Corfu Family Holidays: Best Areas, Resorts & Hotels for Families

Corfu family holidays – best resorts, hotels and beaches for families

Corfu family holidays combine beautiful beaches, green countryside, welcoming holiday resorts and plenty of activities for children of all ages. Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive hotel with pools and entertainment or a relaxed Greek seaside village, Corfu offers a wide choice of places to stay.

Unlike some of Greece’s drier islands, Corfu is known for its lush scenery, olive-covered hills and varied coastline. You’ll find long sandy beaches in some areas, sheltered pebble bays in others, and spectacular turquoise coves around Paleokastritsa.

But which part of Corfu is best for families? Choosing the right resort can make a considerable difference to your holiday, particularly when travelling with younger children.

In this Holiday Blueprint guide, we’ll compare the best family resorts and hotels in Corfu, explore beaches and activities, and share practical advice on transfers, car hire and planning your trip.

⭐ Holiday Blueprint Family Picks

For younger children: Roda

For a lively family resort: Sidari

For a traditional beach holiday: Acharavi

For exploring Corfu Town: Dassia

For sandy beaches and scenery: Agios Gordios

For spectacular coastal views: Paleokastritsa

For waterslide lovers: Aqualand Corfu

Best Areas to Stay in Corfu for Families

Corfu has family-friendly resorts across the island, but they offer quite different holiday experiences. Some are particularly convenient for beach-focused holidays, while others suit families who enjoy sightseeing and exploring independently.

1. Sidari – Best for a Lively Family Holiday

Sidari, on Corfu’s northern coastline, is one of the island’s established holiday resorts.

It offers restaurants, shops, sandy beach areas and plenty of accommodation options, making it worth considering for families who want facilities within easy reach.

One of its best-known attractions is Canal d’Amour, famous for its distinctive sandstone formations and beautiful coastal scenery.

Canal d'Amour and sandstone coves at Sidari in Corfu

We’d consider Sidari for families who enjoy having restaurants, entertainment and activities available outside their hotel.

Holiday Blueprint Tip: The sandstone coastline is beautiful, but some areas have rocks and uneven access. Choose suitable swimming locations rather than assuming every cove is ideal for small children.

2. Roda – Best for Younger Children and Relaxed Holidays

Roda is a relatively relaxed resort on Corfu’s northern coast and is particularly appealing for families looking for a traditional beach holiday.

You’ll find accommodation, tavernas, shops and a beach area without necessarily needing a busy daily itinerary.

It’s worth considering if your ideal holiday involves spending the morning by the pool, heading to the beach in the afternoon and enjoying a relaxed family meal in the evening.

We’d consider Roda for: younger children, relaxed beach days and families who prefer a smaller resort atmosphere.

3. Acharavi – Best for a Traditional Family Beach Holiday

Acharavi is another popular northern resort, known for its long coastline and range of holiday accommodation.

Its beach includes sandy and shingly sections, so it’s worth checking the exact location of your hotel if soft sand is particularly important.

The resort provides a convenient base for families who want restaurants and everyday facilities without relying entirely on their accommodation.

We’d consider Acharavi for: families who enjoy exploring locally and spending plenty of time beside the sea.

4. Dassia – Best for Exploring Corfu Town

Dassia sits on Corfu’s eastern coastline and is a useful location for families wanting to combine resort life with visits to Corfu Town.

The beach is generally pebbly or shingly rather than a broad stretch of fine sand, but the area offers a choice of accommodation, restaurants and watersports.

It can be a practical base if you’d rather not spend every day in one resort.

We’d consider Dassia for: families who want sightseeing, boat activities and convenient access to Corfu Town.

5. Agios Gordios – Best for Sandy Beaches and Scenery

Agios Gordios is a picturesque resort on Corfu’s western coast, backed by green hills and dramatic coastal scenery.

Its long sandy beach is one of the area’s main attractions, making it appealing to families looking for a classic beach holiday.

However, the surrounding landscape is hilly, so check the location of your accommodation carefully if travelling with pushchairs or anyone who struggles with steep walks.

We’d consider Agios Gordios for: sandy beaches, scenic surroundings and relaxed family holidays.

6. Paleokastritsa – Best for Beautiful Bays and Boat Trips

Paleokastritsa is one of Corfu’s most visually impressive coastal destinations.

Its green hills, rocky headlands and clear turquoise water create a very different setting from the island’s longer northern beaches.

Paleokastritsa Bay in Corfu with turquoise water and green hills

The area is particularly appealing for sightseeing, coastal boat trips and families who enjoy exploring smaller beaches and coves.

However, it isn’t necessarily the most straightforward choice if your priority is a large, flat resort with extensive children’s entertainment within walking distance.

We’d consider Paleokastritsa for: families with older children, scenery lovers and those wanting to explore Corfu’s coastline.

Corfu Family Resort Comparison

Resort Particularly Suits Considerations
Sidari Entertainment and resort facilities Busier atmosphere in peak season
Roda Relaxed holidays with younger children Less extensive entertainment
Acharavi Traditional beach holidays Mixed sand and shingle
Dassia Exploring and visiting Corfu Town Predominantly pebbly beach
Agios Gordios Sandy beach and coastal scenery Hilly surroundings
Paleokastritsa Boat trips and beautiful bays Smaller coves and winding roads

Best Family Hotels in Corfu

Corfu offers a wide range of family accommodation, from large all-inclusive resorts to smaller beachfront hotels and self-catering apartments.

When comparing hotels, we’d pay particular attention to the swimming pools, children’s facilities, room layouts and exact beach location rather than relying entirely on the advertised star rating.

Family Hotel Options Worth Comparing

Some established properties to include in your research are:

  • Aqualand Resort, Agios Ioannis: Particularly interesting for families who want a waterpark-focused holiday. Check the current arrangements for Aqualand access and seasonal operation.
  • Ikos Dassia: A luxury all-inclusive option on Corfu’s eastern coast, worth comparing if you’re looking for a more premium family holiday.
  • MarBella, Mar-Bella Collection: Another established resort-style option to investigate when comparing family accommodation on the island.
  • Sidari and Roda family apartments: Worth considering if you prefer self-catering, more flexibility around mealtimes or a smaller holiday complex.

Hotel facilities, children’s clubs, waterpark access and room configurations can change between seasons, so check the details for your actual travel dates.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Hotel Tip

Before booking, check these five things:

  • Whether your room has proper beds for every family member.
  • The distance between the hotel and the beach.
  • Which pools and waterslides your children can use.
  • Whether children’s entertainment operates during your dates.
  • How easily you can reach restaurants and shops outside the hotel.

If you’re planning several excursions, a convenient location may be more useful than choosing the hotel with the longest facilities list.

🏨 Compare Family Hotels in Corfu

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Best Beaches in Corfu for Families

One of Corfu’s biggest attractions is the variety of its coastline. However, not every beach offers the same experience, particularly when travelling with younger children.

Roda Beach

A convenient choice for families staying in Roda who want easy access to local restaurants and resort facilities.

Sidari Beach

Popular with holidaymakers who want sandy areas and plenty of amenities nearby. Canal d’Amour is also worth visiting for its scenery.

Agios Gordios Beach

A beautiful sandy beach backed by hills, making it appealing for families who enjoy scenic surroundings.

Paleokastritsa Beaches

Ideal for discovering smaller bays and spectacular water colours. Some beaches are pebbly, and the sea can become deep relatively quickly in places.

Glyfada Beach

Another west-coast option worth investigating if your family prefers broad sandy beaches.

Important: Always check local swimming conditions. Wind, waves and currents can change, and a beach that’s suitable one day may be less appropriate for younger swimmers the next.

Best Things to Do in Corfu with Kids

Although it’s easy to spend an entire Corfu holiday enjoying your hotel and nearby beach, there are plenty of activities for families who want to explore.

1. Spend a Day at Aqualand Corfu

Aqualand Corfu is one of the island’s major family attractions and is particularly appealing if your children love waterslides.

The park offers different attraction areas, including children’s pools, family slides, a lazy river and larger thrill rides.

Aqualand Corfu waterpark lazy river and family attractions

We’d allow a substantial part of the day rather than trying to combine Aqualand with several other attractions.

Check the current opening calendar and individual ride restrictions before booking, particularly when travelling with younger children.

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2. Take a Paxos & Antipaxos Boat Cruise

A boat excursion to Paxos and Antipaxos offers an opportunity to discover more of the Ionian coastline beyond Corfu itself.

Depending on the excursion, itineraries may include beautiful coastal scenery, swimming opportunities and stops around neighbouring islands.

These trips can involve several hours aboard a boat, so we’d check the full itinerary carefully before booking with younger children.

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3. Enjoy a Blue Lagoon & Sivota Cruise

Another excursion worth considering is a boat trip exploring the Blue Lagoon and Sivota area on the Greek mainland.

This is an appealing alternative for families who enjoy being on the water, seeing different coastal scenery and spending a day away from their resort.

Before booking, check the specific excursion’s departure point, swimming arrangements and total duration.

🌊 Blue Lagoon & Sivota Excursion

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4. Explore Corfu Old Town

Corfu Old Town makes a lovely change from spending every day beside the pool.

With its Venetian-influenced architecture, historic streets, shops and restaurants, it’s a rewarding place to spend a few hours exploring as a family.

Corfu Old Town with colourful Venetian buildings and historic streets

We’d suggest visiting earlier in the day or towards the evening during particularly hot weather, especially if travelling with younger children.

5. Discover Paleokastritsa by Boat

Short coastal boat excursions around Paleokastritsa provide a different perspective of its dramatic coastline.

Some trips explore sea caves and smaller bays, although routes depend on the weather and individual operator.

This is a particularly attractive option for families who want a shorter experience rather than committing to a full-day cruise.

6. Visit Corfu’s Traditional Villages

If you’re hiring a car, consider spending an afternoon exploring some of Corfu’s inland villages.

The island’s green countryside, olive groves and hillside scenery offer a pleasant contrast to the main holiday resorts.

Is Corfu Good for Toddlers and Teenagers?

Corfu can work well for different age groups, but we’d adjust the itinerary depending on the children travelling.

Age Group What We’d Prioritise
Toddlers Suitable beaches, convenient accommodation and relaxed resort days.
4–7 years Children’s pools, beach activities and age-appropriate waterpark attractions.
8–12 years Aqualand, shorter boat trips, exploring beaches and family sightseeing.
Teenagers Larger waterslides, full-day boat excursions, watersports and independent exploration.

Is All-Inclusive Worth It in Corfu?

All-inclusive can be particularly convenient if you’re travelling with younger children or planning to spend most of your holiday enjoying the hotel facilities.

Having meals, snacks and drinks included can also make the overall holiday budget easier to manage.

However, if you’re planning several full-day excursions or want to try different Greek restaurants, we’d compare half-board and self-catering accommodation too.

Think about how many meals you’ll realistically eat at the hotel before paying extra for an all-inclusive package.

Best Time to Visit Corfu with Kids

Corfu has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and generally wetter conditions during the cooler months.

For families tied to school holidays, July and August are popular travel periods, although temperatures and visitor numbers can make sightseeing more demanding.

Period What to Expect
May Generally milder conditions; check seasonal attraction openings.
June Increasingly warm beach weather before peak summer.
July–August Peak summer heat and higher demand for family hotels.
September Often suitable for beach holidays, with generally milder conditions later in the month.
October More variable weather and some seasonal facilities beginning to close.

Corfu Airport Transfers with Children

Corfu International Airport (CFU) serves the island’s holiday resorts, but transfer times vary considerably depending on where you’re staying.

Resorts around Dassia are generally more convenient for accessing Corfu Town and the airport than destinations on the northern and north-western coasts.

If travelling with younger children, we’d compare a private transfer against a shared coach transfer, particularly if your flight arrives late in the evening.

Always confirm child-seat arrangements before travelling.

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Do You Need a Hire Car in Corfu?

You don’t need a car for a traditional resort holiday, but hiring one can make exploring Corfu considerably easier.

The island is larger than it may initially appear on a map, and some of its most attractive beaches and villages are reached by winding roads.

If you’re staying in one resort and booking organised excursions, a hire car may be unnecessary.

However, we’d consider renting one for a few days if you want to explore Paleokastritsa, quieter beaches or different parts of the island independently.

Check parking arrangements at your hotel, insurance conditions and the availability of suitable child seats.

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Is Seven Nights Enough for a Corfu Family Holiday?

Seven nights is enough for an enjoyable family holiday in Corfu, particularly if you choose your resort carefully and avoid trying to explore the entire island.

For a typical week, we’d suggest:

  • Three or four relaxed hotel and beach days.
  • One full day at Aqualand.
  • One boat excursion or coastal sightseeing trip.
  • An afternoon or evening exploring Corfu Old Town.

If you’re staying for 10–14 nights, you’ll have more time to explore different beaches and villages without sacrificing the relaxed side of your holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions About Corfu Family Holidays

Is Corfu good for a family holiday?

Yes. Corfu offers established family resorts, sandy beaches, all-inclusive hotels, waterparks and boat excursions, making it suitable for families who enjoy both relaxation and activities.

Which part of Corfu is best for families?

Roda is worth considering for a relaxed holiday with younger children, Sidari offers a livelier resort atmosphere, and Dassia is convenient for exploring Corfu Town. Agios Gordios appeals to families looking for a scenic sandy beach.

Does Corfu have a waterpark?

Yes. Aqualand Corfu is a major waterpark with children’s attractions, family slides, pools and larger thrill rides. Check seasonal opening dates and age or height restrictions before booking.

Is Corfu suitable for teenagers?

Yes. Teenagers can enjoy waterslides, boat excursions, watersports, sightseeing and exploring different beaches around the island.

Is Sidari or Roda better for families?

Sidari offers a livelier atmosphere and a wider range of resort entertainment. Roda may appeal more if you’re looking for a relatively relaxed holiday with younger children.

Are Corfu beaches sandy or pebbly?

Both. Corfu has considerable coastal variety. Some areas, including Agios Gordios, offer sandy beaches, while other destinations have shingle, pebbles or smaller rocky coves.

Do you need a car in Corfu?

No, particularly if you’re staying in an established resort and using organised excursions. Hiring a car for a few days can be useful if you want to discover more of the island independently.

Is Corfu or Kos better for families?

Both offer established holiday resorts and family activities. Corfu is particularly known for its green scenery and varied coastline, while Kos is more compact and has a different resort layout. Your preferred beaches, hotel facilities and excursion plans will help determine which suits your family.

Read our Kos Family Holidays guide for a more detailed comparison.

Our Corfu Family Holidays Verdict

Corfu family holidays offer an appealing combination of beaches, attractive scenery, family accommodation and activities for different ages.

We’d start by deciding what type of holiday you want before choosing your hotel.

For a relaxed beach-focused break, investigate Roda, Acharavi and Agios Gordios. For a livelier resort atmosphere, Sidari is worth considering, while Dassia provides a convenient base for exploring Corfu Town.

If your family enjoys waterslides and boat excursions, Aqualand and the island’s coastal trips can provide memorable days away from the hotel.

Choose the right resort, plan a couple of activities in advance and leave enough free time to enjoy Corfu at your own pace.

🏖️ Ready to Plan Your Corfu Family Holiday?

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🇬🇷 More Greece Family Holiday Guides

→ Greece Family Holidays
Compare popular Greek islands and family destinations.

→ Greece with Kids
Discover activities and practical advice for travelling around Greece.

→ Best Family Hotels in Greece
Explore family accommodation across Greece.

→ Kos Family Holidays
Compare the best family resort areas on Kos.

→ Crete Family Holidays
Discover Crete’s family resorts and beaches.

→ Rhodes Family Holidays
Explore another popular Greek island for families.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links in this guide are affiliate links. If you make a booking through one of these links, Holiday Blueprint may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Hotel facilities, attraction opening dates, excursion itineraries, prices and availability can change, so always check the latest information with the booking provider before travelling.

Kos Family Holidays: Best Areas, Resorts & Hotels for Families

Kos family holidays – best resorts, hotels, beaches and things to do

Kos family holidays are an excellent option if you’re looking for a Greek island combining sandy beaches, family-friendly resorts, all-inclusive hotels and plenty of activities for children.

Kos is relatively compact compared with Crete, making it easier to combine relaxed pool days with exploring the island. Families can enjoy waterparks, boat trips, traditional villages, historic attractions and even an excursion to a neighbouring volcanic island.

