Rethymno is a great choice for a family vacation in Crete. We loved its mix of a charming old town, a Venetian harbor, a large sandy beach, and historic sites within walking distance. The city is easy to explore with children, as long as you’re prepared for the cobblestone streets, the summer heat, and a few sites that aren’t well-suited for strollers.
Check out our ideas for things to do in Rethymno with kids, illustrated with photos. As a bonus, you’ll find useful tips for planning your family vacation.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Visiting Rethymnon with kids: Is it a good idea?
A city that’s easy to explore as a family
Yes, Rethymno is a good option for a family vacation in Crete. The city is fairly compact: the Fortezza, the Venetian harbor, the Rimondi Fountain, the Old Town, and the Archaeological Museum are all just a few minutes’ walk from one another. This makes it easy to switch between sightseeing spots without having to make long trips, which is especially helpful when traveling with children.
We also appreciated how close the beach was—about a 5-minute walk from the old town. This way, you can combine a cultural visit in the morning with a swim later in the day. Rethymnon is also conveniently located on the coastal road between western and eastern Crete, making it easy to take family day trips without having to drive too far.
A destination that can be tailored to the children’s ages
Rethymnon is suitable for a variety of visitors, but not all activities are equally suitable. If you have young children, focus on the Venetian harbor, Rethymnon Beach, and the Archaeological Museum, which is all on one level. Toddlers in strollers will especially enjoy flat areas, such as the seaside and certain sections of the harbor’s docks.
If your children are already good walkers, you can add the Fortezza and the old town to your itinerary—just make sure they wear sturdy shoes: the terrain is sometimes sloped, cobblestone, or uneven. If you’re traveling with older children or teenagers, the Despotiko Pools and the Mili Gorges can round out the itinerary, provided you’re well-equipped. The natural pools require you to be comfortable in the water and on the rocks, while the gorges are better suited for children who are used to hiking on natural terrain.
Before you leave, be sure to plan ahead for the heat, parking, and operating hours. During peak season, arrive early to find parking more easily near the center, or use the parking lots along the coastal road. For the Fortezza and the cobblestone streets, wear closed-toe shoes; for Despotiko, water shoes are highly recommended. Finally, some museums may have reduced hours or temporarily change their operating schedule: always check before visiting with children.
WHERE TO STAY IN Rethymnon
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the historic center
Hotel Palazzino Di Corina – Check photos and availability
Downtown
Boutique-Hotel Pepi – Check photos and availability
By the sea
Nautilux Hotel – Check photos and availability
1. Explore the Rethymno Fortress
Why visit with children?
Overlooking the city from Paleokastro Hill, the Fortezza is one of the largest Venetian fortresses in Crete, built in the late 16th century. For families, it’s a chance to introduce children to a genuine star-shaped citadel, with its barracks, cisterns, and powder magazines to explore at their leisure. The Sultan Ibrahim Mosque, a former Ottoman building topped by a dome in the center of the enclosure, also catches the eye of the most curious visitors. This site is best suited for children who can already walk on their own: the sloping terrain and uneven ground make it difficult to navigate with a stroller, and wheelchair access is limited. Note that there is also very little shade. For the whole family, be sure to bring hats, caps, sunscreen, and plenty of water!
What we liked
We loved the sense of space inside the enclosure: children can walk around, explore the walls, climb up to the lookout points, and imagine what life was like in an ancient fortress. The panoramic view of the sea and the rooftops of Rethymno also offers a pleasant break before heading back down to the old town.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: allow 1h to 1h30 to explore the entire site.
- Hours: Open daily, in theory, from at least 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; no official website (call +30 28310 28101 if necessary).
- Challenges and Access for People with Disabilities: Sloping terrain and uneven ground in some areas. Wheelchair access is limited. Be sure to bring sturdy shoes and water for the children, especially in the summer.
- Prices: approx. €4 (full price). Reduced rate for European students. Free admission on certain public holidays.
- Access: on foot from the center of the old town, a 5-minute walk from the Venetian port.
- Parking: parking available near the main entrance, along the coastal road.
