2025: 10 Truly Affordable Greek Islands for Families

2025: 10 Truly Affordable Greek Islands for Families


Affordable Greek island family holiday in 2025? Here are 10 proven, truly accessible islands and my honest tips to protect your budget.

Is the 2025 summer holiday just around the corner, and are you thinking of planning a route through the Greek islands that's both budget-friendly and promises fun for the whole family?

Perhaps you've started to think that an affordable family holiday on the Greek islands is now just a sweet dream. The post-pandemic price hikes, the general cost of living, and the ever-changing exchange rates are well-known... In such circumstances, planning a budget-friendly Greek island getaway with the family has become more challenging than before. But don't worry, it's not impossible! Cooling off in the famous turquoise waters of the Aegean with the kids, enjoying the sun on the beach, and experiencing all this on a budget that "won't break the bank" is still achievable. In this article, specifically for families dreaming this dream, I'm sharing 10 Greek islands distilled from my years of travel notes, islands I've found to be "truly accessible."

As you know, travelling every nook and cranny of Europe and sharing my experiences has become a passion for me. Sometimes hitting the road with my backpack, sometimes accompanied by the joyful laughter of children, and other times discovering new routes on the deck of a ferry – I've compiled everything I've learned in this guide for you.

So, what won't you find in this list? Resorts promising extravagant luxury, glossy brochures that don't reflect reality, or places with price tags that will make you postpone your holiday dreams – none of that is on this list!

What will you find? 10 wonderful Greek islands that are easily accessible from within Europe, especially comfortable for families with children, will embrace you with their friendly atmosphere, and where you'll get value for every penny spent – islands that stand out for their price/performance balance.

So, which Greek islands should you visit with your family in 2025? Which islands are more suitable for a holiday with children and genuinely offer budget-friendly options? Are you ready to find the most current and sincere answers to all these questions?

What Were Our Selection Criteria?

  • Easy access from Europe (Direct flights or short ferry journeys)
  • Shallow and sandy beaches where children can play safely
  • Reasonably priced accommodation options (Aparthotels, family guesthouses, or small family-run businesses)
  • The opportunity to ease the budget further by shopping at local markets and preparing your own picnics

Now, let's start planning a down-to-earth, enjoyable, and heartfelt Greek island holiday for the summer of 2025 together, leaving no room for "what ifs"! So, without further ado, let's embark on a journey to those 10 islands that I personally experienced and that have found a special place in my heart for the summer of 2025:

2025’s Most Economical and Family-Friendly: Top 10 Greek Islands

1. Naxos

Children and their families playing on the beach in Naxos

Children and their families playing on the beach in Naxos

Naxos is one of the largest and, in my opinion, most "liveable" islands in the Aegean. This is one of those rare places where you can still feel genuine Greek hospitality and let your child play freely on the beach without a worry. Mothers having breakfast in the narrow streets behind the port, fathers returning from the market with bags full of groceries, grandparents chatting in the square réalitéin the late afternoon… Real island life still exists here.

Family-Friendly Naxos Beaches: Naxos is a paradise for families with children because most of its beaches are shallow and sandy.

  • Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna: With their gently sloping, pebble-free, and crystal-clear waters, they are safe for little swimmers and beginners. The beach offers a children's playground, sunbeds, and shade.
  • Plaka Beach: Quite long, ideal for families wanting to escape the crowds; building sandcastles here can take hours.
  • St. George (Agios Georgios) Beach: Its proximity to the port and water sports facilities make it entertaining for teenagers too.

Activities for Children in Naxos: In Naxos, children do more than just swim and play in the sand.

  • Inflatable water parks by the beach (especially at St. George),
  • Sailing and canoeing lessons,
  • Mini-golf course (around Agios Prokopios),
  • Bike tours of the town and village excursions,
  • Enjoying ice cream around the port in the late afternoon and watching street performers.

Individuals and Island Life: Here, everyone is a bit like a neighbour, a bit like a relative… Local families joining in with children playing ball on the beach, elderly men on the beach trying to teach tourist children Greek words, or a glass of "homemade lemonade" suddenly offered from the next table in a taverna… In short, it's very easy for children here to feel not like "guests," but like a real part of the island.

Accommodation and Budget in Naxos: For a family of four, clean and welcoming apartments can still be found for €1,200–€1,500 per week in July-August. A little outside the centre, in the villages, prices are more affordable. You can easily reach almost every beach and village by bus.

