greece tours for families

Greece with kids: where should you go?

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Greece was at the top of my bucket list for years before we finally made it there, and it was worth the wait! Our two week stay was the most relaxing part of our whirlwind family gap year . The toughest parts of planning a trip to Greece with kids isn’t any logistical challenge, it’s that you’re entirely spoiled for choice with dozens of fantastic options.

Since we only visited a few areas of Greece this time around, we asked some of our fellow family travelers for their input on the best places in Greece for families. Read on for important travel planning tips and inspiration for your family’s Greece vacation – you’ll probably find a few places you’ve never even heard of!

Read more Greece articles or get Europe travel inspiration

Getting started planning your trip to Greece with kids

How long is your family trip to greece.

It can be challenging to plan a family itinerary for Greece with so many great options! How long you plan to stay in Greece will play a big part in determining how many places you can visit.

For visitors traveling from the US, you’ll need to stop in Athens before continuing on. It’s worth staying for 2-3 nights before you proceed so that you can see the main sites like the Acropolis.

Beyond that, we’d suggest staying in most places in Greece for at least five days to give you an opportunity to both explore and relax – we know, sometimes it’s tough to imagine relaxing on a trip with kids but you really can do it in Greece!

In some cases, small islands that are close to one another can be explored in just 3-4 days. If you don’t mind moving around Greece with family in tow, on a standard “travel week” trip of two weekends and the work week in between you can probably manage to visit Athens and two islands! Just map out your flight times and ferry times in advance so that you won’t be spending all of your time in transit. And be sure to pack light so you won’t have too much luggage to drag around – check out our top tips for packing light with kids .

Consider how you want to get around Greece: planes, boats or cars?

Where you choose to visit in Greece with children depends in part on how much internal travel you want to do and how you want to do it.

If you’re flying from the US to Greece, you have no choice but to at least transit through Athens. So you might as well stay a few days and soak in the epic history! Find your cheapest flight options here.

Once you arrive in Athens it’s easy to hop to other destinations either by plane or ferry. There are pros and cons to both ways of getting around. Both the Athens airport and the ferry terminal in Piraeus are accessible by the very efficient metro system, though the airport takes about 65 minutes from the popular Plaka neighborhood compared with 45 minutes from Plaka to Piraeus.

Flights in Greece

Flights are obviously shorter, but prepare to arrive at the airport well in advance. For longer distances, like Athens to Crete , a flight could be the right choice – 50 minutes compared with 7-9 hours! Even when you account for the extra airport time, flying is the clear winner (and that’s what we did on our return from Crete to Athens).

On the other hand, if you’re traveling from Athens to Naxos or another similarly short route the ferry takes the same amount of time (once you add in the airport time), costs less, is more comfortable and puts your right in the middle of town instead of at a far away air field. It’s also a classic Greek vacation experience to watch the islands appear on the horizon!

It’s worth comparing the costs and schedules of flights and ferries when you make your decision. Note that schedules do vary with season, and popular routes book early. You can easily mix and match – we flew to Athens, took a ferry to Naxos, took another ferry from Naxos to Crete and then flew from Crete back to Athens. Check out cheap Greece flights here.

Ferries in Greece

Overall ferries in Greece are comfortable and efficient. They have large seats, cafes, plenty of restrooms and places to walk around inside and outside.

You’ll want to consider different ferry options closely. A few months in advance, the complete ferry schedule for a given season should be available here . Once you start searching for some routes you may notice that there are lots of choices for duration and price.

For instance, on the popular Athens to Santorini ferry in May there are four (or more!) options to choose from, ranging from 33 EUR to 70 EUR with times ranging from 4.5 hours to over 9 hours. But obviously you should take the shortest one, right? Maybe, or maybe not.

We took one “regular speed” ferry and one “fast ferry”. While the regular one was a lovely and pleasant experience, we spent most of the fast ride trying to keep our food down. So you may save a few hours but at the expense of an unpleasant experience. It’s different for everyone so there’s no clear answer on this one. In the future our family might opt for the second fastest option! Check ferry schedules from every operator with an easy-to-use interface in English.

Read more: A Local Guide’s Perfect Greek Island Hopping Itinerary (Without the Crowds)

Flights from Europe to Greece

If you’re starting your journey elsewhere in Europe, EasyJet has tons of flights from all of Europe to many Greek islands (even smaller ones!). Some of them are as cheap as 25 EUR. As of this writing, they fly to fourteen different airports in Greece! Check out all the choices here.

Read more: How to travel to Greece on a budget

Driving in Greece

There are parts of Greece that are perfect for a family road trip! We had a great time driving around Crete, while we know others who have driven around the Peloponnese and other regions. Local drivers know where they’re going and often want to get there fast, but roads are in good shape and shouldn’t pose too many challenges for most North American and European drivers. We rented through RentalCars.com (as always) and had a good experience. Check rates here for your trip.

We strongly recommend bringing your own car seat from home if you plan on renting a car in Greece. We’ve heard many reports from around the world of rented car seats being dirty, expired, inappropriate for the child’s age or – worst – not even there . Don’t miss our comprehensive resources for traveling with a car seat:

– How to travel with a car seat (without losing your cool) – The best convertible car seats for travel – Ride Safer Delight travel vest review – Bubblebum review

Essentials to pack for Greece

You can find most things you’ll need anywhere in Greece, albeit at a price. Make sure to bring these essentials from home to start your epic Greece family vacation off on the right foot:

We were able to buy good sunscreen in Greece, but it wasn’t exactly cheap (and one family member had an allergic reaction to it!). We recommend bringing sunscreen from home to avoid looking like a lobster by the end of your vacation, though you can enjoy a good laugh when you see people from northern Europe getting their first sun exposure in months. These ( here and here ) are two of our favorite kid-safe sunscreens that go on well and are very effective at preventing burns, and they come in 3oz tubes sized just right for travel.

Europe-ready SIM card

Unless your cell phone from home offers unlimited global roaming, you’ll be best served by picking up a local SIM card for Europe. Most US cell phone carriers offer a $10 per day roaming plan, but that obviously adds up very quickly! We’ve used this European SIM card in multiple countries and it works great – if you’ll be in Europe for more than two weeks, just register it online to extend its life. It includes 10GB of data, 1000 texts and 120 minutes of talk time. Once you have it in your phone you can even top it up. Just make sure your phone is unlocked before you go, which can take a few days depending on the carrier.

Great travel camera

You may not want to lug a huge DSLR on your relaxing vacation, but what if you want better photos than your cell phone can muster? The best solution these days is a so-called bridge camera . It has many of the features of high-end cameras like some manual controls (only if you want them!) and plenty of zoom, but comes in a compact package and doesn’t require swapping lenses.

Ready to pack your bags? Check out our complete packing list for Greece !

Preparing your kids for a Greece family vacation

A family trip to Greece is what you make of it. You can choose to focus on relaxing by the beach, venturing into new foods or, of course, exploring the country’s rich and varied history. As worldschoolers , we think you’d be missing an opportunity if you didn’t at least give your kids a taste of Greek history or mythology as you’re traveling around! We enjoyed reading these books together in the shady park across from the Acropolis as we looked at our surroundings and took a journey back through time.

Ready to plan where to go in Greece with kids? We got so many fantastic suggestions from our fellow family travelers that we’ve divided them into two sections: best family vacations in Greece’s mainland and best Greek islands for kids.

Athens, Peloponnese and mainland Greece with kids

Athens with kids – local passport family.

What’s great about visiting Athens with kids? What are the best things to do in Athens with kids?

Athens is an incredible juxtaposition of the old world and the new. There’s just something so fun (especially for kids!) about seeing something so familiar that you’ve learned about in school and books, especially in the middle of a modern city. Athens is obviously a history lover’s dream, with buildings, stadiums, and even recipes dating back nearly 2,500 years. Don’t miss the Acropolis, which is one of the best things to do in Greece with kids. These activities are paired with amenities like digital tour guides and a modern transit system to help all the history come alive. Plus, the food is fantastic!

What are potential challenges for families visiting Athens?

Athens has a history of being dirty, crowded, dangerous, and overall a bit gritty. And…it can be. But that’s honestly part of what I love about it! It’s not as pristine as some other famous cities, but that also means that tourists aren’t swarming every nook and cranny, and you’re rewarded with a more easily localized experience than in other places. It has a million hidden gems. Take normal travel precautions, of course. But in my experience, because Athens requires a bit more effort to love, it rewards you with a lot of love back.

