From the lush green Ionian Islands to the idyllic Cyclades, these destinations can offer a unique holiday experience for young and old alike.
Holidays mean sun, carefree moments and dives into turquoise waters. For families, planning the trip is even more demanding - from choosing the destination to carrying out the trip. In Greece there are many places for family holidays by the sea, from the lush Ionian Islands to the idyllic Cyclades, that can satisfy young and old alike with relaxation, play and adventure. We suggest seven destinations that can turn traveling with kids into a delightful experience.
Mainland Greece
Kalamata
This welcoming Peloponnesian city is just 2.5 hours from Athens by car. Kalamata is a destination for all seasons, but in summer it puts on its best and fills with people of all ages. There are many options for dining and accommodation, both in the city center and in the beautiful surrounding villages.
Beaches: Kalamatas beach stretches for 2.5 km, is organized and features shallow waters, fine pebbles and sand. Within close reach are other shallow-water beaches such as Bouka, Velika and Petalidi.
Why it is ideal for children: In several spots along the beach youll find inflatables and activities for young and old. You can stroll along it and go for a walk, encountering large squares, playgrounds and parks. Dont miss a visit to the Kalamata Municipal Railway Park, an open-air museum.
Halkidiki
Just one hour from Thessaloniki and six hours from Athens, Halkidiki promises carefree holidays and swims in superb blue-green waters. It is one of the most beloved summer destinations for family getaways thanks to its natural beauty and the wealth of hotel and dining options. The three peninsulas, Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos, offer holidays for every taste.
Beaches: Halkidikis beaches are impressive and sandy. Chrouso beach is shallow, as is Siviri, Karydi beach will impress you with its expanse, Sarti has easy access and Klimataria is sheltered. If you make it to the third leg, its worth visiting the paradisiacal islet of Ammouliani opposite Trypiti and swimming at Alykes.
Why it is ideal for children: In Halkidiki there are many all-inclusive hotels with pools and play areas. Some even have their own water slides. If youd like to venture beyond the hotel, there is the option to choose among several activities, such as watersports, cycling and walking in nature.
Islands
Lefkada
Lefkada is the most easily accessible island destination, as it is connected by road to mainland Greece. There, verdant landscapes coexist with picturesque villages and impressive beaches. The island blends the tranquility of nature with the vibrancy of the sea, offering a unique holiday experience for young and old alike.
Beaches: On Lefkada many beaches have natural shade and are very close to the town. In Nikiana youll swim amid lush scenery, Porto Katsiki will thrill you with its crystal-clear waters, Kastro is a local favorite, as is Ammoglossa, Pasha Beach has shallow waters and Nydri has beach bars.
Why it is ideal for families: Lefkada is easily accessible without a ferry and offers accommodation options for every taste. In its town you can stroll even with a stroller, while in the villages youll find family-run tavernas.
Kefalonia
An island of abundant beauty and lush landscapes, Kefalonia consistently ranks high with families. Both Argostoli and Lixouri are close to many beaches. Assos stands out for its beauty: brightly painted houses, green landscapes and crystalline waters create a magical setting. In Fiskardo youll see well-preserved 18th-century mansions and taste dishes from the islands rich culinary tradition.
Beaches: Xi beach is the one that will truly delight children with the natural clay on its rocks. Antisamos is organized with a lush green backdrop, in Skala there are plenty of hotels and beach bars, while Makris Gialos has shallow waters.
Why it is ideal for families: Kefalonia is an excellent choice for peaceful family holidays in nature with interesting excursions and activities, such as a boat ride on the enchanting Melissani Cave lake. Near Sami youll also find Odysseus Theme Park Kefalonia, the only natural theme park dedicated to Odysseus journey.
Rhodes
The Island of the Knights and capital of the Dodecanese has been one of the most popular destinations for family holidays for decades. Rhodes combines history and landmarks with picturesque villages, endless beaches and local products.
Beaches: Tsambika and Agia Agathi are sandy and wave-free. Lindos beach is extensive and lies in the shadow of the Acropolis of Lindos. In Faliraki there are many resorts and at St Pauls beach youll enjoy crystal-clear, calm waters.
Why it is ideal for families: Rhodes boasts rich sights such as the Medieval City and the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, which impress young and old. Beyond the islands well-known museums, the Toy Museum in Archipoli is also of interest. There are also many hotels with facilities for children and water slides, as well as the large Water Park in Faliraki. However, the stars of the show are the Rhodes Aquarium in town, and the Farma of Rhodes in Epano Kalamonas. Its worth visiting with the children the Valley of the Butterflies, the islands important habitat, to experience the verdant forest and the rare butterfly species.
Naxos
The largest island of the Cyclades - and the greenest - stands out both for its beaches and its mountain villages. Every summer, families from around the world visit Naxos to spend carefree moments together. Besides Naxos Town with the impressive Temple of Apollo -known as the Portara- a visit to the inland villages is a must, such as Halki, Sagri and Apeiranthos, with their stone-built and whitewashed houses, cobbled squares and picturesque lanes.
Beaches: Naxos coastline is vast, with sandy beaches ideal for playing with the kids. Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna are organized and shallow and have hotel options. Plaka is a little calmer and Mikri Vigla feels paradisiacal when theres no wind and kite surfers.
Why it is ideal for families: Children and grown-ups alike enjoy playing in the sea as well as exploring and strolling. Older kids are impressed by the view from the Portara, as well as by the hiking routes through nature. In Stelida there are water slides and in various parts of the island Equestrian Centers where you can go horseback riding.
Skyros
A low-profile island that impresses with its authenticity is Skyros. In less than two hours by ferry from Kymi youll reach a destination for quiet holidays in the heart of the Aegean. Skyros Town spreads amphitheatrically with the castle crowning the top and the islands beaches are calm, with tamarisk trees and plenty of dining options.
Beaches: Pefkos beach is verdant and has umbrellas, and its ideal for windy days on the island. The most popular beach is Magazia, next to the town, with crystal-clear waters, while Molos is also among the busiest. Acherounes has shallow waters and golden sand, which is why it fills with families.
Why it is ideal for families: Skyros doesnt sink under tourist crowds, which makes it an ideal destination for quieter holidays. Older children love boat trips and walks in nature. What truly stands out on the island, however, is Mouries farm, the Skyrian Horse Rescue Centre. Dont miss visiting to see this rare breed up close and learn all about its protection.
