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If you’re planning holidays to Rethymno, you’ll find a lovely mix of beaches, history and relaxed family-friendly vibes. Located on the island of Crete, Rethymno is a great choice if you want sunshine, plenty to do and an easy-going atmosphere that works well with kids.
Rethymno is often recommended as a great destination for families, thanks to its balance of beach days, sightseeing and a relaxed pace.
Why choose holidays to Rethymno?
Rethymno has a bit of everything. There’s a long sandy beach that’s perfect for families, a beautiful Old Town to wander around and lots of places to eat that welcome children.
It feels a little quieter and more relaxed than some of the bigger resorts in Crete, which makes it ideal if you’re travelling with younger children. You can easily spend your days mixing beach time with exploring, without needing to travel far.
Accommodation in Rethymno
There’s a great choice of accommodation in Rethymno, whether you’re looking for a hotel, apartment or all-inclusive resort.
For families, we’d recommend staying near the beach. This makes everything much easier, especially with younger children, as you can walk straight out for a swim or a quick play in the sand.
The Old Town is beautiful and full of character, but it’s not always the most practical with pushchairs or if you want quick access to the beach.
You’ll also find some great family-friendly resorts just outside the centre, which can offer more space, pools and better value.
If you’re travelling with younger children, a hotel or resort with everything on-site can make things much easier. Having a pool, restaurant and entertainment all in one place means you don’t always need to head out in the evenings.
Being close to the beach can make a big difference on family holidays. It’s much easier to pop back to your room for snacks, shade or a rest when everything is within walking distance.
It’s also worth booking early if you’re travelling in peak summer, as the best family-friendly accommodation in Rethymno can get booked up quickly.
Top tip – look for somewhere with a pool and air conditioning, especially if you’re travelling in the summer months.
Things to do in Rethymno with kids
There’s plenty to keep children entertained in Rethymno without needing to plan too much.
We’d recommend:
- Spending time on the beach (the shallow waters are great for kids)
- Exploring Rethymno Old Town with its narrow streets and shops
- Visiting the Fortezza for amazing views
- Taking a boat trip along the coast
It’s the kind of place where simple days out work really well.
Practical tips for visiting Rethymno
The best time for holidays to Rethymno is May, June or September when the weather is warm but not too intense for children. July and August are great for guaranteed sunshine but can be very hot.
The nearest airports are Chania International Airport and Heraklion International Airport, both around an hour’s transfer away.
Is Rethymno good for a family holiday?
If you’re looking for a destination that combines beaches, culture and a relaxed pace, Rethymno is a fantastic choice.
For easy, sunny and stress-free holidays to Rethymno, it’s somewhere many families return to again and again.

