GREEK ISLANDS FOR FAMILIES

THE BEST OF THE REST

and sunbathing on one of its beaches: sandy Glyfada, on the wild west coast; nearby Paleokastritsa, with its sheltered pebble coves; or Sidari on the north coast, with its peculiar rock formations and warm shallow sea. There’s also Aqualand (aqualand-corfu. com) water park in the island’s lush green interior. Popular with Brits, thanks to frequent direct flights.

Stay: Thomson offers seven nights at the self-catering 2T+ Andriana Apartments from £353 per adult and £357 per child. Price includes flights from Gatwick on July 11 and transfers (thomson.co.uk).

Paxos, Ionian Best for: villa escapism

One of the least commercial Ionian islands, Paxos (pop 2,300) is loved by wealthy Italians and yachties, hence its outstanding seafood restaurants. Measuring just seven miles long and three miles wide, this is your archetypal Mediterranean island hideaway. Chill out on the east coast beaches – Monodendri is the best – or hire a boat and explore the caves along the west coast. Antipaxos (pop 20), a tiny island two miles to the south, has two lovely white sandy beaches and is served by regular taxi-boats. coastline will thrill your family by day – Shipwreck Bay, accessible only by boat, is unmissable – and send the children to the beach club for water sports lessons or to socialise in the evenings. Base yourself on the Vasilikos peninsula, most of which has been protected from large-scale development because of its loggerhead turtles.

Stay: Bring friends or other family members to Villa Lagaria (sleeps 12), which costs from £7,950; club membership (ages 13+) £210 per person (peligoni.com).

Mykonos, Cyclades Best for: honeymoon with the kids

Mykonos is famous for its gay nightlife, but it also makes for a lovely family destination if you stay in a quieter resort, such as the sandy Agios Ioannis beach. Secure a babysitter and head into Mykonos Town for dinner, drinks or a boogie at a glitzy club. For a moment of calm, take a day trip to the islet of Delos, with its Unescolisted temples.

Milos, Cyclades

Whatever the ages of your children, there’s a Greek island that will provide just what you are looking for