Top Greek islands for a family holiday

Greece is one of the world’s most family-friendly destinations, home to many picturesque islands, each with a unique charm. A family vacation to Greece would be unimaginable without visiting one or more of the islands, along with covering some of the fantastic spots on Greece mainland. So many choices among beautiful Greek islands for families. When it comes to planning a family vacation in Greece, the best Greek islands for families offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and family-friendly activities.

Read on for some of the best Greek islands for a family holiday. The choices are so many if you are looking for a slice of Mediterranean heaven. Some islands are perfect for families while others are better for honeymooners and partying, some are great for history, outdoor activities while others have awesome beaches and food. While all islands are stunning, some are better than others at offering fun adventures for adults and kids. So, if you’re planning to take your family on a fun getaway in Greece, here are the best Greek islands for families.

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Best Greek Islands to visit for families

Cycladic Greek Islands

The Cyclades are amongst the most famous of Greek Islands. When you picture a quintessential greek island featuring iconic whitewashed cubic houses, blue-domed churches, and windmills, you are thinking of the Cyclades. While Naxos, Paros and Milos are more family-friendly, many families with older kids want to visit the famous islands of Santorini and Mykonos as well.

Naxos

Naxos is definitely one of those Greek islands you visit with your family when you need a complete break. We went in mid-September, just as the season was ending, and the crowds were perfect. If you want beach days and good tanning, early September is the best time.

We stayed in Agios Prokopios rather than Naxos town, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend it. It’s quieter, more laid-back, and only about 12-13 minutes by car from the main port. You’ll want a hire car anyway — most of the island’s beautiful beaches require one, and with kids, the freedom to leave when nap time calls is priceless.

The beaches here are truly family-friendly, with shallow, calm waters perfect for little ones to splash around safely. At the end of the season, they’re wonderfully uncrowded. You can explore something new each day, then relax at the beach the rest of the time.

The week’s rhythm almost takes care of itself.

For sightseeing, the hilltop village of Chalki is a lovely trip. It’s small enough so little legs won’t get too tired, with pretty streets to explore and local sweets to try. The Temple of Apollo in Naxos town is great for sparking kids’ interest in ancient history, and at sunset, it feels truly magical. Naxos town itself is perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

Explore the harbour, browse shops, and let the kids lead you through the old kastro lanes.
Naxos won’t overwhelm you with a busy schedule. It’s the island for families who want to relax, slow down, and really enjoy time together.

Recommended by Ersilia of Explore with Ersilia

Paros

Sadly, most people view Paros as just a stopover island. They see it as an easy place to crash for a couple of nights while waiting to catch a ferry somewhere else. However, Paros is much more than that and it embodies some of the elements that have made the Cycladic islands famous 
around the world.

A major highlight of Paros is the postcard-worthy old town with its whitewashed buildings, dark blue doors, and window sills, and columned archways.

Even with the throngs of tourist, the old city retains a lot of authenticity and charm. This is the place to wander the stony streets, shop for local trinkets, sip some Greek coffee while reading in 
a cafe, or have a mini photo shoot with the family.

While the old town is iconic, the real prize is Paros Park. There are dozens of fun things to do here from hiking through the natural rock formations to checking out the pristine Monastery of Ai Yiannis Detis. This park has over 7km of walking trails that lead you past some of the islands most important historical landmarks. During the summer there are endless activities for you and your family to enjoy in Paros Park.  Over the years this park has turned into a meeting place for both locals and tourists. There are numerous festivals, concerts and free movie nights.

Recommended by Stephen of Backpackers Tale

Ios

Ios , just like Mykonos, is a quite famous nightlife spot. But that’s only from June to September. Visit in May and you’ve got the best mix of lovely weather, no crowds, and almost everything is already open for the season.

The island is small and arid. Depending on what you prefer to do on a trip, you can opt to focus on history, exploring the outdoors, or activities. You can find resort-style accommodation around Mylopotas beach but for an authentic experience, stay in Chora or near the port. We stayed at Galini Guesthouse, close to the port.

