The Greek Islands

Greece is always an ideal destination for a family summer holiday and for a good reason. This beautiful country has everything from bustling and vibrant cities to some of the most stunning beaches in the world.

Crete

Visit the largest island in Greece, with plenty of attractions that’ll keep the whole family happy. Spend time on the beautiful beaches and kick-back in the tavernas.

Crete is the biggest island in Greece, and it’s an absolutely perfect island for families. It only takes around four hours to arrive by plane, which is a reasonably good time for families with younger children who get a little bored in the air.

Once you land, you’ll want to breathe in the fresh air and head to the beautiful east coast of the island. Here, you’ll find blue skies and pristine sands ready for unwinding on. You’ll also be close to the charming towns of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda.

Elounda is a popular destination for families looking for a little luxury on their holidays. It’s also easy to get there, with the drive to this end of the island from Heraklion airport taking around an hour. If you plan on seeing more of the island, then hiring a car at the airport is a fantastic option; you’ll see so much of the beautiful contrasting Cretan landscapes as you drive, transfer or otherwise!

There are plenty of beaches in eastern Crete to visit, including Kolokithia Beach, which is relatively sheltered, sandy and great for the younger members of your family. During your stay, why not head to one of the tavernas in town for a traditional Greek meal including locally produced olive oil and feta cheese – you could even add some raki (Tsipouro) to your order for the adults in your group!

Villa Amber, Crete. Sleeps 8/4 bedrooms

Corfu

A little history, a dash of waterpark excitement and a whole lot of open blue sea. Corfu is a brilliant choice for families of all ages.

Corfu is another popular Greek island families. Due to its size, Corfu has plenty of amenities and pretty spots to take family day trips to, if you’re in the mood. As the island is quite large, it’s worth picking up a rental car to visit attractions that your family will love, including Corfu Town and its historical sites, such as the Venetian castle.

Perhaps your little ones would rather splash about all day? In that case, Aqualand is where you want to be; a thrilling water park, it’s one of the largest in the world! If neither of those options suits, why not take a yacht out to island-hop, or simply stay on the shore to paddle in the crystal-clear shallows?

This beautiful Ionian island has all the sun, sea and soft sand that you’d expect from a Greek Island. It’s around three hours flight time in the UK and has plenty to see and do for the whole family. Top beaches for families include the long golden sand Glyfada on the west coast, or Messonghi Beach towards the south. This family-friendly beach has gentle lapping waves, perfect for playing in the surf with younger family members.

Villa Breeze, Corfu. Sleeps 6/3 bedrooms

Halkidiki

Not a true Greek Island, but Halkidiki is a perfect family summer holiday destination on the coastal mainland. It’s got gorgeous beaches, fun activities and rich history.

We wanted to give a cheeky mention to Halkidiki; though it’s not exactly an island, this peninsula is surrounded by water and has some fantastic hotels for families. You can even take yacht trips for some island-hopping if you wish. Halkidiki is well worth a visit for families, with its stunning with picture-perfect landscapes, blooming bougainvillaea and pristine beaches. Visit during the summertime to get the most of the sun and avoid the rainiest days.

It takes about 3 hours 15 mins to fly from the UK to Thessaloniki Airport, which is closest to Halkidiki. When you’ve touched down, it’s around an hour’s drive to Halkidiki along the Sithonia peninsula. Spending time on the peninsula means fantastic beaches surround you, so get the floppy hats at the ready for the kids who’ll enjoy plodding in and out of the surf and playing with the fine sand.

For older kids, you might enjoy heading out and taking a trip to the Kassandra peninsula for some time at the thermal baths or the ancient ruins that sprinkle the area, including Zeus temple in Kallithea or Poseidon temple in Possidi.

Villa Kalimera, Halkidiki. Sleeps 4/2 bedrooms

Mykonos

Our vote for the most picturesque on the list and a perfect pick for families travelling with teenagers.

The whitewashed buildings of Mykonos jut out into the turquoise waters of the sea, where tavernas and restaurants dot the waterside with the enticing smells of Greek foods. Further inland, the winding side streets are covered in beautiful pink flowers contrasted with the starkness of the white and blue buildings.

While it’s known as a party island, there’s also plenty on offer for older families. Visit outside of the height of summer to avoid the peak of the clubbing scene, when you can make the most of the beaches and array of activities. If you’re travelling with teenagers, they’ll appreciate the trendy vibe and livlier atmosphere, while a flight time of under four hours makes is easy for a quick getaway.

The best time to visit Mykonos and avoid the large crowds would be in the Spring or early summer months, from mid-May to June, or in September. The island is heavily dependent on tourism, and as such, many restaurants, shops and transport close during the low months. If you arrive in May, you’ll be visiting at the start of the high season.

Mykonos has stunning beaches and a number of them are safe, protected and have shallow water, such as Cavo Psarou on the south coast. It’s also popular with yachting and boat trip visitors.

Villa Pure, Mykonos. Sleeps 10/5 bedrooms

Some more expert tips for your next Greek family holiday ...

What’s the best time to visit the Greek Islands for a family holiday?

The islands of Greece are perfect for families to visit during the warm months of the summer holidays. You can make the most of the sandy beaches and visit picturesque villages, with plenty of family fun to be had. They’re also great for families looking to enjoy a holiday during Easter or May half term.

Which is the best Greek island for teenagers?

Overall, Greece is a pretty superb location for teenagers. Mykonos is one of the best islands for teens who like to participate in a little bit of everything. There are plenty of activities to try, especially watersports, while history lovers and literature enthusiasts will enjoy trips to the archaeological sites. Shoppers, meanwhile, are sure to find something that catches their eye in Mykonos Town!

Which is the better Greek Island for families, Santorini or Mykonos?

Mykonos is commonly considered an island for vibrant nightlife. Santorini is well known as a couples paradise, with some of the most stunning sunsets globally; however, both are lovely destinations to take your family. For families looking for long white sand beaches, Mykonos is the better choice. Santorini’s beaches are covered in black volcanic sand, which, while are mesmerising in their own way, aren’t ideal for young children during the heat of summer.

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