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Best Greek Islands for Families: 2026 Travel Guide

Written on : 03 October 2025
By : Alexis Steinman
Best Greek Islands for Families: 2026 Travel Guide

Set in the glittering Aegean Sea, the Greek Islands promise a dream family holiday thanks to their crystal-clear waters, timeless villages, and sun-drenched landscapes. From sandy little coves to cultural gems, each island offers its own magic. Whether you seek tranquillity, adventure, or family fun, our travel guide has the best ideas for which Greek Islands are ideal for families, helping you plan an unforgettable stay with Villanovo’s curated collection of luxury villas in Greece.

Why the Greek Islands are perfect for family holidays 

The Greek Islands are among the best destinations for family holidays, offering easy access from Europe and a safe and welcoming atmosphere. Families can enjoy plenty of activities for all ages, from sailing trips across the Aegean to hiking paths with stunning views. Children can play on safe beaches and the whole family can explore cultural visits to ancient sites that bring history alive. For comfort and privacy, you can stay in private villas with direct access to the beach, pools and concierge services, making your family holiday both effortless and unforgettable. 

The best of Greece: Which is the best Greek island for families? 

The best of Greece: Which is the best Greek island for families? 

Cyclades: Authentic charm and island life

The Cyclades offer a mix of culture, scenery, and family-friendly charm. Mykonos, known for its young crowd and nightlife, is also ideal for family holidays. Explore the lively capital, Chora, family-friendly beaches, and its rich Greek mythology heritage. On Paros, enjoy golden beaches, sailing adventures, and the authentic charm of Naoussa, a welcoming fishing village that is a good place to stay for your family holidays. Inviting to families, Naxos has wide shores and relaxed tavernas, perfect for experiencing island life. Santorini dazzles with dramatic caldera views and fascinating archaeology.

To complete your stay, choose villas with sea views and traditional design such as Villa Thais in Paros; Villa Florette in Mykonos; Villa Iphigenia in Naxos; Villa Oswald in Santorini.

Best Greek Islands for Families: 2026 Travel Guide

Crete: Heritage, sea and family adventures

Crete is a wonderful destination for families, combining culture, relaxation, and adventure. Its long sandy beaches with shallow waters are perfect for children, while history lovers can explore Knossos and local museums to discover the island’s rich past. Families can take part in exciting activities, from hiking in gorges and discovering mountain villages with stunning views to wandering through ancient olive groves.

After days filled with exploration, unwind in villas combining comfort, pools, and gastronomy like Villa Thalassa and Villa Creta Anassa in Chania. 

Ionian Islands: Island hopping in the Greek Islands 

Ionian Islands: Island hopping in the Greek Islands 

Corfu: Best beaches in Greece for families 

Corfu is one of the best Greek islands for families, offering both natural beauty and cultural charm. Known for its sandy beaches and traditional old town, Kerkyra, it provides endless opportunities for exploration. Families can enjoy boat trips to sea caves or the nearby island of Paxos, said to have been created when Poseidon broke off a tip of Corfu with his trident. With a popular water park and plenty of activities for children and adults alike, Corfu is perfect for families seeking fun and relaxation.

Zakynthos: 

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is a beautiful Greek island that has long been a favourite for families. While it can be crowded in peak season, it offers diverse beaches, including those in the south where turtles are protected by the National Marine Park. You will need to take a boat trip to visit famous Navagio Beach, aka Shipwreck Beach, which remains closed due to erosion but continues to captivate with its legendary beauty.

Kefalonia:

Kefalonia is a must-visit island, offering a blend of natural wonders and rich culture. Families and travellers alike are drawn to its stunning caves and renowned gastronomy, like the famous Kefalonian meat pie. In the north of the island, people love Fiscardo, a picturesque harbour village famous for its original Venetian architecture and relaxed charm. 

Find villas for families close to beaches and nature such as Villa Sephora on the west coast of the island of Corfu ; Villa Sloane in Zakynthos ; Villa Greeka in Kefalonia

Sporades: Unspoilt nature and island charm

Sporades: Unspoilt nature and island charm

Alonissos is a hidden gem in the Sporades, perfect for those seeking a tranquil atmosphere and unspoiled charm. With its pristine beaches and the protected marine park, it offers nature lovers a unique escape. Among its many shores, the eastern coast’s Agios Demetrius stands out, often described as the most beautiful beach on the island, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and dramatic scenery. Alonissos is an idyllic retreat for relaxation and authentic Greek island life.

Skiathos is often called the trendiest isle of the Sporades, with a lively harbour and a welcoming family-friendly vibe. Famous for its lush landscapes and more than 60 beaches, it is a paradise of golden sandy shores perfect for swimming and relaxation. The island also gained fame as a filming location for Mamma Mia, adding a touch of cinematic magic to its natural beauty.

Gather with your loved ones at these family-friendly villas, Villa Mare Alonissos in Alonissos & Villa Lysistrata in Skiathos.

Villanovo in the Greek Islands: Exceptional stays and luxury concierge services  

Our exclusive collection of villas for the best family holidays in Greece 

Villanovo offers an exclusive selection of villas with swimming pools, direct access to the beach, sea views, and house staff. A wide range of family-friendly amenities for an unforgettable holiday. 

Our luxury villas are set in prime locations across the Greek Islands including Crete, Cyclades, Sporades, Santorini, the Ionian islands, and Naxos, as well as mainland Greece: Peloponnese, Attica, and Macedonia.

Where is the best place to stay in Greece with kids?

Contact us to get a personalised selection of luxury villas that suit your family's needs and desires. 

A unique experience in the best places to go in Greece: 

Our dedicated concierges transform every stay into a personalised experience: organising activities, a private chef in your villa, wine tastings, or excursions like boat trips and snorkelling adventures. With certain locations in the Greek Islands, Villanovo guests will find a travel diary filled with plenty of restaurants, must-see places in each town and tips for a memorable family holiday in the Greek Islands. 

Discover Villanovo's selection of luxury villas for Greece

2 029 € - 4 050 € per night
12 6 6

Mykonos - Elia - Elia beach
1 150 € - 1 836 € per night
10 5 5

Mykonos - Elia - Elia beach