Are you looking for a special location for your family vacation this summer in Europe that will create an unforgettable experience? Have you thought about heading south to Crete? What is there to know about the beaches of Crete other than the fact that they are sandy and close to the seas, we hear you ask?

Well in actual fact there are certain things which would be best to know when visiting one of the popular beaches in Crete when on a family holiday to this paradise island!

photo credit: Theophilos via photopin cc

photo credit: Theophilos via photopin cc

  • Sea Temperature — As you may expect, the temperature of the sea can change and is at its most welcoming during the height of the summer when sea temperatures can reach around 27 degrees in July. If you are not able to visit during the peak time of the year though, you should still be able to brave the depths in May, September and October when the sea is still a relatively balmy 20 degrees.
  • Sea Depth —  If you are on a family holiday to Crete, then safety will be high on your list of priorities when visiting a beach. It is therefore worth remembering that on the north coast of the Crete the water is usually shallower and the majority of beaches are manned by lifeguards. This can provide anxious parents with vital peace of mind. The beaches on the south coast are not as busy as those in the north so in the majority of cases do not have the same number of facilities as those in the north.
  • Beach Umbrellas — On most beaches it is always a good idea to try and seek some shade for some part of the day at least. Finding shade on Crete beaches is never too difficult though as most are packed full of sun beds with umbrellas. However this is not a free service – you will be expected to pay around 5 Euros for a couple of sun beds and an umbrella for the day.
  • Pets on the Beach — Not a lot of holidaymakers bring pets on vacation with them, but this does not mean that you will be free from them all the time. Dogs are, like in many Mediterranean countries, free to roam around and they can at times stray onto the beach. If you do have a dog with you though, most beaches will allow you to walk it on a leash as long as there are no local laws preventing you from doing so.

Crete has some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean – just make sure you know where the best ones can be found and what facilities you can expect to maximize your enjoyment on your visit!