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.
Flickr user Stefanos Kofopoulo
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.
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'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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Amorgos (Cyclades)
Sand 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.
Kamari
Brilliant 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.
Ios
An 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.
Naxos (Stelida Naxos)
Gorgeous 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.
Antiparos
Beachside 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.
Andros (Andros)
A 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.
Naxos (Naxos)
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.
Paros (Naoussa)
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.
Mykonos (Mykonos)
Osom 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.
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