The Best Greek Islands for Families: From Toddlers to Teens

Greece is the ideal destination for family holidays because the Greeks genuinely welcome children in every setting. They practice the concept of 'Filoxenia', which translates to 'friend to a stranger'. It goes beyond just being polite or welcoming. It is a sincere desire to share your food or offer help to everyone without expecting anything in return. It is the foundation of Greek National identity.

So, where in Greece is good for families? Yes, the Greeks will welcome children everywhere, but some islands have better facilities for children. To answer this properly, we need to consider the children's ages and the type of holiday you are looking for. Whether you are searching for the best Greek islands for kids with toddlers in tow, or teenagers who want a bit of independence, Greece has an island to suit.

It can be difficult and expensive to find a family-friendly hotel, especially if you have a big family. Bnbstay family villas will solve these problems by giving you space, privacy, separate bedrooms, and private kitchens. Children, especially the younger ones, can be fussy eaters, so it can be easier to cook for them rather than go to a taverna. Many villas also have gated pools, which is useful if you have young children, particularly if they can't swim.

This article is going to look at the best Greek islands for kids based on their age groups, starting with young families, then teenage groups, and finally, families who want a quiet holiday. For a broader overview of planning a trip, read our guide to villa holidays in Greece.

Best Greek Islands for Young Families & Toddlers

Naxos: 'The Sandcastle' Island

Naxos is widely considered to be one of the best Greek islands for young families. One of the main reasons for this is that there are long sandy beaches with shallow, calm, and crystal-clear waters. The best of these beaches is Agios Georgios, situated next to the main town, Chora. Because it is shallow for a long way out, it is like an enormous wading pool for toddlers. Agios Prokopias and Agia Anna are also shallow golden sand beaches. Your toddlers will love building sandcastles on any of these beaches.

If the little ones want a change from the beach, head to Aqua Fun Water Park, which is in Stelida, a short drive from Chora. There are water slides and splash zones for young children.

Dining is particularly family-friendly in Naxos. Taverna owners don't mind if your toddlers are noisy or if you bring them in late in the evening.

As Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands, you won't have problems getting supplies for your children, such as nappies and baby wipes. There are plenty of supermarkets and pharmacies all over the island.

Corfu: Lush Greens and Gentle Coves

Corfu is a very family-friendly Greek island where children are welcomed everywhere. The northern and western coastlines of the Ionian Sea are the best for calm, shallow waters. Popular spots include Acharavi, Aviaki, and Glyfada.

Beaches aren't the only attraction on the island of Corfu. Your kids will love Aqualand Corfu, which is one of Europe's largest water parks. It has dedicated areas specifically for young children. Another fun activity you can do with young children is to go for a trip on a glass-bottom boat. Your little ones will be able to see marine life in their natural habitat without getting wet.

Another advantage of staying on the island of Corfu is that the airport transfers aren't long, which is advantageous if you have small children who may be grumpy after the flight or overexcited.

Many of Bnbstay's villas in Corfu are particularly child-friendly. Some have pool fences so that your toddlers don't accidentally fall in, while others have shallow ends.

Crete (Chania Region)

Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and is one of the best places to go in Greece for families. It has 621 miles (1,000 km) of coastline, and much of this is sandy. The west side of the island has some lovely beaches which are suitable for toddlers. Close to Chania, you will find the child-friendly beaches of Nea Chora and Agii Apostoli. Going towards the south-west of the island, you will find Elafonissi beach with its pink sands and shallow waters for a long way out.

There are plenty of other activities that you can experience with young children in the Chania area. There is Limnoupolis Water Park, which has a toddler-friendly area. Glass-bottom boats leave from Chania harbour and Platanias to the west of Chania. Take the kids on a little road train for a ride through the Cretan countryside and visit Lake Kournas, where you can rent pedal boats, swim, and spot turtles.

For more on planning a trip to Crete, read our guide to villa holidays in Crete.

Best Greek Islands for Teenage Families

Lefkada: The Adventure Hub

Lefkada is one of the best Greek islands for teenage families. It is unusual because it is connected to the mainland by a causeway. It has the advantage that you can just drive there instead of taking a ferry or plane.

