How to Spend 5 Days in Chania with Kids: Child-Friendly Itinerary That All the Family Will Love

5-day Chania itinerary for families with kids. This post includes activities and ideas for spending 5 amazing days in Crete with kids. This Chania itinerary is great for first-time visitors.

If you’re considering visiting Crete with the family and would like to explore the Chania region, you might wonder what to do with your kids. In this article, I bring you a standard itinerary to explore Chania with kids in less than a week. It includes some beaches that Mom and Dad also want to see, as well as interesting activities for the family, kid-friendly restaurants, and a few unique attractions for a fantastic family vacation in Chania. Are you ready? Let’s see what to do in 5 days in Chania with kids!

This carefully curated Chania itinerary for families combines Chania’s must-see beaches and child-friendly activities to do in less than a week. It keeps kids’ rhythms in mind so you can follow a slow pace suitable for all ages.

Five days in Chania offer enough time to explore the region. On one side, it’s short enough to keep your visit entertaining but also long enough to factor in downtime at one of Chania’s amazing kid-friendly beaches or by the pool at your hotel.

I’ve prepared this guide with small kids in mind. Therefore, I’ve avoided packing too much to do in a day, thus preventing meltdowns and tiredness. I’ve crafted this itinerary, including kid-friendly food places, frequent stops for rest, and plenty of time at each attraction. I hope you enjoy it! I’ve included alternatives for attractions and landmarks suitable for toddlers, older kids, and the rest of the family.

Things to Remember Before the Trip: Tips for this Chania Family Itinerary

Chania is a small town, but it’s also the capital of a vast region that hosts incredible mountains, hiking trails, and some truly amazing beaches. For that reason, you will find a long list of things you could do (with or without the kids) over 5 days. 

During this time in Chania, you will sometimes explore areas close to each other, while at other times, you will spend longer on the road. 

For that reason -and especially when traveling with children- I always suggest renting a car to provide the kids with the best on-the-road experience. This will allow you to make stops as frequently as you (and your kids) need and take your time to admire the landscape and enjoy life on the island.

Remember that car seats are compulsory for kids up to 11* and that you must book them in advance when renting your car. They often come at an extra fee. Do not count on the car rental agency to have them available once you arrive at the destination; it is always better to book the seats in advance to secure the seat or booster.

*All children under 3 traveling in cars in Greece must be placed in a suitable child restraint. Children between 3 and 11 must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size. From the age of 12, children over 1.35 m (4.42 feet) tall can wear an adult seat belt.

Traveling through the region by bus is an affordable option and can be easily done with older kids, but it can be cumbersome if you have toddlers in tow and need to carry a stroller, a baby bag, snacks, drinks, and more.

Chania Family Itinerary: Day 1

Morning: Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete

The first day on my family-friendly Chania itinerary is the Botanical Park and Gardens. I’ve chosen this slow-paced activity to give the kids (and parents, too) time to recover from jet lag and take it easy on the first day in town.

After a short 12-km drive into the mountains, you will reach this fantastic open space overlooking the White Mountains. It is perfect for a day in the open, where kids can walk and enjoy fresh air in a naturally shaded environment. (You won’t always be exposed to the sun, but applying sunscreen is a must when doing outdoor activities in Crete in summer; carry it with you!).

Crete’s Botanical Park features local flowers, fruit trees, herbs from the island, and stunning exotic plants from different regions. The place encourages the preservation of Mediterranean species and promotes open-air activities, such as field walks and mountain hikes.

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After the first part of the hike, there’s a nice sitting area at the bottom of the park where you can rest and have a snack (that you should pack in advance). Kids will enjoy checking out the pond, ducks, turtles, donkeys, and unique Cretan goats.

At the end of the hike, you will find a fantastic restaurant serving dishes made with fresh products collected from the park, organic juices, ice cream, and much more. Don’t miss this place. Every dish is truly kid-friendly.

GETTING TO THE BOTANICAL PARK AND GARDENS: You must take the road to Omalos-Samaria. Plenty of signposts indicate the way, so you cannot get lost. The area is easy to reach by car, and there’s also a comfortable parking space at the entrance. You can also get to the botanical park by bus from Chania’s central station (daily departure at 9.30 a.m. – daily return at 2.30 p.m.).

