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Family trips to Greece work. Really well, actually. The culture is child-friendly (Greeks adore kids), the beaches have calm shallow water, the food is simple enough for picky eaters, and there's enough history to call it "educational" while still being fun.
But not every Greek destination suits families equally. Some islands are too remote, too party-focused, or simply lack the infrastructure that makes traveling with children manageable. Others have everything — family resorts, organized beaches, kids' activities, and enough variety to keep both parents and children happy.
Here's my complete guide to the best places to visit in Greece with family — from toddler-friendly beach resorts to teenager-approved adventures.
What Makes a Destination Family-Friendly?
Before the recommendations, understand what to look for:
Beach considerations:
- Shallow, calm water (essential for young children)
- Sandy (not pebbly) beaches
- Shade options
- Lifeguards
- Facilities nearby (bathrooms, food, changing areas)
Accommodation:
- Family rooms or connecting rooms
- Swimming pools
- Kids' clubs (for resort properties)
- Kitchen access (helpful for feeding schedules)
Logistics:
- Good flight connections (minimize travel stress)
- Not too remote
- Medical facilities accessible
- Car rental available (flexibility matters with kids)
Activities:
- Mix of beach and non-beach options
- Age-appropriate attractions
- Rainy day alternatives
- Evening entertainment
Best Greek Islands for Families
1. Naxos
The family beach champion
Best for: Families with children of all ages | Budget: €€
Naxos has the best beaches in the Cyclades for families — long stretches of golden sand with shallow, warm water that stays wadeable for 100+ meters. Add reasonable prices, genuine Greek atmosphere, and enough variety to entertain everyone, and you have the ideal family island.
Why families love it:
- Outstanding beaches — Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka have calm, shallow water perfect for small children
- Affordable — Half the price of Santorini or Mykonos
- Authentic atmosphere — Real Greek island life, not just tourism
- Activities beyond beach — Explore mountain villages, visit ancient sites, take a cooking class
Best beaches for kids:
- Agios Prokopios — Organized, calm, all facilities
- Agia Anna — Village atmosphere, excellent for families
- Plaka — Long, less crowded, gentle entry
Kid-friendly activities:
- Explore the Portara (ancient temple gate) at sunset
- Visit the Old Town castle
- Rent bikes and cruise along the coastal road
- Day trip to the Small Cyclades
Accommodation: Mix of family hotels, apartments with kitchens, and some resort options. Book beachfront properties for maximum convenience.
2. Rhodes
The family infrastructure king
Best for: Families wanting organized resorts and variety | Budget: €€–€€€
Rhodes has invested more in family tourism infrastructure than perhaps any other Greek island. Purpose-built resorts with kids' clubs, waterparks, organized beaches, and enough historical sites to make the trip educational.
Why families love it:
- All-inclusive options — Multiple resorts with kids' clubs, pools, entertainment
- Waterparks — WaterCity and Faliraki Water Park for splashy days
- Medieval Old Town — UNESCO site that kids find genuinely cool (knights, castles, ramparts)
- Long season — Warm enough for swimming May–October
Best areas for families:
- Lindos — Beautiful beach + impressive acropolis
- Kolymbia — Quiet, family-focused resorts
- Faliraki — Waterparks, organized beaches (avoid the party strip)
Kid-friendly activities:
- Explore the Medieval Old Town (kids love the castle walls)
- Climb the Lindos Acropolis (donkey rides available)
- Splash at the waterparks
- Visit the Valley of the Butterflies
- Take a boat trip to Symi
Accommodation: Excellent all-inclusive resorts (Ikos, Lindos Imperial, Mitsis). Also good mid-range family hotels.
3. Crete
The everything island
Best for: Families wanting variety and longer stays | Budget: €€–€€€
Crete is big enough to offer everything — beach resorts on the north coast, world-famous beaches in the west, Knossos for history, waterparks for fun days, and mountain villages for authentic experiences.
Why families love it:
- Beach variety — From resort beaches to adventures like Elafonissi
- Knossos — Kids genuinely enjoy the Minoan palace and Labyrinth mythology
- All-inclusive resorts — Many excellent family options
- Aquariums and waterparks — Rainy day (or hot day) solutions
- Diverse landscapes — Beaches, mountains, gorges, caves
Best areas for families:
- Chania area — Beautiful old town + access to best beaches
- Rethymno — Mix of beach and culture
- Elounda/Agios Nikolaos — Upscale family resorts
Kid-friendly activities:
- Explore Knossos (book a kid-friendly guide for Minotaur stories)
- Visit Cretaquarium in Heraklion
- Day trip to Elafonissi beach (shallow lagoon perfect for kids)
- Take the road train in Chania
- Visit a Cretan farm
Accommodation: Excellent range from all-inclusives to family apartments. Rent a car for best experience.
