The Greek islands may be a top choice for families looking for the perfect beach break, but on the country’s mainland lies Parga, a charming seaside town home to the fantastic child-friendly Parga Beach Resort.
Offering everything you could want from a family getaway – swimming pools, a stunning beach, an excellent kids’ club and five restaurants – Parga Beach Resort is a wonderful place for a family escape.
The Vibe
It may not be as well known as the likes of Santorini or Mykonos but Parga – a town on the country’s mainland, westerly Ionian coast – also doesn’t come with the crowds or price tag of its more famous neighbours. Accessible luxury is the name of the game here, and this five-star seafront resort, with unbeatable sea views, comes with buckets of charm.
The resort is very much catered towards families. You won’t see a couple without kids holidaying here; this is a hotel keen to make sure kids are not only welcome – but encouraged to have fun, and, as a result, grown ups are able to fully relax too. With a village-like feel spread over two sections, the resort is spread out but the beach is only around a five-minute walk from accommodation, and there’s a golf buggy to ferry you around, should little legs be unwilling to walk.
The Rooms
Stunning landscaped gardens surround Venetian villa-like complexes. Over one hundred rooms and suites are within individual and bungalow-style buildings, each scattered amongst ancient olive trees and pristine flower beds. Contemporary and cool, each space has been well thought out, with an emphasis on modern comfort. Simple yet stylish interiors and large windows offer light and airy rooms, and all the amenities you may need for a stay with kids (such as cots and high chairs) can be provided. Each building complex has its own small pool – and there are two further pools on both sides of the resort, giving plenty of places to lounge on a sun bed and read (or attempt to read) your book while watching the kids. So many options means there is something to suit families of all shapes and sizes; for the ultimate stay book the Maison Bliss Suite – which offers loft-style, open-plan living, and is spread across two floors, sleeps up to seven, and comes with a private pool.
Food + Drink
Great food and a varied selection to cater to all tastes is so important on a family holiday, and the team here know it, offering a few different packages giving families the freedom to decide how and when they want to dine. Opt for breakfast-only, half-board or all-inclusive. There are five restaurants to choose from, and breakfast is a highlight; served buffet-style at the charming poolside Kokona restaurant and inspired by traditional Greek tavernas. Laid-back lunches are best eaten at Thalassa restaurant on the beach; the à la carte menu has everything from salads and seafood to pasta – plus a kids’ menu with a good range of options for fussy eaters, including simple sandwiches. Dinner is served here too, a Mediterranean-style buffet with a relaxed, toes-in-the-sand vibe.
Make decisions easy with the Ultra All Inclusive package which includes one dinner every five days at the exclusive Alselea restaurant, where the menu and sunset views are a real treat. In between times, grab a light bite at Ammos Beach Bar which serves snacks (including healthy options). Plus, there’s ice cream on tap too, a winner for everyone.
The Child’s Play
A new addition to the resort is the complimentary Phiome Kids’ Club. Open between mid-June and mid-October (covering the main school holiday period) it welcomes children aged four to 12, and there’s a daily schedule offering all kinds of activities from gardening, cooking, sports and crafts, to Greek-themed workshops which allow little ones to immerse themselves in the culture. It’s a highlight for kids – and for parents in need of some time to themselves. Technology is refreshingly absent here, with the club promoting the beauty of nature above all else. You can also book babysitting for younger children and babies, perfect when you want a bit of mum-and-dad time.
The other big highlight for families are the swimming pools. The shallow Kitron pool is ideal for younger guests who aren’t confident in deep water. Surrounded by sun beds and a pool bar, parents can watch on while kiddies splash and paddle. Arrive early in summer months, as the sun beds fill up quickly. Another large pool by the beach is perfect for teenagers, but the real pull of Parga Beach Resort is, of course, the beach itself. The long, white stretch of sand is largely exclusive to the resort, meaning you don’t have to worry about finding sun beds and you can order food and drink without having to leave your shaded spot – enjoying cocktails and lunch from the comfort of your lounger. You’ll find a water sports kiosk close by too which, although not run by the hotel, offers excursions to keep the whole family entertained, from jet-skiing to inflatable banana boats.
The To-Do List
For families who are spending a solid amount of time at the resort, there is more than enough to keep everyone entertained. The resort has a weekly schedule of experiences, including sunrise kayaking tours, Greek-themed events, and movies on the beach. The Greek night at Kokona restaurant is a highlight, with traditional food, dancing and plate smashing. There’s an indoor games room that teenagers will love, and a small wellness centre with a gym and spa for parents who need a bit of TLC. You may not feel the need to leave the comfort of the hotel, but the small town of Parga is close by with plenty of restaurants and boutique stores, and there’s archaeological sites nearby – including a Venetian Castle and Ancient Kassopi – for those after a cultural buzz.
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