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Best family resorts in Greece: top hotels for a fun-filled holiday
From all-inclusive, all-action complexes to laidback hangouts, these fabulous resorts and hotels make a perfect base for a family holiday in Greece.
By Karla Napoleon | Last updated May 10, 2024
Greece is a popular choice as a family holiday destination for good reason. Incredible beaches, jaw-dropping natural beauty, picture-perfect whitewashed villages and a rich heritage and culture means there really is something for everyone. Add in stellar hospitality and tons of child-friendly restaurants and hotels and you have all the ingredients for a magical family holiday.
Searching for kid-friendly accommodation can be pretty exhausting though - especially when trawling through review sites to see if the reality matches the resort’s claims. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you by scrutinising authentic reviews and travel guides to find out which resorts stand out from the others. And, as always, asking the experts (real Mumsnet users themselves) for their tried-and-tested recommendations.
We've got the lowdown on all things Greece - check out our guides to the best Greek Islands for families, the best hotels in Rhodes, the best hotels in Crete, and the best TUI BLUE hotels in Greece, all featuring top tips from parents that have stayed there.
Search for a family-friendly hotel in Greece
Atlantica Aegean Blue, Rhodes
Has its own waterpark
Family rooms
Great selection of pools
Excellent choice of activities for children
Within easy distance of the main attractions in Rhodes
A la carte restaurants get booked up quickly
Varying opinions on the evening entertainment
Pebbly beach
Set against a rocky backdrop and overlooking the Mediterranean, the Atlantica Aegean Blue sits right on Kolymbia beach. With calm, shallow waters, it’s the perfect spot for kids to safely play in and there’s a good choice of water sports available on the beach too.
That said, you may have trouble getting the kids to the beach with all the fun the hotel has to offer. Boasting its own water park and four swimming pools including a heated baby pool and an infinity pool with a swim-up bar, there’s also a mini football pitch, beach volleyball, table tennis and a programme of evening and daily entertainment, including kids’ clubs and a chill-out zone for teens.
There’s a good choice of family rooms, some with swim-up options, which feature a partition so you and the kids can enjoy a bit of privacy. There’s an all-inclusive option and a choice of nine bars and restaurants to eat in including a kids’ pool bar, which guests loved.
A bus service outside the hotel will take you to Rhodes Town, Lindos and Faliraki. Or you can rent a car and go exploring.
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Kresten Palace Hotel, Rhodes
Close to Rhodes city and Faliraki
Great beachside location with gorgeous green surrounds
Friendly staff
Large pool area
No other restaurants or bars close by
You have to pay for WiFi
Right next to its own private beach and surrounded by lush gardens, this great value hotel ticks lots of boxes.
It’s well-geared towards children, offering family rooms sleeping up to four people, a children’s menu, playground, kids’ pool and mini golf. There’s no kids’ club, but a well-oiled programme of sports activities for all ages are run by the pool in the mornings if you’re in need of a little distraction. After that, there's tennis and volleyball on the dedicated courts, plus a programme of family-friendly evening entertainment.
The hotel is based in Kalithea, around a 10-minute taxi ride to the medieval city of Rhodes in one direction and the bars and beaches of Faliraki in the other. Kalithea itself is home to thermal water springs, and you can visit the art-deco spa and the picturesque bay that surrounds it. One niggle for some guests was the lack of nearby bars and restaurants - a 20 minute walk away - which may be a consideration if you have little ones.
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Daios Cove, Crete
Beautiful location featuring spectacular views
Excellent range of children’s activities, facilities and services
Crete is a great destination for a family holiday
Some north-facing rooms don’t get the sun
Additional charge to heat your private pool
Isolated from other bars and restaurants, but guest say the resort restaurants are excellent
Luxury is very much the name of the game here. The majority of rooms in this five-star resort built into a rocky bay boast their own pool and offer spectacular views of the cove. If you ever leave your room, it might be to lay in the resort's heated infinity pool or sunbathe on the private beach with its clear turquoise waters.
