Villas in Crete: Your Perfect Mediterranean Escape

Enjoy a Crete Villa Holiday with Solmar Villas

For any of our villas in Crete with private pools, every stay promises comfort and seclusion, ensuring your island experience is nothing short of exceptional. With Solmar Villas, it's not just the start of an unforgettable journey – whether you're seeking beachfront bliss, cultural experiences, or breathtaking natural beauty, there's something for everyone.

Things to Do in Crete

Crete offers endless family-friendly adventures, from stunning beaches and water parks to historical wonders like the Palace of Knossos. To create lifelong memories in the heart of the Mediterranean, visit mountain villages and indulge in delicious Greek cuisine. The island's warm Mediterranean climate and welcoming locals make it a top choice for family holidays, whether you're after relaxation and adventure (or both).

Beaches in Crete

The bar is set high for Crete's stunning beaches, many with the highly coveted Blue Flag status for cleanliness and safety. From the renowned golden sands of Chania to the exotic allure of Elafonissi Beach, each shoreline is so varied. The diversity is due to the island's geographical structure, with some beaches framed by rugged cliffs and others sheltered in peaceful bays.

Whether you prefer bustling seaside action or peace and quiet, Crete's beaches cater to every preference, making it a top destination for beach lovers.

Elafonissi Beach

A gem of Crete, this beach offers a paradise of pink sands, turquoise waters, and unique seashells. Visitors can soak in the natural beauty, swim in shallow lagoons, and explore the small islet nearby. It's a tranquil haven for beachgoers looking for a breathtaking escape.

Balos Beach

This beach is nestled on the northwestern tip of Crete, and is often likened to the Caribbean for its astonishing beauty. With its powdery white sands and crystal-clear, shallow waters, it's easy to see why.

What sets Balos Beach apart is its captivating Lagoon of Balos, a shallow, calm pool created by sea and land, similar to a natural swimming pool. This unique landscape makes it perfect for families with children. The picturesque Gramvousa Island stands majestically in the backdrop, adding to its beauty. To reach this beach, you can either opt for a scenic hike or boat tour (both offer spectacular views).

Balos Beach is a must-visit destination for nature lovers too, with rare flora and fauna, including protected species like the loggerhead sea turtle. It's also ideal for sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling and exploring the rugged coastline.

Vai Beach

Located in Lassithi, Crete's eastern coast, Vai Beach is the perfect place for families to relax and enjoy the sheer joy of natural beauty. A palm tree forest surrounds the beach, making it a private haven in one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations.

Falassarna Beach

Often regarded as being one of the best beaches in Crete, Falassarna Beach, located on the northwest coast, is a pristine paradise known for its soft, golden sands and crystal-clear waters.

This picturesque beach offers breathtaking sunsets and is a favourite spot for relaxation and water sports enthusiasts (windsurfing is available). It's an ideal destination for families with young children because of its gently sloping shoreline.

Nightlife in Crete

Crete is a family-orientated holiday destination, so the nightlife is more relaxed and laid-back. For something more upbeat, Chania or Heraklion are ideal spots to embrace the authentic Greek culture paired with modern entertainment.

Soak in the relaxed evening atmosphere with a casual stroll through the waterfront stopping at local dessert parlours for ice creams that are lined up along the coastline.

During the summer months, Crete host various cultural events and festivals including open-air concerts, theatre performances and art exhibitions.

Food and Drink in Crete

Crete's culinary scene is an amazing journey of Mediterranean flavours. Sample traditional dishes like Moussaka, made with layers of aubergine and minced meat, or savour the taste of Dakos, a Cretan salad featuring crisp barley rusks topped with tomatoes, olive oil, and cheese. Seafood enthusiasts can also enjoy fresh catches of the day whilst dessert lovers must try the sweet delights of Loukoumades (deep-fried dough drizzled with honey).

Local wines and the aniseed-flavoured spirit, Raki, are popular choices to accompany your meal. Pair your dining experience with the warm hospitality of Cretan tavernas, and you'll discover why Crete is a paradise for food enthusiasts.

