Greece › Family Holidays
Updated: April 15, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com
See Also
- Athens – Where to Stay & Go
- Santorini – Where to Stay & Go
- Mykonos – Where to Stay & Go
- Naxos – Where to Stay & Go
- Paros – Where to Stay & Go
- Crete – Where to Stay & Go
My boys on a boat in the Santorini caldera. A boat tour of the caldera is one of the highlights of a family trip to Greece.
My Advice: 10 Things to Know for Planning a Greek Holiday
1. Greece is a World-Class Destination for Families
Greece and the Greek Islands are my top recommendation in Europe for a family vacation. The culture is incredibly welcoming to children. It is common to see local kids playing in town squares late into the evening while parents eat nearby. The combination of shallow sandy beaches, ancient ruins that feel like playgrounds, and a safe environment makes it very easy to manage. Ferry travel adds a sense of adventure that kids love, turning a travel day into a boat trip across the Aegean.
2. Naxos is the Best Island for Most Families
If you only pick one island for a family trip, make it Naxos. It has the best sandy beaches in the Cyclades, and the water at Agios Georgios is shallow for a long way out, making it perfect for toddlers and young swimmers.
Other excellent options include:
* Paros: Great for a mix of beaches and charming walkable villages.
* Crete: Huge and diverse, with incredible history at Knossos and famous beaches like Elafonisi.
* Rhodes: Offers a medieval Old Town that feels like a movie set.
* Corfu: Very green with a strong Italian influence and great family resorts.
* Mykonos: Can be busy, but the beaches are some of the best in Greece.
* Santorini: Best for families with older children who can handle lots of stairs and will appreciate the caldera views and boat tours.3. Direct Flights Save Significant Time
For travelers from the U.K. and Europe, many islands have direct seasonal flights. You can fly straight into Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Corfu, or Rhodes without stopping in Athens.
For travelers from North America, there are now more direct flights to Athens than ever before from hubs like NYC, Newark, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, Dulles, and San Francisco. My advice is to fly nonstop to Athens, stay for a night or two to adjust to the time zone, and then take a ferry or domestic flight to the islands.
4. Timing is Everything: June and September are Best
The best time for a Greek holiday is June through September. This is when the weather is most reliable for swimming and ferries run at full frequency.
Consider these factors when picking your dates:
* July and August: The hottest months and the most crowded. This is also when the Meltemi (strong northern winds) can make the sea choppy and affect ferry schedules.
* June and September: My favorite months. The water is warm, the crowds are thinner, and the prices are more reasonable.
* May and October: Great for hiking and sightseeing, but the water can be too cold for some kids, and many seasonal businesses or ferry routes may be limited.5. Do Not Skip Athens, But Don’t Overstay
Many people try to rush through Athens to get to the islands, but the city is worth your time. Two days is the “sweet spot” for families. Stay in the Plaka or Koukaki neighborhoods so you can walk to the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum.
If you are taking a ferry, I recommend staying in Athens the night before your departure. Trying to fly into Athens and catch a ferry to the islands on the same day is risky if your flight is delayed.
My kids on the beaches of Mykonos. Mykonos has a party reputation, but the nightlife is easy to avoid and there are plenty of family-friendly hotels, restaurants, and beaches.
6. Focus on One or Two Island Groups
The biggest mistake travelers make is trying to see too many islands in one trip. Every ferry ride takes at least half a day when you factor in packing, getting to the port, and checking into a new hotel.
Stick to one island group per trip. For example:
* The Cyclades: Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Milos.
* The Ionian Islands: Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia.
* The Dodecanese: Rhodes, Kos, Patmos.7. Understand the Different Beach Types
Not all Greek beaches are sandy. Naxos, Skiathos, and Western Crete are famous for long stretches of fine sand. Other islands, like Santorini, have volcanic beaches with black or red pebbles that get extremely hot in the sun. Always bring water shoes for the kids.
On Mykonos, Ornos is the most family-friendly because it has calm water and a relaxed luxury vibe. On Naxos, Agios Georgios is the gold standard for families with small children.
