Chania with kids: 10 things to do, shallow beaches and a water park (2026)
Chania, in western Crete, is one of the easiest Greek towns for families: a small old town, a nearby water park, a lake with pedal boats and shallow beaches. What to know before you fly with the kids.
- Limnoupolis water park is about 7 km from Chania, with pools and small slides for young children.
- The easiest shallow beaches for little ones: Georgioupoli, Agii Apostoli, Kalyves and Marathi.
- Chania has no Chabad house. Order kosher food ahead from e-kosher.gr or from Chabad of Crete.
With young children Chania suits a relaxed week: one base, short drives and a day at the water park. Rent a car, order kosher food ahead if you need it, and check whether there is a direct flight to Chania in your season or whether landing in Heraklion is better.
Why is Chania good for a family holiday?
Chania is Crete's second city, in the west of the island. The old town is small and pushchair-friendly, the Venetian harbour is lined with tavernas, and within half an hour to an hour you reach shallow beaches, a lake and a water park. Unlike the small islands, everything here stays open beyond peak summer.
What to do in Chania with kids
- The Venetian harbour and lighthouse: an evening walk along the harbour to the lighthouse, with an ice cream on the way.
- Maritime Museum of Crete: by the Firkas fortress at the entrance to the old town. Ship models and sea stories kids enjoy.
- Archaeological Museum of Chania: in the Halepa district, with more than 3,500 finds. Better for older children.
- Limnoupolis water park: in Varipetro, about 7 km from Chania. A large central pool, a lazy river, 11 slides, and a separate area for small children with a shallow pool and little slides. Reach it by car, taxi or KTEL bus. Hours and prices: limnoupolis.gr.
- Lake Kournas: Crete's only natural freshwater lake, near Georgioupoli. Rent a pedal boat, spot turtles and ducks, and eat at a lakeside taverna.
- Botanical Park of Crete: in the hills south of Chania, near Fournes. Paths among fruit trees and spices, a small animal corner and an on-site restaurant.
- Aptera: an archaeological site above Souda Bay, with walls, a theatre and an Ottoman fort. Good for a short morning.
- Apokoronas villages: Vamos has a cheese dairy and olive press, Gavalohori a folk museum. Good on a cooler day.
- Workshops: pottery, painting and cooking workshops, and olive mill tours with tastings. Book ahead.
- Agia Irini Gorge: shorter and easier than the 16 km Samaria Gorge, and better for older children. The full Samaria hike is not for small kids.
Beaches for children near Chania
| Beach | Why it suits kids | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Georgioupoli | Shallow water, good facilities | About 39 km east |
| Agii Apostoli, Golden Beach | Small, calm coves | Just west of town |
| Marathi, Kalyves | Calm water, tavernas on the beach | 15–25 minutes' drive |
| Elafonisi | Shallow lagoon, pinkish sand | About 75 km, a day trip for older kids |
Platanias, Agia Marina and Nea Hora also have water sports for older kids and teens.
How to get to Chania from Israel
Chania has an international airport on the Akrotiri peninsula. In summer 2026 Bluebird flew direct from Tel Aviv to Chania. More airlines fly to Heraklion, about two hours' drive away (around 138 km). Details in our flights to Crete guide; fares update every morning on our flights page.
Kosher food and Shabbat in Chania
Chania has no Chabad house. Chabad of Crete is in Hersonissos, about 166 km away. Families who keep kosher order food ahead from e-kosher.gr, which ships to the islands, or ask Chabad of Crete whether their Shabbat kit reaches the area. See Chabad and Shabbat in Chania and Chabad of Crete.
Tips for Chania with kids
- Car: almost essential for beaches and the lake. Request a child seat in advance. See renting a car in Greece.
- Sun: July–August middays are very hot. Beach in the morning, hotel at midday, town in the evening.
- When to go: June and September are easier than July–August. See Greece with kids month by month.
- About the island: our Crete guide.
FAQ
What can you do in Chania with kids? Limnoupolis water park, pedal boats on Lake Kournas, the Venetian harbour and Maritime Museum, the Botanical Park of Crete, and shallow beaches such as Georgioupoli and Kalyves.
Is there a water park near Chania? Yes, Limnoupolis in Varipetro, about 7 km from Chania. Check current hours and prices on the park's website.
Which beach near Chania is best for small children? Georgioupoli, Agii Apostoli, Marathi and Kalyves, where the water is relatively shallow and calm. Elafonisi is better as a day trip with older children.
Is there kosher food in Chania? There is no Chabad house or kosher restaurant in Chania. Order ahead from e-kosher.gr or check with Chabad of Crete in Hersonissos.
