For our family vacation, we chose the Apartment Meerblick in Karoti on Crete. My husband and I find it exciting to explore the area on our own and find taverns and cafés where locals also go to eat. Furthermore, we wanted a pool for our 4-year-old twins, a quiet location, and a beautiful terrace for our mild summer evenings once the children are in bed. We booked the Apartment Meerblick for 3 weeks and set off at the end of July; here are our experiences and adventures:
The Apartment Meerblick in Karoti on Crete
The Apartment Meerblick is located in a very quiet spot on a hill in the small village of Karoti. From here, you have a wonderful view of the sea and as far as Georgioupoli from both the pool and the apartment. The layout of the apartment is just right: 2 bedrooms, the bathroom with a toilet in the middle, a kitchen with a dining area and 2 cozy sofas, and a really large terrace with seating as well as sun loungers. The apartment is lovingly furnished with many details; we felt at home immediately. Everything you need for your daily life in the apartment is provided, including 3 air conditioning units, a washing machine, and a dishwasher.
The apartment is part of a beautifully landscaped complex with a parking lot and a really large pool that also has a children's pool. The pool was ideal for our children. Around the pool, there is a spacious lawn for sunbathing, as well as a shower.
You can get everywhere quickly by car: there is a wonderful patisserie, two supermarkets, and also taverns as well as a food delivery service. Furthermore, there is a bakery not far from the apartment. We found the walk to Episkopi a bit too far, which was perhaps a bit of a shame at times, as one of us always had to drive.
Our excursions
Episkopi Beach
We rented a car right at the airport from Kosmos, with which we explored the north and south coasts. Our first excursion took us to the beach on the 'New Road' right by Episkopi, which became our favorite beach. This beach was perfect: a long sandy beach, showers, umbrellas, and sun loungers did not have to be paid for separately if you ordered something to drink at the adjacent tavern. At the tavern, there was a playground in the shade with grass (!) available, as well as toilets and a bar.
Unfortunately, the sea did not always cooperate, and during our time there, the waves were often very high, and the red flag flew quite frequently. For my husband, it was pure pleasure, but unfortunately not for our children. However, many sand artworks were built, and the children learned beach tennis and romped around the playground.
Bali Beach
Of course, we also had to check out Bali beach, because the name alone makes you curious. There are 3 bays here; we were at the harbor and also right next to it at the beach. Both beaches were very crowded during our time there, so thanks to a guidebook, we discovered a 3rd one: Elviras Bay.
We liked this beach the best. The children immediately climbed the adjacent mountain, where you have a breathtaking view of the sea and the other bays. The bay is small, and there are no waves here.
Due to the adjacent rocks, it is ideal for snorkeling or diving (dives are offered in the harbor). When we were there, a boat stayed with us in the bay and did a few dives, which fascinated our son very much.
Gerani Beach
In search of a bay with fewer waves, we found Gerani Beach, which is located on the way on the New Road to Rethymno.
The bay is quiet because large rocks keep the waves away. Right next to it is a tavern, and there is a shower.
Unfortunately, the beach is not really nice for lying down and lingering, because there is hardly any space to lie or sit, and it is all full of stones.
Plakias Beach
South of Karoti, we checked out the beach of Plakias. Here there is a long pebble/sand beach where loungers and umbrellas are rented for €2 per lounger/umbrella.
The sea is beautifully clear, and there were far fewer waves than at our place on the north coast. Along the beach, umbrellas and loungers can always be rented for a few euros.
There are also several taverns at the harbor. Unfortunately, the wind was very strong on our day, and sometimes even the sand was blown onto us, which the children in particular did not like so much. However, the sea was a bit calmer here and ideal for the children to swim.
Damnoni Beach
Beautiful sand/pebble beach with turquoise sea. This beach is wonderfully quiet, sheltered from the wind, and there were no high waves. At both ends, this beach is protected by rocks, which makes the wind more moderate here.
Loungers and umbrellas can be rented on the beach for a few euros. The beach is hardly built up, but there are a few taverns and bars that provide for your physical well-being.
My husband also did a little snorkeling here; it is ideal, and he brought back beautiful shells.
Georgioupoli
One afternoon, we set out to explore the neighboring town of Georgioupoli. There is a lot going on here in the evening; there are several shops, supermarkets that open their doors until late in the evening, taverns and bars, and of course hotels and apartments.
It is rather small and easy to navigate for shopping, but for us, it had everything we needed; in particular, you can find really very good taverns here. At the harbor, my husband and the children even did a little fishing, a highlight for the children. I liked it there very much, and it was really very easy to reach by car.
Rethymno
You absolutely must see Rethymno. When you exit the 'New Road', you might be a little unsettled, as you initially only find unsightly concrete buildings, but once you have reached the old town, you will definitely be reconciled. In small, idyllic alleys, you will find numerous shops, beautiful buildings that are at most 3 stories high, and also sights. The Fortezza, enthroned on a hill, impresses with its imposing walls. I could stroll through the old town here for hours, which didn't really work out with 2 small children.