How long do you recommend staying?

3-4 days, then head to an island or two

If you have a day to spare after you see the top Athens tourist attractions, consider a day trip to Poseidon’s Temple !

What’s the best way to get to Athens?

Fly into Athens, then use public transit. Definitely no need to drive in the city!

Where to stay in Athens with a family

If you want to be close to the action, stick with Syntagma or Koukaki . We stayed a bit north of the city center near the Agios Nikolaos Metro station, which we loved. It had a bit more of a local feel, a terrific bakery across the street, and was easily accessible to downtown via public transit. It was also significantly cheaper than staying in the center!

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels in Athens, Greece

Plan your family trip to Athens

Book flights ∙ Check ferry schedules ∙ Find the best hotels ∙ Schedule tours

Everything you need to know about visiting Athens with kids

Thanks to Preethi at Local Passport Family .

Athens and Peloponnese Percy Jackson tour – 5 Lost Together

Note from Melissa: I love the trip that Dawn and her family did because it was child-led! Once kids are old enough, it’s amazing to let their interests influence family travel… and it’s an especially good way to get reluctant travelers on board with leaving behind their friends and the comforts of home. This is a great way to travel with tweens and teens!

What’s great about the Athens and the Peloponnese with kids?

Our trip was entirely focused on visiting major sights in the Rick Riordan Percy Jackson books . My daughter had become really interested in Greek mythology and so our trip revolved around historical sights, culture and food. We planned a DIY trip that hit up places from the books.

I think you can’t go to Greece without visiting Athens; the Acropolis is stunning and the city is very walkable. We did an amazing food tour which was a great way to taste foods that were new to us, while also learning about the city from a local.

The Peloponnese was much less touristy than the Greek islands, while still having cute fishing villages, beaches and important sights like ancient Olympia and Epidavros (sometimes spelled Epidaurus). We based ourselves in the charming town of Naflios and loved the polished stone streets, eating outside at family restaurants and mingling with Greek tourists on their summer holidays.

What are potential challenges for families visiting?

We found Greece to be a really family-friendly destination. A few minor things to consider are the heat and high prices of visiting in the summer peak season.

Anywhere from 1-2 weeks would be ideal. We were there 10 days, but we definitely could have stayed longer.

What’s the best way to get there?

We flew in, but then rented a car for our road trip to the Peloponnese. We found rental cars to be fairly expensive, but it was great to have the flexibility to get around independently. The roads were good, although be prepared for lots of cash tolls. Check here for rental car rates in Greece.

What’s the best place for families to stay?

Being a family of 5, we stayed at Airbnbs and small hotels. In Athens we stayed at a great flat right near the Acropolis Museum , but still in a neighborhood that locals lived in. I can’t say enough good things about Nafplion on the Peloponnese…such a cute town and very close to Athens.

Plan your DIY Percy Jackson tour in Greece

Book flights ∙ Check rental cars ∙ Find the best hotels

Thanks to Dawn at 5 Lost Together. You can find more info on their Percy Jackson tour of Athens and the Peloponnese here .

Check out these awesome hidden gems in Greece !

Halkidiki with kids – Another Milestone

What’s great about visiting Halkidiki with kids? What are the best things to do in Halkidiki with kids?

I stayed on both legs of Halkidiki. Kassandra has larger resorts and is more crowded. Sithonia is wilder, but is has some amazing beaches. For kids, they are both great: delicious food (my daughter ate tatziki and souvlaki almost every day), great views and some beautiful beaches with gold sand and clear water. The best beach for kids on Sithonia is definitely Vourvourou. It has the finest sand I ever stepped on and water is clear and not deep for several meters. Another great beach for kids is Kriopigi, on Kassandra, because of the natural pine forest behind that offers a natural shadow.

What are potential challenges for families visiting Halkidiki?

During summer we had two challenges when traveling with our little girl: some beaches were a bit crowded and that meant that she couldn’t run free as she was used to. The other problem was the road on Sithonia. If your child gets car sick, the road in Sithonia will be a test! Though beautiful, with spectacular views, it is narrow and curvy.

Where to stay in Halkidiki with a family

Probably a week is enough if you don’t want to visit too many beaches. Two weeks is better if you really want to get to know the region. June and September are perfect to go there. In July and August it is hot and crowded.

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels in Halkidiki, Greece here

What’s the best way to get to Halkidiki?

The best way to get to Chalkidiki is by plane to Thessaloniki and from there, a rental car that can allow you explore the region and discover the secret beaches.

What’s the best place for families to stay in Halkidiki?

A good place to stay if you come with your children is Hotel Sarti Beach . It is not very big, the beach is close to every hotel and it has some good restaurants. It has also some games for bigger children.

Plan your family trip to Halkidiki

Thanks to Corina at Another Milestone .

Sithonia with kids – Are We There Yet Kids

What’s great about visiting Sithonia with kids? What are the best things to do in Sithonia with kids?

We absolutely fell in love with the natural beauty of Sithonia, the beaches are white and sandy, the cliffs are rugged and rocky and parts of it feel like it’s the land that time forgot. We watched dolphins playing in the sea over meals of fresh fish and greek salads and discovered totally deserted attractions such as Aristotle Park and the million year old Petralona Cave, both located just a short drive away.

What are potential challenges for families visiting Sithonia?

If you want to explore more than just your resort, you’ll need a car to get to the various attractions and beaches. Some of the roads are pretty incomplete, and if you stray from the main roads there’s a good chance you’ll end up getting lost. This is not a polished tourist destination but I think that’s part of its charm.

We stayed for a week but could easily have stayed on longer. Even a long weekend will be enough to recharge your batteries.

What’s the best way to get to Sithonia?

Fly into Thessaloniki and hire a car, it’s less than an hours drive to Sithonia.

Where to stay in Sithonia with a family

We stayed at the Athena Pallas Village , a super family friendly hotel with pools, family sized rooms, a small bowling alley and spa. We loved this place for its small stretch of private beach and quiet location. If you’re looking for somewhere a little busier, I recommend staying somewhere in Neos Marmaras , a little further South.

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels in Sithonia, Greece here

Plan your family trip to Sithonia

Thanks to Karen at Are We There Yet Kids. You can find more info on visiting Sithonia with kids here .

Sani Resort with kids – As the Bird Flies

What’s great about Sani Resort with kids?

Sani Resort is exactly that, a resort, but it’s one so well designed and set up for families that I think it deserves to be in this list. Located on a bay in the seaside town of Halkidiki near Thessaloniki on Greece’s mainland this huge resort is essentially a collection of smaller resorts and hotels all with different amenities. While a few are adults-only the larger ones are for families including the luxurious Sani Club and the activities-focused Sani Beach (which also offers villas ). Guests with kids can use all the family-friendly facilities in other resorts in addition to the ones they’re staying in and that includes the vast majority of the resorts restaurants which cater to all tastes from Asian to Greek to Italian to French cuisines.

Aside from the variety on offer, the fantastic activities and amenities for our young son, and the luxury feel of this stylish and slickly run resort, we loved how easy it was to get to with just a one hour transfer by car from Thessaloniki airport – this car service will even provide a car seat along with the ride! That said, our favorite thing was just how blue and beautiful the Aegean Sea was despite not being on one of the Greek islands – it was the best ocean water I’ve seen in Europe in a long time!

Sani is a resort and so this is not a place to head to if you don’t like resort holidays. While you can easily get out of the resort and explore the local area and a local’s beach is just a few minutes walk away, you pay a premium to stay at Sani so you feel you want to make the most of the facilities on offer there, which is no bad thing as there’s a lot of variety.

How long do you recommend staying at Sani Resort?

We stayed for a week and that was about right.

What’s the best way to get to Sani Resort?

Fly to Thessaloniki and then you can get a taxi or private transfer as organized by the resort. If you need a car seat to be provided for the journey, you can arrange it with Welcome Pickups .

As mentioned above Sani Club and Sani Beach were the best locations for families and I would say Sani Club is best for those with small children or families wanting a relaxing holiday, while Sani Beach is more for those with older children or families wanting a lot of entertainment and activities every day.

Plan your family trip to Sani Resort

Book flights ∙ Car service ∙ Compare San Resort properties

Thanks to Frankie at As the Bird Flies. You can find more info on visiting Sani resort with kids here .

Litochoro with kids – Strolling Greece

What’s great about visiting litochoro with kids what are the best things to do in litochoro with kids.

