Best Beaches in Greece for Families
September 6, 2024
Visiting Greece should be on the bucket list of every beach lover. There aren’t many places in the world which boast such luscious stretches of sand and sea, featuring numerous inhabited islands and miles of coastline to choose from. For those wanting to pick a place suited to younger swimmers, filled with a warm, friendly atmosphere, here are our top six choices for the best beaches in Greece for families.
Elafonisi Beach, Crete
This dreamy destination in Crete consists of pink-tinged sand and sparkling water, and makes for a fabulous family day out. Listed as one of the best beaches in the world it sees hundreds of tourists visit each year, all keen to enjoy the sun and scenery. Across from the main beach, the unique Elafonisi islet is accessible by a small, sand bridge when the tide is out (otherwise requiring a wade through the shallow waters when the tide is further in). This is a glorious place to explore, away from the crowds, where nature abounds, and you might even be lucky enough to spot one of the rare Loggerhead turtles. Whilst it can get very busy in the summer, the beach is breathtakingly beautiful and well worth a visit, especially if you’re considering an off-season holiday when there are less tourists around. The famous pink sand is often a big hit with little ones, comprising of crushed seashells, and is a fantastical sight for visitors of all ages. It is worth noting that there are limited facilities here and this is a spot that might be a better fit for families visiting in the “shoulder seasons” of Spring and Autumn. During these months, temperatures are still perfectly suited to lounging on a beach but visitors can enjoy it without having to share it with the masses. Elafonisi beach is by far one of the best beaches to visit for families, especially in low season, for a quieter, more relaxing visit.
Elafonisi Beach
Falassarna Beach, Crete
Located on the western coast of Crete, Fallassarna beach is renowned for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters. It is an ideal choice for families as the beach itself is refreshingly organised and there is plenty of space to spread out. For a spot of culture, you can visit the archaeological site of ancient Falassarna. If you prefer to relax and play, the beach is a family friendly haven. It is worth noting that it can sometimes get windy, which can create bigger waves, so stay alert to weather changes. Being on the west side also means that you get to experience the most magical sunsets, and you are further from the hustle and bustle of Chania, so you can enjoy a more relaxed way of life.
Pefki Beach, Rhodes
Pefki , or Pefkos, beach, with a mixture of small pebbles and sand which extend into refreshing waters, offers the textbook setting for a lazy day by the sea. Pefki beach is home to plenty of resorts so the area is filled with tavernas, as well as a few shops, perfect for a full-day of sun-bathing and indulging in delicious local cuisine. The restaurants, located both on the beach and nearby, serve fresh seafood in addition to plenty of other tasty options with lots of choice, even for the fussiest of eaters. Umbrellas for shade are available to hire for around €20, with the option to pay more for those closest to the sea.
Pefki (Pefkos) Beach, Greece
Lindos Beach, Rhodes
Lindos beach is an absolute staple when pondering which Greek beaches to explore, and is perfect for families visiting Rhodes. Renowned for its clear, still waters, this beach is ideal for little ones, and is protected by outstretching rocks preventing bigger waves. The water itself is shallow, with minimal seaweed and, like Pefki, sunbeds are similarly priced at around €20. Nearby, restaurants, facilities and shops allow for everything one might need when committing to a day in the sun, and food is reasonably priced. The only thing to keep in mind is that, due to the large volumes of boats sailing past, it can at times be tricky to swim further out, but for those wanting to paddle with children and enjoy only a little dip in calmer waters, it is perfect.
Lindos Beach, Greece
Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos
Known for its fine, white sand and picturesque scenery, Koukounaries beach is surrounded by pine trees and greenery which combine to create a sense of remote natural beauty. Hop on a bus and follow the Skiathos bus route to end up at this spot, with umbrellas for hire and food and drink available to buy. While at times it can get busy, with tactful timing (arriving a little earlier in the day or outside of peak season) this beach is ideal for families. The area is protected by a nature reserve, which is unmatched for photo opportunities, and for families who enjoy a breath-taking backdrop and being immersed in native flora.
Koukounaries Beach, Greece
Firiplaka Beach, Milos
Finally, labelled as the beach to go to, Firiplaka boasts crystalline waters and a soft reef underfoot, perfect for small children. The water, which is especially shallow, is good for those who aren’t the strongest of swimmers, and the small rock pools provide ample entertainment in spotting, or snorkelling with, the little fish which make their home there. This beach is one of the more popular in Milos so, as is usually the case, it is worth arriving a little earlier to ensure a good spot to enjoy for the day. We recommend that you take food and drink for the day as there are limited facilities. There are also no sun beds so be sure to pack towels for everyone to sit on! For families keen to picnic in style and warmth, and paddle with small children, Firiplaka is ideal. You can reach the beach by bus or car, though you need to do a short walk away from the carpark to the shore itself.
Firiplaka Beach, Milos, Greece
No matter the season or size of your group, there is something for everyone on these idyllic Greek beaches. Whether you’re looking for a quiet stretch for younger families, or a buzzing beach packed with things to do and plenty of options for children of all ages, there will be somewhere that ticks all the boxes.
If you need any guidance on where to stay with your family, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We have lots of villas that are particularly suitable for families with children, and some which are best avoided when travelling with very little ones. We are here to help you choose the right property for you so just get in touch and we can talk you through the options to find your dream holiday villa in Greece.
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Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned in our blogs. This information is gathered from client and staff experiences and feedback and we are happy to share as a helpful guide. We do not vouch for or recommend any service or establishment.