Best Mediterranean Islands for a Family Adventure

This is a collaborative post

After months of grey skies and indoor weekends, families are ready to swap the school and work routine for time spent in the warm sunshine. The Mediterranean offers a practical escape, with most UK airports flying to several locations. But not every island is created equal when you’re travelling with children in tow. Some stand out for their balance of adventure, culture, and comfort — the kind of places where you can climb ancient ruins in the morning, splash in warm waters by lunchtime, and enjoy dinner without worrying if the kids will find something they’ll eat.

Crete

Crete is a strong choice if you’re looking for a destination that entertains curious kids as well as relaxed parents. Its mythological past can be felt across the island. Stories of the Minotaur and King Minos come alive when you walk through the ruins of the Palace of Knossos or the ancient city of Aptera.

For outdoor options, the Samaria Gorge is manageable with older children and provides a real sense of adventure. When you need to slow things down, beaches like Elafonissi or Georgioupolis are fantastic for paddling with little ones.

Sardinia

Sardinia holidays tend to revolve around the stunning coastline. The beaches are clean and spacious, and far less commercial than other Mediterranean hotspots. The north coast is famous for the Costa Smeralda’s emerald, calm waters found in places like La Pelosa.

Many of Sardinia’s agriturismi (farm stays) also offer family-friendly accommodation with home-cooked meals and even animal encounters, giving your trip a more grounded, local feel. You don’t need a packed itinerary here — just time and a bit of curiosity.

Mallorca

Although Mallorca’s coastline is always appealing, it is more than just a beach holiday. Start in Palma, where you can explore the Gothic cathedral, take a bike ride along the waterfront, or visit the aquarium for a few cool hours indoors. Families who enjoy time spent in the great outdoors can venture into the Tramuntana mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for beautiful hikes on well-marked trails.

Coastal towns like Alcúdia are ideal for younger children, with pedestrian-friendly zones and easy access to boat rides or day trips.

Corsica

Corsica’s geographical location means the island’s culture and cuisine take inspiration from both France and Italy – the best of both worlds!

If your family prefers quieter holidays, consider the Côte Orientale — its long, less-developed beaches are ideal for picnics and paddling. A trip to Bonifacio, the southern tip facing Sardinia, is the ideal spot for exploring sea caves by coat or wandering the fortress-like old town.

Cyprus

Cyprus brings history and sea views into one package. The Heartland of Legends programme, a recent initiative supported by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, lets families take part in workshops in mountain villages — from halloumi-making to weaving. These aren’t staged performances, but real interactions with local craftspeople.

With pleasant temperatures all year round, it’s a great destination to visit in any season. Protaras and Ayia Napa are popular locations for snorkelling and boat trips to the Blue Lagoon, in addition to spotting the native breeds of turtles such as loggerheads or green turtles.