Quick Tips:

  • Transport: 5-6 hours by ferry from Athens, but there are direct flights in the summer season.
  • Food and Drink: Kids' menus in bakeries and small family restaurants behind the port, plenty of affordable snacks when shopping at supermarkets.
  • Note: July-August are the times when European school holidays bring the most families to liven up the island. From the beginning of September, Naxos returns to its sweet Aegean tranquillity, and budgets also become a bit more flexible.

Naxos is one of a few Greek islands where you can truly "relax" with children, away from the crowds. It's perfect for those who want to feel a bit "local" on holiday and experience genuine island warmth!

2. Paros

A child merges with the Aegean waves. Summer in Paros: the sound of water, freedom, and children's laughter.

A child merges with the Aegean waves. Summer in Paros: the sound of water, freedom, and children's laughter.

Paros, with its whitewashed streets that embody the "Greek island dream" and its genuinely accessible prices for families, is one of the shining stars of the Aegean. Here, you can prepare your own breakfast at home in the morning, eat your sandwiches with the kids on the beach at lunchtime, and enjoy the sun without worrying about the budget. Especially in the villages outside Parikia and Naoussa, it's still possible to find affordable studio apartments and small family-run guesthouses even in high season.

Family-Friendly Paros Beaches: Paros is very comfortable for families with children because most of its beaches are both sandy and shallow.

  • Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti): Golden like its name, very long and wide; plenty of safe space for children to play, and the water deepens very slowly.
  • Santa Maria Beach: Offers both shade and small play areas, plus a water sports centre.
  • Monastiri Beach: It's possible to take small "nature walks" on the nearby rocks; with its shallow water and tranquillity, it's perfect for families.

Activities for Children in Paros:

  • Windsurfing schools and sailing lessons for teenagers interested in water sports (around Golden Beach)
  • An evening break for homemade ice cream at Parikia Port
  • Mini-golf and bicycle rental options in the north of the island (near Naoussa)
  • Boat trips to small coves for snorkelling and fish spotting

Individuals and Island Life: In Paros, children experience that "neighbourly" atmosphere where local families also picnic on the beach, and everyone retreats to the shade together in the afternoon. Saying hello to the old men playing backgammon in a village square and buying a warm pastry fresh from the bakery becomes a morning ritual. Families strolling along the quay in the late afternoon, local shopkeepers chatting with children of all ages… Everyone has a story on this island.

Accommodation and Budget in Paros: Studios or apartments for a family of four can be found in the range of €1,300-€1,600 per week in July-August. The advantage of Paros is that both prices and crowds are much lower in the villages outside the main towns. The public transport system allows you to easily reach almost every corner of the island.

Quick Tips:

  • Transport: 3-4 hours by ferry from Athens; seasonal direct flights are also available.
  • Food and Drink: Breakfast from supermarket shopping, sandwiches on the beach; affordable family restaurants in Naoussa and Lefkes villages.
  • Note: Paros is particularly lively in July and August; it's advisable to plan your accommodation a bit earlier during this period. September, however, promises quieter and more enjoyable walks through the island's famous white streets.

Paros is the kind of island that will create beautiful memories for both children and adults, for families looking for a "real Greek island holiday affordable for everyone." There's a timeless peace here under the sun!

3. Lefkada

Summer bliss at Kathisma Beach, Lefkada, with a blue umbrella and the sea

Summer bliss at Kathisma Beach, Lefkada, with a blue umbrella and the sea

Lefkada is one of the rare Greek islands you can reach by car without a ferry. It's connected to the mainland by a bridge; no extra stress lugging suitcases or dealing with kids! Especially the small family-run guesthouses and apartment houses outside the main town offer both affordability and comfort for families with children.

Family-Friendly Lefkada Beaches: Lefkada's beaches are famous for their postcard beauty, but there are also many options for families with children:

  • Kathisma Beach: Very long, wide, with fine sand and gently sloping sea, making it very suitable for young swimmers. Plenty of sunbeds and shade options.
  • Agios Ioannis Beach: Slightly windy and shallow; a popular, uncrowded alternative for children on very hot summer days.
  • Vasiliki Beach: Calm, shallow, and also fun for water sports. A safe and colourful environment, especially for little surfers.

