Crete vs Rhodes for families in 2027
Two of Greece's best family islands, side by side: which suits toddlers, which suits older kids, and the eight resorts we would book on each.
- Toddler
- Kid
- Teen
Two heavyweights of family Greece, and a choice that splits opinion. Both have the sand, the sun into October and big resorts with a club. The difference is subtler, and it mostly comes down to what you are after.
Crete is space. Big and varied, it works as well for a week never leaving the resort as for a proper adventure, the pink sand at Elafonisi, villages, tavernas at the water's edge. The northern beaches around Chania are sandy and shallow, ideal for toddlers. It is the island where you can get out without it turning into an expedition.
Rhodes is concentrated. Smaller, it keeps everyone busy fast: family beaches on the east coast around Kiotari, a medieval old town that rescues a rainy day, and big water-park resorts side by side. The season runs long here, you can still swim over October half-term. It is the pick for older kids who bore quickly and want a bit of buzz within reach.
Our verdict: toddlers and a taste for nature, Crete. Older children, buzz and a late season, Rhodes. Four scored resorts from each island, below.
Our KidProof picks
Hand-picked and scored on the eight things that matter to families.
in Crete
Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort
Low-slung bungalows and suites arranged around a leafy central agora, many with a private or semi-private pool a step from the terrace. The Family Bungalows and Open Plan Suites add a separate living area, so you can put little ones down and still have your own space and your own plunge pool for the evening.
in Crete
Grecotel Creta Palace
One of the widest family line-ups on the island: garden and sea-view rooms, family rooms and two-bedroom bungalows, plus villas with private pools. Many families pick a bungalow with direct garden access, so children can potter outside while you keep an eye from the terrace.
in Crete
Creta Maris Resort
A huge estate of village-style bungalows and rooms spread through gardens down to the beach, with family rooms and connecting options. Bungalows near a pool suit families with small children; the trade-off is a large site where you will walk a fair bit between your room, the buffets and the water park.
in Crete
Candia Park Village
Two-storey, self-catering apartments styled like a colourful Cretan village, each with a kitchenette, dining area and a garden terrace or veranda. The whole resort is designed to be walkable with a pram, and the kitchenette makes early teas and fussy-eater breakfasts genuinely easy.
in Rhodes
Atlantica Aegean Blue
A mid-range all-inclusive with straightforward, comfortable rooms and family rooms that sleep up to four. Nothing designer, but they are clean and practical, most with a balcony. Family rooms and interconnecting options are worth requesting early, as the standard rooms are a squeeze for four with a cot.
in Rhodes
Helea Family Beach Resort
A modern resort (opened 2023) spread across a large landscaped estate, with Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites and larger Helea Suites designed with families in mind. Interiors are contemporary and spacious, many with sea or garden views. The suites give you the separate space that makes a two-week stay with kids feel less cramped.
in Rhodes
Princess Andriana Resort & Spa
A big resort (over 500 rooms and suites) laid out in low blocks across gardens that run down to Kiotari beach. Family Rooms sleep four comfortably and the larger suites add a separate sleeping area, which is what you want if the baby still naps. Rooms are functional rather than boutique, but most have a balcony or terrace and plenty have a sea or pool view.
in Rhodes
Aulus Lindos Rhodes, Curio Collection by Hilton (Lindian Village)
Around 190 rooms and suites set in white, village-style houses among tropical gardens, with a laid-back boho look (earthy tones, natural materials). Family options include suites with a separate living space, and some accommodation has its own plunge pool, which older kids love and which lets parents linger outside after bedtime.
Crete vs Rhodes for families in 2027
| Hotel | Score | Kids club | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort | 87 | ✅ Free kids club | 420€ |
| Grecotel Creta Palace | 86 | ✅ Free kids club | 340€ |
| Creta Maris Resort | 84 | ✅ Free kids club | 230€ |
| Candia Park Village | 80 | ✅ Free kids club | 190€ |
| Atlantica Aegean Blue | 78 | ✅ Free kids club | 180€ |
| Helea Family Beach Resort | 83 | ✅ Free kids club | 300€ |
| Princess Andriana Resort & Spa | 82 | ✅ Free kids club | 260€ |
| Aulus Lindos Rhodes, Curio Collection by Hilton (Lindian Village) | 84 | ✅ Free kids club | 480€ |
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