While you can pack the main things to do and see in 2-3 days, we opted for 5 days. So, our itinerary on the Island of Ios included historical sites, quite a bit of time outdoors, and, of course, making the most out of the local cuisine. 

We opted for an island tour that allowed us to get insights on Skarkos, a Bronze age settlement and the biggest of its kind in the Cyclades, as well as the ruins of Paliokastro. For lunch, we stopped at Alonistra Tavern in the fishing village of Psathi. On another day, we walked to Gaitis Museum to catch the sunset, and then on the way to Chora, passed by the Amphitheatre and the windmills. 

Another great spot to watch the sunset from is Agia Sofia Church, which is right in the harbor.

And for an active end to our trip, we took a guided hike between Mylopotas and Klima beaches. While it’s easily tackled by (almost) anyone, do make sure to bring water and wear good hiking shoes. 

For sure, Ios doesn’t offer that typical resort feel, where you play at the waterpark, and then go back home. But if you’re childfree like us or your kids can hike for some hours (2-3h) or have patience to visit historical places, you’re in the right spot. 

Recommended by Cristina of LooknWalk Greece

Mykonos

When exploring the Greek islands, you can hop on luxurious Greek cruises, which are an excellent way to see Mykonos and visit other islands in the Cyclades. Mykonos may be famous for its vibrant party atmosphere, but it also offers many things for families with kids. Most families will spend plenty of time at the beautiful beaches of Mykonos, but you will find many other family-friendly attractions worth visiting, such as the iconic Mykonos windmills. 

Mykonos has a wealth of attractions and activities suitable for families. You’ll find plenty of options for fun days at the beach. Some are quieter than others, while others have calm waters perfect for swimming and enjoying water sports. Agios Ioannis Beach is among the most secluded beaches on the island. It’s not as busy as the other party beaches in Mykonos, so it’s perfect for spending quality time with your little ones.

Little Venice is one of the most charming areas of Mykonos.

Surrounded by colourful buildings that will remind you of the Italian city of Venice, it’s a fun place to explore with your little ones, where you’ll stumble upon interesting sites to pique their interests. Don’t miss the iconic windmills, even if you visit Mykonos for a day. These date back to the 16th century and are among the island’s most famous landmarks.

Recommended by Shweta of Zest In A Tote

Santorini

Sadly many visitors to Santorini visit via cruise ship and get a limited view of the island. You can see the buses offload people at the main town of Fira. They walk down the main shopping street and then take a gondola back to the ship. We traveled there with our family and had a great experience exploring the whole island. Akrotiri was the base for our Santorini itinerary, a bit away from the crowds in Fira. We stayed at Hotel Mathios which was family run. Our host would greet us enthusiastically with “my American family!” Of course, it helped that we visited in late May before the rush of Summer.

The island is a crescent shaped rim of an ancient volcano.

We rented a car so we could get from the lighthouse at Cape Akrotiri at one end of the island to the city of Oia and its famous sunsets at the other. I highly recommend a boat trip to the volcano in the center of Santorini.

Most of Santorini is new, because the island had a major earthquake in 1956, but you can see ruins of the Minoan civilization at an archeological site in Akrotiri.

Santorini has numerous beaches, although none of them are white sandy beaches, think pebbles instead. Bring beach shoes. The most popular beaches are on the east side of the island at Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos. Enjoying a beach day is one of the varied activities that Santorini offers for families.

The food is great. The scenery is spectacular with the rugged island and the blue and white buildings and the hospitality is terrific, especially if you stay away from the cruise crowds. You should definitely visit Santorini in your travel to Greece.

Recommended by Chris of Amateur Traveler

Syros

Syros Island, in the Cyclades, is a bit of a hidden gem island that’s well-known for its breathtaking sunsets and iconic white-washed houses. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors like Santorini, Syros offers a more peaceful getaway. 

One of the best places to see on the island is Galissas, a sleepy beachside village where you’ll see many locals. This tiny village boasts a handful of delightful restaurants, perfect for trying out the freshest seafood.

For sunset, be sure to head to Agia Pakou church to catch the incredible sunset view over the ocean.