Parasties Urban Kitchen

For authentic Greek cuisine, Parasties is the restaurant to visit. For an unforgettable dining experience, they use locally sourced ingredients and cook in a traditional Cretan way using fire between two rectangular stones.

Salis Restaurant

For seafood lovers, Salis is the place to be. Its magical setting helps, as you can watch the harbour while drinking high-quality wines and choosing from a range of dishes, such as seared tuna.

Family-Friendly Restaurants

Families can also choose from a range of family-friendly eateries, including Pizza Hut and Mcdonald's, as well as pubs in the area.

History and Culture in Crete

In its early days Crete was home to the Minoans, a Bronze Age Civilisation whose footprint still flourishes on the island today. You’ll also come across a blend of Roman, Turkish and Venetian influences throughout Crete’s towns and villages, with old fortresses and pretty, cobbled streets waiting to be explored straight from the doorsteps of our villas in Crete.

Palace of Knossos

The Palace of Knossos is a remarkable archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the sophisticated world of the Minoan civilisation. Explore the well-preserved remains of this ancient palace, adorned with vivid frescoes, intricate architecture, and the mythological associations of the Labyrinth, believed to be connected to King Minos.

As the heart of Minoan culture and history, Knossos provides an immersive journey through time, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by the mysteries of antiquity.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum in Crete is a treasure trove of ancient wonders. It houses an impressive collection of Minoan artefacts, including intricate pottery, vivid frescoes, and archaeological finds from sites like Knossos. With its rich historical insights and well-preserved exhibits, the museum offers a captivating journey through the ancient civilisations that once thrived on the island.

Ideon Cave

Nestled in the rugged mountains of Crete, the Ideon Cave is a legendary natural wonder steeped in Greek mythology. According to myth, it is where Zeus, the king of the gods, was raised. Today, it is a site of historical and cultural significance, attracting visitors with its unique geological formations and the mystique of its mythical past.

Family Days Out

Whether you're staying in central Crete or the surrounding areas, you'll find plenty of things to do as a family. From adventure parks to strolling around the regions, the kids will love it too.

Explore Chania

Explore the Old Town, stroll along the Venetian Harbour, and enjoy family outings to beautiful beaches like Elafonissi and Balos. Discover historical sites, go on boat tours, and enjoy delicious Cretan cuisine together. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, Chania is a popular tourist choice, promising unforgettable family adventures.

Amazonas Park

The Amazonas Park is a captivating wildlife sanctuary offering a chance to get up close and personal with exotic animals. Explore lush botanical gardens, interact with diverse species where the world's most endangered bird species can be found and enjoy educational experiences suitable for the whole family.

Dinosauria Park

This park is an exciting prehistoric journey for visitors of all ages. Step back in time to encounter life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs in a natural setting. Explore interactive exhibits, learn about Earth's ancient history, and enjoy a fun-filled, educational experience for the whole family. Dinosauria Park offers a thrilling adventure into the world of dinosaurs, making it a must-see attraction in Crete.

Holiday Villas in Crete

We specialise in giving families, couples and large groups the holiday experience they deserve. Most of our villas are in the Chania region, but options are available in Heraklion, Rethymnon and Agia Pelagia too.

Crete has the perfect combination of rustic villas and more modern options so that you can select accommodation based on your preferences. For that luxury feel, our villas in Crete with private pools have been handpicked from the most stunning regions and feature air conditioning, BBQ facilities and free WiFi included as standard. So, after a busy day exploring, you can unwind easily and appreciate a relaxed evening ready to recharge for the next day.

We also have a selection of budget-friendly Crete villas ideal for families. Our guests love having their own private retreat, away from the busy hotels yet close to the sea and resorts.

Enjoy the Perfect Crete Villa Holiday

If you'd like to book one of our villas in Crete with a private pool,  we recommend you book in advance to avoid disappointment. 

To find out more or for help with booking your villa holiday in Crete, get in touch with the friendly Solmar team today.