I think it very much depends what your kids (and, indeed, you) like. Cyrpus is like Crete, but is a bit more.....British.

There are lots of places in Cyrprus (and some, but fewer, in Crete) where there is resort based stuff specifically for kids. As I type this, I remember reading a review about a kids' club at Elounda.

Yup, found it- http://www.portoelounda.com/v4/html/ChildrenServices.htm

But it comes down to how much the holiday is for you and how much for them.

I like both islands, but I hugely prefer Crete. Having said that, I wouldn't stay at Porto Elounda for the world. I'd just take them to Paleochora and spend time with them on the beacha nd take them dolphin watching and stuff. What does a 4 year old care about Minoan ruins?

I found this for you, too

http://cyprus.angloinfo.com/af/281/cyprus-children-days-out-for-kids.html

Cyprus is not like the Greek Islands, it has a different history, some of that has left British influence. Still makes a great place for vacations, there are activities for kids in most resort hotels plus waterparks, an aquarium, donkey and ostrich farm and those type of things. Beaches are great around Protaras/Fig Tree Bay. Cyprus is a fairly big island, 3rd largest in the Med although it is divided. It is fairly expensive especially now since the Euro and the standard of living is quite high. You will be hardpushed to find a waiter that speaks Greek.

Thank you for the information, it gives me a lot to think about. I also see air seems to be higher to Cyprus than Crete but I could be wrong. I appreciate the links and will check it out. It's tough to pay the higher prices these days having been to Greece and Turkey when everything was so inexpensive. Anyway, thanks so much!

05/21/2008 If you check the apartments available thru holidaylettings.co.uk there are lots of places that cater to families. I found this a great web location. I have a question. I cannot find a reasonable way to get there by air or sea. I want to go in October from the Greek Islands, Crete or Rhodes for 2-3 weeks and then go to Cairo for Oct 29th. If I am in Rhodes I have to go back to Athens and if I am in Cyprus it is best to go back to Athens then to Cairo. Seems a real problem in that area. Does anyone have a good handle on this?

Is this website any use:

http://www.varianostravel.com/Cruises/ferry_service.htm

Salamis Lines website says their service is suspended.