Awash with sapphire seas scalloped by glittering beaches, the allure of the Greek Isles has particular appeal to water-loving adventurers. But it’s a complex scene for the uninitiated. Made even more intimidating with wild tempers, distracted little legs, and picky (but ever-hungry) eaters in tow.
Santorini and Mykonos may be poster children of the Greek isles, but are far from the best options for families. Also popular is Crete, which requires angelic road-trip patience for kids at 12 times the size of Singapore. And while Instagram posts tout hidden gems with spectacular beaches like Lefkada, read the fine print to uncover the possible 300m descent it took to get there.
So, when summer’s family vacation duty calls, where to? Our endless quest for the best islands in Greece has culminated in this year’s roundup. Distilling the most magical escapes that meet that finicky, child-friendly formula of easy swimming, sprawling dining grounds, amenities, and accessibility, they might be the answer to that relaxed family escape you thought you would have before you had kids.
NAXOS
With a continuous 12-mile stretch of shallow, sandy beaches on its western coastline, its hard to compete with Naxos for top spot on a hitlist of family-friendly islands in Greece. But that’s not all – this blessed coastline is considerately dotted with spacious tavernas, low-key beach cafes, and slick boutique stays, offering ultimate convenience and ease for families. Time for more off-beach? Head inland to a different scene of quiet mountain villages. Naxos is full of easy options to pick from. Like a ferry port and airport just a 10-minute drive from the Chora (main village), catering to whether you prefer to ferry or fly in. It doesn’t get more seamless than this.
PAROS
Paros is Naxos’ posh sister without the frenzied pomp of Mykonos, but all its natural beauty. Circled by a gentle coastline carved in with luminous beach coves for calm, crystal-clear swimming, some go further with the offer of dreamy beachhouse equivalents of ski-to-door accommodation. Exuding effortless cool, Paros appeals to the cosmopolitan jet set. Alongside snazzy dining options are simple tavernas for kids in company, curated island shopping, and design-forward artisans. In short, activities aplenty for kids and grown-ups alike.
SIFNOS
Sifnos seduces. With barefoot elegance, surprising beauty in stunning corners, culinary sophistication, and subtle refinement. A tiny island with a powerful personality, it’s the kind of place you want to keep to yourself to maintain its quietly evocative atmosphere. What it lacks is supreme beach beauty in radiant colours so prevalent in the Cyclades. But parents (of small children especially) will be drawn to the convenience and charm of seaside villages like Platis Gialos, waterside tables, and easy island discovery treks. Your only option is to brave the Greek ferry system to get there, but travel during shoulder season and you should be able to avoid most of its discomforts.
SKOPELOS
A departure from the blue and white allure of the Cycladic islands, Skopelos displays a more exotic beauty of pine tree forests that meet turquoise seas typified in the Sporades. In spite of MamaMia!, it maintains an easy way about it that lulls parents into relaxation. Beyond afternoons splashing in stunning seas, spend evenings roaming the Chora, designated a “Traditional Settlement of Outstanding Beauty” by Greek presidential decree in 1978. Classically beautiful, but brimming the eclectic energy of an Asian eatery, island brewery, and cafes that serve matcha lattes fit for Japan. We’re in love with Skopelos.
LIMNOS
Sitting solitarily in the North Aegean straddling Greece’s border with Turkey, landscape and locals alike receive you with the country’s famed hospitality in off grid Limnos. Fom its volcanic past, a diversity of curious landforms beckon exploration. The not-too-demanding kind, across undulating hills that end in shallow shores. On a volcanic dome sits Myrina castle and capital, where an easy ascent through fortress grounds rewards with wild deer encounters. From desert landscapes and salt lakes (sometimes with flamingos) to strange seaside rockscapes, there’s lots to fill a slow-travel itinerary. And while its grey-sand beaches are nothing to rhapsodize about, many are organised, with a hyper-leisurely vibe, and where foreigners are the rarity. Limnos is where you are truly in Greece.