Mythology, history, and nature come together in Litochoro.

What we like most about the mountain town of Litochoro is that it grants easy access to the mountains, historical sites, and beaches of the Northern Greek region of Pieria. Litochoro is located at the foot of Mount Olympus, home of the 12 Olympian Gods. It’s a vibrant little town with pastel blue and yellow painted stone houses of traditional Macedonian architecture. There are lots of taverns and bars to choose from, but with kids, we always enjoy eating at the terrace of Meze Meze. The food is tasty and attractive and the atmosphere relaxed. Other nice places to eat and drink are close to the entrance of the Enipeas Gorge, which you can reach by descending the stairs from the main square.

Driving up the mountain towards Prionia you can visit the old monastery of Saint Dionysios at a height of 820 m. From the parking lot next to the monastery, a path runs through the woods, along waterfalls and natural pools to a cave. This is where the monk Saint Dionysios used to live in the 16 th century. The little white chapel built below a huge rock is like a picture from a fairy-tale book. It’s a hike of only twenty minutes. We went there when our son was only five years old, and it was perfect.

With older children, you can visit one of the numerous waterfalls . This year we visited a few with our local guide Sotiria. Our 11-year old son’s favorite experience was when she took us to a hidden waterfall with natural pools where he could swim in the crystal clear (though ice cold!) water, and jump off a rock into the swimming hole!

A picnic with a view on the snow-capped peaks of Mount Olympus in the old sacred city of Alexander the Great was my idea of spending the day in the archaeological park of Dion. This huge park with statues of ancient Gods, ruins of Roman baths, theaters, ponds, bridges, streams and an impressive nature is an oasis of greenery. Just prepare a cooler with food and drinks, pack a blanket and find a place in the shadow of a tree to have lunch.

What are potential challenges for families visiting Litochoro?

A guide may be helpful for some of the more challenging mountain hikes to avoid getting lost.

How long do you recommend staying in Litochoro?

From 1 to 3 weeks.

What’s the best way to get to Litochoro?

Litochoro is about an hour drive from the airport from Thessaloniki. It’s recommended to rent a car if you want to visit the mentioned places.

Where to stay in Litochoro with a family

Nice place to stay: Ktima Fakis (mountain area), Litochoro Olympus Resort Villas & Spa (Beach area).

Plan your family trip to Litochoro

Thanks to Ninah at Strolling Greece.

The best Greek islands for families

Naxos with kids – the family voyage.

What’s great about visiting Naxos with kids? What are the best things to do on Naxos with kids?

Naxos just might be the most family-friendly island in Greece! It offers sandy beaches, a charming white-walled little town, ancient ruins, amazing food and gushing hospitality all in a lovely, walkable package if you stay in the main town (Naxos Chora). We enjoyed beach-hopping, restaurant-hopping and chatting with locals since we visited just before “the season” began on May 2. It truly is the best place to go in Greece for families, so be sure to put it on your list!

What are potential challenges for families visiting Naxos?

Naxos was the most stress-free vacation we’ve ever taken! The only potential challenge is that Naxos is becoming more popular with families every year so you may find it more crowded if you visit during peak season in mid-summer.

How long do you recommend staying on Naxos?

We stayed for five days and that was perfect! It was enough time to spend several days at the beach, a day exploring the old town and its castle of narrow, winding cobblestone streets and art galleries and even to rent a car and explore the other island villages for a day. If you stay for a full week you an even take a day trip to another nearby island like Paros.

What’s the best way to get to Naxos?

Naxos is an easy ferry ride from Piraeus near Athens, and there are also ferries available from several other islands in the area like Santorini and Crete. Naxos does have a small airport for domestic flights from Athens, but they are seasonal and generally quite pricey.

Where to stay on Naxos with a family

We absolutely loved our stay at Spiros Hotel in Naxos, just a few minutes’ walk from kid-friendly St. George beach as well as the town center and its many wonderful restaurants.

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels in Naxos, Greece here

Plan your family trip to Naxos

Book flights ∙ Check ferry schedules ∙ Book your hotel ∙ Schedule tours

Get more info on visiting Naxos with kids

Crete with kids – The Family Voyage

What’s great about visiting Crete with kids? What are the best things to do on Crete with kids?

While so many other family-friendly destinations in Greece are ideal for a few days at a time, you could spend weeks on Crete without getting bored. It’s the largest Greek island and was formerly an independent state, and the diversity of experiences reflects that. You can visit the fascinating four thousand year old ruins at Knossos, hike gorges with incredible views, watch endless sunsets and even swim in the Libyan Sea. Crete also offers both city amenities and quaint villages, so there’s an opportunity to suit every preference. As a heavily populated island, there will be restaurants and hotels open year-round in the cities (unlike many Greek islands). Since there are so many things to do on Crete, it’s one of the best Greek islands with kids if you don’t want to move around.

What are potential challenges for families visiting Crete?

Crete is huge compared to other Greek islands! The drive from Herklion to Chania (the island’s two largest cities) is over two hours and driving the whole island east to west would take around five hours. Likewise, many of the north-south drives on the island look short on a map but the take you through narrow, windy gorges and can be very time consuming. You’ll need to rent a car on Crete unless you plan to stay at a resort or in a city the whole time, but in our opinion you’ll miss out on a lot of the island’s best features if you do that.

How long do you recommend staying on Crete?

We recommend visiting Crete for at least one week. Spend the first 1-2 nights in Heraklion (especially if you’re coming on an afternoon ferry) to visit the Venetian Fort, Knossos and possibly the Antiquities Museum and one of the easier gorge hikes (they’re closer to Herklion, while the ones on the west side near Chania are generally more challenging). Spend the remaining 5 nights in the Chania area visiting the lovely beaches, strolling the town’s waterfront and admiring the scenery. If you have more time, you could just as easily extend your visit to two weeks to explore more of the island’s quieter eastern side.

What’s the best way to get to Crete?

Crete is easy to access by both plane and ferry, and both options offer service to Heraklion or Chania. Provided your car rental price doesn’t change much, it would be very convenient to come in to one city and leave from the other. EasyJet is a great option if you want to fly to Crete – check their schedules here .

Where to stay on Crete with a family

We had great (but brief) stay at Candia Suites & Rooms in Heraklion – the one-bedroom suite was just enough space for our family for the night.

There are many options for where to stay in Chania. We had a wonderful HomeExchange villa above Almyrida beach and really fell in love with the area. There are lots of great restaurants to choose from and the beach is very kid-friendly – we much preferred it to all of the other local beaches we tried including the insta -famous-but-not-that-pink Elafonisi beach.

Almyrida Resort is another great option in the area that puts you just steps from the beach while offering affordable luxury in their three different types of accommodation.

Plan your family trip to Crete

Book flights ∙ Check ferry schedules ∙ Check rental cars ∙ Book your hotel ∙ Schedule tours

Get more info on visiting Crete with kids

Sifnos with kids – Suitcases and Sandcastles

What’s great about visiting Sifnos with kids? What are the best things to do on Sifnos with kids?

You have to go off the beaten track to find the best Greek islands. Sifnos is smaller and feels more authentic than famous islands in the Cyclades like Santorini and Mykonos, but it’s every bit as beautiful and has a laid-back vibe that makes it an ideal base for families.

Good sandy beaches aren’t always a given in Greece but there are several here, from little bays to wide sandy beaches with kayaks and pedalos. Be sure to explore the labyrinthine streets of Kastro, the island’s oldest village and walk across to the Church of the Seven Martyrs, one of the most beautiful settings of any church in Greece.

Your kids will love watching the old grandmother rolling out sweets on the table in the family bakery at Artemonas and eating fresh fish under the shade of a tamarisk tree right on the beach at Vathi.

What are potential challenges for families visiting Sifnos?

Some of the little bays that you have to hike to are not suitable for young children – the rocks are quite steep and the the sea here is too rough for swimming. Stick to the sandy beaches and sheltered harbours instead.

How long do you recommend staying on Sifnos?

You could see most of Sifnos in a couple of days (it only covers 28 square miles) but this is the sort of place you’ll want to linger and relax – a week here was perfect for our family.

What’s the best way to get to Sifnos?

In summer there’s a daily ferry to Sifnos from Athens. It takes three to five hours. You can also get ferries to Sifnos from Santorini.

Where to stay on Sifnos with a family

There are several good hotels and houses for rent on the island but it’s best to book several months in advance if you’re planning on visiting during the peak summer period.

