Are you looking for the best Greek islands to travel to with your loved ones, but you find it difficult to choose the perfect destination that will live up to your family’s expectations? Well, that's what we're here for!
Whether you are looking for a calm family-friendly destination or a place that offers a wealth of entertainment, there is an ideal Greek island out there for you, and we'll show you which it is!
We have rounded up five of the best Greek islands for families, with recommendations depending on the type of holidays you think will suit you best.
Be prepared to relax, enjoy extraordinary adventures and create unique memories with your kids in a country where sunny, sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters are abundant and warm hospitality is a given.
The best Greek island for you and your kids is waiting!
Travel to Rhodes, the island of knights
One of the best Greek islands for families with kids is the island of Rhodes. Rhodes is located in the eastern part of the Aegean Sea and is part of the Dodecanese island group. Relaxation here comes with a hint of medieval charm.
A stroll around the small cobbled alleys of Rhodes old town will bewitch you, with the unmatched aesthetic of the region satisfying even the most demanding of visitors, while a visit to the imposing Palace of the Grand Masters will make your children feel that they are taking a trip back in time.
You and your children will have the extraordinary opportunity to visit one of the most historically valuable places in Greece, where the 40m statue of the Colossus of Rhodes is believed to have once stood!
Additionally, this fascinating island offers a string of excellent family-friendly beaches with shallow waters, most of which have been awarded Blue Flags.
From the eastern coast and the busy Faliraki beach, offering plenty of watersports and a vibrant nightlife, to quieter coves further down the south part of the island, you will have the chance to enjoy the world-renowned Greek sea in all of its glory.
A must-visit beach excursion is Lindos, an ancient acropolis of fascinating beauty, and Prassonissi, one of the most popular windsurfing spots in the Mediterranean Sea, that can serve as a stop to your island-hopping adventure around the area.
If you prefer a more tranquil experience, don’t miss the chance to visit the Valley of the Butterflies and let your kids explore the many different species of butterflies in their natural habitat; it's a truly enlightening and rewarding experience that makes the family-friendly island of Rhodes the best Greek island for you!
Watch the luscious nature of Andros
While it doesn’t rank at the top of the popular Greek islands for families or in general, Andros is a stunning island you can explore alongside your family during your Greek vacation.
Andros is the second-largest island of the Cyclades. One of its perks is that Andros airport offers direct flights from and to some of the most popular European cities. At the same time, the Greek island of Andros is about two hours by ferry from Athens.
The island itself is beautiful and your kids are going to love it. It boasts lots of greenery, secret walking paths, scenic Venetian castles, and natural springs you and your family can take a dip in.
All these, of course, are in addition to the many family-friendly beaches that adorn the island and allow its visitor to swim in crystal clear waters that look like they have come straight out of a fairytale.
Surf the waters of Lefkada
The Greek island of Lefkada is an excellent family-friendly destination to the sheer beauty of its gorgeous sandy beaches. The most popular of Andro’s beaches is Porto Katsiki, which is also considered without a doubt one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
Apart from the beaches of the islands that will make your kids happy, one thing that will make you happy is the fact that this Greek island is accessible by car from Athens, saving you the costs and trouble of ferry tickets.
If your kids are a bit older and fans of watersports and intense activities, Lefkada will be the best Greek island for them, as there, they will have the chance to enjoy surfboarding and kayaking on Lefkada’s beach, and especially the Bay of Basilica.
Visit Corfu, the 'Garden Isle'
A budget-friendly option among the best Greek islands for families every year is the Greek island of Corfu. Corfu is located in the Ionian Sea and is part of the Ionian island group, and it is argued by many that it is the best Greek island in the Ionian complex.
It is considered to have the most luscious vegetation and to be of the most beautiful Greek islands altogether, mostly because of its appealing hillside area and its verdant nature full of olive groves and cypress trees.
Corfu has long attracted visitors who seek -among others- peace and quiet. You and your family will be amazed by the elegant beauty of the Venetian town of Corfu, a UNESCO world heritage site.
The extraordinary architecture will captivate you, while your kids will have the time of their lives exploring the maze of small streets and the colorful shops of the old town!
Here, you will be spoiled by the finest beach-front hotels that offer family-friendly amenities and daily activity programs specially designed for children. And if you love music, don’t forget to book your tickets around the time of the International Corfu Festival and let your family get immersed in the long and rich musical heritage of the Greek island.
Explore Crete, the best Greek island for history buffs
Greece’s largest island, Crete, is one of the most popular Greek islands for families. Crete has often been voted ''the most loved island' by thousands of visitors every year due to its extraordinary beauty and natural diversity.
Crete is in the southern part of the Aegean Sea and it is often referred to as the jewel of the Mediterranean. If you and your family are up for experiencing ancient Greek culture, traditional lifestyle, and nature, this island is meant for you!
Crete’s glorious coastline with unique sandy and rocky beaches will capture your senses, while the locals will make sure to cater to traveling families, making you feel welcome and at home.
Depending on where you choose to stay, you may have the choice of enjoying adventure-filled days with lots of entertaining activities devised by your hotel. Alternatively, you can always go out and explore the island's beauties on your own or with the help of a tailor-made Greek tour designed by us!
The island’s larger cities, like Rethymno and Chania, will stun your kids with their unique architecture and narrow picturesque alleys, full of colorful souvenir shops and delightful aromas coming from the traditional tavernas which are scattered across the island. A visit to Knossos Palace and the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion should occupy the top two spots on your 'to-do' list.
Let your kids get excited with the juicy myth of the labyrinth and the fearsome Minotaur. And if you are an active family, you can trek through stunning gorges like Samaria Gorge and other mythical paths, take boat trips or explore the island's caves.
