12 Best Greek Islands for Families

The legendary Greek Islands—brimming with boundless blue skies, cerulean seas, showstopping sunsets, and warm hospitality—are far from a hard sell, even for families with the hardest-to-please kids in tow. On the very best Greek Islands for families, your kids can enjoy sun-kissed days spent frolicking on postcard-perfect shores, or time-traveling adventures through ancient myths and civilizations while beholding extraordinary old ruins.

If it’s active adventure you’re after, there’s plenty of that, too, whether wild water sports or volcano hikes are more your family’s speed. Or, there’s the simple fun of exploring the mazes of traditional island villages on foot, where untold discoveries await—you might turn up a vantage point for epic scenery, tucked-away works of art, or perhaps some friendly alley cats on any one outing.

Refueling in Greece is a reward all its own—most island eateries will welcome your brood with open arms (in some cases, literally!), where you can fill up bellies with kid-friendly and healthy Mediterranean fare, topped off with towering ice cream treats.

In the end, it might not be a single destination or activity that wins your child over, but rather, the simplicity of Greek island life and the break from the routine that it affords. Indeed, the slow-paced, no-muss, no-fuss rhythm here means that the whole family gets to chill out, kick back, and reconnect, without the stresses of a jam-packed schedule.

So with over 200 inhabited islands to choose from, how do you know which are the best Greek Islands for kids? We’ve narrowed down the list here to six of the best Greek Islands for families, each promising a vacation destination that both you and your young ones will love.

Santorini

Oia, Santorini

Kids will have a blast telling their friends back home that they vacationed in the mythical “Lost City of Atlantis” as Santorini (also known as Thíra) is believed to be in some circles. Situated in the Cyclades, this gem of the Aegean is among the most storied of all the Greek Isles, world-famous for its idyllic whitewashed villages, spectacular sunsets, turquoise waters, and vertiginous clifftop perch atop the rim of a still-active volcano—whose massive caldera (crater) is submerged under the sea.

Rightfully lauded as a top destination for romance, happily, this volcanic playground actually makes a great family vacation spot, too. You can ponder the exceptional setting while on a family-friendly catamaran tour that will take you out to sail the caldera, where you’ll make stops to explore the so-called “Volcano Island,” dip into sulfuric hot springs, and swim in the private bay of Saint Nikolas.

Perivolos Beach, Santorini

For more beach time, your kids will adore splashing about on Santorini’s beaches, touting almost extraterrestrial landscapes with features like red volcanic rocks or fine black sands (for the latter, try Perivolos Beach).

Akrotíri, Santorini

Or, inspire young history buffs at the island’s archeological wonder at Akrotíri, a “Greek Pompeii” where a prehistoric Minoan civilization was preserved under a cataclysmic volcanic eruption in the 17th century B.C. The well-preserved and excavated site will surely activate your kids’ imaginations as they ponder ancient life here, as revealed through glimpses of the settlement’s ancient homes, shops, and artworks—squint a little, and you might even imagine it as the Lost City of Atlantis indeed.

And don’t miss whiling away a few hours wandering the labyrinthine alleyways of Santorini’s main picture-perfect villages at Oia or Fira, with their whitewashed and blue-domed Cycladic architecture and clifftop settings that overlook the sea. (Tip: In Oia, kids will love the scenic cable car ride down to the port).

Mykonos

Kalafatis Beach, Mykonos

Sure, world-renowned Mykonos is chic and cosmopolitan—and probably best known for its pumping nightlife scene that only really starts up way past most parents’ bedtimes. But if you’re willing to skip out on the jet-setting party scene here, you’ll find a paradise that’s positively primed for family adventuring, too.

Set in the Cyclades, Mykonos’s beaches certainly don’t disappoint. Pack up the clan and make way for Kalafatis Beach, where powdery white sands lined by sun loungers, water sports outfitters, and calm and clear waters are a favorite with European families (and not so much with the party-hearty crowds of other bustling Mykonos shores like Paradise or Super Paradise beaches).

Little Venice, Mykonos

A stroll through Mykonos Town with the brood will feed all of your kids’ selfie fantasies, with photogenic Greece landmarks like an iconic row of white windmills, as well as the historic, waterfront Little Venice district. Young explorers will love navigating the narrow maze of lively pedestrianized streets here, lined by whitewashed, cubist Cycladic architecture, and met by the sea, bougainvillea, and a host of inviting cafés and boutiques.

Temple of Apollo, Delos

Don’t miss the short boat ride over to neighboring, UNESCO-protected Delos, a seemingly frozen-in-time and now uninhabited island—apart from the ghosts of the ancients, that is. Legend holds that this once sacred island was the birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis—a mythology evidenced by the partially standing Great Temple of Apollo (dating to 477 B.C.). Your kids will relish in soaking up the history and letting their imaginations soar as they pass by ancient theaters, Hellenistic mansions, and evocative statues.