We stayed at the super stylish Astra Verina . We loved the infinity pool with wonderful views over the Aegean and across to Kastro and our family suite there was one of the best we’ve ever had – it was very hard to leave. If you’ve got young children who’d rather be close to the beach, try its sister property, Verina Suites on Platys Gialos beach.

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels in Sifnos, Greece here

Plan your family trip to Sifnos

Book flights ∙ Check ferry schedules ∙ Book your hotel

Thanks to Clare at Suitcases and Sandcastles. You can find more info on visiting Sifnos with kids here .

Milos with kids – Because Germany

What’s great about visiting Milos with kids? What are the best things to do on Milos with kids?

Milos has an incredibly diverse landscape that’s so interesting to explore. There’s everything from beautiful sandy beaches that are perfect for kids, volcanic rock formations and caves, colorful fishing villages, and whitewashed hilltop towns. Best of all, it still feels undiscovered, uncrowded, and relaxing.

What are potential challenges for families visiting Milos?

One potential challenge is that Milos is still relatively undeveloped compared to other islands (although for us this was a plus). There aren’t any large resorts, some of the beaches don’t have facilities, and some roads are unpaved.

How long do you recommend staying on Milos?

You’ll need at least 4 full days to see everything Milos has to offer, but if you can stay longer, you won’t be bored!

What’s the best way to get to Milos?

Milos is reachable by either twice daily flights from Athens or daily high speed ferries from Athens. There are also connections to Milos from multiple other islands in the Cyclades, but check the schedules early in your planning as many only run on certain days each week.

Where to stay on Milos with a family

Pollonia is the best place for families to stay, since there’s a nice town beach and plenty of restaurants within easy walking distance. There are a range of small hotels and apartment-style accommodations; Nefeli Sunset Studios has a beautiful setting and affordable suites that are perfect for families.

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels in Milos, Greece here

Plan your family trip to Milos

Thanks to Hayley at Because Germany. You can find more info on visiting Milos with kids here .

Kos with kids – Mummy Travels

What’s great about visiting Kos with kids? What are the best things to do on Kos with kids?

It’s the perfect combination of everything which makes Greece wonderful for families – plenty that’s set up for tourists, so it’s easy with kids (who are welcome everywhere), lots to explore whether you’re looking for history, nature or wandering around the old towns, and lots of chance to relax on some beautiful beaches or visit the waterparks. Big enough to have plenty of options to fill your days, it’s also small enough that you can see a lot of the island’s highlights in one day.

Don’t miss the ancient Asklepion, one of the world’s oldest hospitals – best visited with a guide – and stop off in the archaeological museum in Kos for more gods and legends. The Castle of the Knights in Kos Town is also great to visit, with its views out over the water, while you can visit traditional houses still set as they’d have been lived in in Kefalos and Antimachia. Escape the crowds in the shade of the trees at Plaka and with older kids, head to the thermal springs near Agios Fokas beach. It’s also a great place for a boat trip: you can even take a day trip to Bodrum in Turkey, or to the smaller islands off the coast of Kos, as well as traditional gulet boats and even a pirate ship.

What are potential challenges for families visiting Kos?

It is one of the busier islands, so expect big groups at some of the attractions in peak times. And while it’s small, you’ll either need a hire car to get around or take tours – taxis are astonishingly expensive and buses almost non-existent. Hire cars are cheap and the roads are quiet though.

How long do you recommend staying on Kos?

Four days to one week

What’s the best way to get to Kos?

Kos has an international airport so you can fly in but you can also get ferries from other islands in the Dodecanese, including Rhodes, for an easy Greek island hop. There are also ferries from Piraeus if you’re coming from Athens.

Where to stay on Kos with a family

Stay on the south coast, around Kardamena – it’s easy to head north to Kos Town for a day out, as well as to the islands attractions, but you’re close to some of the most beautiful beaches along the coast to Kefalos as well. We stayed at Lagas Aegean Village , just outside Kardamena.

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels in Kos, Greece here

Plan your family trip to Kos

Book flights ∙ Check ferry schedules ∙ Check rental cars ∙ Book your hotel

Thanks to Cathy at Mummy Travels. You can find more info on visiting Kos with kids here .

Corfu with kids – Family Off Duty

What’s great about visiting Corfu with kids? What are the best things to do on Corfu with kids?

Corfu is a beautiful island steeped in history. There is plenty to see and some lovely beaches to explore. If you visit out of season, then you can have the beaches to yourself and still see some sun.

What are potential challenges for families visiting Corfu?

Choosing the best place to eat. Just because there is so much choice and the food is great. Make sure you try as many places as possible and normally the ones filled with locals will be the best!

How long do you recommend staying on Corfu?

I suggest one to two weeks. You can explore the coast and the hills on your own pace.

What’s the best way to get to Corfu?

Probably fly – drive is the best solution, depending where you are coming from. If you are in Albania then you may want to grab the boat over, but you will definitely want to hire a car when you are there. This will give you the flexibility to explore all the wonderful beaches which would not otherwise be accessible by public transport, except by taxi.

Where to stay on Corfu with a family

Kassiopi is a great place to stay. This little town has residents even out of season. There are plenty of nice little bars and restaurants in walking distance and a nice little harbor as well as some old castle ruins worth exploring.

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels in Corfu, Greece here

Plan your family trip to Corfu

Thanks to Thass at Family Off Duty. You can find more info on visiting Corfu with kids here .

Skyros with kids – Dreamista

What’s great about visiting skyros with kids what are the best things to do on skyros with kids.

All beaches are accessible, sandy and most are even shallow, ideal for kids. There are a few activities for families, such as horse riding and sea games. The old town is awesome for families, with a huge play area surrounded by cafes and bars for parents. The parking is also great there.

What are potential challenges for families visiting Skyros?

There are no baby changing facilities anywhere and no high chairs in almost all restaurants and taverns. None of the restaurants have play areas for kids, though there are a few that may have a toy or two or very old swings.

How long do you recommend staying on Skyros?

If you want to relax, you can stay on Skyros itself for 7 days, but that’s probably enough. If you’d rather island hop and continue with Skiathos (also very family friendly), 3 days might be enough on Skyros.

What’s the best way to get to Skyros?

You can fly from Athens to Skyros and rent a car. Alternatively, drive from Athens to Kymi port (2.5 hours away) and get the ferry (another 2 hours).

Where to stay on Skyros with a family

There is a property right on Aherounes beach with its own restaurant and another one on Aspous beach (don’t stay there in August though, as it get windy). Both are independent houses with green areas to play.

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels in Skyros, Greece here

Plan your family trip to Skyros

Thanks to Anna at Dreamista. You can find more info on visiting Skyros with kids here .

Kefalonia with kids – Wanderlust Crew

What’s great about visiting Kefalonia with kids? What are the best things to do on Kefalonia with kids?

Kefalonia (sometimes spelled Cephalonia ) is a fantastic little island in the Ionian sea. It’s great for families due to its laid back atmosphere, affordability, and ease of getting around the island by car. There are probably more goats than people! The food is incredible and you’ll find many Greek grandmas selling delicious meals out of their tiny restaurants! Kefalonia is a place where you can come to slow down and relax. Kids will love playing on the gorgeous beaches, and parents will love exploring the history and charm of the island.

What are potential challenges for families visiting Kefalonia?

Getting to Kefalonia may be the only challenge. There are limited, but inexpensive, flights from London to Kefalonia on easyJet and Ryanair. Otherwise, you’ll probably have to fly into Athens first.

How long do you recommend staying on Kefalonia?

At least a week…maybe a lifetime? But honestly you can cover most of the island in a week.

What’s the best way to get to Kefalonia?

Fly from London to Kefalonia on easyJet or take a ferry from Athens to Kefalonia.

Where to stay on Kefalonia with a family

Airbnb is very affordable on Kefalonia. We stayed in an apartment for $35/night – see the options here . First time using Airbnb? Click here for $40 off! There are also several hotels and resorts right on the water.

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels in Kefalonia, Greece here

Plan your family trip to Kefalonia

Thanks to Vanessa at Wanderlust Crew. You can find more info on visiting Kefalonia with kids here .

Santorini with kids – Carpe Diem Our Way

What’s great about visiting Santorini with kids? What are the best things to do on Santorini with kids?

