Best Greek Islands for Families

Are you thinking of jet-setting to Greece with the little ones but are not sure which Greek island is best for families? Mum and Dad want to relax and the kids want to play; you want your children to have the freedom to be themselves – but it’s your holiday as well. You don’t want your longed-for break to be a chore; you work hard enough during the daily grind. You want to build lasting memories in a relaxed, fun atmosphere – with the stress taken out of your holiday.

Whether you want to stay in a budget hotel or a luxury villa, with its gorgeous sunshine, turquoise seas, daring water sports and rich culture, Greece has plenty of opportunities to build memories. Here, we look at the best Greek islands for families.

Corfu, Ionian islands

This spot is a great budget break popular with British tourists. Head to Corfu for beaches, swimming and pebbly caves. By day, the kids will love splashing around in Corfu’s water park, Aqualand, and by night, they can chill with local ginger beer at the renowned James Bond Hotel, Corfu Holiday Palace.

Zakynthos, Ionian islands

Zakynthos is ideal for teenagers. Get the best of both at Peligoni Beach Club, which allows you to keep away from the busy-ness of an all-inclusive resort but is still lively enough to allow your teens to make friends. Energetic teens can enjoy activities around the clock, from the kid’s club and water sports by day to barbeques and parties by night. You can take advantage of the in-villa crèche and babysitting services while you take in the views of the spectacular coastline and pine forest. For something extra special, look out for the protected loggerhead turtles that breed on Gerakas beach.

Crete

If you’re a history lover or if your kids crave adventure, head to Crete. Explore the magnificent – and accessible – palaces to spark the children’s imaginations. Venture to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to see the mystical Snake Goddess among other curious Knossos treasures. Take the little ones on an adventure to the eerie Dikteon cave on the Lasithi Plateau – the legendary birthplace of Zeus, king of the Greek gods. However, its history is not the only thing Crete is known for. Crete has stretches of lush beaches and beach hotels like the Serita Beach Hotel, perfect for winding down and relaxing by the pool.

Paxos, Ionian islands

If you’re looking for a secluded villa escape, Paxos is the place for you. This hideaway for yacht owners conceals you from the crowds. Here, on this miniature island, you can sample exquisite seafood by the aquamarine ocean dotted with white beaches. With just three towns joined by meandering paths, come to this haven for a slower pace of life. If you want to spend the majority of your stay in a livelier resort, you can hop on a day boat to explore Paxos, view the dramatic coastline and to visit the private island of Antipaxos. A top tip to avoid the crowds of this popular paradise island is to relax by the garden pool for most of the day and then to wander to the coast at around 5 pm.

Rhodes, Dodecanese

With its thirty-mile beach on which to relax, the east coast of Rhodes is the ideal spot for some well-earned rest and recuperation. A stay in top hotels like the Mitsis Rodos Maris Resort & Spa or the Kresten Royal Villas & Spa have something for the whole family, from wellness and water sports facilities to kids clubs and babysitting. Rhodes is the ideal place for that delicate balance between memory-making fun and well-deserved downtime. Outside of the hotels, venture to Rhodes Town for pedestrianised cobbles and rich history to truly take you back in time.

The Greek islands prove that you can have it all. Wonderfully juxtaposing the varying needs of a family getaway, there are plenty of choices when you’re looking for the best Greek islands for families.