10 best beaches in Greece for families

Πίνακας Περιεχομένου

Western Crete – Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece

With a coastline that stretches 650 miles, Crete is home to more beaches than you could shake a souvlaki stick at – from the party-pumping hub that is Malia to the crystal-clear waters around Chania.

But the most impressive has to be Elafonissi, located in the southwest and listed among the world’s best beaches by TripAdvisor. Set on its own island, though reachable from the mainland, it’s a powerful cocktail of tropical waters, pink-hued sand and sweeping mountains sitting in the distance. yan can stay in a hotel in Kissamos the most strategic region in Chania , cosy and affordable hotel is of Zoridakis family called Mesogios Beach hotel in Kissamos.

Along the coast there are plenty of small secluded coves, alongside ample flora and fauna, much of which remains blissfully untouched thanks to the island’s status as a protected area.

2: Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos, Greece

Take Curaçao-coloured waters, endless white-sand beaches and lush forest and you have Skiathos, the sort of place that would make the Caribbean do a double take.

Among its standout spots is Koukounaries, 10 miles
southwest of the main town. A regular on lists of the Med’s best beaches, it offers temptingly blue shallow waters, spectacular scenery and a large natural lagoon.

For active clients there are jetskis, waterskis and speedboats to whizz along on, while those looking to relax can kick back beneath the shade cast by the picturesque pine forest that borders the water. Younger clients can, meanwhile, wander over to Big Banana Beach in high season for pumping music from the Bananarama Beach Bar, the island’s party centre.

For active clients there are jetskis, waterskis and speedboats to whizz along on

Recommend the Mandraki Village Hotel for luxury beachfront accommodation close to the action. Islands of Greece offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast from 7 per person, including flights.

For a cheaper alternative, there’s Myrtia Summer Village, a family-friendly resort made up of apartments and maisonettes bookable through Thomas Cook.

4: Livadakia Beach, Serifos, Greece

If it’s authentic local character and culture that clients are after, suggest Serifos, says Dudley der Parthog, programme director for Sunvil Greece & Cyprus.

Set amid the Cyclades in the heart of the Aegean, it’s graced with untouched beaches, as well as historic sites, and tourists are few and far between. It also happens to be surprisingly accessible, reached via a two-hour high-speed ferry from Athens.

A good midway point for holidaymakers who are not set on a pure beach holiday

Beaches span rocks and pebbles to pure golden sand; for the latter, recommend Livadia, a small port and the main tourist area thanks to a handful of traditional tavernas, shops and bars that border a long, curved beach. Tamarisk trees provide natural shade along the sand and the water is a deep cerulean.

It’s also close to the historic capital of Chora – where whitewashed houses rub shoulders with ancient chapels – so it’s a good midway point for holidaymakers who are not set on a pure beach holiday.

There are a handful of resorts scattered around the area, including Alexandros-Vassilia, a cluster of apartments that caters to various budgets and is set right by the ocean.

Prices start at £756 per person room-only for seven nights based on two sharing in May, with Sunvil.

5: Varkiza Beach, the best in Athens

The beach of Varkiza is located far from the city centre. This is a nice, organized beach to enjoy a day under the sun. Lounges and beach bars line the beach, making it convenient and safe for all family. To go there, visitors have to take the bus or tram from Syntagma to Glyfada square and then another bus (Bus 149 and 170) from Glyfada square to Varkiza. There is an entrance fee to get in the organized beaches of Varkiza, although there are some small coves that do not have fee.
Many other Athens beaches are found in larger distance from the city centre. Some even need a car to go there, as they are more secluded and can’t be accessed with public transportation. If you are interested, check our list with more Athens beaches. Recommend to rent a villa in Athens from Urban Villas, a web site specialized in Villas in Athens for families.

6: Vatera Beach, Plomari, Lesvos

One of the longest and most beautiful beaches in Greece, Vatera is the best place to be if you are traveling with your family or are looking for a quiet place to enjoy the sea and nature as well as good food and the nearby hot springs of Polychnitou. Located on the coast between the Gulf of Yera and the Gulf of Kaloni, near the town of Polychnitou and the amazing hot mineral baths, Vatera is seven kilometers of uninterrupted sandy beach. This is one beach that seems to extend forever. The town of Vatera itself stretches a couple kilometers and is made up of some really nice tavernas, a pizza place or two, several small bars, a few shops and some terrific family oriented hotels. Most of the people who come to Vatera are Northern Europeans who have been coming for years and a few celebrities in the know who enjoy a quiet ouzo and mezedes and a good book at sunset, as well as snorkeling along the coast where fish and octopus are plentiful. In fact I caught several baby octopus and played with them with my daughter, letting them climb from one hand to the other before letting them go again, probably wondering to themselves what that was all about.

7: Chrissi Milia Beach, Allonisos Island

Chrissi Milia (Golden apple tree) is a golden beach! One of the most popular beaches on the island; fine pebbles, water-sports and other activities to enjoy (e.g. diving tours)

Alonissos
Where: In the Aegean Sea, the third member of the Northern Sporades
Why: Peaceful and serene, more rugged than its neighbours, with a strong British and Italian presence and second-home owners from all over the world, spring waters, pine forest, olive groves, orchards, arbutus (a native flowering plant), heather, kermes oak, and lentisc (type of mastic tree). Resident herbalists and a homeopathic academy. Some of Greece’s cleanest seas.
Must visit: Hóra (Paleá Alónnissos), Stení Vála, Roussoúm Yialós, Marpoúnda Bay.
Where to stay: There are a few all-inclusive hotels, many rooms and family guesthouses, plus some 3-star hotels that are favoured by people of particular nationalities.
Join in with: Art exhibits, religious festivals, countryside festivals (paniyíria).
An extra tip for kids: Find out how to adopt a newly-born monk seal at the Marine Park (and please eat some of the local apricots –they are really tasty here)!

8: Halkidiki

Shaped like Poseidon’s trident and sticking out into the Aegean Sea, Halkidiki is a treat for visitors. Lush green forests that reach right down to the beach; golden sunlight reflected in the turquoise waters; a traditional style with a rich gastronomic and cultural heritage. Endless coves, unique architectural sites, perfectly preserved Christian monument and a host of unexplored treasures all add their own rich touch to the unique canvas that is Halkidiki.

9: Issos Beach – Corfu

Íssos

On the far southwesterly side of the Korissíon lagoon, Íssos is every bit Halikoúnas’ equal, and perhaps more. The dunes here are higher, the juniper groves stabilizing them inland considerable, and the beach itself served as a location for the 1981 James Bond film For Your Eyes Only.

Issos Beach, Corfu — On the far southwesterly side of the Korissíon lagoon, Issos was once a location in the 1981 James Bond film

Who goes?
Greeks families, naturists, windsurfers

What is there to do? Τhe sea is idyllic, with 30-metre visibility. Such conditions will not delight patrons of Watersport, offering windsurfing and Hobie-Cat sailing.

Bars and bites
Not much – where the path links the car park with the beach, there’s a seasonal kantína which may not operate until late June. You may choose to walk southeast for 1km to the edge of Ágios Geórgios Argyrádon resort for a proper taverna.