Looking for something different from your Summer holiday next year? My top picks for family holidays in Greece include great value self-catering options, all-inclusive family resorts and luxury five-star hotels.
I have enjoyed many family holidays in Greece, and I am already planning a return trip for next summer. We went to Corfu, Crete and Zakynthos and loved the scenery, food, low cost of living, and the laid back atmosphere. High rise blocks are a rarity, and maybe its the Greek Tavernas or the blue domed churches, but I always get the feeling that I am somewhere a little more exotic than the typical family resorts in Spain or Portugal.
However, having a laid back atmosphere and a Greek-style hotel doesn’t mean you have to compromise on family fun! I have selected properties with soccer camps, water parks, stage schools and sailing clubs – you might be surprised at the wide selection of family holidays in Greece that are available to you.
I have selected all-inclusive resorts, family friendly self catering options, as well as some luxurious resorts if you fancy spoiling yourself. Regardless of budget and standard, all of my picks below are rated as Excellent on TripAdvisor and are ideal for family holidays in Greece. I hope you enjoy my selection and this post helps you plan a well deserved summer holiday.
All Inclusive Family Holidays in Greece
1. Rhodes: All Inclusive 5-Star Holiday Village Atlantica
Expect non-stop activities, a selection of dining options and lots of pool choices at this five star Holiday Village. There are four outdoor pools, one indoor pool, as well as an adventure splash park with waterslides and a lazy river. There are three à la carte restaurants to choose from, as well as a huge buffet restaurant.
Various kids clubs are available from 3 to 15 year olds with a crèche facility for infants. Activities are not run of the mill either – try kayaking, raft building, aeroball (basketball on a trampoline) or the aerial adventure course. There is even an astro football pitch. Kids from age 3 can learn to swim with qualified instructors and the football academy has qualified UEFA coaches, teaching 5-15 year olds some of their skills.
If this all sounds like too much, you can chill out on the beach, just five minutes away, or relax in the plush spa. Entertainment goes on until late at night with live music, shows and a mini-cinema.
There is a wide selection of rooms available including family rooms with a games console, swim-up rooms, or suites with a private pool.
The Holiday Village Atlantica Rhodes is a Travellers Choice winner on TripAdvisor too. If you are looking for an action packed family fun holiday – look no further.
2. Crete: All Inclusive 5-Star Stella Palace Resort & Spa with Waterpark
The Stella Palace is regarded as of the best all-inclusive family hotels in Greece. With two lagoon-style swimming pools, 3 children’s pools and its very own waterpark – you are guaranteed a fun-filled family holiday. There is a luxury spa and choice on restaurants on site too, as well as entertainment for all the family.
There is a choice of rooms available, including two-bedroom suites with hot-tubs, and family rooms with private pools. Check out the reviews on TripAdvisor if you still need convincing.
See more here
3. Rhodes: All Inclusive 5-Star Atlantica Aegean Blue with Waterpark
A fun filled Rhodes holiday awaits the whole family at the Atlantica Aegean Blue with plenty of activities for all ages. The kids club is split into groups from three years, with up to two hours of activities on most days. However, the main talking point at this resort is the water park with flumes, slides, and space bowls. You can even compete against each other in a three-lane water slide race.
Premium family rooms offer a good space for two adults and two children with a partition between two sleeping areas, and for an additional supplement you can have direct access to a swimming pool from your terrace in the swim-up family rooms.
The All-Inclusive options are well catered for with four restaurants to choose from and a specific children’s section in the Thalassa buffet restaurant. Your family won’t be left wanting at the Atlantica Aegean Blue.
The Atlantica Aegean Blue is also sold by TUI Holidays so you can choose Rhodes holidays with flights and hotel included, or alternatively book your own flights with Aer Lingus or Ryanair, and select the hotel only option below.
4. Zakynthos: All Inclusive, 4-Star Aqua Bay Suites with Waterpark access
Located beside a waterpark, the Aqua Bay Suites is sure to be a big hit with kids of all ages. As this is a Splashworld Resort, you will have free entry to the waterpark throughout your stay. You also have access to the TUI Kids Club, restaurants and pools at its sister hotels, Planos Bay and Aqua Bay.
Family Rooms are modern with sliding doors, and you can also choose to upgrade to swim-up rooms or rooms with private pools.
5. Kos : All Inclusive, 5-Star Blue Lagoon Village with Waterpark
The Blue Lagoon Village is a superb family complex. It is set out like a village and offers two-bedroom family rooms and swim up rooms, as well as private pool suites. There are eight restaurants, six of which are part of the all-inclusive arrangement, and there is a host of activities and entertainment to suit children and adults of all ages.
