Rhodes, Corfu and Lefkada are among the top 11 islands in Europe for families, according to a recent article published by "The Telegraph".
Rhodes caters to a mix of ancient history buffs, gastros, aesthetes and families. Your first stop should be Rhodes Old Town, magically located within a moated citadel with walls that are 12 feet thick. This former stronghold of the Knights of St John has a distinctly medieval feel, but walk on a little further - past evil eyes, alabaster gods and jewellery stores - and you find yourself in the intricate labyrinth of the Byzantine quarter, with its minarets, working Turkish baths and impossibly narrow atmospheric streets. Its bijou aquarium is worth a visit. Beyond Rhodes town is an abundance of vernal valleys and gorgeous beaches. Come between June and September to see butterflies emerge from their chrysalises at the Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes). And don't miss the glass-bottomed boats in Mandraki Harbour, where a new 150m replica of the the Colossus of Rhodes will soon be built in the place of the long fallen original.
Say "Corfu" and the excesses of Kávos likely spring to mind. But these (much diminished now) are well quarantined at the remotest end of this verdant island, which actually is perfect for families. Corfu's two main coastlines contrast sharply and the entire island is easily explored by hire car; distances are modest so kids will not get too fidgety. The main family attraction is Aqualand waterpark, but head to the western shore for superb sandy beaches; at some, like Íssos in the south-west or Ágios Stéfanos, in the far north, the sea shelves gently, though others get too much surf for toddlers. The eastern shoreline, facing the Greek mainland, has much calmer sea, with mostly fine-pebble beaches.
Sporty teenagers will love Lefkada, on the Ionian Sea, with its dramatically beautiful beaches and challenging water sports. Avoid the touristy east coast, and head instead to the more isolated west coast, where the village of Agios Nikitas overlooks the turquoise sea. Nearby you have Kathisma (2.5 miles), a popular pebble beach with cafés and tavernas, and low-key Milos pebble beach (served by boat). On the south coast, Vassiliki offers excellent conditions for wind surfing and scuba-diving, while Agios Ioannis, near Lefkada Town, is the top site for kite-surfing.
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