Greece is a famed tourist destination, but most people visit it for its history and monuments. Greece is a beautiful country with some of the most beautiful islands on the planet.
The ideal Greek islands for families are those that offer spectacular scenery, plenty of activities for kids, and a relaxing ambiance. Greece has 6000 islands, but not all of them can be seen; nevertheless, you may still go to hundreds of islands that are part of Greece.
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Two Most Crowded Greek Islands
Despite the fact that there are so many islands, people still only visit a few of them, with Santorini and Mykonos being the two most popular islands, which means they may get busy. Both offer great sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views.
But if you’re looking for a more family-friendly island with fewer tourists, there are plenty of other options to consider.
Read Next: Best Santorini Hikes for Families with Teens to Explore Together
Best Greek Islands for Families
So, if you are looking for a family-friendly Greek island to avoid the crowds, here are some of the best options.
Milos
Milos is a volcanic island found North of Crete and is the most southern of the Cycladic Islands. Because of its rocky and unusual geology, many tourists rarely consider it a destination today.
Story of Milos in Greek Mythology
However, in the past, it was a popular destination and was called the ‘island of lovers’ because of a famous statue of Venus, who was the god of love and beauty.
Milos is the island of ultimate love based on Greek mythology. Aphrodite (the goddess of love and beauty) was married to Ares (god of war), but she had an affair with Adonis (a demigod). Adonis’ best friend Milos had a child named after him. After Ares discovered Aphrodite’s betrayal, he killed Adonis. When Milos found out, he killed himself, and his wife, Pelia, followed suit. Aphrodite took young Milos under her wing and sent him to colonize an island which she bestowed with her beauty; hence Milos is the island of love.
Milos’ Beaches
The island has over 70 beaches with the best beaches being Sarakiniko, Paliochori, and Tsigrado. The best sandy beaches are located in the north of the island. However, there are many more secluded beaches that you can find if you take a boat ride around the island.
Sarakiniko Beach
Sarakiniko is a white beach with lava rocks that have been weathered over time to create strange and unique shapes. The beach is located on the north side of the island and is only accessible by boat.
Paliochori Beach
Paliochori is a sandy beach located on the east coast of the island. It is well-organized with sun loungers and parasols. There is also a beach bar where you can get drinks and snacks.
Tsigrado Beach
Tsigrado is a secluded beach located on the south coast of the island. It can only be reached by boat or by hiking for about 40 minutes. The beach is pristine with turquoise waters and is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Family Activities on Milos
There are plenty of activities for families on the island. Milos is a great island for biking because it is relatively flat. There are many bike rental shops where you can rent bikes for the day.
There are many easy hikes that are suitable for families with young children. One of the most popular is the hike to the Ancient Roman Theater. The theater is a historical site built in the 2nd century AD and is one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in Greece. The hike to the theater takes about 45 minutes.
Another popular activity, especially for families with older children, is visiting the Catacombs of Milos. The catacombs are a network of underground tunnels that were used as burial chambers in the early Christian era. The catacombs are located in the hill of Kontopouli and can be reached by foot or by car.
The best time to visit Milos is between April and October when the weather is warm and sunny.
Best Places to Stay in Milos
There are many accommodation options on the island ranging from camping to luxury hotels. However, the best places to stay are in Adamantas, Pollonia, and Plaka.
Adamantas
Adamantas is the main port of Milos and is a good base to explore the rest of the island. It has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. There are also many restaurants and cafes in Adamantas.
Pollonia
Pollonia is a charming fishing village located on the north coast of the island. It is a great place to stay if you want to be close to the best beaches on the island. Pollonia has a wide range of accommodation options as well as restaurants and cafes.
Plaka
Plaka is the capital of Milos and is located in the center of the island. It is a good base to explore the rest of the island. Plaka has many accommodation options, as well as restaurants and cafes.
How to get to Milos
Milos is reachable by ferry from the port of Piraeus in Athens. The journey takes about 8 hours. There are also direct flights from Athens to Milos Airport, which is located near Adamantas. You should check for Milos on Greece vacation packages.
Kythira
Kythira is another of the barely populated or visited islands in Greece, meaning you will not find crowds there during your family vacation.
The island is full of deep rivers and gorges, passing by beautiful small villages along the Aegean Sea with amazing people. There are also plenty of hiking trails in Kythira which pass through ruins and waterfalls, among other landscapes.
Family Activities on Kythira
Kythira is great for kid-friendly biking because it is relatively flat and has many bike rental shops where you can rent bikes for the day.
There are many easy hikes that are suitable for families with young children. One of the most popular is the hike to Fyri Ammos Beach. The beach is a secluded family-friendly beach located on the south coast of the island. It can only be reached by boat or by hiking for about 40 minutes. The beach is pristine with turquoise waters and is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports.
Another popular activity is visiting Diakofti Beach. The beach is located on the east coast of the island and can be reached by car or by boat. It is a black sand beach with dramatic cliffs. The beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the nearby caves.
The best time to visit Kythira is between April and October when the weather is warm and sunny.
Best Places to Stay in Kythira
There are many accommodation options on the island, ranging from camping to luxury hotels. However, the best places to stay are Agia Pelagi and Karavas.