There are five pools including a waterpark with pirate ship and slides for little kids, as well as multi-lane racer slides for older children. Adventure Land is home to a multi-sports court and football pitch, and there is a host of water sports available at the beach.
There is a kids club and baby club, with parent and toddler sessions, as well as a kids disco in the evenings. They really have thought of everything for family holidays in Greece at the Blue Lagoon Village.
6. Crete: All Inclusive, 4-Star Atlantica Akti Zeus Hotel with Waterpark
This modern beachfront hotel offers stunning sea views and a great choice of hotel rooms, including swim-up rooms. There is a kids club, an evening entertainment programme and a waterpark on site. There is a baby lagoon for children up to 5 years, an aqua playground for children aged 5 -10, and ample slides for children aged 10-12 years.
Ranked number 1 on TripAdvisor, this is a great choice if you are looking for a modern alternative to Spain, but still want to keep the kids happy.
See more here
7. Rhodes: All-Inclusive 4-Star Rodos Princess Beach Hotel, Kiotari
You are sure to make wonderful family holiday memories at the Rodos Princess Beach Hotel with its wealth of activities on offer. The animation team organise morning and evening entertainment for both adults and children. There is also a children’s splash park with water slides which is also included in the All-Inclusive program.
However, if a more leisurely stay is your preference, there is plenty of choice to relax at one of the hotel’s six pools, or take a short walk to the hotel’s private beach. Family rooms sleep up to five guests and I would recommend a sea view room which normally holds just a small supplement over the garden view rooms.
Read: Rhodes holidays – the best places to stay for families and couples
8. Corfu: All Inclusive 3-Star Sidari Water Park
Sidari is one of the prettiest resorts in Corfu, and is a popular choice with couples and families. This super complex is a firm favourite, in fact it is rated the best place to stay in Sidari on TripAdvisor.
The onsite waterpark with six waterslides will keep the kids happy all day, and its two large pools, evening entertainment and two-bedroom family rooms make it one of the most popular all-inclusive resorts in Corfu.
9. Ikos Resorts – Premium 5-Star All Inclusive Resorts in Corfu, Kos and Halkidiki
I had a sneak peak at two Ikos Resorts and had the pleasure of staying overnight in Ikos Olivia in Halkidiki. Ikos brings the term all-inclusive to a whole new level…
Not only is the food superb, but the choices available are remarkable, with menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs. The all-inclusive arrangement includes branded spirits in your mini bar, over 300 wine labels to choose from, waiter service to your sun lounger, and 24 hour room service – I could go on and on.
It is not only in dining where Ikos stand out from other luxury all-inclusive resorts, the facilities available are superb – you are even given a complimentary Mini Cooper to explore the local towns and villages! I love that Ikos Resorts encourage you to discover the local areas, and dining in selected local restaurants and access to museums is included in your stay in selected hotels.
The resorts are super stylish too, with private beaches, bright modern rooms and signature spas. There are also countless activities for adults and children, including kids clubs, full entertainment programmes and sports facilities.
There are two Ikos resorts in Halkidiki, as well as Ikos Dassia in Corfu, Ikos Aria in Kos, and the newly opened Ikos Andalucia on the Costa del Sol.
How to get there?
There are flights available with Ryanair to Thessaloniki airport where Ikos Olivia and Oceania are located. Ikos Aria ( Kos ) and Ikos Dassia ( Corfu ) are both available as package holidays with TUI, or can be booked separately via links below.
See Ikos DassiaSee Ikos Aria
See Ikos Olivia
See Ikos Oceania
Self catering family holidays in Greece
10. Rhodes: 4-Star Sun Beach Resort Complex, Iayssos
Located in the north coast of Rhodes, the Sun Beach Resort is the perfect base for self-catering Rhodes holidays for families. Offering great value for a four-star property, it is worth looking particularly at the Kids Suites which are decorated with children in mind. They come complete with an activity table, drawing pads, crayons, and a Sony PlayStation 4 Game Console!
The resort boasts a full activity programme, a kids movie club and three outdoor playgrounds. Located on the beachfront and just 10 minutes from Rhodes Town, there are a lot of reasons to consider the Sun Beach Resort.
11. Corfu: Loulas Village, Messonghi
Despite an official two-star rating, the charming Loulas Village is rated number 1 on TripAdvisor, and has been receiving Irish holidaymakers for many years. Kostos will be sure to give you a warm welcome and make you enjoy this laid back, family run apartment complex.
