Fodele Beach & Water Park takes Crete family holidays to another level

Holidays in Crete have always been favourites with Katie Amps and her kids, but Fodele Beach & Water Park took that to the next level this summer.

Fodele Beach Resort & Water Park, Crete

With beautiful beaches, rich history, family-friendly resorts, and welcoming local culture, Crete has always been a firm family favourite! And when it comes to finding the perfect resort for everyone, you won’t find better than Fodele Beach & Water Park!

Designed as a family-friendly resort, it offers a wide range of amenities, including a large waterpark, animal-themed rooms for children, and a variety of dining options. It’s also just 25 km west of Heraklion, so perfectly placed for a quick airport transfer – box number one ticked – and it’s on the sandy shores of Fodele Beach: a picturesque area known as the birthplace of El Greco.

The resort is the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation for families, with private beach access just steps away and some of Crete’s best family attractions nearby.

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Seafront Family Room, Fodele Beach Resort

Perfect accommodation for family holidays in Crete

Our Seafront Family Room was spacious and thoughtfully designed. It featured two separate areas: one with a comfortable king-sized bed and the other with two single beds. So it was a perfect setup for families. The only minor inconvenience was that we had to walk through the children’s area to get to the bathroom. However, this didn’t affect our stay, as our kids are sound sleepers. Although the real highlight was the our bedroom’s patio doors opening on to a ground-level balcony, which offered breathtaking views and direct access to the beach.

Finding the perfect family-friendly resort when you have kids with a ten-year age gap between them can be challenging, but Fodele Beach nailed it!

The resort kept both of our kids fully engaged, whether they were splashing around in the pool, enjoying thrilling water sports at the beach, or conquering the slides and rides at the on-site waterpark. There was always something exciting to do, and with so many options, they were spoiled for choice! It’s safe to say Fodele Beach exceeded our expectations and delivered fun-filled memories for everyone.

Waterpark, Fodele Beach Resort, Crete

Fodele Beach waterpark wins the holiday highlight award

The resort’s crown jewel is its award-winning waterpark, featuring some of the wettest and wildest slides in Crete, all within the hotel grounds. The waterpark is right on top of a steep hill, but fear not, Fodele Beach has thought of everything to ensure guests can easily access it without breaking a sweat, as a charming little train shuttles guests back and forth from reception every 15 minutes, saving you from tiring walks uphill.

Once inside the park, get ready for heart-racing slides that are meticulously monitored by lifeguards, ensuring safety is a top priority. There’s also a dedicated splash zone for younger guests, where our adventurous 6-year-old, Ronnie, transformed into Captain Splash as he ruled over the kids pool. With mini slides, a pirate ship play area, and water cannons, he was in his own watery kingdom. And for parents who prefer to relax and watch the fun unfold, there are plenty of sunbeds surrounding the waterpark: perfect for enjoying the excitement at a comfortable distance!

Water sport fun on Fodele Beach, Crete

Beach holidays in Crete don’t come better than this

The beach at Fodele Beach is a true gem, set against the stunning backdrop of northern Crete’s beachy coast. With its soft golden sands and crystal-clear waters, it offers a perfect spot for families to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean.

The waters are generally calm and safe for swimming, making it ideal for both children and adults. The beachfront area is well-maintained, with sunbeds and umbrellas available for guests to lounge comfortably while soaking up the sun. And for those looking for more excitement, the resort also offers a range of water sports, such as jet skis and the water sofa, adding an element of adventure to the serene setting. With its inviting atmosphere and picturesque views, we couldn’t think of a better spot to relax and enjoy the best of seaside living.

A great location for getting to know more of the island

However, we wanted to make the most of our time on the island by exploring some nearby sights.

One of our favourite outings was to Kourtaliotiko Gorge. The drive there was stunning, with dramatic cliffs and lush greenery surrounding us. Once we arrived, we hiked through the gorge, marvelling at the towering rocks and the serene river flowing alongside the path. Ella loved snapping photos of the scenery, while Ronnie enjoyed spotting little lizards darting across the rocks. The fresh mountain air was invigorating for everyone.

Next, we took a trip to Plakias, a charming coastal village where we spent the day relaxing on the beach, wave jumping in the very choppy sea, and enjoying a delicious lunch at a seaside taverna. The laid-back atmosphere was the perfect contrast to our busy resort days.

Another highlight was our visit to Preveli Beach. The lush surroundings here were lovely, and we discovered a picturesque spot with swings nestled in the pine forest nearby. Ronnie couldn’t get enough of the swings, but we also encountered geese waddling along the beach, which completely captivated him too. The combination of beach fun and nature made for a perfect family outing.

Family friendly dining, Fodele Beach Resort

A choice of seven restaurants keeps everyone happy

Food always plays a big part in our holidays in Crete, and we were delighted to find dining at Fodele Beach is designed with families in mind, ensuring that every member, from the youngest to the oldest, finds something delicious to enjoy. And with seven different restaurants to choose from, there’s something to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

Basilikos, a family favourite, offers a relaxed seaside setting where parents can savour authentic Cretan dishes while kids are entertained by the stunning beachfront views and playful ambience. The menu features everything from fresh seafood to kid-friendly Greek mezze, all cooked to perfection on the BBQ, making it a great choice for family dinners.

For a more casual experience, Frankie Beach Club is the ideal spot for parents to unwind with a cocktail while the kids enjoy a light snack and some beachside fun.

Throughout the resort, family-friendly options like themed buffets, kids’ menus, and interactive dining experiences ensure that mealtime is not just about eating but also about sharing and creating lasting family memories by the sea.

Fodele Beach Resort & Water Park

Holidays in Crete are all about making lasting memories

Every evening brought something new and exciting! We were treated to a spectacular white party on our first night, complete with dazzling fireworks lighting up the sky. The entertainment crew organized a different show every night. One evening, we were completely mesmerized by an incredible pirate show that was so immersive and thrilling that Ronnie genuinely believed he was watching real pirates in action—we had to reassure him that it was all just make-believe!

Fodele Beach truly stole our hearts! While it was bustling with families, the spacious layout made it feel inviting, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. We returned home with sun-kissed skin, loads of laughter, and a promise to return for another family adventure. If you’re searching for a vibrant family getaway packed with sun, fun, and unforgettable memories, Fodele Beach is the place to be.