Whether you want to cruise round the Dodecanes on a private yacht, go eco-adventuring on the Halkidiki Peninsula, laze around on Crete’s lovely beaches, or dip into the big city rumpus of Athens, there are few family holidays Greece hasn’t got covered.
But the country of myths, legends, amazing natural phenomena, and countless jewel-like archipelagoes, really shines when it comes to family villa holidays.
Have a look at five of the greatest Greek islands and the pick of perfect places to stay while you’re there.
1/5 Villa Aqua Oceanis, Lindos, Rhodes
Sleeps up to seven. Entire villa from £356 per week.
This bright, well-planned, beachfront villa overlooks Navaronne Bay on the east coast of Rhodes. It has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a private pool and wooden sun terrace. There’s also a built-in barbecue and outdoor dining area. The open sea views are stunning, and the villa is steps away from the beach.
The historic town of Lindos is a short drive from the villa for shops, cafés, restaurants and remarkable classical sites like Lindos Acropolis and the Archokrateio Monument. Faliraki Waterpark is 40 minutes south by car and Rhodes Town, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage medieval quarter, is just over an hour away. Sleeps up to eight. Entire villa from £1360 per week. A gorgeous, four bedroom family villa surrounded by countryside and overlooking the Ionian Sea on the west coast of Lefkada. The private pool and sun terrace have spectacular views, and there’s also a pretty outdoor dining patio. The mature garden covers over an acre and is beautifully planted with trees and scented herbs. Lefkada is one of the Ionian Islands west of Athens, connected to the mainland by a causeway. Villa Thymus is just a short drive from Agios Nikitas village on the island’s west coast, and just slightly further from big, sandy beaches at Pefkouli, Milos, and Kathisma. Lively Lefkada Town is 25 minutes away by road, and the dramatic white cliffs at Cape Lefkatas are also within easy driving distance. Sleeps up to seven. Entire villa from £756 per week. Once the home of a Turkish Pasha, this historic village house has been carefully restored without losing any of its character. It now offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a pretty courtyard garden with dining terrace and a private pool. The villa has delightful original details, and authentic Cretan furniture features in the interior design. The villa is set in a tiny village on the northwest of Crete. It’s close to several large, sandy beaches and just 20 minutes drive from Chania. The second largest city in Crete, Chania is famous for its spectacular Venetian Harbour, interesting museums and galleries, lively seaside atmosphere, and excellent waterfront restaurants. Sleeps up to four. Entire villa from £299 per week. This sweet little villa, on the beachy northeast coast of Corfu, has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a private pool and a sunny terraced outdoor area. There’s maid service included in the rental price, bed linen is changed twice weekly, and you’ll find a handy Welcome Pack waiting on arrival. The famous bays, beaches, and beautiful hills of northeast Corfu are minutes from Mimosa. Avlaki town is nearby for seafront restaurants, water sports, and tennis. Dramatic St. Stephano harbour is only a short drive from the villa, and the large, lively town of Kassiopi is 20 minutes away for shops, bars, cafés, beachfront taverna and fun kids’ activities. Sleeps up to nine. Entire villa from £929 per week An exceptionally spacious family villa with a countryside setting and magnificent views over the Ionian Sea, Estiasi has four bedrooms and five bathrooms. The large infinity pool outdoors is heated year-round. There’s also a huge sun terrace, shaded dining area, and built-in barbecue. Estiasi is close to Old Skala village, and a short walk from pretty, sandy coves on Kefalonia’s south east coast. 15 minutes drive away, Skala Beach is great for water sports and the lively town of Skala itself has a good range of shops, seafront restaurants, traditional cafés, and several important historic sites worth exploring. There are also daily cruises from Skala Beach to Zante and Ithaca.
About the area
Find out more about Villa Aqua Oceanis with Villas Plus.
2/5 Villa Thymus, Lefkada
About the area
Find out more about Villa Thymus with Thinking Traveller.
3/5 The Archontiko, Crete
About the area
Find out more about The Archontiko with Pretty Greek Villas.
4/5 Villa Mimosa, Corfu
About the area
Find out more about Villa Mimosa with CV Villas.
5/5 Villa Estiasi, Old Skala, Kefalonia
About the area
Find out more about Villa Estiasi with Villa Plus.
Want to book your villa holiday now? View a handpicked selection of our favourite family friendly villas in Europe.