Cheap Family Holidays On The Greek Mainland
Halkidiki is the most popular mainland area. Most visitors book all inclusive holidays on the Kassandra peninsula, which combines fine sandy beaches with lush hillside greenery. Resorts vary from unspoilt villages to modern towns with vibrant nightlife. Popular activities include water sports, boat trips and excursions to places like the spectacular Petrolona Caverns and Meteora Rock Monasteries.
Thessalonika, in the north, is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Artfully rebuilt after a huge fire in 1917, there is plenty of variety here: Byzantine churches, traditional tavernas, cosmopolitan malls and chic nightclubs all blend seamlessly. Ancient history is the latest craze with kids, so take an excursion to Mount Olympus, and let them play at being Percy Jackson. There’s also a Roman Palace and Baths, and the beach resorts of Halkidiki are less than an hour away.
The Character Of The Greek Islands
Each of the islands has its own unique character. Crete is the largest and a regular choice for cheap package holidays. The vibrant resort of Agios Nikolaos is popular with the young set, with water sports, shops, bars and nightclubs, but there are plenty of quieter resorts where you can get out the buckets and spades.
Take time to visit ancient ruins such as the palace at Knossos. A popular time to book holidays is in the spring, when the island is a riot of wild flowers and butterflies. The spectacular rugged landscape overlooks craggy inlets where kids can enjoy exploring the caves and rock pools.
Trips to Zante feature rocky inlets, scuba diving and the chance to see turtles nesting. The Blue Caverns and Shipwreck Beach are popular family attractions, while Vai Beach is reckoned to be the loveliest in Greece. There are plenty of historical relics for culture vultures – despite the 1953 earthquake.
Rhodes is renowned for its ancient sites, superb beaches and sunshine. The party resort of Faliraki is popular with the younger set, while the beaches of Ixia and Kremasti are popular with families.
Corfu, Kos and Skiathos also offer cheap family holidays - Santorini’s volcanic beaches are truly memorable. Thassos on the other hand is more laid back and relaxed. We at The Co-operative Travel offer cheap holidays to Greece at all these destinations.