If you’re a hiker, you’re in luck as Syros offers several scenic hikes. The 2.9 km trail from Kini to Delfini Beach is one of my favorites, and it’s fairly easy. And another favorite is the Varvarousa Beach trail, a 2.4 km path also starting at Delfini Beach.

Ermoupoli, the island’s capital, is a must-visit, too. This vibrant town is the administrative capital of the Cyclades. It boasts charming cobbled streets and stunning vistas of sparkling blue water around every corner. So, spend an easy afternoon here, wandering the streets, swimming off the pier, and enjoying a traditional gyro and frappe in one of the narrow, colorful lanes. 

Recommended by Aimee of Snap Happy Travel 

Crete

Crete is a major standalone island that does not belong to any group. The beautiful island of Crete is the largest of the Greek islands.

Its size and abundance of amenities, beaches, and activities mean that it’s one of the best Greek islands for a family holiday. Whilst it is a great island to visit year-round, it does get very hot in the summer and pretty much “closes down” in the winter. This makes the spring and autumn school holidays the ideal time to visit. The temperatures are cooler and there are fewer tourists.

As it is larger than the other Greek islands, hiring a car and visiting multiple destinations in Crete is a must-do.

We drove clockwise around Crete in 10 days with our young children. We stayed up high in the remote hill villages of Eastern Crete, moments from the beach in the south of the island and close to the beautiful Venetian port of Chania in the northwest. Exploring Chania Old Town and the Venetian Harbour: there are so many things to do in Chania.

Crete has an incredible wealth of historical sights including the world-famous ancient Minoan Palace at Knossos, this featured high on our Crete Itinerary. And the atmospheric deserted leper colony on Spinalonga Island near Agios Nikolaos. As for natural beauty, besides the long, sandy beaches that dominate the coastline, you can also hike Samaria Gorge. It’s Europe’s longest gorge and best visited with older children who enjoy walking.

Our children adored the food in Crete. Simple Greek salads, fresh bread, and perfectly cooked meats suited them to a tee. Crete also has lots of tourist attractions aimed at families such as water parks and aquariums. As it was our son’s birthday during our visit, we treated him to a day out at Dinosauria, a very exciting Dinosaur theme park for a 4-year-old! I would highly recommend Crete to any family looking at visiting Greece. I’ve been there twice and can’t wait to go back. Crete also makes for one of the best warm winter destinations in Europe.

Recommended by Kirsty of World for a Girl

Ionian Islands

These are known for lush, green landscapes, Venetian architecture, and turquoise waters. The famous ones include Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos.

Corfu

Lying along the Ionian Sea, Corfu is a picturesque island with absolutely stunning, crystal-clear waters. While beach bumming can be one of your favourite activities on the island, you can also enjoy other fun activities, such as exploring the old town, taking boat trips, and more.

Corfu is one of the best Greek islands for families. From kid-friendly beaches like Glyfada and Pelekas and a range of hotels that are made for a family vacation, you can have a relaxing, worry-free holiday with your kids. Book your stay at the Sidari Waterpark Hotel which has a waterpark, a kids’ playground, gardens, and entertainment programs that will keep your kids busy while you are enjoying your moment under the sun. Other family-friendly hotels can be found in Saint Gordios, which is not far from the airport.

Be the coolest parents ever by taking your kids to Aqualand Water Park.

You can also couple your sightseeing trip to the Monastery of Vlaherna and the Monastery of Pantokrator with a trip to the Kanoni area where your kids can watch the planes land and take off.

The old town on this island is a must on Corfu itinerary. When you visit Corfu’s old town, stop at Casa Parlante, a history museum that takes you back in time with its display of real-life scenes that come to life. Once the cultural center of Greece, the museum is packed with the intricate and colorful heirlooms of Corfu’s 19th-century nobility. Displayed in rooms with reproduced furniture and effects that re-create the sounds and scents of the time with realistic animations, a visit to this museum is a must for families. 

For an amazing underwater experience, take your family out for a cruise on a glass-bottomed boat. Watch your children gasp with awe as they view the underwater creatures of the Ionian Sea. For a Greek holiday with family, Corfu is one of the best islands to visit. What’s more, there are many boutique properties in Corfu town to suit every budget.

