Travel Gear

Beach Essentials for Families with Kids

by Lindsay
Kids at the Beach in Serifos

Last updated 1 Jan 2026

What do you need for sweat-free family beach trips in Greece? Including foldable beach parasols that will fit into your suitcase, we’ve rounded up the must-haves to make your outings with kids a lightweight breeze.

Beach umbrealla and mat
The beach umbrella is very necessary if you’re going to a beach that: 1) doesn’t have umbrellas or natural shade, 2) may have umbrellas, but is so popular you need backup, or 3) charges ridiculously for umbrellas (e.g. Mykonos). Terra Nation has a three-fold model that folds down small enough for a large suitcase. You are also likely to need these anchors in the windy Cyclades. Alternatively, consider a canopy that packs smaller and lighter like Otentik. You’re also likely to be able to pick up a parasol from the island mini mart.
Don’t forget a beach blanket – quick-dry, sand-proof, lightweight and compact, Grand Trunk’s parasheet blankets have stake loops and sand anchor pocket corners to make sure they stay put. Otherwise, just seek out an “organised” beach (as they say in Greece) with all the amenities you need for the lightest way to travel.

Best types of swimwear for kids in Greece
In the blaze of the Greek summer sun, we prefer long-sleeved swimwear for maximum sun protection between the hours of 10am to 5pm-ish. For evening swims, less material for quick dries works better. Bright colours always work best for spotting kids in the sea. Greek brand Marie Raxevsky (pictured here) carries an extensive collection for the family with almost every style of swimwear, and may be found in major Athens’ departmental store Attica. Lastly, a dry/wet bag with two compartments keeps things organised – one for clean, and the other for wet and dirty.

Sun protection
Sunday Afternoon’s sunhats fit securely (with an adjustable chinstrap) even in gusty winds (expected in the Cyclades), has a large rim for ample shade, an extension at the back to cover little necks, and air vents for breathability. They also pack flat for travel. /
Thinkbaby is a great SPF 50 mineral (Zinc Oxide based) sunscreen that glides on easily with minimal white cast. For a clean chemical sunscreen, Supergoop’s Play Everyday SPF 50 all-over face and body gel-textured lotion is good for kids and adults alike. Sunscreens from popular French brands like La Roche Posay and Avene should also be readily found in Greek pharmacies alongside local labels Korres and Apivita.
Beach towels and ponchos
To throw on the sand or sunbed (these quality towel clips from Terra Nation are always in our beach bag to secure towels to sunbeds – it gets windy on the islands), the perfect beach towel is thin, light, absorbent, sand repellent, and dries quickly. Proudly Greek, Aelia Anna’s towels fit the bill and can be found in many island boutiques. If you’re tight on space, Decathlon’s compact microfiber towels does the job too. And for little ones, bathrobes and ponchos stay put on wiggly bodies better than towels do. Greek brand Sun of a Beach has ponchos for kids 3 and older that are plush, bright, and beautiful.

Beach sandals
On the beach, open-toed sandals and flip flops are the best options for allowing sand and pebbles to slide through. Crocs Kids’ Bayaband sandals are quick-dry, easy for kids to put on independently, and often seen in island shops in Greece. Otherwise, enjoy a barefoot feeling with swim shoes by Slipfree. Protecting small feet from burning sand, pebbly shores, and pool decks, it’s also useful for hotel room lounging.
sunnies and goggles
Sunglasses are especially necessary in the Greek sun. Roshambo Baby sunglasses are Italian-made, unbreakable, polarized and free from BPA, phthalates and lead. Also high on style and with a slightly sturdier feel are Babiators.
For swimming adventures in Greece’s crystal clear waters, mask-type goggles like the Aquasphere offers 180 degree panoramic vision to facilitate underwater explorations.

snacks for the beach
One of our favourite things about Greece? A gorgeous selection of seasonal fruit (e.g. peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries, figs, melons) that taste like they come from the land of milk and honey. Pack into a lunch bag with other favourite snacks to tide the family through long beach afternoons.
pura water bottle
If you’re travelling to an island where water is not drinkable, a water bottle may be redundant. Otherwise, avoid ingesting microplastics with Pura’s stainless steel bottle range. Their insulated big mouth bottle keeps water cold without sweating outside to attract sticking stand, and has a covered spout to keep sand out. Its sports top and wide mouth construction is also easy to clean when you don’t want to worry about cleaning straws and bottle sponges while travelling.
beach toys
Packing light? The Scrunch Bucket is a roll-able silicone bucket you can squash into your suitcase and build sandcastles with. Belgian brand Quut also makes durable and ingenious beach toys with small footprints. Cuppi and Raki rake and scoop (pictured here) fit into the Scrunch bucket for a basic play set worth hours of fun. 
life jacket for kids
Most floatation devices (swim floats and vests) are designed for the pool. In the open water, use a coast guard approved life jacket so they can swim confidently as the seabed drops.

Spending more than a week on the beach? We’ve also put together an adventure kit to make the most of an unforgettable Greek summer.

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