The Greek islands featured on National Geographics list of the best family destinations in the Mediterranean this year.
Strolls and swims in the sea, exploration and good food. All these create the ideal setting for dream holidays with the kids. The Mediterranean offers countless options and summer experiences for the whole family that linger long in the memory.
National Geographic published a list of some of the best Mediterranean islands for holidays with children this summer. What makes each island ideal for family getaways is its distinctive character, giving kids the chance to see new sights and get to know its history and culture. Also on this list are two Greek islands.
Rhodes
In second place on National Geographics list is Rhodes, an island with beautiful villages and spectacular beaches. The travel magazine singles out picturesque Lindos, which makes an ideal base for families who want to spend time on the beach and have the chance to experience authentic Greek island life.
Right next door is Lindos Beach, a sheltered bay with turquoise waters. The area is also an excellent starting point for an easy road trip to the mountain villages of southern Rhodes: Lardos, Agios Isidoros, Sianna and Monolithos are within close reach. You can drive through cool pine forests, sip your coffee and dine in the courtyards of little tavernas, and sample local honey and olive oil at shops selling traditional products.
At the southernmost tip of the island lies Prasonisi, a large sandy beach famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It is a natural wonder, a geological formation that looks like a small island. In summer a narrow strip of sand connects Prasonisi with Rhodes, forming two facing beaches, while during winter the sandy path is covered by the waves.
Kefalonia
In fourth place on the list is Kefalonia, the largest island in the Ionian, with lush green mountains, beaches beneath cliffs and crystal-clear waters where Caretta caretta turtles swim. The article also mentions the famous Myrtos Beach, which became known worldwide from the film «Captain Corellis Mandolin».
The island has large tourist resorts, but there are more interesting options for families, such as picturesque Fiskardo on the north coast, with its colorful Venetian harbor, as well as the calmer Trapezaki Beach in the south, where you will find a series of sandy coves.
From Sami you can take a boat to the impressive Melissani Cave with its underground lake and chambers filled with stalactites. It is a geological phenomenon of unique beauty that inspires awe in visitors. If you take the boat ride on the lake, you will see how the sunlight passes through the open roof, with the sunbeams casting beautiful hues on the clear blue-green waters.
The 7 best Mediterranean islands for family holidays
Here is the complete list of islands that National Geographic recommends for holidays with the kids this summer.
1. Mallorca
2. Rhodes
3. Gozo
4. Kefalonia
5. Corsica
6. Sardinia
7. Cyprus