But where you stay matters. Some Kos resorts are ideal for younger children who need a sandy beach and a relaxed atmosphere, while others offer more entertainment, restaurants and activities for older children and teenagers.

In this Holiday Blueprint guide, we’ll compare the best areas, resorts and hotels for families in Kos, explain what there is to do with children and help you plan your holiday without unnecessary expense.

⭐ Holiday Blueprint Family Picks

Best for sandy beaches: Tigaki

Best for a relaxed family holiday: Marmari

Best for entertainment: Kardamena

Best traditional seaside atmosphere: Mastichari

Best for exploring: Kos Town

Best family day out: Lido Waterpark

Best Areas to Stay in Kos for Families

Kos has several established holiday resorts, but they offer noticeably different experiences. Choosing the right location is often more important than choosing a hotel based purely on its star rating.

1. Tigaki – Best for Sandy Beaches and Younger Children

Tigaki is one of the first places we’d consider for a traditional Kos family holiday.

Its main attraction is the long sandy beach, which makes it particularly appealing to families who want to spend plenty of time by the sea rather than travelling around the island every day.

Tigaki Beach in Kos, a popular destination for family holidays

The resort has restaurants, shops and family accommodation without the same emphasis on nightlife found in some livelier destinations.

We’d consider Tigaki for: younger children, beach-focused holidays and families wanting a straightforward resort experience.

2. Marmari – Best for a Relaxed Family Holiday

Marmari is another appealing choice for families looking for sandy beaches and a relatively relaxed setting.

The resort has a selection of larger holiday hotels and all-inclusive properties, making it particularly convenient if your plan involves spending plenty of time enjoying the hotel facilities.

It is worth checking the precise location of your accommodation, as some properties are more isolated than others.

We’d consider Marmari for: families prioritising hotel facilities, beaches and a quieter holiday atmosphere.

3. Kardamena – Best for Entertainment and Variety

Kardamena is one of Kos’s better-known holiday resorts and offers a livelier atmosphere than Tigaki or Marmari.

There are restaurants, shops, bars, boat excursions and a selection of family hotels in and around the resort.

Kardamena harbour and waterfront in Kos Greece

Although Kardamena has a nightlife scene, that doesn’t mean families should automatically rule it out. Hotel location makes a considerable difference, particularly if you’re travelling with younger children.

We’d consider Kardamena for: families with older children and teenagers who enjoy having more going on outside their hotel.

4. Mastichari – Best for a Traditional Seaside Atmosphere

Mastichari offers a more traditional Greek seaside setting, with a harbour, sandy beach and waterfront restaurants.

It’s also particularly convenient for visiting Lido Waterpark, one of the island’s main family attractions.

Mastichari beach and village in Kos Greece

We like Mastichari as an option for families who want a mixture of resort facilities and somewhere pleasant to explore outside their accommodation.

We’d consider Mastichari for: beach lovers, families wanting a quieter setting and those planning a visit to Lido Waterpark.

5. Kos Town – Best for Exploring and Eating Out

If you prefer to spend more time outside your hotel, Kos Town is worth considering.

The island’s capital offers a harbour, historic sites, shops, restaurants and connections to excursions and other destinations.

It is particularly appealing to families who enjoy wandering around in the evening and trying different restaurants rather than relying entirely on an all-inclusive hotel.

We’d consider Kos Town for: independent families, older children and those planning several sightseeing days.

Kos Family Resort Comparison

Resort Particularly Suits Atmosphere
Tigaki Beach-loving families and younger children Relaxed holiday resort
Marmari All-inclusive and hotel-focused holidays Generally quieter
Kardamena Families wanting entertainment and variety Livelier
Mastichari Beach days and traditional surroundings Laid-back
Kos Town Exploring, restaurants and sightseeing Busy harbour town

Best Family Hotels in Kos

Kos has plenty of hotels aimed at families, including large all-inclusive resorts, beachfront properties and hotels with extensive pool facilities.

Rather than choosing purely on star rating, we’d concentrate on the facilities your family will actually use.

Family Hotels Worth Comparing

These are some established Kos hotel options to include when researching your holiday. Always check the current facilities, room categories and seasonal arrangements before booking.

Blue Lagoon Resort – Lambi

Blue Lagoon Resort is a large resort-style hotel in the Lambi area, offering an alternative for families who want extensive facilities while remaining within reach of Kos Town.

It’s worth investigating if your children enjoy spending much of their holiday around the hotel pools and entertainment facilities.

Mitsis Norida – Kardamena Area

Mitsis Norida is another established all-inclusive option to compare, particularly for families considering the Kardamena area.

Check the available family room configurations carefully, especially if travelling with older children who may need proper beds rather than additional sofa beds.

Neptune Luxury Resort – Mastichari Area

Neptune Luxury Resort is worth including when comparing family accommodation around Mastichari.

It’s an option for travellers who want a larger resort setting with access to the island’s northern coastline.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Hotel Tip

Before booking a Kos family hotel, check:

  • Whether the family room comfortably accommodates everyone.
  • Which pools and waterslides your children can actually use.
  • Whether the beach is sandy, pebbly or mixed.
  • Walking distance to restaurants and shops.
  • Which entertainment and children’s facilities operate during your travel dates.

A slightly less expensive hotel in a better location can sometimes make for a more enjoyable family holiday.

🏨 Compare Family Hotels in Kos

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Best Things to Do in Kos with Kids

One of the advantages of choosing Kos for a family holiday is that there are enough activities to break up the pool days without needing an exhausting sightseeing itinerary.

1. Spend a Day at Lido Waterpark

Lido Waterpark, near Mastichari, is one of the island’s main family attractions.

With pools, waterslides and dedicated areas for different visitors, it provides a change from spending every day at your hotel.

Lido Waterpark in Kos with swimming pools and waterslides

Check the latest opening dates, ride restrictions and ticket conditions before travelling, particularly if visiting outside the peak summer period.

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2. Take a Three-Island Boat Cruise

A boat trip is one of our favourite ways to add something different to a Greek island family holiday.

Three-island cruises from Kos commonly explore neighbouring destinations such as Kalymnos, Pserimos and Plati, although the exact route depends on the operator.

These excursions can combine time on the water with opportunities to swim, explore or stop for refreshments.

We’d consider this particularly appealing for school-age children and teenagers who enjoy being out on the sea.

⛵ Kos Three-Island Cruise

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3. Visit Nisyros Volcano

If you’re travelling with older children who enjoy unusual experiences, a day trip to Nisyros is worth considering.

The neighbouring island is famous for its volcanic landscape, and organised excursions provide an opportunity to experience somewhere very different from the beaches of Kos.

We’d approach this as a substantial day out rather than something to squeeze between other activities.

Consider the boat journey, time spent travelling and the heat before booking, particularly with younger children.

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4. Explore Kos Town

Kos Town makes an enjoyable change from resort life, particularly if your family likes exploring historic streets, harbour areas and local restaurants.

You can combine a little sightseeing with shopping, lunch or an evening meal without making the day feel overly structured.

5. Enjoy the Island’s Beaches

Some of the best family days in Kos don’t require booking anything at all.

Tigaki, Marmari and Mastichari are among the sandy beach areas worth researching, while other parts of the island offer different coastal scenery.

Always assess sea conditions on the day, especially when travelling with younger children, as wind and waves can affect even popular family beaches.

6. Explore Zia Village

The hillside village of Zia is known for its views and traditional atmosphere.

It’s worth considering for a change of scenery, particularly if you have a hire car and want to explore more than the coastal resorts.

Be aware that the village can become busy around sunset.

Is Kos Suitable for Toddlers and Teenagers?

Yes, although we’d plan the holiday differently depending on the children’s ages.

Age Group What We’d Prioritise
Toddlers Sandy beaches, short transfers, suitable pools and relaxed resort days.
4–7 years Beach activities, children’s pools, appropriate waterpark attractions and shorter excursions.
8–12 years Lido Waterpark, boat trips, swimming, sightseeing and exploring Kos Town.
Teenagers Waterparks, longer boat excursions, Nisyros, independent exploring and more active days out.

Is All-Inclusive Worth It in Kos?

For families planning to spend most of their time at the hotel, all-inclusive can be a convenient option.

Meals, snacks and drinks are easier to budget for, and larger resorts often provide enough facilities to keep children entertained between excursions.

However, if you’re planning to explore Kos Town, eat at local restaurants and take several full-day excursions, we’d compare half-board and bed-and-breakfast prices too.

The cheapest all-inclusive deal isn’t automatically the best-value holiday if you’re regularly paying for meals elsewhere.

Best Time to Visit Kos with Kids

Kos has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and milder conditions outside the peak season.

For families tied to school holidays, July and August are popular choices, although the heat can make longer sightseeing trips more demanding.

June and September are also worth considering if your travel dates are flexible.

Period What to Expect
May Generally milder conditions; check seasonal hotel and attraction opening dates.
June Warmer beach weather before the busiest summer period.
July–August Peak summer heat and greater demand for family accommodation.
September Often warm enough for beach holidays, with conditions becoming milder later in the month.
October More variable weather and reduced seasonal services as the month progresses.

Kos Airport Transfers with Children

Kos International Airport serves the island’s main holiday resorts, although transfer times vary depending on your destination and the number of stops included in a shared transfer.

With younger children, we’d compare the cost of a private transfer against the convenience of going directly to the hotel.

Check child-seat arrangements before booking rather than assuming they’ll automatically be supplied.

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Do You Need a Hire Car in Kos?

No, but hiring a car can be useful if you want to explore independently.

Kos is manageable enough for families to enjoy a resort-based holiday without driving, particularly if they plan to book organised excursions.

However, a car gives you more flexibility to visit beaches, villages and quieter parts of the island without relying on excursion timetables.

We’d consider hiring for two or three days rather than automatically booking a vehicle for the entire holiday.

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Is Seven Nights Enough for a Kos Family Holiday?

Seven nights is enough for a very enjoyable Kos holiday, particularly if your main priorities are relaxing, swimming and visiting a couple of attractions.

For a typical week, we’d suggest:

  • Several relaxed hotel and beach days.
  • One day at Lido Waterpark.
  • One boat excursion or sightseeing trip.
  • An afternoon or evening exploring Kos Town or another resort.

If you’re staying for 10–14 nights, you can comfortably add Nisyros, more beaches and independent sightseeing without feeling as though every day needs to be planned.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kos Family Holidays

Is Kos good for a family holiday?

Yes. Kos offers sandy beaches, established family resorts, all-inclusive hotels, waterparks and boat excursions, making it suitable for families who want both relaxation and activities.

Which part of Kos is best for families?

Tigaki is particularly appealing for its sandy beach, Marmari suits relaxed resort holidays, Kardamena offers more entertainment, and Mastichari provides a traditional seaside atmosphere. The right choice depends on your children’s ages and the type of holiday you want.

Is Tigaki or Kardamena better for families?

Tigaki is worth considering if sandy beaches and a relatively relaxed setting are your priorities. Kardamena may appeal more if you want a livelier resort with a wider choice of entertainment and activities outside your hotel.

Does Kos have a waterpark?

Yes. Lido Waterpark near Mastichari is one of the island’s established family attractions. Always check its current seasonal opening dates and individual attraction restrictions before visiting.

Is Kos suitable for teenagers?

Yes. Waterparks, boat cruises, snorkelling opportunities, sightseeing and excursions such as Nisyros provide options beyond spending every day beside the hotel pool.

Is Kos expensive for families?

The overall cost depends heavily on when you travel, the hotel you choose and how many excursions you book. Comparing different board options and arranging activities selectively can help control the budget.

Do you need a car in Kos?

No. Many families stay in one resort and use organised excursions. Hiring a car for a few days can be worthwhile if you want more freedom to explore the island independently.

Is Kos or Crete better for families?

Both offer established family resorts and plenty to do. Kos is considerably smaller and can be easier to explore during a shorter holiday, while Crete provides a much wider geographical range of towns, beaches and attractions.

For more detail, see our Crete Family Holidays guide.

Our Kos Family Holidays Verdict

For families looking for a Greek island with sandy beaches, established holiday resorts and enough activities to keep children entertained, Kos family holidays offer plenty of choice.

We’d start by choosing the right resort rather than concentrating exclusively on individual hotel ratings.

Tigaki, Marmari, Kardamena and Mastichari all offer different experiences, so think about how much time you want to spend outside your accommodation before booking.

Then choose two or three family activities, leave enough room for relaxed beach days and enjoy the island without trying to fit everything into one week.

🏖️ Ready to Plan Your Kos Holiday?

Compare Kos hotels and accommodation for your preferred dates, then choose the resort and facilities that suit your family.

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🇬🇷 More Greece Family Holiday Guides

→ Greece Family Holidays
Compare Greece’s most popular destinations for families.

→ Greece with Kids
Family activities and practical advice for visiting Greece.

→ Best Family Hotels in Greece
Discover family-friendly accommodation across the Greek islands.

→ Crete Family Holidays
Compare Crete’s family resorts and accommodation.

→ Crete with Kids
Explore 15 family-friendly activities in Crete.

→ Rhodes Family Holidays
Another popular Greek island to consider for your next family holiday.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links in this guide are affiliate links. If you make a booking through one of these links, Holiday Blueprint may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Hotel facilities, attraction opening dates, excursion itineraries, prices and availability can change, so always check the latest details directly with the booking provider before travelling.

Crete with Kids: Best Things to Do for Families

Crete with kids family holiday in Greece

Crete with kids gives families far more to choose from than simply spending every day beside the hotel pool. You can combine waterparks and beaches with boat trips, ancient ruins, historic towns, aquariums and some spectacular scenery.

Because Crete is such a large island, the best family days out depend heavily on where you’re staying. An attraction that is easy from Hersonissos may be a much bigger journey from Chania, and vice versa.

We’ve picked 15 of the best things to do in Crete with kids, along with practical advice on which activities suit different ages and how to avoid spending too much of your holiday in the car.

If you haven’t chosen your resort yet, start with our Crete Family Holidays guide for the best areas and resorts for families.

⭐ Holiday Blueprint Family Picks

Best history day: Knossos Palace

Best waterpark: Watercity

Best spectacular beach: Elafonissi

Best boat-trip day: Balos Lagoon

Best town to explore: Chania Old Town

15 Best Things to Do in Crete with Kids

You don’t need to try all 15. On a seven-night holiday, we’d normally choose two or three substantial days out and keep the rest of the week much more relaxed.

1. Explore Knossos Palace

If your children enjoy myths, ancient history or simply exploring somewhere completely different from their hotel, Knossos Palace is one of Crete’s standout attractions.

The archaeological site is closely associated with Minoan civilisation and the legends of King Minos, the Labyrinth and the Minotaur, which can make the history considerably more interesting for children than simply walking around ancient ruins.

Knossos Palace in Crete with kids

With younger children, we’d keep the visit relatively short and avoid the hottest part of the day. Telling them the Minotaur story beforehand can also make what they’re seeing much easier to understand.

🏛️ Explore Knossos Palace

Compare Knossos tickets, guided tours and excursions from different parts of Crete.

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2. Spend a Day at Watercity Waterpark

For many families, Watercity Waterpark will be one of the easiest big days out to sell to the children.

The park is in Anopolis in the Heraklion area and has children’s water-play areas, pools, family attractions and more adventurous slides.

Watercity Waterpark in Crete with kids

It’s particularly useful for families with children of different ages because everyone doesn’t need the same level of bravery. Younger children have dedicated areas while older children and adults can tackle more adventurous attractions.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip: Watercity uses height restrictions for its attractions, so check the latest rules before promising children a particular slide — especially if they’re close to one of the height limits.

View Watercity Tickets & Options →

3. Have a Beach Day at Elafonissi

Elafonissi is one of those places where the photographs explain why people make the journey.

The shallow turquoise water and distinctive pale pink-toned sand make it very different from an ordinary resort beach.

Elafonissi Beach in Crete with kids

The downside is its popularity. We’d treat Elafonissi as a proper day out rather than assuming it will be a quiet hidden beach.

It’s also a protected natural environment, so families should leave the sand, shells and plants exactly where they find them.

🏖️ Visit Elafonissi Without Driving

Compare organised Elafonissi day trips if you’d rather leave the driving to somebody else.

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4. Take a Boat Trip to Balos Lagoon

Balos Lagoon is another of western Crete’s spectacular landscapes and one of our favourite options for turning a sightseeing day into an adventure.