Recommended by Karolina of Lazy Travel Blog

Kefalonia

Situated in the Ionian group of islands in the far west of Greece Kefalonia is a big, green, mountainous island that has risen in popularity in recent years due to its natural beauty and its many and diverse activities for people of all budgets and walks of life.

Families find it the perfect location for their Greek Odyssey with villages such as Fiscardo, Assos and Agia Effimia offering affordable accommodation in calm protected bays that are great for swimming, fishing and watersports.

Numerous day trips to sea caves, ancient villages, wineries, and beaches such as the much-photographed Myrtos beach are popular as are hiking, bird watching, sailing and horse riding. A boat ride in the unique geological phenomenon of Melissani Cave is particularly popular with kids of all ages. Many tourists take a day trip just to explore Kefalonia’s top attractions: Dragarati Cave, Melissani Lake and Myrtos Beach.

There are castles and ruins to explore and day trips to neighboring islands such as Ithaca, said to be the home of Odysseus and central to the Greek Mythology and the legend of Troy.

The main town of Argostoli families can visit the Folklore museum to learn all about historical life on Kefalonia. Like most Greek islands the tavernas and café offer very affordable and delicious meals that even the fussiest eaters can’t resist. Kefalonia really is the quintessential Greek island and is the perfect place for a summer holiday for your family.

Recommended by Sandra of Greece Travel Secrets

Lefkada

Certainly, the main reason to chose any Greek Island for a family vacation is the chance to get a little beach time with the kids.  Lefkada, in the Ionian Islands, has a lot to offer in the way of beaches but what can you do once you and the kids tire of the sun and sand?

Lefkada offers families the chance to explore Greek history and get away from the more touristy spots.

Lefkada town and Nidri offer the most family-oriented activities away from the beach so basing near them makes sense. Rent a jeep, or for families with teenagers rent scooters, and head for the hills.  Explore the mountain roads on the interior of the island from Nidri. Between Vafkeri and Englouvi is the ruins of an ancient monastery that will likely be empty except for you and your clan. Bring a blanket and lunch and picnic among the ruins. Near Nidri, there are waterfalls that make a wonderful destination for a day hike or a bike and hike. Kitesurf or just fly a kite, everyone feels like a kid when they lean into the wind.

Take windsurf or sailing lessons. Vasiliki on the south side of the island has ideal conditions for beginners to learn to windsurf. You can find sailing lessons in Lefkada town of Nidri to set you straight on your starboard and port. Learning is always great family fun.

Visit Cape Lefkatas, on the southwest tip of the island. It is said that these slate grey cliffs were once the site of a temple dedicated to Apollo where human sacrifices occurred during the Mycenean era,  And, as legend has it, the lesbian poet Sappho leaped to her death from these cliffs. Enjoy an excursion boat to Papanikolis Cave on Meganisi or take the ferry to Spartahori and walk through the village. It is a great destination for a day trip and lunch in a taverna there. You can be sure they’ll be plenty of cats to pet on your walk around Meganisi.

Recommended by Laudy and Jerome of Travel Boldly

Zakynthos

Otherwise known as Zante, Zakynthos is one of those islands that gets unfairly dismissed. Either people know it only from that shipwreck photo, or they assume it’s all foam parties and sunburned tourists and leave it off the list entirely. If you have kids in tow, that’s worth reconsidering.

It’s one of the greenest Greek islands, sitting in the Ionian Sea just off the Peloponnese coast, and it’s easy to get to. Direct flights run from most European cities through summer, or you can drive through the Peloponnese and take the ferry from Kyllini, which is actually a pretty scenic way to arrive.

The coastline is dramatic rather than traditional. Limestone cliffs, impossibly clear water, and some beaches that are best reached by boat. Spots like Myzithres and the Keri Caves are worth seeing. But if you just want a solid family beach day, Tsilivi and Alykes on the east coast are shallow, calm, and easy, exactly what you want when you’re travelling with kids.

The sea turtles are the stars of the island.

Zakynthos sits within the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, set up to protect the endangered Caretta Caretta loggerheads that nest here every summer. You can get involved with preservation efforts, take a boat trip to spot them, or visit Marathonisi, known locally as Turtle Island. Ask any parent who has been and the turtles usually come up first.

