Planning the perfect family vacation on the best Greek islands involves more than just booking flights and accommodations—it’s about finding the perfect beaches where every family member can enjoy their time. Greek islands boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, making them top contenders for family-friendly destinations.
The Greek islands offer many options, whether your family wants to participate in water sports, enjoy serene boat trips, or simply relax on sandy beaches with shallow waters safe for children.
Let’s explore the best places across the islands where older children and adults can enjoy adventure and relaxation. From engaging activities to stunning landscapes, get ready to discover the best beaches that promise a memorable family vacation on the Greek islands.
10 of the best family-friendly beaches in Greece:
- Elafonissi Beach, Crete
- Location: Southwest Crete
- Amenities: Pink sandy shores, shallow turquoise waters, and natural protected areas make it perfect for kids to play safely. The beach has sunbeds, umbrellas, and nearby cafes. If you are looking for crystal-clear waters on your family holiday, this is the perfect place to go.
- Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Cove), Zakynthos
- Location: Northwest Zakynthos
- Amenities: Accessible only by boat, this beach offers stunning views and a famous shipwreck. Great for older kids and adults who enjoy adventure and history. A great island!
- St. Paul’s Bay, Rhodes
- Location: Near Lindos, Rhodes
- Amenities: Enclosed bay with calm waters, ideal for snorkeling. There are sun loungers, umbrellas, and a few tavernas close by.
- Simos Beach, Elafonisos
- Location: Elafonisos Island, south of Peloponnese
- Amenities: Comprising two main beaches with fine white sand and emerald waters, it’s ideal for families with both younger and older children. Basic amenities like sunbeds and food options are available.
- Mylopotas Beach, Ios
- Location: Ios Island
- Amenities: A long sandy beach with plenty of water sports, beach bars, and restaurants. It’s lively and suitable for families with teenagers.
- Plaka Beach, Naxos
- Location: West coast of Naxos
- Amenities: Long, sandy beach with shallow waters, perfect for younger kids. Sunbeds, umbrellas, and several beachfront restaurants make it very convenient. Enjoy the local cuisine.
- Balos Lagoon, Crete
- Location: Northwest Crete
- Amenities: Accessible by a hike or by boat, this lagoon features shallow, warm waters and stunning scenery, great for a family day out. Limited amenities, so pack essentials. Enjoy the natural landscape.
- Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos
- Location: Southwest Skiathos
- Amenities: Known for its natural beauty and backed by a pine forest, this beach offers calm waters and a range of amenities, including water sports, eateries, and sunbeds.
- Agios Prokopios Beach, Naxos
- Location: Near Naxos Town
- Amenities: Golden sand and clear waters with sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports, and nearby restaurants. The beach is also well-organized and easily accessible.
- Voutoumi Beach, Antipaxos
- Location: Antipaxos Island
- Amenities: A picturesque setting with crystal-clear blue waters and peaceful surroundings, perfect for families seeking tranquility. Fewer amenities, so it’s less commercial and more about enjoying nature.
These beaches offer a mix of adventure, relaxation, and convenience, ensuring a memorable and comfortable family vacation in the beautiful Greek islands.
Getting Around Greece On Your Family Trip
Traveling around Greece with a family offers a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, and there are several convenient transportation options to consider. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore at your own pace, which is particularly useful on larger islands like Crete or the mainland. However, it’s important to be comfortable with narrow and winding roads. Ferries are essential for island hopping, offering scenic views and a fun experience for kids. However, booking tickets in advance during peak season is wise to avoid any travel disruptions.
Public buses are an economical and reliable way to travel, especially along major routes in larger cities and popular tourist destinations. Still, they can get crowded and may not have much space for strollers or luggage. Domestic flights are available for quicker travel between major destinations, but they can be pricier, so booking in advance is recommended. Private transfers provide a stress-free option when arriving or departing or when traveling to remote locations, and the added cost can be justifiable for larger families or those requiring extra assistance.
Taxis and rideshares are convenient for shorter distances within cities or towns. However, it’s important to ensure taxis are licensed and to be aware that rideshare availability can vary by region. Exploring Greek towns on foot or by bike is also a great option, as many are pedestrian-friendly and offer charming streets and scenic paths; just remember to keep distances manageable for children and to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
While exploring the local culture of Greece with your family, consider staying near major transportation hubs for convenience, plan for plenty of downtime to keep everyone rested, and carry essentials like lightweight strollers or baby carriers to facilitate easy movement. Choosing the right times to travel, such as early mornings or late afternoons, can also help avoid the midday heat and make your journey more enjoyable.
10 Boat tours available for families in Greece
Maybe you don’t want to focus on all the great beaches and the pink sand! Perhaps you are interested in a boat ride instead. Whether you want to visit mountain villages, archaeological sites, or just get off the beaten track, a boat tour can be the way to go! Boat tours are a fantastic way to explore the stunning coastlines and islands of Greece. Here are some popular boat tours that are family-friendly, will help you get off the big island, and offer unique experiences:
- Santorini Catamaran Cruises
- Details: These cruises often include stops at the Red Beach and White Beach for swimming and snorkeling, a visit to the hot springs, and a sunset viewing. Meals and snorkel equipment are typically provided.
