Best family resorts in Greece: hotels for a fun-filled holiday

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What we like

• Has its own waterpark
• Family rooms
• Great selection of pools
• Excellent choice of activities for children
• Within easy distance of the main attractions in Rhodes

What we don't like

• A la carte restaurants get booked up quickly
• Varying opinions on the evening entertainment
• Pebbly beach

What Mumsnet users say

“Loved it! So much so that we are heading there again in July! Lovely food, amazing water park. Lovely pools, great swim-up bar.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user FoodieToo)

Our verdict

Set against a rocky backdrop and overlooking the Mediterranean, the Atlantica Aegean Blue sits right on Kolymbia beach. With calm, shallow waters, it’s the perfect spot for kids to safely play in and there’s a good choice of water sports available on the beach too.

That said, you may have trouble getting the kids to the beach with all the fun the hotel has to offer. Boasting its own water park and four swimming pools including a heated baby pool and an infinity pool with a swim-up bar, there’s also a mini football pitch, beach volleyball, table tennis and a programme of evening and daily entertainment, including kids’ clubs and a chill-out zone for teens.

There’s a good choice of family rooms, some with swim-up options, which feature a partition so you and the kids can enjoy a bit of privacy. There’s an all-inclusive option and a choice of nine bars and restaurants to eat in including a kids’ pool bar, which guests loved.

A bus service outside the hotel will take you to Rhodes Town, Lindos and Faliraki. Or you can rent a car and go exploring.

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What we like

• Close to Rhodes city and Faliraki
• Great beachside location with gorgeous green surrounds
• Friendly staff
• Large pool area

What we don't like

• No other restaurants or bars close by
• You have to pay for WiFi

What Mumsnet users say

“Has a massive pool, lots of greenery and its own little beach. I still cannot believe I was able to afford such a swanky hotel (to me) on my little holiday budget.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user RedRec)

Our verdict 

Right next to its own private beach and surrounded by lush gardens, this great value hotel ticks lots of boxes.

It’s well-geared towards children, offering family rooms sleeping up to four people, a children’s menu, playground, kids’ pool and mini golf. There’s no kids’ club, but a well-oiled programme of sports activities for all ages are run by the pool in the mornings if you’re in need of a little distraction. After that, there's tennis and volleyball on the dedicated courts, plus a programme of family-friendly evening entertainment.

The hotel is based in Kalithea, around a 10-minute taxi ride to the medieval city of Rhodes in one direction and the bars and beaches of Faliraki in the other. Kalithea itself is home to thermal water springs, and you can visit the art-deco spa and the picturesque bay that surrounds it. One niggle for some guests was the lack of nearby bars and restaurants - a 20 minute walk away - which may be a consideration if you have little ones.

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What we like

• Beautiful location featuring spectacular views
• Excellent range of children’s activities, facilities and services
• Crete is a great destination for a family holiday

What we don't like

• Some north-facing rooms don’t get the sun
• Additional charge to heat your private pool
• Isolated from other bars and restaurants, but guest say the resort restaurants are excellent

What Mumsnet users say

“If money is not an issue then Daois Cove in Crete is AMAZING! Private pools in each apartment as well as shared, kids’ club, amazing restaurants (also healthy kids’ menu instead of chicken nuggets.) Very luxurious.”  (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Notcool1984)

Our verdict 

Luxury is very much the name of the game here. The majority of rooms in this five-star resort built into a rocky bay boast their own pool and offer spectacular views of the cove. If you ever leave your room, it might be to lay in the resort's heated infinity pool or sunbathe on the private beach with its clear turquoise waters.

And if you want to visit the spa or make inroads into your novel, there’s a creche for the under-fours, a kids’ club and organised activities for teens. On top of that, there’s a playground, children’s menus and a babysitting service. Come nightfall, teens and tweens will love hanging out in the games room with its table tennis, pool table and Wii and PS4s.

This luxury resort also takes the crown for the best all-inclusive resort in Greece for families. It’s available for suite or villa stays and includes 24-hour room service, signature cocktails and unlimited ice creams and drinks for the kids.

The resort is situated just over 7km from Agios Nikolaos, which has plenty of shops and restaurants, or head further north to Elounda for fresh fish at the tavernas. 

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What we like

• Great choice of activities 
• Interconnecting rooms available - ideal for teenagers
• All equipment is provided
• A short walk to local bars and restaurants

What we don't like

• Built on a hill so there are lots of steps
• Not as suitable for younger children

What Mumsnet users say

“We had a great time there. Evening entertainment is low key and you can opt in/out of everything as it suits you. For us it was the perfect balance of everyone having the freedom to join in or not as they wished.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Sleepyoto)

Our verdict

For sporty families or those with restless teenagers, this Neilson resort offers cycling, tennis, paddle boarding and a whole range of water sports, plus a gym, CrossFit area, yoga and spin classes.

Cyclists in particular will like this area for the plethora of rocky tracks, valleys and coastal tracks to navigate. There are routes suitable for all abilities, whether you’re a stop-to-admire-the-views kind of family or live to tackle big climbs.

