Crete

MORNING

You won’t want to miss Balos with its electric blue water and white sand. The best way to get there is by boat. Charter a private tour with SEAze The Day, which provides snorkel gear and a visit to the Balos Lagoon.

DAY

Stop for lunch at the waterfront Falassarna Tavern where you can order house specialties like Kakavia, a Cretan fish soup made with locally-caught fish and olive oil made on Island.

Next, visit Manousakis Winery and sit at a table outside on the terrace to sample organic wines made on Crete.

EVENING

Visit Old Town Chania, which overlooks Old Venetian harbor, for a stroll, stopping into boutiques like Carmela Iatropoulou to peruse the selection of handmade jewelry and artwork.

MORNING

Kids will love the fruit-topped pancakes at the seaside Mare Cafe, but don’t miss the traditional Cretan breakfast with homemade cheese pies and yogurt with honey and walnuts.

A two minute walk from breakfast, visit the Historical Museum of Crete to peer over a treasure trove of artifacts that showcase the island’s past between from the 4th century to WWII. Less than 15 minutes away by car, stop at the Palace of Knossos to explore the Bronze Age archaeological site that was once the center of Minoan civilization. After exploring, pause for lunch at Peskesi, a rustic taverna known for classic local dishes.

DAY

In the afternoon, take a drive along the island’s north coast to Marathi Beach, close to the city of Chania. Shallow water along with umbrellas and showers make this an ideal beach spot for families.

EVENING

For dinner, Apostolis Restaurant is a lovely, kid-friendly spot where you can dine on fresh-caught fish from outdoor tables overlooking the sea.

MORNING

Make the Domes of Elounda resort your homebase, where you can start your day at the SOMA Spa with a couples massage. The Elounda-based luxury property is situated on the coast, overlooking the castle on Spinalonga Isle.

DAY

Book a private boat excursion for the cushiest way to get to the tiny island. Once there, you can explore ruins, hidden coves, rocky shorelines, and deserted beaches.

EVENING

For dinner, reserve a table at Kanali, the lantern-lit, open-air restaurant with views of the surrounding sea. Order plates of oysters and olive-oil drizzled grilled fish and glasses of wine. Afterward, head to nearby Isalos Elounda for dessert and creative cocktails, served seaside, of course.