- Zakynthos Shipwreck Beach Tour
- Details: Tour the famous Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves. Most tours offer opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
- Corfu Glass Bottom Boat Discovery
- Details: Ideal for families with young children who might not be ready for snorkeling, this tour offers views of marine life and stops at picturesque locations for swimming.
- Cretan Fishing Adventure
- Details: Engage in a traditional fishing trip, where families can learn to fish, enjoy freshly caught seafood, and swim in secluded bays.
- Rhodes Day Cruise to Symi Island
- Details: Visit the charming island of Symi, explore its neoclassical buildings and swim in its inviting waters. Many tours include guided walks through Symi’s town and visits to monasteries.
- Mykonos South Coast Cruise
- Details: Sail along the beautiful beaches of Mykonos, with stops for swimming and snorkeling. This is a great way to see parts of the island inaccessible by road.
- Ionian Sea Kayaking
- Details: For active families, kayaking trips around the Ionian islands like Kefalonia and Lefkada can be an exhilarating experience, with stops at beaches and caves.
- Volcano and Hot Springs Tour in Santorini
- Details: Explore the active volcano, then relax in the warm, therapeutic waters of the nearby hot springs. This tour is educational and relaxing.
- Milos Island Sailing Adventure
- Details: Discover the incredible coastline of Milos, known for its moon-like rock formations and clear waters. Stops at various beaches and caves are the highlights.
- Aegean Pirates Cruise from Crete
- Details: Families can enjoy a pirate-themed adventure where children can play pirate for a day, complete with treasure hunts and storytelling, while adults can relax and enjoy the scenery.
These tours offer a mix of education, adventure, and relaxation, making them perfect for families looking to explore Greece’s beautiful waters and islands.
Which part of Greece is best for families?ChatGPT
Greece offers a variety of destinations that cater to family vacations, each with unique attractions and activities. Depending on what your family enjoys, here are some top areas in Greece that are particularly family-friendly:
1. Crete
- Highlights: Crete, the largest Greek island, offers diverse experiences from beautiful beaches like Elafonissi and Balos to historical sites such as the Palace of Knossos. It also has a wealth of family-friendly resorts and activities that include water parks and hiking in Samaria Gorge.
- Best for: Families looking for a mix of beach time, history, and outdoor activities.
2. Rhodes
- Highlights: Rhodes is rich in history with medieval architecture, including the old town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It also boasts beautiful beaches such as Tsambika Beach, and family resorts with a range of activities for kids.
- Best for: Families interested in history and enjoying extensive resort facilities.
3. Corfu
- Highlights: Known for its lush scenery and Venetian architecture, Corfu offers a relaxed island atmosphere with family-friendly beaches like Glyfada and Agios Gordios. Corfu’s old town, another UNESCO World Heritage site, adds a cultural element to your stay.
- Best for: Families who enjoy nature, culture, and less crowded beaches.
4. Naxos
- Highlights: As the largest of the Cyclades, Naxos offers long sandy beaches that are perfect for children, such as Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna. The island is also less commercialized, providing a more laid-back experience.
- Best for: Families seeking a quieter vacation with plenty of beach time.
5. Zakynthos
- Highlights: Famous for the Shipwreck Beach and blue caves, Zakynthos is a great spot for boat tours and snorkeling. Many beaches are also accessible and family-friendly, offering shallow waters for young swimmers.
- Best for: Adventure-loving families eager to explore natural attractions.
6. Peloponnese
- Highlights: The Peloponnese region offers an array of experiences, from the ancient ruins of Olympia and Epidaurus to child-friendly beaches at places like Tolo. This region is also known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, including hiking and cycling.
- Best for: Families looking for a blend of beach, culture, and history.
7. Athens
- Highlights: While primarily known for its historical and cultural sites like the Acropolis and the National Archaeological Museum, Athens also offers family-friendly activities and easy day trips to nearby islands and beaches.
- Best for: Families who don’t want to miss out on rich historical and cultural experiences.
Each destination offers a different slice of Greek life, so the best area for your family will depend on your interests and the type of vacation you’re hoping to have. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed beach holiday, cultural exploration, or adventurous outings, Greece has a region that can cater to all preferences.
As we’ve explored some of the best family beaches across Greece, it’s clear that whether you’re basking on the pink sands of Elafonissi in Crete, engaging in outdoor activities along the Aegean Sea, or exploring the rich history of Corfu’s Old Town, Greece offers a perfect mix of beauty, culture, and adventure for family vacations.
From the tranquil waters of Myrtos Beach to the volcanic landscapes of Santorini, each destination invites families into a world where the days are marked by swims in crystal-clear waters and picnics under olive trees. The family-friendly beaches like St. George Beach and Santa Maria Beach cater to both the young and young at heart, providing safe, kid-friendly environments where the whole family can relax and have fun.
Whether you explore the archeological sites near the beaches of the most popular islands or prefer the serene escapes on the southwest coast of less-traveled gems, every option is a good idea. For nature lovers, the lush scenery of northern Greece offers a verdant backdrop to sandy shores and pebbled coves, making every visit a picturesque adventure.
Greece’s blend of natural wonders, historical depth, and welcoming atmospheres makes it one of the best islands for a family-friendly destination. No matter which beach you choose, you will surely create lasting memories in this enchanting Mediterranean paradise.