Anna Paparizou is a family travel expert based in Greece, and founder of Kidcation, so there’s no one better to tell us where to stay in the Greek Islands with kids.
She enjoys good food, spending quality time with her family, running (marathons!) and exploring new countrysides in her country and abroad. Her favorite destination is Bali and her favorite Greek Island is Paxos.
Here’s her pick of the best Greek Islands to visit with kids, as well as her tips on where to go when you get there.
The 5 Best Kid-Friendly Greek Islands
1. Mykonos
With sandy beaches, one of the cutest island towns around and amazing food, no wonder Mykonos is so famous worldwide.
Known for its wild parties and club scene, I believe it’s actually very friendly for families, as it’s very small and so it’s easy to get around. Don’t leave before swimming in the azure waters of Lia and Ornos beach, before enjoying a gourmet sunset dinner at Pasaji.
Stay at… The Agrari Beach Residence
2. Paxos
A yacht lovers’ paradise, Paxos is known for its secret coves, cute little towns, amazing Mediterranean cuisine and its “sister” island, the uninhabited Antipaxos. You can get to Antipaxos by taxi boat and soak in the sun on the sandy beaches of Voutoumi and Vrika, two of the best in the country.
Spend your evenings in Chora, with the kids playing in the square by the sea and enjoy your dinners at Mediterraneo restaurant.
Stay at…Villa Heleni
3. Andros
Greeks love Andros for its proximity to Athens and its lovely beaches. The beach Tis Grias To Pidima is one of the most famous in Greece, but what you’ll love more on Andros island is quaint Chora, with its picturesque alleys and proud historic buildings. I recommend Ta Skalakia for a greek dinner to remember.
Stay at… The Olive Tree Residence
4. Santorini
Santorini might be a honeymooner’s dream, but it’s also very family friendly. It’s a small island, so it’s easy to explore, with hospitals, playgrounds, a kids museum about Lost Atlantis and black and red (!) volcanic sandy beaches. I recommend Kamari for easy afternoons with the kids playing in the car-free street by the sea, as well as Oia for its stunning sunsets.
Stay at…The Alexandros Residence
5. Lefkada
Lefkada is a large island – driving from one point to the next takes a long time, so I recommend this one for families with older kids or families able to stay for longer. Mylos, Porto Katsiki and Egremni are stunning beaches that might be hard to get to, but will wow you when you get there. Bring food and go early though!
Don’t leave the island before tasting local cuisine with a gourmet twist at Pardalo Katsiki on Karya village.
Stay at… Villa Siena di Mare
More Greek Islands to Visit with Kids
Booking Your Greece Family Vacation
I always recommend you book your greek vacation well in advance, as gems tend to be booked as early as last August! The best way to explore both the mainland and the islands is by car, so it’s a good idea to rent a family car. If your kids are older and great walkers and you plan to just visit Athens and the islands, you can skip the car and move around on public transport. Ferry is your best option, as it’s cheaper and many islands don’t have an airport.
Browse all the family-friendly vacation homes in the Greek Islands on Kid & Coe.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cycladic islands see lots of winds in August, which is also the busiest month of the year, so consider visiting them May-July or September. October is usually cooler, so you might not enjoy the sea as much then.
Other islands however, such as Crete, Sporades (Skyros, Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnissos), Dodekanissa (around Rhodos) and Eptanisa (Corfu, Lefkada, Ithaki, Kefalonia, Zante, Paxos) are amazing in August! Most tourists are in the Cyclades at the time, the weather is amazing and visitors really enjoy their time there.
Greek islands are perfect to visit with kids in the summer, if it’s sun and sea you’re after. Oh, and if you’re into great food and quaint little villages!
We love the mainland with our kids too, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s ideal year round, whereas you can only visit the islands in peak season. It’s also easier and much much cheaper to get to by car from the main airports.
If you’re visiting Greece in the summer, you might consider visiting Mani, Chalkidiki or Sivota for some beach time without a ferry and from there heading to Tzoumerka, Zagori, Mainalo or Parnassos to explore the mountain villages and enjoy hiking and camping.
Read more Greece travel tips from Anna at Kidcation or follow her on Instagram @annapaparizou
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/kefalonia/the-io-house-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/naxos/the-st-george-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/crete/the-elounda-villa-n-2
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/corfu/the-eleni-villa