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

How to Spend 5 Days in Rethymnon with Kids: Child-friendly itinerary for the whole family in Rethymnon Crete. This post includes activities and ideas for spending 5 fantastic days in rethymnon with children and is a great itinerary of Crete, perfect for first-time visitors.

If you’re planning a trip to Crete with the family, you might want to pick a city with a slow pace of life, that offers activities for the whole family and that also has a good selection of beaches. In that case, Rethymnon can be the right place for a family vacation in Crete.

In this post, you will find a flexible itinerary to explore Rethymnon with kids in less than a week. It includes paces to see in the old town, which is pedestrian and child-friendly, some of the best beaches in the region for the family, interesting museums to visit, and a lot more. There are also kid-friendly restaurants and hotels perfect for a family stay in Rethymnon. Let’s see what to do in 5 days in Rethymnon with kids!

I have planned this Rethymnkn itinerary for families keeping in mind interesting attractions in town, places where kids can have fun, and even a selection of the best beaches on the northern coast for kids, and a few beaches south for those families that want to take a road trip in the region or have kids interested in scuba diving (the souther coast of Rethymnon is probably the best area to do so!).

All these child-friendly activities can be done in less than a week while maintaining kids’ rhythms in mind so you can follow a slow pace suitable for all ages.

Five days in Rethymnon offer enough time to explore the region, remaining short and flexible to be entertaining but also long enough to factor in downtime at the beach 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!

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

Planning a family trip to Rethymnon? You’re in for a treat! Before you set off, keep in mind some essential tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. From packing the right gear to knowing the best family-friendly attractions, being prepared can make all the difference.

My suggestions?

• Make a checklist of must-visit sites and activities your family will love. Whether it’s exploring the historic Old Town, enjoying a day at the beach, or sampling local cuisine, having a clear itinerary and knowing what to expect can also ease any last-minute stress.

• Consider the practical details. Check the weather, make necessary reservations, and pack accordingly. Ensure that all essential preparations are in place will enhance your experience. Consider travel documents, accommodation, and transport options or car rental to make the trip smooth and enjoyable for everyone in the family.

Getting around in Rethymnon with Kids

Since you might land in Heraklion or Chania, you will first need to plan how to get to Rethymnon. The city is accessible via several transport options, each with its pros and cons. Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring nearby areas.

Always remember to check in advance and book early, especially during peak season. Keep in mind that Crete’s bus network can be somewhat limited (reaching mostly the towns on the northern coast), so renting a car can be the best solution to move around and respect your kids’ timing.

Public buses also connect Rethymnon to other parts of Crete. They are a cost-effective alternative, with frequent services. You can check the bus schedules here to plan your trips efficiently.

Taxis are available but can be pricier. For local travel, consider walking or cycling to enjoy the scenic beauty of Rethymnon at a leisurely pace.

LOCAL MOM’S TIP: 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.

BUS TRAVEL IN CRETE
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.

Public buses connect Rethymnon to other parts of Crete. They are a cost-effective alternative and can be ok if you travel with older kids, but I do not suggest them for families with toddlers or babies. Local buses have frequent services. You can check the bus schedules here to plan your trips efficiently

Rethymnon Family Itinerary: Day 1

Morning: Rethymnon Folklore Museum Old Harbor & Kid-Friendly Treats

Devote the first morning to visit the old town. Kids can freely roam along the pedestrian alleys as they discover unique buildings and fascinating souvenir shops. In the old town, it is a good idea to explore Rethymnon’s Folklore Museum.

This can be an interesting experience that kids will certainly appreciate. The Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno is located in a in a Venetian mansion and features five halls showcasing elements related to traditional handicraft work and folklore art. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.

The museum is about 5 meters from another Rethymnon highlight, the old phyllo pastry workshop of the Hatziparaschos family.

Kids will be fascinated as they witness how paper-thin phyllo pastry is made and delighted to taste delicious sweets such as baklava and other pastries made from kadaifi and phyllo.

Afternoon: Exploring the Imposing Fortezza

After a visit to the museum and the phyllo pastry workshop, head to the ancient Venetian fortress facing the sea. This impressive building will fascinate the whole family!

