Arrival and settle into Rethymno
Arrive at Heraklion Airport
Land at Nikos Kazantzakis Airport and collect your rental car. The drive to Rethymno on the north coast takes about 90 minutes via the main highway, passing through olive groves and traditional villages. Stop briefly at a roadside taverna if the children need a break.
Check in and explore the old town
Settle into your family-friendly hotel in Rethymno's Venetian harbour area. Spend the late afternoon wandering the narrow streets of the old town, with its colourful shutters and quiet squares. There's no pressure to do much, just get your bearings and let the children adjust to the pace.
Dinner by the harbour
Find a taverna along the waterfront with a view of the Venetian lighthouse. Most places here are family-friendly and relaxed. Try local fish or the Cretan mezze selection, which works well for sharing with children.
Beach day at Rethymno and family essentials
Rethymno Beach
Head to the long sandy beach directly in front of the old town. It's gentle, lifeguarded in summer, and lined with tavernas where you can grab drinks and snacks. The beach shelves gradually, making it safe for young children. Bring sunscreen and plan to stay for 2–3 hours.
Lunch and quiet time
Return to your accommodation or a beachfront taverna for a leisurely lunch. Let the children rest in the afternoon heat, either by the pool or in a quiet room, which helps prevent exhaustion and keeps evenings more relaxed.
Local market and supplies
Visit Rethymno's central market to stock up on fruit, yoghurt, cheese, and snacks for the week. This is a good place to pick up items for picnics and to see local life at a slower pace. Most vendors are used to families browsing.
Dinner at a family taverna
Choose a quieter spot away from the main harbour, perhaps in a side street of the old town, where tables are set outside and staff are patient with young diners. Cretan salad, grilled octopus, or simple pasta are usually reliable options.
Samaria Gorge walk or easy coastal drive
Optional early start to Samaria Gorge
If your children are confident walkers aged 8 and up, drive 1.5 hours south to the Samaria Gorge entrance. The full gorge is 16 km and strenuous, but the lower section (first 4–5 km to the drinking stop) is manageable for families and offers spectacular views of white stone cliffs. If you don't fancy the drive, you can find Search Samaria Gorge tours in Rethymno on GetYourGuide →. Alternatively, skip this and drive west to Georgioupoli instead.
Georgioupoli beach and lagoon (alternative)
If the gorge doesn't suit your family, drive 30 minutes west to Georgioupoli on the north coast. The lagoon here is shallow, warm, and very safe for young children. The village has a relaxed atmosphere, a small sandy beach, and a river that runs into the sea.
Lunch by the water
Eat at one of the beachfront tavernas in either location. Portions are generous and there's usually plenty of shade. Take your time; the afternoon heat is significant in June.
Return to Rethymno
Drive back to your hotel at an easy pace, stopping if the children want to rest or play. Aim to be back by early evening so there's no rush before dinner.
Quiet evening meal
Keep dinner simple after a full day. A nearby family taverna or even food from the market eaten on a quiet terrace works well. Early nights help balance busier days.
Catamaran cruise to Dia Island
Drive to Heraklion Port
Set off from Rethymno early for the 90-minute drive east to Heraklion. Leave enough time to park, find the port, and board comfortably before the 09:30 departure. The drive is straightforward along the northern highway.
Catamaran cruise to Dia Island
Join a semi-private morning cruise from Heraklion aboard a sleek, modern catamaran. Set sail to Dia Island, an uninhabited nature reserve just off the northern coast. Enjoy water activities including an inflatable water slide, water tube rides, sea scooter, snorkelling and fishing gear, and stand-up paddle boards. At 12:00 a healthy Mediterranean lunch is served on board, created by a nutritionist using organic, biological produce from local Cretan farms, with unlimited drinks included. Leisure time, sunbathing, and swimming continue until departure at 13:30, with arrival back at Heraklion Port at 14:30.
Search Dia Island cruises in Heraklion on GetYourGuide →
Explore Heraklion briefly or head straight back
After disembarking, you have the option to spend an hour in Heraklion if the children have energy. The Lion Fountain at Morozini Square is a 10-minute walk from the port and worth a quick look. Otherwise, head straight back along the highway towards Rethymno.
Return to Rethymno and rest
Arrive back in Rethymno and let the children wind down. After a full morning on the water they'll be happily tired. Pool time or a quiet rest at the hotel works well before dinner.
Dinner close to home
Keep the evening simple after a big day. A reliable taverna near your accommodation, or somewhere you've already enjoyed during the week, is the right call. No need to venture far.
Peaceful beach and village life
Beach time at Stavromenos Beach or Preveli Beach
Drive 15 minutes east to Stavromenos Beach, a quieter, family-friendly sandy stretch with calm, shallow water and a relaxed atmosphere. Alternatively, make the 40-minute drive south to Preveli Beach, a scenic spot where a freshwater river meets the sea, surrounded by date palms. Both are less crowded than central Rethymno and excellent for young children.
Picnic or beachside taverna
Bring food from your market supplies or eat at a simple taverna near the beach. Keep it light and relaxed. Spend time building sandcastles, paddling, or reading while the children play.
Rest and informal play
Stay at the beach for another hour or two, or return to your accommodation for a proper rest. By day 5, energy levels are often naturally lower, and that's fine.
Local village taverna
Rather than returning to Rethymno, find a small taverna in a nearby village like Atsipopoulo or Stavromenos. These places cater to local families and are quieter than tourist spots. The food is simple and honest.
Final beach morning and departure
Last beach time at Rethymno
Return to Rethymno Beach for a final, unhurried swim. This is a chance for the children to enjoy the water one last time without any schedule pressure. Bring breakfast items from the market or grab coffee and pastries from a local bakery.
Pack and check out
Return to your accommodation, pack at an easy pace, and complete check-out. If check-out is early and your flight is late, ask the hotel about late checkout or baggage storage.
Lunch and harbour walk
Have a final meal in Rethymno town. A waterfront table where the children can see boats and people is a nice way to end the week. This also gives you time before driving to the airport without rush.
Drive to Heraklion Airport
Depart Rethymno by 2.30 pm for a 90-minute drive to Nikos Kazantzakis Airport. Return your rental car at the car hire desk and check in for your flight home.