Candia Park Village: A Family-Friendly Cretan Resort Review

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Hotels

This hotel is renowned as one of the finest family-friendly stays in Crete. Hotels expert Emilee Tombs recently checked in to the relaxed Greek resort to assess whether it truly lives up to its considerable hype and reputation for being a beloved destination for families.

Location and Setting

Candia Park Village enjoys a truly enviable position overlooking the stunningly blue Mirabello Bay in eastern Crete. The resort is modelled on a traditional Cretan village, creating a stylish yet laid-back atmosphere that appeals to both adults and children. It features a safe, pine-backed beach perfect for swimming and relaxation.

The hotel is situated just a fifteen-minute drive from the popular tourist town of Agios Nikolaos, where visitors can enjoy harbour-front dining and various boat tours, including glass-bottom excursions and longer trips to islands like Santorini and Astypalaia. Heraklion airport is conveniently located less than an hour's drive away, making travel arrangements straightforward.

Atmosphere and Design

As part of a small Greek chain comprising four hotels, Candia Park Village immediately presents itself as the kind of establishment families would happily return to year after year. The main reception area, small shop, and ice cream parlour are designed to resemble a traditional Cretan village, complete with a charming terracotta clock tower and a welcoming town square vibe that sets the tone for the entire stay.

Service and Hospitality

Service throughout the resort is consistently warm and friendly, though guests are generally left to their own devices rather than experiencing intensive sunlounger service. Restaurant waiters demonstrate attentive care, often remembering preferred seating arrangements for breakfast and dinner. The children's club staff are particularly engaged and welcoming, ensuring younger guests feel comfortable and entertained.

Accommodation Options

All accommodations, including suites and apartments, are designed to sleep at least four guests, with some larger options accommodating up to six. Each category features a practical small kitchenette, allowing for partially self-catered stays, along with either a small outside space or a more substantial balcony.

The older accommodations in the village area maintain a traditional Cretan aesthetic, while newer sea-view rooms offer a more contemporary style with minimalist interiors. These feature exposed brickwork against earthy tones, monochrome linens, queen-sized beds, and open-plan living spaces with sofa beds, complemented by fully furnished outdoor terraces.

Dining Experiences

Room rates typically include half-board dining, covering both a substantial buffet breakfast and dinner. These buffets are comprehensive, featuring traditional Greek and European dishes alongside child-friendly options like pasta with pesto, breakfast cereals, and chips. Daily specials might include dishes such as cacio e pepe or cod stuffed with Greek vegetables and herbs.

For an additional charge, guests can dine at the excellent à la carte restaurant, To Fili Taverna, which serves authentic Cretan cuisine accompanied by a well-curated local wine list. Provenance is emphasised here, with extra virgin olive oil sourced from the hotel group's own olive grove in Anoskeli Rethimnon, and suppliers prioritising local, seasonal products.

Facilities and Activities

A large swimming pool provides welcome respite from the heat, complete with a dedicated children's pool and a shallower area within the main pool that's suitable for laps. The on-site children's club accepts youngsters from four years upwards without requiring advance booking, featuring both indoor and outdoor play areas. Children under four can visit with a parent, and special sessions like morning yoga are occasionally offered.

The resort includes a small shop selling everyday essentials, from groceries like cereal, bread, milk, pasta, cold cuts, cheeses, and fresh produce to clothing and beach toys. A gelato parlour serves approximately twenty flavours, while a compact gym and morning yoga sessions held under olive trees on grassy areas complete the leisure offerings, with no advance sign-up necessary.

Accessibility and Practical Information

Candia Park Village offers eighteen fully adapted disabled rooms with wider doors and converted bathrooms. The entire property is wheelchair accessible, except for the beach area, with all disabled rooms located on the ground floor for convenience. However, guests should note the presence of traditional stone-paved walkways throughout the hotel. Disabled bathrooms are available in all public areas except the pool bar.

Pets are welcome free of charge but must remain on a lead and under owner supervision at all times. Standard check-in time is from 3pm, with check-out at 11am.