With so much diversion, it’s little wonder that Mykonos is one of the best Greek Islands for families.

Corfu

Old Town, Corfu

Hopping over to the Ionian Sea, off the west coast of Greece, multicultural Corfu (also known as Kerkyra) has long been situated at a coveted crossroads in the Mediterranean—with the imprint of the Venetians, French, and British who came before still evidenced in old fortresses, soaring churches, fairy-tale palaces, and weathered estates. It’s no wonder so many were drawn here, what with near-perfect year-round weather, a gorgeous mountains-meet-the-sea landscape, and verdant valleys filled in with olive, fruit, and cypress trees.

Kids will love uncovering some of the island’s many charms during an adventurous stroll through the cobblestoned streets, narrow passageways, hidden-away squares, and vaulted gateways of Corfu’s well-preserved, UNESCO-designated Old Town, with its hodgepodge of Venetian, French, British, and Greek architectural influences. Getting lost is half the fun, especially with your little navigators to lead the way!

Achilleion Palace, Corfu

Kids into mythology, meanwhile, might appreciate exploring the grounds and ogling the over-the-top opulence of the 19th-century Achilleion Palace—it was built by royals to honor the Greek hero Achilles (you’ll find statues depicting him in the vast gardens out back).

Of course, it wouldn’t be one of the best Greek Islands for kids without the beach. The island certainly doesn’t want for them: Lively Glyfada Beach is one of the best beaches in Corfu for youngsters and adults alike. Situated on the west side of the island, at the foot of a verdant hill, its golden, sandy shores and crystal-clear waters welcome families for long days of lapping up the sun and surf. Plus, water sports rentals and tavernas are within easy reach.

Paleokastritsa Beach, Corfu

Another great choice for a family beach escape is the beautiful Bay of Paleokastritsa, one of the most unique places to visit in Greece, where plunging cliffs meet sheltered, pebbled coves and cobalt seas to stunning effect.

Rhodes

Old Town, Rhodes

The Mediterranean island of Rhodes combines natural beauty, including large swaths of golden beaches, with a lengthy legacy; it’s been a pretty popular place for visitors East and West, since ancient times.

A stroll through the fortified Old Town—one of the largest and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe—doesn’t disappoint young travelers, with its network of cobblestoned streets, bustling squares, bubbling fountains, and fortress-like features like turreted gates and towering walls. Your kids can channel their inner knights while envisioning the days when the Knights of St. John once roamed the city (in fact, Rhodes is still dubbed “the island of the knights”).

Acropolis of Lindos, Rhodes

Rhodes history goes further back still. The commanding Acropolis of Lindos is one of the island’s most impressive sites, where budding history buffs can explore the remains of an ancient city that includes the 4th-century B.C. Temple of Athena Lindia, as well as relics of an old theater and stadium.

Valley of the Butterflies, Rhodes

Or maybe your kids simply love bugs? That’s one other surprise factor that makes Rhodes one of the best Greek Islands for families. Skip over to the so-called “Valley of the Butterflies,” where a lush ecosystem of forests and lakes put forth ideal conditions for the panaxia quadripunctaria butterflies, which show up here in droves to breed. (Tip: The summer months are the best time to witness this spectacular display of winged visitors.)

The wee ones might also get a kick out of visiting the local bee museum, filled in with curiosities like transparent beehives. You’ll get to sample local honey, too.

Kallithea Springs, Rhodes

There are plenty of Rhodes beaches worthy of lazing away on, but for a different take on water play, consider rejuvenating with the clan in Kallithea Springs, where the thermal waters are said to have healing properties.

Crete

Kournas Lake, Crete

The largest island in Greece, Crete weaves together some real kid-pleasers, including an ancient and myth-steeped history (dating back to Neolithic times), and an invite for adventure into the great outdoors, thanks to imposing mountains, vast valleys, and gorges galore. And, of course, as requisite for any of the best Greek Islands for families, plenty of perfect beaches, too—made even more accessible by the island’s seemingly endless summer.

For superlative sun, surf, and sand, head to the waterfront village at Agioi Apostoloi, where a series of adjacent coves invite beach time with the brood on Aegean shores. For a dip in another scenic body of water, stop by pretty Lake Kournas, with its fringe of lush vegetation.

Knossos Palace, Crete

Bring yet another history lesson to life for the kids at the outstanding archaeological site of Knossos. The ancient Minoan city was the site of the palace for King Minos (the structure’s roots date back to 2000 B.C.)—and it was also, according to legend, home of the bull-headed Minotaur.

