With about 230 occupied islands, most of them breathtaking to say the least, one could easily put a pin on any of the Greek islands, board a plane and be guaranteed a fabulous holiday. However, when the family is involved, it does not hurt to do a bit of research to ensure everyone has an enjoyable time. Here’s a list of some of the best Greek islands for families, to ensure the perfect holiday.
The islands are grouped in clusters, of which there are six: Ionian, Cyclades, Sporades, Dodecanese, Saronic and North Aegean; add to that the two larger islands of Crete and Evia. Each cluster of islands is unique, shaped by historical events through to present-day Greece and therefore worth exploring with the family.
The Ionian Islands
Located in the western part of Greece, the Ionian Islands have a mix of Greek and Western influences resulting in the Renaissance, baroque and classical architecture found everywhere you go. No matter where you decide to go, you will be met by pristine beaches and stunning scenery dotted with authentic Greek villages. The only months to avoid a visit are November to February, as this is the rainy season; otherwise, the weather is near perfect for a visit any other time of the year.
Corfu
Once a notorious island, and not surprising given its family-friendly beaches, Corfu has undergone a metamorphosis in recent years. Where there were once packaged holidays, you will now find boutique hotels. It is the most beautiful of the Ionian Islands and works wonderfully well as a base for a Greek exploration or a final Greek holiday destination.
The older kids will love swimming through the Canal d’Armour; this natural tunnel of water created by rocks is bound to keep the romantic teenager occupied for a while, as legend has it that you will find a soulmate at the end. The little ones can have their fill of fun at Aqualand Corfu Water Park. If that doesn’t quench your thirst, then there are loads of beaches nestled in coves all along the coast, which are best explored by boat.
Not to be missed are Dassia and Kavos, to name just a few. If you ever get tired of the water, if that is at all possible, then there is a lot to explore, too. The wetlands at Alikes Lefkimmis, with unique birdlife, offer a welcome change; you may spot a flamingo if you’re lucky. Mon Repos Palace, where the late Prince Philip, the English Queen’s husband, was born, is a must-see, and so is Achillion Palace.
Paxos
The idyllic island of Paxos, with lashes of olive groves, turquoise bays and dramatic cliffs, is the perfect location for a family to wind down and reconnect. Life here is slow paced but still has a lot to offer. If you are planning to visit in August, aim for the latter part of the month so as not to miss the international music festival the island has become famous for.
Make Gaios, the capital and one of only three towns here, your base. Take a day trip to Loggos, a fishing village and the smallest of the three towns. It has a beautiful small harbour with yachts and is only about a 10min drive from the watersports-filled beach of Harami. The town square has a really cool vibe in the evenings. Those looking for underwater activities can take a water taxi to the white sandy beaches of Antipaxos for snorkelling. Otherwise, take a bus trip to Lakka and enjoy the scenery from a taverna by the water.
The Cyclades
The Cyclades are one of the best Greek islands for families to visit for a holiday. Characterised by picturesque white houses with blue domes clinging to cliff sides as if for dear life, your holiday snaps will be a thing of envy back home. The islands get their name from the rough formation they form around the Aegean Sea, which also makes them ideal for island hopping.
They are not only the birthplace of Apollo but home to most of Greece’s archaeological ruins. With mostly a good climate all year round, you can visit anytime; however, May and June have near-perfect weather and are still out of season, so you can get competitive flight and accommodation prices.
Santorini
Perhaps the best known and one of the most beautiful of the Cyclades Islands, Santorini is out of this world picture-perfect; it is Greece at its best and really worth a visit. It isn’t the easiest of places to go with kids, but its unique beaches, fabulous boutique hotels, great food and idyllic villages are perfect to visit with the older ones who will take every opportunity to take pictures for their social media accounts.
The cobblestoned villages with crisscrossed streets are ideal to get lost in. Walk up to the hilltop in the village of Pyrgos, where you will find a castle and be rewarded with the best views of the islands. Otherwise, head to Oia, with its fishing village feel, for the best swimming in Santorini, as declared by the locals. Reward yourself with a meal at one of the seafood restaurants here, with sunsets you won’t forget. It even has a maritime museum, should you have naval-minded ones coming along for the trip.
Naxos
The quieter of the Greek islands, Naxos has a good number of beaches, a whole 100 kilometres of them and more, all safe with lifeguards on hand in case of a mishap. Many of the hotels here are family centred and are packed with activities for children. The old town in the capital, Chora, is worth exploring, especially the castle to which all roads lead. St Georges’ Beach is only a stone’s throw away and provides an interesting way of exploring the lagoons and beaches by paddle board. This can be good fun, as the waters are shallow, so it won’t be too bad if you fall off.
Head to Laguna Beach if you’ve ever dreamt of windsurfing; it’s perfect for beginners and kids are bound to be proud when they take off. The beach has shallow waters and fine sand and is rarely crowded, whatever the season.
Amorgos
The lesser known of the Cyclades but also the most authentic, Amorgos is ideal for a chilled-out family holiday; it’s packed with walking trails and beaches but has fewer visitors. If you can be pulled away from exploring the underwater world of scuba diving and snorkelling, there is an archaeological museum with interesting findings from the ancient cities of Aegiali, Arkesini and Minoa. The Monastery of Hozoviotissa, set on a cliff edge, is worth a look, too. It’s easily one of Greece’s most impressive monasteries (and that is saying a lot).
