Family travel is always an adventure – and not always an easy one.
Whether you’re with toddlers, energetic tweens, or moody teenagers, finding the right destination can feel like a balancing act.
Parents want safe beaches, space to relax, and activities that go beyond a tablet screen. And of course, a cozy taverna nearby where families are genuinely welcome makes all the difference. With 227 inhabited islands, Greece offers endless options for family holidays. Each island has its own character and charm, but too much choice can be overwhelming. To make things easier, The Times of London has compiled a list of the 17 best Greek islands for families. What unites them? Sunshine, child-friendly beaches, and Greece’s legendary hospitality, where children are not only welcomed but celebrated.
Among the highlights of the ranking, Crete stands out as the ultimate all-rounder. History, nature and modern amenities are combined here. As Greece’s largest island, Crete offers something for everyone: ancient Minoan ruins in Knossos, hiking trails through the famous Samaria Gorge, and one of Europe’s largest aquariums, the Cretaquarium.
Its beaches are ideal for families – from the shallow pink-sand lagoons of Elafonissi and Balos to the organized resorts around Heraklion, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos, where hotels cater to children with kids’ clubs, water parks, and family-friendly dining. In recent years, Crete has invested heavily in family tourism, with many resorts adding childcare services, entertainment programs, and facilities designed for multi-generational travel.
The Times list also includes other gems across the Ionian, Cyclades, and Dodecanese. Lefkada offers family-sized villas with private pools, Zakynthos is famous for its turtle-nesting beaches, and Corfu combines Venetian architecture with one of Greece’s best waterparks. Santorini, often thought of as a honeymoon island, surprises with black-sand beaches and boat trips around its volcanic caldera, while Rhodes charms with medieval castles, butterfly valleys, and family-friendly resorts. Still, Crete is highlighted as the most versatile choice – a destination that combines culture, history, nature, and leisure in one package.
The secret lies in accessibility, diversity, and true hospitality. In Greece, family is at the heart of daily life, and visitors with children feel that warmth everywhere – from the beaches and tavernas to the services designed with little ones in mind. That’s why Crete and the Greek islands consistently rank among the best family holiday destinations in Europe.
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