Greece with Kids: Family Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Greece with children is late May to mid-June, or September to early October. During these shoulder seasons, you will enjoy warm weather (25-30C), comfortable swimming temperatures, fewer crowds, and significantly lower prices than the peak summer months.

July and August bring intense heat (often exceeding 35C), packed tourist sites, and premium prices. If you must travel during school holidays, consider the less touristy islands like Naxos or Paros, which remain more relaxed even in peak season.

Easter Magic

Greek Easter (usually April) is a magical time to visit if your dates align. Children will love the midnight fireworks, red-dyed eggs, and festive atmosphere. Check dates carefully as Greek Orthodox Easter rarely coincides with UK Easter.

Best Greek Islands for Families

Not all Greek islands are created equal when it comes to family travel. Some have steep cliffsides and limited beaches, while others offer shallow sandy shores and excellent infrastructure. Here are the top picks for families:

Crete - The largest island with the most variety. Excellent beaches, water parks, archaeological sites, and family resorts. The north coast has the best infrastructure
Rhodes - Medieval old town that kids love exploring, fantastic beaches, and easy access from the UK. The Valley of the Butterflies is a hit with children
Corfu - Green and lush with calm western beaches. Strong British links mean English is widely spoken and familiar foods are available
Naxos - Arguably the best beaches in Greece, with long stretches of shallow water perfect for toddlers. Less developed but increasingly family-friendly
Zakynthos - Famous for Navagio Beach (seen from boat trips) and loggerhead turtle spotting. Great for animal-loving children
Kos - Flat terrain great for cycling, beautiful beaches, and proximity to Turkey for day trips. Very affordable

First-Timer Pick

For first-time visitors with young children, Crete or Rhodes offer the best combination of beaches, activities, and practical amenities like pharmacies and English-speaking doctors.

Where to Stay

Greek accommodation ranges from basic apartments to luxury all-inclusive resorts. For families, the sweet spot is often a self-catering apartment or apart-hotel with kitchen facilities, or a family-friendly resort with kids clubs and pools.

All-inclusive resorts - Ideal for young children. Look for resorts with kids clubs, multiple pools, and splash parks. Budget 150-300 GBP per night for a family room
Apart-hotels - The best of both worlds: hotel services plus kitchen facilities. Perfect for families who want flexibility. Budget 80-150 GBP per night
Self-catering apartments - Most economical option and widely available. Many Greek families rent out apartments and are very accommodating for children. Budget 50-100 GBP per night
Villas with pools - Excellent for larger families or those travelling together. Private pools mean no fighting for sun loungers. Budget 150-400 GBP per night

Book accommodation with sea views and balconies when possible. Greek evenings are magical, and children will love watching the sunset while you enjoy a glass of wine from your terrace.

Room Tip

Many Greek hotels offer interconnecting rooms or family suites at better value than two separate rooms. Always email the hotel directly to ask about family configurations.

Getting Around

How you get around Greece depends largely on which islands you visit and your travel style. Here are your main options:

Car hire - Essential on larger islands like Crete and Rhodes. Greek roads are generally good, though mountain routes can be winding. Child car seats are available but often in limited supply, so book in advance or bring your own
Ferries - The classic Greek experience. Children love watching islands appear on the horizon. Blue Star and Hellenic Seaways operate the main routes. Book cabins for longer crossings
Domestic flights - Quick hops between islands or to Athens. Olympic Air and Sky Express serve most islands. Useful for avoiding very long ferry journeys with small children
Local buses - Reliable and very affordable on most islands. Air-conditioned coaches connect main towns and beaches. Buy tickets from the driver or kiosks

Island Hopping

If planning to island hop with children, limit yourself to two or three islands maximum for a two-week trip. Ferry delays are common, and constantly repacking can be exhausting for young families.

Best Family Beaches

Greek beaches range from pebbly coves to expansive sandy shores. For families with young children, prioritise beaches with shallow water, natural shade, and facilities nearby. Here are some of the best:

Elafonissi, Crete - Pink-tinged sand and ankle-deep lagoons stretching for metres. Paradise for toddlers, though crowded in August
Agios Prokopios, Naxos - Long sandy beach with gentle slope into the water. Sunbeds, tavernas, and water sports available
Lindos Beach, Rhodes - Calm bay below the famous acropolis. Shallow water and plenty of shade from umbrellas
Paleokastritsa, Corfu - Multiple small bays with crystal-clear water. Great for snorkelling with older children
Laganas, Zakynthos - Sandy beach with very shallow water. Turtle spotting boats depart from here
Tigaki, Kos - Kilometres of sandy beach with gentle waves. Excellent for families who want space to spread out

Greek beaches often have a taverna or cantina where you can buy drinks, snacks, and basic meals. These are usually very child-friendly with simple foods available.

