Crete....

[Shiraz]

We are thinking of having a fortnight in Crete this year, we've never been before and wondered if anyone had any suggestions or recommendations for which area to visit?

We have a daughter who will be 4 and want a great sandy safe beach, an area that looks lovely maybe has a picturesque harbour, great local food, which isn't too quiet etc etc.

Thanks Becs x

Hi - we went to the Akotiri peninsula year before last and loved it. You fly to Chania which is a pretty town with harbour and lots of restaurants and we stayed about half an hour away. Apartments with pool and creche. Beaches are beautiful and good for little ones as long and shelving. Liked it so much we're going back this year, staying somewhere different. Going with Simply who although are pretty hopeless in the UK as it is TUI now, still retain the Simply charm (well so far!) when you actually get there. It is pretty quiet though, unless you choose to stay in Chania itself. The other suggestion if you want busier is the Istron Bay Hotel which is lovely - great food, on a cliff near Agios Nicholas so other side of Crete and more going on if you want it. Hope that helps!

try 'pure crete'
we had a lovely time with them
not far form air port and chania town
local beach was great and warm

We stayed in Rethymion in Western Crete many years ago - long sandy beach, lots of restaurants, etc. Don't what facilities there are for kids as this was in our pre-kids days! I've always wanted to go back though....

agree with both Chania and Rethymon as great towns, but to stay I reckon the best place is Georgiopolis - half way between the two. Fantastic golden safe beach surrounded by mountains and countryside. Roughly 30 minutes from both towns by cheap public bus (no worries re: taking a pushchair, it goes into the hold underneath). There is also a lovely shortish walk to a nearby inland lake where you can hire pedalos. Have visited Crete many times and certainly the best all-round location for a holiday with children. You are also well placed for day tours either by bus, coach or car. Kosmar does packages here, but I would put my own trip together via the net. There are some great two bedroomed apartments right by the beach here to give you a comfortable stay. Easy to arrange transfers to either airport.