Teens who enjoy watersports will love this island and its dramatic surf. They can rent jet skis at Nidri and take windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons at Vassiliki and Agios Ioannis. Kayaking and paragliding are also on offer, as is rental of small motorboats. Your teens will love exploring hidden caves, snorkelling, and even have a go at cliff jumping.

As your kids get older, they will want to do more on their own. Lefkada Town and many of the resorts are safe, so let them have a little wander on their own, taking in the buzzing evening atmosphere.

Paros: The Trendy Middle Ground

Paros is another one of the best Greek islands for families, especially if your teens want to be grown-ups. The charming fishing village of Naoussa comes alive at night so you can all enjoy the atmosphere while dining at one of the waterfront tavernas. Close by are beaches with beach clubs that are family-friendly.

If your kids are into watersports, Golden Beach is perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing. At Pounta, they can try wakeboarding and tubing.

For something a little different, take a day trip to Antiparos. Here, you can explore the sea caves and get a little history by exploring Antiparos Castle.

Mykonos: For the 'Social Media' Generation

Another of the best Greek islands for families with teenagers is Mykonos. Mykonos is often called 'the party island', but as long as you avoid Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach, and Paraga Beach, which are more for adults, with parties going on until dawn, you will still get the beach club vibe at more family-friendly beaches. Your teens will love the high-energy vibe at Platis Gialos beach, which is packed with seafront cafes, restaurants, and beach clubs suitable for teens.

This beach and Kalafati Beach offer watersports, including jet-skiing, wakeboarding, and windsurfing.

Other activities which will keep difficult teens interested include horseback riding along the coast and, for history buffs, a day trip to the ancient ruins of Delos Island. For more on the island, read our guide to villa holidays in Mykonos.

Best Greek Islands for a Quiet Family Holiday

Kefalonia: Nature and Space

If you and your family enjoy peaceful holidays, away from the typical resort feeling, head to Kefalonia, which is one of the best Greek islands for a family holiday. The island offers wide-open spaces, stunning, calm beaches, and laid-back tavernas. The southern coast is fantastic for younger children as the beach gently slopes into shallow waters, particularly at Avithos Beach and Xi Beach. However, the highlight of any trip to Kefalonia is turtle watching at Argostoli.

Paxos: The Boutique Escape

If you want peace, but with a high-end vibe, Paxos is one of the best places to go in Greece for families. There is no mass tourism, there is a lack of loud nightlife, and instead, a laid-back pace, and safe, calm beaches with crystal-clear Ionian waters. Beaches are, however, mainly pebbly, so you will need water shoes. Because it is quiet, the water almost feels like a private pool.

The capital, Gaios, and Lakka have pedestrian-friendly harbours, small tavernas and gelato shops. There is no loud music to disturb the tranquillity. The island is safe, so let your older kids take a walk on their own.

Top Tips for Planning Your Greek Family Villa Holiday

Flight Times & Transfers There are different ways to get to the Greek Islands. Many have airports, but some don't, and you can only go by ferry, such as to Paxos. Corfu, Crete, Mykonos, and Kefalonia all have international airports, and from April until October, you can reach them directly from many European cities. However, in the winter, you can only get there from Athens. Naxos and Paros also have airports, but you can only reach them from Athens. You can get ferries to all these islands, but it takes longer than flying, and the kids could get bored and restless. An advantage is that you can take more luggage. The island of Lefkada is the easiest to reach, as you get there by crossing a floating movable bridge. Just hire a car. It only takes a minute to cross, though the bridge does open up every hour for 5 to 10 minutes to allow ships and boats to pass through.

Direct international flights are probably the best if you have young children, as they might get tired and irritable if they have to change planes or go on long ferry rides. Older children are usually more adaptable.

