The Safest Beaches for Kids in Crete for a Stress-Free Holiday: Insider’s Guide

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The island of Crete, in the southern area of the Mediterranean, is a great destination for family holidays. Kids of every age can enjoy the wonderful variety of beaches on the island.

Due to Crete’s varied coastal landscape, you’ll be able to find bays that are as calm as lagoons, virtually waveless, and never hit by strong winds or currents.

On the beaches of Crete, your kid will be able to create castles of soft sand, discover the submarine wonders with a pair of goggles, or play pirates on their private islet.
Read on to discover the best beaches for kids in Crete.


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Best Beaches for Kids in Crete

Kid-friendly beaches in Crete, Greece

ARE YOU PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO CRETE LAST MINUTE?

Be sure to book accommodation and tours in Crete ahead of time to ensure availability!

📍 Top tours I recommend on the island:
Full-day Samaria Gorge trek (#1 tour in Crete!)
Boat cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa (top-selling tour!)
Ticket to Knossos Archaeological Site (top tour in Heraklion)

🛌 These are three convenient hotels in Crete:
Lyttos Beach (beachfront in Hersonissos, near Heraklion)
SanSal Boutique Hotel (near Chania Old Town with a pool!)
Grecotel Lux Me White Palace (beachfront in Rethymnon)

Remember that the best way to get around Crete is by car. Check rental car rates for Crete here.

Safest Beaches for Kids in Crete’s Chania Region

5 Days in Crete - Elafonisi Beach

We’ve often discussed on the blog the best beaches in the Chania region, I’ve even dedicated a whole article to unveil over 30 stunning shores on the western coast of the island.

But, how many of them are especially safe for children? Let’s take a look at the top kid-friendly beaches of Chania, Crete.

Pink Sand Beach of Elafonisi

Region: Chania (South Coast)
Latitude: N 35.269391  
Longitude: E 23.531477

Kids Crete

Crete’s most popular beach is Elafonisi. Famous for the pink sand shore, the islet of Elafonisi is about 70 km south of Chania, in the west of Crete.

The beach is well organized, and the sea is shallow and clean. It’s a safe, wide bay, and a great place for families with kids.
Check this super detailed guide to visit Elafonisi.

Frangokastello Beach

Region: Chania (South Coast)
Latitude: N 35.181586  
Longitude: E 24.231458

sea, beach

Frangokastello is an organized sandy beach on the southern coast of Chania. Kids love the Venetian castle standing right opposite the beach.

This shore is a favorite among families for its shallow waters and soft sand, however, it’s an open bay that can be windy at times. Frangokastello is great for young adventurers and explorers, both on land and under the sea.

Stavros Beach

Region: Chania (Cape Akrotiri)
Latitude: N 35.591
Longitude: E 24.0957

Greece -Crete - Chania - Stavros Beach

A shallow sea and fine golden sand combine on the beach of Stavros, making it a great place for family holidays.

The beach is very well organized, and there are no waves or currents, which makes it the best beach in the area when the weather is windy. It’s a laid-back village and resort, ideal for families.

You can also read about Stavros Beach in the article about the best beaches in Akrotiri and the best beaches in West Crete.

Visit the beaches in West Crete and stay in the capital of the region staying in one of these rental homes in Chania Old Town.

Georgioupolis Beach

Region: Chania (near Apokoronas)
Latitude: N 35.361922  
Longitude: E 24.261377

kids jumping from beach, Georgioupoli, Crete

The small, laid-back resort of Georgioupolis has every ingredient to make it to the list of kid-friendly beaches in Crete.

There’s a well-organized beach with shallow waters and soft sand. In the village, it’s possible to find several tavernas and cafes around the main square and along the coast.

Georgioupolis attracts many visitors from all over Europe during the Summer, especially families with small children. The village is also conveniently close to the city of Chania.

Best Beaches for Kids in the Region of Rethymnon

There are some great beaches for the whole family in Rethymnon, especially the southern coast of Rethymnon features some of the nicest kid-friendly beaches in Crete.