Agia Pelagia
Agia Pelagia is a village located on the north coast of the island. It is one of the oldest villages on the island and is a great place to stay if you want to be close to the best beaches. Agia Pelagia has many accommodation options as well as restaurants and cafes.
Karavas
Karavas is a village located on the northern part of the island. It’s another great place to stay if you want to be close to the best beaches. Off shore, the reefs and underwater features make it an ideal area for diving.
How to Get to Kythira
You will need to reach the south of the Peloponnese peninsula and then ride a ferry from Neapoli, which can be a long journey, especially if traveling with family. However, it will be worth it once you get to the island. The best way to get to Kythira is to book a package deal that includes transportation from Athens.
Folégandros
If you are looking for the perfect Greek Island to switch off all your devices and enjoy your days, Folégandros is the place. The island is so beautiful nothing on your device could match it, and you will spend your days gazing at the natural wonders of Folégandros.
The island has a small population with sparse vegetation, limestone cliffs, rugged beaches, and jagged coastlines. You can spend days swimming through the very clear water, snorkeling in the ocean, or rent a boat to tour the island. There is a five-star restaurant on the island where you can enjoy outstanding cuisine and wine.
Family Activities on Folégandros
The best family activity on Folégandros is to spend a day at the beach. The island offers many beaches to choose from, all with crystal clear water and soft sand. You can also go hiking or explore the island by bike.
The best time to visit Folégandros is between April and October.
Best Places to Stay in Folégandros
Accommodation on the island is limited, but there are a few options ranging from camping to villas. The best places to stay are Karavostasis, Chora, and Ano Meria.
Karavostasis
Karavostasis is a village located on the north coast of the island. Its more popular accommodations include camping and hostels.
Chora
Chora is the capital of Folégandros and is located in the center of the island. It’s a good base to explore the rest of the island. Chora has many accommodation options, as well as restaurants and cafes.
Ano Meria
Ano Meria is a village located on the east coast of the island. It’s another great place to stay if you want to be close to the best beaches. Families visiting Ano Meria find the best accommodation options to be the Camping Ano Meria and the Villa Ano Meria.
How to Get to Folégandros
Folégandros is reachable by ferry from Athens, which takes about 10 hours. The best way to get to Folégandros is to book a package deal that includes transportation from Athens.
Samos
Samos is one of the best family-friendly Greek Islands for those looking for unspoiled natural beauty. You will not find much on Samos besides incredible natural beauty.
Samos is also the birthplace of the famous Greek mathematician, Pythagoras. One of the highlights of visiting Samos will be touring Pythagoras Cave where he spent most of his days and came up with many theorems.
Family Activities on Samos
The best family activities on Samos are swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the island. There is nothing in the world quite like a sunset drink on Samos. You can also visit the Archaeological Museum of Pythagoras or take a boat tour around the island.
Hiking the mountains in Samos is a great adventure. If you climb up the island’s mountain, Kerkis, you will get a stunning view of the island.
The best time to visit Samos is between May and October.
How to Get to Samos
You can reach Samos by ferry from Athens, which takes about 10 hours. The best way to get to Samos is to book a package deal that includes transportation from Athens.
Best Places to Stay in Samos
There are many accommodation options on Samos, ranging from camping to luxury villas. The best places to stay are the village of Pythagorio, the city of Samos, and Kokkari.
Pythagorio
Pythagorio is a village located on the south coast of the island. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to the best beaches.
Samos City
Samos City is the capital of Samos and is located in the center of the island. It’s a good base to explore the rest of the island. Samos City has many accommodation options, as well as restaurants and cafes.
Kokkari
Kokkari is a village located on the north coast of the island. Its more popular accommodations include camping and hostels.
Hydra
Despite attracting celebrities like Mick Jagger, Brice Marden, and Jackie O since the 1960s, Hydra is a Greek island that is rarely crowded. Hydra is located in the Saronic islands and is a cosmopolitan Greek island.
You will not find cars on the island, so you have to travel by foot, donkey, or boat around the island. You will find great art in great museums, fantastic artists, excellent restaurants, and groovy bars.
Family Activities in Hydra
There are many activities for families to enjoy while visiting Hydra, such as swimming, hiking, and exploring the island. One of the best things to do on Hydra is to take a boat tour around the island. You can also visit the Archaeological Museum or take a hike to the top of Mount Eros, the highest point on the island.
The best time to visit Hydra is between June and September.
How to Get to Hydra
Hydra is reachable by ferry from Athens, which takes about 2.5 hours. So this is a great day trip from Athens.
Best Places to Stay in Hydra
There are many accommodation options on Hydra, ranging from camping to luxury villas. The best places to stay are the village of Kamini, the town of Hydra, and the port of Hydra.
Kamini
Kamini is a village located on the south coast of the island. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to the best beaches.
Hydra Town
Hydra Town is the capital of Hydra and is located in the center of the island. It’s a good base to explore the rest of the island. Hydra Town has many accommodation options, as well as restaurants and cafes.
Hydra Port
Hydra Port is the main port of Hydra and is located on the north coast of the island. Its more popular accommodations include hostels and camping.
If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing vacation on uncrowded Greek islands with children, the above are some of the best islands for families. Each island has something unique to offer, so you’re sure to find the perfect island for your family’s needs.
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