Dreaming of a family holiday in Greece, but not sure where to start? Travelista contributor Chloe Dickenson has compiled a guide to the best Greek islands for a family-friendly holiday, just in time for summer 2024.
The stunning Mediterranean country of Greece has over 6,000 islands, 227 of which are inhabited. So when it comes to deciding which Greek island to choose for a holiday, it’s no wonder many people get overwhelmed. Greece has long been a popular destination for family holidays, so as we approach summer 2024, I’m rounding up 5 of the very best Greek islands for a family holiday. I’ve also included lots of family friendly things to do on each island.
From one of the biggest waterparks in Europe in Corfu to the fantastic Old Town of Crete, there are so many wonderful things to enjoy as a family on the Greek islands. Read on to discover them all.
Overview
- Corfu
- Crete
- Rhodes
- Naxos
- Kefalonia
1. Corfu
Corfu is probably our number one recommendation for the best Greek island for families. Home to spectacular stretches of sandy beaches, ample swimming and snorkelling opportunities and plenty of family-friendly all-inclusive hotels, Corfu is the perfect destination for families with children of all ages.
Things to do in Corfu on a family-friendly holiday
The UNESCO-listed Old Town offers culture and cuisine for adults, and the Old Fortress of Corfu provides an exciting, historic playground that’s ideal for letting kids run off some steam. Corfu’s beaches are also amongst the best in Greece for families as they offer sprawling sandy terrain where adults can kick back and relax, as well as plenty of exciting opportunities to go swimming, snorkelling and even scuba diving for families who want to experience a more adventurous itinerary for their Greek island holiday!
We also love the numerous waterparks situated across Corfu that accommodate families of all ages. Hydropolis Waterpark in Acharavi is a great option for families with children of varying ages as there are plenty of thrilling activities for everyone to enjoy.
If you want to experience one of the biggest and best waterparks in Europe, head to Aqualand which is home to more than 50 adrenaline-fuelled rides, as well as plenty of slides and attractions suited to younger children.
Ready to book? Don’t forget to search cheap flights to Corfu and enjoy a family-friendly holiday.
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2. Crete
Crete is one of the best Greek Islands for a family-friendly holiday, thanks to it being the largest and most populous Greek island. As it’s such a huge island, there are plenty of places to choose from that will cater to every family.
Where To Stay in Crete on a family-friendly holiday
Head to Agios Nikolaos in Lassithi on the east coast of the island for a quaint Old Town. Here you’ll find plentiful beaches and lots of family-friendly hotels. If your family prefers history and architecture to beaches and relaxation, venture to Crete’s capital city of Heraklion to check out the Palace of Knossos and take a day trip to Dinosauria Park to see life-size replicas, fossils and various interactive exhibits.
For a combination of historic old towns and spectacular beaches, opt for Chania where you can ride on glass-bottomed boats, visit the Old Venetian Port and relax and play on Kalathas Beach.
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3. Rhodes
Rhodes is another one of the best Greek islands for families as it plays host to a whole lot of water sports activities, beautiful beaches and plenty of opportunities to soak up traditional Greek culture as well.
The best things to do in Rhodes for a family-friendly holiday
We love Rhodes for its brilliant adventures, such as snorkelling, scuba diving, Jeep safari tours, speedboat excursions and more.
On the east coast of the island, you’ll find the thrilling Faliraki WaterPark which has rides, slides and pools suitable for all ages. Further down the coast in Lindos and Lardos, you can enjoy some of the best beaches on the island that boast exquisite sand and tranquil blue water. While you’re in Lindos, check out the ancient ruins of the Lindos Acropolis; a site that both young children and adults are sure to marvel at.
In the Old Town of Rhodes, you can see the medieval Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Masters, yet even more attractions that the whole family can enjoy. If architecture and history don’t suit your family’s travel style, perhaps a visit to the 600-acre nature park known as Butterflies Valley will be more up your street.
Browse cheap flights to Rhodes here.
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4. Naxos
Naxos is another one of our top recommendations for the best Greek islands for families as it boasts a party-free, laid-back vibe, while still offering plenty of family-friendly activities and excursions.
What to expect from a family-friendly Greek holiday to Naxos
There are more than 60 miles of breathtaking beaches to choose from, some complete with hidden caves that are perfect for young adventure-seekers. The charming seaside village of Agios Prokopios is a great place to base you and your family on Naxos as it’s home to some of the best beaches on the island. Less than a 5-minute drive from the seafront takes you to Aqua Fun Water Park, which is a great option for the whole family if you enjoy partaking in fun water-based activities, without the pressure of giant rides and whirling pools!
Families seeking a more daring holiday experience are sure to enjoy a visit to Laguna Beach Park which has been dubbed as the “safest spot in the world” for learning how to windsurf. They offer lessons for children as young as four years old, so you can enjoy an afternoon of learning a fun new skill as a family.
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5. Kefalonia
You’re probably tired of hearing about the pristine beaches that can be found on many of the top family-friendly Greek islands by now, but we’re huge fans of a relaxing seaside holiday and Kefalonia is yet another one of our favourite places in Greece for families of all ages.
Best things to do in Kefalonia for families
Argostolion, the island’s capital, is one of our top spots in Kefalonia thanks to its plentiful family-friendly hotels, cafes and restaurants. Head to the northern tip of Argostolion to explore the Sinkholes of Argostoli or drive 30 minutes to Drogarati Cave to investigate the underground network of stalactites, stalagmites and limestone formations.
The underground grotto known as Melissani Cave is also worth an afternoon trip from Argostolion as the magical colours of the water surrounded by towering cave walls transport you to a whole other world; it’s a place that kids are sure to be mesmerised by!
If you’d prefer to spend your family holiday in Greece relaxing by the beach, check out Gradakia Beach for crystal-clear water or Makris Gialos Beach for stunning sand and sunbathing opportunities.
Browse all hotels in Kefalonia.
If you’re planning a summer holiday to Greece with the family, we hope you’ve found lots of inspiration in our guide to the best family-friendly Greek islands.
Have you been on a family holiday to Greece? I’d love to hear about which island you think is the best Greek island for a family-friendly holiday and share your favourite places to visit.
For more family-friendly destinations and travel tips, make sure to check our Travelista Family section to get inspiration for your next family destination.