10 Great Family Hotels in the Cyclades
The Cyclades are the best-loved of Greece's hundreds of isles, where the blue domes of tiny churches, pots of scarlet geraniums and clumps of purple bougainvillea add splashes of colour to whitewashed village lanes, where cats snooze in the sun and wooden fishing boats bob at anchor. There is a wide range of accommodation on offer and our pick of family hotels in the Cyclades vary from luxury beach resorts to cheap and cheerful guesthouses or self-catering cottages or apartments.
With abundant sunshine from April until late October, these islands offer plenty to keep families entertained. Go snorkelling in shallow glass-clear water, walk with a donkey through fields and vineyards, take a boat trip to a neighbouring island, and enjoy an array of watersports from sailboarding and waterskiing to parascending and banana-boat rides. There's plenty to see here too, from bubbling undersea volcanoes to ancient Greek temples and miniature Venetian castles.
Where to stay – which island?
Many of the best family hotels in the Cyclades are on isles with airports, or are just a couple of hours by boat from Athens. Each island is different, so use our Guru's recommendations to pick the one that's perfect for you and your family.
Santorini
Santorini's best beach is at Kamari. Families will find plenty of watersports to keep older offspring entertained here – but the black sand gets too hot for tots, so a hotel with a pool is a must.
- Santorini Kastelli Resort, at Kamari on Santorini, has seven pools (three of them reserved for 'executive room' guests). That's a boon for families, because Kamari's famous black sand gets uncomfortably hot. Perks for grownups include tennis court and spa.
Mykonos
Mykonos's beaches are famous for golden sands, watersports and a hectic party scene. But the island also has its cultural side – take young explorers on a boat trip to uninhabited Delos to discover ancient temple ruins.
- OSOM Resort has just 12 rooms and large family suites around a big pool. Beach and restaurants are nearby. Active teens can windsurf at Korfos, a five minute walk from the resort.
Naxos
If an easy-going holiday on an authentically Greek island is what you're looking for, Naxos is the one for you. Long beaches of soft yellow sand? Check. Watersports? Check. Family-friendly tavernas? Yes indeed. Throw in a dash of ancient Greek and Venetian heritage and a hinterland of lemon groves and terraced hillsides, and you have the ideal isle!
- Mitos Suites, 400m from Agios Prokopios beach on Naxos, has just eight suites – four of them kitted out for families with perks like toys and board games. There's a children's pool and a grassy playground with games like mini-golf.
- The Naxian Collection at Stelida offers families the best of both worlds. Gorgeous villas have full kitchens and pools (each shared with just one other suite) plus there's a full sized pool and an excellent restaurant on site! Agios Prokopios beach is a 10-minute walk.
Paros
Unpretentious Paros has an island capital, Parikia, crammed with whitewashed houses, artisan boutiques and lively café-bars. Escape its bustle by taking a 20-minute ferry ride to Antiparos, Paros's smaller twin, for soft sands and shallow toddler-friendly waters, or head for newly-trendy Naoussa, on the north coast, for excellent beaches.
- Saint Andrea Seaside Resort, overlooking Kolimbithres beach on Naoussa Bay has 54 suites, rooms and villas grouped around a big lagoon pool. Services include on-site babysitting and bicycle hire, and the boutiques and restaurants of Naoussa are nearby.
- Beach House, on Antiparos, has eight unfussy suites on the white sand at Apantima, where children can safely splash and swim while parents watch from the waterside terrace. Families keen to explore can rent bikes and boats, and there are donkeys to ride.
Amorgos
Getting to Amorgos requires a longer-than-average ferry ride, but it's worth it. Head for Aigiali, in the north, for a long sandy beach that's as good as it gets for small children. Older offspring can snorkel or scuba dive around nearby islets, learn Greek dance steps, and hunt for supposedly healing crystals.
- Lakki Village, just outside Aigiali, stands right on the beach, so kids can scamper straight into the sea without crossing a road. Cottages and apartments surround a pool and produce from the gardens supplies the hotel's own taverna.
Ios
Formerly party central for hippies and ravers, Ios has grown up, calmed down and gone upscale. The superb Mylopotas beach is the big draw for families, and there are boat trips to other beaches like Manganari and Psathi.
- Levantes, has great views of Mylopotas beach (within easy walking distance), plus a pool. With 24 spacious whitewashed walls and suites, it's family friendly and budget-friendly (doubles start from as little as €80 per night including breakfast).
Andros
Delightfully untouched by mass tourism, but just a short ferry hop from the mainland, Andros is a big island (by Cycladic standards) with uncrowded sandy beaches. Its hilly hinterland embraces rocky hills and verdant valleys. Elegantly old-fashioned Andros Town (Chora) is a favoured retreat for well-off Greeks.
- Onar is a cluster of self-catering stone cottages and villas near a gloriously isolated crescent-shaped beach and next to a wetland conservation area where kids can explore woods and streams. Smaller cottages sleep two adults and two children, while villas can sleep up to seven.
Travel Information
- You can fly direct from many European airports to Santorini and Mykonos in summer (April-October). From Mykonos, you can hop on a ferry to Amorgos, Andros, Naxos, Ios or Paros.
- Flying from North America, Australia or Asia? It's easy to connect with local flights to Mykonos, Santorini, Milos and Naxos at Athens International Airport.
- Fast ferries sail from Rafina (a 20-minute cab ride from Athens International Airport) or Piraeus.
Where to stay? The choice is huge. Use our guide to the best family hotels in the Cyclades and start to plan your trip. Alternatively check out our recommendations for the best family hotels in Crete or on Corfu.