ENTRANCE FEE: €8 (ages 6 to 12 €4. Kids under 6 enter for free). The last entrance to the garden is 2 hours before sunset.

Afternoon: Aqua Creta Limnoupolis Waterpark

On your way back to the city, you can make an afternoon stop at Chania’s water park for a few hours of wet fun! The park is located in the same area, about 20 minutes from the Botanical Park, and is a sensible stop after visiting the gardens.

This afternoon activity is perfect for mitigating Chania’s high summer temperatures. Kids will love the crazy slides, different pools, and a relaxing lazy river. However, access to the park is reduced after 3 p.m., so factor this in if you have a big family and want to cut costs on entrance tickets.

Inside the park, you will find several areas to rest under the trees (loungers are included in the price), pools for kids of all ages, ice cream parlors, eateries, showers, and baby—and kid-friendly restrooms. Remember to bring towels and sunscreen. Packing your snacks or lunch is also possible if you want to spend less.

ENTRANCE FEE: Prices change according to the time of the year, from July to August. A full-day pass is €25, and the afternoon ticket is €17. Prices are reduced for kids between 110 and 155 cm (3.60 and 5 feet). Toddlers enter for free. You can get the tickets in advance on the website or purchase this package, which includes a transfer.

Evening: Chania Old Town

Unless your kids are tired and want to head to the hotel for an early rest, it’s a good idea to head to the Old Town for an evening walk by the waterfront or to explore the pedestrian area of the historic district.

You can have a huge family burger at Daglas (a few steps from the old town, on Skalidi Street) or ice cream at Domenico (Theotokopoulo Street), one of the best gelato places in the old town.

Chania Family Itinerary: Day 2

Morning: Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach

Kids usually love this beach and are interested to know that it features soft sand in pale pink shades. This day will be fun for the whole family!

The shallow beach is safe for small kids and toddlers, while older children and teens can swim or enjoy water sports. Parents can swim or explore the small Elafonisi Islet with the kids, relax on a lounger, and explore the natural area. The beach is inside a protected natural park, so plenty of beautiful landscapes can be enjoyed.

I suggest arriving early to beat the traffic and find a spot close to the shore: Kids will not want to leave the water, and you will want to watch them!

It’s good to know that public restrooms are available at the beach entrance and cost €1. The beach also offers changing rooms, showers, and canteens for snacks and meals.

If you prefer, you can also have lunch at the small mountain village of Elos on your way back to Chania. Philoxenia Taverna offers delicious Cretan food and seasonal dishes at quite affordable prices.

GETTING TO ELAFONISI: The beach is located on the southern coast of Chania, and the best way to get there is by car. If you prefer not to drive, I highly suggest arranging a private transfer that can accommodate the whole family. It’s also possible to get there by bus, but your schedule will be limited, and you won’t be able to stop in the areas I suggest for the afternoon on the way back to Chania.

RELATED ARTICLE: How to get to Elafonisi Beach

Afternoon: Agia Sophia Cave and Potamida

You will cruise back to Chania, passing through the impressive Topolia Gorge. Kids will love to stop here to admire the imposing canyon walls and observe eagles towering over the mountains. If you’re lucky, you can even spot a Cretan wild goat!

A stop in Topolia also allows a climb to visit one of the island’s many caves, Agia Sophia Cave. This small hike is better done in the afternoon to avoid scorching temperatures. Once at the top, the kids will love exploring the cave and enjoying the canyon views. The main chamber inside the cave is known as the Cathedral for its impressive 20-meter height and 70-meter width.

At this stop, you will find a canteen selling snacks and fresh orange juice, and there are public restrooms, which are always handy when traveling with kids!

On your way back to the northern coast, make a stop in the small village of Potamida for the children to climb the kid-friendly Potamida formations. This is truly a place kids love visiting, and the stop will help make the long way back to Chania a lot more bearable!

The impressive rock formations are known as Komolithi and are easily visible from the road on your way back to Chania. They stand in the River Tyflos Valley and feature soft hills that are easy to climb, made of very soft clay, and rather low, with fantastic views of the surrounding valley.

Evening: Platanias

A few minutes from the center of Chania is the vibrant coastal town of Platanias. At the end of this long beach day, the kids will be quite tired but should still have some strength for a walk in Platanias.

