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When it comes to amazing family holidays, the Greek Islands have it all: blissful beaches, a rich history and culture, delicious food and warm sunny weather that lingers long after the rest of Europe has swapped swimsuits for sweaters. With more than six thousand islands and islets to choose from, we’re here to help you decide which is the best option to suit your family.
Cyclades Islands: a group of 220 islands in the Aegean Sea, of which only 24 are populated. There are regular domestic flights from Athens to Paros, Naxos, Milos, Syros and Mykonos, and you can fly direct to Mykonos from a number of European cities. The islands are also connected by a network of ferries and speed boats from mainland Greece (Piraeus or Rafina), and an island-hopping pass is a fabulous option if you want to visit more than one island.
Your first taste of Paros is likely to be an expanse of white buildings lining the tranquil harbour of Parikia, overlooked by a single, iconic windmill, following a six-hour ferry journey from Athens’ main port of Piraeus. The island is renowned for its laid-back charm and uncrowded beaches, especially if you venture around to the quieter western side of the island. Santa Maria is one of our favourite beaches where you can laze beneath a hired umbrella while the kids play in the gentle waves, then choose a table at a waterfront restaurant in the fishing village of Naoussa to enjoy a dinner of delicious fresh seafood.
If you’re visiting Paros between June and September, the leafy oasis of Petaloudes (Butterflies Nature Reserve) is the ideal spot to escape the heat, surrounded by ancient trees and the fluttering wings of countless butterflies. We also love the island’s ‘buy one, get one free’ offer – from the town of Pounta, it’s a seven-minute ferry ride to Paros’ little sister island, Antiparos, where more pristine beaches await.
If your kids are fans of Percy Jackson, they’re going to love their holiday in Naxos. Along with the island’s collection of lovely beaches (our favourites include Plaka Beach and Agios Prokopios) and family-friendly places to stay, there are plenty of sites relating to Greek mythology to explore.
A hike through the island’s mountainous interior will lead you to the Cave of Zeus, where the king of the gods was said to have hidden from his father, Kronos, as a child. You can also explore the ruins of the Temple of Demeter, see the ancient marble quarry that provided the roof tiles for the Acropolis in Athens, and watch the sunset over the ocean from the Temple of Apollo.
Although one of the more remote islands in the group, Milos shares the same natural beauty as its better-known neighbours but with fewer crowds. Your kids may not be impressed to know that a number of famous works of art, including the Venus de Milo, were found on the island, but they are sure to love exploring the sea caves of Kleftiko by boat while hearing tales of the pirates who once plied these sparkling waters.
There are plenty of lovely swimming spots around the island, including kid-safe beaches like Fyriplaka Beach and Provatas Beach, and tiny coves like Sarakiniko, where the pristine blue water is surrounded by a surreal moonscape of smooth white rock that’s perfect for climbing and exploring.
If your kids want a Greek island that’s as famous as it is beautiful, Santorini is the perfect choice. The island, which is actually an ancient volcanic caldera, is one of the most spectacular destinations on the planet.
You can take a donkey ride through the streets of Fira, take a dip in the natural hot springs at Nea Kameni, and explore the excavated ruins of Santorini’s own version of Pompeii at the Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The social media clout they will gain from an evening in the cliffside village of Oia, watching the sunset over its picture-perfect whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches, will earn you major parenting points while creating magical family memories.
From the pastel-painted alleyways of Ano Syros to the vibrant colours of Ermoupoli’s waterfront and the golden sands of Galissas Beach, Syros is one of the most colourful islands in the Cyclades. It’s less touristy than some of its neighbours, making it a fabulous destination if you want your kids to experience authentic Greek island life.
Its relatively small size means it’s easy to get around – we recommend hiring a car so you can explore at your own pace. Many of the best beaches are located at the southern end of the island, including kid-friendly spots like Vari Beach where you can hire sun loungers and beach umbrellas. The island’s capital, Ermoupoli, is renowned for its beautiful Neo-Classical architecture, although the kids are more likely to appreciate gems like Miaouli Square if you treat them to ice-cream and pizza at one of its open-air eateries.
Ionian Islands: set in the sparkling waters of the Ionian Sea to the west of mainland Greece, this island group is comprised of seven main islands and numerous smaller islets. Domestic flights operate to Kefalonia, Corfu and Zakynthos year-round, with international flights available from various European points during the main tourist season (May to September). You can also catch a ferry from mainland Greece or from several ports in southern Italy.
One of the largest islands in Greece, Corfu has all the infrastructure you would expect from a major holiday destination. It’s easily accessible from pretty much anywhere in Europe, with well-maintained roads and an efficient public transport network that make it easy to explore the entire island. Accommodation options range from self-catering holiday villas to all-inclusive luxury resorts, and there’s an almost endless choice of beautiful beaches and rocky coves where you can swim, snorkel or just laze in the sun.
Spend a fun day riding the slides and lazy river at Aqualand Water Park, hike through tranquil olive groves and along coastal trails, and indulge in local specialities like Loukoumades (Greek doughnuts). Get lost in the winding, cobbled streets of the Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage site that features not one, but two ancient fortresses to explore.
Dodecanese Islands: fifteen main islands and 150 smaller islands make up the Dodecanese group, which is located in the Aegean Sea between the Cyclades Islands and Türkiye’s Anatolia region. Although you can get to the islands by ferry from Athens or Türkiye, many visitors prefer to fly from Athens or other European points.
Basking in an average of 300-plus days of sunshine each year, Rhodes is the officially the sunniest island in Greece. The ninth largest island in the Mediterranean, there are more than fifty spectacular beaches studding its 253 kilometres of coastline, from the golden sands of Tsambika to the secluded pebble-strewn cove of Kopria.
With more than five millennia of civilisation, a holiday in Rhodes is a fantastic way to immerse the family in Greek history and mythology. You can explore the walls, castles and towers of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Medieval City of Rhodes, and roam the ancient ruins of Kamiros and the Acropolis of Lindos.
The largest and most populated of the Greek Islands, Crete is set at the southern edge of the Aegean Sea where it meets the Mediterranean. There are three main airports that connect the island with mainland Greece and European cities, or you can catch a ferry from Athens or one of the other Greek islands. Crete has many lovely beaches to choose from, including stunning Elafonissi Beach which is one of the world’s only pink sand beaches.
Ancient sites like Knossos Palace, which was the legendary home of the Minotaur, make Crete a fabulous destination for bringing tales from Greek mythology to life. You can even put your family’s own maze-beating to the test during a fun day out at the Labyrinth Theme Park.
Check out our ultimate guide to the Greek Islands for more practical information and handy tips, including the best time to visit, then talk to one of our personal travel managers about booking your family’s own Greek island odyssey.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