2. Stroll through Port Vénitien and on to the lighthouse
Why visit with children?
The Venetian Harbor, built in the 13th century, forms a small semicircle where colorful fishing boats bob up and down. It’s an easy stop for families: the ground is flat along the pier, and children can watch the boats while walking at their own pace. At the end of the stone pier stands the Egyptian lighthouse, built in the 19th century, which has become one of the city’s landmarks. The pier is accessible to most children, but it can get slippery in wet weather, so keep a close eye on the youngest ones.
What we liked
We enjoyed this easy stroll, with no tickets or time constraints. It’s exactly the kind of stop that works well with kids: you watch the boats, walk to the lighthouse, and then you can easily plan a break at a sidewalk café.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: 30min to 1h for a stroll along the harbor and up to the lighthouse.
- Opening hours: free access at all times.
- Difficulties and PRM access: flat ground along the quay. The pier leading to the lighthouse is passable but can be slippery in wet weather.
- Prices: free of charge.
3. Explore the Natural Pools of Despotiko with Older Children
Why visit with children?
Nestled among the rocks at the foot of the Fortezza’s ramparts, these small natural coves form turquoise pools sheltered from the current, making for a rather pleasant swim. This activity is best suited for older children who are comfortable in the water: access is via rocks and stone-carved steps, with no special facilities, and is not suitable for people with limited mobility. Water shoes are strongly recommended to prevent slipping on the rocky ledges. While this isn’t the easiest activity to do with young children, it may appeal to families with older children who are already comfortable on the rocks and in the water.
What we liked
We enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere of the place, far from the hustle and bustle of the big beaches. The water is crystal-clear, and the rocks provide a nice spot to relax and sunbathe between swims.
Practical advice
- Duration of the visit: 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much your children want to swim.
- Opening hours: free access.
- Difficulties and Access for wheelchair users: access via rocks and stairs cut into the stone. Not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Water shoes recommended.
- Prices: free of charge.
- Food and Drink: There are no food or drink options on site, so please bring your own picnic or beverages.
4. Enjoy the long beach in Rethymnon
Why visit with children?
This sandy beach stretches for several kilometers east of the old town, making it one of the longest in Crete. The water is shallow for the first few meters, which is a real plus for families with young children who can’t yet touch the bottom far from the shore. The area near the harbor is livelier, while the sections further east are quieter, giving you a choice depending on your children’s preferences: whether they prefer a lively atmosphere or need some peace and quiet.
What we liked
We appreciated how easy it was to get there from downtown—it’s just a 5-minute walk. You’ll find areas equipped with lounge chairs and umbrellas if you’d rather not carry anything, as well as open sections where you can leave your belongings for free.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: at your own pace, half a day or more.
- Opening hours: open all day.
- Difficulties and PRM access: sandy beach, relatively easy access. Some sections have wheelchair ramps.
- Prices: free of charge. Sun loungers and parasols available for hire.
- Access: on foot from the old town (5min) or by car along the coastal road to the east.
- Parking: parking lots along the coastal road, free parking further from the center.
5. Explore the fossils at the Paleontological Museum (Veli Pasha Mosque)
Why visit with children?
Housed in a 17th-century Ottoman mosque, this museum features fossils of dwarf elephants and hippos that once roamed Crete thousands of years ago—a topic that easily captures the imagination of children curious about prehistoric animals. The collections also trace the island’s geological evolution through deer bones and explanatory models. Please note: an important detail to check before visiting—the museum is currently closed; only the gardens remain open during the hours listed. We recommend checking for the latest information before your visit.
What we liked
We were surprised to find fossils of extinct species in such an unexpected setting as a former mosque. It’s a short visit, but one that offers a unique perspective on Crete, different from the Minoan or Venetian ruins found elsewhere in the city.
Practical advice
- Tour duration: 30 to 45min.
- Hours: The museum gardens are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The museum itself is currently closed; please check before you go.
- Admission: €5 (museum), to be confirmed upon reopening.
- Difficulties and PRM access: a few steps at the entrance. Limited interior space.
- Access: Place des Quatre Martyrs (Tessaron Martyron), on the edge of the old town.