Santorini is best known for its stunning cliff views of whitewashed buildings above the shimmering blue waters of the caldera below. Its unique shape was formed from a volcanic eruption and it is easy to see from plenty of viewpoints! People do not come here for the stunning Greek beaches (although they’re not too bad ) but to watch the sunset from Fira or Oia and enjoy the ambiance.

What are potential challenges for families visiting Santorini?

The first challenge is that it is not a location that caters to children. Popular with couples and honeymooners, you will see that plenty of the island caters to 2 person groups! Many hotels do not permit children as guests.

Another problem is that the traffic is insanely busy in high season. There are no sidewalks and it can be very stressful walking in Fira with kids. Don’t even bother with a stroller. The stunning cliff side is a maze of steps and stairs, so if you’re visiting with toddlers make sure to bring a comfortable baby carrier.

While we did not experience anyone who was unkind or unwelcoming to my children, there is not much in terms of children’s menus, activities for kids (besides the beaches, which are on the less popular and scenic side of the island) or family-friendly hotels.

Many people will say not to even bother taking your children to Santorini, but I have to disagree. It is a bucketlist-worthy place to see, with or without kids. Come for a night, experience it, and leave. Do not come for a week, pick another island to visit next where you can relax with your kids. But do not skip Santorini just because it is not designed with families in mind!

1-2 nights is plenty to get the feel of the island.

You can get to Santoini by plane or ferry. There are plenty of budget flights onto the island and it is serviced by the local Greek ferries. Both require a transfer by taxi or prearranged shuttle or renting a car.

The best way to get around the island in my opinion is by renting quads. We rented two and were able to explore the whole island with the kids riding on the back. My kids were 6 and 4 and we managed just fine, but these probably wouldn’t work for children under 4. . You can also rent a car or take public buses.

Where to stay on Santorini with kids

The main reason to visit Santorini is to see the stunning vistas and tick it off the bucket list, so stay in Oia or Fira to be steps away from unforgettable views!

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels in Santorini, Greece here

Plan your family trip to Santorini

Thanks to Lindsay at Carpe Diem Our Way. You can find more info on visiting Santorini with kids here .

Zakynthos with kids – Unkempt Adventures

What’s great about visiting Zakynthos with kids? What are the best things to do on Zante with kids?

Zakynthos (also called Zante) is an island located on the Italian side of Greece, which creates a wonderful Italian influence. This island is home to Navagio, the local name of the incredible and breathtaking Shipwreck Beach that you might’ve seen in photos. While Shipwreck Beach is an incredible experience in its own right, this island has so much more to offer: Fresh seafood, authentic Greek food with a touch of Italian flair at times, warm breezes laden with rosemary as you brush past native plants, sea turtles, and secluded private beaches perfect for the youngest children.

Most importantly, the people and the hospitality are incredible. Everyone we met in Zakynthos was welcoming, accommodating, and just plain nice. The locals in Zakynthos are proud of their island and seemed to take personal pride in ensuring that we had an amazing time during our trip. We met the owners of our villa, two restaurants, a boat service, and a taxi service, and felt welcomed and befriended by each one of them.

Also, we’d be remiss not to mention that Zakynthos can be very affordable. Despite dining out for every meal during our time in Zakynthos, our trip was about 55% less expensive than the same amount of time in Santorini, for example.

What are potential challenges for families visiting Zakynthos?

Okay, so here’s the part where we get serious for a second: Navagio has become a popular photography spot, as you might imagine. It is absolutely worth the trip around the world to experience, and we would go again in a second (and we would absolutely take our kids). However, we need to tell you that we DO NOT recommend bringing your kids to the top of Navagio.

The cliff has a sharp 65-story drop (about the height of Hearst Tower, for those of you who have been to Charlotte, NC), there are no guardrails, and the winds can pick up quickly. Our guide refused to show us another path that would have had a slightly better photo opportunity, and rightly so…three days after we left, a tourist stepped off the cliffside while taking a selfie from that very spot. She was the second person to fall from that area in the last two months. A quick google search for “Navagio cliff selfie” will turn up loads of photos of people dangerously close to this cliff edge. Just don’t do it. It’s not worth the photo.

Instead, let us tell you about a much better way to experience Shipwreck Beach with your kids! Shipwreck Beach is actually an exposed cove that is also called “Smugglers Cove” by the locals. The freight liner on the beach ran ashore in 1980 during a storm, but the locals have many stories that it was smuggling contraband at the time and ran aground trying to evade arrest. The people in Zakynthos are excellent story tellers, and we kind of liked this version of the story. The captain was never arrested, and the locals have stories for that, too, of course…

We chartered a boat for the morning. The captain stopped the boat in the cove of Shipwreck Beach so that we could enjoy it, and we all ate our breakfast together. It was really fun to see this incredible sight from 65 stories above on the cliff, as well as from the water itself. These are the only two options to view Shipwreck Beach other than perhaps a helicopter ride (which Calypso Villas can help arrange). The beach itself is inaccessible by land.

We researched ahead of our travels and heard that the best time to see Shipwreck Beach from the water is in the morning due to larger crowds on larger tour boats in the middle of the day. This approach proved to be effective, and the cove began to teem with more and more boats, though it did provide us with a fun people watching experience as a large boat had a line of passengers walk down a walkway, through the water, and onto Shipwreck Beach. If you decide to do a larger boat tour (which is probably less expensive), expect to get wet from the waist down!

3 nights to 6 nights

We booked a regional roundtrip ticket through Aegean Airlines from Athens to Zakynthos (a.k.a. Zante), and we recommend flying.

Zakynthos is a large island, and if you’d like to explore it more thoroughly, getting a rental car when you arrive at the airport would be helpful. We’ve found that this doubles as a nap guarantee for our toddlers, who refuse to nap while on vacation unless in the car. By car, you can travel to Navagio (the jaw-dropping cliffs above the famous Shipwreck Beach), and check out the lookout. You can also check out a few areas of the island that are favorite nesting spots for loggerhead sea turtles (a.k.a. Caretta Caretta), including Laganas Bay. Check prices for your rental car here.

If you don’t want to rent a car, ATV rentals and taxis are also available on the island — but a rental car would probably be most cost effective if you’re planning frequent or extended car rides.

Where to stay on Zakynthos with kids

While part of the island lends itself well to night life, the area that we chose to stay in was quieter, and a great location to relax or enjoy with family. This area is called Amoudi.

We stayed at Calypso Villas , which is located in Amoudi. It appears to have been updated since we stayed there, and it was a simple and affordable option and located right on the water, next to a great restaurant called the Amoudi Taverna, and steps away from a convenience store.

A second restaurant, Clear Horizon, also had wonderful food and delightful owners. Try the traditional frappes (iced coffees) and local Greek yogurt with honey! We had a fridge in our room, so you could also easily grab some groceries and save the cost of eating out to help your budget.

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels in Zakynthos, Greece here

Plan your family trip to Zakynthos

Thanks to Shannon and Michael at Unkempt Adventures. You can find more info on visiting Zakynthos here .

With so many great options, it’s hard to choose the best places to go in Greece with kids! Pin this article to come back to it through your planning.

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2 thoughts on “greece with kids: where should you go”.

great article! just a small detail, it’s Zakynthos (not Zykanthos!) 🙂

Thanks for stopping by and great catch! Fixed that typo 🙂

Safe travels,

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Family tours in Greece provide an enriching blend of history, culture, and adventure that cater to the interests of adults and children alike. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon, delving into the realm of mythology and history. Engage in snorkeling or scuba diving, try kayaking or paddleboarding, or simply unwind on the beautiful beaches of Naxos, Milos, and Karpathos, where you can build sandcastles with your children. From the mesmerizing beauty of Santorini to the vibrant atmosphere of Mykonos, and the diverse landscapes of Crete, and Corfu, there are ample choices for island exploration on a family trip to Greece . Alternatively, our Private tours to Greece offer exclusive experiences fit for all as well.

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Classical Tour of Greece and Nauplion - 5 Days

Greek island odyssey, 10 day group tour in ancient greece & santorini with cruise to volcano, 2 greek islands tour - 5 days - paros & santorini - premium, charming greece tour - 7 days, greece classic tour, greek island hopping (plus, 11 days), grand classical tour of greece plus mani and monemvasia (small group - in depth culture/historical/nature/culinary guided tour), 2 greek islands tour - 5 days - paros & santorini - standard, incredible crete.

