Planning a Family Road Trip in Crete
The right car, the calmest beaches and kid-friendly stops — everything you need to plan a stress-free family trip in Crete.
Written by Artemis Maninakis
Artemis Maninakis is the founder of IQ Car Rentals and runs its fleet from Kolymbari, West Crete — every guide is written from first-hand local experience on Crete's roads.
Crete is a wonderful island for a family holiday — short distances, shallow beaches, and plenty to keep children happy. With your own car you travel on the kids' schedule, not the bus timetable. Here's how to plan it.
Choosing the right car
Space and comfort matter on family trips. For larger families or those with lots of luggage, a 7-seat minivan or an SUV is ideal — and our Family & Group Special gives 15% off SUV rentals (code FAMILY15). We also offer infant, toddler and booster child seats — just add them when you book.
The calmest, safest beaches
Look for shallow, gently shelving bays with facilities:
Georgioupoli — a long sandy beach with shallow water and a river mouth to explore.
Almyrida and nearby Kalyves — calm, family-friendly bays in the green Apokoronas.
Agia Marina — sandy and well-organised, with the islet of Thodorou offshore.
Stops the kids will love
Water parks near Chania and Hersonissos
The aquarium (CretAquarium) east of Heraklion
Lake Kournas — pedal boats on Crete's only freshwater lake
Easy nature walks like the lower Imbros Gorge
Practical tips for driving with kids
Plan shorter driving legs (under an hour) between stops.
Travel in the cooler morning hours and rest at midday.
Keep water, snacks and sun protection in the car.
Book your child seats in advance so they're fitted and ready at pickup.
A simple 5-day idea
Base yourself near the calm beaches of the northwest, do half-day trips (a beach in the morning, a village taverna for lunch), and keep one day for a bigger adventure like Lake Kournas or a gentle gorge. Short hops, happy kids.
Ready to plan a stress-free family holiday? Book your family car today — child seats available, and West-Crete hotel delivery on request.