6. Explore the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno
Why visit with children?
Located across from the entrance to the Fortezza, this museum features collections spanning more than 5,000 years of history: Neolithic, Minoan, Roman, and Byzantine artifacts, all found in the region. Children interested in archaeology will enjoy the finely decorated Minoan pottery, votive statuettes, and terracotta sarcophagi. The museum is on one level, making it accessible to strollers and people with limited mobility—a distinct advantage over most of the city’s other historic sites.
What we liked
We found the explanations to be clear and well-organized, making the tour accessible even without any prior knowledge of Cretan archaeology. You can also take this opportunity to provide some historical context for the children before or after visiting the Fortezza, which is right across the street.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: 45min to 1h.
- Hours: Closed on Tuesdays. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the summer and 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the winter.
- Prices: about 5€.
- Handicap access: Museum on one level, accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- Access: opposite the Fortezza entrance, on the Paleokastro hill.
7. Get lost in the old town
Why visit with children?
The old town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys where Venetian pointed-arch doorways, carved Ottoman wooden balconies, and facades covered in bougainvillea intersect. For children, it’s a bit like an open-air scavenger hunt: spotting the Megali Porta, the old entrance to the walled city, or the 16th-century Loggia. We’d like to note that accessibility can be a challenge: the cobblestone alleys, which are sometimes slightly sloped, make it difficult for strollers and wheelchairs to navigate certain narrow passages.
What we liked
We loved the blend of Venetian and Ottoman influences, evident in the doors, balconies, fountains, and facades. With children, this can turn into a little observation game: spotting a carved door, an arch, a fresco, or a wooden balcony as you wander through the narrow streets.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: Allow 1 to 2 hours to explore at a leisurely pace.
- Hours: The streets are open 24 hours a day. Shops and studios are generally open between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. during the season.
- Challenges and Access for People with Disabilities: Narrow, cobblestone alleys, some of which have a slight incline. Wheelchairs and strollers may have difficulty navigating certain sections.
- Access: the historic center is largely pedestrianized.
8. Hiking in the Mili Gorges
Why visit with children?
About 5 km south of Rethymnon, this trail winds through a lush canyon along a stream lined with plane trees and oleanders, passing by the ruins of several stone water mills. The hike is of moderate difficulty, making it suitable for children who are already comfortable walking on natural terrain for several hours. The shaded, humid setting is a real plus on hot days, when the beach or the Fortezza become less comfortable for younger children.
What we liked
We found this walk refreshing and a welcome change of pace, far from the hustle and bustle of the coast. You’ll also come across a small chapel and stone bridges along the trail—little discoveries that will make the walk more enjoyable for the younger ones. We especially recommend it to families with children who are already used to walking on natural terrain.
Practical advice
- Duration of the visit: Allow 2 to 3 hours round-trip, depending on your children’s pace.
- Opening hours: free access all year round. Mornings are preferred in summer.
- Prices: free of charge.
- Directions: The trailhead is in the village of Mili, about 5 km south of Rethymnon. Accessible by car.
- Parking: small parking spaces at the entrance to Mili village.
- Food and Drink: There’s a tavern in the village of Mili. Be sure to bring something to drink for the hike.
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Things to Do in Rethymno with Kids: Other Ideas
Short family walks in the city center
If you have a little time between activities, a few short stops are a great way to round out your visit with children. The Rimondi Fountain, with its three carved lion heads dating from 1626, takes 10 to 15 minutes to see; admission is free, and it’s located on a square lined with cafés. The Neratze Mosque, recognizable by its minaret, can be spotted as a fun observation game from Vernardou Street (10 minutes, free admission). The Chapel of Agios Spyridon, tucked away beneath the fortress, feels like a hidden treasure in the narrow streets, but is not wheelchair-accessible.
A Quick View: The Balcony of Rethymnon
About a 10-minute drive south of Rethymnon, the village of Roussospiti is nicknamed the “balcony of Rethymnon” for its view of the city, the coast, and the Cretan Sea. It’s a short, free stop that doesn’t require any significant walking, making it ideal for a quick stop by car with children without having to let them out for too long.