Activities for Children in Lefkada:

  • Bike rentals in small town squares, safe cycling along the coast
  • Boat trips to hidden coves for swimming and the experience of fishing on tiny islands
  • Beach volleyball in the late afternoons, playgrounds for children, and ice cream breaks
  • Goat farm visits in surrounding villages, short nature walks, and local product tastings

Individuals and Island Life: In Lefkada, buying fresh tomatoes, white cheese, and bread from the morning market and enjoying a long family breakfast on your apartment's terrace is one of the day's most delightful moments. The elderly owner of the neighbouring guesthouse might bring over some of his own olive oil with a "Kalimera!", while children play ball in the courtyard, making new friends with local Greek kids. In the late afternoon, as you walk through the coastal town, everyone greets each other, and the tourist/family distinction blurs – everyone somehow feels "at home."

Accommodation and Budget in Lefkada: Outside the main town, in family-run seaside apartments, options are available for €1,200-€1,600 per week in July-August. While public transport isn't highly developed, you can easily reach any part of the island by car. For a more economical holiday, early booking or considering small guesthouses in villages away from the centre is important.

Quick Tips:

  • Transport: Access via a bridge from the mainland, no ferry hassle; car rental from Preveza Aktio Airport is common.
  • Food and Drink: Supermarket shopping for breakfast and picnics is advantageous; fish restaurants are ideal for an evening treat.
  • Note: Lefkada is a favourite for families, especially in July and August. As schools reopen in September, the island takes on a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere; during this time, it's easier to find accommodation, and prices may be slightly more favourable.

Lefkada is perfect for those seeking a peaceful Greek holiday with a "neighbourly" feel for the family. A simple, natural, and budget-friendly escape!

4. Kos

Sunset and shadows of lined umbrellas at Lambi Beach, Kos

Sunset and shadows of lined umbrellas at Lambi Beach, Kos

Kos is the Aegean's vibrant yet family-friendly face. As one of the few Greek islands accessible by direct flight from Europe, it's practically an "easy holiday" gateway for families with children. The moment you land at the port, life begins on the palm-lined, bike-friendly coastal road.

Family-Friendly Kos Beaches: Kos offers plenty of beach options with different alternatives for all ages:

  • Lambi Beach: Very close to the city centre, fine sand and wide. Plenty of shade, special areas for children, and water games are available.
  • Tigaki Beach: Long, white sandy, shallow, and almost wave-free. One of the most preferred beaches by families with children.
  • Mastichari Beach: Perfect for those seeking calm and tranquillity; offers both shaded areas and large play zones.

Activities for Children in Kos:

  • Rent bikes almost anywhere on the island and cycle safely with children: There are dedicated bike paths in the city and special tracks along the coast.
  • Mini-train tour: An entertaining and educational trip around the city centre, especially for young children.
  • Water parks and aqua parks (near Tigaki and Psalidi)
  • Ice cream in the port in the late afternoons and small amusement parks for children

Individuals and Island Life: In Kos, everyone has either an ice cream cone or a bicycle handlebar in their hand. Around the port, shopkeepers greet you with a "Kalimera!" in the morning, and the sound of children never fades among families retreating to the shade during the midday heat. While having dinner at a local taverna, the suggestion from the next table to "try the homemade tzatziki!" is proof that the island is a welcoming meeting point for everyone.

Accommodation and Budget in Kos: Kos offers numerous apartment and studio options for families. In July-August, it's possible to find clean and safe accommodation for a family of four in the range of €1,200–€1,600 per week. Just outside the centre, apartments around Lambi or Tigaki offer excellent value for money. To keep the budget intact, you can have practical lunches with supermarket groceries and explore Greek cuisine in affordable local tavernas in the evenings.

Quick Tips:

  • Transport: Direct flights from many European cities in summer; easy to get everywhere from Kos town by bicycle.
  • Food and Drink: Quick snacks, fresh gyros, plenty of ice cream, and family-friendly kids' menus.
  • Note: July and August are Kos's busiest times and most popular with families with children; the island's energy is different during this period. From September onwards, the crowds thin out, creating an ideal environment for those seeking a quieter holiday.

Kos is perfect for families looking for an island holiday with easy access, freedom on a bike, and shade filled with children's laughter. Here, "holiday" means a summer where everyone is a bit of a child!

5. Skiathos

In summer 2025, a family day out with sea, sand, and a cool shade under pine trees on a budget. Skiathos's most beloved, true family beach.

