Our Ultimate Guide to Planning a Perfect Family Vacation on Crete

At Dive2gether, we know that balancing everyone’s interests on a family holiday can be challenging. You want adventure, the kids want fun, and everyone needs a bit of relaxation. To help you navigate the planning process, we’ve put together our top insider tips for a memorable vacation on Crete that your family will talk about for years.

Pick The Right Location

The Northern and Southern coasts of Crete are polar opposites and where you stay will determine the experience you’ll have. The North coast is lined with large all-inclusive resorts and bustling tourist centers – great if you like being in the heart of the action. However, if you want to discover the "real" Crete, the South coast is where the magic happens. Here, the pace of life slows down, the crowds thin out, and you can enjoy authentic tavernas and untouched landscapes. It’s the perfect backdrop for a family looking to truly disconnect and recharge.

Rent a Car

Crete is massive, and while public transport exists, it won’t take you to the hidden coves or mountain villages that make this island special. It also doesn't run very often, and waiting at a hot bus stop with tired, whining kids is nobody’s idea of a relaxed holiday!

Not only does a rental car give you the freedom to explore at your own pace, it’s also surprisingly budget friendly. In many cases, the cost of a taxi from and to the airport is roughly the same as renting a small family car for an entire week!

Pack for Both Land and Sea

Crete’s terrain is rugged. While flip-flops are great for the beach, you’ll want a sturdy pair of sneakers for the rest. Whether you're exploring a gorge or walking through a cobblestone village, your feet will thank you. Also, don't forget reef-safe sunscreen to help us protect the beautiful underwater world you're about to see!

Bond Over a (New) Family Hobby

Whether your family has already caught the dive bug or never tried diving before, nothing makes a family holiday more memorable than a shared hobby.

Many parents think scuba diving is only for adults – but it’s actually one of the best ways to bond as a family! At our school, we specialize in making the ocean accessible to everyone:

• Bubblemaker Programs: Kids as young as 8 years old can take their first breaths underwater in our safe, shallow bays.

• Discover Scuba Diving: For those 10 and up, we can take the whole family on a guided first dive to see colorful fish at eye level and experience the weightless feeling of being underwater.

• Snorkeling Tours: If some family members prefer to stay on the surface or are too young to dive, they can join our snorkel course or guided snorkel tours to explore the underwater world from the surface.

Sharing a 'first-time' experience like diving creates a lasting sense of shared accomplishment, making it easy to bond over an activity that is genuinely fun for everyone involved.

Ready to Start Your Adventure?

Planning a holiday can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help you get it right. Whether you want to book a full dive course or just spend one magical morning dive exploring the Mediterranean underwater world, we’ll make sure your family makes some happy memories. If you want some personalized holiday planning help, request a personalized offer here or schedule a free holiday planning call here.