The ancient fortress, which was also a citadel in the Venetian times, was built by the Venetians in the 16th century. However, when the Ottoman Empire conquered Crete around 1646, they also captured the fortress. Despite its impressive size, the fortress was never truly secure because it features low ramparts and did not have a ditch.

The fortress we can see today was developed over an older Byzantine castle. It was built following the so-called Italian bastioned system, featuring an irregular plan an irregular plan and walls with a length of over 1,300 meters.

Along the walls there are different demi-bastions while the main gate today is protected by an Ottoman-era triangular fortification (or ravelin).

Within the fortress, you can explore one of Rethymnon’s most important mosques, Sultan Ibrahim Mosque, built on a former Cathedral, different residences, prisons, and two small churches. It also hosts an armoury, two gunpowder storage rooms, and ancient cisterns.

Don’t forget you camera, the views from the Fortress are incredible! You can visit from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the entrance fee is €4 for adults, €3 for children, students, and senior citizens.

Evening: Open-Air Cinema

After dinner in the old town, it’s a good idea to enjoy one of the most beloved traditions of Greek summer, enjoy a movie at an open-air cinema.

Especially during summer, Asteria, Rethymnon’s open-air cinema in the old town (Ioannou Melissinou Street), often shows family-friendly movies and kid films in original language. Here, families can sit at a table, enjoy a drink and popcorn, and watch a fun movie to end the first-day in town!

Rethymnon Family Itinerary: Day 2

Morning: Margarites Village

One of the prettiest villages in Crete is located in the Rethymnon region, not more than 26 km from the old town. It’s called Margarites and is known as Crete’s pottery village.

The colorful settlement where you can visit dozens of ceramic workshops is the perfect place to spend a morning learning about this ancient craft that first-started with the Minoan Civilization. Kids could even have the chance to try and do ceramics in any of the several workshops and ateliers.

Besides, the village is truly pretty, pedestrian-friendly, and featuring houses with facades decorated with colorful ceramics.

Afternoon: Patsos Gorge: Kid-Friendly Hike

Kids love this gorge and it is an easy hike for the whole family, even for those who are not used to hiking. Besides, you don’t really need to cover the whole length of it either!

Along gthe hike, you can explore an ancient cave turned into a chapel, enjoy the refreshing sound of the river that flows through the ravine, and even stop for a snack in the picnic area. Remember to pack a light lunch and water, and wear comfortable shoes for the hike. Avoid flip-flops to hike safely.

Evening: Tasting Cretan Food (That Kids Love)

Taverna tou Zisi is one of the best places in Rethymnon for families. It not only serves traditional dishes, grilled meat, and kid-friendly meals, but it also features a playground for children to enjoy while they wait for their meal or after dinner. The tavern is about 10 minutes by car from the center, at 63, Leof. Machis Kritis Avenue.

Rethymnon Family Itinerary: Day 3

Full Day: Adelianos Kampos Beach

On your third day in Rethymnon, you can opt for a short excursion to the nearby seaside village of Adelianos Kampos. Over here, the children can enjoy the day by the sea, swimming, or playing with the coarse sand.

When visitiing Adelianos Kampos, I suggest bringing watershoes because some areas of the beach have pebbles and kids might find them unconvenient. If kids enjoy water activities, head to the Atlantis Diving Center within the Rithymna Beach Hotel. It offers scuba and snorkeling for the whole family.

Late Afternoon / Early Evening: Minigolf

We have often visited George’s Fun Park Mini Golf in Adelianos Kampos since my kids were small. Over here, the whole family loved spending time playing golf for hours!

Although the highlight of the park is the mini golf course, kids can also have fun riding bumper cars and other games. On site, you will also find a convenient snack bar.

Dinner Time: Meatball Time!

A fun and delicious place for dinner near Adelianos Kampos is Pagona’s Place (2, Nikeas Street, Rethymnon), just a few minutes from the center of Adelianos Kampos.

The place is known for serving fantastic Cretan cuisine, including a huge variety of meatballs that children love!

Rethymnon Family Itinerary: Day 4

Full Day: Road Trip to the South (Spili + Plakias Beach)

Get on the car to explore the southern coast of Rethymnon with the kids. This can be an exciting road trip as you cross the valleys and mountains in the region to reach the idyllic southern coast of Crete.

Othern than ejoying fantastic landscapes, it can be a good idea to stop along the way to visit one of the most picturesque villages in Rethymnon that will certainly enchant curious kids.