Beach Essential

Pack water shoes for children. Even sandy beaches often have rocky patches at the water edge, and they make exploring rock pools much safer.

Top Family Activities

Beyond the beaches, Greece offers countless ways to entertain children while creating lasting memories:

Ancient sites made fun - Download treasure hunt apps for the Acropolis. Many sites offer family audio guides with storytelling. Knossos in Crete captures imaginations with Minotaur legends
Water parks - Acqua Plus and Watercity in Crete, Faliraki Water Park in Rhodes. Most open May to October
Boat trips - Glass-bottom boats, pirate ship cruises, and island-hopping day trips. Children love spotting fish and visiting hidden coves
Snorkelling - Crystal-clear waters make Greece perfect for introducing children to underwater exploration. Bring your own gear or rent locally
Donkey rides - Available at many tourist spots, though increasingly discouraged for animal welfare reasons. Consider alternatives
Cooking classes - Family-friendly classes teach children to make tzatziki, Greek salad, and simple dishes. Available in most tourist areas

Beat the Heat

Greek archaeological sites are almost entirely outdoors with limited shade. Visit in early morning (before 10am) or late afternoon (after 4pm) to avoid the worst heat, and bring plenty of water.

Eating Out with Kids

Greek food is generally very child-friendly, with plenty of familiar flavours and textures. Greeks adore children and will often make a fuss of young diners, making eating out a pleasure rather than a stress.

Kid-friendly dishes - Souvlaki (meat skewers), moussaka, Greek chips, cheese pie (tiropita), meatballs (keftedes), pasta dishes
Meze style - Ordering lots of small dishes works brilliantly for families. Children can try different things without committing to a full portion
Desserts - Loukoumades (honey puffs), baklava, Greek yoghurt with honey. Ice cream shops are everywhere
Drinks - Fresh orange juice is excellent. Frappes (iced coffee) for exhausted parents
Timing - Greeks eat late but tourist tavernas serve from 6pm onwards. Beach tavernas often serve all day

Let children watch the gyros being shaved off the spit or pizza being made in wood-fired ovens. Greek kitchens are often open, and cooks usually welcome curious children.

Water Safety

Tap water is safe to drink on most Greek islands, but check locally. Bottled water is cheap and widely available.

Practical Tips

Siesta time - Like much of Southern Europe, Greece observes a quiet period from roughly 2-5pm. Plan beach or pool time during these hours
Sun protection - Greek sun is intense, especially June to August. Factor 50 sunscreen, hats, and UV swim suits are essential for children
Pushchair access - Many Greek towns have cobbled streets and steps. A lightweight umbrella stroller works better than a heavy travel system. Consider a carrier for toddlers
Pharmacies - Well-stocked and pharmacists often speak English. Look for the green cross sign. Many medications available without prescription
GHIC card - Bring your Global Health Insurance Card for access to Greek healthcare. Also take out travel insurance as the GHIC does not cover everything
Mosquitoes - Can be persistent, especially near water. Pack repellent and consider plug-in devices for accommodation
Language - English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few Greek words delights locals and entertains children

Planning what to pack? Generate a personalised packing list for your Greece family holiday.

Build My Packing List

Budget Guide

Greece offers excellent value compared to many Mediterranean destinations. A typical family of four can expect:

Flights - 150-400 GBP per person return depending on season and island. Direct flights available to major islands
Accommodation - 60-150 GBP per night for apartments, 120-250 GBP for family hotel rooms
Meals out - 50-80 GBP per day for all meals. Taverna meals are very affordable
Car hire - 25-50 GBP per day including basic insurance
Activities - Archaeological sites 6-20 EUR per adult (children often free). Water parks 25-35 EUR per person

Save Money

Eating at local tavernas rather than hotel restaurants can save a family of four 30-50 GBP per day. Look for places where Greeks are eating, often slightly away from the main tourist strips.

Greece with Kids