8. Greek Tavernas are Stress-Free for Parents
Dining out in Greece is a highlight. Most tavernas are casual and have outdoor seating where it is perfectly acceptable for kids to be a little loud or move around.
The food is very “kid-friendly” even for picky eaters. Look for:
* Souvlaki: Grilled meat skewers.
* Pastitsio: A baked pasta dish similar to lasagna.
* Greek Salad: Served with a large block of feta that my kids loved.
* Tzatziki and Pita: Perfect for snacking.9. Use Licensed Guides for Major Sites
Greek history is dense, and many archaeological sites can look like a pile of rocks to a child (or adult) without any context. Hiring a licensed professional guide for the Acropolis in Athens or Knossos in Crete is worth the investment. They know how to tell stories that keep children engaged. I also suggest booking “skip the line” tickets for the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum well in advance, especially for summer visits.
10. Book Flights, Ferries, and Hotels Separately
While package deals exist, I find that families get much better value and better hotel locations by booking the pieces themselves.
- Google Flights to compare airfares and flight times.
- Booking.com to book hotels and lock in family rooms early.
- Ferryhopper.com to check ferry schedules and book tickets.
- Welcome Pickups for pre-booked airport and port transfers.
- Booking.com for rental cars.
- GetYourGuide.com to browse tours and activities.
What are the Best Greek Islands for a family holiday?
Folegandros is a great island for families interested in solitude, quiet, and good hiking.
The 7 Best Greek Islands for Families:
• Crete
• Rhodes
• Paros
• Naxos
• Santorini
• Mykonos
• Corfu
- Best Greek Island for Families: Naxos (The best overall mix of beaches, food, family-friendly hotels, and easy day-to-day travel.)
- Best Greek Islands for Beaches: Naxos, Crete, Paros, and Mykonos.
- Best Greek Islands for Teens: Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, and Naxos.
- Best Greek Islands for History: Crete (Knossos), Rhodes (Old Town and Lindos), Santorini (Akrotiri), and Mykonos (as a base for Delos).
- Best Greek Islands for Hiking: Crete, Sifnos, Santorini, and Naxos.
- Best Greek Island for Biking: Kos (Easily the most bike-friendly island in Greece.)
- Best Greek Islands for Luxury: Santorini and Mykonos.
- Best Greek Islands for Quiet and Solitude: Folegandros, Ikaria, and Karpathos.
- Best Greek Islands for Outdoor Activity: Crete, Naxos, and Santorini.
- Best Greek Islands for Food: Crete and Naxos.
- Best for a Family Cruise: In general, I prefer staying on the islands rather than taking a cruise. You will see more, have better beach time, and enjoy a much more relaxed trip.
- Best for Island Hopping: Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Mykonos, and Milos are all very well connected.
How far in advance should I book hotels?
Paros is a wonderful mix of charming towns and family-friendly beaches. For the best choice of larger rooms and suites, book early – especially on popular islands such as Naxos, Paros, Santorini, and Mykonos.
- For July and August on the most popular islands, families should book early. Rooms for 4 or more, connecting rooms, and hotels with pools or beachfront locations are the first to sell out.
- As a general rule, I would try to book 6 to 9 months ahead for peak summer if you want a specific hotel or room type. For June and September, you have a little more flexibility.
- Booking.com is my favorite hotel tool for Greece because it is easy to compare room types, see family-room options clearly, and reserve flexible rates while you finalize ferries or flights.
- If you are traveling in May, early June, late September, or October, you may find more last-minute availability, but families still do better booking ahead if they want to stay near the beach or in a walkable town.
- I would not rely on showing up without a reservation, especially with kids. It can still work for budget travelers in some places, but it is not a good strategy if you need a larger room, a crib, a pool, or a hotel in a specific location.
When is the best time to visit Greece for a family vacation?
Waterfront dining in Naxos is a highlight for families. The best months for beach weather are June through September.
June and September are the best months for most family trips to Greece. You get warm weather, swimmable water, and fewer crowds than the peak weeks of July and August.
