What is there not to like about Greece: the people, the food, the scenery, crystal‑clear water and beautiful beaches. For families with teenagers, grandparents and parents all travelling together, Crete really does tick a lot of boxes.

The island is large, with lots of places to visit and things to do. You could spend a week just exploring the coastline and never get bored. It is known as a safe place to visit too, so it is a great choice if you have children or teens who are starting to want a little more independence.

Getting to Crete There are plenty of direct flights from the UK, or you can combine Crete with another Greek island or the mainland and arrive by ferry. Lots of my clients love this option, especially on multi gen family trips to Crete where everyone enjoys a slightly different pace.

We flew into Heraklion, the main city, then drove about an hour to Elounda on the east coast, which was our base. Heraklion is bigger than you might expect, with its own port and plenty of facilities.

It can take time to drive around Crete, but it is worth it. There is so much more to see than just beaches, which is ideal when you are planning Crete holidays with teenagers who want more than sunbathing. The scenery is stunning, especially on the drive from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos, then through Elounda and into Plaka overlooking Spinalonga.

Spinalonga, Plaka and history with teens From this coast, many visitors head to Spinalonga, one of Crete’s most famous landmarks. This small fortified island was built by the Venetians in the 16th century and was inhabited until 1958, latterly as a leper colony. We love visiting historical sites and seeing places you usually only know from books or TV. One of my favourite books is “The Island” by Victoria Hislop, so it was great fun recreating the trip the character makes to Spinalonga from Plaka. Plaka is around three miles from Elounda. You can walk, but I would not recommend it with children or at night. It is easy to get a bus or taxi instead. Plaka is a must‑see in this area: a pretty fishing village, steeped in history but relaxed enough for a lazy afternoon or evening.

From Plaka you can take a short ferry to Spinalonga. I recommend a local guide; it is fascinating to see how this was once a town in its own right and how the lepers lived here. For teenagers who enjoy meaningful travel experiences, this is one of the most powerful things to do in Crete with teenagers.

Beaches, pools and water sports You can happily spend your days at the beach, with plenty of sand and clear water. If you are travelling with younger children or a mix of ages on a multi gen family holiday, there are also parks and swimming pools with slides and playgrounds that keep everyone entertained and give adults time to relax. The beach at Elounda has lots of water sports to keep all ages happy, from paddle‑boarding and pedalos to more adventurous activities that older kids will love. Elounda Crete family holidays work especially well for teens who enjoy being in the water.

Where we stayed and who it suits While we stayed in Elounda, I used the chance to visit several properties in and around the resort. At Travel Counsellors we have a strong selection of direct contract hotels here, and it was so useful to see them in person and understand which ones suit different travellers, especially multi generational families and those with teenagers who need more space and freedom.

We also took a trip to Agios Nikolaos by public bus, which is busier than Elounda but well worth a visit. Agios Nikolaos has plenty of shops, tavernas and bars. Teens often enjoy the livelier feel and a bit of independent browsing.

Food, tavernas and a little adventure Cretan food is famous for its olive oil, honey, herbs and cheese, so you will see these ingredients everywhere. Cretan wine is very drinkable and often served in a carafe with dinner. The tavernas in Plaka and Elounda were all superb. I do have a few favourites I can share if you are visiting. My absolute favourite was tucked in an old village outside Elounda. You either climb the 800 metres or take a taxi most of the way. Getting back into town is downhill, with a shortcut along a goat track, so torches are needed. Teens usually love this bit of adventure.

Snorkelling & simple pleasures Snorkelling is one of the most popular summer activities in Crete. The waters are full of colourful fish and other sea life, so it is easy to take a break from your lounger and head into the water. For active families and older children, this is one of the top Crete family activities and such a simple pleasure. If you would like something a bit different, I can recommend quieter coves and viewpoints that combine great beaches with beautiful views and brilliant photo spots.

Why Crete works so well for multi‑gen families Crete is a fantastic destination if you enjoy beaches, sightseeing and amazing food. It offers miles of coastline, beautiful landscapes and an abundance of ruins and cultural sites.

Family holidays are one of the best ways to reconnect with each other. It is much harder to be grumpy or stressed when you are on holiday, even with a teenager. It is so important to book a holiday that will suit everyone, particularly on multi generational family holidays in Crete where you might have grandparents, parents and teens together.

Crete has a wide choice of accommodation, from simple 3‑star Greek properties to luxurious 5‑star resorts with every facility you could need for both adults and children. Travel Counsellors have many direct contract properties on the island, which I was able to visit on my trip, so I can tailor recommendations to your family. Whether you are planning Crete holidays with teenagers, travelling with grandparents or organising a big multi gen family trip, there really is no substitute for first‑hand experience and honest advice.

If you would like help choosing the right resort and area for your own family, I would be delighted to share my favourites and design a Crete family holiday that genuinely works for everyone.