Ideally located with some excellent restaurants and bars close by, and a family friendly beach, this is a family holiday that will make you fall in love with Greece’s traditional charm.
12. Kos: Mayflower apartments
This small family run complex is situated in the pretty resort of Tingaki. Rated number 1 on TripAdvisor, they are the perfect choice for families who are looking for a family friendly holiday in a quiet resort, but also within easy reach of Kos town.
This small complex of just 22 apartments receives great reviews for its home-cooked food, inviting pool and home from home atmosphere.
13. Crete: Golden Bay Apartments
Located in the quite seaside resort of Gournes and rated number 1 on TripAdvisor, this complex is ideal for families looking for relaxing family holidays in Greece beside the beach, without lively pool games and kids clubs… There is a pool and a children’s pool on site as well as a play area, pool table and games room.
Although low key, there is regular evening entertainment with live music and cocktail parties to ensure guests stay on site, however there is also a small selection of bars and restaurants close by. The traditional Greek taverna serves up tasty food with sea views and has a separate kids menu.
14. Santorini: Windmill 2-bedroom villas, Imerovigli
These three wonderful windmills are located in the quiet town of Imerovigli. Each white washed windmill has two bedrooms and a private pool. The ground floor contains the living room, dining room and the kitchen, while the first and second floors, which are reached by spiral staircase, are home to the bedrooms.
These unique Airbnbs can be rented separately or are ideal for friends of families who wish to holiday together, but want their own individual space. The communal garden and barbecue facilities are ideal for children, and if you contact the host they will arrange an outdoor cinema with popcorn and pizza. Daily maid service is also included.
Read: 10 Amazing Airbnbs in Santorini with private pools
15. Rhodes: Pefki Islands Resort, Pefkos
Rated the best place to stay in Pefkos on TripAdvisor, don’t let the 3-star rating fool you when you look at the Pefki Islands Resort. I recall selling this on many occasions as a travel agent, and received numerous calls from happy customers upon their return.
Not only is the location idyllic, but Pefki Islands Resort looks pretty too. This miniature village is made up of self catering apartments, two large swimming pools with swim-up bars, separate children’s pools, a games room and a children’s playground.
It beachfront location, just five minutes walk from the quiet town of Pefkos is ideal for a relaxing family holidays in Greece in beautiful surroundings. The local bus can also take you to Lindos and Rhodes Town if you fancy a change of scenery.
The Pefki Islands Resort is sold by TUI Holidays so you can book a package holiday here during the summer months. Alternatively book your own flights with Aer Lingus or Ryanair and select the hotel only option below.
Read: Rhodes holidays – the best places to stay for families and couples
Search package holiday here
16. Santorini: Joanna Villas / Apartments
This family friendly hotel offers superb value for a family holiday in Santorini. Joanna Villas is a boutique hotel, situated just 50 metres from the famous black beach of Kamari. There is an outdoor pool and children’s paddling pool ,and with the beach and the town centre on your doorstep, it is an ideal choice for a family stay.
The lively town of Fira is a 10-minute drive away and there is a bus stop located beside the hotel if you want to explore the island.
See more here
Luxury Family Hotels in Greece
17. Crete: 5-Star Anemos Luxury Grand Resort, Chania
View this post on Instagram
While Anemos may not be as luxurious as some of the other luxury family holidays in Greece I have listed, it carries a special place in my heart. We had a fabulous holiday here in 2019 and I loved its location, facilities, and stunning two-bedroom family suites. It is family friendly without being intrusive, and it is good value for a five-star resort, as breakfast and evening meals are included in your stay.
Anemos means wind in Greek, and I loved the constant sea breeze, it never felt unbearably hot, despite visiting in August. It is also close to the gorgeous Venetian towns of Chania and Rethymo. You can read all about our stay here:
Read: My review of Anemos Luxury Grand Resort
18. Rhodes: Atrium Prestige Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas
With a stunning seaside location in Prasonisi, this exclusive resort is arguably Rhodes best hotel. I visited this area many years ago, where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean Sea – it is spectacular. The hotel received a Travellers Choice award winner from TripAdvisor this year and has almost 3000 5-star reviews.
Luckily this hotel manages to cater equally well for families as well as adults, with a kids club, mini disco, evening entertainment and a host of activities available. There are six swimming pools, including an infinity pool and an adult-only pool, as well as a luxury Thalasso Spa – so if you want to relax while the kids are playing, you can do that too.
