Family holidays
Family hotels in Greece: five with kids’ clubs and shallow beaches
Shallow beaches, kids’ clubs for the youngest and waterslides by the pool. These are the family hotels in Greece we would book, from the Peloponnese to Crete and Corfu.
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At a good family hotel in Greece, the children set the pace. The youngest wade out from the beach while the older ones queue for the waterslide. Parents get an hour with a book while the kids’ club has them.
You will find hotels like this all over Greece, but the regions differ. The Peloponnese gives you the most space, Crete has the longest season and Corfu is the greenest. Below are five we would book, grouped by region.
In short
The Westin Resort Costa Navarino in the Peloponnese is our first choice. It has two kids’ clubs for children from four months to twelve, a water park with slides and family suites with a separate bedroom. On Crete, Creta Palace outside Rethymno is the safest bet, with its Grecoland club and a long sandy beach.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Westin Costa Navarino
The Peloponnese: room for everyone
In Messinia, in the south-west Peloponnese, olive groves run over low hills and the crowds stay away. It takes longer to reach than the islands, but you get space in return.
Olive trees and evening light
Olive trees still stand between the buildings at Costa Navarino. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
The Westin Resort Costa Navarino
The resort sits in Navarino Dunes, between the hills and the Ionian Sea. Cocoon takes babies and toddlers, SandCastle children up to twelve, and the water park has its own slides.
It suits families who want everything within walking distance and a week without a car. Book a family suite and the grown-ups get their own bedroom. The resort is big, though, and the walks between pool, beach and restaurants can be long for small legs.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Westin Costa Navarino
Crete: the longest season
Crete has warm sea from June to October and short transfers from the airport to the north-coast beaches. Here are two hotels at different prices and in different styles.
A village of bungalows
The family bungalows at Creta Palace sit among palms and pools. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Creta Palace
The hotel sits on a Blue Flag sandy beach, about four kilometres from Rethymno’s old town. The Grecoland club takes children from four to twelve, and there is a children’s pool with a slide.
It suits families who want the beach by day and a town by night. Rethymno’s old town, with its Venetian harbour and narrow lanes, is a short taxi ride away. The garden family bungalows give children room to run.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Creta Palace
All inclusive by the beach
Lyttos Beach sits on the shore east of Heraklion. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Lyttos Beach
Lyttos Beach is on the seafront east of Heraklion and runs on an all-inclusive basis. The Star Beach water park is nearby, and the airport is close.
It suits families who want to know what the holiday costs before they leave, and who like a big, lively resort. If you want calm, Creta Palace is the better pick.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Lyttos Beach
Corfu: the green island
Corfu is greener than most Greek islands, with cypresses and olive groves running down to the water. The east coast has calmer sea than the west.
The bay at Dassia
Ikos Dassia sits on the bay on Corfu’s east coast. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Ikos Dassia
Ikos Dassia is on the east coast, by Dassia beach, and is all inclusive. The minibar in the room is included, and every room has a balcony or terrace.
A strong pick for families who want high standards and no bar bill. From the airport in Corfu Town it is a short drive.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Ikos Dassia
The sea from the pool
From the pool at MarBella you look out over the Ionian Sea. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
MarBella Corfu
MarBella sits on the hillside above the Ionian Sea, south of Corfu Town. From the pool you look across the water to the mainland, and breakfast is included.
It suits families with older children who want calm by the pool and short trips into Corfu’s old town.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at MarBella Corfu
How to choose a region
Toddlers: Crete or Corfu, where the flight is shortest and the airport transfer quick.
School-age children: the Peloponnese, where a big resort keeps everyone busy for a full week.
October half-term: Crete, which has the warmest sea in October.
Getting there
There are direct flights from the UK to Crete and Corfu throughout the summer. For Costa Navarino, fly to Kalamata, or to Athens and drive about three hours south-west.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best family hotel in Greece?
The Westin Resort Costa Navarino in the Peloponnese is the best family hotel in Greece for most families, with two kids’ clubs, a water park and family suites. For a shorter journey and a town nearby, Creta Palace outside Rethymno on Crete is a strong alternative. On Corfu, Ikos Dassia leads for families who want all inclusive.
Where in Greece is best for a holiday with children?
Crete is the easiest place in Greece to travel with children, thanks to its long season, many direct flights and shallow north-coast beaches. Corfu suits families who want greenery and shade. The Peloponnese gives you the most space and fewest crowds, but the journey takes longer.
When is the best time to visit Greece with kids?
June and September are the best months for a family holiday in Greece: the sea is warm, with fewer crowds and less heat than in July and August. For October half-term, Crete is the safest choice, as its sea stays warm longest. Check that the kids’ club is open when you travel.
Do family hotels in Greece have kids’ clubs?
Most large family hotels in Greece have kids’ clubs, but age limits vary. Westin Costa Navarino takes children from four months, while Grecoland at Creta Palace is for ages four to twelve. Check ages and opening hours before you book, especially with children under three.