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• While away the hours on the stunning beaches of Naxos and Santorini
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• Visit the Parthenon as you get guided tour of the Acropolis

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• Stop at Delphi, the Omphalos of the Earth
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• Swim in emerald waters in Paros

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• Visit the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora
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“Stops were well planned and very interesting. Good was great and overall an amazing experience!”

• Explore Mykonos by night on a guided tour
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• Swim in the hot springs of Palea Kameni
• Watch the sunset near Oia village
• Sail to the volcanic island of Santorini

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• Discover Matala's caves and hippie history
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Greece with Kids Guide: Ultimate Family Trip

Traveling in Greece with kids is a delight. From toddlers to teens, children are adored, and you’ll feel like you’re with tiny celebrities. Kid-loving yia yias (grandmas) and friendly hotel staff will make your little ones feel special.

Greece is a great family destination with its sunny islands, ancient ruins, and warm culture. When planning, consider the best time to visit, family-friendly accommodations, and safety tips. For a less crowded and more affordable trip, consider visiting Greece with kids during the shoulder seasons of April to June or September to October.

This guide will help you plan the ultimate family trip to Greece .

Your Ultimate Guide to a Family Trip in Greece

Greece is a wonderful place for a family holiday with its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and friendly culture. When planning your trip, you have many options. Island hopping is a great way to see different Greek islands and enjoy their unique charm.

The family friendly Greek islands offer many experiences for families. Santorini is famous for its stunning sunsets and blue-domed churches. Mykonos is known for its lively nightlife and lovely beaches. Naxos, Paros, and Milos have sandy beaches and clear waters, making them perfect for families. Exploring the Cyclades islands is a must.

Crete, the largest Greek island, is fantastic for families. It has historical sites like the Palace of Knossos and beautiful beaches. Rhodes is another great option with its charming old town and Aegean beaches. Lefkada is known for water sports and beaches, while Paxos offers a quieter, relaxed atmosphere.

For ancient ruins, mainland Greece is amazing. Athens is a must-visit with its iconic Acropolis and museum. The Peloponnese region has lots of history, like the ancient theater of Epidaurus and the archaeological museum in Olympia.

The best time to visit Greece is in the summer (June to August) for warm weather and inviting waters. For smaller crowds and pleasant weather, consider visiting in the spring or fall, especially with young children.

Greece is a fantastic family destination with a mix of history, beautiful landscapes, and a welcoming culture.

Planning Your Family Greek Adventure: Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips to make your family trip to Greece even more enjoyable.

Plan your trip during the shoulder season or off-season to avoid crowds and high prices. This way, you can explore attractions and enjoy beaches more peacefully.

Renting a car is a good idea if you plan to visit different islands or historical sites. It gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace and find hidden gems. Just check the driving rules in Greece before renting.

Pack light and bring a baby carrier instead of a stroller for young children. The uneven streets and lack of sidewalks can make strollers hard to use. Also, be prepared for limited facilities like ramps and changing rooms in remote areas.

Following these tips will help you have a fantastic Greek adventure with your family .

Choosing the Best Time to Visit Greece with Children

The best time to visit Greece with kids depends on what your family likes. If you want sunny days and warm waters for swimming, visit during the peak season from June to September. There are plenty of family-friendly activities and facilities available. Just remember, it can be crowded and more expensive. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, visit during the shoulder seasons of April to June or September to October. The weather is still nice, and you can enjoy the beaches without the peak season hustle.

Top Destinations for Families in Greece

When planning a family vacation in Greece, there are several great destinations for all ages. Island hopping in the Cyclades offers beautiful spots like Santorini, famous for its sunsets, and family-friendly beaches in Paros and Naxos. Crete, the largest Greek island, is perfect for exploring ancient ruins and enjoying great swimming. Each island has its own charm, from historical sites to sandy beaches ideal for kids. Consider renting a car to explore off the beaten track and enjoy the warm waters of the Aegean Sea. Greece offers diverse locations that promise a memorable family trip.

Island hopping in the Cyclades – Santorini, Mykonos, Sifnos, Naxos, Milos, Paros

Exploring the Cyclades on a family vacation offers a variety of experiences. Santorini is famous for its stunning sunsets, while Mykonos is known for its lively atmosphere. Sifnos has great beaches and traditional villages, perfect for a relaxed family holiday. Naxos offers sandy shores and historical sites like the Portara, ideal for kids. Milos has picturesque landscapes and Shipwreck Beach, and Paros provides activities from water sports to ancient ruins. Island hopping in the Cyclades guarantees a memorable adventure for the whole family.

Crete, the largest Greek island, has a wide range of activities for families. Explore ancient ruins, enjoy great swimming spots, and visit historical sights like the archaeological museum and the old town of Chania. Families can relax on sandy beaches or try water sports along the south coast. With warm waters and beautiful views, Crete is a fantastic family destination, offering a mix of history, great food, and relaxing beaches.

Lefkada is ideal for families looking for a peaceful retreat. Known for its pristine beaches and clear waters, the island offers a serene atmosphere away from tourist crowds. Explore charming villages, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and try water sports suitable for all ages. Visit Egremni Beach and Porto Katsiki Beach for amazing family adventures. This island ensures a relaxing escape for your family vacation.

Lefkada stands out as a gem for families seeking a tranquil retreat. Known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, this island offers a serene atmosphere away from the bustling tourist crowds. Lefkada boasts a perfect blend of natural beauty and traditional charm, providing a relaxed setting for a family holiday. You can explore the charming villages, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and indulge in water sports activities suitable for all ages. Consider visiting the breathtaking Egremni Beach and the famous Porto Katsiki Beach for amazing family adventures amidst stunning landscapes. Lefkada ensures a peaceful and rejuvenating escape for your family vacation in Greece.

Paxos is a quiet gem in the Ionian Sea, perfect for families seeking a tranquil holiday. The island has crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkeling, and its lush landscapes and charming villages offer a peaceful retreat. Explore hidden coves, dine at seaside tavernas, and enjoy the slow-paced island life. With ferry access from Corfu, Paxos is a top choice for a laid-back family getaway. Relax on Paxos’ idyllic shores and make lasting memories with your loved ones.

Zakynthos is an enchanting island in the Ionian Sea, offering a mix of nature and culture for families. Visit the stunning Shipwreck Beach with its clear waters and golden sands. Explore the Byzantine Museum or take a boat tour to see loggerhead sea turtles. Zakynthos’ beautiful landscapes provide a perfect backdrop for family outings and exploration, making it a must-visit destination in Greece with kids.

Corfu is a beautiful Greek island perfect for family vacations. Explore its archaeological museum and historical sites with kids of all ages. Enjoy sandy beaches and warm waters, ideal for swimming. The delicious food and rich history offer a great experience for everyone. Visit outside peak season to avoid crowds and make the most of your trip. Renting a car makes it easy to explore the island’s hidden gems. Corfu is a fantastic place to relax and create lasting family memories.

Kos is a lovely Greek island in the Aegean Sea, great for family holidays. It has sandy beaches and ancient ruins that both young and older kids will love. Visit historical sites like the Asclepeion and the Castle of the Knights. Enjoy swimming and water sports in the warm sea. For a fun day, see the Tree of Hippocrates and enjoy Greek food at local tavernas. Kos offers a peaceful and enriching experience for the whole family.

Lesbos is a peaceful Greek island perfect for a family getaway. It has stunning beaches like Eresos Beach and charming villages like Molyvos. Explore Petra village for its great swimming spots. Lesbos also has historical sites and archaeological treasures, blending education with fun. With warm waters, beautiful views, and a relaxed atmosphere, Lesbos is a hidden gem for a family vacation.

The Peloponnese

The Peloponnese region is a fantastic spot for families exploring Greece. It offers historical sites, beautiful beaches, and authentic Greek experiences. Visit ancient ruins like Mycenae and Olympia. The region has charming seaside towns with great swimming spots. Don’t miss Monemvasia, a medieval castle town. The Peloponnese offers off-the-beaten-track adventures away from crowds.

Athens is great for families interested in ancient history. There are so many things to do in Athens like, visit the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum. Explore archaeological museums and historical sites. Walk through the old town for a mix of fun and education. Consider a day trip to the nearby island of Aegina. September has mild weather and fewer crowds, perfect for family trips. Choose family-friendly accommodations and enjoy kid-friendly Greek cuisine. Athens blends culture and recreation, making it a must-visit for families.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, a vibrant city in northern Greece, combines ancient history and modern life. Visit the Archaeological Museum, the White Tower, and Rotunda. Enjoy the bustling waterfront, lively markets, and picturesque squares. Try local cuisine at family-friendly restaurants. Take a day trip to nearby beaches on the south coast. Thessaloniki offers a balance of cultural exploration and leisure for the whole family.