Top tip! Don’t miss the opportunity to browse our family-friendly tours and activities. It is guaranteed that your kids will have the time of their lives!
Experience Greek culture in Syros
Syros - credits: Georgios_Antonatos/Shutterstock.com
The multicultural and cosmopolitan Greek island of Syros is one of the most popular islands of the Cyclades and one of the best Greek islands for families you will meet.
The island is very aesthetically pleasing with a charming old town with an impeccable old-time charm and a spacious central square that invites people in regardless of their age and interest.
It is apparent that this Greek island marries the old with the modern, contributing to being a favorite destination for people who want to experience landscapes that let the mind wander, without being deprived of the high-quality services a Greek island for families offers.
Don't leave the island without having the whole family try the famous Syrian Loukumi (our Turkish delight). It is a traditional sweet with sugar as its main ingredient and flavored with all kinds of essences, with the most popular one being rosewater, and it will make your family holidays that much sweeter!
Enjoy Luxury in Santorini
Swim on the sandy beaches of Paros
It might be famed for its nightlife and popularity among the young crowds of locals and travelers of the Greeks island. However, Paros is also the best Greek island for family vacations for many a reason.
Firstly, the large tourist roads that visit this gem of the Greek islands every year have pushed the island into creating excellent tourist infrastructure, so you will have no problem finding top-quality accommodation that will fit everyone during your family trip.
What’s more, its incredible family-friendly beaches have shallow waters kids of all ages can enjoy, while most organized beaches also offer the option of watersports, which will excite the older kids.
Of course, from its long list of assets that make Paros one of the best Greek islands for families, we cannot overlook its traditional cuisine that will enchant both the kids and the adults and will reward their activities on the island in the tastiest way possible.
Marvel at the unspoiled beauty of Naxos
If you are fun of old-fashioned Greek holidays on a reasonable budget on an island with an amazing sandy coastline and surprising lush town, then the Greek island of Naxos is all you need.
Naxos is also part of the Cyclades, being the largest and most populated island in the island group.
Even though Naxos has none of the major resort hotels that have covered the coastlines of other Greek islands, it still manages to offer high-quality holidays for families that seek unique cultural experiences while on their family vacation.
Approximately 100 kilometers of white sand beaches and crystal-clear, shallow waters make Naxos the perfect destination for families with toddlers and young children.
The island offers its visitors the unique opportunity to ride horses by the sea and take windsurfing lessons, experiences that your little ones will never forget.
Apart from its incredible family-friendly beaches, Naxos also has an amazingly rich history.
Take the chance to visit striking temples, explore the impressive countryside, and indulge in walking tours around the island. You can even enjoy traditional Greek food made with your own hands by joining a Naxos cooking lesson!
Known for its delectable local cuisine, its natural beauty, and its calming abilities, the Greek island of Naxos is one of the most popular Greek islands for families, and not without reason.
While there are plenty of cultural stimuli to keep the parents entertained, such as the famous Portara, the marble gate that offers incredible sunsets looking out to the Aegean sea, the stunning sandy beaches and relaxed vibe of the island make it excellent for kids of all ages.
Don’t leave this Greek island and your family holidays without trying the Naxian greyer and the local potatoes.
Which Greek islands to avoid for a family vacation
This depends on what you’re after and when you choose to visit the Greek islands.
The cookie-cutter answer would be the party island of Mykonos, as it is known for its wild partying way, and the vibe of the Greek islands doesn’t exactly “scream” ‘kid-friendly.’
That being said, that is true only for the high season months from June to August. If you visit Mykonos for your family holidays during the off-or shoulder season, you will get to experience it in a completely different light that might even go as far as to make it a family-friendly paradise.
With that in mind, we should also bring to your attention that no matter which of the Greek islands for families you choose for your family vacation, if you visit them during the high-season months, you must come prepared for large crowds, busy roads, and crowded beaches.
That is not necessarily a bad thing. It is, however, something you should be aware of before booking your tickets.
As a result, if you want to experience a more secluded part of Greece, you should either choose one of the less popular Greek islands or choose spring or autumn for your vacations.
FAQs
Which is the safest Greek island?
Greece is, in general, a rather safe country. Especially the Greek islands and their different neighborhoods are reminiscent of the old times were people used to never lock their doors.
That being said, everything changes when the places flooded with crowds. It is known that large crowds are the mecca of pick-pocketers, and therefore, you should always be aware of your belonging.
With that in mind, the smaller and less crowded the island, the safer it is, without any particular island standing out for being safer than the rest.
Are the Greek islands stroller-friendly?
Santorini caldera - credits: JIERE/Shutterstock.com
Well, it depends on the island. If you're going to visit one of the gorgeous Cycladic islands that are popular for their whitewashed cobbled alleys, you should keep in mind that cobbled streets are not friendly to strollers.
On the other hand, if you're visiting bigger islands, such as Crete, there will be no problem pushing your stroller, with the exception of a few secluded beaches that are difficult to access.
In any case, we highly suggest, before booking your tickets, to ask around (or even better, ask us!) in order to ensure a smooth, stroller-friendly stay.
Final Thoughts
The Greek islands are the ideal summer family trip to enjoy with your loved ones. Without a doubt, holidays in Greece with kids are an excellent opportunity to make fantastic memories you and your kids will cherish for the rest of your lives!
Check out our Greek island hopping guide and get ready for the ultimate Greek adventure!
With a Greek island-hopping adventure, you can visit all the Greek islands that boast a family-friendly atmosphere in one go and have the family vacation of your dreams!
Get in touch with our travel specialists and design the ideal family trip to Greece!
