Greece with Kids - Best Family Destinations and Tips

Greece is one of the best family holiday destinations in Europe - warm, safe, with excellent food, shallow sandy beaches and a culture that genuinely welcomes children. But not all Greek destinations are equally child-friendly. This guide identifies the best options for families with young children and shares practical tips for a stress-free Greek family holiday.

Best Family-Friendly Destinations

Halkidiki - The #1 Choice for Families from the Balkans

Halkidiki is the most popular choice for families driving from Serbia, Bulgaria and North Macedonia - and for good reason. The beaches on Kassandra (Hanioti, Pefkohori, Polychrono) are sandy, shallow and very safe for children. The sea temperature in July–August reaches 26–27°C. Plenty of accommodation has pools, playgrounds and kids' clubs. Drive there (700 km from Belgrade), no flights needed.

Thassos - Green Island, Short Ferry

Thassos is ideal for families who want a proper island experience without the stress of a long journey. Drive to Kavala (650 km from Belgrade), take the 35-minute ferry and you're on a green island with excellent sandy beaches (Golden Beach, Skala Potamias), calm shallow water and a relaxed atmosphere. Not expensive.

Crete - Something for Every Age

Crete is large enough that families can combine beach days with cultural experiences. The Palace of Knossos fascinates older children; the Aqua Plus and Waterpark Limnoupolis water parks are unmissable for younger ones. Stalis and Hersonissos on the north coast offer excellent family resort infrastructure.

Rhodes - History and Beach

Rhodes Town's Old Town is a genuinely impressive medieval city that even children find exciting. The beaches near Faliraki have excellent facilities including a water park. Good flight connections and a long season make logistics easy.

What to Look for in a Family Beach

• Sandy rather than pebbly - much easier and safer for small children
• Shallow, gradual entry - avoid beaches with sudden depth changes
• Facilities nearby - toilets, shade, freshwater shower, restaurants
• Calm water - sheltered bays rather than exposed Atlantic-facing beaches
• Lifeguard presence - blue-flag beaches usually have a lifeguard in high season

Health and Safety Tips

• Sun protection is critical - Greek summer sun is intense; use SPF 50+ on children, reapply every 2 hours. Keep children out of midday sun (12–16h).
• Hydration - children dehydrate faster than adults. Carry water at all times.
• Sea urchins - common on rocky Greek beaches; flip-flops or water shoes essential
• Jellyfish - occasional in some areas; check local conditions
• Travel insurance - essential; ensure the policy covers all family members
• Emergency numbers in Greece: Ambulance 166, Tourist Police 171, Emergency 112

Activities for Children

• Water parks (most major resorts have one nearby)
• Boat trips to sea caves and nearby islands
• Pedalos and kayaks on calm beaches
• Snorkelling - crystal-clear water makes it magical even for first-timers
• Archaeological sites - Knossos (Crete), Acropolis (Athens), Old Town Rhodes - all impressive for older children
• Dolphin and turtle watching excursions (Zakynthos, Kefalonia)

Practical Tips

• Book accommodation with a pool if travelling with young children - invaluable during the hottest part of the day
• Travel in June or September - cooler temperatures are much easier for children than mid-July heat
• Greek restaurants are extremely child-friendly; children are welcome everywhere and often get special attention from staff
• Baby food, nappies and formula are available in all Greek supermarkets