The best Greek Islands for families

We’ve spent hours reading the hundreds of reviews you’ve shared with us, to produce a visited & verified shortlist of The best Greek Islands for families. We hope you find this really useful, and if you do, that you consider booking via our complimentary Tiny Travel Agency service or the affiliate links in the article (meaning we make a small commission, and can keep providing you with this kind of content!)

The largest of all the islands, Crete really does have something for everyone – and whilst yes, it has its fair share of sprawling all-inclusives, there’s plenty more too, between its dramatic mountains, spectacular caves, and impossibly clear sea. For the tiniest tots, there are copious quiet beaches and secluded coves to uncover. For those seeking any means necessary to entertain (and hopefully exhaust) bigger & bouncier kids, theme parks, aquariums and water sports are easy to come by. And when it’s time for a well deserved, chilled ‘adult day’ (you can but dream), laid back boat trips and snaking coastal walks promise spectacular views of breathtaking valleys and quaint villages. If you get the chance, a day trip to former leper colony Spinalonga is a real holiday highlight

Stay

Caramel for a stylish, family-friendly gem on Crete’s golden coast, blending authentic Greek charm with boutique luxury. With spacious suites and villas, a lagoon-style saltwater pool, and the brilliant Grecoland Kids Club (4+), it’s a match made in heaven for those seeking local-inspired dining and easy access to sightseeing 

Elea Suites for an authentically Greek warm welcome where you’re greeted as if you’re long lost family, plus beautiful budget boutique suites with separate sleeping spaces, a sparkling pool and vibrant, traditional tavernas a short stroll away, where local wine is served generously by the litre

Phāea Cretan Malia for seriously stylish, design led stays, where jaw dropping aesthetics are seamlessly blended with child-focused conveniences, including a tiny traveller packing service, babysitters, and sustainably minded Kids Club – think organic gardening and cooking lessons 

Daios Cove for a renowned, luxurious family friendly stay featuring spoiling ‘don’t lift a finger’ service (why walk when you could whizz round in a buggy?), gastronomic dining experiences to rival any critically acclaimed restaurant, a serene and pristine private cove and *the* most spectacular infinity pool we’ve ever seen (not forgetting the Kids Club)

Candia Park village where children up to 11 stay free, and can look forward to a complimentary Kids Club (from 4-12), as well as a changing agenda of weekly activities (from cooking classes to movie nights and mermaid lessons). Adults will appreciate the beachfront location, seriously spacious apartments, simple but stylish decor and palatable price tag

Minos Beach art hotel for a show-stoppingly chic Cretan retreat where low rise villas (offering ample peace and privacy) hug the shore, offering private pool options. As well a guest-only beach, Minos boasts a sprawling Sculpture Garden, three great restaurants that will tailor meals for tiny tastebuds (with up to half board available), cots, highchairs, and a babysitting service, too

Domes of Elounda for a perfectly positioned resort stay, giving families the option of doing as much (or as little) as they like – with a sandy private beach, outdoor pools and jacuzzis with *every single* suite or villa, four restaurants and four bars, and all the parental paraphernalia you could need. Entertainment galore comes in the form of a Kids Club, puppet & bubble shows, trampolines, treasure hunts and al fresco cinema screenings – all a short walk away from little authentic Greek villages

Village Heights Resort for a breath of fresh air away from Crete’s overcrowded beach resorts. A laid back and low key escape nestled in the mountains, Village Heights Resort promises peace, privacy and lots of relaxed activities from yoga sessions and tennis games to mini golf and sparkling pools. The self catering apartments are complemented by 6 onsite restaurants, and the Kids Club (2yrs +) runs organised activities from 10am-10pm 6 days a week.  Far from out of bounds, the hotel runs a shuttle to the local beach at Stalida too, where reserved sun loungers, parasols and beach club access await

GRECOTEL LUXME WHITE, where luxury really is made easy. An affordable all inclusive for fastidious foodies this culinary captivating Cretan retreat is pure parental paradise. A great option for your child’s first foray into holiday childcare, the Kids Club (4+) here is cleverly situated in full view of mum & dad by the pool – ideal if your little one is nervous about being left without you

Nicknamed ‘Greece’s Emerald Island’, lush, green Corfu is the ideal holiday spot for families keen to get out and explore their surroundings, whether that’s hiking across ancient olive groves, heading to a nature reserve teeming with rare birds and wildlife, or hitting the open road in search of hidden coves and unspoilt beaches. When it’s time to refuel ready for your next adventure, your taste buds are in store for a real treat. Thanks to the island’s rich history and culture, expect a unique (and delicious) blend of Greek, Venetian, French & British culinary influences. The same can be said for the charming architectural mishmash that is Corfu Town, an elegant and understated glimpse into the past and certified UNESCO World Heritage Site

Stay

Domes of Corfu for a sophisticated take on a family friendly holiday, with soothingly minimalist interiors, spoiling spa treatments, three restaurants and chic boutique pop ups for adults. When you’re all adventured-out, enjoy some alone time courtesy of the creche and Kids Club

CORFU IMPERIAL – A GRECOTEL RESORT TO LIVE combines an impeccably idyllic location, mouthwatering meals, whip-smart service and creative childcare (4+) for an experience that deserves cult reverence. A largely undiscovered-by-the-Brits oasis, it’s a tough call whether to brag to your friends about this fantasy-find, or keep the secret closely guarded

GRECOTEL LUXME COSTA BOTANICA is a one-of-a-kind all inclusive resort, entwining Corfiot culture & Mother Nature’s greatest hits, with family-first facilities, like nowhere else. We’re talking, 5 globe-spanning restaurants, complimentary childcare (4+), an oasis-like spa, taverna-lined town a short stroll away and comprehensive list of baby bits to borrow 

