- Crete
- Zakynthos
- Paros
- Corfu
- Santorini
One of the more iconic islands in Greece,
Crete was the birthplace of the Olympian God Zeus and is the largest of the islands. Iconically known for its rich culinary offering and fresh seafood, the island boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches and stunning ancient ports and towns.
The rich and well-preserved archaeological sites make it ideal for families that love adventure and exploring. The island is home to some of the best-preserved ancient cities and buildings, including Aptera, Malia Palace and Knossos, all offering a glimpse into the magical ancient Greek world.
Greece is known for its world-class beaches that offer some of the world's softest white sand and turquoise waters, and Crete is no exception. Balos Beach is known for its lagoon-like waters, which are ideal for children and families who want to enjoy a day at the beach. Similarly, Elafonisi Beach is iconic for its pretty pink sands and shallow waters, again a haven for families with children.
Zakynthos is one of the lesser-known islands in Greece and is synonymous with the iconic Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, where MV Panagiotis sits on the shores of the coastline. Commonly called 'The Flower of The East' by the Venetians, Zante's is rich in flora and fauna, and the wildlife here is abundant. Loggerhead turtles often call the waters and the beaches home, and the aquamarine waters are perfect for snorkelling and watersports.
The island is littered with family-friendly activities, restaurants and clubs, and a selection of
luxury villas, allowing you to choose the sort of luxury holiday you are after. Book your private home for your next luxury trip and sit back and relax whilst the children play in your private pool or the luscious tropical gardens.
The blog
Sofia Adventures talks more about how Zakynthos is perfect for those with young children or babies: "Zakynthos, Greece offers plenty to see and do, natural beauty that will leave you ooohing and ahhhhing, and a rugged interior that's perfect for getting away from it all. We spent 10 days exploring the island with our 10-month-old baby and found it to be a great vacation spot for adventurous families travelling with babies or young kids."
Head into Zante town, where family-friendly restaurants are perfect for an early evening meal, and the laid-back and quiet atmosphere makes it ideal for a holiday of rest and relaxation.
Paros sits in the Aegean Sea and belongs to the Cyclades; the island perfectly blends modern lifestyles and traditional architecture. The quaint rural villages offer a glimpse of traditional Greek life while boasting some of the best sights in the Aegean Sea. Due to its proximity to Naxos and
Mykonos, it is the perfect location to enjoy a holiday of island hopping.
It is classed by many as the most beautiful of the Greek islands due to its endless golden coastline that stretches for 120km, its verdant mountains and cliff-top villages that offer views you can only imagine.
The island is perfect for families due to its quieter nature and plethora of peaceful and secluded, family-friendly beaches, as well as the small villages that are perfect for an afternoon of wandering and eating.
Lined with abundant pine forests, rolling hills, and olive trees,
Corfu is known as the Emerald Island for good reason. The deep turquoise waters glisten under the warm golden sun as they lap against the rich golden sands.
Corfu lures holidaymakers with its natural beauty and abundance of historic sights, not to mention UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Corfu town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is nestled between two ancient Venetian fortresses, so it is the perfect location for a day of cultural sightseeing.
The blog
Travel Mad Mum comments about their experience when taking kids to Corfu: "Corfu is a Greek Island in the Ionian Sea. The island uniquely has lush green vegetation and some absolutely stunning crystal-clear waters. Corfu is well known for having the most picturesque beaches and has always been a firm favourite for families travelling from the UK and Ireland. Corfu with kids is certainly a lovely place for a
family holiday. Surprisingly, the island of Corfu is far bigger than I had anticipated. There are so many different villages and beaches to discover. You could easily spend 2 weeks there and still feel like there is something more to see. Whilst beach hopping was one of our favourite activities most days, we also got up to lots of other amazing things such as boat trips, discovering the old town, and so much more."
Corfu boasts many great features for families, whether it is the glorious coastline, the plethora of bountiful restaurants and eateries or the selection of family-friendly resorts.
Santorini is an island so recognisable by its blue rooves and white-washed buildings that it is recognised across the globe. Set on the edge of an extinct volcano, the sights are undeniable from the cliffside villages and hiking trails.
The selection of luxury resorts on the island makes it an ideal location for a family holiday, and the waters are perfect for watersports and those who want to enjoy a day sailing the islands close by. The sunrises and sunsets on the island are nothing short of breathtaking, and the warm climes mean al-fresco dining is abundant.
The archaeological sites, ruins and museums are perfect for filling your days, whether it's the Akrotiri or Santorini Pompeii as it is often known, the Castle of St Nicolas or the Cathedral of St John the Baptist.
If you're searching for your next
luxury Greece holiday, we hope this guide has given you some inspiration on the nicest Greek islands for families. Start planning your next family getaway today. For more articles and guides, make sure you explore
Elegant Traveller.