Instead of kids’ clubs, there’s a focus on family activities. Children aged eight and over take part in family sessions, while teenagers can join the adult classes.

Away from the organised activities, there are two pools including a kids’ pool, a sandy beach with warm, shallow water and stunning views from the rooms and hilltop restaurant. It's just a 10-minute walk to the village of Sivota, with its charming harbourfront.

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What we like

• Excellent children’s facilities and services
• Friendly and attentive staff
• Children under 12 stay free at Sani Club or Sani Beach

What we don't like

• Kids’ club can get booked up
• Mumsnet users found the restaurants expensive

What Mumsnet users say

“The Sani Resort is absolutely amazing, absolutely everything you could wish for in a holiday with small children. Warm splash pools, loads of toys on the beach, childcare at meal times and the most accommodating staff. Even the beach is super child-friendly because it’s shallow for ages! Food is fantastic and loads of variety.” (Reviewed by Mumsnet user Doublechocolatetiffin)

Our verdict

The Sani Resort is recommended time and time again by Mumsnet users thanks to its amazing child facilities and luxurious vibe. It’s also the first carbon neutral resort in Greece and runs on 100% renewable energy.

It’s a vast resort set on a private nature reserve, with five hotels in total and seven private Blue Flag beaches, where you can sun and swim by day and enjoy a cocktail and beach party at night. A nice touch is the complimentary 30-minute beach ‘Babewatch’ service, allowing you to go off for a swim knowing your little ones are being well looked after.

There’s a dizzying array of activities on offer for kids of all ages, from scuba diving and DJ classes to the Bear Grylls Survival Academy and bird watching in the Sani wetlands.

There’s a creche, kids’ club for children aged between four and 12, and a teen club as well. Top tip from the Mumsnet users? Reserve your childcare in advance as it does get booked up. 

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What we like

• Peaceful location right next to the sea, offering incredible views
• Wonderful hospitality and excellent breakfast
• Aegina is perfect for a laidback holiday

What we don't like

• Some people might not like the rocky beach

What Mumsnet users say

“100% perfection… It’s a really relaxed place. Super accommodating, lovely people. Pool is glorious.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user WhatofLife)

Our verdict

A charming family-run hotel with a good choice of rooms, all with a sea view. There’s a saltwater swimming pool or hop over to the beach, where kids can safely snorkel and spot the local marine life.

Entertainment and activities here are low-key - there’s a weekly beach BBQ, an outside chess board, small playground and beach volleyball. The hotel can also arrange horseback riding. There’s no kids’ club or organised activities, so it’s perfect for families who prefer to do their own thing.

Guests really rate the hospitality of the hosts and the incredible views at night. The sun rising over the mainland and the twinkling night lights of Athens make for magical holiday moments.

Aegina is one of the smaller islands and is largely untouched. Rent bikes or cars near the hotel and set off to find a secluded beach or a delicious lunch at a seaside tavern. Take a horse-drawn carriage around the Old Town or explore the many impressive ancient sites and ruins.

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What we like

• Fantastic location close to major attractions 
• Unbeatable views
• Free WiFi

What we don't like

• Access is up quite a steep hill so might not be suitable for buggies or people with mobility issues
• Some rooms are on the small side

What Mumsnet users say

“The views were fabulous and the Kolonaki area is great.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Zodlebud)

Our verdict

A dual-destination break is a great way to combine a beach holiday with a bit of culture and city glamour. And with its incredible views over Athens, the Acropolis and the Saronic Gulf, this hotel doesn’t disappoint. 

Family-friendly activities such as the Sunday Family Brunch, free kids’ films in the 30-seat screening room and a chaperoned playroom will keep younger guests entertained, but the jewel in its crown is the rooftop pool where the kids can splash about while you sip a cocktail and admire the panoramic view.

The hotel is situated in the heart of Kolonaki, an upmarket district full of boutique shops, bars and restaurants. Just around the corner, hop on the funicular for a fun way to reach the top of  Lycabettus Hill for even more amazing views. The hotel is also within walking distance of kid-friendly attractions such as the National Garden and the changing of the guard at Syntagma Square.

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What we like

• Peaceful island to get away from it all
• Spacious rooms and comfortable beds
• Great location to explore the island

What we don't like

• Older children may find the location too quiet

What Mumsnet users say

“About an hour’s boat ride from Athens. Amazing island, not very touristy, great food, beaches, archaeological sites, hiking… and the hotel is gorgeous.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user countrypunk)

Our verdict

Just a few steps away from the long beach of Korissia and within walking distance of two others, this hotel offers seriously special beach time. 

The suites are spacious and tastefully decorated and offer either a garden or a sea view. 

There’s no kids’ club, but guests loved the large, clean pool overlooking the sea. And there’s a tennis court and football pitch too.

Relatively uncharted by UK tourists, Kea is a popular weekend destination with many Athenians thanks to its traditional villages, beautiful hidden beaches and wild flowers. Hiking is very popular in Kea and there are plenty of great routes which take in the many archaeological sites, beautiful countryside and chapels on the island.