HAVE FUN in: Crete
Other beaches around Rethymno
If the main beach or the Despokito Pools aren’t enough, you also have access to other beaches around town: Pervolia, Missiria, Koumbes, and Platanes.
Family Excursions from Rethymnon
Rethymnon is well-situated for day trips, but not all of them are equally suitable for children. The Arkadi Monastery, 25 km southeast, is easy to visit as a family and recounts a significant episode in the Cretan resistance. Balos Lagoon, with its shallow turquoise waters, is generally a hit with children, but requires a bus ride followed by a boat ride from the port of Kissamos. The Samaria Gorge, on the other hand, is a challenging 16-kilometer hike taking 5 to 7 hours, best suited for families with children who are already accustomed to long walks.
- Book your ticket now to save time! (Arkadi Monastery)
- Book your ticket now to save time! (Balos Lagoon)
Where can you eat in Rethymno with kids?
If you’re traveling with children, we recommend choosing taverns where you can order several small dishes to share: dakos, meatballs, stuffed vegetables, Cretan cheeses, or grilled fish. The Venetian harbor is a great spot for the scenery, but the narrow streets of the old town sometimes offer a quieter atmosphere. Be sure to make a reservation or arrive early during peak season, especially if you want to avoid waiting in line with young children. Check out our top picks and tips for where to eat in Rethymno here.
Where can families stay in Rethymno?
The historic center remains the most convenient area for families with children: the Fortezza, the harbor, the archaeological museum, and the beach are all just a few minutes’ walk away. Parking there, however, is limited, especially during peak season. If you’re traveling by car and prefer easier parking, accommodations along the coastal road east of the Fortezza are still close to the beach while offering easier access by car. We recommend avoiding accommodations that are too far out of the way if you don’t have a car, as the distances can quickly become tiring to walk with children. Read our article
Visiting Rethymnon with Children, Depending on the Season
High season (June through September)
This is the busiest time of year, with the longest opening hours for attractions and museums. Parking in the city center becomes more difficult: we recommend arriving early in the morning if you’re traveling by car with children; otherwise, you’ll have to use parking lots farther away.
Off-season and winter (November through March)
The city retains its charm during the off-season, with mild temperatures that make for pleasant outdoor walks. We enjoyed the tranquility of the old town during the off-season, especially in winter, when it’s more comfortable to get around with children without the summer crowds. The taverns remain open, but some attractions may have reduced hours between November and March; be sure to check before you go.
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- Book early for choice.
- If you prefer international brands, compare prices on DiscoverCars
Frequently asked questions
Is Rethymnon stroller-friendly?
Partially. The Venetian harbor and the beach are stroller-friendly thanks to their flat terrain. However, the Fortezza, the Despokito Pools, and some of the narrow streets in the old town have uneven, sloped, or cobblestone surfaces, which make it much more difficult to use a stroller. A baby carrier can be a good alternative for these locations.
How many days should you plan to spend in Rethymno with your family?
Allow two days to see the Fortezza, the harbor, the archaeological museum, the old town, and spend some time at the beach—without rushing your children. An extra day will give you time to add a hike through the Mili Gorges or a day trip, such as to the Arkadi Monastery.
When is the best time to visit Rethymnon with the family?
The off-season offers a more pleasant travel experience and easier parking in the city center. If you’re visiting during the high season, plan to arrive early at the main attractions to avoid the crowds and parking difficulties when traveling with children.
What can you do in Rethymno with kids when it’s raining?
Rainy days are rare in Rethymnon, but if the sky turns cloudy, there are several indoor museums where you can spend the day: the Archaeological Museum, the Historical and Folklore Museum, or the Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete. You can also take refuge in one of the cafes in the old town while you wait for the clouds to clear.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Crete
- Best of
What to do in Crete
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful cities
Most beautiful beaches in Crete
Best archaeological sites
Best museums
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Crete
Driving tips
- The must-dos
Attractions in Chania
Attractions in Rethymnon
Attractions in Heraklion
Matala
Balos Lagoon
Spinalonga Elafonissi
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