Greetings Travellers!
When most people think of a vacation under the Mediterranean sun, the images that are conjured are often of the Greek Islands with their whitewashed structures beside a calm bay of turquoise water, good fresh food, a lot of culture, and a world that is absolutely steeped in myth and legend.
Greece is a country renowned for its beautiful islands, which are perfect for family vacations. With crystal-clear waters, idyllic beaches, and a plethora of family-friendly activities, Greek islands are a perfect destination for families looking to unwind and enjoy quality time together.
However, with around 227 islands to choose from, it can be a bit daunting deciding where to go, especially if you are going as a family.
To help you narrow things down, here are 30 of the best Greek islands to visit that are family-friendly:
1. Crete: The largest of all the Greek islands, Crete is a favourite amongst families. The island boasts beautiful beaches, interesting archaeological sites like the Minoan palace at Knossos, and a truly welcoming culture.
2. Santorini: This beautiful island is a perfect destination for families looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure. Take a stroll through the charming villages, spend a day at the beach, visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri to see how ancient Minoans lived, or take a boat across the bay to walk on the active volcano. Santorini has something for everyone. This island is better if your children are older as the cliffs and steep stairways in the towns can be a bit tricky to navigate with restless toddlers. If you want the greatest sunset in the world, this is the place! CLICK HERE for a list of great things to do on this magical island.
3. Rhodes: This island is a perfect destination for families who love history. This is a large island with plenty to do and see! The medieval city and castle of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a great place to explore with kids with amazing sites and shopping for everyone. Imagine the Colossus of Rhodes towering over the harbour as it did in ancient times as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, or visit the acropolis of Lindos with the temple of Athena overlooking the turquoise sea. Rhodes is an amazing island for families!
4. Naxos: Naxos is a great destination for families who love nature. The island boasts stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking and cycling. Rent a car and explore every aspect of the island from the sea to the mountains where Zeus himself is said to have lived. Visit the mountain villages to see how the locals live, and visit the temple of Demeter at the heart of the island where Theseus left Ariadne on his way to Athens after slaying the Minotaur.
5. Paros: Paros is a perfect destination for families looking for a quiet and peaceful vacation. The island has a laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, and plenty of local charm. If you’re looking for a calm beach holiday this is a good option. There is also a lot of history here, including the Parian marble mines, the material which was used to create the statue of the Venus de Milo.
6. Corfu: Corfu, also known as Kerkyra, is a great destination for families who love water sports. The island has plenty of activities to offer, including scuba diving, snorkelling, and windsurfing. The island is named after a bride of the god Poseidon’s, named Kerkyra, after he brought her there. As with most islands in Greece, there are mythological ties to be explored as well!
7. Zakynthos: Zakynthos is a beautiful island with some of the most stunning beaches in Greece. The island is also home to the famous Navagio beach with its rusted shipwreck, which is a must-visit for families. The island is also known for its abundance of marine life, including loggerhead sea turtles.
8. Skiathos: Skiathos is a perfect destination for families who love beaches. The island boasts over 60 beautiful beaches, making it a paradise for beach lovers. Even your kids will marvel at the smooth, gold-flecked sand of Koukounaries beach which is so beautiful the Beatles even tried to buy it at one point!
9. Milos: Milos is a great destination for families who love adventure. The island boasts stunning natural landscapes, including hot springs and volcanic caves. The landscape of this island is unique and magical, and its history goes far back in time to early Cycladic life.
10. Kefalonia: Kefalonia is a great destination for families who love nature. The island is home to stunning beaches, beautiful lakes, and plenty of hiking trails. Kefalonia has a rich history and has been featured in the book and film, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Have fun exploring this stunning island with the people you love!
11. Hydra: Hydra is a great destination for families who love history. The island is home to beautiful architecture, including traditional stone houses and churches. Cars are not permitted on the island so it is easier to walk around with out worrying about your little ones. It was also a place which many famous artists, such as Leonard Cohen, called home, and was recently featured in the Amazon Prime mini series Daisy Jones and the Six.
12. Lefkada: Lefkada is a perfect destination for families who love water sports. The island is home to some of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing spots in Greece. This island also has links to stories about the goddess Aphrodite, Odysseus, and the ancient poet, Sappho.
