Sol By Melia Marina Beach

Marina Beach is a family-friendly hotel located on the northern coast of Crete, next to the sandy Gournes Beach. This all-inclusive resort, just 15 minutes drive from Heraklion airport, is the perfect place to relax or have fun in the sun.

For the little ones there’s a mini club, a playground and a splash pool. While the big kids might fancy a game of mini golf, beach volleyball, football, table tennis or a swim in one of the two seawater pools. The animation team provides entertainment for all ages, throughout the day and into the evening.

At the fully equipped spa you can indulge in a complimentary 15-minute massage of your choice. Afterwards maybe relax in the heated pool, sauna or steam bath, before you soothe your muscles in the shower jet.

The main restaurant offers buffet style meals with show cooking. Take advantage of the late breakfast service (until 11:30) and the afternoon salads and snacks served from the poolside bar (until 4pm). Ideal for sleepy heads and those whose body clocks can’t adjust to the local time. Ice cream is available for most of the day, while biscuits and cakes are served from 4-5pm. There’s also an a la carte eatery on site - Isla by7seas, where you can eat once as part of the all-inclusive service, provided you’re staying for at least seven nights. The Lounge Lobby is open in the evenings for a pre or post-meal drink. On your departure day you can continue using your perks until 6pm. Note that draft beer, red & white house wine, soft drinks, still water, tea, coffee and fruit juices are included, other beverages may incur an additional charge.

Standard rooms offer a balcony with seating, centrally controlled air conditioning, a satellite TV with music channels, Wi-Fi, a safe deposit box, a mini fridge, tea & coffee making facilities and a hair dryer. Families might want to book the bungalow option, with a double and two separate child beds. The open plan family room is perhaps best suited to siblings who won’t fight over who gets the top bunk. If you have a mini human, a baby cot is available on request.

The nearby Folklore Museum contains a large collection of artifacts and photos, offering an insight into the everyday life of the island’s community in the last century. To learn about the residents from the prehistoric era visit Dinosauria Park, featuring life-size replicas, bones and fossils plus 3D exhibitions. Or if you want to gain a greater understanding of sea life, without getting wet, visit the aquarium & reptile rescue centre, housing over 200 different species.