Platanias is worth visiting for several reasons. First, it has a slow-paced atmosphere; there are different restaurants and gyro joints for a quick, delicious, affordable dinner and plenty of ice cream parlors.

Second, older kids can visit the World War II Museum with their parents and learn about Crete’s role during this historical period. Last but not least, you will find kid-friendly entertainment, arcades, fairs, train rides, and other activities that small kids will enjoy! 

After a stroll on the main road, where moms can have fun purchasing souvenirs, head to Sta Karvouna, on the main road (PEO Kissamou Chanion) for the most delicious gyro dinner in Platanias and enjoy an ice cream or a waffle at Wafflecious.

Chania Family Itinerary: Day 3

Morning: Cruise to Balos

A day cruise to Balos Lagoon with children can be a fantastic experience. The area features stunning turquoise waters, soft sandy beaches, and a shallow lagoon with amazing natural pools for kids to swim and play, all perfect treats for young swimmers!

Pick a cruise rather than a boring drive to make the trip enjoyable for children. Balos cruises depart from the port of Kavonisi (in Kissamos, less than an hour’s drive west of Chania) and feature convenient amenities, including snacks, restrooms, and seating accommodating families with young children.

Cruises are typically 5 to 7 hours long, the right amount of time for kids to avoid boredom or fatigue without it becoming too tiring. Always ensure you pick a cruise that offers food and beverages (all of them allow you to bring your own) so kids can be comfortable during the trip. The cruise trips often have a stop at the gorgeous Imeri Gramvousa Island, where kids will marvel at the imposing shipwreck by the shore or climb to the top of the hill to explore a former Venetian Castle. Over here, it is also possible to swim or play by the sea

After that first shortstop, you sail to Balos Lagoon, where you will spend the rest of the afternoon. A shallow lagoon that is a paradisiac place for kids of all ages, safe to swim, play ball, or enjoy snorkeling in the super clear waters (do pack those goggles!). The fine sand is ideal for building sandcastles and other beach activities.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect the kids from the sun. Also, bring enough towels and an extra set of clothes after swimming. Kids will feel safer wearing water shoes, as there are a few areas with pebbles or rocks, especially on Imeri Gramvousa Island. Pack some small toys or games to keep children entertained during the journey and at the beach.

TIPS FOR A SMOOTH EXPERIENCE: Cruises to Balos can get crowded, especially in peak season. Starting early can help avoid the hottest part of the day and the largest crowds. Check departing hours and purchase the earliest ticket available. This will also allow an after-lunch nap after the cruise to enjoy other later afternoon activities or rest before dinner. If your children are prone to motion sickness, consider giving them medication beforehand and keeping them hydrated.

NOTE: If your kids get seasick, the alternative to this Balos Day Cruise is a day at Falasarna Beach and an afternoon visit to the Ancient Phalassarna Archaeological Site. (See below).

Afternoon: Kissamos Archaeological Museum

Once you return to the port in Kissamos, you can spend an interesting afternoon exploring the small village. It is home to an ancient castle and a fantastic Archaeological Museum, which is easy to visit with kids.

Even when an archaeological exhibition might sound boring, I was surprised that my kids particularly enjoyed this museum, with its ancient coin collection and unique findings from nearby archaeological sites (Ancient Phalassarna and Ancient Polyrrenia).

If your kids get easily seasick, the alternative to the Balos Day Cruise is a day at Falasarna Beach and an afternoon visit to the Ancient Phalassarna Archaeological Site.

Alternative: Day Trip to Falasarna Beach

Kids who do not enjoy boat rides or easily get seasick will prefer to spend a day on the beach. Falasarna is one of the area’s best options for the whole family. The area is tranquil, with just a few places to stay, not many restaurants, only one supermarket, and virtually no nightlife.

The beach is a favorite for children because of its shallow, clear waters and incredibly wide beach. Falasarna is also popular for water sports, including windsurfing and banana boat rides, as it is often breezy.

The beach features soft golden sand, beach volleyball courts, and other kid-friendly activities. It also has organized facilities and some of the best restaurants on the island! We have visited this beach with the kids since they were little, and they have always loved snorkeling in Falasarna because the water is clear and clean.

