7 Lesser Known Greek Islands for Families
Santorini, Mykonos and Crete get most of the attention, but plenty of quieter islands suit families just as well. Below are seven lesser known Greek islands, with why each is worth a look, how to get there, what to do and where to base yourself. If you are still choosing between the big names, start with our 10 best Greek islands guide.
Naxos
Why go: Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and a good fit for families with young children. The south-west beaches of Plaka, Agios Prokopios and Kastraki are long stretches of fine sand with shallow water, according to Aegean Blueprint.
Getting there: There is a small domestic airport, and ferries run from Piraeus. Ferryhopper lists the fastest Piraeus crossing at about 3 hours 10 minutes, with fares from around 42 euros per adult. Children aged 5 to 10 can get discounts on some ferries, and toddlers up to 4 normally travel free.
What to do: Walk up to the Venetian castle in Naxos Town, see the Portara gateway at sunset, take a day drive through the marble villages of Halki and Apeiranthos, and spend the rest on the beach.
Where to base yourself: Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna have walkable strips of apartments, family hotels and tavernas by the sand. Aegean Blueprint suggests avoiding the old town with a pushchair because of the stairs and cobbles.
Good to know: The summer meltemi wind can make west coast beaches choppy in July and August. May, June and September are the calmer months.
Antiparos
Why go: A small, quiet island a short ferry ride from Paros. The Boujist describes it as having no chain hotels, very few cars and a main village you can walk end to end in ten minutes.
Getting there: Fly or take the ferry to Paros, then cross by short ferry.
What to do: Beach days and boat trips rather than a packed programme.
Where to base yourself: The main village, so everything is on foot. The trade-off is fewer restaurants and almost no nightlife, so it suits families who want to slow down.
Lefkada
Why go: One of the lesser known Ionian islands, with some of the most striking beaches in Greece, including Porto Katsiki with its white cliffs.
Getting there: Lefkada is joined to the mainland by a causeway, so you can drive on with no ferry. Jayne Gorman's family guide describes it as an easy 30 minute drive from Preveza airport.
What to do: Visit Porto Katsiki and Kathisma. Calmer east coast bays such as Nikiana and Mikros Gialos can suit younger children better than the exposed west coast. Take a taxi boat from Agios Nikitas to Milos Beach.
Where to base yourself: Lefkada Town for restaurants and the promenade, Nidri for a holiday feel and boat trips, Vasiliki for the south. Hire a car and plan one area a day, as the roads are narrow and winding in parts.
If you like the Ionian Islands, see our Kefalonia guide and Corfu guide.
Ithaca
Why go: Kefalonia's quiet neighbour and the legendary home of Odysseus. It is small, calm and good for a slower trip.
Getting there: Fly to Kefalonia and take the short ferry from Sami. Omio lists crossings of 20 to 30 minutes, with vehicles carried, though sailings vary by day.
What to do: Stroll the waterfront at Vathy, visit the harbour village of Kioni, and see the sites linked to Odysseus such as the School of Homer ruins.
Where to base yourself: Vathy for the most services, or Kioni for a quieter harbour setting. Local buses are limited, so check timetables.
Skopelos
Why go: A green island in the Sporades, described by In Love with Greece as equally lovely to Skiathos but less crowded, with a picture-perfect main town and a Venetian fortress. Parts of Mamma Mia were filmed here.
Getting there: Ferry from Volos or from Skiathos. Day-trip timings can be awkward outside high season, so check schedules.
What to do: Explore Skopelos Town, visit Agios Ioannis church on its rock, and swim from the pine-backed beaches.
Where to base yourself: Skopelos Town. Combine it with Skiathos using our Skiathos review.
Sifnos
Why go: A small, relaxed Cyclades island known for pottery, car-free village centres and sandy beaches.
Getting there: Ferry from Piraeus. Sources give about 2.5 to 3 hours on high-speed boats and 5 to 6 hours on slower ones.
What to do: Walk between Apollonia, Artemonas and the hilltop village of Kastro, and buy local pottery.
Where to base yourself: Kamares has a big sandy beach next to the port, which keeps logistics simple with children.
Samos
Why go: Jayne Gorman calls it one of the least touristy islands her family has visited: beautiful but unshowy, with everything you need.
Getting there: It has its own airport.
What to do: Warm, gentle water at Psili Ammos, the fishing village of Kokkari and the waterfront at Pythagorio.
Where to base yourself: Pythagorio is the most popular resort, with a harbour, restaurants and a children's play park by the waterfront.
How to choose
If you want | Try |
Easy sandy beaches for toddlers | Naxos |
Peace and simplicity | Antiparos |
Dramatic scenery with no ferry | Lefkada |
A slow, short hop from Kefalonia | Ithaca |
Green hills, a pretty town and island hopping | Skopelos |
Villages, pottery and walking | Sifnos |
Unshowy and authentic | Samos |
Before you book
Check ferry timetables close to your dates, as sailings change by season.
Book ferries early in July and August.
Read recent reviews for your dates and check the distance from hotel to beach.
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