July and August are the hottest and busiest months. The weather is reliably sunny, but beaches, ferries, and popular hotels are at their most crowded and expensive.
May and October can be wonderful for sightseeing and slower travel, but the sea is cooler and some smaller islands feel quieter, with fewer services and less frequent transport.
My advice: If your trip is mainly about beaches and swimming, go in June or September. If you are tied to school holidays, aim for the first half of June or the very end of August if you can.
How do I get to the Greek Islands?
These are the 3 most common and most practical ways families get to the islands:
- Fly to Athens and then continue by ferry. This is the classic Greece trip and works well if you want to spend a day or two in Athens first. It is also a good option if you are visiting Cycladic islands such as Naxos, Paros, Santorini, or Milos.
- Fly to Athens and then take a domestic flight to the island. This is the fastest and easiest option with young kids, especially if you are headed to Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, or another island with a busy airport.
- Fly direct to a Greek island from Europe. Many of the larger islands have seasonal nonstop flights from major European cities. This can be a great option if you are already traveling in Europe or are happy to connect there.
My advice for families: If you are flying in from North America, the simplest plan is to fly to Athens, spend the night, and continue to the islands the next day. Trying to connect from a long-haul flight to a same-day ferry is where many trips start to feel stressful.
How should families travel between the islands: ferry or flight?
Ferries are one of the most memorable parts of a Greece trip. Kids love them – but fewer, simpler ferry days make for a smoother family holiday.
- Choose ferries if you are traveling within one island group, especially in the Cyclades. Ferry routes between islands such as Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Mykonos, and Milos are one of the easiest ways to island-hop.
- Choose flights if you are going a long distance, changing island groups, or traveling with very young kids and want to reduce travel time.
- Larger conventional ferries are slower but more stable. High-speed ferries save time, but they can feel rougher in windy weather.
- If anyone in your family is prone to motion sickness, I would choose a larger conventional ferry whenever possible and avoid building your itinerary around too many long high-speed rides.
How far in advance should I book ferry tickets?
- For the busiest summer routes, especially from Athens to the islands or on popular inter-island routes, I would book ahead.
- Foot passengers have more flexibility than travelers with cars, but families still benefit from booking ahead so they can choose a convenient departure time.
- If you are traveling with a rental car or your own vehicle, book as early as possible. Vehicle space can sell out well before passenger seats do.
- Ferryhopper is the easiest site for comparing schedules and booking tickets.
How do e-tickets work?
- Greek ferry companies now use e-tickets, so you do not need printed tickets. After booking online, you will receive your tickets by email or through the booking app.
- Download the tickets to your phone before you leave for the port. Do not count on getting a good signal at the dock. I recommend saving the PDF or downloading the QR code so it is easy to open when boarding.
- Have your tickets ready before you get in the boarding line. This is especially helpful if you are traveling with kids, luggage, or passports in hand.
- For most trips, arrive at the port at least 45 minutes before departure. If you are traveling with a vehicle or on a very busy summer route, a little earlier is even better.
How many islands should I visit with kids?
- For most families, 2 islands is ideal for a 1-week trip.
- For a 10- to 14-day trip, 2 or 3 islands is just right.
- Moving hotels, getting to the port, boarding, unloading, and finding your next hotel takes more time and energy than many first-time visitors expect.
- With toddlers or younger kids, I would rather stay longer in fewer places than try to see as many islands as possible.
Should I rent a car on the islands?
- Usually yes on larger islands. Crete, Naxos, Rhodes, Corfu, and Paros are much easier with a rental car if you want to explore beaches, villages, or restaurants outside the main town.
- Usually no on Santorini and Mykonos unless you are staying somewhere remote or traveling in a way that makes a car especially useful. Taxis, transfers, and buses can work fine there for many families.
- If you need a child seat or booster, reserve it in advance. Do not assume it will be available at the last minute.
Do I need to stay in Athens before taking a ferry?
- Usually yes. If you are arriving on a long international flight and then taking a ferry the same day, delays, baggage issues, and airport-to-port transfer time can make the connection stressful.