And if you want to visit the spa or make inroads into your novel, there’s a creche for the under-fours, a kids’ club and organised activities for teens. On top of that, there’s a playground, children’s menus and a babysitting service. Come nightfall, teens and tweens will love hanging out in the games room with its table tennis, pool table and Wii and PS4s.
This luxury resort also takes the crown for the best all-inclusive resort in Greece for families. It’s available for suite or villa stays and includes 24-hour room service, signature cocktails and unlimited ice creams and drinks for the kids.
The resort is situated just over 7km from Agios Nikolaos, which has plenty of shops and restaurants, or head further north to Elounda for fresh fish at the tavernas.
Neilson Vounaki Beachclub, Paleros
Great choice of activities and watersports
All equipment is provided
Access to a long sweeping beach and yacht marina
Built on a hill so there are lots of steps
On-site creche needs to be paid for separately
For sporty families or those with restless teenagers, this Neilson Beachclub on the west coast of Greece offers cycling, tennis, paddle boarding and a whole range of water sports including dinghy sailing and windsurfing, plus a gym and fitness deck.
Cyclists in particular will like this area for the plethora of rocky tracks, valleys and coastal tracks to navigate. There are routes suitable for all abilities, whether you’re a stop-to-admire-the-views kind of family or love to tackle big climbs.
The kids’ clubs are good for children aged two to 17 (note that the creche incurs an extra charge), and kids can join sessions that explore everything from kayaking and tennis to rock climbing and pool fun.
Away from the organised activities, there are two pools including a kids’ pool, a sandy beach with warm and a restaurant. It's just a 10-minute walk to the traditional Greek village of Peleros.
Sani Resort, Halkidiki
Excellent children’s facilities and services
Friendly and attentive staff
Children under 12 stay free at Sani Club or Sani Beach
Kids’ club can get booked up
Mumsnet users found the restaurants expensive
The Sani Resort is recommended time and time again by Mumsnet users thanks to its amazing child facilities and luxurious vibe. It’s also the first carbon neutral resort in Greece and runs on 100% renewable energy.
It’s a vast resort set on a private nature reserve, with five hotels in total and seven private Blue Flag beaches, where you can sun and swim by day and enjoy a cocktail and beach party at night. A nice touch is the complimentary 30-minute beach ‘Babewatch’ service, allowing you to go off for a swim knowing your little ones are being well looked after.
There’s a dizzying array of activities on offer for kids of all ages, from scuba diving and DJ classes to the Bear Grylls Survival Academy and bird watching in the Sani wetlands.
There’s a creche, kids’ club for children aged between four and 12, and a teen club as well. Top tip from the Mumsnet users? Reserve your childcare in advance as it does get booked up.
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Irides, Aegina Island
Peaceful location right next to the sea, offering incredible views
Wonderful hospitality and excellent breakfast
Aegina is perfect for a laidback holiday
Some people might not like the rocky beach
A charming family-run hotel with a good choice of rooms, all with a sea view. There’s a saltwater swimming pool or hop over to the beach, where kids can safely snorkel and spot the local marine life.
Entertainment and activities here are low-key - there’s a weekly beach BBQ, an outside chess board, small playground and beach volleyball. The hotel can also arrange horseback riding. There’s no kids’ club or organised activities, so it’s perfect for families who prefer to do their own thing.
Guests really rate the hospitality of the hosts and the incredible views at night. The sun rising over the mainland and the twinkling night lights of Athens make for magical holiday moments.
Aegina is one of the smaller islands and is largely untouched. Rent bikes or cars near the hotel and set off to find a secluded beach or a delicious lunch at a seaside tavern. Take a horse-drawn carriage around the Old Town or explore the many impressive ancient sites and ruins.
