Top 10 Greek Islands for Family Vacations

With Greece set to — hopefully — reopen for tourists on May 14, Family Traveler has published its selection of Top 10 Greek islands for fun family vacations.

Can you guess which is number one before you scroll down to the end of the article?

10. Tilos

The off-the-beaten-track island of Tilos, in the Dodecanese archipelago, made headlines last year for becoming the first energy-sufficient island in the entire Mediterranean. But aside from teaching children sustainability in practice, this unspoiled island is also a fun family destination for its amazing hiking trails, watersports activities and peaceful beaches.

9. Skiathos

Accessible by ferry from Thessaloniki, Volos, and Agia Konstantinos, or by air from Athens, the island of Skiathos has gained ground as a hotspot for international celebrities in recent years. Nonetheless, this unusually green island still enjoys the reputation of a hidden gem.

Skiathos is perfect for family vacations, with plenty of activities to choose from, either by the beach or on the hilly mainland.

8. Antiparos

Minutes away from the busy island of Paros, Antiparos is a typical Cycladic island with its small white houses, blue windows and cobblestone streets. Despite its being a cherished resort for world-class, publicity-shy celebrities, it retains its tranquil atmosphere even during peak season.

Cave sailing and exploring antiquities are the favorite activities of families choosing to visit Antiparos for their summer vacation.

7. Lefkada

The Ionian Sea island of Lefkada is often compared to a little piece of the Caribbean in Greece for its clear waters and scenic beaches.

It offers a wide range of fun and adventurous outdoor activities, such as scuba diving, horseback riding, windsurfing, paragliding, scenery flights, mountain biking, kite-surfing, and sailing around the surrounding islets.

6. Symi

The Dodecanese island of Symi is closest to Kos and Rhodes and another perfect spot for family vacations. Famous for its unspoiled beaches, many of which are only reachable by water taxi, Symi features a unique natural topography of harbors, bays and headlands and is a great destination for snorkeling, thanks to its warm seas year-round.

5. Koufonisia

Situated between Naxos and Amorgos, picturesque Koufonisia consists of three tiny islands. It is naturally peaceful and laid-back, as it is almost cut off from the busiest islands in the Cyclades. Its quiet, beautiful beaches are reachable by hiking paths or water taxis.

4. Andros

Recently listed among the top 52 “Most Cherished” places in the world by the readers of the New York Times, the island of Andros, another big island in the Cyclades and one of the closest to Athens, also features several hiking trails. Its unique natural landscape and historic monuments fascinate families with everything there is to explore.

3. Paxoi

One of the northernmost Greek islands on the Ionian Sea, Paxoi is a peaceful and serene island destination. It offers plenty of family fun activities, is not too touristey and remains rather undiscovered.

Families can enjoy discovering its hiking trails and quiet beaches.

2. Naxos

The largest of the Cyclades group of islands, Naxos offers a wide range of fun activities for families, from sightseeing at ancient and medieval places of interest to mountain hiking and cycling, as well as numerous beautiful beaches to choose from for the daily swim.

1. Alonissos

The island of Alonissos in the Northern Sporades archipelago tops Family Traveler’s list. Its clear seas, calm waters, unspoiled landscapes and underwater archaeological museum and park make it ideal for relaxed summer family escapes. 

National Geographic Travelhas also recommended Alonissos as one of the top travel destinations for 2021.