The Venetian harbor is definitely an exceptionally beautiful spot, but walking here at mealtime is not always that pleasant. The fish taverns are very densely packed here, trying to lure you into the restaurant with slogans. Caution is advised here; many charge quite a bit for this wonderful view, and you pay excessive prices. So always study the menus first.
I think it's great that there are several establishments here that have playgrounds for children inside; I miss this idea here in Austria very much. After lunch at the harbor, we took a small walk through the old town. Of course, passing by the Rimondi Fountain in the city center. Between 4 Corinthian columns, the water bubbles out of 3 worn-out lion mouths. Unfortunately, it is no longer completely preserved, but still worth a look.
By the way, the kilometer-long sandy beach also starts at the harbor, where sun loungers and umbrellas are rented out again and again.
Heraklion
The capital of Crete has a lot to offer and should not just consist of a visit to the airport. In the city center, there are numerous cafés and taverns and, of course, very many shops. We noticed that they are often specialty shops, such as for model making or vinyl records. I was repeatedly drawn to the many fashion and jewelry shops.
The 16th-century harbor fortress at the Venetian harbor is, of course, also worth a look; you can walk along here very nicely.
Near Heraklion is also the Minoan palace of Knossos, which entices with numerous well-preserved excavations. Unfortunately, we had to skip this highlight with the children, but when they are older, it is definitely a must-do.
Â
Good food on Crete
Episkopi
Kyma and Asterias directly by the sea
At Episkopi beach, I can highly recommend the taverns Kyma and Asterias Beach. We usually spent the day at the beach here and often ate lunch or dinner. The service is very friendly, and the food is very good. Unfortunately, internet was not always available at Kyma, but it was at Asterias.
These taverns were ideal for our children, as large playgrounds with many pieces of equipment and vehicles were provided at each. In the evening, it is simply beautiful when the sun sets here on the beach and you can enjoy your Greek food. And at noon, the playground is also partially in the shade, and the grass is better for small naked children's feet ?
Both taverns also each have a bar where you can enjoy a cocktail.
Â
Melistalakto – Patisserie
You absolutely must have visited this patisserie Melistalakto. You are in pastry heaven here: homemade ice cream flavors, iced tea, and milkshakes are a dream.
I can recommend everything I tried here: ice cream, chocolate milkshake, cream rolls, and especially the chocolate mice – to melt for. Very nice modern establishment with (fast!) internet. The pastries and drinks are all also available for takeaway.
It is very modernly furnished, and you can wonderfully end the evening on the terrace. There is also a television running with news.
Georgioupoli
In Georgioupoli, there are several taverns and cafés around the main square; thanks to a guidebook, we found very tasty ones that you absolutely must try:
Babis
This excellent, family-run establishment called Babis can be found right in a side street to the harbor. Here, the owner and her husband are personally in the kitchen and serve their delicacies with good German.
You should definitely try the salads here: Roulas Salad with a sensational dressing and figs, as well as the avocado salad. Add the stuffed eggplants, and the evening can end enjoyably.
Â
Â
Valentino
Right next to Babis, you can find the tavern Valentino. This tavern has a lot of variety, and the dishes we tried were very good and yet inexpensive. I tried very delicious shrimp here, and the chicken with fig sauce is a dream.
They are very attentive here with dessert; the 'grown-ups' get schnapps, and the 'little ones' get a shot glass with a colorful drink. In our case, there was also a pudding – the children were super proud of their shot glass. Furthermore, they have not only baby seats here for the children, but also slightly higher chairs for toddlers, because our children often sat with their chins at the table.
Mythos
Right by the main square, this dreamy establishment caught my eye. It is lovingly designed with lots of decorations and many plants. The menu is very extensive, and the dishes taste really excellent. Everything is very lovingly arranged and decorated. We liked everything we ordered here. For the children, children's series play on the television here, which I must confess was very practical.
Extra tip: Go eat in time; in the evening, people actually queue up here to go out to eat, or reserve a table for the next day right away!
Restaurant Corissia Princess Hotel
For a wonderful view of the sea while eating, I can recommend the restaurant Corissia Princess Hotel in Georgioupoli. The food is very good, and there are several Greek dishes.
Many waiters speak German here, and this restaurant is ideal for children as it has a playground. In the evening, shows or music concerts take place here again and again. Our children were very enthusiastic about the dance evenings and watched again and again.
Conclusion
All in all, it was a nice family vacation for us. For my husband, unfortunately, no water sports were possible; only the high waves were able to distract him a little. For the children, the waves at 'our' beach were unfortunately often too high, so we were also at the pool more often. The Apartment Meerblick is really beautiful, great furnished, in a quiet location, and the pool is wonderful. During our time, it was very quiet, hardly any people in the apartments, and if so, very friendly and with many children. We really felt very comfortable there.
On Crete, you also have the feeling that you are welcome with children. In all taverns, there were child seats, and often playgrounds, and the children also receive small attentions, such as lollipops or sometimes a small shot glass with colorful drinks. I really enjoyed going out to eat in taverns with the children; finally, no restaurants where you are immediately looked at if the children are a bit louder. I can unreservedly recommend Crete and the Apartment Meerblick for a family vacation.
Sabine, July/August 2013
Also read: Checklist for the Travel First-Aid Kit
