Kefalonia is the top of the list of best Greek islands 2023. Turns out it’s one of our favourites too, especially for family activity holidays. See which other islands in Greece we think your energetic kids will love this year.
Kefalonia is one of the all-round best Greek islands
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionians and home to Myrtos Beach, one of the most photographed in Greece and a paragliding legend.
Skala Beach is another Kefalonia beauty, this time famous for water sports. Although doing nothing is tempting here too, just pick your lazy patch of sand carefully: areas of Skala are designated to protect Caretta-Caretta Turtles’ nests.
Kefalonia is also home to Ainos National Park. The only national park on a Greek island it’s prime territory for hiking with kids, remember to keep a look out for the wild horses. If you want beach games make for Ai Helis beach and when you feel like sailing, take a boat trip to the Cave Lake of Melissani. It’s not an official wonder of the world, but it should be.
What active families love about Kefalonia
- Myrtos beach is one of the best paragliding locations in Greece.
- Kefalonia is great for diving or snorkelling and known for marine life ranging from Caretta-Caretta Turtles to rare Monk Seals.
- Mellissani underground lake was considered sacred in ancient times, take guided boat tour by boat and it’s easy to see why.
- Centred around dramatic Mount Ainos, Ainos National Park features hiking trails graded in order of difficulty. So even younger kids can take a walk.
- Visit pretty Assos near Myrtos beach. Between colourful houses and its bay strewn setting it’s one of Kefalonia’s many strong Instagram players.
Find family hotels in Kefalonia
Windsurfers in training should pick Paros
Paros is known for its charm and good looks. You’ll find it right at the heart of the Cyclades and for whitewashed houses and pretty harbours, you want the island capital Parikia. Although the sweet village of Naoussa in the north is all that too.
You’ll never run out of history here and the beaches are beautiful beyond belief. If your kids are keen to try windsurfing or kitesurfing, Paros is a great place to learn. Or they could just watch: Windsurfing World Championships are held at every year at Chrissí Aktí on the south east coast.
Why Paros is one of the best Greek islands for outdoorsy kids
- Try lovely Santa Maria beach for kayaking or go surfing at Pounta beach on the strait of Antiparos.
- Each year, Al Giannis on Paros hosts the Pan-Hellenic Wakeboard Championships.
- Horse riding is a fun way to explore and tours are available around the Paros’ coast and inland too.
- Walk the well marked Paros’ ‘strates’: hiking routes repurposed from tracks created by local farmers.
- Spa for free on Kalogeros Beach. Just cake yourself in clay, dry in the sun and jump in the sea to rinse.