13. Skopelos: Skopelos is a great destination for families who love nature. The island is home to beautiful forests, waterfalls, and beaches. As you drive around, sing along to your favourite Mamma Mia songs as parts of the movie were filmed here, as well as on Skiathos.
14. Tinos: Tinos is a great destination for families who love culture. The island is home to beautiful architecture and plenty of religious sites, including the famous Church of Panagia Evangelistria. It also played a large part in the history and turmoil of classical Greece.
15. Serifos: Serifos is a perfect destination for families who love hiking. The island is home to some of the best hiking trails in Greece, including the famous trail to the Monastery of Taxiarches. Tell your kids the story of how Danae and her son, Perseus, were washed ashore on Serifos, safely brought to shore by the gods.
16. Ios: Ios is a great destination for families who love beaches. The island boasts some of the most wonderful beaches in Greece, including Mylopotas and Manganari. This is a rugged and beautiful island.
18. Amorgos: Amorgos is a great destination for families who love adventure. The island is home to some of the best diving spots in Greece, as well as stunning natural landscapes. The island was also featured in the film, The Big Blue, by Luc Besson.
19. Folegandros: Folegandros is a perfect destination for families who love a quieter vacation. The island is known for its traditional architecture, beautiful beaches, and stunning views from the large cliffs. Perhaps save this for visiting with older children.
20. Koufonisia: Koufonisia is a great destination for families who love swimming and snorkeling. This small island boasts crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, and an abundance of marine life. This is the smallest island of the Cyclades, but is a wonder to behold.
21. Sifnos: Sifnos is a perfect destination for families who love food. The island is known for its traditional cuisine, including the famous chickpea soup and honey pie. It has many villages to be explored and myriad beaches to visit. Find a quiet spot just for the family and enjoy your idyllic Greek Island getaway!
22. Andros: Andros is a great destination for families who love hiking and nature. The island is home to beautiful trails, including the famous Andros Route, which runs through the island's stunning landscapes.
23. Ithaca: Ithaca is a perfect destination for families who love peace and quiet. The island is known for its traditional villages, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. It is also known as the home of Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey, a tale which every child will love with its array of gods, heroes, and monsters.
24. Thassos: Thassos, an island in the northern Aegean, is a great destination for families who love nature and history. The island boasts stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, and ancient ruins that will bring the world of ancient Greece to life.
25. Symi: Symi is a perfect destination for families who love architecture and history. The island is known for its beautiful neoclassical buildings, traditional houses, and museums.
26. Alonnisos: Alonnisos is a great destination for families who love nature and wildlife. The island is home to the National Marine Park of Alonnisos, which is home to many rare species of animals and birds. Enjoy exploring this wonderful marine world, and talking about it at a quaint taverna in the evening. Enjoy the freshness of the local crops, including olives, grapes, almonds and figs.
27. Astypalaia: Astypalaia is a perfect destination for families who love a mix of culture and nature. The island boasts stunning beaches, beautiful architecture, and plenty of historical sites.
28. Patmos: Patmos is a great destination for families who love history and religion. The island is home to the famous Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is famous for being the place where John of Patmos received the visions found in the Book of Revelation.
29. Kythira: Kythira is a perfect destination for families who love a quieter vacation. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, traditional villages, and stunning landscapes. It is also believed to be the place where the goddess Aphrodite came out of the sea, a wonderful story to fire everyone’s imagination!
30. Skyros: Skyros is a great destination for families who love a mix of culture, history, and nature. The island is home to ancient ruins, traditional villages, and stunning landscapes that are sure to leave a lasting impression on the family.
If you still find the list of options daunting, a bit of research into the options on your short list will help you to narrow it down so you find exactly what you’re looking for.
The good thing about visiting the Greek Islands is that ferries are frequent, and the distances are not that long, so if you have the time you can even visit a few on your trip.
And remember, the Greek Islands are not just about the sights, they are about the people who are, in our experience, some of the nicest, most welcoming people you will ever know. And family means everything to them!
The Greek Islands are absolutely magical, and once you’ve immersed yourself in those crystal clear, turquoise waters, the whole family will want to go back again and again!
Remember to check out our ‘Travel Resources’ page for deals and recommendations around flights, accommodation, car rentals, and more!
As we say in Greece, Kalo taxidi!
Enjoy a wonderful family vacation!
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