Organising a summer holiday is stressful enough when you’re planning for yourself and your significant other. But arranging a getaway for 2 sounds blissfully easy after you’ve had children!
Since your youngsters are bound to get restless while you’re trying to take a much-needed siesta in the sand, it’s important to have plenty of active and fun-filled activities at the ready. Let me tell you about some of my favourite family-friendly spots in and around Hersonissos: an idyllic beach town situated on the northern coast of Crete.
Visiting Crete without the kids? Relive your youth in Malia with our detailed clubbing guide.
Have Fun in the Sun
If you and the children are ready to get your adrenaline pumping, don’t miss out on a visit to Hersonissos’ Acquaplus, one of Crete’s largest and most exciting water parks. Whether you’d like to accompany your children on some aquatic adventures or take refuge in a free sun bed, you’ll be relieved to hear that the park’s facilities are ideal for a full-day outing – and I can guarantee that you won’t hear a single ‘I’m bored’ all day long!
With its thrillingly steep slides, playgrounds, water games, and relaxation areas, the park has something in store for children and adults of all ages. For additional convenience, toilets, safe lockers, showers, and changing rooms are readily at your disposal. There are even an on-side kiosk, cafe, and restaurant, all of which are geared towards families.
Meet the Locals
And by locals I don’t mean people. No, I mean the hundreds of reptiles and sea animals who call Crete home. In Hersonissos Port, you’ll find the Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre, which is a stunning sanctuary for injured animals. From giant pythons to colourful schools of fish, the centre has helped an impressive array of animals regain their strength, and its friendly staff members are happy to share their experiences with curious children. What’s more, there are several petting zoos that allow kids to interact with the animals up close. If you’re looking for a half-day trip that strikes the perfect balance between educational and exciting, the sights and sounds of Aquaworld will not disappoint.
Take the Road Less Travelled
Looking for another all-day activity that the whole family will enjoy? No problem: Hersonissos’ surrounding area has a lot to offer in the way of family fun. My top pick for an adventurous excursion is going on a safari, which will take you off the beaten path and introduce you to Crete’s hidden troves.
Most safaris leave from the city of Heraklion, which is a mere 25-minute drive away from Hersonissos. Along with making plenty of stops along the way during which you’ll be able to explore the region on foot, all drivers are friendly, knowledgeable, and have plenty of lively anecdotes to keep you and the kids informed and entertained. You’ll even have a lavish lunch with the tour group in one of Crete’s charming villages.
How to Get to Hersonissos
It couldn’t be easier to get to Hersonissos – which is definitely what you want to hear when you’ve got to attend to fidgety children. From the London area, it’s best to fly into Heraklion N. Kazantzakis Airport (HER), which is only 25 kilometres from Hersonissos. And, even better: easyJet, Thomas Cook Airlines, British Airways, and Jet2 offer direct, four-hour flights from London to Heraklion. Easy and quick? Check.
When you arrive at the airport, don’t opt for the nightmarish option of taking public transportation, which is often unreliable and especially stressful with impatient children by your side. Instead, pre-book one of Shuttle Direct’s private taxis, which will allow you to zoom from the airport to your hotel in no time. With this alternative, you’ll be able to save time… not to mention your nerves.
Where to Stay
Creta Maris Beach Resort – Looking for an accommodation that will cater to your every need? Then Creta Maris Beach Resort is the perfect choice. This all-inclusive five-star hotel is both convenient and luxurious: it’s a mere 2 minutes away from the beach and has outdoor pools, tennis courts and 6 restaurants. To top it all off, there’s a kids’ pool, playground, and even a kids’ club. Your children will never want to leave!
Arminda Hotel & Spa – This four-star, all-inclusive haven of rest and relaxation is 100 yards away from the shoreline. With its saltwater pools (which have a kids’ area), hot tub, sauna, and spa treatments, the stress of everyday life will be forgotten in no time. While you’re getting a first-rate massage, your kids will love letting loose on the site’s playground and at the lively kids’ club.
Central Hersonissos Hotel – If practical, comfortable, and economical describes your perfect accommodation, you’re in for a wonderful stay at the Central Hersonissos Hotel. This three-star, family-owned resort is 3 minutes away from the beach and has a lovely outdoor pool. Each room is modern and air-conditioned – you and your children will never have a better night’s sleep!
About Shuttle Direct
For a convenient, fast, and economical airport transfer, look no further than Shuttle Direct. As Europe’s and North Africa’s leading transport service, our helpful and knowledgeable drivers will meet you and your family at the airport to whisk you off to your hotel in Hersonissos in less than 30 minutes. Say goodbye to stress and pre-book your ride on our website today!