- Athens airport has rail and public transport links to Piraeus, but it is still a real transfer, not a quick walk across the terminal.
- For families, sleeping in Athens first and taking a ferry the next morning is the calmest and smartest way to start the trip.
What are the best island groups for family island-hopping?
The most useful thing to know is that ferries work better within an island group than between different island groups. That is why first-time visitors have a smoother trip when they focus on one cluster of islands rather than trying to jump all over Greece.
- Cyclades: Best for classic island-hopping. The most popular family-friendly islands here are Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Milos, and Mykonos.
- Dodecanese: Good for longer stays and bigger islands such as Rhodes and Kos.
- Ionian Islands: Better for travelers combining islands with mainland western Greece or Italy.
- Crete: Best treated as a destination in its own right, not just a quick add-on.
Suggested Family Itineraries
Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to 
Hi Dave. I have about 23 nights to spend in Greece in June/July next year. We’re a famiy of 5, with 3 kids 12, 10, and 7. We’re thinking of arriving into Athens, spending 2 or 3 nights there, then the rest of the time heading to the islands. What would be the best use of time? Create for 1 week? Then followed by which others? I do not want to go to Mykonos or Santorini. Naxos and Paros are close together – can we stay at one, then visit the other for day trips, or will this be too hard?
The smartest way to structure a 23-night family trip to Greece is to place your time in Athens at the very end. This provides a buffer for your international flight home, eliminating any stress from potential ferry delays. For your family, the best itinerary is eight nights in Crete, seven in Naxos, five in Paros, and a final three nights in Athens. This creates a fantastic, well-paced journey through some of Greece’s best family destinations.
After flying into Athens International Airport and you should immediately take a connecting domestic flight to Chania (CHQ) in Western Crete. If you book these flights separately, ensure you have at least a three to four-hour layover in Athens to comfortably clear immigration and check in for your domestic flight. Crete is a massive island, so you must focus on one region, and the west is best for its stunning beaches and charming towns. Upon arrival in Chania, pick up your pre-booked rental car, which is essential for exploring the island. For your eight nights in Crete, base yourselves in or near the city of Chania; a family hotel in a nearby beach town like Agia Marina is a great choice. Explore the magnificent beaches of Elafonisi and Falassarna and take a boat trip from Kissamos to Balos Lagoon, which is the easiest way to visit with children.
From Crete, your island-hopping journey continues north into the Cyclades. Take the daily high-speed ferry from Heraklion to Naxos for a seven-night stay. Naxos is the best Greek island for families, it has incredible sandy beaches with calm, shallow water like Plaka and Agios Georgios. A rental car is recommended here as well (though not absolutely essential as the bus system is quite good). After Naxos, take the very short 30-minute ferry ride to Paros for your next five nights. While it is easy to day trip between the two islands, it is a far better use of your time to stay on both to fully appreciate them. On Paros, explore the harbor town of Naoussa, the mountain village of Lefkes, and do an easy day trip by boat to the nearby island of Antiparos.
Travel from Paros to Athens by ferry. Stay in a central, walkable neighborhood like Plaka or Koukaki. This gives you ample time to visit the Acropolis and explore the world-class Acropolis Museum. As this trip is during the peak season of June and July, the most important advice is to book everything well in advance. All flights, ferries, rental cars, and your family-sized accommodation should be secured 6 to 8 months ahead of travel.
Hi Dave, I am looking to plan a trip to Greece for the first time with my family (husband and kids ages 7 and 11). We would be flying out of the US (Boston). I am thinking 12-14 days. What would you suggest as an itinerary that both maximizes our time and allows us to see and experience as much as possible in that time frame?
Heidi Desautels
Hi Heidi, here is a 12 to 14 day Greece itinerary for a first-time family trip. This plan minimizes hotel changes and travel time while maximizing your experience on the ground.
Greece Itinerary for a Family
For a first visit with kids aged 7 and 11, the my recommended combination is Athens, Naxos, and Santorini. This gives you ancient history, the best family friendly island with great beaches (Naxos), and the stunning, iconic views of Santorini. A 4th island is possible but with 12 to 14 days, three locations is the perfect number.
