in Crete, Greece
Elounda Residence Resort & Waterpark
- Toddler
- Kid
- Teen
One of the largest family resorts in eastern Crete, Elounda Residence sits on an olive-clad hillside above Elounda with a free waterpark as its headline: a big saltwater pool, four slides, a children's pool and a water playground. It is a strong-value pick for water-mad families, as long as you accept the hilly setting and that the beach is a walk or shuttle away.
Our verdict
The value water-park choice for families whose priority is slides and pools, not a beachfront. Book an apartment with a kitchenette, and be honest with yourself about the hills if you are travelling with a buggy.
The rooms
A big spread of rooms and apartments, most with a private balcony or terrace, plus premium rooms and private-pool villas. Apartments with kitchenettes make self-catering possible, useful given the hilltop setting where nipping out to a shop or taverna means a walk or a drive.
At a glance
- Waterpark
- Free, four slides plus kids pool
- Kids club
- Free, six days a week in season
- Self-catering
- Apartments with kitchenettes
- Beach
- Downhill walk or shuttle
- Setting
- Hillside, slopes and steps
- Airport
- About 1 hr 15 from Heraklion
How the KidProof Score works
Every hotel is rated on eight things families actually care about, then weighted by how much each one drives your choice. Room setup counts the most. The little touches break the ties.
Sleeps how many? Connecting rooms, family suites, a real extra bed?
Clean travel cot, high chair, bottle warmer, changing table, kit to borrow.
Shallow pool or paddling area, playground, kids club (free or paid).
Quick breakfast, kids menus, allergy options, snacks on hand.
Secured windows, protected corners, watched pool, well kept grounds.
Laundry, in-room fridge, stroller access, parking, reliable Wi-Fi.
Close to family attractions, easy transport, park tickets or access.
Welcome gift for the child, staff who talk to kids, themed rooms.
Why families love it
- Free waterpark with a large saltwater pool, four slides and a water playground
- Dedicated children's pool and a fun park on site
- Free kids club six days a week from May to the end of September
- Apartments with kitchenettes for families who want to self-cater
- Private-pool villas for families wanting more space and privacy
- Evening entertainment including live music, quizzes and a mini disco
🗓️A day here with kids
- 8:30
Breakfast in the apartment
Kitchenette saves the morning rush.
- 10:00
Waterpark
Slides before the midday sun peaks.
- 13:00
Lunch and shade
Rest out of the heat.
- 15:30
Kids club or pool
Free club while parents unwind.
- 20:30
Mini disco
A lively end to the day.
Family things to do nearby
Waterpark day
Four slides, a big saltwater pool and a water playground, all free to guests.
Free kids club
Supervised games and activities six days a week through the season.
Elounda and Spinalonga
Down to Elounda for a boat to the Spinalonga fortress island.
Evening entertainment
Live music, quizzes and a mini disco to round off the day.
Is it right for your kids?
Baby
0 to 1 yr
Toddler
1 to 3 yrs
The children's pool and free club suit toddlers, but the hilly site is hard work with a buggy.
Kid
4 to 11 yrs
The ideal age here: four slides, the waterpark and the free club fill the days.
Teen
12 yrs and up
The waterpark, evening shows and Spinalonga trips keep teens entertained.
Plan your stay
Check prices & bookWe compare Booking, Expedia, Hotels.com and more so you book at the best price. Prices update in real time.
Live prices & availability
Stays near Elounda Residence Resort & Waterpark, Elounda, Crete, Greece
We compare Booking, Expedia, Hotels.com and more so you book at the best price. Prices update in real time.
Parents also ask
Is the waterpark really free?
Yes. Guests get free access to the waterpark, which has a large saltwater pool, four slides, a children's pool and a water playground.
How far is the beach?
The resort is up on a hillside, so the beach is a downhill walk or a shuttle ride away rather than on the doorstep. Many families spend most days at the waterpark.
Is it manageable with a buggy?
It is doable but hard work, as the resort is built on a steep hill with slopes and steps. Ask for a room in the lower part near the waterpark to reduce the climbs.
Similar family stays
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.
Some links are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we recommend.