Yahoo Finance 
These family-friendly hotels in Greece will make you want to escape there this summer
- 1/11
These family-friendly hotels in Greece will make you want to escape there this summer
Not only is it summer-holiday heaven, it’s also master of the child-friendly resort – and these are some of our favourite luxury family hotels in Greece. They’re all perfect for this year’s holiday, since each has enough to keep every family member entertained.
The Greek mainland and its many islands – from Corfu to Santorini – have lots of mega-resorts to choose from, with multiple bars and restaurants, and activity centres with tennis academies and so much more.
Many luxury family hotels in Greece have cottoned on to the fact that, while the kids may love it, the adults can get a little claustrophobic staying within the confines of the resort – so they’ve introduced dining credits that can be used in the neighbouring village’s traditional taverna, for example. Ikos Dassia in Corfu is one such resort – its Infinite Lifestyle concept is the new way to do all-inclusive.
Crete is a long-established favourite for families – the island is the fifth biggest in the Med, with lots to explore, from the Venetian harbour in Chania to various archaeological sites of note, the star of which is the Palace of Knossos. Children will love Domes of Elounda (and not just for its straight-out-of-science-fiction name).
And if you’re planning a staycation with the kids for this summer instead, don’t miss our edit of the best luxury family hotels in the UK.
For guaranteed sunshine though, here are some of the finest luxury family hotels in Greece…
Ikos Dassia - 2/11
1) Ikos Dassia, Corfu
It may have previously had you running for cover, but the Ikos brand has turned the term ‘all-inclusive’ on its head, so you won’t have to worry about hideous buffets anymore. Instead, you can sign up for the resort’s Infinite Lifestyle, which is as abundant as it sounds. All yours for the taking are six restaurants, various sporting equipment (from pedalos to tennis courts) and a vast stretch of sand.
And you won’t even have to stay put to enjoy your meal plan, since Ikos Dassia’s Dine Out scheme means that resort credit can be spent at the best restaurants in the area, too.
- 3/11
2) Porto Sani, Halkidiki
Over on the mainland in Halkidiki, Porto Sani is even more family-friendly than ever having recently undergone a €30m renovation. The grown-ups weren’t forgotten about, since the refurb included the addition of a shiny new spa.
So committed to ensuring that kids have a great time, the resort has partnered with Annabel Karmel to create its nutritious children’s menus; and Carol Mae Consulting babysitters. Activities on offer include swims in the assorted lagoon-style pools, plus there are two pools that were designed just for the kids, along with a splash pad for toddlers. The full-board programme extends to all of the restaurants, which include El Puerto for Spanish fine-dining , as well as Greek, Italian and Japanese options. - 4/11
3) Domes of Elounda, Crete
With a fittingly epic name for a resort on the mythical isle of Crete, Domes of Elounda overlooks the castle on Spinalonga, a neighbouring island that was once a leper colony. Also apt is its very own agora, Core, which is where guests gather every evening to see what’s on, from street food to art and pop-up shops.
As with any self-respecting luxury family hotel in Greece, Domes has several restaurants to choose from, to ensure you won’t get bored, even if you’re planning on sticking around for a while. There are special zones for different age groups, plus adult-only areas to ensure you can get some peace and quiet when you need it.
© Nick Kontostavlakas - 5/11
4) MarBella, Corfu
Corfu is an excellent choice for families (just ask the Durrells). At MarBella on the island’s south-easterly shores, you’ll be able to enjoy endless activities, whether you want to rent a pedalo or paddle-board, go snorkelling, tubing or windsurfing, or just work your way through the 10 restaurants and bars.
Equally acceptable is enjoying the views of the Ionian Sea from the comfort of your sun lounger, while the children discover the many joys available at the kids’ club (from treasure hunts to beach games and arts and crafts). Kids will also be thrilled to learn that there’s a water park on-site – and they can also take part in the Great MarBella Bake-Off, mini Olympics and ping-pong tournaments.
- 6/11
5) Kinsterna Hotel, Peloponnese
Just outside of the Peloponnese town of Monemvasia, Kinsterna is set on an estate that produces its own wine and olive oil. For families, there are lots of wholesome adventures to be had, including getting out into the great outdoors for some hikes and bike rides. Kids will also be able to help out with the hard graft, whether that’s by picking olives and harvesting grapes, or collecting herbs and planting trees.
There are horses to ride and, even better, an old carriage with its own cute donkey; a library with board games and books; a treehouse to climb; and an indoor playground next to the kids’ pool. Outside of the hotel, children will love the medieval castle on a promontory at the top of a cliff. - 7/11
6) Red loves: Andronis Arcadia, Santorini
Santorini isn’t just for couples and honeymooners, as evidenced by the family-friendly Andronis Arcadia, right at the north of the island near Oia (also known as Sunset Heaven). Luckily for guests staying in one of the resort’s private sanctuaries, there’ll be no jostling with the crowds to catch the best spot for sunset. Instead, it can be served straight to your terrace, or your table at Pacman, which serves the best sushi on the island (especially handy if you’ve overdone it on the tzatziki and taramasalata).
The hotel has a kids’ spa (with super-cute tiny slippers and robes), family cookery classes, an outdoor tennis court and even yoga classes for children.
- 8/11
7) Porto Zante, Zakynthos
At Porto Zante on Zakynthos, guests have the best of both worlds: a private villa with everything you could need for a family holiday, but with all of the service of a hotel. Each residence has its own pool and as many as four bedrooms. The retreat also has a waterside spa (with child-friendly options) and two restaurants to help make your family holiday as relaxing as possible. Adults will be able to find peace during yoga on the shore.
Even the fitness programme extends to kids, with sports and games tailored to their age group. It’s on a quiet bay, so the beach is just outside, too – and don’t miss the capital’s harbour at sunset.
- 9/11
8) Santa Marina, Mykonos
Mykonos isn’t short on ultra-luxury hotels, but Santa Marina is one of its finest, not to mention longest-established – the family-run retreat has been an Ornos Bay institution since the late Seventies. The hotel has expanded over the years, with hillside villas joining the chapel, windmill and original house.
Along with a private sandy beach, an Espa spa with a hammam, and various restaurants and bars, there’s a playground and a child-friendly pool for families. You’ll also be able to book a residence with up to seven bedrooms, making it an excellent choice for families booking a holiday together.
- 10/11
9) Daios Cove, Crete
The kids’ club at Daios Cove in Crete accepts children aged from four months up to 12, and there are organised activities for teens, too. Babysitting can be arranged and staff are multilingual.
The hotel has a spa and gym, a seawater-filled infinity pool, a tennis court and a watersports centre. In the evenings, head into Agios Nikolaos for strolls along the harbour and meals at the traditional tavernas lining the water’s edge – or stick to the six restaurants and bars within the Daios Cove confines.
Booking.com - 11/11
10) Skiathos Princess, Sporades
Over in Mamma Mia! land, also known as Skiathos in the Sporades, the Skiathos Princess will keep kids entertained at the Little Seals crèche (for under-fours) and the club for under-12s.
For the grown-ups, aside from Mamma Mia! filming-location tours, there are sun loungers to stake out, three restaurants and a spa for Apivita treatments. The island is not far from the Greek mainland. The hotel is in Agia Paraskevi, on Skiathos’s southern shores.
