Crete help !

[Hopehelps]

Dear Mumsnet experts

I am planning a holiday in Crete (family of four with 2 teenage pretty active) Any recommendations? Unfortunately my dh is not keen on a resort even though I know it would be great for the boys. So looking for a small resort (!) or boutique type hotel. We can go chi chi but not insanely expensive or low key. Near a good island day trip would be fantastic. We are aiming for a visit to Knossos (of course) boat hire and Chania explore. Thanks so much - I’m turning into a pretzel so many options ! And I can’t work it all out. We have 10 days give or take.

We went to Elounda in Crete and it was lovely. Its a fishing village but the resort we went to had a small waterpark attached. There are daily boat trips from the harbour to the island Spinalonga, a former fort and leper colony which is now beautiful uninhabited ruins. They also have various watersports.
It's also only about an hour away from Heraklion, we booked a day trip to the Palace of Knossos, which was amazing, and there is an amazing museum in Heraklion too.
Hope you have lots of fun!

I’ve stayed here and it’s nice https://www.jet2holidays.com/beach/greece/crete-chania-area/aghia-marina-chania/dore-hotel?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwoa2xBhACEiwA1sb1BC_zZTv4Dh96dZm5Hr17nuuPazoPfQB5C8FTosTsaNs0NFmF2bzYnxoCEfQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds - not a ,or at the hotel for teenagers to do tbh but a short walk into the resort and a bus ride to Chania. Food is really nice and the hotel is quiet and friendly.

We stayed in Creta Maris last year - after its refurb. It was really lovely, with different sections which give it a quieter feel. Though we stayed at the start of the season so it might not be as peaceful(!) during high season.

Thank you all so much! We have made our plans for Crete and I just didn't want to disappear (but realise I had - a busy few days). I wanted to give you all something back - assuming you love Greece and like to holiday there.
We discovered this deserted village that is slowly being back to life. A tiny, tiny village square (tiny), honey makers, a donkey and beautiful walks around the extremely atmospheric village. The best greek food (we saw faded pictures of Rick Stein) on the walls of the taverna. A real hidden gem. If with kids - I would say it is a day and a night although we stayed for 2 or 3. Magic.
Here's a little article...
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2021/oct/17/how-old-perithia-corfu-greece-14th-century-ghost-village-came-back-to-life

how was it op?

We haven’t gone yet - kids still in school. But very much looking forward to it. Hope you all have a great summer too. X