We just returned from a whirlwind adventure through Greece—jet lag, crowded landmarks, seven kids, and all. Was it perfect? Not quite. But it was full of magic, laughter, and the kind of memories that make travel with kids so worth it.

Here’s the full scoop on our family vacation, including what we loved, what we’d do differently, and some honest tips for anyone planning a trip to Crete.

First Stop: Athens – Jet Lag, Who?

We flew from Atlanta to Athens and checked into the Hotel Grande Bretagne, a gorgeous, historic spot right in the heart of the city. Even though we were groggy from the flight, we didn’t let jet lag win. We grabbed a lovely lunch at the hotel, did a quick outfit change, and headed straight to the Acropolis.

Yes, it was hot. Yes, it was crowded. But it was absolutely worth it. Seeing the Parthenon up close is one of those pinch-me travel moments. That evening, we kicked off the trip in style with dinner on the hotel’s rooftop, overlooking the Acropolis as the sun set. It was the perfect way to start our Greek journey.

Crete: Gorgeous, Wild, and a Little Unexpected

The next day, we flew into Heraklion on the island of Crete. Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, stretching about 160 miles from end to end, and it’s big. Much bigger than we realized. It’s known for its rugged coastlines, clear turquoise water, and ancient history.

Our rental house was perched high on a cliff about 15 minutes from Heraklion Airport, tucked between Heraklion and Agia Pelagia. The views were absolutely stunning—straight out to the ocean, dramatic cliffs, the works. But the location came with its challenges.

We traveled with another family (7 kids, 4 adults!), and somehow managed to fit into one massive rental van for our island explorations. Sometimes we hired a driver to give us a break from navigating windy roads—which we highly recommend if you’re not up for the local driving adventure. It felt like everything we wanted to do was about 20 minutes away, no matter the direction.

Looking back: we would’ve preferred staying in a walkable town. Letting the kids come and go, grab a snack, explore safely on foot—that would’ve made a big difference in our daily rhythm. But then again, we would’ve traded away those epic views. Travel is always a give and take.

Also, full disclosure: I won’t be sharing the address of the house we rented because… I can’t recommend it. We had several frustrating issues during our stay. We used a travel agent we’ve worked with before, but I’m not sure how familiar she was with Greece.

The Vibe: Not the Greece You Picture on a Postcard

Crete is beautiful, no doubt—but it’s not the white buildings and blue dome kind of beautiful. At least not in the area we stayed in. You won’t find the Instagram-famous winding alleys and curated boutiques here.

Instead, Crete feels more raw. More adventure traveler. It’s about rocky beaches, cliffside drives, and authentic European seaside living. If that’s what you’re after, it delivers. If you’re dreaming of charm and refinement, it might not hit the mark.

A Beach Club or Bust? Kind of a Bust.

We tried out two different beach clubs on two separate days—hoping to find that perfect loungy, high-end Greek beach experience. We really tried to scout out the best options online, but everything upscale seemed just too far from our house.

The beach clubs we ended up at were… meh. The kids had fun splashing and ordering smoothies. The husbands? Not fans. And honestly, we weren’t either. Nothing was bad, it just didn’t live up to our expectations.

If you’re planning your trip and beach clubs are on your wishlist, location is key. Being closer to a town with better access to the luxe spots would’ve helped a lot.

But the Catamaran? Chef’s Kiss.

One of our favorite adventures—and a memory we’ll hold onto forever—was renting a catamaran. Actually, we did it twice.

The first time was a morning sail, which was beautiful… but a little too early for our crew. The second time we went in the afternoon, from 3:30 to 8:30 PM, and it was pure magic. Sailing the Aegean Sea at sunset? There’s just nothing like it.

If you go to Crete, this is a must. It’s peaceful, stunning, and felt like the vacation we were all craving.

Dining & Exploring: A Bit Hit-or-Miss

In Heraklion, we had an amazing dinner at Peskesi—by far our best meal on the island. It’s a must if you’re visiting. Be sure to make a reservation in advance.

We took a short stroll around the town afterward, but didn’t stumble on any standout boutiques or charming shopping streets. It’s more practical than picturesque, but still worth seeing.

Day Trip to Santorini: Bucket List

We couldn’t resist squeezing in a quick day trip to Santorini. We hopped on a high-speed ferry (about 1 hour and 45 minutes), and had a driver meet us at the port.

Most of our time was spent in Oia (Ojai? Oy-yah?), and while it was hot, it wasn’t nearly as crowded as everyone warned. The girls led the way through the charming shops, and it was fun to finally check that box. It’s everything you’d expect—scenic, iconic, a photographer’s dream.

So… Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Crete?

Honestly? I’m still figuring that out. But after this trip, I’ve got my eye on some other towns for next time:

• Chania – A Venetian harbor town with charm, history, and great dining.
• Elounda – Luxurious and serene with beautiful views and top-tier resorts.
• Rethymno – A blend of culture, beach, and walkable town vibes.
• Agios Nikolaos – Low-key, pretty, and full of local character.

If we go back, one of these will likely be our base. They’re known for their charm, walkability, and more of that “Greek island magic” we were hoping for.

Final Thoughts: Real Talk

Greece is incredible. Even though our Crete experience didn’t totally match the vision we had in our heads, we still had an amazing time. We laughed. We explored. We learned what we love (sunset sails, walkable towns) and what to skip next time (remote houses with maintenance issues!).

If you’re planning a trip, do your research, think about your priorities—views vs. convenience, seclusion vs. access—and make sure your location supports the kind of experience you want.

We’ll definitely be back to Greece… just maybe somewhere a little more charming next time.