Mark Warner Lemnos Beach Resort, Lemnos
Perfect wind conditions for sailing, waterskiing and wakeboarding
Sandy beach with warm shallow waters
Awesome cycle routes
25-minute transfer time
Three tennis courts
WiFi can be patchy in rooms
Quiet resort won't be to everyone's taste
For an authentic Greek getaway, the quiet island of Lemnos has a really peaceful feel, allowing you to fully switch off and enjoy some fun family activities.
Set in a secluded bay by Plati Beach, Mark Warner's Lemnos Beach Resort is ideal for families with young children thanks to the nearby soft sandy beach and shallow waters.
It's also great for active types keen to try their hand at a range of watersports. With wind speeds increasing throughout the day, even beginners can start their mornings with water skiing or wakeboarding. The northern afternoon gusts provide excellent conditions for surfing and sailing and a little extra challenge for those looking to improve or master their technique.
Contemporary villas feature balconies or terraces and offer stunning sea views. Dining is on a half-board basis including breakfast and dinner and the Terrace restaurant is a great spot to watch the sun set across the Aegean at the end of a fun-filled day.
The creche facilities and kids’ clubs for children aged four months to 17 years, mean you can grab some uninterrupted time to read, join a fitness class or kick back in the pool.
The nearby town of Myrina is home to a 13th-century Venetian castle and waterfront restaurants.
St George Lycabettus
Fantastic location close to major attractions
Unbeatable views
Free WiFi
Access is up quite a steep hill so might not be suitable for buggies or people with mobility issues
Some rooms are on the small side
A dual-destination break is a great way to combine a beach holiday with a bit of culture and city glamour. And with its incredible views over Athens, the Acropolis and the Saronic Gulf, this hotel doesn’t disappoint.
Family-friendly activities such as the Sunday Family Brunch, free kids’ films in the 30-seat screening room and a chaperoned playroom will keep younger guests entertained, but the jewel in its crown is the rooftop pool where the kids can splash about while you sip a cocktail and admire the panoramic view.
The hotel is situated in the heart of Kolonaki, an upmarket district full of boutique shops, bars and restaurants. Just around the corner, hop on the funicular for a fun way to reach the top of Lycabettus Hill for even more amazing views. The hotel is also within walking distance of kid-friendly attractions such as the National Garden and the changing of the guard at Syntagma Square.
Porto Kea Suites, Kea
Peaceful island to get away from it all
Spacious rooms and comfortable beds
Great location to explore the island
Older children may find the location too quiet
Just a few steps away from the long beach of Korissia and within walking distance of two others, this hotel offers seriously special beach time.
The suites are spacious and tastefully decorated and offer either a garden or a sea view.
There’s no kids’ club, but guests loved the large, clean pool overlooking the sea. And there’s a tennis court and football pitch too.
Relatively uncharted by UK tourists, Kea is a popular weekend destination with many Athenians thanks to its traditional villages, beautiful hidden beaches and wild flowers. Hiking is very popular in Kea and there are plenty of great routes which take in the many archaeological sites, beautiful countryside and chapels on the island.
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TUI BLUE Lagoon Princess All-Inclusive, Halkidiki
Classy whitewashed resort with direct beach access
Teen chill out area (The Hangout) with daily activities
Plenty of on-site sports facilities
Kalives village is on the quiet side
Airport transfer is around 45 minutes
Part of the TUI BLUE For Families collection, this beachfront resort is fully geared up for kids and it's particularly good for holidays with teenagers. The low-rise whitewashed blocks are typically Greek and the resort puts you right on the beach in Halkidiki's Kalives village. There are four different pools for kids of all ages and a range of eating options including a traditional taverna and snack bars. Sporty teens will appreciate the tennis, basketball and volleyballs courts and there's a dedicated Hangout area for kids 12-15 with daily activities and evening fun. Some of the two-bed family rooms come with separate bathrooms - great for teens wanting a bit of privacy.
