Isles of Smiles
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THE Greeks’ love of family ties is as legendary as their famous filoxenia, or hospitality. Find out which island is right for your tribe… by James Ellis
CRETE
The largest and most accessible of the Greek islands, Crete is packed with things to do. There are ancient sites such as Knossos, where the mythological tales of the half-man/half-bull Minotaur will enthral, and harbour towns such as Chania, with its maze of streets to explore. Throw in great beaches, a host of activities, including watersports, and incredible landscapes and there is something for everyone.
Kids stuff: Head to Aquaworld (www.aquaworld-crete.com) at Hersonissos, which is a small but perfectly formed aquarium.
RHODES
Once home to the Colossus statue that, according to myth, straddled the harbour of the old town and the Knights of St John during the Crusades, Rhodes manages to blend its ancient and medieval history with modern facilities well.
Head to the Acropolis at Lindos, the best preserved outside that of Athens, for a history lesson. Or head to the medieval old town to explore its winding streets. To cool down, there are some great beaches.
Kids stuff: Between June and September, Petaloudes, or butterfly valley, is home to myriad Jersey tiger moths.
PAXOS
Paxos (above) is an olive tree-covered paradise just south of Corfu in the Ionian Sea and a great destination for slightly older children and teens. Thanks to its remoteness, getting there is half the fun. Fly into Corfu and zip over the waves on a super-fast hydrofoil to base yourself in the pretty Venetian-inspired capital of Gaios. Head to Loggos for sailing opportunities or the small fishing village of Lakkas, which offers watersports.
Kids stuff: Explore myriad ancient paths around the island with the help of the wonderfully mad dogs and Englishmen Bleasdale Walking Map of Paxos (www.iankbleasdale.co.uk).
KEFALONIA
Children with a love of nature will adore Kefalonia – the largest of the islands in the Ionian Sea and the setting for Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. The Katelios Group (www.kateliosgroup.org) is an organisation that helps to protect the island’s native loggerhead sea turtles and children can learn all about the endangered species in sessions with the group’s volunteers. Head here in late summer and you can even get the chance to see babies hatch from their shells and head back to sea.
There are two horse-riding schools that offer trails around the island or go sea kayaking and spot rare monk seals.
Throw in lovely beaches to make a perfect holiday for those with kids.
Kids stuff: The villages of Fiskardo, Argostoli, Sami and Vathy are home to branches of famed local bakery Spathis (www.spathis-bakery.gr/partners.asp). Stop in and stock up for a picnic of delicious breads, cheese pies, sweets and ice cream.
