The Best Greek Islands for Families

Where are the best holiday destinations in Greece for families?

With so many Greek Islands to choose from it can be hard to know where the best place to go is. Each island has its own unique charm and appeal, below are some of our favourites.

Crete

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands which means there’s a variety of things to do for families with kids of all ages. Depending on where you travel in Crete, you can find bustling waterfronts packed with restaurants, cafes and shops, ancient ruins or lush forests. Hire a car to explore all corners of the island, whether you want to play with the little ones in the sand or explore the many different waterparks with your teens.

Rhodes

Rhodes is a smaller island than Crete but no less popular with holidaymakers. Spend a day at the petting zoo with young children or head to the aquarium to see turtles and stingrays up close. Teens will love the thrill of going on the jet skis at Falaraki Beach, while those with tots should head to Tsambika Beach to paddle in the shallow seabed.

Corfu

Corfu has a history amongst the Greek islands as a go-to family destination. It’s packed with family-friendly beaches and resorts, has a quaint old town with bars and restaurants and has a variety of waterparks and sea inflatables for making a splash.

Naxos

Naxos can be quieter and more serene than some of the other Greek islands, making it perfect for those travelling with babies. There’s a selection of luxurious hotels and resorts which are ideal for a relaxing break. Head to the picturesque old town to find gorgeous restaurants and charming whitewashed buildings.

Zante

Zante ups the ante when it comes to exhilaration and excitement – especially if you’re looking for Greek islands to visit with teens. Windsurfing, wakeboarding, parasailing, Ringo's and jet skis are available across the island. In our opinion it’s one of the best Greek islands for active families and has a lively nightlife scene too.

Best things to do in the Greek Islands for families

Tuck in

At the heart of Greek culture and cuisine is family, and you’ll get a sense of this as soon as you step into one of the traditional Greek tavernas. Expect to be welcomed with open arms before tucking into skewered meats, pita and yoghurt sauces. There’s always plenty of options for the kids too as many of the hot spots have been welcoming families for years.

Best family beaches in the Greek Islands

Hitting the beach in Greece is a must in our opinion, here are some of the best family friendly beaches in the Greek Islands we’d recommend checking out:

Kontogialos, Corfu. Kontogialos is a great beach to visit in the Greek Islands for families looking to unwind. Here you’ll find gentle waters, meaning it’s perfect for younger adventurers looking to make a splash.
Porto Limnionas Beach, Zante. Unlike other beaches here, Porto Limnionas trades sandy beaches for a rocky inlet. Explore cave formations and snorkel beneath crystal waters for a different kind of sight-seeing, perfect for older kids (you’ll need water shoes for this one).
Elafonissi Beach, Crete. The pink sands of Elafonissi Beach are a unique sight to see on your trip. Settle into the nearby lagoons or get up and enjoy some water sports in the sea.
Tsambika Beach, Rhodes. Ideal for learning to swim with gentle waters. Get a bite to eat at the bars and restaurants along this busy strip of sand or take a trip to the inflatable water parks.

Best time to visit Greece with the family

The weather in Greece is usually warm from May through to September, with the hottest temperatures reached in July and August. It’s always best to check before you travel though as temperatures can vary depending on which island you’re visiting. Cooler winds are not uncommon on an evening so we’d recommend packing some extra layers just in case.

Currency for visiting the Greek islands

Before you visit Greece, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got your travel money organised. That means swapping your Great British pounds for euros. Exchanging currency is easy to do – you can convert GBP to EUR with Sainsbury’s Bank in a few clicks.

A travel money card is also a handy way to manage your money while in Greece and means you can keep track or your spending, without being charged any additional fees by your provider. You can pay contactless, with your PIN or use it to withdraw cash at ATMs. Some ATMs may still charge a withdrawal fee so it’s always best to check.

Not everywhere in Greece will accept card payments, especially market stalls so it can be handy to have a combination of cash and card for these times.

Travel insurance for your trip

Before you jet off with the family it’s important to make sure you all have travel insurance to cover you against any mishaps that could happen along the way.

Sainsbury’s Bank offers a range of single, multi and extended trip policies – with optional extras for the ultimate in travel protection. There’s also a 24/7 helpline available in case of medical emergencies and cover available for a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions.

FAQs

Which Greek Island is most family friendly?

There are plenty of things for kids to do and see on many of the islands. You might think Crete is one of the best Greek islands for families, as its popularity and size means there's a diverse range of activities for kids of all ages. However, lots of the other islands also have so much to offer for families.

Which part of Greece is best for kids?

It depends on your kids and the holiday you’re looking for. Do your research on what each island offers and see what appeals most to your family. For example, Zante can be a great option for families with older kids as there’s plenty of water activities and a busy nightlife, whereas Rhodes offers a rea mix of relaxation and lively areas making it ideal for all ages.

Is it Crete or Rhodes better for families?

Both Crete and Rhodes are amazing for families – the only difference is Rhodes is a bit smaller than Crete so you may find there’s a wider range of areas to explore in Crete.

The best Greek islands for families