Greece is one of the most beloved family vacation destinations, both for visitors and those with second homes in Greece. April, May, September, and October are ideal months to travel with kids. It’s best to avoid July and August with young children, since it can be intense for them in the strong heat.
One benefit of traveling off-season is that you can avoid the big crowds and find a cheaper place to stay. Plus, the Greeks have a family-friendly spirit and in general love children. The food in Greece is also friendly to families because there are bite-size meze plates and pita breads which are ideal for little hands.
In this article, we highlight 5 destinations in Greece that fulfill 2 categories: They are full of family-friendly activities and require only a short plane or ferry to reach.
Crete
Crete is an ideal place for kids and families because it is the largest island in Greece, so there is something for everyone to do. The variation of the landscape makes it a fun place to explore for kids. Accommodations for families are available in many towns and there are 2 international airports for easy access from other hubs in Europe. There are family-friendly homes and vacation stays near some of the best of the beaches in the world. What’s not to like?
The most family friendly beaches on the island of Crete are near Chania and include Elafonisi, Balos, and Falasarna, which have shallow waters and fine sand for the kids to play in. Plakias also has a selection of beaches that are worth visiting with children.
Corfu
In Corfu, there are plenty of activities for kids. Families will like to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Corfu’s Old Town, and to walk up to the castle. For outdoor activities, the countryside has a lot of hiking and biking, especially near the Cape Drastis Loop. Besides this, the Ionian Sea is ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. Kids will love boat tours along Corfu’s coastline, and if they are looking for thrills, Aqualand waterpark is a great place for waterslides. Ikos Dassia is a top-rated hotel on Corfu and received the Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Award by Tripadvisor for its many pools and kids’ club.
Zakynthos
Zakynthos is a heaven for kids, with its many sandy beaches, its blue caves where you can snorkel, and its hiking on Skopos Hill. There are several water parks on the island, like Tsilivi Water Park and Zante Water Village. For more adventurous families, the kids will love exploring Navagio Beach, with its famous shipwreck.
A recommended hotel for kids on Zakynthos is the Domes Aulus Zante, where kids can plant greens, herbs, and flowers with the KiEPOS program or hang out in their playrooms. On their website, Domes Aulus Zante features a “family” section with playtime activities for the kids, non-alcoholic drink menus, and activities for parents when their kids are with hotel staff.
Kos
Kos is an island in the Dodecanese chain and is an hour’s flight from Athens. Kos has plenty of resorts to choose from for family, many which are affordable and include beach clubs for the kids and kid-friendly pools. Kos is also known for its water parks, like the Lido Water Park, which has speed slides and a wave pool. Kids will love the many beaches on Kos Island, several of which have watersports and kid-friendly activities. Note that Kos is not as heavily touristed as the other islands on this list, so you will have more peace and quiet away from the crowds.
Milos
Milos Island is like the little sister to Santorini. It is located nearby in the Cyclades and is known for its whitewashed houses and legendary sunsets. Out of all the islands with white buildings in Greece, it is less visited when compared to Santorini, while also being close to Athens. There are many caves and volcanic rock formations that kids love to explore. Kleftiko is a popular spot with hidden caves where pirates used to hide.
If you prefer lounging on the beaches, the kids will probably like Paliohori. There are over 70 beaches on Milos, so you’ll have plenty of options. Once the kids get tired of the beach, you can enjoy visiting the world’s third-largest catacombs in Plaka and the hillside towns of Trypiti and Klima, which can both be accessed on a hiking trail.