Athens (2-3 nights): The essential historical stop. See the Acropolis and then get to the islands.
Naxos (5-6 nights): My top pick for families in all of Greece. Fantastic, sandy beaches with shallow, calm water. It is relaxed, affordable, and has some of the best food in the Cyclades.
Santorini (4-5 nights): The views are as incredible as you have heard. A boat tour of the caldera will be a highlight for the entire family. The caldera hike is also great for active teenagers.
Flights and Ferries
Flights: The most important tip I can give you is to book open-jaw tickets. Fly from Boston into Athens and fly home from Santorini (most likely via Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, or London). This saves you a full day of travel backtracking to Athens at the end of your trip.
Ferries: Travel between the islands by ferry. For this route, the large, stable Blue Star Ferries are best if anyone is sensitive to seasickness. They are like mini cruise ships with decks to walk around on. Book all ferry tickets online in advance at Ferryhopper.com.
Recommended 14-Day Itinerary
This itinerary assumes 13 nights in Greece. To make it a 12 day trip, simply remove one night from Naxos and one from Santorini.
Day 1: Fly to Athens
Your flight from Boston will be overnight.
Day 2: Arrive in Athens
Take a pre-booked taxi from the airport to your hotel. Settle in and take a walk around the Plaka neighborhood, find a taverna, and have your first Greek meal.
Day 3: Athens History
Go to the Acropolis first thing in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. Buy tickets online in advance. In the afternoon, visit the fantastic Acropolis Museum, which is air conditioned and has a great cafe and LEGO model of the Acropolis that kids love.
Day 4: Ferry to Naxos
Take a morning ferry from Piraeus port to Naxos (about 5.5 hours). Check into your hotel and immediately head to the beach. St. George Beach is a short walk from Naxos Town and is perfect for families, with calm, shallow water.
Day 5: Naxos Town & St. George Beach
A full beach day. The water is idyllic and kids can play for hours. In the evening, explore the winding alleys of Naxos Town and walk out along the causeway to the Portara (Gate of Apollo’s Temple) for sunset.
Day 6: Explore Naxos by Car
Rent a car for the day. It’s the best way to see the island. Drive into the mountains to the villages of Halki and Filoti. Have lunch at a traditional taverna. You can also visit one of the ancient, oversized Kouros statues lying in a field.
Day 7: Best Naxos Beaches
Use your rental car to visit the incredible beaches south of Naxos Town. Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna are two of the best in Greece. The farther south you go, to Plaka Beach, the quieter it gets.
Day 8: Relax in Naxos
Your last full day in Naxos. Enjoy the beach, the pool, or wander through Naxos Town one last time.
Day 9: Ferry to Santorini
Take the 2 hour ferry to Santorini. The arrival into the caldera is breathtaking. Get a taxi to your hotel. Stay in Fira, Firostefani, or Imerovigli for the best views and a good central location.
Day 10: Explore Fira & the Caldera Path
Walk the caldera path from Fira north to Imerovigli or all the way to Oia. The views get better as you move north. The path is mostly pedestrian-friendly and safe for kids.
Day 11: Santorini Boat Tour
This is a must-do activity. Book a catamaran tour that takes you to the volcano, lets you swim in the volcanic hot springs, and sails across the caldera. Most tours include lunch or dinner. The kids will love it.
Day 12: Oia Village & a Beach
Visit the beautiful village of Oia in the morning to avoid the sunset crowds. Walk down the steps to Ammoudi Bay for a fantastic seafood lunch right on the water, there’s swimming and cliff jumping nearby. In the afternoon, take a bus or taxi to one of the black sand beaches like Perissa or Perivolos for a swim.
Day 13: Last Day in Santorini
Relax by the pool, do some last minute souvenir shopping in Fira, or revisit your favorite spots. Have a final great dinner with a caldera view.
Day 14: Fly Home
Fly from Santorini’s airport (JTR) back home to Boston.
Best Family Hotels in Athens:
• Herodion Hotel – Excellent location near the Acropolis Museum, rooftop deck with hot tubs and Acropolis views, and a small pool.