In the afternoon, you can explore the fascinating archaeological site of Ancient Phalassarna, just a very short drive from the beach. Here, kids can learn first-hand about the different earthquakes that hit Crete in the past and the consequences these had on the island’s landscape.

Chania Family Itinerary: Day 4

I cannot make up my mind for this fourth day in Chania!  A part of me wants to recommend hiking the fantastic Imbros Gorge, while I also think exploring Loutro can be a thrilling experience for the whole family!

The decision largely depends on your preferences and kids’ ages. So, I will tell you about the two possibilities. Older kids might find Imbros Gorge an exciting outdoor adventure; a relaxing boat trip in southern Crete might be better for families with toddlers.

Morning: Imbros Gorge

Although the most famous gorge on the island is Samaria Gorge, the 13-km long hike might be a lot for kids who are not used to hiking long distances. Besides, the first part of the hike can be tiring for the whole family. For that reason, Imbros Gorge is the second-most visited gorge on the island and a favorite among families with kids who enjoy nature, outdoors, and adventures.

Traditionally described as Crete’s family-friendly gorge, Imbros is located around one hour from the center of Chania and can be easily reached by car or bus from the public bus station. The hike, which can last 2.5 to 4 hours, is quite bearable for kids 6 and up, offering a thrilling trail with plenty of unique rock formations.

During the first part of the path, from the village of Imbros until the Kato Vothones peak (891 m), let’s say for the first 4 km of the path, the road is quite straight. However, the second part of the road until the exit is very bendy and more exposed to the sun; carry plenty of water and sunscreen for the kids (and, of course, wear sensible shoes and avoid flip-flops!).

The narrowest part of the gorge, about 1.5 meters, is quite spectacular and perfect for photos! Another magnificent view is almost at the end when, after a quick bend, you suddenly spot the Libyan Sea. Tired kids will certainly feel much better, and getting to the exit of Imbros Gorge will feel like a breeze.

Afternoon: Frangokastello Beach

Once you have passed the gorge, you can get a ride back to the entrance and have lunch in the village. Over here, the food options include delicious mountain dishes typical of this area of Crete. There are just a couple of tavernas, both offering excellent homemade food.

Depending on how tired you are, you can either go back to Chania and spend the rest of the day relaxing at the beach or by the pool or drive back south to visit one of the best kid-friendly beaches in Chania, shallow and with soft golden sand, Frangokastello.

The children will love snorkeling and freshen up after the morning hike. Yet, above all, they will be fascinated by the ancient Venetian Castle built on the sand to protect the southern coast against pirate attacks. Tell your kids the story of the Drousoulites, and they will be fascinated by the atmosphere!

The drosoulites: The Venetians built the fortress between 1371 and 1374 to deter pirate attacks and to bring order to the area of Sfakia, whose inhabitants are still known for their rebel character and spirit. A curious legend lives among the walls of the castle. During an important battle fought at Frangokastello in May 1828, hundreds of Sfakiots, in an attempt to spread the War of Independence from mainland Greece, occupied the castle but were killed by the Turks. As a consequence, imagination fuels the legend. The locals claim that around the anniversary of the battle, shadows of the armed Cretan soldiers seem to march toward the castle.

Alternative: Full-Day Trip to Loutro

If your kids are not up to a hike in Imbros Gorge, it can be a good alternative to drive past the gorge and head to the southern village of Chora Sfakion, where you can board a ferry boat to visit one of the most fascinating villages in southern Crete: Loutro!

Loutro is a tranquil fishing village that is great for families with kids. The small, car-free village offers a safe environment for small children to explore.

The absence of vehicles means less noise and a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing parents to worry less about traffic hazards. Moreover, the village is surrounded by calm, clear waters and small, pebbly beaches perfect for swimming and playing. The bay features gentle waves and shallow waters, making it a great spot for young children to enjoy the sea safely.

If your kids are fond of outdoor activities, Loutro offers several opportunities. Kids can go snorkeling in the clear waters, explore nearby caves, or take gentle hikes along coastal paths.

The area’s natural beauty provides a wonderful backdrop for exploration and adventure. Loutro’s peaceful environment encourages families to spend quality time together, away from the distractions of modern life. It’s a place where families can relax, connect, and create lasting memories.