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Great location on the edge of Naxos Town, next to the beach and tavernas
Beautiful gardens
Close to gorgeous sandy beaches and clear waters
Naxos is a great location for water sports, especially windsurfing and kite surfing
Some reviewers said the pool wasn’t geared to younger kids
Patchy WiFi in the rooms
Some rooms are on the small side
Built in the traditional Cycladic style, the Galaxy Hotel has recently been renovated and is set in lush gardens a few steps away from the sandy beach and turquoise waters of Agios Georgios.
The focus here is on relaxation, so there are no kids’ clubs or evening entertainment, but children will love the pool overlooking the sea and there’s plenty of water activities close by on the beach including banana boats, waterskiing, sailing and windsurfing. The hotel can also arrange horse riding and offers a babysitting service too.
Guests loved the fabulous beachside location, just a 10-minute walk into the centre of Naxos Town, with a selection of tavernas close by. The hotel itself is very quiet, so ideal if you want a bit of down time.
Skiathos Princess Resort, Skiathos
Right next to a sandy beach with shallow waters
Great location near to Skiathos Town with plenty of restaurants and tavernas within walking distance
Top-notch service and excellent food, including fresh fish at the beachside restaurant
Some guests complained about the uncomfortable beds and pillows
Skiathos is a favourite destination of many Mumsnet users and this hotel is the ideal base to enjoy the island. Situated right on the spectacular Agia Paraskevi, with its shallow waters, it’s the perfect spot for children to play in. The hotel provides loungers, towels and umbrellas at no extra cost and there’s water sports for older kids too.
It’s an older hotel, and guests noted it felt a little shabby in places, but they loved it for its amazing location, gorgeous view and peaceful atmosphere. Hop on a bus right outside the hotel to Skiathos Town for its charming harbour and cobbled streets.
The resort is entirely family-friendly and offers a creche and kids’ club for children up to 12 years old, plus children’s menus, kids’ pool, entertainment and babysitting.
Stunning beachside hotel close to lots of bars and restaurants
Central location and easy bus links to attractions such as Fira
Complimentary tea and coffee all day
Some rooms are on the small side
Santorini could vie for the title of most stunning Greek island, but it can get busy in summer, and the black sands aren’t for everyone.
However, this family-friendly boutique hotel in Kamari makes for a great base if you’re visiting the island with kids. It's right on the beach with spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs and there’s an attractive pool area too. You can wander around their private vineyard and help yourself to the grapes and figs that grow there.
The rooms are clean and comfortable and have been designed with children in mind, with a pop art design and bright colours. They can also provide any extras you might need, such as bottle warmers.
Kamari is a bustling beach resort filled with hip boutiques, cafes and fish tavernas. Guests loved the central location of the hotel. It’s right on the beach and there are plenty of seafront bars and restaurants.
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Is Greece good for a family holiday with children?
Greece is a perennially popular destination for many families. The combination of long, dry, hot summers, beautiful beaches, delicious food and a warm and friendly welcome mean it ticks a lot of boxes for a great family holiday.
There are gorgeous sandy beaches and safe coves for smaller kids to play in, while older ones will love the waterparks, beach bars and opportunities to canyon, kayak and horse ride. There are historical sites to explore and aquatic adventures to be had, both over and under the sea.
Alongside the beauty of mainland Greece, there are 227 inhabited islands to visit, all of which offer something different - from Corfu’s lush greenery, shallow waters and the winding alleyways of its Old Town to the pink sands and ancient Minoan ruins on Crete.
Although it’s not the cheap destination it once was, if you’re on a budget, you can eat out well at local tavernas and car hire is also relatively cheap.
At around three-and-a-half hours from the UK, Greece is on the longer end of the flight-time spectrum for a European holiday, but not totally inconceivable if you’re travelling with little ones.
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What to consider when choosing a family resort in Greece
Destination: If you have babies or toddlers, you might want to pick a quieter destination such as Pefkos on Rhodes, with its gently sloping beach and relaxed character or the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of Naxos. Those travelling with older kids might look for livelier places with more going on, such as Kos or Crete.