On the way to Plakias, you can stop for a rest, and a fresh orange juice in the small mountain village of Spili, known for featuring one of the nicest squares on the island with its original fountain featuirng over 25 lion heads from where kids can drink and cool down on a hot summer day.

After a short break to make the road trip bore bearable, especially for smaller kids, get back on the road and in about 30 minutes (about 20 km) you will be in one of the best beaches in south Crete: Plakias.

Other than featuring a shallow coastline, it is also one of the favorite places on the island for scuba diving, and it can be an excellent choice for children who want to try immersions and snorkeling.

Alternative to Plakias: If kids are not into water sports, snorkeling or suba diving, the wide Triopetra Beach can be a great alternative to Plakias. Other kid-friendly beaches in the area include Preveli with its unique palm grove and river, Damnoni, and Rodakkino.

Late Afternoon: Back to Rethymnon (Relax by the hotel pool + Gyro street food)

After a wole day o n the road, give some down time to kids and enjoy a few hours by the pool or at the city beach before heading out for dinner. One of the kids always love to eat when visiting Greece is gyros and souvlaki.

In Rethymnon, you can taste delicious souvlaky and gyro wraps at Nikos Souvlaki in the center of Rethymno, right in the heart of the old town. Their gyro is always fresh because locals and tourists alike choose this place for a quick and tasty bite. Location: 70, Arkadiou Street, Rethymno.

>> RELATED ARTICLE
– Where to Eat the Best Gyro in Crete

Rethymnon Family Itinerary: Day 5

Morning: Day Trip to Bali Beach

Spend a whole day by the sea in Bali, a small seaside town about 30 km (35 minutes by car) from the center of Rethymnon. Bali features several sandy beaches well-suited for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Since Bali is located on a bay, the waters are generally calm and clear, making it ideal for families. The main beach in Bali is Livadi, but there are other smaller coves and bays to explore.

Besides, Bali stands halfway between Rethymnon town and Heraklion. For that reason, you can easily reach the Archaeological Site of Knossos, one of Crete’s highlights for the whole family.

>> RELATED ARTICLE
– A Mom’s Guide to Visit Knossos with Kids

Afternoon: Reptisland

Considered both an interactive theme park and sort of zoo, Reptisland features over 40 different types of reptiles within a 250 m2 surface.

Over here you can see more snakes, lizards, turtles and even a crocodile, take turn to take photos, touch, learn about reptiles and even feed them!

>> ALTERNATIVE:
Curious kids will certainly enjoy exploring the unique Melidoni Cave, located a few minutes from Reptisland Theme Park.
Melidoni is one of Crete’s most impressive caves, it has been place of worship since Neolithic times, and carries an importan history. The main chamber, often known as the Cathedral, for its impressive size, features impressive stalagtites and stalagmites that kids will love to explore!

Evening: Souvenir Shopping and Ice Cream in Town

Spend the last evening enjoying the old town, colorful, lively and fun at night. Head to the old port to see the small colorful fishing boats and take a few pictures near Rethymnon’s Lighthouse.

In the old town, kids can pick souvenirs for their friends and family back home, and then savor an ice cream or taste a delicious plate of loukoumades, a favorite sweet among people of all ages!

>> You can try the best loukoumades in town at Meli Melo (38, Paleologou Konstadinou Street).

Convenient Kid-Friendly Hotels in Rethymnon

These are some of the best hotels in the region for families with children. I’ve picked hotels in town that are convenient to visit the old town but also close to the city beach. Some of them also feature a playground and other child-friendly facilities.

• Affordable: Filoxenia Beach Hotel
  Located right on the beachfront, west of Rethymno Town, it features an outdoor swimming pool and a kids pool with sea water. Pets are allowed and bike rental is also available.
• Mid-range: Hotel Ideon
  It offers a pool with poolside snack bar and a garden a few minutes from the old town. It is also possible to book apartments for up to six people.
• High-end: Petradi Beach Lounge Hotel
  It features a private beach area, family rooms, a family apartment, kids’ outdoor play equipment and a poolg.

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

I hope this child-friendly Rethymnon itinerary helps you plan your time on the island with the whole family!

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Family Itinerary in Crete: 5 Days in Rethymnon with Kids

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