It seems like you and your family had an amazing time on this trip. Why did you choose to take your family on our Cretan Discovery?
My two children have very different interests, as I’m sure is true for many families. Cretan Discovery offers the perfect mix of activities, history and culture. My 8-year-old loves history, so the visit to the ancient site of Polyrrinia and the archaeology workshop was perfect for him! My daughter loves all the water sports – kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkelling – so there was plenty to keep her happy too.
What were the activity highlights of your holiday?
I’m not a cyclist, so the e-bike tour was a new experience, and I loved it. It was a great way to explore the countryside and local villages, chatting with locals, riding through olive groves and stopping off to take in the sights.
What do you think kids would enjoy most about this trip?
All the activities can be tailored to fit kids of different ages, so it’s a great trip for families with a mix of younger and older kids. For example, the cycle ride can be shorter for the younger kids, but older kids can keep hold of the bikes to cycle for a bit longer. The archaeology workshop is run by a working archaeologist, so the younger kids will enjoy the simulated dig set-up, whereas older kids will learn more about what happens on a real dig.
Was there one place you visited that really stood out?
The kayaking trip was really enjoyable, as seeing the land from the sea gave us a totally different viewpoint. It was fun watching all the goats climbing along the cliff edge and seeing many different species of birds. Stopping off to snorkel and explore underwater was a great finish.
What did you learn about the Cretan culture and cuisine?
Our knowledgeable guide taught us so much about Crete’s history, pointing out old Venetian ruins and sharing little facts about how the land and farming techniques have changed over time and through the war. There was enough to be interesting, but not so much information that it would bore easily distracted kids.
The (included) lunch at a local taverna was a real highlight as well. We met the lovely couple who ran it, and all the food they served came from the vegetables and animals they kept. It was all so delicious and very welcome after the gorge walk!
Can you tell us about the archaeological dig site?
This is run by a real working archaeologist who has set up a simulated dig site at her home in the centre of Kissamos. The family activity involves learning about the Minoan culture and what an archaeologist does, then taking part in a dig - sifting soil and cleaning finds. The kids also get to make a small clay pot to keep as a souvenir. It’s such a special and unique experience!
Where did you stay, and how was the hotel?
We stayed in The Sunny Bay Hotel - a family-run hotel right on the beach in Kissamos. It has a lovely pool and lounge area, and the rooms were clean and comfortable. All the rooms have a balcony either with a pool view, partial sea view or full sea view (for a supplement).
The brothers running it are really friendly and relaxed, and all the staff we met at breakfast were lovely and helpful. It's a short 10-minute walk to a beachfront promenade with a nice selection of restaurants and bars, and a 10-15 minute walk to the main road in Kissamos and the town square, where you can find supermarkets, shops, cafés and, most importantly, ice cream shops! You can easily explore Kissamos on foot from the hotel and if you wanted to go further afield, buses and taxis are easy to arrange.
How fit do you need to be for the activities on this itinerary?
It's an active holiday, so a normal level of fitness is expected, but the activities are tailored to the group taking into account age, experience and fitness.
Why do you think Crete is a good family holiday destination? Any tips for travelling to Crete?
Crete is perfect for a family holiday as it’s not a long flight (around 4 hours) but the sunny weather, the Greek culture and delicious local food make you feel like you are far away from home! It’s easy to explore and everyone is so helpful.
Who would you recommend this trip to?
The trip would suit a family that likes to be active and explore the area they are visiting, while having access to a beach and pool for when they want to relax in the sun. If you like good food, friendly locals and a flexible itinerary that can be tailored to your family’s needs, this is the trip for you!
How would you rate the balance of activities and free time?
The activities are all arranged for the morning, to avoid the main heat of the day, so you have every afternoon to spend as you wish. There are plenty of optional activities you can add on, or you can just relax by the pool, or play on the beaches and in the sea.
What did you think of the mix of activities?
The mix of activities worked really well, and it was great to see the area from the sea and on land.
How does Crete compare with other European holidays you’ve been on?
I would definitely visit Crete again as there was so much more to discover. It’s the largest of the Greek islands, Chania and Kissamos are just a tiny part of the island, so the Cretan Discovery also works well for anyone who wants to extend their holiday and maybe hire a car to explore more.
Contact our team today to find out more about our family activity holiday to Crete, or use our holiday search to plan your perfect trip away.
