All-inclusive in Greece with kids: where, how to choose and what to check
The four areas with the most family all-inclusive hotels, and a checklist before you book.
- Top areas: Hersonissos in Crete, Kolymbia and Afandou in Rhodes, Kos and Kassandra in Halkidiki.
- Check the kids' club, toddler pool, shallow beach and family room.
- All-inclusive is not kosher: order food from Chabad or e-kosher.
Choose the area first and the hotel second. With young children, June and September are the easiest months. If you keep kosher, plan Shabbat food in advance.
Where are the all-inclusive family hotels in Greece?
Most family all-inclusive hotels in Greece are in four areas: Crete, Rhodes, Kos and Halkidiki. All of them have direct summer flights from Israel, shallow beaches and large hotels with pools and kids' clubs. Rather than choosing a hotel by name, start by choosing an area that suits your children's ages and the kind of holiday you want.
Crete: Hersonissos, Stalis and Malia
- Hersonissos: one of the most popular places with Israelis. It has all-inclusive hotels, water parks, an aquarium and the Chabad house of Crete. See the Hersonissos guide.
- Stalis and Malia: east of Hersonissos, with many beachfront all-inclusive hotels.
- Why Crete: a large island with many day trips, close to Heraklion airport.
- More: Crete with kids.
Rhodes: Kolymbia, Afandou and Faliraki
- Kolymbia and Afandou: quieter areas with large all-inclusive hotels.
- Faliraki: livelier, with a water park.
- The east coast: shallow beaches that are easy for children.
- Why Rhodes: a short flight, many direct summer flights and a Chabad house. See Rhodes with kids.
Kos: sandy beaches and flat terrain
Kos is known for long sandy beaches, a warm climate and many all-inclusive hotels. The island is flat and easy to cycle with children. See Kos with kids and the Kos guide.
Halkidiki: Kassandra
In Halkidiki, near Thessaloniki, the all-inclusive hotels are mainly on the Kassandra peninsula, for example in Kallithea. The sea is calm and the beaches are shallow. See Halkidiki with kids.
What to check before booking an all-inclusive with kids
- Kids' club: from what age, what hours, and whether staff speak English.
- Pools: a toddler pool, slides, and whether there is shade. Hotels with water parks: the guide.
- The beach: whether the hotel is right on the beach, and whether the water is shallow.
- Family room: a two-room family room or a large room, not just an extra bed.
- What is included: drinks, late meals and à la carte restaurants.
- Shabbat and kosher: all-inclusive does not mean kosher. If you keep kosher, you can order food from the local Chabad or from e-kosher. See a kosher family holiday in Greece.
When to go
June and September are very comfortable: the sea is warm and it is less hot than in July and August. Most island all-inclusive hotels open from April or May until October. A month-by-month comparison is in Greece with kids by month.
FAQ
Where is the best all-inclusive in Greece with kids? Crete (Hersonissos), Rhodes (Kolymbia and Afandou), Kos and Halkidiki. All have direct summer flights from Israel and large hotels with kids' clubs.
Is an all-inclusive hotel in Greece kosher? No. All-inclusive does not mean kosher. You can order kosher food from the local Chabad or a kosher delivery service.
When are all-inclusive hotels in Greece open? On most islands from April or May until October. In winter most resort hotels are closed.
All-inclusive or an apartment? With young children, all-inclusive is very easy: no need to look for food, and there is a kids' club. An apartment gives more freedom and a kitchen.