Triopetra Beach

Region: Rethymnon (South Coast)
Latitude: N 35.119377  
Longitude: E 24.547915

Greece - Crete - Rethymnon - Triopetra

This wide, tranquil beach is about 52 km south of the city of Rethymnon. Triopetra is a beautiful beach with small pebbles, fully organized, and ample spaces that usually make it look empty even in the high season.

On this beach, the children will love to explore the three imposing rocks that stand right next to the sea.

There are a few tavernas on the beach serving cold drinks and meals. It’s possible to rent sunbeds and umbrellas too.

Bali Beach

Region: Rethymnon (North Coast)
Latitude: N 35.414032  
Longitude: E 24.782996

Beaches for kids in Crete

The bays of Bali are a popular beach choice on the island of Crete so it’s not odd to find it crowded.

Some of Bali’s bays are narrow and well protected from the northern winds, a feature that makes it stand out from the rest of the beaches on the north of Rethymnon, that usually have a quite rough sea.

The organization, the fine sand, and the pristine waters, plus good tourist facilities make Bali another good place for family-friendly holidays in Crete.

Agia Galini

Region: Rethymnon (South Coast)
Latitude: N 35.090157  
Longitude: E 24.69644

GREECE - CRETE - RETHYMNON - AGIA GALINI
Village and port of Agia Galini (Pappou CC BY-SA 3.0).

Agia Galini is a nice coastal town on the southern coast of Rethymnon extremely popular among tourists from all over Europe.

There are a lot of hotels and other facilities that make it a great place for family holidays.

There are several kid-friendly beaches in the area, as well as many other beaches to check out nearby, such as Kalamaki, Damnoni, and Plakias.

Agia Galini is a great starting point to visit the southern beaches of Crete.

Are you looking for a place to stay in Rethymnon? Check the best Airbnbs in Rethymnon.

Best Kid-Friendly Beaches in Heraklion

Although the beaches in Heraklion can be noisy and crowded, there are a few places that can be family-friendly, take a look!

Ligaria Beach

Region: Heraklion (North Coast)
Latitude: N 35.399204  
Longitude: E 24.026512

Ligaria or Lygaria is a beach located on the northern coast of Heraklion, 21 km west of the city, and very close to the beach of Agia Pelagia. The bay is wide and the sea very clean, although it can be wavy at times due to the northern winds. In this case, seek refuge on the western side of the bay.

Beach Crete Heraklion Ligaria

Although the beach is quite shallow for the first meters, the sea deepens suddenly, for instance on the coast of Matala.

It’s always better for kids to enter the sea with an adult to understand how safe it is according to their swimming skills.

Hersonissos Beach

Region: Heraklion (North Coast)
Latitude: N 35.307837
Longitude: E 25.37114

GREECE-CRETE-HERAKLION-HERSONISSOS

Not all the coast of Hersonissos is among my favorite beaches for kids on Crete, however, the area known as Sarandari Coves can be a tranquil spot for families, with its shallow shore and crystal clear waters.

The seaside resort also offers all kinds of entertainment for children, a good reason to include this beach in any list of kid-friendly beaches of Crete.

Stalida Beach

Region: Heraklion (North Coast)
Latitude: N 35.292725  
Longitude: E 25.432898

GREECE-CRETE-HERAKLION-STALIDA

The quiet and safe cost of Stalida (also Stalis) is a favorite among families spending their holidays in Crete.

The resort is halfway between Hersonissos and Malia, less than 20 km from Heraklion.

The beach is sandy and organized and there’s a good choice of places to eat and stay along the coastal road of Stalida,

Malia Beach

Region: Heraklion (North Coast)
Latitude: N 35.298014  
Longitude: E 25.494903

Beaches for kids in Crete

Although a bit noisy and chaotic, Malia remains one of the most popular resorts in Crete as it’s just 35 km east of the island’s capital, Heraklion. The beaches, however, are clean and shallow, so quite good for children.

The wide beach continues until the also friendly resort of Stalis (or Stalida), a much better choice for family-friendly holidays in Crete.

