Since the 1970s, Greece has been a favourite holiday destination for Brits, but choosing where to stay is a minefield. There are around 20 mainstream destinations that British tour operators easily reach. Then there’s a host of others just a short ferry ride away. With just under 230 inhabited Greek Islands, there’s an island for everyone. But which of the Greek resorts for families is the one for you? Luckily for you, over the years we’ve been to quite a few and have found our definite favourites, plus with my Travel agency experience, I know which are better suited for families.
Kalamaki
My kid’s absolute favourite resort! On the island of Zante, Kalamaki is a firm favourite with us all. The kids love it so much that we’ve been back 4 times now and they’d go every year and never get bored. A lovely short 15-minute transfer from the airport makes it very appealing for those with short attention spans! The main strip is full of family-friendly bars and restaurants and the beach is lovely and sandy. Perfect for the kids to paddle out a small way and lots of non-motorised watersports to try too.
Kardamena
Once popular with those looking for a clubbing holiday, Kardamena has since grown up and welcomed families. There is a huge range of accommodations from small and friendly self-catering properties all the way up to 5* resort-style hotels just outside of Kardamena. It is such a favourite with us that we chose Kardamena in Kos as our wedding destination in 2015. There’s lots going on in the resort, restaurants galore down by the harbour and lots of family-friendly bars too. the beach here again is sandy and is gently shelving into the sea making it ideal for kids.
Stalis
A little busier than the previous two but definitely still in the family-friendly resort category. Nestled between the more popular Hersonissos and Malia, Stalis is the perfect mix of fun and family-friendly. A gorgeous sandy beach with lots of watersports and a big range of seafront bars and restaurants. Transfers take around 1 hour from Heraklion airport, making it a comfortable journey for most. A lot of fun can be had in Stalis and if you like to head out for a walk, you can easily access its neighbouring resorts for a change of scenery along the coast.
Sidari
In the north of Corfu, a longer transfer than most I would recommend but totally worth it. The transfer is around a 2-hour drive over the mountains in Corfu. There are 2 sides to Sidari, the main resort and the Canal D’amour side. Both are very family-friendly. Sidari beach is sandy and has lots of watersports available and the option to hire a boat for the day from here. Lots of beachfront bars and restaurants and it’s pretty flat too making it easy for those with buggies or wheelchairs.
Nidri
Our most recent trip to Greece led us to discover Nidri. Not normally on our list of destinations as it’s not a sandy beach, but we were so glad to overlook this. The resort is perfect, again flat and easy to walk for the whole family. Perfectly compact but bustling. Lots of bars and restaurants on the main strip and along the seafront. Boat hire is available as is an array of boat trips from the port, including the ferry over to Meganisi which shouldn’t be missed.
Lassi
Quieter and sleepier than the “main” island resorts, Lassi is a short 25-minute transfer from the airport. the beaches are to die for first and foremost. I cannot stress enough just how perfect these beaches are! The whitest powdery sand with small beach bars and enough sunbeds for everyone at a reasonable cost. There are bars and restaurants to suit all tastes and appetites too. And head over to Argostoli, just 5 mins in a taxi, in the morning to catch the turtles in the harbour in the morning. Perfect.
Pefkos
Next door to Lindos in Rhodes, Pefkos often gets overlooked but it really shouldn’t. built into the hillside, most apartments and hotels here come with stunning views. There’s a great atmosphere in the resort with lots of choices for bars and restaurants too. Head down the hill to the beach to find a beautiful sandy beach. It’s only 5 minutes away from Lindos too which is lovely for a day out.
Tsilivi
A second resort on the island of Zante. Probably one of the most asked-for resorts too (and the most mispronounced, It’s Sil-i-vi) It’s a big resort with a long stretch of sandy beach and lots of bars and restaurants. Accommodations to suit all tastes and even a waterpark for those thrill seekers. Again only a short 25-minute transfer, it’s perfect for families young and old.
Have you been to any of these resorts?
Are there any others that you’d recommend? I can’t wait to hopefully get back to Greece this summer and find some more family favourite resorts!
Becky x