Base yourself on the east coast or head north, and you’ll find a quieter, slower side of the island that makes it one of the more underrated family destinations in Greece.

Recommended by Olivia of Urban and Beyond

Dodecanese Islands

Situated near the Turkish coast, these islands are known for their sunny climate, medieval history, and diverse character ranging from cosmopolitan (like Rhodes and Kos) to serene (Tilos).

Rhodes

Rhodes is one of the most popular islands in Greece, and its southern resorts attracts a lot of families, particularly Faliraki, Kolymbia, and Kalithea. These are the main resort areas for families in Rhodes together with Ixia and Ialysos.

Rhodes has plenty to offer for everyone, and a trip to this Greek island wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Old Town, which is historical and goes back to Ancient times and the Medieval period. The old town is very well preserved with cobbled streets and buildings such as the Grandmaster’s palace still intact.

The butterfly valley and waterpark are another two popular attractions for families.

Besides that, you can also go on a daytrip to Marmaris in Turkey and discover a whole different culture just 50 minutes away. 

Lindos is another popular day trip where you get to experience the Ancient Greece. Here you can wander around the old temples. If you want to visit an old Amphitheater, you shouldn’t miss Acropolis of Rhodes. 

A lot of families and travelers do come here for the beaches though, as they are some of the best in all of the Greek Island world. Some of the best beaches in Rhodes include Anthony Quinn Bay, Lindos Beach, Oasis Beach, Tsambika Beach and the endless sandy beach in Faliraki.

Recommended by Alex of Swedish Nomad

Saronic Islands (near Athens)

The Saronic islands are known for calm waters, pine-clad landscapes, and rich history. They have easy access from Athens, making these car-free or bike-friendly islands perfect for quick getaways. Consider them as day trips from Athens or even for overnight trips.

Hydra

A beautiful Greek island to visit for a family holiday is Hydra. Hydra is a short 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minute ferry ride away from Athens (Piraeus).  Tickets can be bought in person or online, and it’s best to check the online schedule for ferry timetables. Hydra has no cars on the island which adds to its peaceful and quiet atmosphere. This also means the best ways to get around are by walking, and water taxi. Donkeys are also used for luggage transport.

Hydra is the perfect place to leisurely spend your time.  Enjoy a fresh seafood meal at one of the many restaurants along the harbor while taking in the beautiful views all around. Spend time slowly wandering through the narrow streets and stepping into various shops along the way. Relax and enjoy the slow pace and peaceful atmosphere of the island. 

If you’d like to spend time in or around the water, Vlychos Beach is great for families to enjoy.  Bisti Beach is great for swimming, and Agios Nikolaos Beach boasts beautiful colored water, though it’s only reachable by a long hike or water taxi. If you’d like to add a little (or a lot) of activity to your time on the island, consider going for a hike. A few popular ones include Mount Eros Loop Trail, and Hydra Port to Profitis Ilias Monastery.  

The island of Hydra itself is small, but the peaceful atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and gorgeous harbor views make up for it. 

Enjoy your time at this wonderful island!

Recommended by Chelsea of Adventure of Chels

This is by no means, a complete guide to top Greek islands for families. There are other island groups not covered above like the Sporades. Located off the coast of Euboea, the Sporades are known for pine forests and beaches. Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos, Skyros are amongst the famous ones). Then there are North Aegean Islands. These are scattered off the west coast of Turkey (Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Thassos, Ikaria, Lemnos to name a few).

Planning a trip to Greece? Check out –

Itinerary Suggestions: Greece in 2 weeks, Greece mainland itinerary, Greece 10-day Itinerary with kids

Greece Cities: 3 days in Athens, One Day in Athens

More on Greece mainland: The Complete Guide to Visiting Meteora, Day Trips from Athens

Greek Islands: Crete Itinerary, Santorini Itinerary, One day in Mykonos, Santorini vs Mykonos

And finally, Best Souvenirs from Greece, Famous Greek Landmarks and a complete packing list for Greece

[This post was originally published in 2023, and last updated in March 2026.]

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