Families can reach Balos by land, but travelling by boat from Kissamos is a popular alternative and removes the need to tackle the dirt-road section and walk down towards the lagoon.

Balos Lagoon in Crete with kids

For children, the boat journey can become as memorable as the destination itself.

⛵ Explore Balos Lagoon

Compare boat trips and excursions to Balos and the surrounding area.

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5. Explore Chania Old Town

A family holiday doesn’t need every day out to involve an entrance ticket.

Chania Old Town and Venetian Harbour are ideal for a slower afternoon or evening exploring somewhere with plenty of atmosphere.

Walk around the harbour, explore the old streets, stop for something to eat and let the children choose an ice cream rather than turning the visit into a rigid sightseeing itinerary.

This works particularly well with older children and teenagers who may appreciate being somewhere with shops, cafés and plenty happening around them.

6. Visit Aquaworld Aquarium

If you’re staying around Hersonissos, Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre is worth considering for a shorter family activity.

This is the sort of attraction we’d combine with another part of the day rather than necessarily treating it as an all-day excursion.

It’s particularly useful if younger children need a break from long sightseeing days or you want something different from another beach afternoon.

7. Visit CRETAquarium

CRETAquarium is another option for families wanting to discover more about Mediterranean marine life.

It can work well for younger children and gives families an alternative when everyone has had enough of spending the entire day outside in the heat.

If you’re staying on the Heraklion side of the island, it’s considerably easier to incorporate than it would be from the far west of Crete.

8. Visit Dinosauria Park

For younger dinosaur fans, Dinosauria Park offers a completely different type of family attraction.

It’s another option we’d consider particularly for families staying around Heraklion, Gouves or Hersonissos rather than travelling across the whole island specifically to visit it.

With young children, grouping nearby attractions into the same part of the holiday can dramatically reduce the amount of time spent travelling.

9. Have a Proper Family Beach Day

Some of the best days in Crete with kids cost virtually nothing.

You don’t need to drive to one of the island’s famous beaches every time. A convenient sandy beach close to your resort can be much more enjoyable with younger children.

Pack what you need, arrive before the strongest heat and don’t schedule anything else unless you genuinely want to.

Sea conditions can vary, so always judge the water on the day and supervise children appropriately.

10. Explore Rethymno Old Town

Rethymno is another good option when you want a family day that isn’t built around a formal attraction.

The Old Town, harbour and fortress area give families somewhere to wander, eat and explore without needing a minute-by-minute itinerary.

It’s particularly convenient if you’re staying around central northern Crete or Georgioupolis.

11. Visit Lake Kournas

Lake Kournas provides a complete change from Crete’s beaches and historic towns.

Families can enjoy the lakeside surroundings and make it part of a relaxed day exploring the Georgioupolis area.

We’d consider this particularly useful on a longer holiday when you have time for some lower-key days out between the headline attractions.

12. Go Snorkelling

You don’t necessarily need to book an excursion to introduce children to snorkelling.

Older children who are confident swimmers may enjoy taking a mask and snorkel to suitable beaches and exploring the clear Mediterranean water.

Alternatively, a family boat excursion can combine sightseeing with swimming and snorkelling stops without you having to organise the day yourself.

🤿 Find a Family Boat & Snorkelling Trip

Compare sailing, swimming and snorkelling trips available around Crete.

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13. Take a Family Boat Trip

Balos isn’t the only option for getting onto the water.

Boat trips operate from different parts of Crete, ranging from shorter cruises to longer excursions.

With younger children, we’d usually favour a shorter trip unless you already know they cope well with spending several hours on a boat.

For teenagers, swimming stops and snorkelling opportunities can make a longer trip much more appealing.

14. Take a Boat to Spinalonga

If you’re staying around Elounda or Agios Nikolaos, a boat trip to Spinalonga can combine history, scenery and time on the water.

This is one we’d particularly consider with school-age children and teenagers rather than very young children who may have less interest in the historical side.

Different excursions can have different departure points, durations and itineraries, so compare what’s included before booking.

⛵ Visit Spinalonga

Compare Spinalonga boat trips and excursions from different parts of Crete.

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15. Create Your Own Crete Family Road Trip

One of Crete’s biggest advantages is how much there is to discover independently.

Hire a car for a couple of days and you can combine beaches, villages, viewpoints and towns without committing to an organised excursion timetable.

But don’t underestimate the island’s size. Trying to cross huge distances simply to tick off famous attractions can quickly turn a family road trip into hours sitting in the car.

🚗 Compare Crete Car Hire

If you want the freedom to explore independently, compare rental companies and prices before deciding whether to hire for the whole holiday or just a few days.

Compare Crete Car Hire →

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip: Build your sightseeing around the part of Crete you’re staying in. Western Crete has enough for an entire holiday, and so does the Heraklion/eastern side. You don’t need to see everything in one trip.

Best Things to Do in Crete for Different Ages

Age Activities We’d Consider
Toddlers Easy beach days, aquarium, children’s water-play areas, short boat trips and relaxed resort time
4–7 Watercity, aquariums, Dinosauria Park, beaches and shorter boat trips
8–12 Knossos, Watercity, Balos, snorkelling, boat trips and exploring Chania
Teenagers Waterparks, snorkelling, boat trips, Knossos, historic towns, beaches and road trips

These are suggestions rather than strict age rules. Individual attractions and activities can have their own height, age and participation restrictions.

Free Things to Do in Crete with Kids

You certainly don’t need to pay for an attraction every day.

Beach days, exploring harbour towns, walking around resort areas and creating your own sightseeing stops can all keep children entertained without another entrance fee.

Alternating paid attractions with free days is also one of the easiest ways to keep the overall cost of your Crete holiday under control.

Crete with Toddlers

With toddlers, we’d deliberately make the itinerary much less ambitious.

Choose accommodation with an easy beach or pool setup, keep journeys manageable and treat major excursions as occasional days rather than the purpose of the entire holiday.

An aquarium, children’s water-play area or short boat trip may work far better than spending hours travelling across Crete to see a famous attraction.

Our Crete Family Holidays guide compares the areas we’d consider when deciding where to stay.

Crete with Teenagers

Crete is particularly strong once children reach the age where they want more than a kids’ club.

Waterparks, snorkelling, boat trips, historic towns, beaches and exploring independently give teenagers plenty of variety.

We’d let older children choose one or two activities themselves. It usually works better than parents planning an entire fortnight and expecting everyone else to be enthusiastic about it.

Do You Need a Car in Crete with Kids?

No, but a car can make a big difference if you want to explore.

If you’re staying in a major resort and using organised excursions, you can have an excellent family holiday without driving.

For independent sightseeing, hiring a car gives you considerably more flexibility.

You don’t need one for the entire holiday either. Hiring for two or three days can give you plenty of freedom while still allowing the rest of the holiday to be completely relaxed.

Compare Crete Car Hire →

How Many Family Days Out Should You Plan?

For a seven-night Crete holiday, we’d normally choose around two or three substantial days out.

With 10 to 14 nights, you can spread activities out much more comfortably.

A simple rhythm works well:

Day out → beach/pool → day out → relaxed day.

Trying to fill every day usually makes a family holiday more tiring rather than better.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip: Don’t judge the holiday by how many attractions you manage to visit. Crete is somewhere we’d rather return to than spend one trip rushing from one end of the island to the other.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crete with Kids

Is Crete good with kids?

Yes. Crete combines family resorts and beaches with waterparks, aquariums, boat trips, ancient sites and historic towns, so families can create a holiday that suits very different ages.

What are the best things to do in Crete with kids?

Our picks include Knossos Palace, Watercity Waterpark, Elafonissi Beach, Balos Lagoon, Chania Old Town and a family boat trip. Which ones you choose should depend heavily on where you’re staying.

Is Watercity good for young children?

Watercity has dedicated children’s water-play areas as well as attractions for taller and older visitors. Check the current height restrictions before visiting because access to individual attractions varies.

Is Knossos worth visiting with children?

It can be, particularly with school-age children who enjoy myths and history. Introducing them to the Minotaur and Labyrinth story before visiting can make the ruins much more engaging.

Is Elafonissi good for families?

Elafonissi’s shallow water makes it attractive to families, but its popularity means it can become very busy. Treat it as a major day trip rather than expecting an empty, undiscovered beach.

Is Balos suitable for children?

Balos can work very well for families, particularly as part of a boat excursion. Consider the total journey time and your children’s tolerance for a longer day before booking.

Do you need a car in Crete with kids?

No. Organised excursions can cover many of the main attractions. A hire car simply gives you more flexibility to explore beaches, towns and smaller places at your own pace.

Which side of Crete is best for family activities?

Both western Crete and the Heraklion/eastern side have plenty to do. Western Crete gives easier access to places such as Chania, Balos and Elafonissi, while the Heraklion side is convenient for Knossos, Watercity and several other family attractions.

Our Crete with Kids Verdict

The biggest advantage of Crete with kids is that you can build completely different holidays on the same island.

One family might spend the week around the beach and waterpark. Another might explore Knossos, Chania and Balos. Neither is doing Crete the wrong way.

Choose the right part of the island, pick a few activities your children genuinely want to do and leave enough empty days to enjoy the hotel, pool and beach.

That’s the balance we’d aim for.

🇬🇷 Plan Your Greece Family Holiday

→ Crete Family Holidays
Where to stay, the best family resorts and practical Crete planning advice.

→ Greece with Kids
Our complete guide to exploring Greece as a family.

→ Greece Family Holidays
Compare Crete with other Greek family destinations.

→ Best Family Hotels in Greece
Compare our family hotel picks across Greece.

→ Rhodes with Kids
See how the family activities in Rhodes compare with Crete.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, Holiday Blueprint may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Attraction opening dates, operating times, age or height restrictions, excursion itineraries and availability can change, so always check the latest information with the attraction or booking provider before travelling.

Crete Family Holidays: Best Resorts, Hotels & Areas for Families

Crete family holidays with kids in Greece

Crete family holidays give you far more choice than simply picking a hotel beside a beach. Crete is Greece’s largest island, with lively family resorts, quieter coastal towns, sandy beaches, waterparks, historic cities and plenty to explore away from your hotel.

The challenge is deciding where in Crete to stay with kids. A family wanting waterslides and plenty happening nearby may choose somewhere completely different from one looking for a relaxed beach resort or a base for exploring the island.

In this guide, we’ll compare the best areas and resorts for families, explain which part of Crete might suit you, and cover family hotels, beaches, airport transfers and whether hiring a car is worthwhile.

If you’re still comparing Greek islands, our Greece Family Holidays guide is a good place to start.

⭐ Holiday Blueprint Family Picks

Best for first-time families: Hersonissos

Best for beach-focused families: Georgioupolis

Best for sightseeing: Chania

Best for a quieter holiday: Elounda

Best for combining beach and exploring: Rethymno area

🏨 Compare Crete Family Holidays

Compare Crete holiday options and accommodation across the island before deciding which resort works best for your family.

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Is Crete Good for Family Holidays?

Yes — particularly if you want more than a resort-only holiday.

Crete works well for families because there isn’t just one type of holiday here. You can stay in a purpose-built beach resort with pools and children’s facilities, base yourself close to a historic town, or hire a car and spend part of the holiday exploring.

That flexibility also makes Crete suitable for different ages. Families with younger children may prioritise a sandy beach and short transfer, while families with teenagers can mix beach days with waterparks, boat trips and sightseeing.

The trade-off is size. Crete is a large island, so you shouldn’t choose a hotel simply because it looks good and assume every attraction or town will be nearby.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip: Choose the part of Crete first and the hotel second. A brilliant family hotel in the wrong location can mean longer transfers and much more driving than you expected.

Best Areas in Crete for Families

There isn’t one universally best family resort in Crete. The right choice depends on whether your priority is beaches, activities, sightseeing, a lively atmosphere or somewhere quieter.

Hersonissos – Best for Plenty to Do

Hersonissos is one of the easiest places to consider if you want a traditional family resort with plenty happening around you.

There’s a large choice of accommodation, restaurants and family entertainment in the wider area, and its position on the Heraklion side of the island makes it practical for families wanting access to attractions as well as beach and pool time.

Hersonissos in Crete for family holidays

We’d consider Hersonissos for: first-time visitors, school-age children and teenagers, and families who prefer having plenty of restaurants and activities within reach.

If your idea of a holiday is complete peace and quiet, however, we’d look at some of Crete’s smaller resorts instead.

Georgioupolis – Best for a Relaxed Family Beach Holiday

Georgioupolis is a strong alternative for families whose priority is a more relaxed beach holiday.

Its position between Chania and Rethymno also means you don’t necessarily have to choose between staying by the beach and seeing more of western Crete.

Georgioupolis Beach in Crete for family holidays

We’d consider Georgioupolis for: younger families, beach lovers and anyone who wants a slower-paced base while retaining the option to explore.

Chania – Best for Families Who Like Exploring

If your family enjoys combining a beach holiday with sightseeing, Chania and the surrounding western Crete resorts deserve serious consideration.

The Venetian Harbour and Old Town give you somewhere genuinely interesting to explore away from the pool, while the wider Chania region provides access to beaches and coastal resorts.

Chania Venetian Harbour on a Crete family holiday

We’d consider the Chania area for: families with older children, repeat visitors to Greece and anyone who doesn’t want their entire holiday centred on a hotel complex.

Rethymno – Best for Beach and Town Together

Rethymno is another useful middle ground.

You have a historic town to explore alongside access to beach accommodation and resorts in the surrounding area. That can make it appealing to parents who want more atmosphere than an isolated resort without giving up easy beach days.

We’d consider Rethymno for: families wanting a mix of sightseeing, restaurants and beach time.

Elounda – Best for a Quieter, More Upmarket Stay

Elounda has a noticeably different feel from Crete’s busier family resorts.

It’s a good area to investigate if your priority is attractive surroundings, a more relaxed atmosphere and higher-end resort hotels rather than having lots of nightlife or attractions immediately outside the door.

Elounda coastline in Crete for family holidays

We’d consider Elounda for: families looking for a quieter stay, parents prioritising the hotel experience and those happy to pay more for the right resort.

Agios Nikolaos – Best for Families Wanting a Proper Town

Agios Nikolaos can work well if you prefer staying somewhere that feels like a real town rather than a self-contained holiday resort.

You’ll have restaurants, shops and places to wander in the evening, while still being able to use it as a base for exploring eastern Crete.

We’d consider Agios Nikolaos for: families who like getting out of the hotel in the evenings and want a balance between resort convenience and local atmosphere.

Which Crete Resort Is Best for Your Family?

Area Best For Holiday Style
Hersonissos Families wanting plenty to do Lively family resort
Georgioupolis Beach-focused families Relaxed beach holiday
Chania Families who enjoy exploring Sightseeing and beaches
Rethymno Families wanting variety Town and beach
Elounda Quieter or higher-end stays Relaxed and upmarket
Agios Nikolaos Families wanting a town base Local atmosphere and exploring

Best Family Hotels in Crete

Crete has everything from smaller family-run accommodation to large beachfront resorts with children’s pools, clubs, entertainment and all-inclusive packages.

Rather than choosing purely by star rating, we’d look at how your family will actually use the hotel.

For younger children, a good pool area, suitable room layout, easy mealtimes and a manageable walk to the beach may matter far more than having dozens of facilities.

With older children and teenagers, larger pools, sports, waterslides, entertainment and being able to walk into a resort can become much more important.

Also check exactly what a hotel means by a family room. Room layouts and occupancy rules vary considerably, and a room advertised for a family isn’t automatically spacious.

🏨 Looking for a Crete Family Hotel?

Compare holiday options across Crete and check the location carefully before booking — particularly which airport and part of the island your chosen hotel is closest to.

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All-Inclusive Crete Family Holidays

All-inclusive can work particularly well in Crete if you’re choosing a larger resort hotel and expect to spend plenty of time there.

For families with younger children, having drinks, snacks and meals readily available can make the holiday considerably easier.

But we wouldn’t automatically pay extra for all-inclusive if you’re planning to hire a car and explore most days. In that situation, you may end up paying for hotel meals you’re rarely there to eat.

Compare the actual total holiday price rather than assuming all-inclusive will either always save money or always cost more.

Best Beaches in Crete for Families

Crete has a huge variety of beaches, which is another reason it’s important to research the area around your hotel rather than just the hotel itself.

For a family beach holiday, we’d look for more than an attractive photograph. Consider how easy the beach is to reach, whether you’ll need a car, what facilities are nearby and whether the usual conditions suit your children’s ages and swimming confidence.