The 'Sandy vs Pebble' Debate Most people prefer a sandy beach, but there are advantages to pebbles. For a start, your feet don't get dirty from the sand. Just remember to bring water shoes. The east coast of Corfu is famous for its bright, white pebbles and clear waters. The other side of the island, however, has golden sands. Kefalonia also has pebbly beaches, while Naxos and Skiathos are sandy. Crete is a mixture of both, with a predominance towards sand. Sandy beaches are probably best for younger children so that they can build sandcastles.

Car Hire As the majority of villas are off the beaten track, you will need to hire a car to get around. If you have a big family, rent an SUV or a people carrier.

Eating Out with the Kids Most Greek tavernas don't have kids' menus, although you may find some in the touristy spots. Generally, however, children will have to eat off the normal menu. This is not a bad thing, as Mediterranean food is fresh and healthy. Children tend to like Greek salad as far as salads go. A meat option they would enjoy is souvlaki, which is roast chicken or pork served on a skewer with red bell peppers. Most children also like a pita gyro, which is pork or chicken wrapped in a pita bread, with tomatoes, onions, potatoes and tzatziki. Chips, as always, go down well, but at least in Greece, they are cooked in healthy olive oil. Cheese saganaki is also popular. It's literally fried cheese, gooey on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Safety & Logistics Check that the villa has an EOT certificate. This is an official operating permit issued by the Greek National Tourism Organisation and is required for short-term legal renting of villas, houses, and apartments. It ensures that it meets safety and health standards, for example, fire security and pool safety.

You may want to choose a villa that is not too far from a town so that you have access to pharmacies and doctors.

Ready to Book Your Family Escape?

Are you excited and ready to book your family holiday to Greece? Bnbstay offers a wide variety of family villas to suit the size of your family and the age range of your children. Why not explore our family-friendly villa collection? You won't be disappointed with the choice and quality on offer.

FAQ

Which is the best Greek island for toddlers? Naxos is one of the best Greek islands for toddlers. The sea is calm and shallow, and the beaches are sandy, making them perfect for building sandcastles. Crete is also one of the best Greek islands for young families. There are plenty of sandy beaches and shallow waters, such as at Elafonissi. There is a good infrastructure and plenty of activities for children, such as water parks, little trains, and an aquarium.

Are the Greek Islands safe for teenagers to explore alone? The majority of small Greek islands are safe for teenagers to explore alone. Be a little more wary on Mykonos, where they might be disturbed by partygoers, and also in the cities in Crete later at night.

Is it better to fly or take a ferry with kids? The best option if you have small children is to get a direct flight from your home country, as toddlers can get irritable. If it's not possible, change planes in Athens. That will be quicker than taking the ferry. Older children probably won't mind a longer journey and consider it an adventure, but there's always the risk of seasickness.

What are the best Greek islands for a quiet family holiday? Kefalonia and Paxos are the best islands for a quiet family holiday. On these islands, you can chill out and relax. There isn't much loud nightlife on either island, so it is perfect for those who want to just have a leisurely meal in the evening.

Do I need a car for a family holiday in Greece? Yes, it is advisable to hire a car when renting a villa in Greece, unless the villa is in town. However, most villas are off the beaten track.

Which Greek island is best for a family villa holiday? It depends on your children's ages. For toddlers, Naxos and Corfu are hard to beat. For teenagers, Lefkada, Paros, and Mykonos offer plenty of activities and independence. For families who want a quiet break, Kefalonia and Paxos are ideal. Browse our family villas in Greece and we can help you choose the right island for your group.

Comparison Table

Island       Flight from UK     Flight from Athens    Sand or Pebble     Suitable For
Naxos      N/A (via Athens)  45 mins                      Sand                      Toddlers
Corfu       3 hrs 15 mins        1 hr 5 mins                 Both                       Toddlers
Crete       3 hrs 52 mins       55 mins                      Both                        Both
Lefkada   N/A (drive)           45 mins                      Both                        Teens
Paros       N/A (via Athens)  45 mins                      Sand                       Teens
Mykonos  3 hrs 54 mins      45 mins                     Sand                       Teens
Kefalonia  3 hrs 40 mins       1 hr 10 mins              Pebbles                  Quiet
Paxos        N/A (ferry only)    N/A                           Pebbles                  Quiet