Activities for Kids in Greece

Embark on a journey where Greek mythology comes alive, captivating kids with ancient tales at historical sites and archaeological museums. Engage in beach days on the sandy shores, offering great swimming and water sports suitable for every age. Consider Greek cooking classes, fostering family bonds through a delectable culinary experience. From exploring the Acropolis to the wonders of shipwreck beach, Greece provides a perfect mix of fun and education for the whole family. Whether your little ones are into ancient ruins or simply frolicking on the warm Aegean Sea coast, Greece offers an array of activities catering to both young and older children. Excursions to smaller islands off the beaten track or a day trip to explore the mainland’s rich history are not to be missed.

Mythology Comes Alive: Sites and Tours

Take your kids on a journey through Greek mythology at historical sites and museums. Visit the Acropolis in Athens or the ancient ruins of Delphi, where they can learn about gods and heroes. Interactive tours make these stories come alive, sparking their imaginations. Don’t miss the Acropolis Museum for artifacts and sculptures that reveal ancient Greece’s rich history. Walking through these legendary places creates unforgettable family memories.

Beach Days and Water Sports for Every Age

Greece’s beaches are perfect for family fun. The warm Aegean Sea is great for swimming, and kids can enjoy building sandcastles or trying water activities like paddleboarding and snorkeling. Older kids and teens can try windsurfing or jet skiing for more excitement. Explore hidden coves, relax on sandy shores, or join guided water sports excursions. Whether swimming, sunbathing, or having water adventures, Greece’s coastline offers endless fun for the whole family.

Greek Cooking Classes for Family Bonding

Join Greek cooking classes for a fun family activity that dives into local culture. Learn to make traditional dishes like moussaka and souvlaki together. Kids can help with age-appropriate tasks, making it an educational experience too. The delicious Mediterranean flavors and fresh ingredients will make these classes a highlight of your trip, creating lasting memories of your time in Greece.

Choosing Family-Friendly Accommodation: What to look for

When picking family-friendly places to stay in Greece, prioritize locations close to kid-friendly spots like sandy beaches and water sports. Look for resorts or villas with spacious rooms or interconnected units for convenience. Choose accommodations with childcare services, kids’ clubs, or entertainment facilities to keep kids entertained. Ensure the property has good safety measures and pools suitable for all ages. Family-friendly dining options and menus that cater to kids are a plus. Staying near historical sites or museums can add an educational touch to your trip. Accommodations with family suites or apartments offer plenty of space for a comfortable stay.

Eating Out in Greece with Kids: Discovering Kid-Friendly Greek Cuisine

Greek cuisine is a treat for the whole family when vacationing with kids. Enjoy traditional dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, gyros, and Greek salads that cater to all ages. Choose family-friendly restaurants with welcoming atmospheres and child-friendly menus. Introduce your kids to Greek cuisine, including delicious desserts like baklava. Embrace the local food culture for a memorable dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i find baby essentials in greece.

Yes, you can find baby essentials in Greece. Supermarkets and pharmacies stock a range of baby products, including diapers, formula, baby food, and toiletries. You can easily find these essentials in most towns and cities.

Are there kid-friendly beaches in Greece?

Yes, Greece has many kid-friendly beaches with sandy shores and shallow waters. Making it safe and enjoyable for kids to play and swim. These beaches are often equipped with facilities such as lifeguards and beach amenities.

What are the safety concerns for families traveling in Greece?

Travelers in Greece should be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas. Also, be wary of traffic when crossing streets. Stay informed about local regulations and emergency procedures.

Feeling Ready?

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Greece Tours & Vacations

Astounding archaeological sites, fresh flavors and idyllic islands – Greece has it all.

This charismatic nation continues to grace us with all the good things in life, from its rugged coastlines and postcard-worthy vistas to its  beloved culinary traditions  and fantastical myths that bring life to ancient monuments. Whether you're island hopping on a  sailing trip through the Med , searching for answers at the Oracle at Delphi or enjoying the slower pace of smaller islands like Syros or Crete, a meal in a seaside taverna is non-negotiable. Befriend a few locals, tuck into a plate of baked feta and wash it down with a cloudy glass of ouzo. We promise you'll be saying 'opa!' in no time.

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Greece at a glance, capital city.

Athens (population 3.1 million)

10.6 million

(GMT+02:00) Athens, Bucharest, Istanbul

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)

Learn more about Greece

Best time to visit.

Greece generally has a mild, Mediterranean climate, with July and August being the busiest months for tourism. With warm weather and plentiful sunshine, this is a great time for visiting the islands, swimming in the sea and lazing on the beach. Summers are generally hot and dry, with daytime temperatures rising to 85°-100°F ( 30°-38°C ).

By mid-September, temperatures begin to fall and crowds thin, but it can still be hot. The weather remains generally calm and balmy well into October. If you can't get to Greece in the spring, and beaches are not your primary goal, this is a fine time to visit. By late October, ferry service and flights are cutting back and most facilities on the islands begin to close for the winter. But the cooler atmosphere makes   Athens   and the mainland all the more pleasant.

Read more about the best time to visit Greece

Culture and customs

Greece’s culture is very much influenced by its ancient past. The hallmarks of Western medicine, philosophy, drama, and government can all be attributed to the mighty ancient Greek civilization – which is an incredible source of national pride. Traditional music and dance are still valued and used to commemorate celebrations throughout the year. The circle dance, for instance, dates to the Byzantine period. Even contemporary cuisine has its roots in ancient tradition.

Greeks place a high amount of value on ‘kefi’, which loosely translates to joy or passion. Life is meant to be lived to the fullest. For this reason, meals are leisurely and social gatherings are frequent, typically involving drinking, dancing and lively discussion. Common Greek customs, like smashing plates and dancing with a glass of water on your head, are considered expressions of kefi.

With more than 90% of the population being Greek Orthodox, religion plays an important part in everyday life. Religious festivals and ceremonies are commonplace, both in the mainland cities and small rural villages. Christmas and Easter are particularly important dates on the calendar, although religious celebrations are not limited to these times as there are daily, weekly and annual rites and rituals performed all throughout Greece’s mainland and islands. 

Food and drink

Greek cuisine favors simplicity and relies primarily on fresh local produce. Think vegetables, beans, nuts, and grains; grilled meats and fresh fish; parsley, garlic, dill, and mint; and punchy cheeses such as feta, kefalotyri, and halloumi. Drinks-wise, locals will savor a Greek coffee at a kafeneio (coffeehouse) or glass of anise-flavored ouzo (diluted with water) at an ouzeri – along with a couple of mezedhes (appetizers) – for hours. There’s also tsipouru (fermented distilled grape skins), raki (a tsipouru from Crete), and retsina (white wine flavored with pine resin).

Read about what to eat in Greece

Read about what to drink in Greece

Geography and environment

Sharing land borders with Albania , Bulgaria , Turkey, and Macedonia , Greece is located in Southern Europe and is surrounded by the Ionian, Mediterranean, and Aegean Seas. Consisting of the mainland peninsula and an archipelago of more than 3000 islands, Greece is typically mountainous, containing peaks, karsts, and canyons all over. Despite the mountainous topography, there is much arable land in Greece with small-scale farms successfully producing olives, peaches, melons, grapes, tomatoes, and grain for export and local use. 

Greece’s highest peak, Mount Olympus, is famed for being the dwelling place of the 12 ancient gods in Greek mythology. The islands are mostly uninhabited and are formed in small chains (called archipelagos) within the Aegean Sea. Santorini , Mykonos, and Corfu are among the more popular islands with tourists, though Crete and Evia are the largest islands. 

History and government

Early history.

The early history of Greece is among the world’s most fascinating, and like the other ancient civilizations of Egypt and Rome, Greece has many monuments still standing after centuries. The Greeks have been both the conquerors and the conquered, withstood the Plague and other natural disasters, and birthed some of the greatest literature, scientific developments, mathematical formulas, and thought movements.