4. Corfu
The green family escape
Best for: Families wanting all-inclusive ease + natural beauty | Budget: €€–€€€
Corfu is greener than the Cyclades, with extensive all-inclusive resort options and a beautiful Venetian old town. The combination of easy beach vacation plus cultural exploration works well for families.
Why families love it:
- Extensive all-inclusive options — Major resort chains well-established
- Venetian Old Town — UNESCO site, ice cream shops, horse carriages
- Water sports — Protected bays good for family activities
- Diverse beaches — Something for everyone
Best areas for families:
- Sidari — Sandy beaches, family hotels, calm water
- Acharavi — Long sandy beach, relaxed atmosphere
- Gouvia — Marina area, good family hotels
Kid-friendly activities:
- Explore Corfu Old Town (ice cream mandatory)
- Visit Aqualand waterpark
- Take a glass-bottom boat tour
- Day trip to Paleokastritsa (dramatic beach scenery)
- Horse riding in the countryside
Accommodation: Well-developed all-inclusive scene. Many hotels with kids' clubs and family facilities.
5. Zakynthos
The turtle island
Best for: Families who love marine life and dramatic beaches | Budget: €€
Zakynthos offers something unique for kids — loggerhead sea turtles that nest on protected beaches. Add the famous Shipwreck Beach and excellent family beaches, and you have memorable family adventure.
Why families love it:
- Sea turtle experiences — Caretta caretta turtles nest here (ethical watching available)
- Navagio Beach — The iconic shipwreck photo opportunity
- Family-friendly south — Kalamaki and Vasilikos have excellent family beaches
- Marine life — Blue Caves boat trips, snorkeling
Best areas for families:
- Kalamaki — Turtle nesting beaches, calm, family-oriented
- Vasilikos — Excellent beaches, away from party zone
- Laganas (during day) — Turtle spotting, but avoid at night (party area)
Kid-friendly activities:
- Turtle spotting at Gerakas Beach (responsibly!)
- Boat trip to Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves
- Snorkeling (warm, clear water)
- Visit the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre
- Glass-bottom boat tours
Important: Protect the turtles. Use only ethical operators, don't disturb nesting beaches at night, follow all guidelines.
Find family hotels in Zakynthos
Book Blue Caves & Shipwreck tour
6. Skiathos
The Sporades family option
Best for: Families wanting beautiful beaches without Cyclades crowds | Budget: €€
Skiathos in the Sporades has over 60 beaches, pine forests that provide natural shade, and a more relaxed vibe than the Cyclades.
Why families love it:
- Koukounaries Beach — Consistently ranked among Greece's best, great for families
- Pine forests — Natural shade, cooler than bare Cycladic islands
- Beach variety — 60+ beaches to explore
- Accessible — Direct flights from many European cities
Best beaches for kids:
- Koukounaries — Shallow, sandy, facilities, some shade
- Agia Paraskevi — Calm, organized
- Troulos — Protected bay, very family-friendly
Kid-friendly activities:
- Beach hopping by bus (all beaches accessible)
- Visit Skiathos Town for ice cream and wandering
- Take a boat trip around the island
- Explore (carefully) the Kastro old town ruins
Find family hotels in Skiathos
7. Lefkada
The Caribbean of Greece
Best for: Families who prioritize beach quality above all | Budget: €€
Lefkada has some of Greece's most stunning beaches — Caribbean-turquoise water that rivals anything in the Greek islands. It's connected to the mainland by bridge, making access easier than other islands.
Why families love it:
- Spectacular beaches — Porto Katsiki and Egremni are world-class
- No ferry required — Connected to mainland by bridge
- Calmer waters — Ionian Sea generally gentler than Aegean
- Water sports hub — Vasiliki is famous for windsurfing
Best beaches for kids:
- Kathisma — Long sandy beach with facilities
- Agios Ioannis — Protected, calm, good for young swimmers
- Mikros Gialos — Small bay, very shallow
Kid-friendly activities:
- Beach exploration (each beach is different)
- Visit Lefkada Town
- Boat trips to sea caves
- Windsurfing lessons for older kids at Vasiliki
Note: Some famous beaches (Porto Katsiki, Egremni) require steep stair descents — challenging with small children or strollers. Check access before visiting.
8. Kefalonia
Natural beauty meets family adventure
Best for: Families wanting dramatic scenery and unique experiences | Budget: €€
Kefalonia is the largest Ionian island with stunning beaches, fascinating caves, and enough variety to keep children engaged beyond the beach.