Family-Friendly Beaches in Lasithi

If you’re traveling east, then check out these super gorgeous and safe beaches for families in the Lasithi region…

Almyros Beach

Region: Lasithi (North Coast)
Latitude: N 35.19106  
Longitude: E 25.71524

Almyros beach, Agios Nikolaos. Crete

Almyros is a fantastic child-friendly beach in the region of Lasithi (and one of my personal favorites).

The bay is long and wide, safe for children, and the sea is clear, calm, and shallow.

A key feature of the beach is the small stream that flows to the sea, a place that kids usually love to explore. When we visited the area, we stayed here.

Voulisma Beach

Region: Lasithi (North Coast)
Latitude: N 35.125594  
Longitude: E 25.746135

sea, sand, beach - Voulisma, also known as Golden Beach.

One of Crete’s preferred beaches, Voulisma lies on the northern coast of Lasithi, facing the beautiful Gulf of Mirabello, just a few minutes from Agios Nikolaos.

The long bay is well organized, it has white sand and the waters are crystal and shallow, and it’s absolutely beautiful when there’s no wind.

The place is usually busy in summer, but it can be perfect for those traveling in more tranquil months (at the beginning or the end of the season).

Vai Beach

Region: Lasithi (East Coast)
Latitude: N 35.254528  
Longitude: E 26.265406

Beaches for kids in Crete

Although it’s usually crowded as it’s one of Crete’s most popular beaches, Vai is located on a wide bay in the eastern area of the island.

The beach is very wide and has soft golden sand as well as a huge palm tree forest, one of the biggest in Europe.

The bay is calm and the sea is clean and shallow. The beach is, in fact, ideal for family-friendly holidays, especially if you visit in early June and early September.

Traveling to Crete with kids? Read Fantastic Family Holidays in Crete.

Myrtos Beach

Region: Lasithi (South Coast)
Latitude: N 35.004495  
Longitude: E 25.585051

GREECE - CRETE - LASITHI - MYRTOS

Located in the region of Lasithi, Myrtos is a village with a fantastic beach in a well-protected bay.

The area is peaceful and laid-back although the small village has every facility you might need for a family holiday in the south of Crete.

The sea is calm and not particularly hit by strong winds. The sand is dark and mixed with small pebbles.

The beach is organized, and it’s possible to rent an umbrella, eat in any of the beach tavernas, and enjoy a lifeguard service.
Which are your favorite beaches in Crete for kids?

🏖️ Please, help us protect the beaches in Crete. Respect the environment and don’t leave any trash behind.

More Resources to Enhance Your Crete Adventure

I’ve got some excellent travel resources to make your adventure unforgettable! Start by checking out my ultimate guide to planning your trip to Crete, packed with helpful essential information. Remember to explore the articles on prices in Crete, common mistakes to avoid, and insider secrets for an unforgettable experience.

Once you’re ready to pack, use this comprehensive Crete packing list to ensure you have everything you need for a fantastic vacation. Explore the best places on Crete Island, discover my tours and activities, be amazed at Crete’s incredible beaches, and check out the best times to visit.

If you are exploring specific regions, I’ve got detailed guides to help you make the most of your time in Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lasithi, and Chania.

Suggested Accommodation in Crete

No time to read all my accommodation guides? Check out these places to stay:

More Useful Travel Resources

  • Check out all the digital travel guides I’ve specifically written about Crete. They are affordable and practical to check from your mobile.
  • Look for cheap flights with CheapOAir or find convenient ferry tickets with Ferryhopper.
  • Welcome Pickups offers a convenient pre-paid airport transfer service, while Discover Cars is my favorite engine for finding a rental car on the island.
  • Need cash? I’ve been using Wise in Crete for ages! It’s one of the best cards for overseas travel.
  • Finally, to book adventures, tours, and cultural experiences, I always recommend Get Your Guide.

Don’t Leave without Pining! Pin This Guide to the Best Beaches for Kids in Crete!

Beaches for kids in Crete


About me:

Gabi Ancarola | The Tiny Book

Gabi Ancarola

I moved to Crete in 2016. During these years, I learned so much about the island! In Crete, I juggle being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours, and writing for several travel media. I’ve written for Greek Reporter, published travel guides about Greece, co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete, and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person could ever handle.

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