• A for Athens – Located right on Monastiraki Square with an amazing rooftop bar/restaurant. Family rooms are available.
• Ava Hotel and Suites – All-suite hotel in the Plaka, great for families needing more space.
Best Family Hotels in Naxos:
• Galaxy Hotel – Fantastic hotel with a large pool, located directly on St. George Beach. A top choice for families.
• Nissaki Beach Hotel – A more luxurious option also on St. George Beach, with a great pool and restaurant.
• Iria Beach Art Hotel – Wonderful hotel on Agia Anna beach with family rooms and a great swimming pool.
Best Family Hotels in Santorini:
• Anteliz Suites – Great hotel in Fira with a pool, caldera views, and family-sized suites. A short walk to the center but quiet.
• Homeric Poems – Superb hotel in Firostefani with a beautiful pool and suites that can accommodate families.
• Astra Suites – A luxury pick in Imerovigli with incredible views and larger suites perfect for families who want to splurge.
Mother, daughter and 9-year-old granddaughter looking to visit Greece for the first time from US. We have 8 or 9 nights. What itinerary do you recommend? Want to see at least 3 islands if possible. Do we start/end in Athens?
You most likely will fly into and out of Athens (most visitors do) but if you can avoid it with direct flights to an island, that’s fine too. Naxos, Paros, Milos, Sifnos, and Serifos are some of my favorite islands and all good choices. Mykonos too, which would allow for direct flights from Western Europe (if you want to skip Athens).
What are the best housing options for a group of 13, it’s 4 families mixed with kids. Are villas our best option? And if so which island is best for this large of a group?
It is not a cheap option but the villas at Aria Suites would be my top choice. If you rented the 4-neighboring villas you’d have a shared courtyard completely your own, 4 hot tubs, and marvelous caldera views. The pool at the hotel is a short walk up the lane. I have some great memories of lounging in the private pool here, and staring out into the caldera.
Hello, We are a family of six with four kids ages – 14 to 1. We are thinking of doing two weeks in Greece. Do you recommend one week in Crete and what three islands do you suggest with the kids?
Probably Santorini (I recommend a boat tour), Naxos, and Paros. Though doing 2 might be better than 3. Mykonos might also be worth some consideration as you can then fly directly from there (or Santorini) to Western Europe.
HI Dave;
We are a family of 5 with 3 teenage girls. What would you suggest around Athens with the kids that are fun things to do?
Thanks you and great Site.
My recommendations for fun things to do in Athens with kids/teens:
• Street Art Tour
• Athens Food Tour
• Bike Tour of Historic Athens
• Day Trip to Saronic Islands
We are planning a nearly 3-week vacation to Greece for our family – my husband and me, and our 7 kids ages 13 down to <6 months old – from late December (a couple of days after Christmas) until mid-January. We are coming from Iowa, USA, and travel extensively, usually in the off-season, though we’ve not been to Greece. I am thinking about Athens, Crete, and Santorini, but Rhodes and a day or two in Turkey would be great also. We will be renting a van that I am currently working on the details for now. We are homeschoolers who love to learn about history, culture, and food! Any suggestions, Dave? Your website is amazing!
Greece can be wonderful in winter. The biggest problem is getting between the islands. For example, there will be no Crete to Santorini ferry running in winter. There might be a once-weekly ferry from Crete to Rhodes – but maybe not. And there are some Rhodes to Turkey ferries in the off-season but not a lot so you’ll have to organize and research more than you would in summer. Getting a van on ferries is an expensive hassle – much easier to go as a walk-on passenger and rent different vehicles in each location. (In any case, few rental companies allow their vehicles to go on a ferry.) I would suggest limiting yourself to Athens and Crete. Crete is a large island (and the warmest in winter) and could easily fill 15 to 20 days of driving and exploring.
Hi Dave,
We are heading to Paros and Santorini with our 2.5-year-old in August. Just wondering if an ATV is safe for our 2.5 year old to sit on in between us or if we should hire a car?