Why families love it:
- Myrtos Beach — One of Greece's most spectacular (though pebbly)
- Melissani Cave — Underground lake boat tour kids love
- Natural variety — Mountains, beaches, caves, forests
- Authentic atmosphere — Less touristy than Cyclades
Kid-friendly activities:
- Boat trip through Melissani Cave (magical experience)
- Visit Drogarati Cave (impressive stalactites)
- Beach days at Antisamos or Lourdas
- Sea turtle spotting (loggerheads nest here too)
- Mountain village exploration
Considerations: Kefalonia requires a car for proper exploration. Some beaches are pebbly rather than sandy.
Find family hotels in Kefalonia
Best Mainland Greece for Families
Athens
The educational adventure
Don't skip Athens with kids. The Acropolis genuinely impresses children (ancient fortress on a rock!), the mythology stories engage them, and the city has excellent family infrastructure.
Kid-friendly highlights:
- Acropolis — Go early morning, bring mythology stories, take breaks
- Acropolis Museum — Air-conditioned, kid-friendly exhibits
- National Garden — Playground, duck pond, escape from heat
- Syntagma Square — Watch the changing of the guards (hourly)
- Lycabettus Hill — Take the funicular up for views
Tips for Athens with kids:
- Visit ancient sites early morning (heat and crowds build)
- Stay in Plaka or Koukaki (walkable, ice cream available)
- Book kid-friendly tours with engaging guides
- Allow for afternoon rest/pool time
- Evening walks when temperature drops
Peloponnese
History meets adventure
The Peloponnese has ancient sites that kids actually enjoy — Olympia (run in the original Olympic stadium!), Epidaurus (test the acoustics!), Mycenae (find the Lion Gate!).
Kid-friendly highlights:
- Ancient Olympia — Run the original Olympic track, museum with artifacts
- Epidaurus — Theater acoustics demonstration (drop a coin, hear it everywhere)
- Mycenae — Explore the ancient citadel and "Tomb of Agamemnon"
- Nafplio — Beautiful town, Palamidi fortress, ice cream on the harbor
- Beaches — Costa Navarino, Tolo, and others have family-friendly beaches
Best base: Nafplio — beautiful town, pool hotels available, central for day trips.
Book Epidaurus & Mycenae family tour
Meteora
The "wow" destination
Meteora's rock pillars and clifftop monasteries genuinely amaze children. It's like a fantasy landscape come to life.
Tips for Meteora with kids:
- Choose 2–3 monasteries (don't try to see all six)
- Go early morning or late afternoon (midday is hot)
- Bring water and snacks
- Some monasteries require climbing — assess your family's abilities
- The Great Meteoron and Varlaam are most impressive
Note: Modest dress required (covered shoulders and knees). Sarongs/covers usually available at entrance.
Book Meteora family tour from Athens
Halkidiki
Mainland beach paradise
Halkidiki — the three-pronged peninsula south of Thessaloniki — offers Caribbean-like beaches without island ferry logistics.
Why families love it:
- Beaches as good as islands — Turquoise water, white sand
- No ferries required — Drive from Thessaloniki airport
- Family resorts — Several excellent all-inclusive options
- Natural setting — Pine forests, clean water
Best for: Families who want beach vacation without island-hopping logistics.
Find family resorts in Halkidiki
Day Trips from Athens for Families
Not staying long? These day trips from Athens work well with kids:
Cape Sounion: Temple of Poseidon at sunset. 1.5-hour drive, impressive views, not too demanding.
Hydra: Car-free island, donkey transport, short ferry ride. Kids love the novelty.
Three Islands Cruise: See Hydra, Poros, Aegina in one day. Long but varied.
Delphi: Ancient oracle site. Longer day (2.5 hours each way) but impressive setting.
Family Travel Tips for Greece
Timing Your Visit
Best months: May–June, September. Warm enough for swimming, not oppressively hot.
Peak summer considerations: July–August is hot (35°C+). Plan morning activities, afternoon pool time, evening exploration.
Easter: Greek Easter is magical but very crowded. Book far ahead if timing coincides.
Handling the Heat
- Morning sightseeing: Hit ancient sites by 8–9am
- Afternoon rest: Plan pool or air-conditioned time during 1–5pm
- Evening exploration: Greeks eat dinner at 9pm+ for good reason
- Hydration: Carry water constantly
- Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, rash guards for all-day beach
Feeding Kids in Greece
Greek food works for children:
- Souvlaki/gyros — Grilled meat in pita, universally appealing
- Pasta — Available everywhere
- French fries — Standard taverna offering
- Greek salad (minus onion) — Fresh vegetables
- Bread and cheese — Always available
- Fresh fruit — Excellent quality
- Moussaka — Layered meat and potato dish most kids enjoy
- Pizza — Available in tourist areas
Greeks eat late — restaurants open around 7pm but don't fill until 9pm. Bring snacks for the adjustment period.
