Greece vs Spain for a family holiday in 2027
The two giants of the European family holiday, side by side: which wins on all-inclusive, which wins on winter and short flights, with eight scored resorts.
- Toddler
- Kid
- Teen
The two giants of the European family holiday, and a genuine question. Greece has exploded in recent years, Spain remains the old reliable. Splitting them mostly comes down to season, flight and the kind of trip.
Greece has the best all-inclusive going right now. The Ikos resorts redefined the genre, a la carte dining included, proper clubs, sandy shallow beaches on Halkidiki, at Kos or Corfu. The trade-off: it is further (three hours plus from northern Europe), and the season runs roughly April to October.
Spain wins on flexibility and winter. The Canaries run all year, the Balearics are two hours away, and supply is so deep you find every price. For guaranteed sun outside summer, or a short flight with a baby, Spain has no rival.
Our verdict: premium summer all-inclusive, Greece; year-round sun, a short flight and a broad budget, Spain. Eight scored resorts, four each, below.
Our KidProof picks
Hand-picked and scored on the eight things that matter to families.
in Kos
Ikos Aria
Large rooms, suites and bungalows in gardens sloping to Kamari Bay, most with a sea or garden view. Two-bedroom family suites and swim-up options mean parents and older kids get their own space, and cots and bed rails are standard. This is the room configuration that makes a long week with little ones actually restful.
in Halkidiki
Sani Beach
Bright, contemporary rooms, family rooms and suites spread through a huge private reserve, most steps from the sand. Family rooms and connecting options give parents and older kids their own space, and cots and baby kits are easy to arrange in advance.
in Corfu
Ikos Dassia
Rooms and suites spread through mature gardens running down to the sea, most with a balcony or terrace. Family rooms and two-bedroom suites give you a door to close at 8pm, and the bungalow suites with private garden or pool are the ones parents of toddlers keep rebooking. Cots, bottle sterilisers and bath supports are free on request, but ask early because stock is finite.
in Crete
Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort
Low-slung bungalows and suites arranged around a leafy central agora, many with a private or semi-private pool a step from the terrace. The Family Bungalows and Open Plan Suites add a separate living area, so you can put little ones down and still have your own space and your own plunge pool for the evening.
in Mallorca
Zafiro Palace Alcudia
Spacious modern suites built for families, from Junior Suites up to Two Bedroom Penthouses sleeping six. The clever ones are the Swim Up Suites, where your terrace opens straight onto a shared shallow pool, and the private pool suites for families who want their own splash. Sofa beds, big bathrooms and proper wardrobe space throughout.
in Tenerife
Iberostar Selection Anthelia
Comfortable, classic rooms with balconies, and family rooms that sleep four without feeling cramped. Ask for a garden or pool view rather than the road side.
in Gran Canaria
Lopesan Baobab Resort
Rooms are dressed up as an African lodge, and the family rooms add a sofa bed so four sleep without anyone on the floor. Ask for a pool-view room on a lower floor if you have a toddler and a buggy, it saves the lift queue.
in Costa Almeria
Protur Roquetas Hotel & Spa
Family suites of around 60 square metres with two separate bedrooms, a living room with a sofa bed and a sea view terrace, which is the configuration that makes a week with three children survivable. Family doubles add two sofa beds to a big double.
Greece vs Spain for a family holiday in 2027
| Hotel | Score | Kids club | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ikos Aria | 91 | ✅ Free kids club | 340€ |
| Sani Beach | 91 | ✅ Free kids club | 380€ |
| Ikos Dassia | 89 | ✅ Free kids club | 520€ |
| Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort | 87 | ✅ Free kids club | 420€ |
| Zafiro Palace Alcudia | 88 | ✅ Free kids club | 320€ |
| Iberostar Selection Anthelia | 86 | ✅ Free kids club | 240€ |
| Lopesan Baobab Resort | 89 | ✅ Free kids club | 260€ |
| Protur Roquetas Hotel & Spa | 87 | ✅ Free kids club | 190€ |
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