The Ultimate Greek Island Hopping Guide – Don’t Skip These Stops!

If you’re wondering about the best European countries to visit this year, we think Greece should be at the top of your list. But there are so many Greek destinations to visit…how can you visit them all? With a Greek island hopping trip, of course! And we’ve created the ultimate guide on why it’s perfect for families:

• Short travel times – Many Greek islands are close together, so you won’t be stuck on long ferry rides.
• Kid-friendly and amazing beaches – Shallow waters, soft sand, and warm temperatures make them perfect for little ones.
• Exciting history & mythology – Kids will love hearing about gods, heroes, and ancient ruins.
• Great food – Think fresh souvlaki, cheesy pies, and plenty of ice cream!
• Easy transport – Ferries and flights make hopping between islands simple.
• Sunny weather – If you’re travelling in the summer months, you can expect the very best of the sun, with an average of 11-12 hours of daily sun!
• Natural beauty – All Greek islands have gorgeous natural beauty and nature spots worth checking out.

Find out more about booking holidays with kids below!

For families, timing is key! Here’s what you need to know:

• Best Time to Visit: May – October (warm, sunny, and great for beach days!)
• Best Months for Families: June & September (fewer crowds, perfect weather, and lower prices!)
• Avoid: July & August (very hot and crowded, especially in popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos).

Check out our tips and tricks to holidays with the kids below!

Planning a Greek island hopping trip is super easy when you consider these transport options:

• Ferry Services – The most popular way to hop between islands!
• • Fast ferries: Ideal for shorter trips (2-4 hours).
  • Regular ferries: Slower but more budget-friendly.
• Flights – Some islands have airports with direct flights from Athens or the UK.
• Private Boat Tours – Great for a day trip between smaller islands.
• TUI Island Hopping Packages – Book a stress-free holiday with TUI, including hotels, transfers, and ferry tickets!

📍 Top Tip: Book ferry tickets in advance during peak season!

Athens is the perfect starting point for any Greek island-hopping trip. This wonderful island is a historic capital that has a fascinating mix of ancient ruins, delicious food, and family-friendly attractions. Walk along cobbled streets, ancient monuments and stunning landscapes, it’s the perfect Greek island to kick off your Greek trip!

Top Family Activities in Athens:

• The Acropolis & Parthenon – A must-see for kids learning about Greek mythology!
• Greek Mythology Walking Tour – Fun, interactive storytelling about Zeus, Athena, and the Minotaur.
• National Garden of Athens – A peaceful green space with a mini zoo and playground.
• Museum of Ancient Greek Technology – A hands-on experience showcasing ancient Greek inventions.

Best Time to Visit: March – June & September – October (pleasant weather and fewer crowds).

How to Get There: Direct flights from the UK and ferries from Piraeus port to most Greek islands.

Where You Could Stay: Dolce Attica Riviera – a waterfront location with a spa, kids pool and secret restaurant.

Crete is huge, so you could spend an entire holiday here! It’s perfect for families, offering everything from stunning beaches to ancient myths and outdoor adventures. It’s a beautiful island destination with tasty Greek food,

Top Family Activities in Crete:

• Elafonissi Beach – Shallow, pink-hued waters perfect for kids.
• Knossos Palace – Explore the legendary labyrinth of the Minotaur!
• Cretaquarium – See sharks, jellyfish, and tropical fish up close.
• Samaria Gorge (Short Route) – A fun, family-friendly hike with amazing views!

Best Time to Visit: May – October

How to Get There: Direct flights or ferries from Athens.

Where You Could Stay: TUI BLUE Elounda Breeze – With a splash park, kids club, 2 kids pools and plenty of family fun.

Rhodes is a gorgeous island for families, mixing history, beaches, and adventure and is a must-visit on your Greek island hopping holiday! Kids will love exploring medieval castles, ancient ruins, and sandy shores. Did you know it has one of the best-preserved medieval settlements in the world?

Top Family Activities in Rhodes:

• Rhodes Old Town – Walk through a real medieval castle and see knights’ armour!
• Tsambika Beach – Shallow waters and soft sand make it perfect for young kids.
• Valley of the Butterflies – A magical forest full of butterflies in summer.
• Faliraki Water Park – The largest water park in Greece!

Best Time to Visit: May – October

How to Get There: Flights or ferries from Crete, Kos, or Athens.

Where You Could Stay: Hotel Sun Palace – Has an onsite water park, evening entertainment, 3 pools and restaurants!

Naxos is a hidden gem, with family-friendly beaches, quiet villages, and delicious food. It’s less crowded than Santorini or Mykonos but just as beautiful!

