The advice given is good. The kids will be bored to tears (even if you are on an organised (expensive!) trip) and there isn't even a little bay for them to paddle in. Crossing the narrow channel can be quite bumpy in a little boat and there is NO SHADE and nowhere to sit down for a good cold drink.

Save your money and sanity and enjoy your local area.

far better trip we had in august last year was the one to dia island from heraklion, theres a small beach, sun beds, fantastic snorkeling, a good little taverna, shower, and toilets, yeah the place may be busy with other trippers but theres enough areas by the shorline to laze in the sun for a few hours, much better than spinalonga and more child friendly.

Our favourite all time beach is Elafonisos, takes about 1-1.5 hrs from Chania but I do not know how long it will take from Rethymnon though. Well worth the journey, a little bit of 'real paradise'. Once I am there you cant get me off the beach - I would stay there until it was dark (I have to be dragged off) only I am a bit worried about driving back along those roads in the dark! Pink sands, very very shallow water, ideal for little ones - I am a non swimmer so it is great for me too, air bed (with my feet still on the sea bed), sifting sand looking for tiny shells - bliss! You can wade up to waist high to the other little bays - be warned some are nudist areas! One visit is never enough!

I agree with the comments posted about Spinalonga as far as your children are concerned. Much too far and an adult excursion rather than one suitable for little ones. The waterpark is a far more suitable choice, eben if it is still a fairly long trip. I am sure you will find more than enough to see closer to Rethymnon where they will have lovely beaches close to hand.
A favourite of ours is on the South side, about an hour's drive near Plakias, called Ammoudi. To the left of the beach a small stream enters the sea. I have watched children happily play there for hours, trying to catch the small fish that live in its waters. Try to get there for about 10.30am, before it gets more busy, though it is never crowded. There are sunbeds and umbrellas available so you and Dad may keep a close eye on them whilst enjoying the sun. The drive across, affords spectacular views through the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, though watch the car doors if you stop to enjoy the views, since the wind can be very strong as it blows through the cliffs. You will also pass through some pretty smaller villages on the way.
In Rethymnon itself there is a small childrens corner with animals in the Park, in the evenings as you stroll along the sea front almost into the old town by the Marina there may be small roundabouts for them to go on as a treat.
I seem to remember you will only be there for a week, honestly, I do not think they will have chance to get bored, just don't try to do too much!

Thank you so much everybody and Star Beach sounds fab!!
Camille, we have booked for two weeks!!!!!
Leah

Loved Spinalonga,found the stories told by the tour guide really moving! Felt a little sorry for the people who didn't have a guide,though,they seemed to be wandering around a bit lost! It was SO!! hot though,like you've all said before,very little shade.

I'd second the hat and water advice, Spinalonga is very easy to get to from Ag Nik or Elounda, Ag Nik is easier to get to from Stalis on public transport (straight bus ride through) or in a taxi (cheaper :lol:) but Elounda is a lovely place and well worth a mooch round too.

My friends and I are going to Crete in 3 weeks and hope to go to Spinalonga. We didnt go last year either. Anyone who is thinking of going I can really recommend a novel called "the Island" by Victoria Hislop. It is very good and all about the history of the Leper colony. It has made me adamant that I am going!!

Did Spinalonga 3 years ago and have to agree it was a very moving and atmospheric experience. Certainly one of the best excursions we have ever done but it has to be done with a guide to get the best information whilst there.

Hi

whilst on holiday in ibiza last year i read a book called the island. It was about leprosy and how people got shipped to spinalonga. Has anyone been on this trip and it is good? Thanks

I went 4 years ago when I stayed in Elounda nr Agios Nikolious(? spelling)in Crete.It is a 15 minute boat ride away from Elounda which is the most lovely unspoilt place on the planet.Spinalonga is very interesting and peaceful island.

Hi there
I also went to Spinalonga with Nostos tours when on holiday in Aghios Nikolaos. Glad there was an English speaking guide,to tell the really moving story of the poor souls that lived on the Island. Don't think it would have been half as interesting if we'd been left just to wander round,to be honest.

Here's a link to them that might give you a better idea. http://www.dilos.com/trvl/nostos
Hope this helps.
Regards
Fiona

P.S.Would definitely say it is worth a visit though!!

its quite a surprising place- not how I imagined it. Looks to have been a good little community. If you go, take a hat or a sunbrolly and plenty of water. It was really hot when we were there and we had to find what shady bits we could when the guide was telling us the stories from the island. It is def worth going to see( and I've just read the book as well!)

I visited Spinalonga almost twenty five years ago on my first trip to Crete. At the time the place was falling to pieces though now I believe it has been renovated and turned into more of a museum. The book presents a very pretty and stylised picture of what must have been a nightmare to any of the unfortunate people sent to live there.
At the time of my visit I found it to have a great air of sadness, but it is well worth the trip.

Spinalonga is definately worth a visit - I visited before I had read The Island, but I love to go back having read it since! We hired a car, drove around the coast to Ag Nic, Elunda and Plaka and then got a small boat over to spinalonga.

Well worth a visit

I was there also 2 years ago. Definately get a good guide, it is worth it. I read the book a few months ago and it was a strange feeling to know you have walked around the island. Nostros Tours were very good.

Brilliant trip. If you catch a smaller boat from Plaka, around the bay from Elounda it is much cheaper but you dont get a guide.

Can you tell me the author of the book please?

I think it's Victoria Hislop.

Kath HT Admin