Best Family Villas in Crete

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Written By: Pavlos Inglesis

Crete is one of the best places in Europe to have holidays with your kids. Apart from the large variety of really good family resorts, there is a large list of family villas in Crete that you can rent and have amazing family holidays. I believe that western Crete (or “Chania area”) is the best area to stay in Crete if you are visiting the island with kids. Chania has the best beaches of the island and some of the best family villas in Crete. Alternatively, any beach villa in Crete would be ideal for kids as well.

family villas in crete
Crete is one of the best places in Greece with some of the best family villas such as the really nice Velvet Breeze

BEST FAMILY VILLA IN CRETE: Winehill Villa

BUT ALSO CHECK:

My advice though is this: if you rent a family villa in Crete make sure you are close to a large town or close to the beach. There are many villas that may look great in the pictures but are in the middle of nowhere, up on the mountains and this is not good if you have children in my opinion. You need to be close to amenities and…civilization for emergency cases and for the flexibility you need in general when you are travelling with kids.

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READ ALSO: 
Where to Stay in Crete
Best Family Hotels in Crete
Best Chania Beaches
Best Family Resorts in Greece
Best Villas in Paros

VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW

  • Best Website to Book a Family Villa Crete: Booking.com (more options than Airbnb…even for private family villas to rent on the island ; just apply the correct filter on the search results)

  • Where to Stay in Crete: Unless you are staying in an all-inclusive resort in Crete or at a unique villa, then you would definitely need a car on the island and more than 5 days in total. The best area to stay in Crete is the western part of the island or the “Chania prefecture, as it has the most picturesque villages, the gorgeous Samaria Gorge, the beautiful beaches of Balos, Falassarna, Platanias, Elafonissi and obviously the most picturesque town of Crete which is Chania old town

  • Where Are the Best Villas in Crete: the best villas are literally scattered and there is not one area that offers more than another; just make sure that the villas you will be renting is from a verified owner and it has good reviews. You will definitely need a car in Crete so location doesn’t really matter (but I would rather personally stay in a villa with sea views to be honest).

🛏️ Booking.com is the website with the most available rooms and Private Villas in Athens, Santorini , Mykonos & Crete (more than Airbnb!)

⛴️ Ferryhopper is the best website to book your ferry tickets or check the timetables for Santorini, Mykonos , Crete & all greek islands

🏺 Get Your Guide has the best and largest variety of Tours in Athens and the greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete etc)

🚙 Rentalcars is the easiest way to rent a car or a quad for Greece with thousands of available options

✈️ Booking.com Flights has all the available flights to and from the greek islands

🚕 Book Your Driver (Taxi) directly with booking.com’s large and safe platform of available certified drivers

So, let’s see the best family villas in Crete:

1. Winehill Villa

Winehill Villa is a villa set in Plataniás, just 550 yards from the beach. Guests benefit from free WiFi and private parking available on site.Chania International Airport is 13 mi away (by car). This villa is stunning! The living area, the kitchen, the pool, the garden area and the bedrooms are very spacious and have modern and luxury finishes, furniture and all the appropriate equipment. The facilities are immaculate and very well-kept. The view is wonderful (combination of mountains and sea). Also, there are several great restaurants within one kilometre of the villa. This villa is one of the most amazing family villas in Crete to stay, ideal for everyone such as couples, a group of friends and families as it has a private swimming pool where everybody can enjoy the swimming pool all day. The beach is a walking distance from the villa. One of the best villas in whole Greece, just amazing!!!
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE

2. Villa Filira

Villa Filira is located in kolymvari, just 24 km (around 25 mins by car) away from Chania Town. This stunning villa can accommodate 6 guests and has a wonderful terrace with an amazing view. The villa has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a balcony and a very well-equipped kitchen. This villa also offers a free wifi, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free private parking, a private pool, a garden and a barbeque area. The outdoor area has also a children’s playground and lounge. There is also a multiple choice of museums you can visit such as Maritime Museum Of Crete, Archaeological Museum of Chania, House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos and some other remarkable places like Municipal Market of Chania, Venizelos Graves and of course for the most adventurous the Samaria Gorge is something that shouldn’t be missed out of the “to do” things on your family holiday at Chania.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE

3. Villa Imperial

Villa Imperial is set in Marathi very close to Marathi beach which is around 20 mins by walk or 5 mins by car. This stunning villa can accommodate 12-14 people as it has 6 bedrooms and a sofa bed in the living room. Also, offers a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free wifi, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with pool views. At Villa Imperial guests are welcome to enjoy a continental or vegetarian breakfast. The villa gives you access to a terrace and a hot tub as well, including free private parking. The nearest is Souda only 8km around 15 mins away from Villa Imperial. By living in this villa you will realise that your choice to select this destination for your holiday is the best! 
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE

4. Aoria Estate Villa

Aoria Estate Villa is located near the villages of Armenoi and Kalyves, 26.5 km (around 30 mins) away from Chania Town. This traditional villa combines spectacular views of the sea and the mountains. Aoria Estates can accommodate 7 guests as it offers 3 bedrooms, two of which are fitted with a satellite, flat-screen TV, free wifi throughout the villa, private parking. The villa has air conditioning, fully equipped kitchen, living room and 2 bathrooms. The outdoor area has a veranda with a barbeque and a dining table, sun loungers by the pool and a lounge area under a pergola including a sun terrace with a lounge at the first floor. Also, a garden with flowers, trees, and aromatic herbs join you at your stay. Supermarkets and restaurants can be found within 3.5km and 5km. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 29km (around 40 mins) from the property.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE

5. Blue Sea Luxury Villa

Blue Sea Luxury is located in Maleme is 41km (around 40 mins  drive) away from Chania International Airport. Maleme is a quiet village with shops and supermarkets. This villa has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free wifi, fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, lounge and dining area. Also, an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers and dining area, a patio with pool views as well is offered. It is very conveniently located for numerous bars and restaurants with a well-stocked supermarket within five minutes walking distance. The location is ideal for touring the southwest and west of Crete; Chania, Palechora, Elafonisi beach and wonderful sunset dinners at Falasarna.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE

6. Platanias Panoramic Sea View Villa

Platanias Panoramic Sea View Villa is located  in Platanias. This stunning villa has a mini soccer and basketball court, a private helipad is also featured on site.. This villa has a balcony, a living room and a flat-screen TV. The air-conditioned villa also features a washing machine and a bathroom with a hot tub and a bath.. It’s a fantastic accommodation, stylish and modern decorated, there is also a bbq, patio, big dining table and terrace where you can enjoy your breakfast, lunch and dinner and the fantastic view surrounded by nature. Chania International Airport is 14 mi away around 35 mins.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE

7. Rodi Stone Villa

Rodi Stone Villa is located in Kalyves and the nearest airport is Chania International Airport 27 km from the villa and can accommodate 6-8 guests as it offers 3 bedrooms and living room with two sofa beds, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free wifi throughout the villa, air conditioning, dining area, a lounge area, a fully equipped kitchen, a balcony with pool views and private parking. This modern stylish villa combines spectacular views of the sea and mountains. The outdoor area is provided with barbeque, a private swimming pool with sun loungers and a lounge area where you can enjoy eating your breakfast or viewing the sunset. Supermarkets, cafe/bar and restaurants can be found within 2 km.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE

8. SK Place Crete Luxury Villas

SK Place Luxury Villa is a complex of individually decorated villas in Almyrida Village, just 100 metres from the beach. Each unit has a private swimming pool with a sun terrace, and overlooking Cretan Sea views. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout and free private parking is possible on site..These modern villas come with a fireplace, satellite flat-screen TV and private bathrooms with a spa bath. They also have a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning and a safety deposit box are standard at SK Place. Cleaning service is daily available and a welcome basket with wine and other goods awaits all guests upon arrival.The village centre is just 200 metres away and the area is ideal for many activities such as horse riding, canoeing and diving. The owners can help with car rentals, massage treatments and private guided tours. Kalives Beach is at a distance of 1.9 miles, Almyrida Beach and supermarket can be found  within a 4-minute walk. The international airport of Chania is within 19 miles.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE

9. Asterion Deep Blue Villa

Asterion Deep Blue Villa is located in Akrotiri-Stavros, just 400 metres from the sandy Stavros beach. The spacious villa has a total of 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms which can accommodate 10 guests. On the ground floor there is a lounge with a fireplace, satellite flat-screen TV, free wifi, dining area and a fully equipped kitchen. At the same level there are 1 bedroom with 2 single beds and 1 common bathroom with a bathtub, a second kitchen with a dining table and a spacious veranda with pergola. On top level there are 2 double bedrooms of which one is En-suite and two bedrooms with 2 single beds each and 1 common bathroom. The mountain and sea view is amazing from the balcony on the top floor. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 7 km from the property. There are various shops, supermarkets, cafes and restaurants within 300 metres.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE

10. Villa Silvia

Villa Silvia is located in Megala Chorafia, within 2 km from Kiani Akti Beach, 10 km from the old town of Chania and 20 km away from Chania International Airport. This stunning air conditioned villa offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, can accommodate 6 guests in total. There is a modern furnished living room with a fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen with dining area. A flat-screen TV, free wifi, free parking, a barbeque area with a dining table, a beautiful garden and a swimming pool with sun loungers. Restaurants and markets can be found within 500 metres from the villa.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE

11. Villa Rigas

Villa Rigas is located in kalyves only 2 km from Almyrida beach, 650 metres from kalyves beach and 28 km (around 30 mins drive) from Chania International Airport. The villa has 3 bedrooms with 2 double beds and 1 bedroom with 2 single beds and 2 bathrooms, this villa can accommodate up to 8 guests. Also, there is a flat screen TV with satellite channels , a sun terrace (with a stunning view), free wifi, a living room, a dining area  and a fully equipped kitchen. In addition to outdoor area there is a spacious barbeque area with a huge dining table, a swimming pool with sun loungers and free private parking.The price for this villa is really descent! 
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE

12. Villa Jamila

Villa Jamila is located in Kalathas. This villa offers a private pool, a hot tub, a garden, grill facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.The villa has 5 bedrooms all with their own  bathrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, a patio with pool views and a terrace. All the rooms have a modern luxury finishes and very well equipped.  The perfect place for a family holiday villa in Crete. Guests at the villa can enjoy a continental breakfast. The nearest airport is Souda, 5 miles from Villa Jamila, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE

13. OliveNest Chania

OliveNest Villa offers a garden with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and is located in Perivólia.  Guests can also enjoy the terrace with the spectacular view.. There is a seating area, a dining area and a  very well equipped kitchen. A flat-screen TV and Blu-ray player, as well as an iPad and an iPod dare also provided. The villa has a free WiFi throughout the property and a free private parking is available as well. The villa is very close to Chania but is located in a very peaceful area. There are 2 supermarkets (10 mins drive). It’s very obvious that you will need a car when you decide to stay in a villa for groceries and for exploring the beaches or restaurants on the island. Chania Town is 3.1 mi from OliveNest Chania, while Réthymno Town is 29 mi away. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 9.9 mi from the property.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE

14. The Hill House Villa

The Hill House Villa is set at just 600 yards from Chrissi Akti beach, this holiday home offers a rooftop barbecue area, wall to wall windows with views of the sea, along with spacious indoor and outdoor lounge areas and an indoor elevator. Also, a flat screen TVs are available in all bedrooms and free wifi throughout the villa. The air-conditioned property features a very well equipped kitchen, 3 bedrooms, a private bathroom with a hydro massage shower column and a roof garden with spectacular views of the sea, furnished with sunbeds, a hammock, sofas and a dining area. Free private parking is also available.This stunning villa is close to 3 beaches (one of them is really good for surfing), 2 supermarkets and 2 cafe/bar just 5 mins away. Maritime Museum Of Crete is 1.7 mi from The Hill House Villa, while Historical Museum of Chania is 1.7 mi away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 8.7 mi from the property.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE

15. Villa Thealassa

Villa Thealassa is set in Kounoupidhiana which is 10 km from Marathi beach (very nice place with cafes beach bars and restaurants). The villa has 4 bedrooms, two of them with double beds and the other two with 2 single beds, so 8 guests can be accommodated perfectly. The air-conditioned property features a very well-equipped kitchen, a living room, a dining area, a flat-screen TV, free wifi and free private parking. The outdoor area has a swimming pool with sun loungers, ping pong table, a barbeque area with a dining table and a very comfy relaxing lounge. Chania Town is only 8 km from the villa and the nearest airport is Chania International, within 7 km and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service. A mini market can be found within 800 metres, supermarkets and restaurants 2 to 2.5 km.
CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY HERE

crete holidays
Crete has 4 main prefectures but the Chania prefecture is probably the best one for first timers