Feeding picky eaters: Greek tavernas are accommodating. Ask for "plain pasta" (makaronia sketo), grilled chicken without seasoning, or customized dishes. Staff genuinely want to help.
Accommodation Types for Families
All-inclusive resorts:
- Easiest option — food, activities, childcare included
- Best options: Rhodes, Corfu, Crete, Kos
- Book kids' clubs in advance during peak season
- Check age restrictions for kids' programs
Family apartments:
- Kitchen access for breakfast/snacks
- More space than hotel rooms
- Often better value
- Common on Naxos, Paros, Crete
Boutique family hotels:
- Personal service, often family-run
- Pools, breakfast included
- Good balance of convenience and character
Villas:
- Maximum space and privacy
- Kitchen for all meals
- Private pool (huge plus with kids)
- Best for groups or extended family
Practical Considerations
Car seats: Rental companies provide them but book ahead. Quality varies — bring your own if particular.
Strollers: Cobblestones and island towns make strollers challenging. Baby carriers work better.
Diapers and supplies: Available in pharmacies and supermarkets throughout Greece.
Medical care: Greek healthcare is good. Pharmacists can help with minor issues. Bring comprehensive travel insurance.
Quick Comparison: Best Family Destinations
Destination
Beach Quality
All-Inclusive
Activities
Best Ages
Naxos
★★★★★
Limited
★★★☆☆
All ages
Rhodes
★★★★☆
★★★★★
★★★★★
All ages
Crete
★★★★★
★★★★☆
★★★★★
All ages
Corfu
★★★★☆
★★★★★
★★★★☆
All ages
Zakynthos
★★★★☆
★★★☆☆
★★★★☆
5+ (turtle appreciation)
Athens
N/A
N/A
★★★★★
6+ (ruins interest)
Halkidiki
★★★★★
★★★★☆
★★★☆☆
All ages
Sample Family Itineraries
1 Week: Easy Beach Vacation
- Days 1–7: Naxos or Rhodes (single base, beach focused)
- Optional Athens day if arriving early
10 Days: Beach + Culture
- Days 1–2: Athens (Acropolis, museums)
- Days 3–4: Naxos (beaches)
- Days 5–7: Crete (Chania + beach)
- Days 8–9: Day trip to Elafonissi + final beach day
- Day 10: Depart
2 Weeks: Complete Family Greece
- Days 1–3: Athens + day trip
- Days 4–6: Peloponnese (Nafplio base, Olympia, Epidaurus)
- Days 7–9: Ferry to Naxos (beach time)
- Days 10–12: Crete (history + beaches)
- Days 13–14: Final beach days, depart
Need help planning? Try our free AI trip planner for personalized family itineraries.
FAQ
What is the best Greek island for families with young children?
Naxos is the best all-around choice — its beaches have shallow, calm water that stays wadeable for 100+ meters, perfect for toddlers and young swimmers. Beaches like Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna combine excellent conditions with facilities (shade, food, bathrooms). Naxos is also more affordable than Santorini/Mykonos and has authentic Greek atmosphere. For families wanting all-inclusive resort ease, Rhodes and Corfu have better kids' club infrastructure.
Is Greece good for family vacations?
Yes — Greece is excellent for family vacations. Greek culture genuinely loves children (expect attention and kindness from locals). Beaches have calm, warm water suitable for kids. The food includes simple options picky eaters accept. Ancient sites are impressive enough to engage children when framed with mythology and stories. Family-friendly accommodation ranges from budget apartments to luxury all-inclusive resorts. The main considerations: avoid peak summer heat by planning morning activities and afternoon rest, and choose family-oriented destinations over party islands like Mykonos.
What age is best for taking kids to Greece?
Any age works, but different ages suit different trips. Under 3: Focus on beach resorts (Naxos, Rhodes) with pools and simple logistics. 3–8: Beach vacation plus simple sightseeing — Acropolis, Knossos, Meteora all impress this age with appropriate framing. 8–12: Can handle more ambitious itineraries, genuinely engage with history. Teenagers: Island variety, water sports, some independence work well; consider islands with activities (Naxos windsurfing, Crete hiking). The key at any age: balance activity with beach/pool downtime and don't over-schedule.