Size of resort: Do you like all-singing and dancing resorts where you don’t have to go far to find entertainment (but you might have to have a fight for a sun lounger) or would you prefer a smaller hotel with less facilities and a more peaceful vibe?
Childcare: If you’re looking for a few hours to yourself or you have kids who want to make friends, then look for a resort that offers kids’ clubs and activities and entertainment geared towards children. Some resorts also provide babysitting services.
Facilities: Whether you like everything laid on for you at the hotel, or you prefer to get out and explore, things to consider include pools, waterslides, playgrounds and evening entertainment, private beaches and spas.
Food and drink: All-inclusive can prove good value for money if you have younger children or fussy eaters, or if you’re planning on spending a lot of time around the pool, as drinks and snacks are generally included in the price. Whereas if you prefer eating out (as Greece is the place to do that) you may opt for half-board or just B&B.
Atmosphere: Are you looking for a lively resort with lots going on such as pool parties and evening entertainment, or are you looking for somewhere more relaxed?
Price: What’s your budget? If you like to get out and about or do your own thing, you won’t need to pay as much for a hotel with a wide range of facilities as you will if your main aim is to clock in some serious pool time. And if you’re able to, travelling outside of the school holidays is obviously cheaper.
What to pack for a family holiday in Greece
Greek summers are hot, with temperatures in July and August reaching up to 33°C. So a high SPF sun cream is essential, as are hats and UV protection swimwear for the kids. The spring and autumn months have a more pleasant temperature, although you have a higher chance of rain in October.
Light, loose clothing is ideal for the summer months, with a light cardigan or jacket, as some islands may get slightly chilly at night. You’ll need to pack more layers if you’re travelling outside of the summer months, especially for the evenings.
A comfortable pair of sandals is a good idea for day trips, as well as trainers if you’re planning on hiking. Don’t forget flip-flops for the pool and water shoes for the rockier beaches. A rucksack for day trips is handy, as is a beach bag. Most resorts provide beach towels, but you might need to pack some if you’re planning on exploring different beaches.
Mosquitos can be a pain, so make sure to pack repellent, bite treatment and plug-ins for your room.
If your kids love the pool, don’t forget goggles to help them enjoy the water longer. And if you’re hiring a car while you’re there, you’ll need your driving licence.
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Where in Greece is best for a family holiday?
With so many fabulous options, there’s a lot of competition for the best family hotels in Greece, but we’ve gone for the Atlantica Aegean Blue as our best overall, thanks to its excellent range of pools, onsite water park and beachfront location with warm shallow waters. There’s a comprehensive, but not-intrusive range of kids’ activities and clean, spacious rooms, some with swim-up options. For a mid-range hotel, guests thought it offered good value for money.
Rhodes is a great destination for a family holiday too, with gorgeous beaches and plenty to see and do across the whole island including a water park, aquarium and fascinating archaeological sites and ruins. Kids will also love the incredible Butterfly Valley, home to millions of butterflies in the summer months, breathtaking views from Lindos Acropolis and exploring the UNESCO-listed medieval city of Rhodes.
How we chose our recommendations
Researching a holiday is a lengthy process, that’s why we’ve done most of the legwork for you with our in-depth analysis of each resort we’ve recommended. We spent several hours researching the hotels and weighing up the pros and cons of each resort.
Using Mumsnset users’ recommendations as a starting point, we also looked at travel sites including CN Traveller, The Telegraph and parenting travel blogs to create a longlist of different hotels to suit all tastes, needs and budgets. Then we scrutinised the real-life reviews of travellers from Booking.com and TripAdvisor to make sure that their experiences matched up.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. As a mum herself, our writer Karla knows how important it is that everyone is happy on holiday. That’s why she put as much research into this article as she would into her own holiday.
We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.