The Olivar Suites for a laid back break embracing understated luxury and sustainability in the midst of nature. Here, privacy is the name of the game – minimalist and sleek low rise buildings sit beneath a vast, strikingly clear sky, mere steps from the beach 

MarBella, Mar-Bella Collection for a five star stay clever tweaked to suit families, with a (surprisingly chic) children’s splash park. Kids Club and babysitting service (not the mention the oceanfront spa to slope off to guilt-free)

The Rou Estate for a charming village vibe, where fourteen light, bright and elegant self catering villas enjoy hotel services, snuggled amongst a fragrant, hidden oasis on a hilltop. Whilst there’s no creche or Kids Club, tiny travellers won’t be short of playmates around the pool at this firm family favourite

Kontokali Bay Resort & Spa for a lesser-known, family-fabulous hotel, where low-key luxury is paired with full-throttle facilities, minus too much noise or fanfare. One for those seeking a slow pace of holiday life, but don’t want to compromise on (complimentary) childcare, delicious dining, or access to a heaven-sent spa!

Ikos Odisia for an easy entry into the world of all inclusive resorts, from the land of boutique boltholes. There’s an intimate feel to Odisia, with childcare from 6 months +, splash pad, stand out spa and impeccable dining

A glitzy hot spot for glamorous jetsetters since the 60s, Mykonos – often compared to Ibiza for its buzzing bars and spectacular events – is definitely one for those who enjoy the finer things in life, be it food, wine or… family friendly hotels! Perhaps not where you thought that sentence was going to go, but gone are the days when having a tiny traveller in tow meant having to cross this hedonistic paradise off your bucket list. As well as the luxurious restaurants and bars you would expect, Mykonos has a bounty of beautifully gentle, family friendly beaches – Platis Gialos, Ornos & Fokos are three of our favourites. Tiny Travellers will love iconic Little Venice and its windmills, picture perfect Armenistis lighthouse and the wonky, whitewashed streets of Mykonos Town (though we’d recommend staying slightly further from the action for a quiet nights sleep) 

Stay

Mykonos Ammos Hotel for a blissful boutique beachfront break, where all fifty elegant rooms are only steps from the sea. Proudly part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Ammos effortlessly blends an intimate, authentic experience with all the luxury trimmings of a larger resort

The Wild Hotel by Interni for boho chic vibes in a secluded cove, with heated shallow pools ideal for splashing, an excellent, authentic Greek taverna for casual, stress free dining and villas and suites with separate sleep spaces

Palladium Hotel for a luxury 5 star experience in true Mykonian style, with outdoor, indoor and private pools, a sumptuous spa with hammam, hot tubs & treatments, on site bars and restaurant, complimentary transfers, two bedroom suites and babysitting upon request

Acrogiali Beachfront Hotel for a beachfront bolthole at a boutique budget price tag. Low rise white-washed buildings with traditional blue shutters offer spacious suites with cots, spoiling buffet breakfasts and two bars, a ten minute drive from Mykonos town

Home to Loggerhead sea turtles, the world famous Shipwreck beach at Navagio, and the Keri Cliffs which drop down dramatically into the sea, life on Zakynthos revolves on, or around, the water. From sea kayaking to snorkelling, scuba diving and waterskiing, the island is a playground for those seeking adrenaline fuelled adventures. Famed for its crystal clear waters, wonderful rock formations and sheltered coves and caves, there’s still plenty to choose from if you prefer life on dry land. It’s rugged terrain makes Zakynthos an ideal spot for both hiking and biking, or if you’re seeking an altogether more relaxing affair whilst the kids and/or partner get wet and wild, the Greek National Marine Park is home to several spotless, protected beaches which have to be seen to be believed – our favourite being Kalamaki Beach

Stay

The Peligoni Club for a luxurious, laid back, members only retreat, cleverly combining the space and privacy of villa living with the 5 star facilities of a swanky hotel. Sail, snorkel and kayak by day, and socialise by night as drinks flow freely beneath twinkling fairy lights

Paradisso Beach Villas for rest and relaxation away from the crowds, at three impeccably decorated ocean front villas sat above their own private cove. Think soft, calming colour schemes, a peaceful soundtrack of lapping waves and lush private gardens complete with playground & BBQ  

Orfos Villas for romantic interiors in traditional stone buildings, with airy open plan living spaces, fully equipped kitchens, 2-3 bedrooms and private pools & hot tubs. Traditional Greek hospitality reigns supreme with hands on hosts, and a choice of authentic, off the beaten path tavernas a short stroll away

Perhaps most famous as the breathtaking, unspoilt setting of ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’, when it comes to natural beauty, Kefalonia arguably steals the Greek Island crown. Dotted with sleepy villages nestled into quiet pockets of countryside, part of the island’s charm is that, well, there really isn’t that much to do bar soaking in your stunning surroundings. In 1953 an earthquake destroyed much of Kefalonia, which has only encouraged the island’s unhurried approach to life. Lacking the historic sights and tourist attractions of the other islands, it lends itself perfectly to restorative, relaxing escapes; to days spent losing track of time entirely and enjoying each other’s company wholly

Stay

Kefalonia Grand for contemporary, luxe-y light filled interiors in a historic boutique hotel, located in the heart of the island overlooking Argostoli Bay. Discrete and sophisticated, with first class facilities including babysitting, spa & beauty treatments, and a restaurant & cafe serving up regional delicacies

See our edit of the best family friendly hotels in Crete for more recommendations and subscribe to our newsletter

Themes: The Family Friendly European Edit, Hotel Hotlists

You might also be interested in:The best family friendly beach hotels in Europe, The best family friendly hotels in Crete, The best family friendly hotels in mainland Greece