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What we like

• Clean resort with a great infrastructure
• Great all-inclusive option
• Great pool options
• Close to Kardamena and its restaurants

What we don't like

• Very busy hotel, so if you’re after peace and quiet, it’s not for you
• Some guests found the evening entertainment repetitive and non-inspiring

What Mumsnet users say

“They are always very clean and amazing hotels. The Blue Dome in Kos is our favourite.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user superstar84)

“It's an amazing holiday, no issue for us with sun beds at all and fantastic kids’ club and teenage club.”  (Reviewed by Mumsnet user Tiredsahm84)

Our verdict

Mitsis resorts are a Mumsnet users’ favourite and this hotel in Kos is a great choice for families with older kids thanks to its location. It's a short taxi ride to Kardamena, a lively resort with nice restaurants. And further afield, Kos is a great choice for families as there’s plenty to do to keep kids entertained - great beaches, two waterparks and the buzz and ancient ruins of Kos Town.

Blue Domes has 10 outdoor pools, waterslides and a Blue Flag beach with crystal clear waters. There are kids’ clubs for children aged four right up to teens as well as darts, pool tables, a games and internet room and a range of water sports available at the beach.

The rooms are clean and spacious and offer options including sea views and private pools. You can opt for all-inclusive and take your pick from 11 restaurants to eat at. Guests loved the choice and quality of the food, which includes a traditional pita station. The beachside a la carte restaurants tend to get booked up quickly, which may be a problem if you’re only there for a short stay, so make sure to pre-book before you arrive.

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What we like

• Great location on the edge of Naxos Town, next to the beach and tavernas
• Beautiful gardens
• Close to gorgeous sandy beaches and clear waters
• Naxos is a great location for water sports, especially windsurfing and kite surfing

What we don't like

• Some reviewers said the pool wasn’t geared to younger kids
• Patchy WiFi in the rooms
• Some rooms are on the small side

Our verdict

Built in the traditional Cycladic style, the Galaxy Hotel has recently been renovated and is set in lush gardens a few steps away from the sandy beach and turquoise waters of Agios Georgios. 

The focus here is on relaxation, so there are no kids’ clubs or evening entertainment, but children will love the pool overlooking the sea and there’s plenty of water activities close by on the beach including banana boats, waterskiing, sailing and windsurfing. The hotel can also arrange horse riding and offers a babysitting service too.

Guests loved the fabulous beachside location, just a 10-minute walk into the centre of Naxos Town, with a selection of tavernas close by. The hotel itself is very quiet, so ideal if you want a bit of down time.

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What we like

• Right next to a sandy beach with shallow waters
• Great location near to Skiathos Town with plenty of restaurants and tavernas within walking distance
• Top-notch service and excellent food, including fresh fish at the beachside restaurant

What we don't like

• Some guests complained about the uncomfortable beds and pillows

What Mumsnet users say

“There’s one island we keep going back to and that’s Skiathos. There’s just something otherworldly about the light and the sparkly blue of the sea. It’s small enough to feel like an island, sophisticated enough to have great bars and restaurants. Plus beaches that look like the Carribean.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Hobbesmanc)

Our verdict

Skiathos is a favourite destination of many Mumsnet users and this hotel is the ideal base to enjoy the island. Situated right on the spectacular Agia Paraskevi, with its shallow waters, it’s the perfect spot for children to play in. The hotel provides loungers, towels and umbrellas at no extra cost and there’s water sports for older kids too.

It’s an older hotel, and guests noted it felt a little shabby in places, but they loved it for its amazing location, gorgeous view and peaceful atmosphere. Hop on a bus right outside the hotel to Skiathos Town for its charming harbour and cobbled streets.   

The resort is entirely family-friendly and offers a creche and kids’ club for children up to 12 years old, plus children’s menus, kids’ pool, entertainment and babysitting.

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What we like

• Stunning beachside hotel close to lots of bars and restaurants
• Central location and easy bus links to attractions such as Fira 
• Complimentary tea and coffee all day

What we don't like

• Some rooms are on the small side

What Mumsnet users say

“Kamari has a wonderful family-friendly atmosphere, a pedestrian beach-front walkway, and plenty of good restaurants (but not really any great ones).” (Location reviewed by Mumsnet user Fivemoreminutes1)

Our verdict

Santorini could vie for the title of most stunning Greek island, but it can get busy in summer, and the black sands aren’t for everyone.

However, this family-friendly boutique hotel in Kamari makes for a great base if you’re visiting the island with kids. It's right on the beach with spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs and there’s an attractive pool area too. You can wander around their private vineyard and help yourself to the grapes and figs that grow there.

The rooms are clean and comfortable and have been designed with children in mind, with a pop art design and bright colours. They can also provide any extras you might need, such as bottle warmers. 

Kamari is a bustling beach resort filled with hip boutiques, cafes and fish tavernas. Guests loved the central location of the hotel. It’s right on the beach and there are plenty of seafront bars and restaurants.