Thanks Claire
ATVs are the least-safe way to get around the islands. I recommend going by bus or rental car.
Hi Dave. Thanks for your fabulous website! My husband and I and our 8 year old daughter have been spending our summer vacations in Greece for the past 3 years. Naxos is our fave, as well as Paros and Antiparos. This year we’ve booked Naxos again, but also have plans to visit Ios and Santorini for a few days each. School hols mean we have to travel in July/August, but I’m concerned that Ios is going to be too loud and insane in early August. I’ve booked Island House Hotel on Mylopotas beach – any advice on that area? Your description and the pics of the beach look lovely, but I don’t want to be listening to house music for 4 days and nights. Sorry for this long post, and many thanks in advance.
Sally [Amsterdam]
Ios is not as crazy as you might have heard. Yes, there are plenty of young people there to party but it’s pretty calm and (almost) quiet through the day. The real party starts late at night in the Chora (and nowhere near where you’re staying). Of course, your perceived vibe of the island can change depending on who’s staying at your hotel or who the regulars are at a nearby taverna during your stay. So there can be big swings in the atmosphere based on unpredictable variables. But all that said, I’d be surprised if you found Ios “too crazy”. The beaches are wonderful. And even the Chora is pretty family-friendly until well into the evening.
Can you tell me if it is best or nessesary to rent a car on any specific island? We plan on visiting Naxos, Santorini, and Rhodes. Very quick short visits.
Those are 3 islands where it’s nice to have a rental car for a day or two. Not sure what you mean by “quick shorts visits” but if you had 3 days on an island spending one of them exploring the island with a rental car would be good.
Hi Dave! Thank you for all the great info in this post. We are a family of 5 (kids ages 5, 3 and 1) and are coming from the USA. Which island would be best for staying at a house directly on the beach? Preferably a beach where the kids/us can get into the water without worrying about giant waves or too many rocks. Thanks in advance!
There are not a lot of house-like rentals directly on the beach. So it’s not so much which island but searching to find the right place (regardless of island). Naxos would be a good place to start. (Note, there are no giant waves in the Greek islands.)
Hi Dave – awesome tips! Our family of four (kids 3 & 4 yrs) will be enjoying the islands for 3 weeks in August and September. Thinking Crete + Cyclades. Debating hiring a car so we can drive on/off ferries, rather than struggling carrying all luggage and 2 young kids. Plus we’ll have transport to explore the islands. Limited info available online, seems hire cos don’t like their cars travelling between islands. Is this your understanding? We’ll fly into Crete from UK, and home to Australia from Athens, so will be a point-to-point booking. Should we pursue, or will a car be more trouble than it’s worth? TIA.
Renting a car and taking it on the ferry to multiple islands is not worth the effort and you’re right: most car companies won’t allow it.
What would you recommend for a family of 4 considering a family holiday to some of the Greek islands? We have 2 weeks holidays and debating between 1 week in Greece (with 1 week in Italy) and 2 weeks in Greece? We would be flying out of Heathrow and want to visit Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, and Crete. Athens is not a necessity but would be nice too. Suggestions on our itinerary?
Thanks
Derrick
You either have to limit the islands you visit or forget about Italy and only visit Greece. With 1 week in Greece, I would only visit 2 or 3 islands. Either fly Heathrow to Mykonos, ferry to Santorini, then fly Santorini to Italy, or could add Naxos in between. But if you spent the entire two weeks in Greece then you could fly to Athens, ferry to Mykonos, ferry to Naxos, and ferry to Santorini spending 1 full day in Athens and 3 or 4 nights on each of those 3 islands. Personally I would drop Italy from this trip and leave it for another holiday. Also, Crete (much larger than the other Greek islands) is an island too far for this holiday and would spread your time too thin.
Family of 5 looking for an idyllic Greek island with kid-friendly beaches. What Greek island is best for a family holiday?
There are many great islands in Greece for a family holiday – you almost can’t go wrong. But the best of the best are Naxos, Paros, Crete, Rhodes, Kos, and Mykonos. If you can only do one then go with Naxos.