In summer 2025, a family day out with sea, sand, and a cool shade under pine trees on a budget. Skiathos's most beloved, true family beach.

Skiathos is one of the greenest, most peaceful corners of the Greek islands. A holiday with children here means reading a book in the shade of a tree, collecting seashells together in quiet coves, and truly hearing the sounds of nature. Outside the main town, especially on the wooded hills or in coastal villages, it's still possible to find clean and safe apartments for under €1,000 per week.

Family-Friendly Skiathos Beaches: The island's biggest advantage is that almost all its beaches are suitable for families with children, gently sloping and offering shade.

  • Koukounaries Beach: Perhaps擁有 the softest sand and longest pine shadows in the Aegean. Shallow for children, spotlessly clean, hours of play and book breaks under the trees.
  • Vromolimnos Beach: Calm, peaceful, and usually away from the crowds. Relaxing for families with young children.
  • Agia Paraskevi Beach: Another popular address for families; here too, there are sunbeds, shade, and large play areas for children.

Activities for Children in Skiathos:

  • Short nature walks: Family-sized mini-treks along the coast or on forest paths
  • Collecting seashells and small stones by the sea
  • Water sports around Koukounaries, canoeing, or pedal boats
  • Ice cream tour in the town centre in the late afternoon and mini-shows by street performers
  • Picnics in pine forests and bird watching (especially great for little nature-loving kids!)

Individuals and Island Life: The warmth of the islanders in Skiathos is immediately noticeable. The smell of freshly baked pastries from the bakery in the morning, the shopkeepers in the neighbourhood saying "kalimera!", the elderly Greek lady playing with your child on the beach… Here, everyone is a bit of a guide, a bit of a storyteller. If you stay in an apartment outside the town, never refuse an invitation to play from the neighbour's children or a homemade lemonade from the guesthouse owner!

Accommodation and Budget in Skiathos: For families, accommodation opportunities in small apartments and guesthouses outside the town are available for €900–€1,200 per week in July-August. Early booking and staying a bit away from the central crowds significantly reduce the price. You can easily reach every beach by public transport.

Quick Tips:

  • Transport: Direct flight from Athens in summer season or ferry from Volos.
  • Food and Drink: Picnics with supermarket shopping, fresh seafood in family restaurants; restaurants with kids' menus are common.
  • Note: Skiathos echoes with the joyful laughter of children during the summer months. Come September, it promises a quieter and more peaceful holiday with its lush green nature, also easing the budgets somewhat.

Skiathos is a special haven for those who want a holiday with children where they can be at one with nature and "truly breathe" in a safe, friendly island environment. Here, time flows slowly, but children's memories never fade!

6. Corfu (Kerkyra)

The first families taking a morning swim at Paleokastritsa Beach – Corfu, 2025

The first families taking a morning swim at Paleokastritsa Beach – Corfu, 2025

Corfu, beyond the Aegean, in the lush green heart of the Ionian Sea, promises an almost perfect holiday for families. Thanks to the abundance of direct flights from Europe, travel is effortless; no hassle of long journeys with children! The island is so green, so fragrant, that the sound of children running under olive trees is like the background music of the holiday here.

Family-Friendly Corfu Beaches: Corfu offers countless safe and peaceful beaches for families with children:

  • Paleokastritsa Beach: Famous for its postcard-perfect scenery, but also shallow, pebble-free, and safe for children. The beach has shaded areas and mini café-bars right by the water.
  • Glyfada Beach: Very long sandy beach, few waves, and fun play areas for children.
  • Agios Gordios Beach: With its wide expanse, sand quality, and surrounding local family businesses, it's possible to spend a very relaxed day here.

Activities for Children in Corfu:

  • Pedal boat and canoe rentals on the beaches
  • Short boat trips to hidden coves for swimming (Corfu's west coast is full of surprises)
  • Late afternoon ice cream walk in Corfu Town, parks and play areas for children
  • Nature walks through olive groves and traditional cheese-making workshops in villages
  • The classic Greek atmosphere in the evening in village squares, where children play and families chat

Individuals and Island Life: In Corfu, life flows at a different rhythm just outside the main towns. Freshly baked pastries from a local bakery for breakfast, family dinners in the garden in the evening… While children play hide-and-seek among olive trees, the elders adorn the table with homemade cheese and olives. Everyone here has a story, every village its unique hospitality.

