Luxury Family Holidays in Greece: Ikos Vs Sani Vs Grecotel

There are so many luxury resorts to choose from when it comes to planning a family holiday in Greece. Take the Family is a UK-based travel agency specialising in luxury family travel, and there are three resorts in particular that we recommend to families like yours who are looking for an exceptional experience. Ikos, Sani, and Grecotel each offer world-class accommodations, all-inclusive dining, and a range of activities for all the family. But which one is right for you? 

This guide breaks down the differences in amenities, kids’ clubs, beaches, and overall experiences for families, helping you make an informed choice for your relaxing and unforgettable Greek holiday.

Sun-bleached beaches, baby-blue seas, an abundant ancient history dating back several millennia…it's easy to see why Greece family holidays are consistently in demand.

Whether you want an active family holiday packed with adrenaline-pumping watersports and adventure, to bumble around ancient temples like Indiana Jones, or to spend lazy days soaking up the sun by the Aegean, or a mix of all three, Greece is the word when it comes to luxury family holidays.  

'All are Greek owned and hence have that traditional warm Greek hospitality embedded in their ethos.'

Why Choose a Luxury Resort for Your Family Holiday to Greece?

Sani, Ikos and Grecotel are the big hitters when it comes to family holidays in Greece, whether you're looking for a luxury all-inclusive family holiday or a bed-and-breakfast package in a chic hotel. We’ve compared the different resorts and can help you further in choosing the right luxury Greek resort for you.

All come with the requisite gorgeous beach locations, top-notch facilities and entertainment, and all have oodles of awards between them. Whether you want teen clubs, tennis clinics, babysitting services or Michelin-starred dining – some or all of these – we will help you find the perfect family resort in Greece for your crew, based on budget, the ages of your child or children, and how active each of you likes to be.

Note that all are Greek-owned and hence have that traditional warm Greek hospitality embedded in their ethos. Sani has been named the World’s Leading Family & Beach Resort and the World’s Leading Luxury Green Resort in the World Travel Awards. Ikos resorts’ contemporary retreats are also hugely popular with families, thanks to football academies, kids’ clubs for all ages, and even childcare on the beach. And Grecotel has been providing luxury family holidays across Greece for 50 years.

Which Sani Resort is Best for Families?

Resorts in Sani for an All-Round Family-Friendly Experience

This super-chic, award-winning brand has just five hotels, all set on a 1,000-acre Greek estate in Halkidiki in northern Greece. Just a pebble’s skim from pine forests, nature trails, and simply glorious beaches, you'll find kids' and teens' clubs, several pools, plus oodles of sports facilities and camps. They include a Rafal Nadal tennis academy, a Chelsea FC football academy for kids, and the super-cool Bear Grylls Survival Academy, which is suitable for the whole family. Sani also offers sailing, archery and biking instruction.

Sani Beach is the largest hotel, with beach access, family-friendly amenities, multiple pools, and a good variety of dining packages, including half-board and full-board. Porto Sani is also very family-focused, with lagoon pools, kids’ clubs, crèche facilities, spacious suites, and easy proximity to Sani Marina.

Resorts in Sani for Families with Older Children

Set in the hills, Sani Club is more tranquil and has accommodation with private pools, while Sani Dunes offers a more adult-oriented atmosphere, with elegant rooms, Michelin-starred dining, a large heated pool and a spa. Sani Asterias is the brand's boutique-style property, with intimate beachfront suites, private beach access and upscale dining. Sani Dunes and Sani Beach are also proving popular with families with older children and teens, thanks to their more grown-up activities and stylish appeal.

Resorts in Sani for Families with Younger Children

Porto Sani and Sani Club are the favourite hotels for families with young kids, thanks to their close proximity to most of the children’s facilities, as well as the more family-centric suites. 

Which Ikos Resort is Best for Families?

Known for its contemporary style and superior service, Ikos is the more exclusive choice when you're looking for a luxury all-inclusive family holiday in Greece. Scattered across the mainland and some of the many islands, the multi-award-winning brand offers swanky resorts in Halkidiki, Corfu, Crete and Kos (as well as in Andalucia and Mallorca in Spain).