-
Santorini Kastelli Resort Kamari 60 rooms from €160
Total relaxation - Just steps from the renowned black volcanic sands of Kamari beach, with spa, hot tubs and cocktails by the pool.Diving - There is a diving center on Kamari beach where you can rent equipment and take lessons.Tennis - Make the most of the cool of the evenings with the on site flood lit tennis court.Sailing - Take a boat trip to the volcano, a wonderful way to explore the coast.Recommended by - Small Luxury HotelsBrilliant white building in traditional Cycladic style set in pretty gardens. Fresh contemporary interiors with stand out artworks and soft pastel hues. Set steps from a beach and with bountiful in house activities and a spa. Romantic evening poolside al fresco dining. See More
-
Osom Resort Korfos Beach, Mykonos 12 rooms from €171
Beach Life - Beach Korfos - a windsurfing spot - is just a five minute walk away, plus available transfers to Mykonos' famous beaches!Families - Large family suites, poolside cuisine, local entertainment, and nearby beaches make this hotel an easy visit for familiesTotal relaxation - 'OSOM' is an acronym of 'Other Side of Mykonos', ensuring a quieter, more relaxing stay on the beautiful Greek islandHoneymoons - This is an intimate, quiet hotel offering poolside relaxation, modern bedrooms and a stunning beachside locationOsom resort is a quiet hotel offering just a collection of rooms and suites. Bedrooms are spacious, contemporary, and come with terraces and sea-views. The large outdoor pool is its crown jewel, which comes with panoramic sea views and poolside cuisine. Beach and restaurants are a short walk away. See More
-
Mitos Suites Naxos from €147
Families - The perfect family getaway with massage treatments and pool bar for the parents and a playground for the kids.Beach Life - The stunning Agios Prokopios Beach is five minutes walk away, with rooms and balconies overlooking the coast.Sailing - A great stop off point for sailing trip around the Greek islands.Local markets - Explore the local Naxos markets and pick up some souvenirs.A beautiful Cycladic style hotel on the Greek island of Naxos. Combining luxurious rooms, turquoise swimming pools and views out to sea, Mitos Suites represents a high quality holiday experience. See More
-
Naxian Collection Naxos Island 10 rooms from €175
Hideaway - Ultimate peace in the private villas, romantic al fresco dining, and just a short stroll to the quiet beachFamilies - Offering a range of suites and villas most with private pool, which are perfect for a family holidayCooking classes - Participate in making aromatic olive oil from the resort's gardensViews - Stunning views over Naxos townGorgeous villa resort. Interiors are Mediterranean chic, with pale stone bathrooms, cream furniture and bamboo details. Villas have full kitchens, living room and private pools. Spa treatments, outdoor pool and hot tub. Excellent Greek fare to be served in villas. Luxurious, laid back and calm. See More
-
Saint Andrea Seaside Resort Paros 56 rooms from €130
Romantic Break - Lounge by the lagoon-style pool with a cocktail and bar snack, or pamper yourselves with an in-room massageBeach Life - A lovely beach-chic resort with terraces overlooking Kolympithres Beach and Naoussa Bay.Restaurant - Anastasia Restaurant serves gourmet Greek and Mediterranean cuisineSights nearby - The magnificent Church of Ekatontapyliani is five miles away.Delightful coastal hotel over the stunning Naoussa Bay. Every element is geared towards relaxation and comfort from the lovely, tastefully decorated rooms to the expansive lagoon-style outdoor pool. The perfect place for a lazy holiday in the sun. See More
-
Beach House Antiparos Town 9 rooms from €130
Beach Life - Set on a sheltered sandy beach, this is the place to soak up the sun, sea and sand!Total relaxation - The perfect spot to kick back and do absolutely nothing!Restaurant - Authentic Greek cuisine using local ingredients from AntiparosOn the beach - One of the safest beaches on AntiparosBeachside accommodation with terrace bar and outdoor dining. Suites are simple and comfortable, some with sea views. Decor is typical of the Cyclades - white everywhere with spashes of blue. The restaurant serves authentic Greek food using local island ingredients. Perfect for complete relaxation. See More
-
Lakki Village Amorgos 10 rooms from €65
Great walks - Up the hills or along the sea front.Swimming Pool - Outdoor PoolSeaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.Full of characterSand between your toes just outside a gorgeous white island village. Shallow waters and long beaches make it ideal for young families. Enjoy the luxuries of a pool, restaurant and bar on site. Rooms are breezy and comfortable - barefoot seaside fun with its own great taverna. See More
-
Levantes Milopotas, Ios 24 rooms from €80
Value chic - With standard doubles from as little as €68 per night including breakfast, it's superb value for money.Romantic Break - With stylish accommodation, stunning views and an off the beaten track island, it's romantic bliss.Views - Great views from hotelSights nearby - Just 10 minutes from the port of IosAn all white hotel with classically elegant interiors scattered with attractive art. Spacious rooms and suites have white washed walls, lots of character, some with private pools, and balconies. Spectacular views out to sea and walking distance to restaurants. Romantic and family friendly. See More
-
Onar Andros 16 rooms from €200
Beach Life - The Ahla beach is a few steps from the hotel and has some of the clearest waters around.Great walks - Trekking on the ancient paths, Jogging to the lighthouse, Walking to St. Nicolas Byzantine Monastery plus moreHideaway - Situated in a secluded spot on Andros' East coast, just steps from one of its best beachesRestaurant - Authentic traditional cuisine with many of the organic ingredients grown on siteRecommended by - I Escape, Great Small HotelsA charming hotel comprising ten traditional cottages (sleeping from 3 to 7) with spectacular views over a secluded cove on the east coast of Andros. Stone walls and whitewashed interiors maintain the authenticity and the restaurant serves traditional cuisine with many ingredients grown onsite. See More