Chania & Western Crete: A Family-Friendly Greek Escape
The excuse? A family wedding (as if we needed one!). The result? A sun-soaked, adventure-filled week that blended relaxation, exploration, and a taste of the real Crete.
Where We Stayed: Domes Zeen Chania We chose Domes Zeen Chania, a stylish, bohemian resort that ticked all our boxes: beachfront, pool, family-friendly, and within reach of Chania’s Old Town (a 25-minute walk or short taxi ride away). With earthy tones and minimalist design, the resort blends beautifully into the landscape. It’s ideal for families, offering a Montessori-inspired kids club, babysitting services, and delicious restaurants. Adults can indulge in the spa or work out at the open-air gym. Many rooms come with private pools- though be warned, they’re not heated, so in May we were definitely channelling our inner Wim Hof!
Why You Need a Car in Crete: If you're heading to Western Crete, renting a car is a must. The region is rugged, rich in hidden gems, and easy to navigate provided you're happy driving on the right-hand side.
What We Did: A Week of Highlights Here’s how we made the most of our 7 days:
Elafonissi Beach: A 1.5-hour drive from Chania, this pink-sand beach is breathtaking. We passed charming villages and roadside stalls selling honey and olive oil along the way. Arrive early to beat the crowds ; it’s a popular (and very Instagrammable) spot.
Palaiochora : From Elafonissi, we drove an hour over the mountains to this sleepy south coast town and passed lots of goats on the road! With its laid-back vibe and beautiful beach, we wished we had booked a couple of nights here. You can also catch boats from here to Sougia and Agia Roumeli, great starting points for gorge walks like the famous Samaria Gorge.
Chania Old Town: One afternoon was spent meandering through Chania’s charming backstreets, shopping, and dining harbourside as the sun set, perfect! Tamam restaurant gets a special mention!
Hora Sfakion, Sweetwater Beach and Loutro: We set off early and drove the winding roads to Hora Sfakion, a cliffside town with dramatic views and hairpin bends. From there, we took a boat to Sweetwater Beach and Loutro, two idyllic, peaceful spots only accessible by sea. We swam, ate fresh fish in tavernas, and genuinely didn’t want to leave.
Lake Kournas: If you’re looking for a break from the beach, Lake Kournas is perfect. Surrounded by mountains, this freshwater lake is crystal clear and great for swimming. We rented a Pedalo and spotted tiny turtles – we even swam in the lake.
Rethymno: Just an hour from Chania, this Venetian-style town is great for shopping and has a lively bar and restaurant scene. We didn’t stay for the evening, but it’s on the list for next time.
A Cretan Wedding to Remember: The wedding was held at a stunning private villa with a pool, a truly unforgettable experience. If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in Crete, feel free to get in touch. I’d be happy to share the details and help you plan.
The One Thing Missing? More Time. We didn’t make it to Balos Beach or manage a full gorge walk — but that only means one thing: we’ll be back.
Planning Your Trip to Crete? If you're thinking of exploring this part of Greece; whether as a family, a couple, or a solo traveller . I’d love to help you plan your stay. From boutique hotels to hidden beaches and local experiences, I can help you make it unforgettable. Let Crete work its magic. It did for us.