The rest of the isle is likewise rich in tales of ancient Greek mythology—it was the reputed birthplace of Zeus, after all. That legacy was further enriched still by the long parade of visitors who passed through and left their marks here: Romans, Arabs, pirates, Byzantines, Venetians, and Turks among them. A family stroll through the Old Town invites further investigation, with its old mansions, fountains, monuments, and alleyways pointing to the island’s distinctive cultural heritage.

Read: Best Family Beach Vacations in the World

Aegina

Aegina

Aegina is one of the best Greek islands for families—evidenced by the fact it’s one of the major weekend escapes for well-heeled Athenians and their broods. A short hop, just 40 minutes by hydrofoil from the Greek capital’s port of Piraeus, means you can get there easily, leaving the chaos of the city behind for true family-friendly island vibes. Older kids get to explore temples, a big monastery, and some great beaches, while parents enjoy low-stress logistics and a compact, walkable main town.

Jump in a cab to head to the sandy, family-friendly beach at Agia Marina, with its fine sands and shallow water, or pop to Klima, which has a fun beach bar. On the way, take in the Temple of Aphaia with big views over the Saronic Gulf, plus history and legend in abundance—ideal for high-school kids studying ancient civilizations.

Easy food wins include chicken souvlaki with fries and Greek salad at the Old Town tavernas—and make sure to sample pistachio ice cream made from local nuts.

Poros

Poros

Just 15 minutes further on from Aegina lies Poros, another great escape from Athens and a strong island choice if you’re visiting Greece with kids. It’s compact, green, and easy to navigate. The harbor is pure postcard, and there’s a string of great beaches within a short taxi ride.

Askeli is perfect as a family base—older kids can swim, chill at the beach bar, or rent equipment from the water sports center, while the adjoining Mikro Neorio/Megalo Neorio combo has calm water and is great for families looking for shade and simple swims.

The main town is a compact joy to explore, with some great restaurants. Check out Dimitris Family Butcher Shop Taverna for a really authentic experience that will resonate with teens, too. The mainland is only a 10-minute ride across the bay, and boats go back and forth to Galatas on a regular basis. There’s a pretty cool lemon forest there called Lemonodasos that is definitely worth a visit.

Hydra

Hydra

Hydra’s car-free setup makes it one of the best Greek islands for families—especially for those with more active older children who can handle steps and paths. The island is laden with nautical and pirate legends, a legacy of its days as a prime naval power. Its once-great wealth can be seen in the former captains’ mansions that provide the backdrop for the impossibly pretty harbor and main town.

The lanes that lie between them are lined with cafés and ice cream shops, a perfect setting for kids who want to explore and feel like they’re having a great time without being under the watchful eye of a parent. The car-free aspect means parents can have a little more peace of mind as the kids roam around.

Spilia and Hydronetta are rocky platforms close to the main town, with ladders into deep, clear water. They’re great for strong swimmers and teens who like cliff-style jumps. To get to other beaches, such as those at Kamini and Vlichos, you need an alternative form of transport. Head there on foot or jump in a speedboat taxi, which is great fun and a real adventure.

Kea

Otzias, Kea

Kea is probably the easiest of the Cyclades islands to reach from Athens; you can get there in an hour from the capital’s second port at Lavrio. Despite the ease of access from the mainland, it feels much more off-grid when you get there. Kids will enjoy some great Caribbean-style beaches—some Greeks joke that its alternative name, Tzia, is short for Tzia-maica.

There are also snorkel-friendly coves, hiking paths, and some myth-heavy sites. Parents, meanwhile, get a proper Greek island with a much more traditional vibe than, say, Mykonos.

Koundouros, Spathi, and Otzias are three of the best family-friendly beaches, while the main town of Ioulida, set on a car-free hilltop, is a proper gem for wandering. Try To Steki in Ioulida for traditional Greek dishes in a pretty setting; it’s good for families who want a relaxed, scenic lunch. And relax the low-sugar rules for the kids to try local amygdalota, which are almond cookies, honey, and ice cream from small cafés in Ioulida and Vourkari.

Agistri

Skala, Agistri

Reached from Athens in around an hour, or from neighboring Aegina in a matter of minutes, Agistri is a little like its more illustrious neighbor but in miniature. Active families will love the fact that it has a green heart. It’s surrounded by some excellent beaches and offers plenty to do, including hiking, cycling, horseback riding, swimming, and water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.

There are just two main villages, Skala and Megalochori, both small, pretty, easy to navigate, and home to some solid family-friendly eateries. Toxotis in Skala is a long-running spot in a courtyard close to the beach, offering traditional home-style cooking.