Where to Stay in Crete

  • When Should I go to Crete?: the best time to visit Crete is in June or September because the weather will still be hot but you won’t find that many tourists on the island; avoid July and August by any means if possible

  • North Crete or South Crete: South Crete (that basically looks to Africa continent) is full of unique beaches (like Agia Roumeli, or Palaiochora) , cute remote villages (like Hora Sfakion) but no big towns (like Chania or Heraklion); the best hotels in Crete and the best towns in Crete are all on the north side of the island; it’s also good to know that the roads network between north and south Crete is really not that good so it’s really not worth it staying on the south side of the island

  • Best Area To Stay if it’s your first time in Crete: I suggest you stay as close to Chania as possible because it is the best area in terms of hotels availability, beautiful villages and towns; however you should definitely visit Knossos Palace and the Heraklion area because it’s where most of the historic sites of the island are

  • How to Book a Hotel for Crete: go to Booking.com and make your choice. Airbnb has far less available rooms and villas for Crete.

  • Cheapest Hotels in Crete: generally as a rule of thumb if you stay in less picturesque or remote areas you will find better prices but there is always a catch as you may spend lots of hours driving to and from your hotel – however I believe that Rethymnon (which is very picturesque but less touristic than Chania) is an excellent spot for you to explore both Chania and Heraklion areas as it is in the middle 

  • Best Area in Crete for families with kids: Hersonissos – the best thing about Crete is that it has hundreds of all inclusive resorts that are probably the best thing for families with kids as they have plenty of amenities and everything in walking distance; Hersonissos is the area with the most family resorts around but there are family resorts all over the island and if you find another one that you like go for it (especially if it is around Chania)!

  • Best Area for Nightlife: no it’s not Malia as many online guides suggest; Malia is a teenagers resort with cheap nightlife and junk food restaurants (unless this is what you want…). I honestly believe Chania is the best place for nightlife with beautiful bars, elegant clubs and lovely wine bars and restaurants 

  • Is it Always Windy in Crete?: no it’s not always windy but it can get windy in July and August (especially on the north side that looks over the aegean sea) so you should get prepared for that scenario; most important thing to remember is to check the wind and go to a beach that is not hit by the winds and the best way to know that is if you ask any locals! 

  • What is Crete Greece famous for?: Crete is famous for its history (Knossos Palace and Minoan civilisation), the amazing landscape with the thousands beaches, the incredible Samaria gorge, the delicious cretan food, the picturesque towns of Chania, Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos and of course the lovely and extremely hospitable Cretan people who are some of the proudest people in Greece

CONCLUSION

I believe that the best family villa in Crete is Winehill Villa but to be totally honest the island has lots of amazing options for families in all areas (Chania, Agios Nikolaos, Rethymno, Plaka, Heraklion) Crete is an amazing place to have family holidays and if you hate the all-inclusive hotels and resorts, renting a private villa in Crete is the best option.  Without a doubt, this is also the best option for multiple family holidays as most of these villas can easily sleep more than 6 people , so this is your best option if 2-3 families want to have holidays together.

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AUTHOR
Pavlos Inglesis
Greek, born and raised in Athens. I have been to almost every greek island and pretty much in every region of mainland Greece. I have also been eating souvlaki and gyros since the 80s. I love being a dad to my 2 beautiful daughters and also taking great photos of the places I visit. This is my blog to help you out explore the places I have visited with my inside tips as a Greek, knowing the ins and outs of my country and culture. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section under the post you are interested in and I wIll try my best to respond asap.

🛏️ Booking.com is the website with the most available rooms and Private Villas in Athens, Santorini , Mykonos & Crete (more than Airbnb!)

⛴️ Ferryhopper is the best website to book your ferry tickets or check the timetables for Santorini, Mykonos , Crete & all greek islands

🏺 Get Your Guide has the best and largest variety of Tours in Athens and the greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete etc)

🚙 Rentalcars is the easiest way to rent a car or a quad for Greece with thousands of available options

✈️ Booking.com Flights has all the available flights to and from the greek islands

🚕 Book Your Driver (Taxi) directly with booking.com's large and safe platform of available certified drivers

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