Discovering Family-Friendly Crete in 5 Days

  • Day 1: Knossos Palace
    20 minutes (5.6 miles) from Heraklion

    Knossos Palace is an ancient archaeological site located just outside Heraklion, the capital of Crete. It is considered the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on the island and is known for its intricate architecture and fascinating history. You can take a guided tour to explore the site and learn about the Minoan civilization that inhabited Knossos.

  • Day 2: Aquaworld Aquarium
    30 minutes (19 miles) from Knossos Palace

    Aquaworld Aquarium is the perfect place to take your family for a fun-filled day. The aquarium is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, and octopuses. There are also daily shows and educational talks about the animals.

  • Day 3: Samaria Gorge National Park
    1 hour and 20 minutes (38 miles) from Aquaworld Aquarium

    Samaria Gorge National Park is a must-visit destination for families who love hiking and nature. The stunning park is home to the longest gorge in Europe and offers breathtaking views of the natural landscape. You can take a guided tour to learn more about the history and ecology of the park.

  • Day 4: Elafonisi Beach
    2 hours and 10 minutes (53 miles) from Samaria Gorge National Park

    Elafonisi Beach is a beautiful, secluded beach that's perfect for families who want to relax and unwind. The crystal-clear water, white sand, and pink sandbar create a stunning landscape to enjoy. You and your family can spend the day swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and playing on the beach.

  • Day 5: Spinalonga Island
    2 hours (57.3 miles) from Elafonisi Beach

    Spinalonga Island is a historical site located off the coast of Crete. It used to be a leper colony until 1957 and was later used as a fortress during the Venetian period. You can take a boat tour to explore the island, visit the old buildings and learn more about the unique history of the island.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Knossos Palace (2-3 hours, €15 per adult)
  • Aquaworld Aquarium (2-3 hours, €15 per adult)
  • Samaria Gorge National Park (5-7 hours, €5 per adult)
  • Elafonisi Beach (4-5 hours, free entrance)
  • Spinalonga Island (2-3 hours, €10 per adult)

  • Total Estimated Costs: €60 per adult

Transportation

Travellers can get around Crete by renting a car or taking a bus. Renting a car typically costs around €30-40 per day, while taking a bus costs around €5 per trip. For the itinerary, it's recommended to rent a car for convenience and flexibility. The roads in Crete can be windy and narrow, so it's important to drive with caution. The estimated total travel time for this itinerary is around 7 hours, covering a distance of approximately 173 miles.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the beautiful beaches of Balos and Falassarna. If you have less time, you can skip Elafonisi Beach and spend more time exploring the historical sites in Heraklion.

Airports

Crete has two airports: Heraklion International Airport (HER) and Chania International Airport (CHQ). Heraklion International Airport is located in the city of Heraklion and is around 3.5 miles away from the city center. Chania International Airport is located in the city of Chania and is around 8 miles away from the city center.

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