Accommodation and Budget in Corfu: If you're travelling with family, you can find guesthouses and apartments in small villages away from the centre for €1,100–€1,500 per week. For those seeking both nature and silence, these villages are a godsend. It's possible to explore the entire island by public transport or by renting an affordable car.

Quick Tips:

  • Transport: Numerous direct flights from Europe in the summer season; buses and car rentals are common on the island.
  • Food and Drink: Local family-run businesses, kids' menus, and definitely try the combination of fresh cheese and fresh bread in the evenings.
  • Note: While Corfu is a family favourite in July and August with a lively atmosphere, September offers a quieter exploration and relaxation opportunity amidst the island's lush green nature.

Corfu offers that old Greek spirit to those seeking a holiday intertwined with nature, where the family can truly "put down roots"; where children play freely under olive trees and there's always an extra plate on the table. This will be the greenest, most joyful corner of your memories!

7. Thassos

A quiet morning at Golden Beach, Thassos, accompanied by pine trees and the sound of waves

A quiet morning at Golden Beach, Thassos, accompanied by pine trees and the sound of waves

Thassos, the emerald island of the North Aegean, is a true getaway paradise for families with children, especially because it's easily accessible from Europe by car or bus. Arriving without the stress of a ferry, with your own car or via easy public transport connections, is a huge comfort! For those wondering, "Is a family holiday where green meets blue still possible?", Thassos is definitely at the top of the list.

Family-Friendly Thassos Beaches: Thassos stands out with beach options suitable for all ages, from young children to teenagers:

  • Golden Beach: A true children's paradise with its fine sand, shallow sea, and surrounding family guesthouses. Sunbeds, shade, and beach play areas are available.
  • Pefkari Beach: Calm, stone-free, plenty of shade; the water deepens gradually.
  • Psili Ammos Beach: A favourite for families with young children and those escaping the crowds.
  • Limenaria and surroundings: Beaches are a bit quieter, with a town atmosphere; parents find peace while children build sandcastles on the beach in the evening.

Activities for Children in Thassos:

  • Bike and scooter tours along the coast
  • Small children's parks and ice cream outings in Limenas
  • Family fishing trips or strolls around the harbour
  • Nature walks in olive groves and outdoor games in villages
  • Late afternoon beach volleyball or mini football matches

Individuals and Island Life: In Thassos, it's breakfast at home in the morning, a sandwich by the sea at noon, and a family chat in a small fishing village in the evening… If you rent a room in Limenaria, the lady next door might offer you olives or tomatoes from her garden. Children of local families join in with the kids playing on the beach; even if the languages are different, play is universal!

Accommodation and Budget in Thassos: Around Limenaria, Limenas, or Skala Potamia, clean, family-friendly rooms or apartments can be found in the range of €900–€1,300 per week. Self-catering accommodations are both economical and flexible. You can easily tour the entire island by public transport or car; plus, supermarket shopping for "home-cooked meals" significantly reduces expenses.

Quick Tips:

  • Transport: From Thessaloniki by car or bus to Kavala, then a short ferry ride directly to Thassos (ferry only 30-40 mins).
  • Food and Drink: Homemade breakfasts and dinners protect the budget; taverna prices are still reasonable.
  • Note: Thassos is a lively and fun option for families in July-August. When September arrives, the island returns to its unique tranquillity, a wonderful time for those who want to be alone with nature.

Thassos is an ideal address for families seeking peace "in every shade of green," beaches where children can play freely, and a still budget-friendly Greek holiday. Here, everyone is a bit slower, a bit more sincere, and closer to nature!

8. Evia (Euboea)

Peace facing the sea at Eretria Beach, Evia, and a sailboat in the distance

Peace facing the sea at Eretria Beach, Evia, and a sailboat in the distance

Evia (Euboea), despite being Greece's second-largest island, remains one of its "hidden gems" and corners far from the crowds. Thanks to easy access from Athens by car or bus, a comfortable and convenient journey with children is possible without waiting in ferry queues. Especially in small towns and fishing villages, family-friendly, welcoming guesthouses and economical apartments can still be found.

