I’d love to be island hopping in Greece right now and it’s one of the countries we often talked about visiting when we were living in Germany. If you’re planning a European vacation or a trip to just Greece, make sure you stop in these cities. 


Greece is a country of two halves. There’s the mainland, which hugs the southern edge of continental Europe. Then, as if flung by some huge hand in the direction of Turkey, there are several thousand islands, scattered across the sea. Your family holidays to Greece would be incomplete without the inclusion of some of these straying chunks of land. Those stratified whitewashed houses with blue rooftops on the postcards, the canyon that bites deep into the landscape at Samaria Gorge, Phaestos Palace, home of the Minotaur; many unmissable landmarks and experiences are, in fact, on the islands. Here are some of the best:

 

Crete

EPSON DSC Picture

The largest of the Greek islands and a hot contender for the star destination of the Aegean Sea, Crete has a roster of claims to fame. This former seat of Minoan civilization enjoys 300 days a year of sunshine. Its core of mountains and plunging valleys tapers into sparkling white beaches and the smaller islands which spatter its coastline. Strike out for Lake Kournas, a forty minute inland drive from Chania, and Crete’s only freshwater lake. Take the kids out on its surface on a pedalo, and don’t tell them about the possibility of spotting the turtles and whisking yellow carp, keep it a surprise for guaranteed gasps of delight. From here, for a peaceful coastline excursion, make your way to nearby Marathi beach, flip open a sun lounger and don’t move until the thought of munching freshly caught fish in the local taverna becomes too enticing to ignore.

 

Santorini

santorini

Perhaps Greece’s most ubiquitous postcard image, the volcanic island of Santorini is that place, with its white buildings, blue rooftops and weaving streets. Reached in an hour by plane from Athens, this breezy (quite literally) haven is perfect for families seeking peace and respite, as well as the many loved up couples who choose to visit. Don’t limit yourself to the Kodak-moment towns of Fira and Oia. Hire a car or quadbike and explore the rugged inland, or take the bus to Perissa’s impeccable black beach.

 

Mykonos

mykonos

A great base for further exploration of the Cyclades, this party island has a reputation as the Ibiza of Greece, becoming crowded with clubbers, particularly in July and August. The best time to visit is in late-spring or autumn, when crowds disperse a little but the weather is still friendly. Trek the winding streets and visit its many boutiques, or play a game of spot the pelican; the island has been famous for these giant birds ever since a local fisherman nursed one back to health in the 50s and Petros the Pelican was adopted as the island’s mascot.

 

Rhodes

rhodes

Located in the eastern Aegean, Rhodes is worth the hop; with its medieval history and ancient colossus earning it World Heritage recognition. Its size demands that you hire a car or taxi to explore its many sights to the fullest, and making it easy to take the kids out to places like Seven Springs, the Valley of the Butterflies and the Ostrich farm. Stay for at least a couple of nights in the medieval Old Town to the east of the island; and learn about the Knights Hospitaller who built this impressive citadel.

Greece is full of spectacular, diverse moments that will thrill the kids. Hand-feeding turtles, ocean that’s bluer than blue, playing at knights and dragons; hopping the Greek islands will give them memories of a childhood holiday that they’ll will cherish for the rest of their lives.

 

Images by Okko Pyykkö, Edward Dalmulder, Global Jet and Joe Ross used under creative commons license.