Georgioupolis and several of the north-coast resort areas are particularly convenient when easy beach access is a major priority.

Conditions can change from day to day, so always judge the sea when you arrive rather than relying solely on reviews or photographs.

Things to Do in Crete with Kids

Crete gives families plenty to do away from their hotel, including waterparks, boat trips, beaches, historic sites, towns and outdoor activities.

One of the island’s biggest advantages is that you can make the holiday as active or relaxed as you want.

We wouldn’t try to squeeze everything into one trip. Choose a few activities that genuinely suit your children and leave room for unplanned beach and pool days.

💡 Coming next: Our dedicated Crete with Kids guide will cover the best family attractions, waterparks, beaches, boat trips and days out in much more detail.

Which Crete Airport Should You Fly To?

This is one of the most important things to check before booking a Crete family holiday.

The two airports most families are likely to encounter are Heraklion and Chania. Which one is most convenient depends on where you’re staying.

As a general planning principle, Chania is more convenient for much of western Crete, while Heraklion is better positioned for many of the central and eastern north-coast resorts.

Don’t assume the cheapest flight creates the cheapest or easiest holiday. A saving on flights can become much less attractive if it creates a considerably longer transfer with tired children.

✈️ Compare Crete Airport Transfers

If you’d rather have your onward journey arranged before you land, compare private and shared transfer options for Crete.

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Do You Need a Hire Car in Crete?

Not necessarily — but Crete is one of the Greek islands where we’d seriously consider one.

If you’re staying in a large resort, spending most days around the hotel and booking organised excursions, you may not need to drive at all.

If you want to explore beaches, villages, towns and attractions independently, having a car gives you considerably more flexibility.

You also don’t have to hire one for the entire holiday. A few days of car hire in the middle of a resort stay can be enough to see much more of the island without paying for a vehicle that sits outside the hotel for a week.

🚗 Compare Car Hire in Crete

Compare the total rental cost rather than just the headline daily price. Check insurance, excess, deposit requirements, fuel policy and any child-seat charges before booking.

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Crete with Toddlers and Younger Children

With toddlers and younger children, we’d prioritise convenience over trying to stay in the most impressive-looking part of the island.

A manageable airport transfer, easy access to the beach, suitable hotel pools and somewhere to eat without complicated journeys can make a huge difference.

We’d also avoid planning too many full-day excursions. Crete has plenty to see, but you don’t need to see all of it on one family holiday.

Crete with Teenagers

Crete becomes particularly interesting once children are old enough to want more independence and activities.

Waterparks, boat trips, snorkelling, beaches, historic towns and exploring by car provide alternatives to simply spending every day around the hotel pool.

For teenagers, we’d pay particular attention to the location of the hotel. Being able to walk into a resort or town in the evening may matter more than having a children’s club they’ll never use.

How Long Should You Stay in Crete?

Seven nights works well if you mainly want a resort holiday with a couple of days out.

Ten nights gives you a much better balance between relaxing and exploring.

Fourteen nights makes Crete especially appealing because you can enjoy plenty of hotel and beach time while still having several days to discover different parts of the island.

If you enjoy exploring, Crete is one of those destinations where a longer stay doesn’t necessarily feel repetitive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crete Family Holidays

Is Crete good for families?

Yes. Crete offers family resorts, beaches, waterparks, historic towns and a wide choice of accommodation. Its size also means families can choose between lively resorts, quieter areas and holidays focused more heavily on exploring.

Which part of Crete is best for families?

It depends on your priorities. Hersonissos suits families wanting plenty happening nearby, Georgioupolis is worth considering for a relaxed beach holiday, Chania works well for sightseeing and Elounda suits families looking for a quieter or more upmarket stay.

Is Chania or Heraklion better for families?

Neither is automatically better. Chania is useful for exploring western Crete, while Heraklion is better positioned for many resorts on the central and eastern side of the north coast. Your hotel location should help determine which airport and area make the most sense.

Is Crete good for toddlers?

Yes, provided you choose the location carefully. For younger children we’d prioritise a suitable hotel, easy beach access and a manageable airport transfer rather than planning a sightseeing-heavy holiday.

Is Crete good for teenagers?

Yes. Teenagers can combine beaches and hotel pools with watersports, boat trips, waterparks, sightseeing and exploring different parts of the island.

Is all-inclusive worth it in Crete?

It can be, especially if you expect to spend a large proportion of the holiday at your resort. If you intend to hire a car, eat out and explore regularly, compare other board options before paying extra for all-inclusive.

Do you need a car for a family holiday in Crete?

No. Families staying in established resorts can use transfers and organised excursions. However, hiring a car can make exploring the island much easier, even if you only rent one for part of the holiday.

How many days do you need in Crete with kids?

Seven nights is enough for a traditional resort holiday, while 10 to 14 nights gives families considerably more time to combine beaches and hotel days with exploring.

Our Crete Family Holidays Verdict

The biggest strength of Crete family holidays is choice.

Crete can be a straightforward beach-and-pool holiday, an all-inclusive resort break or a base for exploring towns, beaches and attractions — and you can combine all three.

The most important decision isn’t necessarily which hotel has the biggest pool. It’s choosing the right part of Crete for your family.

Get that decision right first, and choosing the hotel becomes much easier.

🇬🇷 Continue Planning Your Greece Family Holiday

→ Greece Family Holidays
Compare Crete with other Greek family destinations.

→ Greece with Kids
Things to do and practical advice for visiting Greece as a family.

→ Best Family Hotels in Greece
Compare our family hotel picks across Greece.

→ Rhodes Family Holidays
See how Rhodes compares if you’re still choosing between Greek islands.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, Holiday Blueprint may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Hotel facilities, board arrangements, transfer options and other holiday details can change, so always check the latest information with the provider before booking.

Rhodes with Kids: Best Things to Do for Families

Rhodes with kids family holiday in Greece

Rhodes with kids is about much more than spending a week beside the hotel pool. Families can combine waterparks and sandy beaches with boat trips, medieval streets, nature attractions and some of the most impressive scenery in the Greek islands.

That variety is what makes Rhodes such a strong choice for families. Younger children have easy beach days and gentle activities, while older kids and teenagers can enjoy waterslides, snorkelling, boat trips and exploring places such as Lindos and Rhodes Old Town.

We’ve picked 15 of the best things to do in Rhodes with kids, along with practical tips on which activities suit different ages and how to avoid trying to cram too much into one holiday.

If you’re still deciding where to stay, start with our Rhodes Family Holidays guide, which covers the best resorts, areas and family hotels.

⭐ Holiday Blueprint Family Picks

Best full family day: Rhodes WaterPark

Best sightseeing: Rhodes Old Town

Best scenic day: Lindos

Best nature experience: Valley of the Butterflies

Best easy excursion: Glass-bottom boat trip

15 Best Things to Do in Rhodes with Kids

You certainly don’t need to do all 15. For a seven-night holiday, we’d choose two or three bigger days out and leave plenty of time for the beach and pool.

1. Spend a Day at Rhodes WaterPark

If your children love waterslides, Rhodes WaterPark in Faliraki should be near the top of the list.

There are attractions aimed at different ages and confidence levels, including family slides, children’s areas, a wave pool and lazy-river-style attractions, as well as more adventurous slides for older children and adults.

That makes it particularly useful for families with children of different ages — everyone doesn’t have to want exactly the same level of excitement.

Rhodes WaterPark in Faliraki with waterslides for families

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip: Check the current opening dates and attraction restrictions before your visit. If the WaterPark is one of the main reasons you’re choosing Rhodes, don’t leave checking this until after you’ve booked your holiday.

2. Explore Rhodes Old Town

Rhodes Old Town is one of those rare sightseeing days that can work surprisingly well with children.

Instead of simply looking around museums, you’re walking through a genuine medieval walled city filled with narrow streets, huge stone walls, gates, squares and historic buildings.

Older children may particularly enjoy the Street of the Knights and the area around the Palace of the Grand Master.

Rhodes Old Town with kids on a family holiday

Don’t feel that you have to turn the visit into a history lesson. Wandering around, stopping for food and letting children explore the streets can be enough to make it memorable.

3. Visit Lindos

Lindos is one of the places we’d try not to miss on a first family holiday to Rhodes.

The combination of whitewashed buildings, hillside scenery, beaches and the Acropolis above the village makes it completely different from the island’s modern resort areas.

St Paul's Bay and Lindos in Rhodes with kids

With younger children, we’d avoid trying to see absolutely everything. Lindos can involve plenty of walking and the summer heat can make sightseeing tiring, so an earlier visit followed by beach time can work much better.

4. Take a Boat Trip to Lindos

If driving and parking doesn’t appeal, getting to Lindos by boat turns the journey into part of the day out.

There are several boat trips available around Rhodes, including options that combine time in Lindos with swimming stops. This can be a good balance for families who don’t want an entire day devoted to sightseeing.

⛵ Find a Lindos Boat Trip

Compare Lindos boat trips from Rhodes, including options with swimming stops and free time to explore Lindos.

View Lindos Boat Trips →

5. Walk Through the Valley of the Butterflies

The Valley of the Butterflies gives families a complete change from Rhodes’ beaches and resorts.

You’ll follow shaded paths through a green valley rather than spending another day around a swimming pool.

There’s an important detail to understand before going: the famous butterfly spectacle is seasonal. If seeing large numbers of butterflies is the main reason for your visit, check the timing before you go.

Valley of the Butterflies in Rhodes with kids

The natural terrain also means this isn’t the same as walking around a flat theme park. Sensible footwear is a much better idea than treating it as a flip-flop excursion.

🦋 Explore Butterfly Valley Tours

Compare trips to the Valley of the Butterflies, including shorter excursions and tours combining the valley with other Rhodes attractions.

View Butterfly Valley Tours →

6. Have a Family Beach Day at Tsambika

Not every family day out needs an entrance ticket.

Tsambika Beach is one of the places we’d consider for a dedicated beach day, particularly if you’re exploring the east coast.

Tsambika Beach in Rhodes with kids

Take what you need for the children, arrive before everyone is exhausted from the heat and give yourself permission to do absolutely nothing for a few hours.

Beach and sea conditions can vary, so always judge the water on the day and supervise children appropriately.

7. Go on a Glass-Bottom Boat

A glass-bottom boat is a particularly useful option when you want to get onto the water without committing the whole family to a full-day cruise.

It’s also easier to fit around another activity, lunch or an afternoon at the pool.

🐠 Find a Family Boat Trip

Compare glass-bottom boats and shorter cruises around Rhodes — particularly useful for families who don’t want to commit to a full-day boat trip.

View Glass-Bottom Boat Trips →

8. Visit the Aquarium of Rhodes

The Aquarium of Rhodes can be useful when you want a shorter family activity rather than another full-day excursion.

It’s also something we’d keep in mind for younger children or for a day when everyone needs a break from spending hours in the sun.

Combine it with time around Rhodes Town rather than necessarily treating it as a standalone full-day attraction.

9. Explore Kallithea Springs

Kallithea Springs offers something different again — attractive architecture, gardens and a coastal setting rather than rides or children’s entertainment.

This one is better for families who enjoy exploring beautiful places together rather than those looking for a child-focused attraction.

It can also be combined with other stops on the east coast instead of using an entire day.

10. Discover Seven Springs

Seven Springs is another option when you’ve had enough of busy resorts and want to see a greener side of Rhodes.

It’s more about the surroundings and walking than organised entertainment, so we’d choose it for children who enjoy exploring outdoors.

Think of it as a change-of-pace excursion rather than one of the headline attractions children will necessarily be talking about months later.

11. Try Snorkelling

Rhodes’ clear Mediterranean water makes getting beneath the surface part of the fun.

For confident swimmers and older children, taking a mask and snorkel to suitable beaches can turn an ordinary beach day into something much more interesting.

Choose locations and conditions appropriate for your children and don’t assume calm-looking water removes the need for close supervision.

12. Try Family Watersports

Older children and teenagers may want more action than building sandcastles.

Rhodes has plenty of opportunities for watersports around its tourist beaches. What’s available varies by location, and minimum ages or other restrictions can apply.

If your teenager has a particular activity in mind, check what’s available near your resort before choosing the hotel.

13. Take a Break at Rodini Park

Rodini Park is one of the lesser-known family options and can provide a quieter change from Rhodes’ headline attractions.

We wouldn’t put it ahead of Lindos, the WaterPark or Old Town on a first visit, but it’s useful to know about if you’re staying longer and want somewhere different to explore.

14. Visit the Bee Museum

The Bee Museum is another alternative for families looking for something educational and different from beaches and historic sites.

It’s the sort of attraction we’d consider adding to a longer holiday rather than making it one of the essential first three days out.

15. Have a Family Rhodes Road Trip

One of the best things you can do in Rhodes isn’t a single attraction at all.

Hire a car for a day or two and create your own family road trip. You could combine a beach, Lindos, a village or nature stop without being tied to an organised excursion timetable.

This works particularly well on a 10 or 14-night holiday when you have enough time to explore without sacrificing all your pool days.

🚗 Compare Rhodes Car Hire

If you want to explore independently, compare the full rental price rather than choosing solely by the cheapest headline rate. Check insurance, excess, deposit, fuel policy and any child-seat charges.

Compare Rhodes Car Hire →

Best Things to Do in Rhodes for Different Ages

Age Activities We’d Consider
Toddlers Beach time, short boat trip, Aquarium, hotel pool and short visits to Rhodes Town
4–7 WaterPark children’s areas, Aquarium, glass-bottom boat, beaches and Old Town
8–12 WaterPark, Lindos, boat trips, Butterfly Valley, snorkelling and Old Town
Teenagers WaterPark, watersports, snorkelling, Lindos, boat trips, beaches and exploring by car

These are suggestions rather than age rules — every child is different, and individual attractions and activities can have their own age, height or participation restrictions.

Free Things to Do in Rhodes with Kids

A Rhodes family holiday doesn’t need to involve paying for an attraction every day.

Beach days are the obvious option, but families can also explore resort areas, walk around parts of Rhodes Town, enjoy coastal viewpoints and create their own sightseeing days if they have a hire car.

Alternating paid attractions with free beach and pool days is one of the easiest ways to keep the overall holiday budget under control.

Rhodes with Toddlers

If you’re visiting Rhodes with toddlers, we’d deliberately plan less.

Choose one main activity rather than trying to fill every day. Shorter excursions, beaches close to your accommodation and plenty of hotel time are likely to be more enjoyable than spending hours travelling around the island.

A good family hotel becomes much more important at this age because you’ll probably spend considerably more time there.

See our Rhodes Family Holidays guide for our recommended resort areas and family hotel options.

Rhodes with Teenagers

Rhodes is particularly strong for families with older children because you aren’t relying entirely on kids’ clubs.

Water slides, snorkelling, watersports, boat trips, beaches and exploring Lindos give teenagers plenty of alternatives to sitting around the hotel.

We’d involve older children in choosing two or three activities before travelling. Giving everyone a say usually works better than arriving with a fully organised timetable.

Do You Need a Car in Rhodes with Kids?

No, but it can make exploring much easier.

If you’re staying in Faliraki or another major resort and mainly want the WaterPark, beach and organised excursions, you can have an excellent holiday without driving.

A hire car becomes more valuable if you want to visit several beaches, Lindos, nature attractions and less touristy parts of the island at your own pace.

There’s also no need to hire one for the entire holiday. A couple of car-hire days in the middle of a resort holiday can give you the best of both approaches.

How Many Family Days Out Should You Plan?

For a seven-night Rhodes holiday, we’d generally plan around two or three substantial days out.

For 10 to 14 nights, you can spread the activities out and add more without the holiday feeling rushed.

A simple pattern works well:

Busy day → pool/beach day → busy day → relaxed day.

That becomes particularly valuable during the hottest part of summer.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip: Don’t judge the success of a family holiday by how many attractions you manage to visit. Some of the days children remember most are the completely unplanned beach and pool days.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhodes with Kids

Is Rhodes good with kids?

Yes. Rhodes combines family-friendly resorts and beaches with waterparks, boat trips, nature attractions and historic places, giving families much more variety than a holiday based entirely around a hotel.

What are the best things to do in Rhodes with kids?

Our first choices would include Rhodes WaterPark, Rhodes Old Town, Lindos, a family boat trip, the Valley of the Butterflies and a good beach day. Which ones you prioritise should depend on the ages and interests of your children.

