How to Choose the Perfect Villa for Your Family Vacation in Crete

Picture your whole family enjoying lunch by the pool, kids playing around, and the sea sparkling on the horizon. Crete is brimming with beauty no matter where you look, and it’s big enough to give every member of your family the experience and adventures they long for.

The food is amazing, the beaches are stunning, and the people are friendly and welcoming. What more could you want for your next family vacation?

Something for Everyone

CreteVillas4u has hundreds of family villas scattered around Crete. You will find private villas by the main cities, close enough for an afternoon stroll and for dining. You will also discover villas in secluded Cretan villages, nestled against mountains or overlooking the sea.

Whether you choose the Aegean Sea or the Libyan Sea, your villa is bound to be near a beach where you can laze for hours. And, of course, you always have the privacy and seclusion of your own private pool.

When you travel as a family, you need to make sure all members are having fun. Crete is big, engaging, and bustling. With the right preparation, you can find the perfect villa for your family to make your stay memorable and enjoyable — so much so that you will want to come back year after year to experience another slice of Cretan life and joie de vivre.

If you are unsure about the type, location, or amenities required for your perfect villa stay in Crete, we have put together a helpful guide to show you the opportunities that are available. We will walk you through everything you need to consider to find your ideal family villa in Crete and make your stay as memorable as the island itself. Once you know what you are looking for, browse our selection of private villas and book the one that matches your expectations!

Choose Your Location

Depending on the type of your family and your preferences, you will want to be careful about the location you choose. Crete is a big island, so you are bound to find a place that perfectly matches your needs and expectations.

If your family enjoys beaches and water sports, choose a villa close to the sea. It will save you on transport and time spent driving to and from.

Crete is packed with ancient sites, monasteries, antiquities, and places to visit. If your family members enjoy sightseeing and discovering cultures and civilizations, your villa should be located close to sites of interest. Alternatively, you need to include time spent driving around the island.

Crete has cities and towns that beg to be discovered. Chania and Rethymno, for example, have old towns with cobblestone roads, museums, ancient churches and mosques, and Venetian buildings that will transport you to another era. They also have plenty of restaurants and shops, both upmarket and mainstream, that are worth exploring. If, as a family, you enjoy eating out and dining by the sea, you might prefer a villa located in a town or city.

Let’s now talk about Crete as an island. Western Crete is more developed in terms of tourism. If you like amenities, water sports, and elegant living, this is the place for you. If your family prefers seclusion and quietness, Eastern Crete is more traditional, rugged, and authentic.

Do you want to walk from your villa to tavernas and shops? For example, if your family has young children, you might find it easier to just walk to the nearest restaurant for your evening dinner. In that case, you should pick a villa that’s conveniently located near cities, towns, or villages.

Villa Size and Layout

Once you know more or less the area you are looking for, it’s time to choose the right villa for your family.

Depending on the number of people in your family, you need to calculate the right number of bedrooms and bathrooms for your group, including space for extended family or friends who might join.

On our website, you will find villas of any shape, size, and layout. For instance, some villas have two kitchens, which is great if you are traveling with extended family and want autonomy while living under the same roof. Many villas also have independent guest rooms or floors so that family groups can have their independence and still enjoy time together. This works best for families traveling with multi-generation members or for families with teenagers who enjoy more privacy and autonomy.

If you are traveling with young children, look for child-friendly features like single-level living for toddlers, secure pool areas, and bedroom configurations that work for your family's needs. Most villas offer cots and other amenities for babies and young children, but make sure they are included when you book your villa.

Finally, consider communal spaces. Is there enough room for everyone to dine together? Is there both indoor and outdoor living space? Crete is blessed with wonderful weather, so you will want to spend time outdoors, enjoying the views, the sea, the mountains, and the endless olive groves.

Essential Amenities

Check that the amenities fit your lifestyle and expectations. Some people can’t imagine themselves living without air conditioning in summer. Almost all our villas include AC, but it’s good to check before you book.

If you plan on cooking for your family or wish to experiment with Cretan fresh produce, the kitchen facilities should match your needs. A cooker, microwave, coffee-making machine, dishwasher, and other amenities make cooking and dining a sheer pleasure.

You obviously want WiFi because you will want to share your beautiful surroundings with your friends back home. Again, almost all Cretevillas4u have free WiFi, but it’s always good to check.

Entertainment is a priority. While Crete is bursting with activities for all ages, you will want to spend time in your private villa, relaxing and enjoying a slower tempo. When you are about to book your villa, check the entertainment options available, like satellite TV, games room, and outdoor play areas. Some villas have Ping-Pong tables, while others have outdoor playgrounds for young children. You will also find villas with gyms if you want to keep up with your workout even while on holiday.

Finally, if you are renting a car, make sure your villa has parking space, otherwise, check if there is parking available nearby. During high season, parking can be challenging in city centers.

Practical Considerations

If you are flexible with your upcoming vacation, check whether you want to visit Crete during the off-months, like spring or autumn. You can save on your budget and enjoy the island more with fewer tourists around.

There are other practical considerations you should keep in mind. For example, check the minimum-stay requirements or make the most of discounts for longer stays. For families with young children, cleaning services are important, so make sure the villa will be cleaned regularly.

And, of course, welcome packs, local support, and the presence of a property manager all help you feel at home during your vacation. These small details can make your holiday in Crete an absolute joy, and you will feel comfortable and relaxed during your stay.

Additional Services

Being on holiday means that you want to relax. If cooking is the last thing on your mind, check whether the villa you wish to book offers private chefs for special family meals. Alternatively, make sure the villa is located near tavernas, restaurants, and cafés.

If traveling with babies and young children, you may appreciate babysitting services so you can spend some alone time with your significant other.

There are plenty of other services that come with your luxury villa in Crete, like wine tasting at your villa, massage services, or a pizza night just for you and your family. Holidays are made of experience, so choose a villa that creates some astonishing memories for you and your loved ones.

As always, local guide suggestions for family-friendly excursions are always appreciated. Listen to the locals and take in their advice as they know their area very well.

Tips for Booking your villa in Crete

If you are about to go on the most amazing holiday in Crete, remember the useful tips below before you book your luxury villa for you and your family:

● Book well in advance for peak summer months. Crete is a very busy island from May until September. If you want a particular villa that fulfills your needs, book it now.

● Read recent reviews from other families. You are traveling with family, so the experiences of similar guests can be very helpful.

● Ask for detailed photos of all areas. Check whether the beach is sandy if you have young children or how close the nearest town is.

● Inquire about age-appropriate equipment (high chairs, cots, pool toys). It will make your life easier, and your toddler(s) will be safe and happy.

● Confirm all charges and any additional fees upfront.

Choose Cretevillas4u.com for the Perfect Crete Holiday

You can’t experience Crete in one single visit. Crete is like good wine: to be sipped and enjoyed slowly, taking in the tastes, aromas, sights, and flavors surrounding you.

If you are traveling with family, Crete is the perfect holiday destination, no matter the size or composition of your family. Children and toddlers will enjoy endless days of playing in the pool and swimming in the sea. Teenagers will love the nightlife, cozy cafés, and water sports available around the island. Older family members will love the antiquities, the villages nestled in mountains, the castles, and all the historical sites that dot the island — not to mention the excellent food and welcoming people. Sports fans will find hiking, kayaking, surfing, and scuba diving opportunities to get the adrenaline flowing.

Everybody will enjoy astonishing views, wonderful nights dining under the stars, and a place that feels like home.

No matter what you are looking for in your next holidays, Crete has you covered. Check out our special offers for Cretan villas, book your villa, and count the days until your vacation!