Top Ten Greek Islands for Family Holiday Island Hopping

Precisely how many islands Greece has is a hot topic of debate.  Depending on whom you ask, the answer ranges from 200 to 2000.  With these many choices, you’d be hard-pressed to pick which spot to explore.  But why go to just one for a holiday when you can visit ten?

Here are the top family island-hopping holiday destinations in Greece

1. Santorini

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It isn’t just for couples and honeymooners.  Santorini has loads of kid-friendly beaches that offer watersports and other activities.  Boat tours are one the most popular Greece travel packages that will take you around the caldera, where you can swim to a volcanic hot spring.  Get on a quad bike and drive to the quaint towns of Fira and Oia.  Head to Amoudi Bay to watch the sunset.

2. Crete

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The largest Greek island is home to the CretAquarium, Dinosauria Park and Amazonas Park. Tour Crete’s rugged landscape on the Little Fun Train or explore the scenic Furni countryside on horseback.  Go on a food tour and make sure to try the famous Cretan salad, or if you are up to it, the exotic fried snails.

3. Mykonos

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It may be the nightlife hub of the Greek islands, but Mykonos has a plethora of fun activities other than partying.  Here, you can try windsurfing, kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, snorkeling, or rock climbing on Tinos.  Kalo Livadi Beach has some of the softest sands on the island and shallow waters ideal for paddling.

4. Paros

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Like Mykonos, Paros has a vibrant nightlife scene.  But it also offers loads of activities for families, apart from watersports.  Go horseback riding on the coast, hike the Ancient Marble Quarries, stroll along the labyrinth alleys of Naoussa, or join a cooking class.

5. Lefkada

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The beaches in Lefkada are less crowded but offer plenty of thrilling activities, such as paragliding, kiteboarding and windsurfing.  The coastal towns of Agios Nikitas and Vasiliki have charming shops and restaurants by the sea.  If you have time to venture inland, visit Dimosari waterfalls in the outskirts of Nidri.

6. Naxos

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Arguably the most family-friendly of all Greek islands, Naxos has dozens of stunning beaches sans the crowd and the party atmosphere.  St. George Beach is ideal for families with younger children because of its warm and shallow waters, while Agios Prokopios is the most beautiful.   If you need a break from the beaches, go on a food tasting tour in the town centre, where you can try various kinds of local cheese, Greek yoghurt and traditional dishes.

7. Delos

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The tiny island of Delos is home to some of the most incredible archeological attractions in Greece.  They include the Terrace of the Lions, the House of Dionysius, the Temple of Isis, the Sacred Precinct and the Sacred Lake, where according to mythology, the sun god Apollo was born. Swimming in Delos is prohibited, but the ancient ruins and the island's rich history more than make up for it.

8. Rhodes

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The Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and a must-see if you’re visiting the island.  South of the city is the picturesque village of Lindos, where you will find a cluster of charming white-washed houses perched on a hill overlooking the Aegean Sea.  Tsambika, Elli, and Saint Paul’s Bay are some of the best beach destinations for families.

9. Kos 

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The island is famous as the birthplace of Hippocrates and the site of the world’s first hospital, the Asklepion.  But it’s also home to an archeological museum, an ancient windmill, thermal hot springs, traditional houses, and the Castle of the Knights.  The beaches are mostly secluded, with some having black sand and others golden.

10. Kefalonia 

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Skala, Myrtos, Petani are some of the most stunning beaches in Kefalonia.  But there’s much to do on the island other than beach lounging.  Visit the fishing village of Fiskardo, explore the enchanting Melissani Lake, meet the sea turtles in Argostoli, see the Drogarati Cave, cross the De Bosset Bridge.  Don’t leave without sampling the tasty Kefalonian meat pie.