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The Greek islands offer the perfect destination for fun family adventures, thanks to its vibrant culture, incredible historic sites, picturesque villages and pristine beaches. Whether you have older kids who prefer a fun-filled getaway full of outdoor activities or little adventurers who love fun days at the beach, there’s a Greek island that’s perfect for your family.
So, if you’re searching for an island to take your loved ones, refer to our list of the best Greek islands for family adventures.
Which are the best Greek islands for family adventures?
Santorini
Santorini is one of those bucket-list destinations everyone should see at least once. And while it’s more famous for being a honeymooner’s destination, it also appeals to families with kids. In fact, a family holiday in Santorini will leave you and your kids with long-lasting memories.
The best way to explore the island with your little ones is to rent a car, allowing you to drive around and visit places outside the tourist trail. Once you have your car, take the family to Red Beach, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches and a must-visit for families with adventurous kids. Hike to the viewpoint that looks out to the stunning ocean views that look more spectacular during sunset.
Another fun activity on your family holiday to Santorini is to swim in the hot springs of Palea Kameni, a small volcanic island in the mainland. Due to the volcanic activity, the water remains hot, ranging between 86ºF and 95ºF.
The picturesque cobblestone streets of Oia offer the perfect spot to take scenic walks with your kids. Aside from shops selling souvenirs, Oia’s streets are full of vendors selling treats your kids will love, from ice cream to crepes and Greek delicacies, like gyros.
Naxos
Naxos is one of Greece’s most family-friendly islands. In fact, you will find several family-friendly rentals in Naxos, so you won’t have any issues finding a place to stay where you and your kids can feel at home. In addition, the island is easy to get to, with regular ferry services coming to and from various islands in Greece.
Since Naxos is renowned for its magnificent beaches, you’ll likely spend most of your time at the beach. St George Beach is considered the most family-friendly of all the beaches in Naxos. It’s only a short walk from the centre of Naxos and offers fun activities for everyone, whether you want to build sandcastles or try water sports.
One of the best ways to explore Naxos with the family is to book a sailing cruise. The crystal-clear waters around the Greek islands are incredibly stunning, and you’ll appreciate them even more on your sailing cruise. You’ll find plenty of boat rental providers around the island with captains who can take you around and explore stunning beaches and other sights. And while your kids are busy playing in the water, you can lounge on the deck and indulge in refreshing cocktails as you admire the stunning ocean waters.
Corfu
The stunning island of Corfu offers numerous things to delight you and your kids. It has incredibly breathtaking landscapes, with lush green mountains and rugged cliffs. Of course, it also has its share of fantastic family-friendly beaches that offer the perfect spot to bond with your little ones.
You will find numerous stunning beaches in Corfu with clean waters and lush greenery. Since the island is not as windy as those in the Cycladic, the water remains calm, making it safe for your little ones. Some family-friendly beaches are Agios Gordis, Paleokastritsa, Glyfada, and Pelekas. These beaches have water sports rental facilities, seaside bars, and restaurants.
After spending some time at the beach, take your kids to Corfu Town, the island’s capital. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Greece’s most beautiful towns. As you stroll through its pretty streets, you’ll find historical sites that play a significant role in the island’s history. And because of its strong influence from the Venetians, the picturesque town closely resembles an Italian city.
Corfu offers the perfect base for exploring other Ionian Islands. So, rent a boat and hop to the nearby islands like Antipaxos and Paxos. They are famous for their beaches with turquoise-coloured waters and scenic landscapes.
Mykonos
Indeed, Greek Island cruises are a great way to see many islands in Greece, especially for families with kids. On your cruise, be sure to visit Mykonos. While it may be best known for being the party island of Greece, a family trip to Mykonos will leave you with fun memories, thanks to its wide range of action-packed attractions.
One of the most thrilling ways to get around the island is on an ATV. They are safe for older kids and teenagers to drive, taking them to picturesque spots in Mykonos, including Little Venice. When it’s time for the beach, take the family to Kalo Livadi Beach. As the longest beach on the island, it has crystal-clear shallow waters and calm waves, making it an ideal place for your little swimmers.
If you have older kids who crave adventures, book a kayaking tour on one of the beautiful beaches in Mykonos. Some companies can organise group kayaking tours, perfect for the whole family.
Crete
As the largest Greek island, Crete is the perfect place to take the kids for family adventures in Greece. Here, you can spend fun days at the beach, bond over delicious food, explore historical sights, or take scenic hikes.
When sightseeing in Crete, take your kids to the Palace of Knossos. Aside from its fascinating architecture and construction, the palace is renowned for its link to Greek mythology. If your kids are fascinated by Greek history, they will surely be happy discovering this ancient site.
No family holiday in Crete is complete without spending time at the beach. Your kids will be fascinated by the fabulous pink sands of Elafonissi Beach. The other beautiful beaches your kids will love are Marathi Beach, Damnoni Beach, and Hersonisos.
