Kaliméra, Greece! Not only do parents dream of paradisiacal beaches, crystal clear water and the best cuisine. For children, too, the islands are a place of longing - full of adventure and unforgettable memories. Which islands are particularly suitable for family vacations and why, we reveal here.
On the coast, the fine sand is perfect for building castles. In the sea, you can swim swiftly with the turtles through the deep blue. Gentle mountains, pine forests and cute villages become an adventure playground. Vacation on Greece's islands is as varied as it is fantastic, both for adults and children. Some islands are better suited to the family holiday than others.
The perfect family vacation on the Greek islands is a combination of many factors. The island must have a good Transport links and infrastructure so that families with small children can get there quickly. Safe bays with a shallow entrance to the sea are a must. And because the beach isn't everything, you can also Entertainment options such as playgrounds, amusement parks and ancient sites.
From the more than 6,000 Greek islands we have therefore five Jewels in the Mediterranean Sea that meet these criteria and are ideal for family vacations with children of all ages.
Flight time: 2,5 hours from Vienna to Heraklion
Best time to visit: May till November
Best Beach: Ammoúdi and Voulisma
What: Beach, city and culture
Cretethe birthplace of Zeus, the father of the gods, is a place of true longing. For young and old alike. The largest of the Greek islands is particularly far south, but has excellent connections by plane and ferry. On the island itself, families will find a variety of beautiful hotels for example the Stella Palace Resort & Spa. The north of Crete is ideal for families Heraklion. Around the capital, adventure-seekers will find a wide range of city life, idyllic beaches and cultural diversity. A must-see that the little ones will also love is the excavation site Knossos. All around are also large Amusement parks and many restaurants that offer rich and delicious food - such as the Taverna Oninsimos.
Then it's off to the island paradise: Over 1,000 kilometers of beach Crete has to offer. Ideal for families with children is the quiet Voulisma with its fine sand and gently sloping shore. Those longing for more entertainment options can stretch their umbrellas on the Ammoúdi beach. Rather unsuitable for children: the party towns of Malia or Chersonissos.
Flight time: from 4 hours from Vienna to Naxos with stopover in Athens
Best time to visit: June till October
Best Beach: Plaka and Agia Anna
What: Beach, city and culture
Around Naxosthe largest of the Cyclades Islandsturquoise expanses that you could watch for hours from the enchanting little towns, paradisiacal beaches and cultural sites. Take the children to explore the beautiful alleyways of Chora (Naxos town) with its Venetian-Cycladic buildingsbefore the famous Portara made of marble on Palatia for a visit. The panoramic view of the city and the sea that can be enjoyed from there makes an excellent backdrop for a joint holiday photo. The Greek island is also not lacking in luxurious accommodations - such as the Naxos Island Hotel in Agios Prokopios, only ten minutes drive from Chora.
Naxos impresses with its multifaceted diversity without being too touristy: Right next to the town are a series of beautiful beaches, which are quite crowded in the high season, but still beautiful. A little quieter is the Agia Anna; for those for whom stalls and entertainment on the beach are a must, they can take their loved ones to the Agios Georgios over. The north of Naxos offers variety: here, beautiful mountain landscapes stretch out for tranquil family hikes; the ideal starting point is the dreamy little village of Chalki.
Flight time: 2 hours from Vienna to Skiathos
Best time to visit: April till October
Best Beach: Koukounaries
What: Beach, nature
Skiathos, an island of the Northern Sporadesis a real paradise for families with very young children. Although the island is known for having more than 60 beaches are among the most beautiful in Greece, it is relatively spared from the tourist crowds. Children run freely along the long sandy beaches and wade through the shallow waters, while parents enjoy the balmy evenings with good wine and local olives.
Inside Skiathos lies the sweet village of the same name in the middle of cool Grovethat invite you to go for a walk. Also for vacations on a boat the dream island is the perfect place. Especially as this is the only way to see the beautiful Lalaria beach. The choice of hotels on Skiathos is also great - the Skiathos Avaton Hotel - Suites - Villas, which is located directly on the island's capital.
Flight time: about 3 hours from Vienna to Kos
Best time to visit: May to September
Best Beach: Marmari, Agios Stefanos Beach
What: Nature, beach and action
Kos in the eastern Aegean is not only lined by beautiful sandy beaches, but also by luxurious all-inclusive hotels that cater to the every wish of their guests young and old - including the Michelangelo Resort & Spa. The kids can also let off steam in Water parksand also a joint excursion to the eponymous Island capital is definitely worth it: streets flanked by palm trees and hearty Greek cuisine will delight the whole family. If you've had enough of walking, simply hop on the small "City Train Bus" for a charming tour of Kos town.
The beaches are, as usual for Greece, fantastic - but Kos also offers extraordinary sights: for example the Peacock valleythe natural Embros Thermal springwhich should be visited with older children, or the abandoned Village Palio Pyli with its mythical castle ruins. Families should visit the charming Mountain village Ziathe highest place on the island, should not be missed. Here, the small Zoo goats, rabbits, sheep, deer, hares and tortoises.
Flight time: about 2 hours from Vienna to Zakynthos
Best time to visit: May until the end of September
Best Beach: Kalamaki Beach
What: Nature, Animal lover, Sport
Zakynthos is perfect for family vacations: children's eyes light up at the sight of the Ghost shipwhich is still in the lonely Smugglers' Bay is the reason for the big eyes. Likewise on the Turtle Islandwhere the hawksbill turtle, only one of three species left in the Mediterranean, is at home. Swimming here is an experience! The sea creatures can be found all over Zakynthos - so you can confidently spend a day on the beach at the famous Kalamaki Beach insert. While the children romp on the soft sandy beach and happily plunge into the waves, parents enjoy the Greek sun.
Zakynthos also attracts visitors with Water sports offers and great Hiking trails, sweet little village and the capital of the same name with its wonderful fish restaurants at the harbor. The best place to recover from the wild days of your vacation is at the five-star resort Lesante Classic Luxury Hotel & Spa.
Travel Inspiration: 5 unique travel ideas for a family vacation 2022
