Family Holidays
Water sports on Vai beach, windsurfing (all levels) at Kouremenos beach, scuba diving in Sitia, endless sandy beaches with crystal-clear water: there is plenty to please all the family. Child-friendly, family-run tavernas will tempt you with local delicacies. Our carefully selected properties in this magical corner of East Crete will enable you to find the perfect family holiday.
Windsurfing for all the family
With lessons available for all ages at either of the two windsurfing stations, the whole family can try windsurfing!
Around the Palekastro area, the “Meltemi” wind increases its strength through the local thermal and funneling effect that gives the surface wind an additional 2 Beaufort. This makes Kouremenos bay one of the most wind-certain spots in Europe with wind statistics of 20-28 wind days per month from April to October.
Apart from the the perfect swimming conditions for young and old and the “air conditioning effect” which has been enjoyed by many visitors to the area, the bay offers perfect, flat-water conditions close to the shore (due to the off-shore wind) as well as clear blue waters and is the perfect spot for those wishing to learn how to windsurf, but also for those who even though advanced, want to either practice or learn new surf moves.
Diving for everyone!
There are many choices available to you, from individual to group diving, both in Sitia, Vai and other beaches in the area. Instruction can also begin in a swimming pool! Apart from free diving, there are beginners, advanced and speciality courses. Something for every one.
Join one of our hiking excursions
Portobelis One day Excursion (Traditional Crete) for 6-8 persons by minibus with 1-3 hours hiking
Excursion: No.1
Sitia-Exo Mouliana-Richtis Gorge-Faneromeni area-Sitia
Leaving Sitia at 09.00, we drive to the village of Exo Mouliana and then to the entrance of Richtis gorge (approx. 20 minutes from Sitia, on the road towards Agios Nikolaos). Starting from the entrance we walk into the gorge, until we come to the most impressive waterfall, which is over 15m high and flows all year round (approx. 90 minutes walk each way) – you can swim in the pool there! You will be surprised how green the gorge is, with a wide variety of plants, fragrant wild herbs and oleander bushes – it is easy to forget that you are in Crete! Back again to the entrance. We drive to the area of Faneromeni, where we visit the monastery, enjoy a light lunch with Cretan Meze, go down to the sea, a short visit to the gorge of Agioi Pantes and back to Sitia (arrival approx 16.30)
Cost: €68 per person (minimum 6 persons).
Price includes: Minibus, escort/driver, light lunch, travel insurance.
Note: Good walking shoes, water and a hat are essential!
Excursion: No.2
Sitia- Kato Zakros Gorge -Xerokambos-Sitia.
We leave Sitia at 09.00, drive down to Kato Zakros (approx. 50 minutes) and stop near the ruins of the 4th Minoan Palace, just by the gorge (known as the ‘Valley of the Dead’, as many caves were found there with tombs from the Minoan period). The gorge is an area of outstanding beauty, full of fragrant herbs and plants. We walk into the gorge (approx. 30 minutes, o/w), then to the Palace which you can visit if you wish. After a swim and a light lunch of Cretan meze in a taverna by the sea, we leave for Xerokambos, with the most beautiful beaches and crystal clear water in the area. There will also be an opportunity for a natural peeling experience with clay from the rocks by the beach! The return journey to Sitia is inland via Ziros and through small villages. We expect to be back in Sitia approx. 18.00.
Cost: €78 per person (minimum 6 persons).
Price includes: Minibus, escort/driver, light lunch, travel insurance.
Price does not include: Minoan Palace (optional!)
Note: Good walking shoes, water and a hat are essent