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.
Panormo beaches 
Panormo is situated about 20km east of Rethymno, in the region of Milopotamos. It is a tranquil resort, which has met a fast development in recent years, without however losing its traditional face. The wild beauty of the pure Cretan landscapes, the picturesque village, the beautiful beaches, and easy access, have contributed to this development.
Gouves beaches 
Kato Gouves (or simply Gouves) is a popular holiday resort located 18km east of Heraklion, in the foothills of Mount Ederi. In the past, the valley of Kato Gouves was cultivated by the residents of the village of Ano Gouves with vegetables, olives, and cereals.
Chrissi Akti beach (Golden Beach) in Chania 
The Golden Beach (greek: Hrissi Akti) is located 2.5km west of Chania and a few meters east of Agii Apostoli. It actually consists of two sandy beaches separated by a small hill. The west cove is the main Golden Beach and the east one is called Aptera Beach.
The beach that stretches in front of the resort is a long bay with beautiful turquoise waters and coarse white sand. Here you will find all the services of a very well organized beach like umbrellas, snack bars, showers, changing rooms, water sports, scuba diving centre, great hotels, restaurants, horse riding centre etc.
Stalis (or Stalida) is located 30km east of Heraklion, in the midway of Malia and Hersonissos. From a small seaside village set up by the residents of Mohos, Stalis is today a popular tourist resort, which is united with Malia town. The only difference with Malia is that Stalis attracts mainly families and things here are more peaceful.
Marathi hosts two beautiful beaches with fine sand and shallow calm waters, ideal for children. They are very well protected from the winds, as they look to the south and have a nice view of Drapanos Cape and the White Mountains. The beaches are separated by a small pier, which serves as a harbor. It is well organized with all the necessary amenities nearby.
Fragokastelo (ie the castle of the Franks) is one of the most famous beaches of Crete, famous for the local Venetian castle on the beautiful beach and the legendary ghosts of Drosoulites. It is located 13km east of Hora Sfakion, 80km southeast of Chania, in a small valley south of the White Mountains.
Agia Fotia beach at Ierapetra 
Agia Fotia, one of the favorite beaches of all Cretans, is located 45km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 12km east of Ierapetra. It is a small bay formed at the mouth of a small stream that descends from the surrounding mountains. The settlement takes its name after the local Church of Agia Fotini (or Agia Fotia). The area is hidden in plane trees and tamarisks, while the bay is surrounded by high mountains and cliffs that create a magic scenery.