Is Rhodes WaterPark suitable for younger children?

The WaterPark has attractions aimed at different age groups, including children’s and family attractions. Check the latest attraction restrictions before visiting because individual slides can have their own requirements.

Is Lindos worth visiting with kids?

Yes, particularly with school-age children and teenagers. With younger children, consider visiting earlier in the day and don’t underestimate the amount of walking or the effect of summer heat.

Is Rhodes Old Town good for children?

It can be. The walls, gateways, narrow streets and medieval buildings make it more visually interesting for children than many conventional historic attractions. The Medieval City of Rhodes is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When can you see butterflies in Rhodes?

The butterfly phenomenon is seasonal rather than guaranteed throughout the entire holiday season. If this is an important part of your trip, check the latest information from the attraction before travelling.

Can you do Rhodes without hiring a car?

Yes. Families staying in established resorts can use organised excursions and other transport for many of the main attractions. A hire car simply gives you more freedom to combine beaches and sightseeing on your own schedule.

What can you do in Rhodes with teenagers?

Waterparks, boat trips, snorkelling, watersports, Lindos, Rhodes Old Town and exploring different beaches are all worth considering with teenagers.

Our Rhodes with Kids Verdict

The biggest advantage of Rhodes with kids is variety.

You can spend one day racing down waterslides, the next exploring a medieval city and the following day doing virtually nothing on a beach.

For most families, that’s a better formula than trying to create an attraction-packed itinerary.

Choose a resort that works for your family, pick a handful of activities everyone genuinely wants to do and leave enough empty days to enjoy being on holiday.

🇬🇷 Plan Your Greece Family Holiday

→ Rhodes Family Holidays
Where to stay, the best family resorts and our Rhodes hotel picks.

→ Greece with Kids
Our complete guide to visiting Greece as a family.

→ Greece Family Holidays
Compare Rhodes with other Greek family destinations.

→ Best Family Hotels in Greece
Compare our family hotel picks across the Greek islands.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, Holiday Blueprint may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Attraction opening dates, operating times, age or height restrictions and availability can change, so always check the latest information with the attraction or booking provider before travelling.

Rhodes family holidays

Rhodes family holidays with beach and sea views

Rhodes family holidays are a fantastic choice for families looking for beaches, waterparks, family-friendly resorts and plenty of things to do with kids. You get long sunny days, family-friendly beach resorts, waterparks, boat trips and plenty of places to explore when everyone wants a break from the pool.

It’s also an island that can work for very different families. You could stay around lively Faliraki, choose a quieter resort such as Kolymbia, base yourself near Lindos, or head further south for a more relaxed resort holiday.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best places to stay in Rhodes for families, family hotels, beaches, things to do with kids and practical tips for planning your holiday.

If you’re still comparing Greek destinations, see our Greece Family Holidays guide and our guide to the Best Family Hotels in Greece.

⭐ Holiday Blueprint Pick

For a first family holiday to Rhodes, we’d start by looking at Faliraki and Kolymbia. Faliraki gives families easy access to a long beach, plenty of restaurants and activities, while Kolymbia offers a more relaxed resort feel. Families wanting something quieter should also look around Lindos, Lardos and Kiotari.

Is Rhodes Good for Family Holidays?

Yes — Rhodes is one of Greece’s strongest all-round family destinations. It combines resort-style holidays with enough attractions, beaches and historic places to make getting out of the hotel worthwhile.

That balance is important. Younger children can spend days around the pool and beach, while older children and teenagers have waterparks, boat trips, watersports and places such as Lindos and Rhodes Old Town to explore.

It’s also possible to experience quite a lot without constantly changing hotels. A single base can work well for a week or two, particularly if you hire a car for some of your stay.

Faliraki Beach in Rhodes for family holidays

Best Areas to Stay in Rhodes for Families

The best area depends on whether your priority is beaches, activities, sightseeing or simply having an easy resort holiday.

Faliraki – Best for Family Entertainment

Faliraki is one of the first places we’d consider for families who want plenty happening around them.

The resort has a long beach, restaurants, shops and easy access to family attractions. It’s particularly convenient if your children like a holiday where there’s always something to do rather than spending every day in a quiet resort.

Don’t automatically dismiss Faliraki because of its historic nightlife reputation. For families, the beach and resort facilities are a much bigger part of the experience.

Kolymbia – Best for a More Relaxed Family Resort

Kolymbia is worth considering if you want a traditional resort holiday without being right in the middle of Rhodes’ busiest tourist areas.

Its position on the east coast also gives you a useful base for exploring both Rhodes Town to the north and Lindos further south.

Lindos & Lardos – Best for Scenery and Exploring

The Lindos area is particularly attractive if you want the surroundings to feel like part of the holiday rather than simply staying inside a large resort.

Lindos itself is one of Rhodes’ most recognisable destinations, with whitewashed buildings, its hilltop Acropolis and beautiful coastal scenery.

Families who want a larger resort may find nearby Lardos and the surrounding coastline more practical while still being within reach of Lindos.

Kiotari – Best for Resort-Based Holidays

Kiotari is further south and works well for families who are happy spending more time around their hotel.

There are some substantial family resorts in this part of Rhodes, making it a good option if pools, entertainment and all-inclusive convenience matter more than being able to walk into a busy town every evening.

Rhodes Town – Best for Sightseeing

Rhodes Town is the most interesting option if your family enjoys history, restaurants and exploring on foot.

It isn’t our first choice for a classic pool-and-beach resort holiday, but it can be excellent for families wanting a more varied city-and-beach break.

Best Family Hotels in Rhodes

Rhodes has a huge range of family accommodation. Rather than choosing solely by star rating, compare the hotel facilities with the ages of your children and the type of holiday you actually want.

Atlantica Aegean Blue

Best for: Waterpark-loving families

Atlantica Aegean Blue is one we’d put on the shortlist when the children’s entertainment is a major part of the decision.

It’s particularly suited to families who want plenty to do around the resort rather than having to organise days out throughout the holiday.

Check Atlantica Aegean Blue Prices →

Amada Colossos Resort

Best for: A large family resort experience

Amada Colossos is another option for families wanting the convenience of a substantial resort where pools, food and entertainment form a big part of the holiday.

We’d compare it directly with Atlantica Aegean Blue rather than assuming one will suit every family better.

Check Amada Colossos Prices →

Princess Andriana Resort & Spa – Kiotari

Best for: All-inclusive resort holidays

Princess Andriana is worth comparing if you’re considering the quieter south-east coast and want a hotel where much of the holiday can revolve around the resort.

Kiotari is particularly appealing if you don’t need the constant activity of Faliraki and prefer a more self-contained holiday.

Check Princess Andriana Prices →

Lindos Princess Beach Resort & Spa

Best for: Families wanting to stay near Lindos

Lindos Princess gives families another large resort option while putting you within reach of one of the most attractive parts of Rhodes.

It’s worth comparing if you’d like a resort-style holiday but also want to visit Lindos without travelling from the opposite end of the island.

Check Lindos Princess Prices →

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip: Check the exact family room before booking. Two hotels may both say they accommodate four people, but the amount of usable space, sleeping arrangements and privacy can be completely different.

Rhodes Waterpark in Faliraki with pools and waterslides

Best Things to Do in Rhodes with Kids

One of Rhodes’ biggest advantages is that you don’t have to spend the entire holiday at the hotel. There’s enough variety to plan several genuinely different family days out.

1. Spend a Day at Rhodes WaterPark

For children who love slides and pools, the WaterPark at Faliraki is an obvious day out.

It’s particularly useful if you’re staying elsewhere on the island and want to give the children a full waterpark day without choosing a waterpark hotel for the entire holiday.

Check current opening dates, ticket prices and any height restrictions directly before travelling.

2. Take a Family Boat Trip to Lindos

A boat trip is one of the easiest ways to make sightseeing feel like a proper holiday day for children.

The Lindos trip we’ve selected combines time around Lindos with swimming stops, making it more appealing to families than spending the whole day simply sightseeing.

⛵ Holiday Blueprint Activity Pick

Lindos Boat Trip with 2 Swim Stops

A full-day option combining a visit to Lindos with time for swimming — a good way to mix sightseeing and fun in one family day out.

Check Lindos Boat Trip Prices →

3. Explore Rhodes Old Town

Rhodes isn’t just a beach destination. Its Medieval City gives families a completely different experience from the resorts.

Walking through the old streets, walls and historic buildings can work particularly well with older children who would quickly get bored visiting a conventional museum.

Rhodes Old Town medieval streets on a family holiday

4. Try a Glass-Bottom Boat

For younger children — or families who don’t want a full-day cruise — a shorter glass-bottom boat experience can be much easier.

It gives children the excitement of getting out onto the water without committing everyone to an eight or nine-hour excursion.

🐠 Easy Family Activity

Glass-Bottom Submarine Cruise & Underwater Views

A shorter activity that’s easy to fit around the rest of your day in Rhodes Town.

Check Glass-Bottom Cruise Prices →

5. Visit Lindos

Even if you don’t take the boat excursion, we’d still try to see Lindos during a family holiday to Rhodes.

The whitewashed village, dramatic hillside setting and views around the Acropolis make it completely different from the purpose-built resort areas.

St Paul's Bay in Lindos Rhodes with turquoise sea

6. Valley of the Butterflies

If you want a break from beaches and pools, the Valley of the Butterflies offers a different side of Rhodes.

It’s better approached as a nature walk than a theme-park-style attraction, so whether children enjoy it will depend on their age and interest in nature.

7. Have a Beach Day

Some of the best family days in Rhodes don’t need an itinerary at all. Pack the beach bag, choose a family-friendly stretch of coastline and spend the day swimming and relaxing.

Best Beaches in Rhodes for Families

Rhodes has beaches all around the island, but they’re not identical. Some are better suited to young children, while others are more attractive for watersports or exploring.

Tsambika Beach

Tsambika is one of the beaches we’d put on a family shortlist. Its golden sandy setting gives families a classic Greek beach day and there are facilities available during the main season.

Tsambika Beach in Rhodes for family holidays

Faliraki Beach

Faliraki is particularly convenient for families staying in the resort because everything is close at hand. You can combine beach time with lunch, activities and other resort facilities without needing to plan a complicated day out.

Vlycha Beach

Vlycha, near Lindos, is another beach worth considering with children. It’s a useful option for families staying around Lindos and the south-east coast.

Agathi Beach

Agathi is a sandy, sheltered option that’s particularly appealing when you want a more straightforward beach day away from a large resort centre.

Rhodes with Toddlers and Younger Children

Rhodes can work very well with younger children, but we’d choose the hotel and resort more carefully than we would when travelling with teenagers.

Prioritise a manageable airport transfer, a suitable pool, easy access to food, shade and a beach that works for your child. Room layout is also important if you’re likely to spend evenings at the hotel after the children go to sleep.

For beach days, check conditions locally rather than assuming every Rhodes beach has shallow water simply because it’s sandy.

Rhodes with Teenagers

Rhodes is arguably even easier with teenagers because there is more variety beyond children’s clubs and playgrounds.

Waterparks, boat trips, watersports, snorkelling, Rhodes Old Town and exploring Lindos give you plenty of options when sitting beside the children’s pool is no longer exciting.

Faliraki can be particularly useful because older children have more happening around the resort, although we’d still choose the exact hotel location carefully.

All-Inclusive or Self-Catering in Rhodes?

All-inclusive makes sense if you’re travelling with younger children, expect to spend plenty of time around the hotel and want predictable food and drink costs.

Self-catering or bed and breakfast can be better if you intend to hire a car, explore different parts of Rhodes and eat out most evenings.

There’s no universally better option. A cheap all-inclusive deal isn’t good value if you spend every day away from the resort, while self-catering may not feel much like a holiday if you’re constantly shopping and preparing food.

Do You Need a Hire Car in Rhodes?

No — particularly if you’re staying in a resort and mainly want hotel, beach and organised excursion days.

But a car becomes much more useful if you want to explore places such as Lindos, quieter beaches and different parts of the island on your own timetable.

You also don’t necessarily need one for the whole holiday. Hiring a car for a few days can be a good compromise.

🚗 Compare Rhodes Car Hire

Compare the total cost rather than just the advertised daily rate. Check the insurance, excess, deposit, fuel policy and child-seat charges before booking.

Compare Car Hire in Rhodes →

How Many Days Do You Need in Rhodes with Kids?

Seven nights is enough for a straightforward resort holiday with a couple of days out.

Ten to fourteen nights gives families much more freedom to alternate busy sightseeing days with pool and beach days without feeling that every day needs to be planned.

For a two-week holiday, you could comfortably mix resort days with Rhodes Old Town, Lindos, a boat trip, the WaterPark and several different beaches.

When Is the Best Time for a Rhodes Family Holiday?

The main summer months are ideal if your priority is a hot beach-and-pool holiday, but they’re also the busiest period and coincide with peak family demand.

Families who aren’t restricted by school holidays can consider late spring or early autumn, when Rhodes can feel less intense than during the height of summer.

Whatever month you choose, check seasonal opening dates for any attraction that’s particularly important to your holiday.

7-Day Rhodes Family Holiday Idea

You don’t need to follow a strict itinerary, but this gives you an idea of how easily a week can combine resort time with seeing the island.

Day 1: Arrive, settle into the hotel and explore your resort.

Day 2: Pool and beach day.

Day 3: Rhodes WaterPark or another family attraction.

Day 4: Visit Lindos and enjoy some beach time.

Day 5: Relaxing hotel day.

Day 6: Explore Rhodes Old Town or take a boat trip.

Day 7: Final beach day and relaxed family meal.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip: Don’t over-plan a family holiday. Leaving a free day between bigger excursions makes the trip much more relaxing — especially in hot weather.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhodes Family Holidays

Is Rhodes a good Greek island for families?

Yes. Rhodes combines family resorts and beaches with waterparks, boat trips, historic attractions and places such as Lindos and Rhodes Old Town, making it a strong choice for families who want more than just a hotel holiday.

Which part of Rhodes is best for families?

Faliraki is worth considering for families wanting plenty of activities and facilities, while Kolymbia offers a more relaxed resort atmosphere. Lindos, Lardos and Kiotari can suit families wanting to stay further south.

Is Faliraki suitable for families?

Yes. Faliraki has a long organised beach, family accommodation and easy access to activities including Rhodes WaterPark. Your experience will still depend heavily on the location and style of hotel you choose.

Is Rhodes good for toddlers?

It can be. Choose accommodation with suitable family rooms, child-friendly pools and easy access to meals and the beach. Transfer time and the specific beach near your hotel are worth checking before booking.

Is Rhodes good for teenagers?

Yes. Boat trips, watersports, the WaterPark, beaches, Lindos and Rhodes Old Town give older children more variety than a holiday centred entirely around a kids’ club.

Do you need a car for a family holiday in Rhodes?

Not necessarily. Resort-based families can use transfers, buses and organised excursions. Hiring a car is more useful if you want to explore several beaches and attractions independently.

Is Rhodes or Crete better for families?

Both offer excellent family holidays but they’re quite different. Crete is much larger and offers enormous variety, while Rhodes can feel easier to explore during a shorter holiday. The best choice depends on the hotel, resort and type of trip your family wants.

Our Verdict on Rhodes Family Holidays

Rhodes works particularly well because families don’t have to choose between a relaxing resort holiday and an interesting Greek island — you can have both.

Families who want maximum convenience should start with Faliraki, Kolymbia and the larger east-coast resorts. If scenery and exploring matter more, look towards Lindos and the south-east coast.

Most importantly, choose the resort and hotel around your children’s ages rather than simply booking whichever Rhodes package appears cheapest. The right location can make a much bigger difference to your holiday than an extra hotel star.

🇬🇷 More Greece Family Holiday Guides

→ Greece Family Holidays
Compare the best Greek islands and destinations for families.

→ Greece with Kids
Our complete guide to planning a Greek holiday with children.

→ Best Family Hotels in Greece
Compare 15 of our favourite family hotel options across Greece.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a booking or purchase through one of these links, Holiday Blueprint may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Hotel facilities, attraction opening dates, prices and services can change, so always check the latest information with the hotel, attraction or booking provider before travelling.

Best Family Hotels in Greece for Families

Best family hotels in Greece with pool and sea views

Planning a family holiday to Greece but not sure which hotel to choose? From beachfront resorts with waterparks and kids’ clubs to luxury hotels designed for relaxing family escapes, Greece has some fantastic options for families.