Ikos are consistently ranked the world’s best resorts by TripAdvisor - they’ve won Travellers’ Choice Awards for six consecutive years. All Ikos resorts have divine beachfront locations and fantastic family facilities, as well as menus by Michelin-starred chefs, 24-hour room service, and watersports as part of their 'Unconditional Luxury' all-inclusive offering.

They can also offer immersive local experiences, complimentary electric-car hire and a Dine Out programme at local restaurants, while a Deluxe Collection includes privileges such as private pools and a concierge service.

Resorts in Ikos for an All-Round Family-Friendly Experience

Ikos Olivia in Halkidiki and Ikos Dassia in Corfu are repeatedly rated top for all-inclusive family holidays in Greece. Olivia has beautiful grounds, great amenities and easy access to everything. An elegant beachfront property, it offers tennis, yoga and mountain-biking, as well as kids’ clubs and fine-dining options. Dassia is especially popular for its lively, jam-packed activity programmes suitable for all ages.

Ikos Aria in Kos, a contemporary resort with a beach-chic vibe but a family focus, with kids’ and teens’ clubs, several pools, fitness classes, watersports, a spa, and exceptional dining, from nonna's Greek dishes to Michelin-starred menus.

Ikos Oceania is a buzzy resort on the Kassandra Peninsula in Halkidiki, with a private beach, infinity pools, a spa, tennis courts, an active kids’ club, and an array of à la carte restaurants featuring Michelin-starred dining. Also set on the Kassandra Peninsula is Ikos Olivia (see above).

Over in Corfu, Ikos Odisia is set on a private beach and offers laid-back luxury along with family facilities including kids’ clubs, several pools, top-notch dining, and local cultural experiences.

With a planned opening in 2026, Ikos Kissamos on Crete will be a tranquil natural oasis offering ultra-luxurious all-inclusive stays, making the most of its lush gardens, pristine beaches, Michelin-starred dining, spa, and kids’ and teens’ clubs.

Which Grecotel is Best for Families? 

One of Greece's leading hotel chains, Grecotel, is another firm favourite with families looking for a stylish family holiday in Greece. Many of its more than 30 hotels scattered across Greece, including Crete, Corfu, Kos, Mykonos and the Peloponnese, offer family-friendly amenities including aqua parks, Grecoland kids' clubs, GrecoTeens activities, GrecoBaby facilities, and children’s pools with waterslides.

Many properties offer 'children stay free’ deals (up to 12 years) at certain times, and kids largely eat and drink for free. For adults, there are the Dine Out programme and half-board options, and some resorts, including the Grecotel Casa Marron in the Peloponnese and the Grecotel LuxMe on Kos, offer all-inclusive packages as well as family-centric facilities and nightly entertainment. 
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Grecotel Club Marine Palace & Aqua Park on Crete is particularly popular with families, largely due to its brilliant waterpark. Also on Crete, the Grecotel Creta Palace and Grecotel LuxMe White Palace have a private beach, a teen activity programme, a spa and great tennis facilities.

The Grecotel Corfu Imperial is a luxury choice with plenty of family-friendly services, including Grecoland kids' club (up to 12 years), teen club, movie nights and babysitting services. In the Peloponnese, Mandola Rosa is a mega resort incorporating La Riviera, LuxMe Oasis and LuxMe Palms hotels, with an array of family accommodation, loads of exciting dining options, a sports campus, and the largest aqua park in Greece.

Choose Take the Family for a Luxury Greek Holiday

Take the Family can show you why Greece is one of Europe’s most sought-after luxury family destinations. With beaches, pools, kids’ and teens’ clubs, sports academies, and activities for all ages, your family can relax and explore, making memories that last a lifetime. Start planning your dream Greek holiday with us today.

By Tracey Davies

To find out more about any of these holidays and/or to book your active family holiday, give our family travel experts a call on 020 3633 0653 or enquire online.