Chania Family Itinerary: Day 5

Morning: Akrotiri

Devote the last morning in Chania to explore the small Akrotiri Peninsula, home to amazing kid-friendly beaches.

I would highly recommend visiting Stavros Beach for small kids just learning to swim. It is shallow and well-protected from the winds, featuring crystal-clear waters and soft sand, perfect for a day of building sandcastles and swimming. The beach has amenities such as showers and different restaurants and cafeterias where you can easily access restrooms.

You can rent an umbrella set in the area or bring your chairs and enjoy traditional food. I suggest visiting Zorbas Taverna, a few meters from the sea, to taste fresh salads, delicious fish, and other local delicacies.

For older kids, Kalathas and Marathi are better alternatives. Marathi is located opposite Souda Bay. It is a shallow beach where kids can swim or practice water sports, including a standup paddle. Kalathas, instead, located about 15 minutes by car from Chania, is perfect for teens. It features a small island off the coast, is easy to reach for swimming, and is perfect for diving.

Afternoon and Evening: Chania Old Town

After spending a morning by the sea, devote the whole afternoon to exploring the spectacular old town of Chania. Especially for children, I suggest visiting the Maritime Museum inside the ancient Firkass Fortress and then heading to the end of the Marina to walk on the promenade that leads to the ancient Egyptian Lighthouse to have a close-up look at the 26-meter tall structure that was once the oldest lighthouse in the Mediterranean.

Smaller kids will enjoy walking the pedestrian lanes, while moms and dads can purchase last-minute souvenirs and take family photos in the quaint Venetian alleys. If your kids are interested in football (soccer), you can check out the Greek National Football Team Museum, which is always in the old town on Tsouderon Street.

For kids interested in the island’s ancient past, it is possible to explore the ancient ruins of Kydonia, a former Minoan city close to the old town (see more information in this article), or head to the Minoan World and 3D Museum, which also features a 9D movie theater.

The Minoan World is a perfect activity for kids curious about the birth of Zeus and other legends about Greek Mythology, including the legendary King Minos, the Knossos Palace, the ancient bull-leaping sport, the Minotaur, and the labyrinth. You can purchase the tickets in advance here.

Which kid wouldn’t love to end the last day in Chania with delicious pizza? The fun thing is that there are plenty of pizza options in Chania! So much so that I wrote a whole article about it!

If you’re on a budget and in the Old Town area, I suggest pizza from Funky’s, one of the most popular places in Chania (you might have to wait in line for your slice), but it’s affordable and delicious. Funky’s is located at the corner of Chalidon Street and Chatzimichali Giannari, one of the most visited corners in town.

If you prefer to sit and enjoy your dinner more relaxedly, Mozzarella is a good restaurant. It is not strictly Italian in style, but it has a delicious crust and creative toppings. The restaurant is near the Court House of Chania (Dikastiria neighborhood), and it is a nice place to have a pizza dinner in Chania if you want to avoid the center but still be in a gorgeous neighborhood (Ir. Politechniou Street).

Convenient Kid-Friendly Hotels in Chania

These are some of the best hotels in the region for families with children. I’ve picked hotels near the city center and some of the best beaches. These hotels include facilities especially for kids, such as kids’ pools, playgrounds, and child-friendly menus at their restaurants.

• Affordable: Chrispy Waterpark Resort – All inclusive
  It features children’s cots (upon request), bike rental, a kids’ club, diving and horse riding, a kids’ pool, strollers, baby safety gates, kids’ outdoor play equipment, an indoor play area, and babysitting.
• Mid-range: Isla Brown Chania Resort
  It features family rooms, a kids’ pool, an indoor play area, board games and puzzles, and a kid-friendly buffet.
• High-end: Porto Platanias Beach Resort & Spa
  It features children’s high chairs, a kids’ club, water park facilities nearby, a children’s playground and pool, a games room, a tennis court, a kid-friendly buffet and kid meals, strollers, baby safety gates, kids’ outdoor play equipment, indoor play area, child safety socket covers, babysitting.

(Note that in some cases, certain services for children might have an extra charge).

I hope you found this child-friendly Chania itinerary helpful when planning your time on the island! Are you visiting Chania with the family this summer?

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Family Itinerary in Crete: 5 Days in Chania with Kids

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