What is the most "child-friendly" resort in Crete?  We have two
children - 7 and 9 years old - and are looking for a four or five star
resort with a good kids' program for a two week vacation in June or
July this year.

Hello 

I think Rithymna Beach is likely to be the best choice for you. It's
recommended by various reviewers as a great place for a five-star
vacation with excellent facilities for children. Its bungalows, hotel,
children's village and private beach are all under the Grecotel
umbrella. I'll give you parts of the owners' own descriptions first:

"The flagship of the Grecotel group, this classy, aristocratic gem
lies on a private beach stretching seven kilometers to the Old Town of
Rethymno.....
Its bungalows and maisonettes are nestled in gardens bursting with
color and offer arresting views of the Mediterranean. And with its
unique Grecoland - a dreamy, activity-rich miniature village for kids
- Rithymna Beach is the unrivaled choice for your family holidays.

The self-contained Grecoland Mini Camp resembles a multi-colored
fairytale village complete with miniature bedrooms, amphitheater,
Kafeneion, atelier, water mill, miniature river, wishing-well and
playground. For children 3-6 years old and 6-12 years old there is
affectionate and sensible care during mornings and afternoons (all
season) by qualified multi-lingual personnel. From mid-June to
mid-September, children aged 6-12 years can stay all day and overnight
and an active youth program is arranged for teenagers (13+ years old).
Adventures, competitions, handicrafts, drawing and theatre
performances keep even the most energetic youngsters amused and leave
parents free to relax. Free cots, highchairs and early children's
menus are just some of our other special offers for "junior guests".

The hotel lies on an endless sandy beach, offering views of the
"Psiloritis" and "White Mountains" up to the old town of Rethymno with
its castle. Swimming in the blue Aegean Sea is the alternative to the
hotel's pools. The famous exotic outdoor seawater pool with children's
area in the shape of little islands connected with small bridges makes
you realize that your dream of paradise has finally found its way to
reality."

http://www.grecotel.gr/GrecotelHomeEN/hotels/crete/rithymnabeach/children.html


There are lots of links to pages of information and pictures including
detailed descriptions of the long sandy beach which meets Blue Flag
standards, four outdoor pools, the indoor pool etc.

Beach and pools
http://www.grecotel.gr/GrecotelHomeEN/hotels/crete/rithymnabeach/pools.html

    
I think you will also want to read the BBC's independent article about
Rithymna Beach which gives other useful information like:
 - hour's journey from Heraklion airport
 - boat trips available nearby
 - Water Park an hour away
 - price guidelines


BBC review
http://www.bbc.co.uk/holiday/destinations/crete/


OTHER INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

"The flagship of the Grecotel group, the classy, aristocratic Rithymna
Beach lies on a private beach stretching 7 kilometers to the Old Town
of Rethymno, Crete. Its bungalows and maisonettes are nestled in
gardens bursting with color and offer views of the Mediterranean.
Grecoland, an activity-rich miniature village for kids, makes Rithymna
Beach the unrivaled choice for your family holidays."
http://www.resortsandlodges.com/NO_FILTERS/page-GREECE-3.html


" During our inspection visit in August 2000, the Rithymna Beach
proved to be the outstanding 5-star property on the island. Most
hotels we visited were either in grand isolation, on steep hillsides
or too vast. The Rithymna Beach offers an excellent beachside location
with elegant furnishings and a high standard of friendly service, as
well as a superb indoor pool."
http://www.diamondbridge.co.uk/holidays/crete.htm


All Greece Travel Guide
http://www.travelguide.gr/greece/en/acc/rth/grecotelrithymnabeach.htm

Travel Guide to Greece
http://www.travel-guide-greece.com/hotels-in-greece/rethymno/Rithymna_Beach.asp?HotelID=164&city=Rethymno

Good reviews of both hotel and resort here:
http://www.holidays-uncovered.co.uk/

Information on rethymnon
http://www.dilos.com/region/crete/rethymn.html

More on rethymno with links to simple maps
http://www.maps-of-greece.com/greece-guide/Crete/Rethymno.htm

blue flag beach standards
http://www.blueflag.org/

I hope this is helpful and that you have a great time.  Please feel
free to ask if anything needs clarification.

Regards - Leli


Note:
Spelling of place names may vary slightly because of the Greek
alphabet etc.

Search terms used:
crete family children review resort "five star" "kids club"
"rithymna beach" rethymnon

---

Clarification of Answer by leli-ga on 29 Oct 2002 09:27 PST

Thank-you very much for the tip and the five stars. I'm so glad you
found the answer helpful.