Skala, Agistri

Ligo Krasi Ligo Thalassa—which means “A Little Wine, A Little Sea,” also in Skala—is another good choice if you have more adventurous eaters in the family. It offers a selection of small meze plates—great for getting kids to try new things without breaking the bank—and really good seafood.

Skala Beach is a great family-friendly option: mainly sandy, very shallow, and right by the port, lined with cafés, tavernas, and sunbeds. Aponisos is good for confident swimmers and teens—an islet with a lagoon-style setting where a small entry fee gets you access to lounge chairs and umbrellas. For more offbeat nature, head to nearby saltwater Lekani Lake, a wetland with exotic birdlife and gentle walks.

Syros

Ermoupoli, Syros

One of the least-known islands for tourists but big in stature as the capital of the Cyclades, Syros is another great option if you’re visiting the Greek islands with kids. It’s just a short 30-minute ferry ride from Mykonos, and the capital, Ermoupoli, feels like a proper town rather than another island village with whitewashed houses.

The harborfront is lined with pastel neoclassical mansions, and the marble squares make for excellent—if a little hard—playgrounds for kids. Given that the town’s squares are usually surrounded by cafés, parents can enjoy a coffee or drink while the kids have fun.

Ano Syros is a hilltop medieval village that ignites the imagination, given that it was fortified to ward off pirates. Beaches are plentiful too, with Galissas, Vari, Agathopes, and Kini being well equipped with paddleboards and water sports on offer in season. Around the first two, there are many traditional tavernas serving grilled meats, fries, salads, and pasta—easy wins for mixed-age groups.

Thasos

Thasos

Thasos is a great island to visit in Greece with kids if they love mythology. According to legend, Zeus himself, king of the gods, created a special bathing spot here for Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. That pool today is Giola, a rocky natural crescent where confident swimmers and teens can jump and dive straight into the North Aegean. Just be sure to bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water, as there are no facilities on-site.

Beyond Giola, Thasos is a lush, pine-covered island with some excellent family beaches, such as Golden Beach and Paradise Beach. Both have long stretches of sand and shallow water. Older kids will enjoy exploring the cliff-hugging Archangel Michael Monastery and the traditional villages of Panagia and Theologos. Find a taverna and feast on grilled lamb, honey, walnuts, and other local specialties.

Getting here from Kavala is easy, too: hop on a direct ferry to Skala Prinos or drive to Keramoti and take a shorter crossing to Limenas, Thasos’s main town.

Why the Greek Islands Are Great for Families

Mykonos

In Greece, family matters, and this goes beyond close family ties, too. Family gatherings can be huge, expanded events where almost everyone is related in some way, shape, or form: “Hey Toula, are we second or third cousins?” is the kind of thing you’ll hear often. And it’s not unusual to see multiple generations of families on the same vacation.

Why is this important? Because holidays in Greece are simply made for families. Not only do locals welcome you like a long-lost relation of their own, but the sheer variety of things on offer means everyone can do something they enjoy.

As such, visits to the islands go far beyond fly-and-flop, or even sail-and-flop. Sure, some of the Greek beaches can be quite magnificent. But then you can layer on great homemade food, ancient history, swashbuckling pirate tales, and activities galore, from water sports to horseback riding. If a place was made for a family vacation, the Greek islands are it.

Getting Around the Islands With Children

Hydra

While there are planes that can take you between some of the bigger islands, nothing beats island-hopping by boat. Greece’s hundreds of islands and thousands of miles of coastline are joined by huge networks of shipping routes, with cruise ships, car ferries, catamarans, hydrofoils, and local tour boats zipping from one to another on a regular basis.

On the islands themselves, most have pretty good locally run bus services, and taxis are abundant. The bigger ones tend to offer car rental, too. If you’re on one of the smaller islands, you may have to rely on mule or donkey travel—or your own two feet—to get around, but that can be half the fun.

Tips for Planning a Family Trip to Greece

Mykonos

Start off by thinking about which islands you want to visit and planning an itinerary to match. Having one of the big hitters like Crete, Santorini, or Mykonos in the mix seems like a given, and from there you can choose to stay in the realm of glitzy and glam or opt for a couple of quieter, smaller options, perhaps as day trips.

Pack less than you think you need, too—the vibe on the islands is very relaxed. Shorts, swimwear, a selection of T-shirts, and some sturdy walking or beach shoes are about all you need.

Best Time to Visit the Greek Islands for Families

Santorini

For warm seas and warmer temperatures, it makes sense to visit in the height of summer. While that’s great, it’s also when the islands are at their busiest—particularly in August, when Greeks tend to holiday themselves.

If you’re happy with the bustle of crowds, then that should be your choice. If you’re looking for a slightly more reflective vibe and have kids either not in school or that you can take out, earlier in the summer—May and June—and September are also great options.

Read: Summer Family Vacation Ideas

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