In this guide, we’ve picked out 15 of the best family hotels in Greece, including resorts in Rhodes, Crete, Corfu, Kos, Halkidiki and Skiathos. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, school-age children or teenagers, there’s something here for different family styles and budgets.

If you’re still deciding which part of Greece is right for you, start with our Greece Family Holidays guide. You can also see our guide to Greece with Kids for family activities, destinations and practical tips.

⭐ Holiday Blueprint Pick

Want an easy place to start? For families looking for a resort holiday with plenty to keep children entertained, we’d put Stella Palace Aqua Park Resort in Crete high on the shortlist. If you’re looking for a more luxurious all-round family escape, Ikos Aria in Kos and Ikos Dassia in Corfu are also worth comparing.

Best Family Hotels in Greece at a Glance

Here’s a quick comparison before we look at each hotel in more detail.

Hotel Destination Best For Check Prices
Atlantica Aegean Blue Rhodes Waterpark fun View hotel
Amada Colossos Resort Rhodes Resort-style family holiday View hotel
Stella Palace Aqua Park Resort Crete Waterpark holiday View hotel
Fodele Beach & Water Park Crete Active families View hotel
Lyttos Beach Crete Sporty families View hotel
Daios Cove Crete Luxury family escape View hotel
Ikos Dassia Corfu Luxury all-inclusive View hotel
Grecotel LUXME Daphnila Bay Corfu Beachfront families View hotel
Grecotel LUXME Costa Botanica Corfu Relaxed family resort View hotel
Ikos Aria Kos Luxury all-inclusive View hotel
Blue Lagoon Resort Kos Pool-loving families View hotel
Atlantica Porto Bello Beach Kos Beach & family fun View hotel
Sani Beach Halkidiki Premium family holiday View hotel
TUI BLUE Lagoon Princess Halkidiki Classic family resort View hotel
Skiathos Princess Resort Skiathos Beach holiday View hotel

15 Best Family Hotels in Greece

There’s no single best hotel for every family. A resort that’s brilliant for a seven-year-old who loves waterslides may not be the hotel you’d choose with a baby or teenager. We’ve therefore included a mixture of resorts rather than simply picking 15 similar luxury hotels.

1. Atlantica Aegean Blue – Rhodes

Best for: Waterpark-loving families

Atlantica Aegean Blue is one to consider if keeping the children entertained is near the top of your holiday wish list. Its family-resort format makes it particularly appealing for parents who want plenty happening around the hotel rather than having to organise an excursion every day.

Rhodes is also one of our favourite Greek islands for a straightforward family holiday, combining beaches and resort areas with plenty to explore away from the pool.

Check Atlantica Aegean Blue Prices →

2. Amada Colossos Resort – Rhodes

Best for: A full resort-style family holiday

Another strong Rhodes option, Amada Colossos Resort suits families who like the convenience of having their accommodation, pools, food and entertainment centred around one substantial resort.

It’s worth comparing this directly with Atlantica Aegean Blue. The right choice will depend on your children’s ages and whether your priority is waterpark-style fun, beach time or a more rounded resort experience.

Check Amada Colossos Prices →

Lindos Beach in Rhodes Greece for family holidays

3. Stella Palace Aqua Park Resort – Crete

Best for: Families who want a waterpark hotel

If the pool and waterpark are likely to be as important as the destination itself, Stella Palace deserves a place on your shortlist. It’s the kind of resort where families can spend plenty of their holiday enjoying the hotel rather than needing to leave every day to find entertainment.

⭐ Blueprint Pick: We’d particularly shortlist Stella Palace for families whose children judge a holiday by the quality of the pools and waterslides!

Check Stella Palace Prices →

4. Fodele Beach & Water Park Holiday Resort – Crete

Best for: Active family holidays

Fodele Beach & Water Park Holiday Resort is another Crete option for families who don’t want a quiet hotel with little for the children to do.

It’s particularly worth comparing with Stella Palace if a waterpark is high on your list. Rather than choosing purely on hotel rating, compare room types, location, meal arrangements and facilities for the exact ages of your children.

Check Fodele Beach Prices →

5. Lyttos Beach – Crete

Best for: Active and sporty families

Lyttos Beach is another name worth knowing when comparing family hotels in Crete. It can be a good fit for families who like a busy resort atmosphere and want plenty of options rather than simply a pool and a room.

Crete’s size is also an advantage if you enjoy exploring. Hiring a car can make it much easier to combine resort days with beaches, towns and other parts of the island.

Check Lyttos Beach Prices →

6. Daios Cove – Crete

Best for: A luxury family escape

Daios Cove offers a different proposition from Crete’s big waterpark resorts. Put this one on the shortlist if the adults want a more luxurious feel without automatically ruling out travelling as a family.

It’s a useful reminder that choosing a family hotel doesn’t have to mean choosing somewhere designed entirely around children’s entertainment.

Check Daios Cove Prices →

Lyttos Beach family hotel in Crete with pools and waterpark

7. Ikos Dassia – Corfu

Best for: Luxury all-inclusive family holidays

Ikos Dassia is one to compare if you’re prepared to spend more for an upscale resort experience while retaining the convenience families often want from an all-inclusive holiday.

Corfu itself works particularly well for families who want attractive scenery, beaches and opportunities to explore beyond the hotel.

Check Ikos Dassia Prices →

8. Grecotel LUXME Daphnila Bay – Corfu

Best for: A beachfront Corfu family holiday

Grecotel LUXME Daphnila Bay gives families another alternative in Corfu and is worth comparing with Ikos Dassia rather than assuming the most expensive option will automatically suit you best.

Look carefully at the room category as well as the headline hotel price. For families, the difference between a room that merely sleeps everyone and one that gives you genuinely useful space can be considerable.

Check Daphnila Bay Prices →

9. Grecotel LUXME Costa Botanica – Corfu

Best for: A relaxed Corfu resort holiday

Grecotel LUXME Costa Botanica provides another family-friendly option on Corfu and gives us three very different Corfu hotels to compare.

If you’re travelling during the main UK school summer holidays, compare prices early. Greece is extremely seasonal and the room types that work best for families can disappear before standard double rooms do.

Check Costa Botanica Prices →

Paleokastritsa beach in Corfu Greece for family holidays

10. Ikos Aria – Kos

Best for: Luxury all-inclusive

Ikos Aria is one of the hotels we’d compare when looking for a premium family holiday in Kos. It suits families who want high-end surroundings but still value the simplicity of having much of the holiday organised around one resort.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip: Don’t compare all-inclusive hotels using the headline price alone. Check exactly what’s included for your dates and room type. A more expensive hotel can sometimes offer better overall value once meals, drinks and other inclusions are considered.

Check Ikos Aria Prices →

11. Blue Lagoon Resort – Kos

Best for: Families who love pool days

Blue Lagoon Resort is another Kos hotel to compare if the children are happiest spending a large part of the holiday in and around the pool.

Kos is relatively easy to combine with days outside the resort too, so you don’t necessarily have to choose between a hotel-focused holiday and seeing more of the island.

Check Blue Lagoon Resort Prices →

12. Atlantica Porto Bello Beach – Kos

Best for: Beach and family fun

Atlantica Porto Bello Beach rounds out our Kos selection and is another hotel worth putting into a side-by-side comparison before booking.

With family hotels, we’d always check recent reviews from travellers with children of a similar age to yours. A resort can be excellent for younger children but feel completely different to a family travelling with teenagers.

Check Atlantica Porto Bello Prices →

Tigaki Beach in Kos Greece for family holidays

13. Sani Beach – Halkidiki

Best for: A premium family holiday

Not every great Greek family hotel is on an island. Sani Beach in Halkidiki is worth considering if you’re looking for a premium resort experience on mainland Greece.

Halkidiki can sometimes be overlooked by families automatically searching Rhodes, Crete or Corfu, which is exactly why we’d include it in a Greece-wide hotel comparison.

Check Sani Beach Prices →

14. TUI BLUE Lagoon Princess – Halkidiki

Best for: A classic family resort holiday

TUI BLUE Lagoon Princess gives families another reason to include Halkidiki in their search rather than restricting themselves to the Greek islands.

Compare the total holiday price for your dates, including flights and transfers, because the hotel with the cheapest room rate isn’t necessarily the cheapest overall family holiday.

Check TUI BLUE Lagoon Princess Prices →

Sani Beach in Halkidiki Greece for family holidays

15. Skiathos Princess Resort – Skiathos

Best for: A Greek island beach escape

Skiathos Princess Resort is our final choice and gives families an alternative to the much larger resorts found on some of Greece’s better-known family islands.

Skiathos is particularly appealing if the beach and Greek-island atmosphere matter just as much as having a long list of facilities inside the hotel.

Check Skiathos Princess Prices →

Which Greek Island Is Best for a Family Hotel?

The hotel matters, but so does the destination. Picking the right Greek island can make just as much difference to your holiday.

Rhodes

A strong all-round choice for families who want beaches, resort hotels and plenty to see away from the pool. Rhodes works particularly well when you want a mixture of easy resort days and family days out.

Crete

Crete gives you a huge choice of accommodation and is particularly strong for larger family resorts. Because it’s Greece’s largest island, there’s also far more to explore if you hire a car.

Corfu

Corfu is a good choice for families who value beautiful scenery and beaches as well as a strong selection of family-friendly hotels.

Kos

Kos can work brilliantly for an uncomplicated family sunshine holiday. Its manageable size also makes exploring away from your hotel relatively straightforward.

Halkidiki

Halkidiki is worth considering if you want beautiful beaches and high-quality resorts without necessarily choosing a Greek island.

Still undecided? Our full Greece Family Holidays guide compares the different destinations in more detail.

Best Family Hotels in Greece for Waterparks

If waterslides are non-negotiable, we’d start by comparing Stella Palace Aqua Park Resort, Fodele Beach & Water Park Holiday Resort and Atlantica Aegean Blue.

Before booking, always check which attractions and pools will be operating during your travel dates and whether any slides or activities have age or height restrictions.

Best Luxury Family Hotels in Greece

Families looking for something more luxurious should compare Ikos Aria, Ikos Dassia, Daios Cove and Sani Beach.

The important thing is to decide what luxury means to your family. For some, it’s exceptional food and service; for others, it’s having enough activities to keep the children happy while the adults actually get time to relax.

Best Greek Family Hotels for Toddlers and Younger Children

When travelling with toddlers, we’d prioritise completely different things from a holiday with teenagers. Look closely at transfer time, shallow or child-friendly pools, room layout, easy meal options, shade and how far you’ll need to walk around the resort.

Don’t choose purely because a hotel markets itself as “family friendly”. Check whether its facilities actually suit the age of your children.

Best Greek Hotels for Families with Teenagers

Teenagers can be harder to please than younger children. A small playground and children’s pool probably aren’t going to cut it.

For older children, we’d place more importance on larger pools, sports, watersports, activities, Wi-Fi, nearby places to explore and enough independence within the resort. Larger resorts such as Lyttos Beach are therefore particularly worth investigating.

Things to Do in Greece with Kids

A great hotel is only part of the holiday. Greece has boat trips, waterparks, snorkelling, sightseeing, island tours and plenty of family-friendly experiences.

Find Family Activities in Greece →

Should You Hire a Car in Greece with Kids?

You don’t necessarily need a hire car if you’re planning an all-inclusive resort holiday, but having one can completely change the experience if you want to discover quieter beaches, villages and attractions away from your hotel.

It’s particularly useful on larger islands such as Crete. Compare the total cost with organised excursions and transfers before deciding.

🚗 Holiday Blueprint Tip

Compare car-hire prices before travelling rather than automatically booking at the airport. Check the insurance terms, fuel policy, deposit and child-seat costs as well as the headline daily rate.

Compare Car Hire in Greece →

How to Choose the Best Family Hotel in Greece

Before booking, we’d compare more than star ratings. Think about the age of your children, transfer time, beach access, pool facilities, room layout, meal plan and what you’ll actually want to do during the holiday.

A family planning to spend seven days around a waterpark has completely different requirements from one that intends to hire a car and explore the island every day.

We’d also check recent guest reviews before booking. Hotel facilities, entertainment programmes and restaurant arrangements can change, so verify anything that’s particularly important to your family directly with the hotel or booking provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which part of Greece is best for families?

Rhodes, Crete, Corfu and Kos are all popular choices for family holidays, but the best destination depends on the type of trip you want. Crete offers huge variety, Rhodes combines resorts with plenty to explore, Corfu is known for its scenery and Kos can be particularly easy to get around.

What are the best family hotels in Greece with waterparks?

Stella Palace Aqua Park Resort and Fodele Beach & Water Park Holiday Resort in Crete, together with Atlantica Aegean Blue in Rhodes, are among the hotels we’d compare first for a waterpark-focused family holiday.

Is Greece good for an all-inclusive family holiday?

Yes. Greece has a large selection of family-focused all-inclusive resorts, ranging from big activity-led properties to luxury options. Always check exactly what’s included for your dates before comparing prices.

Which Greek island is best with young children?

There isn’t one island that’s automatically best for every young family. We’d pay particular attention to the resort location, airport transfer, beach conditions, room configuration and facilities for your child’s age rather than choosing the island on reputation alone.

Is Crete or Rhodes better for families?

Both can work extremely well. Crete is much larger and offers enormous variety, while Rhodes can be easier to approach as a more compact family holiday destination. Your hotel choice and preferred activities are likely to matter more than choosing one island simply because it’s considered more family friendly.

When is the best time for a family holiday to Greece?

The main summer season offers the warmest beach-holiday conditions but also coincides with peak demand. Families who aren’t tied to school holidays may find late spring and early autumn attractive, although weather and seasonal facilities vary by destination and date.

Our Verdict on the Best Family Hotels in Greece

Greece has such a wide range of family hotels that we’d avoid looking for one universal “best” resort. Instead, narrow the choice according to what matters most to your family.

For waterpark fun, start with Stella Palace, Fodele Beach and Atlantica Aegean Blue. For a luxury all-inclusive experience, compare Ikos Aria and Ikos Dassia. And if you’d prefer a premium family escape where the hotel isn’t centred entirely around children’s attractions, Daios Cove and Sani Beach are well worth investigating.

Whichever hotel you choose, compare current prices, room options and recent reviews before booking — particularly if you’re travelling during the UK school holidays.

🇬🇷 Planning a Family Holiday to Greece?

Continue planning your trip with our other Greece family guides:

→ Greece Family Holidays
Compare the best Greek islands and destinations for families.

→ Greece with Kids
Family attractions, activities and practical tips for travelling with children.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a booking or purchase through one of these links, Holiday Blueprint may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Hotel facilities, services and availability can change, so always check the latest information with the hotel or booking provider before travelling.

Greece with Kids: Best Things to Do for Families

Greece with kids family travel guide

Looking for the best things to do in Greece with kids? From huge water parks and beautiful beaches to boat trips, ancient ruins and wildlife experiences, Greece has far more to offer families than simply spending a week around the hotel pool.

The trick is choosing activities that actually work for your children’s ages. Younger kids may be happiest with shallow beaches and short days out, while older children and teenagers can enjoy water parks, snorkelling, boat trips and exploring some of Greece’s incredible historic sites.

We’ve picked some of the best things to do in Greece with kids, including ideas from popular family islands such as Rhodes and Crete, plus tips for fitting them into your holiday without trying to do too much.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip
Still deciding where to stay? Start with our Greece Family Holidays guide, where we compare the islands, resorts and practical considerations for families.

1. Spend a Day at a Water Park

A water park is one of the easiest wins when visiting Greece with kids, particularly if you’re travelling with school-age children or teenagers.

The larger Greek holiday islands have some excellent options, allowing you to swap a quiet beach day for slides, pools and a little more excitement.

Faliraki Water Park, Rhodes

Faliraki Water Park in Rhodes Greece with kids

Faliraki Water Park is one of Rhodes’ major family attractions and is an easy day out if you’re staying on the island’s east coast.

Rather than trying to combine it with sightseeing, we’d give the water park most of a day. It also works well midway through the holiday when children might be ready for something different from beaches and sightseeing.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip
Don’t schedule every excursion before you arrive. Leave one or two days flexible so you can choose your water-park day around the weather and how everyone is feeling.

2. Take a Family Boat Trip

For us, a boat trip is one of the best activities to add to a Greek family holiday. Children get the excitement of being on the water while parents get to see more of the coastline without another long car or coach journey.