Family-Friendly Evia Beaches: Evia stands out with its miles-long coastlines and beaches catering to different age groups:

  • Eretria Beach: Close to the town, shallow and sandy – safe and calm for young children.
  • Agios Nikolaos Beach: Quiet, stone-free, and with plenty of shade. A children's park is also nearby.
  • Limnionas Beach: Unspoiled natural beauty, perfect for families escaping the crowds.
  • Kymi and surroundings: Fishing villages offer affordable accommodation for families, with free spaces for children on the beach.

Activities for Children in Evia:

  • Cycling along the coast and short walks by the sea
  • Afternoon ice cream and playtime in village squares
  • Boat trips and fishing in fishing harbours
  • Nature trips and picnics in nearby wooded areas
  • Building sandcastles as a family on the beach or stargazing in the evenings

Individuals and Island Life: Life in Evia is simple and authentic. Breakfast with fresh bread from the village bakery, the laughter of children playing on the beach, elderly locals saying "Kalimera!" in the neighbourhood… Here, families mingle, and children quickly make new friends. Getting a list of "recommended secret beaches" from the guesthouse owner is a classic here!

Accommodation and Budget in Evia: In towns like Eretria, Limni, or Kymi, especially away from the centre, it's still possible to find family apartments or guesthouses in the range of €800–€1,100 per week. Supermarket shopping and self-catering accommodation help keep holiday expenses at a reasonable level. If you have a car, exploring every corner of the island with children is very easy.

Quick Tips:

  • Transport: You can reach the island entrance from Athens by road in 1.5-2 hours (a ferry alternative is also available).
  • Food and Drink: Shopping at the supermarket and picnics on the beach will protect your budget; family-run tavernas are affordable and friendly.
  • Note: Evia is very lively, especially on weekends, as it's a popular spot for local families. During the week or in September when school is in, you can enjoy the island's calm and peaceful atmosphere more comfortably; these periods are generally more budget-friendly.

Evia offers a simple yet fulfilling holiday for families with children, away from the city bustle, with a real Greek town atmosphere and surrounded by nature. Here, holiday means "peace and sincerity" more than "luxury"!

9. Kefalonia

Family nature walk in Kefalonia, exploring among pine trees

Family nature walk in Kefalonia, exploring among pine trees

Kefalonia is one of the Ionian Sea's lush green, mountain-ringed islands brimming with character. Here, alongside turquoise waters and postcard-perfect coves, the friendly village life and beaches that offer "freedom" to children take centre stage. The island is particularly comfortable for families; if you venture a little away from the centre, both tranquillity and affordable accommodation are still possible.

Family-Friendly Kefalonia Beaches:

  • Makris Gialos Beach: With its golden fine sand and gently sloping, crystal-clear sea, it's number one for families with children. The beach offers shade, showers, sunbeds, toilets, and safe areas for kids.
  • Lassi Beaches: Both a neighbour to Makris Gialos and similarly family-friendly; perfect for water sports and enjoying the evening sun.
  • Skala Beach: Very long, wide, and with plenty of play space for children.
  • Antisamos Beach: In the midst of nature, a different experience for children with its pebbles, and the surrounding area is a magnificent hiking trail.

Activities for Children in Kefalonia:

  • Canoeing and pedal boats on the beach
  • Short boat trips along the coast and fishing experiences
  • Late afternoon ice cream breaks in Lassi and Argostoli
  • Shopping for local delicacies and mini snacks at village markets
  • Nature walks with the family around Skala

Individuals and Island Life: Life flows slowly in Kefalonia; the day starts early with freshly baked pastries from the bakery and continues with a race for shade in the village café during the midday heat. Children quickly make new friends, whether on the beach or in the town square; an invitation from the guesthouse owner to "eat with us tonight!" is very common here.

Accommodation and Budget in Kefalonia: Around Lassi and Skala, it's possible to find apartments and guesthouses for €1,200–€1,500 per week during the season. Away from the centre, in villages or apartments around the towns, you can find clean, safe, and family-friendly accommodation for under €800 out of season (June and September). If you rent a car, you can easily explore every cove and beach on the island.

Quick Tips:

  • Transport: Direct flights from Europe; renting a car on the island is the most convenient solution for families.
  • Food and Drink: Picnics with supermarket shopping, fresh fish and local dishes in village tavernas; kids' menus are available in most restaurants.
  • Note: While Kefalonia's busiest months, July-August, are great for families, during shoulder seasons like June and September, not only do the crowds diminish, but you can also find fantastic accommodation deals, even under €800. Keep that in mind!