Top Family Activities in Naxos:

• Agios Prokopios Beach – Calm, crystal-clear waters, ideal for little swimmers.
• Temple of Apollo (Portara) – A giant stone doorway straight out of Greek mythology.
• Farm Visits & Cooking Classes – Kids can learn to make Greek cheese and bread!
• Mini Boat Trips to Small Cyclades – Hop on a boat tour to quiet, hidden islands.

Best Time to Visit: June & September (avoid August crowds).

How to Get There: Ferries from Santorini, Mykonos, or Athens.

Psst…if you’re looking for kids go free places, head to our holidays page to find out more!

Corfu is one of the most family-friendly islands, with stunning scenery, fun activities, and calm, gorgeous beaches.

Top Family Activities in Corfu:

• Aqualand Water Park – A massive water park with slides for all ages.
• Paleokastritsa Beach – Shallow waters and boat trips to hidden caves.
• Corfu Old Town – A charming Venetian-style town with cute cafés and shops.
• Horse Riding in the Olive Groves – A fun outdoor adventure for kids.

Best Time to Visit: May – October

How to Get There: Direct flights or ferries from mainland Greece and Italy.

Where You Could Stay: Hotel Three Brothers – Has splash-tastic pools, cocktail bar, Greek nights and evening entertainment!

Santorini island might seem more romantic, but it’s great for a short family stop. With its stunning landscapes, famous beaches and iconic blue roofs, it’s one of the most picture-perfect and stunning islands Greece has. Don’t forget to visit and enjoy their fresh seafood!

Top Family Activities in Santorini:

• Red Beach & Kamari Beach – Unique red and black sand beaches!
• Cable Car Ride in Fira – Amazing views of the caldera.
• Dinosaur Park & Lost Atlantis Museum – Fun for younger kids.
• Sunset in Oia – A stunning, kid-friendly evening experience.

Best Time to Visit: May, June & September (avoid crowds in July & August).

How to Get There: Ferries from Naxos or Crete, or a flight from Athens.

Zakynthos is a paradise island known for its breathtaking beaches and family-friendly activities. If you like exploring, why not take a boat trip and visit its secluded coves and beaches? Plus, there are dramatic cliffs on this mountainous island that are a must-see, making it a firm favourite destination for anyone planning a Greek island hopping holiday.

Top Family Activities in Zakynthos:

Zante isn’t just known for its vibrant nightlife, but an array of exciting family activities!

• Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) – Take a boat trip to see the famous shipwreck.
• Turtle Spotting in Laganas Bay – See Loggerhead turtles up close.
• Porto Limnionas – A hidden cove with crystal-clear waters.
• Water Village Zante – A family water park with slides and lazy rivers.

Best Time to Visit: June – September

How to Get There: Flights or ferries from mainland Greece.

Where You Could Stay: Maria Studios & Apartments – Perfect for families looking for their own home space!

Kos is ideal for families, with child-friendly beaches and historical sites.

Top Family Activities in Kos:

• Thermal Springs at Embros – Natural hot springs right on the beach.
• Lido Water Park – Fun slides, wave pools, and a lazy river.
• Asklepion – Ancient ruins with fascinating Greek mythology.
• Tigaki Beach – Shallow, calm waters great for young kids.

Best Time to Visit: May – September

How to Get There: Direct flights or ferries from Rhodes or Athens.

Where You Could Stay: Blue Lagoon Resort – With 11 bars, 4 pools, 2 kids pools and a TUI Kids Club – there’s so much to see and do here!

Think Mykonos is just for partygoers? Think again! Mykonos is a surprisingly family-friendly popular island with amazing beaches, boat trips, and charming whitewashed streets that kids will love exploring. Don’t forget the famous windmills!

Top Family Activities in Mykonos:

• Ornos Beach, Platis Gialos Beach & Paradise Beach – Calm, shallow waters perfect for kids.
• Rhenia & Delos Boat Trip – Explore the mythical birthplace of Apollo, an ancient archaeological site kids can roam around.
• Mykonos Windmills & Little Venice – Iconic, picture-perfect spots that feel like stepping into a postcard!
• Matoyianni Street – A maze of shops, cafés, and ice cream spots for a fun stroll with the kids.

Best Time to Visit: May – June & September (avoid the July-August crowds).

How to Get There: Direct flights or ferries from Athens, Santorini, and Naxos.

Here’s a family-friendly Greek island-hopping route:

1. Fly into Athens and explore for a day or two.
2. Hop to Crete for beaches and history.
3. Take a ferry to Santorini for a short scenic stop.
4. Visit Naxos for relaxed beaches and fun activities.
5. End in Rhodes or Corfu for a mix of beaches, castles, and nature!

📍 Top Tip: If you’re looking for Greek island stays, check out the best places below!