Depending on the island, you’ll find short coastal cruises, swimming trips, glass-bottom boats and full-day excursions to neighbouring islands.

Take a Boat Trip to Lindos

One particularly good option on Rhodes is visiting Lindos by boat. Instead of the journey simply being transport, the cruise becomes part of the experience.

🏆 Blueprint Pick: Lindos Boat Tour

A great option for families who want to combine sightseeing with time on the water. Visit Lindos and turn the journey along the Rhodes coastline into part of the day out.

Check Lindos Boat Tour Prices →

3. Find a Brilliant Family Beach

You could easily spend an entire Greek holiday visiting beaches, but when travelling with children we’d look beyond how photogenic they are.

Easy access, somewhere to buy food and drinks and suitable swimming conditions can be much more important when you have children with you.

Tsambika Beach, Rhodes

Tsambika Beach Rhodes family holiday

Tsambika is one of Rhodes’ best-known beaches, with a long stretch of golden sand and clear blue water. It’s an easy beach to include when exploring the east coast of the island.

Don’t feel that every beach day needs to involve travelling to a famous beach, though. One of the advantages of Greece with kids is being able to alternate special days out with very simple days close to your hotel.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip
Visit one or two of the island’s standout beaches, then find a good local beach near your resort for the days when nobody wants a long journey.

4. Explore Ancient Greece

Visiting ancient sites with children can sound like hard work, but Greece is one of the few destinations where history can genuinely become part of the adventure.

The secret is not trying to visit everything. Pick one or two memorable historic places and combine them with something more relaxed afterwards.

The Acropolis in Athens is the obvious example, while families holidaying on the islands can discover places such as Knossos in Crete and Lindos in Rhodes.

5. Visit Lindos with Kids

Lindos Beach and Acropolis Rhodes with kids

Lindos is a great example of sightseeing that can work on a family holiday. The whitewashed village sits beneath its historic Acropolis, while beautiful bays and beaches are close by.

That gives you the option of exploring first and heading for the water afterwards rather than expecting children to spend an entire day sightseeing.

During the hottest months, we’d visit earlier in the day if possible. Exploring steep streets and historic sites is much easier before the strongest midday heat.

6. Discover Butterfly Valley

Not every family day out needs to involve a beach or swimming pool. Rhodes’ Butterfly Valley gives children the chance to see a completely different side of the island.

The wooded valley has pathways, streams and small waterfalls, and butterflies are particularly associated with the valley during the summer season.

🦋 Family Activity: Butterfly Valley

If you don’t want to arrange your own transport, a half-day excursion is an easy way to visit while still leaving part of your day free.

Check Butterfly Valley Trips →

7. Explore an Old Town

Exploring a Greek town can be surprisingly enjoyable with children when you don’t turn it into a rigid sightseeing itinerary.

Wander the streets, stop for an ice cream, explore the shops and let the children experience somewhere completely different from the resort.

Rhodes Old Town

Rhodes is particularly good for this. The Medieval City has walls, gateways and narrow streets that make its history much easier for children to imagine.

🚤 Staying Around Kolymbia?

You can make the journey part of the experience by travelling to Rhodes Town by high-speed boat and then exploring independently.

See Rhodes Town Boat Trip →

8. Go Snorkelling

Snorkelling is one of the simplest activities to add to a holiday in Greece with kids. You don’t necessarily need to book an excursion — older children can often start exploring from suitable beaches with little more than a mask and snorkel.

If your children enjoy it, you can then consider a dedicated snorkelling or swimming boat trip later in the holiday.

9. Try Water Sports

Older children and teenagers can take things further with paddleboarding, kayaking and other water sports available in many Greek resorts.

This is one reason Greece works particularly well as children get older. You can still enjoy an easy beach holiday while giving teenagers activities that make each day feel different.

10. Visit a Greek Village

It’s worth spending at least a little time away from the main tourist resorts. Traditional villages can show children a completely different side of Greece.

You don’t need to make this complicated. Explore on foot, stop somewhere for lunch and allow time to simply wander rather than trying to tick off attractions.

11. Make Greek Food Part of the Adventure

Food is another easy way for children to experience Greece. Sharing dishes allows them to try small amounts of unfamiliar food without committing to an entire meal.

Souvlaki, grilled meats, bread, potatoes, yoghurt and fresh fruit also mean there are usually straightforward choices available for less adventurous eaters.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip
Instead of always looking for a children’s menu, order several dishes for the table. It’s an easy, low-pressure way for children to try Greek food.

12. Have a Proper Pool Day

After all those ideas, this might be the most important one: don’t plan something every day.

A family holiday shouldn’t feel like an itinerary you have to complete. Children may remember an afternoon jumping into the hotel pool just as fondly as an organised excursion.

For a typical week away, we’d choose a few activities the family genuinely wants to do and keep the remaining days flexible.

Things to Do in Greece with Toddlers

When visiting Greece with kids under five, simpler is often better. Beaches with easy access, shallow water, short boat rides, playgrounds and plenty of pool time can work better than long sightseeing days.

Also consider the practical side. Historic towns can involve cobbles, steps and steep streets, so think about whether a lightweight pushchair or baby carrier would be more useful for the places you’re planning to visit.

Things to Do in Greece with Teenagers

Greece can be even easier with teenagers. Water parks, snorkelling, paddleboarding, boat trips and water sports give them plenty to do beyond sitting beside the pool.

Older children may also appreciate historic places more when they’re mixed with activities rather than presented as a full day of sightseeing.

Greece with Kids: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Greece with kids?

Some of the best family activities include beaches, water parks, boat trips, snorkelling, water sports, historic sites, nature attractions and exploring traditional towns and villages.

Are Greek water parks suitable for younger children?

Many water parks include separate areas and gentler attractions for younger visitors as well as larger slides for older children. Always check the individual attraction’s current height, age and supervision requirements before visiting.

Are boat trips in Greece good for children?

They can be excellent family days out, but check the duration and itinerary before booking. With younger children, a shorter trip with swimming stops may work better than spending an entire day at sea.

Is Greece good with teenagers?

Yes. Teenagers can enjoy water sports, snorkelling, water parks, boat trips, beaches and exploring historic towns, which gives families plenty of alternatives to spending every day around the hotel.

Do we need to book activities before travelling to Greece?

Not everything needs to be booked in advance. For popular excursions or activities you definitely don’t want to miss, booking ahead can make sense, while leaving some days unplanned gives you flexibility during the holiday.

Planning a Family Holiday to Greece?

There are enough things to do in Greece with kids to fill every day of the holiday — but we wouldn’t recommend trying.

Choose a few memorable experiences, mix them with beach and pool days and leave some room to change your plans. That’s usually a much better recipe for a family holiday than arriving with every day scheduled.

🇬🇷 Planning the Whole Holiday?

For help choosing an island, resort and where to stay, continue with our complete Greece Family Holidays guide →

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Greece Family Holidays: Complete Guide for UK Families

Greece family holidays for UK families

Greece has been a favourite with British families for generations, and it’s easy to understand why. Beautiful beaches, warm Mediterranean weather, family-friendly resorts and a huge choice of islands make it possible to find a Greek holiday for almost every type of family.

But choosing where to go can be the difficult part. A family holiday in Crete can feel very different from a week in Rhodes, Kos or Corfu, and choosing the right island — and the right resort area — can make a huge difference to your holiday.

This guide will help you plan your Greece family holidays, including the best Greek islands for families, where to stay, when to travel, things to do with children and practical advice for families travelling from the UK.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip: Choose your Greek island before choosing your hotel. Start by deciding whether your family wants beaches and relaxation, lots of activities, sightseeing or a mixture of everything. Once you’ve narrowed down the island, finding the right resort becomes much easier.

Why Choose Greece for a Family Holiday?

One of Greece’s biggest advantages is choice. The country has thousands of islands and islets, with hundreds inhabited, alongside mainland beach resorts and historic cities. That means a family holiday to Greece can be as relaxed or as active as you want it to be.

Families can spend their days on sandy beaches, explore ancient sites, take boat trips to hidden bays, visit water parks or simply enjoy a hotel pool before heading out for dinner in the evening.

Greece is particularly well suited to families because you’ll find:

  • A huge choice of beach resorts
  • Plenty of direct seasonal flights from the UK
  • Family hotels ranging from simple apartments to luxury resorts
  • Beaches with shallow water on many of the popular islands
  • Water parks and family attractions
  • Boat trips and island-hopping excursions
  • Historic sites that can add something different to a beach holiday
  • Restaurants and tavernas that generally make eating out as a family straightforward
Beautiful beach on a Greece family holiday

Best Greek Islands for Families

There isn’t one Greek island that’s automatically best for every family. The right choice depends on the age of your children, how much exploring you want to do and whether you’re looking for a lively resort or somewhere quieter.

For most UK families, Crete, Rhodes, Kos and Corfu are excellent places to start your search.

Crete

Best for: families who want lots of choice and plenty to explore.

Crete is Greece’s largest island, which gives families an enormous choice of resort areas, beaches, hotels and attractions. It’s particularly useful if you don’t want to spend every day around the hotel.

There are traditional towns, archaeological sites, boat trips, beaches and family attractions across the island. Because Crete is so large, however, location matters. Check exactly where your hotel is and how far it is from the airport and places you want to visit before booking.

Rhodes

Best for: combining beaches, family attractions and sightseeing.

Rhodes is one of the most versatile Greek islands for a family holiday. You can combine beach days with Rhodes Old Town, visit Lindos, take boat trips and find plenty of family-focused resorts.

Families wanting plenty going on may like areas around Faliraki, while other parts of the island offer a quieter atmosphere.

Lindos Beach in Rhodes during a Greece family holiday

Kos

Best for: an easy-going beach holiday on a relatively manageable island.

Kos combines family-friendly beach resorts with enough sightseeing and activities to stop the holiday becoming repetitive. Its size can also make exploring feel less daunting than on somewhere as large as Crete.

It’s a particularly interesting option for families who want a traditional Mediterranean beach holiday with the opportunity to hire a car, cycle, take a boat trip or explore Kos Town.

Corfu

Best for: green scenery, pretty beaches and exploring by car or boat.

Corfu feels noticeably greener than many of the Aegean islands and has a varied coastline of sandy beaches, coves and rocky bays.

Different parts of Corfu suit different families, so again, don’t choose purely on the hotel. Look at the beach, resort atmosphere and transfer time as part of the decision.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip: Don’t assume every beach in Greece is sandy. Greece has everything from soft sand to pebbles and rocky coves. If a sandy, shallow beach is important for younger children, check the exact beach beside your resort before booking.

Where to Stay in Greece with Kids

The hotel can be just as important as the island when you’re travelling as a family.

For younger children, features such as a shallow pool, splash area, kids’ club and short walk to the beach can make life considerably easier. Families with older children and teenagers may get more value from waterslides, sports facilities, larger pools and easy access to activities outside the resort.

When comparing family accommodation in Greece, look beyond the star rating and check:

  • Family room size and sleeping arrangements
  • Whether children get proper beds or sofa beds
  • Kids’ club age ranges
  • Pool and waterslide restrictions
  • Distance to the beach
  • Whether the beach is sandy or pebbly
  • Restaurants within walking distance
  • Airport transfer time
  • Whether you’ll need a hire car

If you’re travelling during the main UK school holidays, the most popular family rooms and larger accommodation can disappear well before standard double rooms.

Compare Family Hotels in Greece

Compare hotels and resorts across Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu and other Greek destinations before deciding which island and resort suits your family.

Compare Greece Hotels on Expedia →

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Best Time for Greece Family Holidays

For most families looking for a traditional beach holiday, the main Greece holiday season runs through late spring, summer and early autumn.

May and June

Late spring and early summer can be a great time to visit. Resorts are open for the season, temperatures are generally more comfortable for exploring than during the hottest part of summer, and beaches can be quieter outside school-holiday periods.

July and August

This is peak family-holiday season. Expect hot weather, busy resorts and stronger demand for flights and the most popular family hotels.

If you’re tied to the school summer holidays, booking earlier gives you a better chance of finding the room type and resort you actually want rather than choosing from what’s left.

September and October

September can be particularly attractive for families with preschool children because the sea has had all summer to warm up and the busiest period has passed.

As you move further into autumn, conditions become more variable and some seasonal tourist facilities begin winding down. Weather also differs between the islands, so check the destination rather than treating Greece as having one identical climate.

Things to Do in Greece with Kids

A Greece family holiday doesn’t have to mean spending every day beside the hotel pool. One of the country’s strengths is how easily you can mix relaxing days with excursions and activities.

Take a Boat Trip

Boat trips are one of the easiest ways to add an adventure to a Greek beach holiday. Depending on the island, trips may visit smaller islands, sea caves, secluded beaches and swimming spots that are difficult to reach by road.

Boat trip on the turquoise sea during a Greece family holiday

Visit a Water Park

Several of Greece’s major family destinations have water parks, making them an easy change from the beach for children and teenagers.

Always check current opening dates, height restrictions and transport before visiting, particularly outside the peak summer months.

Explore Historic Greece

Ancient sites can work surprisingly well with children when you avoid trying to turn the day into a history lesson. Castles, old towns, temples and archaeological sites give families something completely different from the beach.

Rhodes Old Town and Lindos are obvious examples on Rhodes, while Crete has some of Greece’s best-known archaeological attractions.

Try Water Sports

Many organised beaches offer activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking and other water sports. Availability and minimum ages vary, so check locally before promising a particular activity to children.

Explore by Car

A hire car can completely change a Greek island holiday. Instead of staying around one resort, you can find quieter beaches, traditional villages and restaurants away from the main tourist areas.

If you’re considering driving, our Travel Tips section has more practical holiday-planning advice.

Find Family Activities in Greece

Browse boat trips, sightseeing tours and family-friendly experiences across Greece before you travel.

Explore Greece Activities →

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All Inclusive vs Self Catering in Greece

Both can work extremely well for families, but they create very different holidays.

All Inclusive

All inclusive can make budgeting easier and works particularly well if your family expects to spend most days around the resort. Drinks, snacks and meals being readily available can also make life easier with younger children.

Before paying a large premium for all inclusive, however, consider whether you’ll actually be at the hotel enough to use it. Families planning several day trips may end up paying for meals they’re rarely there to eat.

Self Catering

A villa or apartment gives families more space and flexibility. Having a fridge and basic kitchen can be useful with younger children, and Greece is a destination where eating out at local tavernas can be part of the holiday rather than an inconvenience.

Self catering can be particularly attractive if you intend to hire a car and explore rather than staying inside one resort.

How Long Should You Spend in Greece?

Seven nights works well for a straightforward fly-and-flop family holiday where you’re staying on one island and mainly using one resort as your base.

10 nights gives you more breathing room and makes excursions easier to fit in without feeling that you’re sacrificing too many beach days.

14 nights is ideal if you want a slower holiday, plan to explore extensively or want to divide the trip between two areas.

For most families, we’d avoid trying to squeeze several Greek islands into a standard one-week holiday. Ferry timetables, packing, transfers and hotel changes can quickly eat into the time you thought you’d spend exploring.

Getting Around Greece as a Family

How much transport you’ll need depends heavily on the island and resort you choose.

Airport Transfers

If you’re booking a package holiday, transfers may already be included. If you’re arranging flights and accommodation separately, check the distance from the airport before booking the hotel.

A beautiful resort can look perfect online until you discover it involves a lengthy transfer after a late flight with tired children.

Car Hire

A hire car makes most sense when you actively want to explore. On larger islands such as Crete, distances can be greater than they initially appear on a map.

If you plan to spend most of the holiday at a beachfront resort and take organised excursions, hiring a car for the entire stay may be unnecessary.

Buses and Taxis

The usefulness of public transport varies significantly between islands and resort areas. Major tourist destinations generally have bus and taxi options, but don’t assume every beach or attraction will be straightforward to reach without a car.

Greece Family Holiday Costs

There isn’t a useful single figure for the cost of a family holiday to Greece because prices vary enormously according to the island, hotel standard, departure airport and school-holiday dates.

The biggest opportunities to control the budget are usually:

  • Comparing several UK departure airports if practical
  • Checking package prices against booking flights and accommodation separately
  • Comparing all inclusive with bed and breakfast or self catering
  • Booking popular family room types early
  • Checking transfer costs before choosing a remote hotel
  • Planning excursions before you arrive rather than buying everything impulsively in resort

For more ways to plan around the overall cost of a trip, visit our Budget Guides.