Kefalonia offers a genuine island life to those seeking "a bit of cool, plenty of peace" with their family, where children can play freely and tables are always full. It's indispensable for families who love exploring and connecting with nature!

10. Andros

Children playing with water in the evening coolness at Batsi Beach, Andros

Children playing with water in the evening coolness at Batsi Beach, Andros

Andros, in the north of the Cyclades, holds a special place in the hearts of families with children due to its proximity to Athens and its tranquil nature. Reachable by a mere two-hour ferry journey from Rafina Port, the island, with its quiet villages, small boutique hotels, and local guesthouses, is a true escape route where you can "be yourself," far from the crowds.

Family-Friendly Andros Beaches: Andros boasts beaches suitable for all age groups, distinguished by their natural beauty:

  • Batsi Beach: In the heart of the town, shallow and safe for children, with shade options and ample play areas.
  • Agios Petros Beach: Long, sandy, and calm; particularly ideal for little swimmers.
  • Chrissi Ammos: A peaceful beach appealing to children building sandcastles and parents reading books in the shade of trees.

Activities for Children in Andros:

  • Bike rides along Batsi coast and late afternoon ice cream trips
  • Family walking routes and mini-trekking along the coastline
  • Playgrounds for children in village squares and neighbourly chats in the late afternoon
  • Photo stops at windmills and small harbours
  • Local music, street performances, and village market visits during summer festivals

Individuals and Island Life: Life in the villages of Andros flows slowly and amicably. While having coffee in front of the house in the morning, everyone in the neighbourhood greets each other. The guesthouse owner offers children homemade cake, and everyone in the village bakery has a story. Families strolling along the port in the late afternoon, children's laughter mingling with the sound of waves, and games shared in small squares… Time spent with family here truly feels "precious."

Accommodation and Budget in Andros: In small hotels in Batsi and its surroundings, or in the villages, it's possible to find family-friendly rooms or apartments for €900–€1,200 per week. In villages near the ferry port, prices are lower, and accommodation has more of a "homey" feel. Rental houses and guesthouse options are very practical and welcoming for families with children.

Quick Tips:

  • Transport: 2 hours by ferry from Athens' Rafina Port; public transport and car rental on the island are easy.
  • Food and Drink: Breakfast from village bakeries, picnics with supermarket shopping, local delicacies in family restaurants.
  • Note: Andros comes alive with children's chatter and street games in the summer months. With the arrival of September, the island returns to its unique tranquillity; during this period, you can both have a quieter holiday and find more affordable accommodation options.

Andros is an oasis for those who want to get lost in nature with their family, mingle with local life, and "truly relax" on holiday. Here, every moment is simple, every moment is sincere, every moment feels a bit more "ours"!

An Economical and Family-Friendly Greek Island Holiday is Still Possible!

Making an economical and family-friendly holiday is admittedly getting a bit harder each year. But a Greek island getaway where children run freely in the sand, the scent of fresh bread wafts from a village bakery in the late afternoon, and local people are "neighbours" is still possible. For this, one needs to listen less to the catalogues of large chain hotels and more to the real stories of corner guesthouses and local recommendations friendly to small budgets.

For years, I've travelled all over Europe, each time setting out wondering, "Can I find something more affordable, more heartfelt?" Sometimes in a port at dawn, sometimes in the quietest village on an island, and sometimes while building sandcastles with my child, I've captured that true holiday feeling. All the islands in this guide are still "real" and still accessible for a budget-friendly holiday.

Practical Tips to Be Truly Economical

  • Find local guesthouses and small aparthotels not just on Booking, but also through Facebook groups or by calling directly.
  • Cook at home, love supermarket shopping!
  • Stay in villages instead of large chains – both affordable prices and a "one of us" feeling.
  • Use public transport or bicycles for getting around; renting a car isn't essential.
  • And a final note: A truly economical holiday isn't found in luxury hotels, but is possible with a bit of effort and exploration.

Your Story is Also Important!

If you've also had a Greek island getaway with children, add your interesting memories, the cheap guesthouse you found, or your children's favourite beach as a comment below – that way, together, we can create an updated and sincere guide by real travellers. Perhaps our next holiday destination will be shaped by your recommendation!

I wish you good travels and a Greek island holiday full of laughter, sea, and ice cream!

0 Likes
Publish Date: 19 May 2025
 |  Author: Batrov

Share this post

No comments yet.

Comments