The Sporades
Scattered on the north-eastern side of the Aegean Sea, almost in the centre, are the Sporades Islands, perhaps deriving their name from the way they appear to be sporadically placed around the sea. Though only four of the islands are inhabited, they offer spectacular beaches ideal for snorkelling and diving and even have a marine park that is home to dolphins and Mediterranean monk seals.
Skopelos
Fans of Mamma Mia will not be disappointed when visiting Skopelos, and even if you are not a fan of the movie, this charming island with its traditional architecture and rugged scenery is bound to win you over. There is a selection of hotels available here, making it an ideal place for island-hopping, with Skiathos and the dolphins and Mediterranean seals of Alonnisos waiting close by. Visit the Church of Agios Ioannis Kastri, the set for the wedding scene in the film; once you’ve tackled the steps that lead up to it, you’ll be gobsmacked by the views.
The villages of Skopelos Town and Glossa, perched on a hill, offer some of the most breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. This is an ideal island for lazy days by the beach, with the occasional swim into crystal-clear waters and prolonged evening meals in a selection of authentic family-run taverns serving local cuisine.
The Dodecanese
You will find the Dodecanese Islands between the Cyclades and Turkey. They are possibly the most historic of the island clusters and are best known for their medieval castles, Byzantine churches, ancient archaeological sites and, of course, beaches. This makes them one of the best Greek islands for families, as they have something to offer everyone. Rhodes is undoubtedly the best known and most popular of the islands here and where most families head for their holidays, but it can get rather crowded, especially during the high season. Look further afield to islands like Symi or Halki for something different.
Symi
A roughly 90min ferry ride from Rhodes will bring you to the charming castaway look of the island of Symi. The quietly sophisticated island is perfectly suitable for a laid-back holiday with the family, with the option of a bit of exploration should you wish. Those in the know head to 1900 Hotel, a four-room, former sea captain’s house that has been restored with charm. It offers the best base to explore the island’s churches, monastery and a few windmills thrown in for good measure. Finish off your day of exploring with dinner at Tholos, on the water’s edge, which serves Greek cuisine influenced by its Turkish neighbours.
Between the months of July and September, Symi holds an annual festival of arts featuring live music and an international film festival, where movies are screened outdoors for free.
Halki
Should you wish to skip the hustle and bustle of Rhodes but still enjoy the experience of the Dodecanese Islands, then Halki is where to head for more secluded beaches. With only one proper hotel, it has other alternative accommodation and is the perfect destination for a quiet getaway.
The seafront at the capital town, Nimporio, is lined with cafes, restaurants and shops and is ideal for a stroll in the evenings. It has a beautiful natural landscape perfect for hiking, so remember to pack your hiking shoes. Let the children’s imaginations run wild by visiting the medieval castle in the abandoned village of Chorio.
The Saronic Islands
Known for their beaches and ancient ruins, the Saronic Islands are just off the mainland of the Peloponnese peninsula and are close to Athens, offering the perfect destination for a mixed holiday.
Hydra
One of the most cosmopolitan of the Greek islands is Hydra. This car-free island has much classic charm, with narrow alleyways, little shops, churches and donkeys, and is perfect for visiting any time of the year.
Hydra has plenty of museums to keep everyone busy, as if the streets with their architecture are not engrossing enough. Enjoy an afternoon of horse riding for all ages at Harriet’s Hydra Horses, with 45min rides or all-day excursions. Should you want the beach, then take a boat from the town to Plakes Vlychos, a Four Seasons-owned sandy beach with crystal-clear waters and a great taverna serving traditional Greek food.
For a break from all the idyllic streets, why not mix things up a bit by taking a trip to Athens; it’s only around a 2h ferry ride away and perfect for a day trip out. Otherwise, there’s a walking trail that will take you to the picturesque fishing village of Kamini that is off the beaten track. Dusk has never come with better views than at the aptly named Sunset Restaurant, perfect to sit back and relax after your day’s excursion.
The North Aegean
The lesser known of the Greek islands, the North Aegean Islands are closer to Turkey than they are to Greece and offer crystal-clear waters with pristine beaches and idyllic traditional villages as if preserved in time.
Samos
With a mix of traditional villages, bustling markets and chic boutiques, Samos is an ideal destination for everyone in the family. It’s the home of Pythagoras, and Turkey is only a ferry ride away. The town’s shingle beach is tucked away in a bay, shielding it from high winds, and is ideal for lazy days on the beach. Fournoi, once a pirate hideout, is now home to seals and sea turtles that are definitely worth paying a visit.
Once on this historical island, the history lessons go on without having to work too hard. Definitely not worth missing out on is the site of one of Greece’s oldest and largest temples, the ancient Heraion of Samos, which still has a pillar standing. Visit the caves where Pythagoras is believed to have lived during his self-imposed exile, which should make the maths lessons back at school a bit more interesting for the kids.
Kokkari
Head to the laid-back fishing village of Kokkari, with its terracotta-roofed Greek villas and a small harbour with a row of restaurants, beautifully quaint with a few wooden boats. The nearby Mount Karvouni provides wonderful walking trails that lead to charming villages, such as Manolates with its narrow and winding alleyways, sturdy stone-built houses and a small square with authentic taverns.