Practical Tips for UK Families Visiting Greece

Check Your Passport

Greece is part of the Schengen area. Passport rules for British travellers are different from simply checking the printed expiry date, so check the current requirements before travelling.

Allow Extra Time at the Border

European Entry/Exit System procedures are being introduced across the Schengen area. Processes can change, so check the latest official guidance before departure and allow appropriate time at the airport.

Take Sun Protection Seriously

The Greek summer sun can be intense, particularly in the middle of the day. Pack high-factor sunscreen, hats and plenty of water, and plan sightseeing around the heat where possible.

Check for Wildfire Advice

Wildfires can occur during the warmer months in Greece. Follow local instructions and check current official travel advice before and during your trip.

Get Suitable Travel Insurance

Make sure your policy covers your family, itinerary and any activities you’re planning rather than choosing purely on price.

Check the latest Greece travel advice on GOV.UK →

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip: Always check current official travel advice close to departure. Passport rules, border procedures and local conditions can change after you’ve booked.

Greece Family Holidays: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Greece good for family holidays?

Yes. Greece offers a large choice of beach resorts, family hotels, water activities, historic attractions and excursions. The key is choosing the island and resort area that best matches your children’s ages and the type of holiday you want.

Which Greek island is best for families?

Crete, Rhodes, Kos and Corfu are all strong family options, but for different reasons. Crete offers enormous variety, Rhodes combines beaches and sightseeing, Kos is relatively easy to explore, and Corfu combines beaches with lush scenery and attractive coves.

Is Crete or Rhodes better for families?

Crete generally offers more choice because of its size, while Rhodes can be easier to combine into a straightforward beach-and-sightseeing holiday. Your choice should depend more on the specific resort and hotel than the island name alone.

Is Greece suitable for toddlers?

It can be excellent for toddlers, particularly if you choose a hotel with a shallow pool, suitable room layout and a beach within easy walking distance. Pay particular attention to transfer times and beach type.

Is Greece good for teenagers?

Yes, particularly if you choose a resort with water sports, boat trips, water parks or plenty happening outside the hotel. Older children may appreciate a more active itinerary than spending every day around a pool.

Do we need a car in Greece?

Not necessarily. Families staying in a well-located resort and using organised excursions may not need one. A car becomes much more useful if you want to explore beaches, villages and attractions independently.

How many days are enough for a Greece family holiday?

Seven nights is enough for a simple single-resort holiday. Ten to fourteen nights gives families more time to explore while still leaving plenty of relaxed beach and pool days.

Start Planning Your Greece Family Holiday

Greece gives families an enormous amount of choice, which is both its biggest advantage and the reason planning the trip properly matters.

Start with the island. Decide whether your priority is beaches, sightseeing, activities or simply a great family resort. Then compare the areas and hotels within that island rather than choosing accommodation purely because it looks good in photographs.

Over the coming Greece guides, we’ll go deeper into Crete, Rhodes, Kos and Corfu, along with the best family hotels and things to do with children, so you’ll be able to plan each part of the holiday in much more detail.

Ready to Start Planning?

Compare accommodation first, then explore activities once you’ve narrowed down the Greek island that’s right for your family.

Compare Greece Hotels → Explore Greece Activities →

Affiliate link: We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Phuket Airport Transfers: Complete Guide for UK Travellers

Phuket airport transfers for UK travellers

Looking for the best Phuket airport transfers for your holiday? After a long flight from the UK, getting from Phuket International Airport to your hotel as easily as possible can make a big difference to the start of your trip.

You have several options, including pre-booked private transfers, taxis, shared minibuses and buses. The best choice depends on where you’re staying, how many people are travelling and whether convenience or price matters most.

This guide explains the main Phuket Airport transfer options, approximate journey times to popular resorts including Patong, Kata, Karon and Kamala, and what families should consider before booking.

If you’re still planning the rest of your holiday, start with our Phuket Family Holidays guide.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip: After a long journey to Thailand, we think a pre-booked private transfer is particularly worthwhile for families. You’ll know how you’re getting to the hotel before you land and won’t need to start comparing transport options with tired children and luggage.

Phuket Airport Transfers: Your Main Options

Phuket International Airport is in the north of the island, while many of Phuket’s most popular holiday resorts are farther south along the west coast.

That means you’ll normally need some form of onward transport after landing.

The main options are:

  • Private airport transfer – usually the easiest door-to-door option.
  • Airport taxi – convenient if you prefer arranging transport after arrival.
  • Shared minibus – potentially cheaper but may involve waiting and multiple hotel stops.
  • Phuket Smart Bus – a low-cost option serving several west-coast resort areas.
  • Car hire – useful if you want your own vehicle throughout the holiday.

For most families arriving after a long international journey, we’d compare the price of a private transfer before deciding.

Private Phuket Airport Transfers

A private Phuket airport transfer is one of the simplest ways to reach your hotel.

You book before travelling, provide your flight and accommodation details and have a vehicle reserved for your party.

Unlike a shared minibus, you won’t normally need to wait for other passengers to be dropped at different hotels before reaching yours.

Why choose a private transfer?

  • Door-to-door transport.
  • No need to negotiate transport after landing.
  • Your party travels together.
  • Useful when travelling with children.
  • More convenient with several suitcases.
  • Can be booked before leaving the UK.

Check Phuket Airport Transfer Prices

Compare and pre-book Phuket Airport transfers before you travel. Enter your accommodation and travel dates to see the available options for your trip.

Check Phuket Airport Transfers →

Affiliate link: We may earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.

Private Phuket airport transfer to a holiday resort

What Happens When You Arrive at Phuket Airport?

International passengers will first complete the usual arrival formalities and collect their luggage before entering the public arrivals area.

If you’ve pre-booked a transfer, check the instructions on your confirmation carefully. These should explain where to meet your driver or representative.

Meeting arrangements vary between providers, so don’t assume every transfer operates from exactly the same point.

Keep your booking confirmation accessible on your phone and make sure the transfer company has the correct flight number.

Phuket International Airport arrivals and transfer pickup
💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip: Screenshot your transfer confirmation before flying. That way you’ll still have the meeting instructions, booking reference and contact details available if your mobile data isn’t working immediately after landing.

Phuket Airport Transfer Times

Transfer times vary according to your resort, traffic, weather and time of day, so treat any journey time as an estimate rather than a guarantee.

As a rough planning guide:

  • Bang Tao: around 30–45 minutes.
  • Surin: around 35–50 minutes.
  • Kamala: around 45–60 minutes.
  • Patong: around 45–75 minutes.
  • Karon: around 60–90 minutes.
  • Kata: around 60–90 minutes.
  • Rawai: around 75–100 minutes.
  • Khao Lak: commonly around 75–100 minutes, depending on your hotel.

Traffic can make a significant difference, particularly when travelling through busier parts of Phuket.

Always allow considerably more time for your return journey to the airport than the theoretical driving time.

Phuket Airport to Patong Transfers

Patong is one of Phuket’s best-known resort areas and one of the most common destinations for passengers arriving at Phuket Airport.

It’s on the west coast, south of the airport, and the journey will normally take roughly 45 to 75 minutes, although traffic can push this higher.

Private transfers, taxis, shared minibuses and the Phuket Smart Bus can all be options.

If you’re travelling as a family with several cases, the convenience of being taken directly to your accommodation can make a private transfer particularly attractive.

Phuket Airport to Kata and Karon Transfers

Kata and Karon are farther south than Patong, so expect a longer journey from the airport.

A private transfer will normally take you directly to your accommodation, whereas public or shared transport can take longer because of stops along the route.

For families arriving after an overnight or long-haul journey, this is one of the routes where paying a little more for direct transport can be worthwhile.

Both Kata and Karon are also served by the Phuket Smart Bus if keeping costs down is the priority.

Phuket Airport to Kamala Transfers

Kamala is north of Patong and therefore somewhat closer to Phuket Airport than Kata and Karon.

Depending on traffic, allow approximately 45 to 60 minutes for a direct journey.

Private transfers and taxis provide the simplest door-to-door journey, while the Phuket Smart Bus also travels through Kamala.

Phuket Airport to Bang Tao Transfers

Bang Tao is one of the more convenient major resort areas for reaching from Phuket Airport because it’s in the northern half of the island.

A direct transfer may take roughly 30 to 45 minutes under normal conditions.

If you’re staying around the Laguna Phuket area, pre-booked transfers can be especially straightforward because your driver can take you directly to your individual hotel rather than leaving you at a central transport stop.

Phuket Airport to Khao Lak Transfers

Although Khao Lak isn’t on Phuket Island, Phuket International Airport is the main arrival airport for many Khao Lak holidays.

Instead of heading south into Phuket, you’ll travel north from the airport and continue into Phang Nga province.

The journey commonly takes around 75 to 100 minutes, but the exact time depends on the location of your Khao Lak hotel and traffic conditions.

For a family staying in Khao Lak without hiring a car, a pre-booked airport transfer is one of the easiest options.

We’ve covered the destination itself in our Khao Lak with Kids guide and our Best Family Hotels in Khao Lak guide.

Phuket Airport Taxis

Taxis are available at Phuket Airport and provide another straightforward way to reach your hotel.

The advantage is flexibility: you don’t necessarily need to arrange everything before leaving the UK.

The downside is that after a long flight you’ll be organising transport when you arrive rather than knowing it’s already booked.

For couples and independent travellers, that may not be an issue. For families travelling with children, luggage and possibly a pushchair, we prefer having the onward journey arranged beforehand.

If using an airport taxi service, confirm the fare and destination arrangements before beginning your journey.

Shared Minibus Transfers from Phuket Airport

Shared minibuses can offer a middle ground between public transport and a private vehicle.

They’re usually cheaper than having a vehicle entirely to yourself, but the trade-off is convenience.

You may need to wait for other passengers, and the vehicle can make several stops before reaching your hotel.

That means a journey that looks relatively short on a map can take considerably longer.

Shared transfers may suit:

  • Solo travellers.
  • Couples travelling light.
  • Visitors prioritising price over speed.

Private transfers may suit:

  • Families with young children.
  • Larger groups.
  • Travellers with several suitcases.
  • Late arrivals.
  • Anyone who wants the simplest door-to-door journey.

Phuket Smart Bus from the Airport

For travellers looking for a low-cost option, the Phuket Smart Bus connects the airport with several popular west-coast areas.

The airport currently lists stops along the route including Surin Beach, Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata and Rawai.

This can be excellent value if you’re travelling light and your accommodation is convenient for a bus stop.

However, it isn’t door-to-door. Once you leave the bus, you may still need to walk or arrange another short journey to your accommodation.

For a family carrying several large cases, we’d weigh the saving against the extra effort after a long flight.

Check current Phuket Airport transport options →

Private Transfer vs Taxi vs Bus

Option Best For Main Advantage Main Drawback
Private transfer Families and groups Pre-booked door-to-door journey Usually costs more than public transport
Taxi Flexible travellers Convenient and direct Arranged after arrival unless pre-booked
Shared minibus Budget-conscious travellers Potentially lower cost Waiting and multiple stops
Smart Bus Independent travellers Low-cost option Not door-to-door

Phuket Airport Transfers with Children

Families have slightly different priorities when choosing an airport transfer.

Child Seats

If you need a baby seat, child seat or booster, check whether one can be requested when booking and whether there is an additional charge.

Don’t assume a suitable seat will automatically be supplied.

Luggage Space

Make sure the vehicle is large enough for both your passengers and luggage.

A family of four with four large suitcases and a pushchair can require considerably more room than the passenger count alone suggests.

Flight Delays

Check what your transfer provider asks you to do if the flight is delayed and make sure you’ve supplied the correct flight number.

Late Arrivals

A pre-arranged transfer can be particularly convenient when your flight lands late because you don’t need to start working out the onward journey after arrival.

💡 Holiday Blueprint Tip: When booking for a family, enter the correct number of passengers and don’t underestimate your luggage. If you’re taking a pushchair, large suitcases or golf equipment, check that the selected vehicle has enough space.

Should You Hire a Car Instead?

If you’re planning to explore Phuket extensively, collecting a rental car can remove the need for a separate airport transfer altogether.

This makes most sense if you actually intend to use the car throughout the holiday.

If you’re staying mainly at one resort and taking organised excursions, paying for a rental vehicle to sit outside the hotel may not make sense.

We’ve created a separate Car Hire Thailand guide covering rental cars, UK licence requirements, International Driving Permits, insurance and driving conditions.

How to Choose a Phuket Airport Transfer

Before booking, check more than the headline price.

Look at:

  • Whether the transfer is private or shared.
  • Whether the price is per vehicle or per passenger.
  • Vehicle size.
  • Luggage allowance.
  • Child-seat availability.
  • Where you’ll meet the driver.
  • What happens if your flight is delayed.
  • Cancellation terms.
  • Whether the transfer goes directly to your accommodation.

Check all booking conditions for your particular transfer rather than assuming they’re the same across every provider.

Booking Your Return Transfer to Phuket Airport

Don’t forget the journey back.

Your return transfer needs more planning because missing an outbound transfer to the hotel is inconvenient; missing your flight home is considerably worse.

Allow for:

  • Traffic.
  • Hotel pickup stops if using shared transport.
  • Airline check-in time.
  • Security and immigration.
  • Unexpected delays.

Follow the pickup time recommended by your transfer provider or tour operator rather than working backwards from the normal driving time alone.

Phuket airport transfers to beach resorts

How to Save Money on Phuket Airport Transfers

Compare Before You Travel

Don’t assume the cheapest transport will automatically be available when you land. Compare your options before leaving the UK.

Compare the Whole Party Price

When travelling as a family or group, compare the total cost rather than simply looking at a per-person price.

Consider Public Transport

If you’re travelling light and staying near the Smart Bus route, public transport can reduce the cost considerably.

Don’t Pay for Convenience You Don’t Need

Solo travellers arriving during the day may be perfectly happy using a bus or shared minibus. A family arriving late with several cases may value a private vehicle much more.

Compare Phuket Airport Transfers

Check transfer options for your travel dates and accommodation before deciding which works best for your trip.

Check Phuket Airport Transfer Options →

Affiliate link: We may earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.

Phuket Airport Transfers FAQs

What is the best way to get from Phuket Airport to my hotel?

For convenience, a pre-booked private transfer is one of the easiest options because it takes you directly to your accommodation. Taxis, shared minibuses and public buses can also be suitable depending on your budget and destination.

How long is the transfer from Phuket Airport to Patong?

As a rough guide, allow around 45 to 75 minutes for a direct journey, although traffic can increase this considerably.

How long is the transfer from Phuket Airport to Kata?

A direct transfer to Kata will commonly take around 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic and the exact location of your accommodation.

How long is the transfer from Phuket Airport to Karon?

Allow roughly 60 to 90 minutes for a direct journey under normal conditions, but always allow for traffic delays.

How long is Phuket Airport to Khao Lak?

Many Khao Lak hotels are roughly 75 to 100 minutes from Phuket Airport by road, although journey times vary depending on the resort and traffic.

Can I get a bus from Phuket Airport?

Yes. Phuket Airport lists public transport options including the Phuket Smart Bus, which serves several popular west-coast areas including Kamala, Patong, Karon and Kata.

Should I pre-book my Phuket Airport transfer?

You don’t have to, but pre-booking can be particularly useful for families because your onward transport is arranged before you arrive.

Can I book a child seat for a Phuket Airport transfer?

This depends on the transfer provider and vehicle. Check when booking and request any required child seat in advance rather than assuming one will be available.

Are private Phuket Airport transfers worth it?

They can be particularly useful for families, groups and travellers with a lot of luggage because they provide a direct journey without the multiple hotel stops associated with some shared transfers.

Which Phuket Airport Transfer Should You Choose?

There’s no single transport option that suits every traveller.

For a family arriving from the UK with children and several suitcases, we’d usually start by comparing a pre-booked private transfer. The convenience of having the journey arranged before you land can be worth paying a little more for.

If keeping costs as low as possible is the priority, the Smart Bus and shared transport options are worth considering, particularly if you’re travelling light.

Whichever you choose, check the transfer conditions, luggage allowance and pickup instructions before travelling and leave plenty of time for the return journey to Phuket Airport.

Continue planning with our Phuket Family Holidays, Best Family Hotels in Phuket and Thailand with Kids guides.

Transfer routes, schedules, journey times and booking conditions can change. Check the latest information with your transport provider before travelling.