Children in Crete

Crete is easy with children because the fun here is not reduced to the beach. Near Gouves stands Dinosauria Park, with life-size figures and a dig where a brush is handed out and digging is allowed. In Hersonissos there is Labyrinth Park with a real Minotaur maze, a potter's wheel and a loom — after it a child understands the myth of Knossos better than after a tour of the excavations.

Water is the second support. The Acqua Plus and Limnoupolis water parks keep separate shallow pools with small slides, open from the age of three. Glass-bottomed boats run from the coastal villages: the fish are visible without dipping your face. Donkeys on the Lassithi plateau and short horse rides near Georgioupoli suit even those who used to be afraid of animals.

Practical notes: Crete is long, over two hours of road from Chania to the eastern parks, so the route is chosen near the hotel. In the water parks height matters more than age — the big slides start at a marked line. A pushchair is useless at the Knossos excavations and in the old towns; a sling works better. A sun hat, water and lunch in the shade are essential: from noon till four the sun is hard even on adults.