Greece is a top holiday destination for families around Europe looking to escape for a week or two in the sun. Some head to the resorts to have a luxury Greece vacation whereas others want to bring their family and have a mini-adventure. But knowing which place to visit for the perfect trip to suit your interests can be a little tricky. So, here are some of the best destinations to bring your kids on a family holiday to Greece.
Rhodes:
Rhodes, in the Aegean Sea, is one of Greece’s most visited islands for holidaymakers. Historical ruins, high-end resorts and beautiful beaches make this island attractive for any tourist regardless of their interests. Perhaps you want to relax around the pool, visit the ancient towns or take a day trip to see the castles near Kritinia and Monolithos. There are also several family-friendly activities you can attend on the island from open-air theatres, dance festivals, an aquarium and Butterfly Valley.
Corfu:
British tourists love to holiday in Corfu, an island located to the northwest of Greece in the Ionian Sea. It is an absolutely beautiful location and corfu villas make a perfect family destination for combining luxury with comfort for your family. Several beaches, including sandy ones in Glyfada and others with pebbles such as Paleokastritsa, make a family day out a different experience. If you head towards the interior of Corfu, you’ll find a lush green landscape rather than the typical dry Greece environments. Since the island gets more rain than others parts of the country, a variety of fruit and olives grow in Corfu making the local food fresh and delicious. Kid-friendly activities include summertime open-air cinemas and kids clubs in many of the resorts.
Zakynthos:
Teenagers are more likely to enjoy their time in Zakynthos than any other island in Greece. With a reputation for being teen-friendly and having more than enough opportunities to socialise and make friends, Zakynthos is one of the Greek hotspots for families with older kids. During the daytime, head to Shipwreck Beach (Navagio) to enjoy the limestone cliffs surrounding the cove and go for a swim.
Peligoni Beach has a range of activities for teens including sports facilities and a gym as well as a swimming pool. This spot is the place where teens can make new friends and hang out with their peers. Lots of water sports are available including wakeboarding and water-skiing as well as sailing and windsurfing. In short, if you have teens, come to Zakynthos.
Alonissos:
If you’re travelling to Greece with quiet and well-behaved kids, you should check out Alonissos. This Aegean Sea island is part of the North Sporades. Tourists find a peaceful and relaxing destination with an abundance of wildflowers and a level of serenity not seen in other Greek islands. You can stay at the resorts or hotels and swim in some of the cleanest seawater in the country. Families typically come here for their holiday to relax on the beach and recuperate from the stress back at home. Some exhibitions and festivals ranging from art and religious ones to rural events take place throughout the year.
Lefkada:
Anyone who likes beaches and taking part in water sports will instantly fall in love with Lefkada, a small island in the Ionian Sea. This destination is the windsurfing hotspot in Greece and attracts locals and tourists of all ages to take part in either windsurfing or surfing. Teenagers can attend schools for the basics while you relax on the beach or head to one of the many beachside bars. Regardless of the age of your kids, you’re sure to have a fun family holiday in Lefkada.
Milos:
Milos is one of Greece’s unspoilt paradises with several bays, caves and rock formations along the coastline. Confident swimmers have the chance to explore part of the island in a kayak or go snorkelling in the clear waters. The longest beach is Paliochori that consists of different coloured pebbles and surrounded by towering cliffs.
One of the must-do activities here for parents is to take their family on a boat tour around the islands. You’ll get some of the best views and see the places where pirates once hid their treasures. Also, a number of hot springs from the island’s volcanoes are a great place to relax for an hour or two. If your family likes swimming and water sports, Milos is a perfect destination in Greece for you.
Santorini:
You may not consider this volcanic island in the Cyclades to be a popular destination for a family holiday. After all, there are fewer kid-friendly resorts, and the beaches aren’t as good as other islands in Greece. But, if you look below the surface, older kids and teens are sure to appreciate some of the attractions. Why not take the kids for a boat ride on a catamaran around the perimeter of the island and let them go snorkelling? Or, make the most of riding the Santorini Cable Car to the small town of Thera in the hills above. Kids tend to love Santorini if you plan your trip carefully to make their interests a priority.
The Best Greek Islands for Family Holidays:
Greece has a large number of islands to choose from depending on your interests and intentions. Rhodes and Corfu are and always have been favourite spots for British families and have a developed infrastructure to cope with tourism. Milos and Lefkada are good islands if you’re into water sports whereas teenagers tend to love their time at Zakynthos. There’s something for everyone on Greece’s islands, just take the time to find what works best for you.
