The sea is a main attraction for children who can play, run and roll about in the sand to their heart’s content. They make friends and feel the healthy power of nature. Crete has a wide variety of beaches that are safe and ideal for families with children.
Children have an excellent relationship with water, from their nature, and nearly always get excited by the sea. This is one of the most fruitful periods in the life of everyone, children and parents, so don’t allow it to pass by.
Children, when small (up to 3yrs) need constant supervision, but when they get three or more, they love water games and become more independent. When they grow further and start diving, snorkeling, or fishing, their love for the sea and the environment grows even more.
To achieve all these and make them easier, it is essential to ensure the existence of conditions with a high sense of safety. Thus, it is desired that the beaches meet some specific conditions that will make life easier for parents.
The beaches, ideal for children, are quiet, good to be shallow, wave-sheltered, sandy or at least without rocky bottom, and close to hotels and restaurants. In Crete, many beaches are ideal for our young friends, the most important of which are presented below.
To the south of Chania, our small friends can have the time of their lives on the shallow sandy beaches of Frangokastello, Paleochora, Elafonissi, and Falassarna. To the north, well out of the north wind, there is a choice of beautiful beaches: Marathi, Chrisi Akti, and Kalivaki in Georgioupolis.
In the prefecture of Rethymnon, children can bathe and play at the wonderful beaches of Plakias and Damnoni on the south coast. The wind-protected beaches of Bali and Panormo on the north coast are also children- friendly.
Moreover, around Heraklion there are many beaches that are greatly appreciated by local families, Kastri and Tsoutsouras, being two of the most popular ones on the south coast. The well-equipped beaches of Agia Pelagia, Gouves, Chersonissos, and Stalida on the north coast also ensure an enjoyable swim and much fun for our little friends.
In Lassithi prefecture, near Agios Nikolaos in Mirambello Bay, there are a number of hidden beaches that are perfect for children, though the longer and wider beaches of Makrigialos, Kouremenos, and Chiona are a very common family destination.
Keratokambos beaches 
Keratokambos is a small seaside resort situated 72km southeast of Heraklion, a few miles east of Tsoutsouras and Viannos. Keratokambos, with the nearby village of Kastri, has become a new tourist destination during the last years because more and more visitors come to the area and enjoy the beautiful shores. Indeed, in front of the village of Keratokambos a vast beach, several kilometers long, stretches in both directions.
Ammos beach in Agios Nikolaos 
Ammos Beach is located 500m south of the center of Agios Nikolaos. It is a long beach which starts near the city's marina, at Nearchos Street. It runs near the stadium of the town and extends to the south, to the Municipal Beach. The part near the marina is a beautiful beach with umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, water sports, restaurants, and hotels around it. It is located near the city center and its stores. The water is shallow, ideal for little kids and the sea is usually flat.
Pahia Ammos beach, Paleochora 
The beach of Pahia Ammos (i.e. Coarse Sand) is located on the west side of Paleochora, 79km south of Chania. Pahia Ammos has been awarded with a blue flag, which confirms that this is a safe and clean beach.
Ierapetra is located 35km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and is the southernmost city of Greece. It is built in one of the warmest areas of Crete, which makes it very popular for holidays, even until the end of autumn. The wider area of Ierapetra is famous for its beaches, stretching along a vast beachfront. Almost all of them are covered by the characteristic fine black pebbles, which do not stick in the leg, and the sea is usually flat.
The peninsula of Grammeno(s) is located 85km south of Chania and 5km east of Paleochora, on the road connecting Paleochora with Koudoura. Koudoura is a warm area with greenhouses, where most citizens of the area work.
Lagoufa is located right after the east end of Makrigialos main beach, around 59km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 24km east of Ierapetra. It consists of two adjacent protected coves, which are formed near the big hotels of Makrigialos.
Kastri is located 72km southeast of Heraklion, in the sheltered bay of Keratokambos. It is the biggest of the two settlements of the region (the second is Keratokambos), which are now united. In recent years Kastri has faced considerable development, mainly because the surrounding beaches are a magnet for visitors.
Polirizos beach at Rodakino 
Half a kilometer to the west of Rodakino's main beach, Korakas, we meet the beach of Polirizos, surrounded by dense olive groves. To get here, you have to follow the paved road leading west from Korakas, along the shore.