There is a host of rooms to choose from including family suites, family bungalows and even villas. You can also opt to book bed and breakfast, half board or choose the premium all-inclusive arrangement.
Atrium Prestige Thalasso Spa Resort is sold by TUI Holidays so you can choose Rhodes holidays with flights and hotel included, or alternatively book your own flights with Aer Lingus or Ryanair and select the hotel only option below.
Check package holiday here
19. Domes Resorts in Corfu and Crete
Domes of Elounda has been one of the most popular luxury resorts in Greece for many years – it is practically a landmark at this stage. Its stunning location overlooking the UNESCO-protected island of Spinalonga, as well as its sophisticated dining, luxurious suites with private pools, and luxury spa, has seen it win numerous awards.
It caters extremely well for families too, with kids clubs, a wide choice of activities and entertainment, and carefully curated kids menus.
Domes of Corfu is the latest addition to the luxurious Domes Resorts. Originally the Louis Grand Hotel, it has been transformed and boasts a host of family friendly activities. It’s stunning private beach, as well as two pools, splash pool and kids clubs are sure to keep your children entertained.
There are three restaurants, four bars, and adult-only pools, spa and gym. Beach parties, themed Greek nights, and live music will entertain you by night, and children have their own hangout area too.
Domes of Corfu is available as part of a package holiday with TUI, or you can choose to book flights and the hotel separately. I have links to both options below.
View hotel only here
20. Halkidiki: Sani Resort
View this post on Instagram
I’m saving the best for last… I had the pleasure of visiting Sani Resort a few years ago and to say I loved it is an understatement. I can’t wait to holiday there with my family, and have plans to return in 2022. There are five different hotels to choose from, Sani Beach, Sani Club, Sani Dunes, Porto Sani, and the top of the range Sani Asterias.
Each hotel is furnished with its own unique style, although all hotels are located close together. Regardless of which hotel you stay in, you are free to use the facilities in all five hotels.
Sani Resort is set on 7km of white sandy beaches on a stunning peninsula, it feels more like a Caribbean resort than a Mediterranean one. There is a private yacht marina, stunning beach bars and 22 restaurants to choose from.
View this post on Instagram
The Sani Dine Around programme allows you to dine in 22 restaurants throughout the resort as part of the half-board or full-board arrangement. There are separate toddlers and kids menus, as well as waiter service at the beach and an ice-cream van touring the resort with free ice creams. Sani Resort anticipate your every whim.
Sani Resort is one of the world’s top family resorts, so kids clubs, entertainment and sports activities are a given. What sets Sani Resort apart is the quality of these facilities. Sani has a tennis academy in collaboration with Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, and a UEFA-approved soccer pitch with football coaching sessions, in association with Chelsea Football Club.
Children can enjoy a football camp with qualified coaches in various camps ranging from age four to sixteen years, and a Chelsea FC Foundation kit is given to all attendees.
There are many activities free of charge including the Sani Adventure Park, with high ropes and zip lines, archery, aerobics, hiking and paddle-board yoga. Selected sports such as waterskiing, catamaran, canoeing, parasailing etc incur extra charges, as well as the soccer camp, tennis lessons and diving.
There are kids clubs for children aged 4-11 and as well as a separate teen club, and a Crèche Club is available for children aged 4 months – 4 years. Bottle warmers, sterilisers and baby phones are supplied free of charge to your room, and buggies, bikes and trikes are available for hire.
I love the Babywatch babysitting programme that is available on all beaches.. There complimentary service allows you to leave your child with qualified staff at the beach, while you and your partner pop in for a quick swim, or enjoy a quick walk – without having to book a crèche session. Baby swimming lessons are also available in the indoor pool at Sani Club.
TOP TIP: All kids clubs, soccer, swimming, and tennis camps MUST be prebooked before you arrive.
I am fairly convinced that Sani Resort is the best luxury family resort in the Med, and I am not alone there. According to TripAdvisor, Sani Resort is one of the Top 10 Hotels for Families in the World, one of the Top 5 Hotels for Families in Europe and the Top Hotel for Families in Greece.
Read: My ultimate guide to Sani Resort
How to get there:
Sani Resort is about 40 minutes from Thessaloniki airport, and Ryanair operate regular flights from many European airports, including Dublin. There are not only five different hotels to choose from, but also a huge choice of room types.
See Sani BeachSee Sani Dunes
See Sani Club
I hope you enjoyed my top picks for family holidays in Greece and that you found something to suit you. Note some of the links above are affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made but at no cost to you.
