Aptera was a powerful ancient city-state, dating from Minoan times and flourishing in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It is an open and spacious site, including remains of city walls, a theatre and a small but well-preserved temple. A 19th-century Ottoman fortress adds an extra layer of history and exploration.
Top Tip: To really bring your cultural excursion or museum visit interesting for the kids, it’s worth booking a local guide whenever possible.
Enjoy a slice of local life in the Apokoronas villages
To experience Chania at its traditional best, you can’t beat the Apokoronas villages. With more than 30 to choose from, many have views of the legendary White Mountains. On the way, you’ll pass olive groves and vineyards and, once there, authentic Cretan life awaits, including shops selling handmade Cretan crafts and local products, as well as traditional cafes and tavernas.
Among the largest and liveliest villages is Vamos, where you can also visit a cheese factory and olive press. Look at for Vamos Village, which is a local initiative that organises family experiences such as cooking lessons, guided walks and visits to local producers. Another popular option is Gavalohori, where a Folk Museum features traditional costumes, old coins, weapons and other exhibits that bring the past to life. Whichever village you choose, make sure to include a nature stroll – by far the best way to appreciate the countryside.
Day trip to Lake Kournas
For an easy day trip in Chania, Lake Kournas is a fantastic choice. Just 25km from the city, it is Crete’s only natural freshwater lake and is surrounded by mountains and greenery. The colour of the water changes with the sunlight, creating a truly picturesque setting. You can rent pedal boats, spot turtles and ducks, and take a refreshing swim with the whole family! Wrap up your trip with a meal at a lakeside taverna, sampling delicious local specialities.
Creative activities for all the family
If you’re looking for a creative day out with the kids in Chania, you’ll find plenty of workshops offering painting, pottery, and other hands-on activities – even mosaic-making classes! It’s a fun and engaging way for children to explore their creativity. Just remember to book in advance to find a time that suits your family.
Another great experience for the whole family is a cooking class. It’s the best way to learn about Cretan cuisine and how to prepare traditional dishes using local products. And if you want to get even deeper into the Mediterranean diet, you can book a tour of an olive mill and olive groves, complete with olive oil tasting, in places like Sternes, Tsivara and Kalyves. Last (but by no means least when it comes to family holidays in Chania) is to book a horse riding experience.
After Best of Title
8 top things to do with kids in Chania
So, what’s on your list of things to do with the kids in Chania? Were you tempted by a nature excursion and culture trip or two, or are you planning to max out on the beach? Decisions, decisions…
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