Destinations · Greece
Greece family holidays
Greece is where UK families with primary-age children have been quietly moving for a decade. Warm shallow seas, family-run tavernas that make no fuss about children, and less all-inclusive intensity than Turkey or the Balearics.
Which island for which family
Rhodes
The biggest family capacity in Greece, with a huge waterpark near Faliraki, direct summer flights from a dozen UK airports, and quieter family resorts around Kolymbia, Lindos and Pefkos. Best all-round pick for a first Greek family holiday.
Kos
Flat, easy to cycle, and the shortest airport-to-resort transfers in the region: many family hotels are 20 minutes from arrivals. Marmari and Mastichari are the family strongholds.
Crete
The largest island, split east and west. Elounda and Agios Nikolaos in the east suit older families and honeymoon-style couples with teens. Rethymnon and Georgioupolis in the west are cheaper, sandy, and busier with young families.
Corfu
Greener, cooler than the Dodecanese, and beloved by younger children thanks to Aqualand and a north coast full of shallow-cove resorts around Sidari, Roda and Acharavi. Best for June and September, when the greenery holds and heat is manageable.
When to go
Late June and early September are the value peaks: sea at 24 degrees, land at 28 to 30, and prices 25 to 40 per cent lower than August. Full August is very hot on Rhodes and Kos, and a shade less so on Corfu and Crete's west. Easter is early-season and unpredictable.
Flight times
Roughly three hours 30 to Rhodes and Kos, three hours 15 to Corfu, three hours 45 to Crete. Direct summer flights run from most UK regional airports; winter is thinner, requiring a change at Athens.
Ages, honestly
Under-fives: Corfu's north coast for shade and calm water. 5 to 11: Rhodes for the waterparks and daytrips to Lindos and Symi. 12 plus: Crete's east for older-child restaurant culture and boat trips to Spinalonga; Rhodes if they still want a waterpark.
Rough costs
A week half-board in a mid-range family hotel for four is £2,000 to £3,000 in June or September, £2,700 to £4,000 in August. All-inclusive resorts add £400 to £700 on the same week; make the call based on how much you'd otherwise spend eating out.