Recent history

In 1821, the Greeks fought against Ottoman rule during the Greek War of Independence, which resulted in Greece being recognized as an autonomous region in 1828. This was a time of great upheaval for the Greek people, with political assassinations, battles, and plundering. After autonomy was granted, many years of change followed, with continued war and confrontation alongside intermittent periods of relative peace. The two World Wars had a profound effect on Greece, with many battles fought in Greece during the early 1940s (during the Axis occupation). Athens was liberated from this occupation in 1944 and the Greek government was restored. Greece joined the United Nations (as a founding member) in 1945 and NATO in 1952. During this time, many Greeks started moving to other parts of the world in a mass wave of widespread migration. The USA , Australia, and Europe were popular destinations in this move, which saw hundreds of thousands of Greeks immigrate to other lands. In 2004, Athens successfully hosted the Summer Olympics once again. Yet more recently, Greece has come under the shadow of the European debt crisis which has crippled the economy. Despite this, the spirit of the Greek people endures as it has for eons.

Top 10 experiences in Greece

1. hike in syros.

Cruise around the Greek Islands and stretch your legs with a hike on the island of Syros. Discover golden beaches and sparkling blue water as you traverse the spectacular landscapes of one of Greece's most underrated islands. And, after all that exploring, treat yourself to some truly authentic Greek food at restaurants serving up tasty and fresh local produce

2. Swim in the Ionian Sea

Cross off another thing on your Greek bucket list by swimming and snorkeling in the azure Ionian Sea. Share the water with slow-moving sea turtles and catch a glimpse of playful dolphins as you effortlessly glide over colorful coral on a marine adventure you'll remember forever. While there are perfect locations to snorkel all over Greece, the best places include Corfu, Paxos and Lefkada.

3. Discover Santorini

Greek islands don't get more picturesque than Santorini. From the epic sunsets that bathe the whitewashed buildings and volcanic-sand beaches in a golden glow each night to the clifftop villages full of ancient churches, quaint cafes, and neo-classical architecture sitting on cobbled streets, this island is like something straight out of your wildest dreams.

4. Explore Mykonos

Claiming the title of 'most famous Greek island',  Mykonos  is a party-goers dream with bars and clubs scattered throughout the island. To make your trip to this magnificent island as memorable as possible, dine on traditional Mediterranean cuisine, lay out on beaches that look as if they've been created by the Gods themselves, and dance the night away with a cocktail in hand at a club by the water.

5. Uncover Greek history in Athens

Athens can sometimes be overlooked in favor of islands boasting pristine beaches and crystal-clear water but this ancient city is well worth a visit in its own right - especially if you're a history buff. Wander the glorious marble citadel, home to the renowned Parthenon, and take in its impressive structure and significant history as one of the most important ancient sites in the Western world.

6. Marvel at Meteora

While there are thousands of impressive rock formations scattered throughout the world, none of them quite compare to the majesty of the Meteora. Suspended more than 1,000 feet in the sky and perched atop soaring karst pinnacles, these 14th-century masterpieces are a must-visit. Home to monks for hundreds of years, this unique attraction has been recognized as a UNESCO World-Heritage listed site and remains important to the historical significance of the area today.

7. Visit the ruins of Delphi

Turn your Greek adventure from a good one into a great one by visiting the sacred sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena among the mountaintop ruins of Delphi. Once considered the center of the Greek world, this UNESCO-listed site is not only incredibly beautiful with breathtaking views of the surrounding region but also offers an understanding of ancient rituals and worship undertaken by the people of Greece as early as 4,000 BC.

8. Taste your way through Thessaloniki

This lively port city is the perfect combination of a thriving cultural scene, pulsing nightlife, delicious traditional cuisine, and storied historic sites, including the White Tower (which is a former prison and torture chamber) and the Arch of Galerius (part of Emperor Galerius’s complex palace during his rule in 297-311 AD).

9. Get a classic Greek experience on Crete

Between Europe's oldest city, Heraklion, the rugged shores, forests and gorges, and the quaint and sleepy fishing villages, a visit to Crete will give you the quintessential Greek experience. As one of the sunniest places in Greece (and possibly Europe), Crete is perfect for hiking, swimming and enjoying an outdoor meal at a local taverna

10. Sail around Greece

You know those moments in life when you wonder, is this even real? On a sailing trip in Greece’s Cyclades Islands, that happens a lot. Learn more about our sailing tour in Greece .

From public markets and designer boutiques to European chain stores, Greece has every aspect of retail cornered.

If you are in the market for traditional Greek handicrafts, consider supporting the local economy by purchasing goods in the region that produces them. This includes silver from Ioannina; ceramics from Sifnos and Skopelos; and embroidery and lace from Crete, the Ionian Islands, Rhodes, and Skiros.

Shopping hours vary throughout Greece. Stores in large cities and tourist areas are typically open from 9 am to 9 pm, while shops in other areas close around 2 or 3 pm and reopen between 6 and 9 pm three days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday). Most stores are closed on Sundays.

Things to buy in Greece

1. Komboloi (Worry Beads)

These stress-relieving resin beads are meant to be turned through your fingers as you muse over life. With roots deep in ancient Greek cultural tradition, they make a great souvenir for friends wanting a slice of authentic Greece.

2. Botanical Skincare

Greece is home to many brands of premium, organic skincare. Stock up on luxurious olive oil soap or enriching yogurt-based moisturizers before you head home.

Travel safely and ward off evil by attaching a Mati (an ‘Evil Eye’) to your backpack. They’re cheap, available almost everywhere in Greece, and are a great reminder of your travels in the Aegean.

Whether you prefer gold, silver, amber resin or colorful beads, Greece has a huge variety of jewelry on offer. Prices are typically lower than in many other parts of the world, so it’s likely you’ll be able to snap up a few bargains.

Festivals and events

The Greeks have been partying since the dawn of Western civilization. Take Epicurus – he dedicated his life to seeking out pleasure, creating a philosophy now known as Epicureanism. As you travel through Greece you’ll encounter religious celebrations – Greek Orthodox is the main player here – that span the nation, as well as smaller celebrations that are regional affairs or isolated to particular islands. Expect food, drink, dancing and music, and plenty of throwbacks to the ancient Greeks. The only Greek tragedy is that you can’t fit every festival in.

Read more about festivals in Greece

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

Clean Monday

Greek Independence Day

Orthodox Easter

Orthodox Holy Spirit Monday

Dormition of the Holy Virgin

Synaxis of the Mother of God

Please note that the dates of  Greece's public holidays  may vary.

Further reading

Greece travel faqs, when is the best time to visit greece.

Greece is best experienced outside of winter for most travelers. The best time of year depends on what kind of holiday you’re after – whether you’re more interested in soaking up the island sun or ancient history.

Is it safe to visit Greece?

Greece has historically been a very safe place to visit though petty crime, like pickpocketing, can be an issue in well-touristed areas. Travelers should remain alert when visiting crowded places and keep an eye on their belongings.

Do you need a visa for Greece?

Greece is a member of the Schengen Convention, which means that if you travel to an EU member country or countries, like Greece, for a total of less than 90 days, a visa is not required. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US, the UK and other member countries of the EU and Schengen area are included under this arrangement. Other countries do require a visa to visit Greece.

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more information.

Is tipping customary in Greece?

There is not a strong tradition of tipping in Greece, particularly among the locals, but it’s become expected that tourists leave small tips while traveling through the country.

What is the internet access like in Greece?

You’ll be able to find wi-fi at most hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants throughout the well-touristed areas of Greece. Alternatively, you can pick up a local SIM card with a data package for continued access.

Can I use my cell phone in Greece?

If you wish to use your cell phone while in Greece and you are not from an EU country, you’ll need to pick up a local SIM card or activate global roaming before you leave home.

What are the toilets like in Greece?

Flushable, Western-style toilets are the norm in Greece. You may need to pay a small fee to use public toilets in some areas. Keep in mind that the Greek plumbing system isn’t the greatest and you may be asked to put toilet paper in the trash rather than flushing it.

Can I drink the water in Greece?

Drinking the water in Athens and Thessaloniki is safe unless otherwise marked. On the islands, however, the water may not be suitable to drink.

For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Greece?

Credit cards are widely accepted in  Greece , particularly in the tourist areas. It’s actually a legal requirement, as a response to the financial crisis, that working Greek citizens aged below 65 have a credit card so most hotels, shops, cafes and restaurants should offer the option of paying by credit card.

It’s still worth having some euros on hand, if only to tip the bartender at your favorite island bar and guarantee quick service all evening.

What is ATM access like in Greece?

ATMs can be easily found in cities and towns across Greece, including on the Greek Islands.

What is the weather like in Greece?

Greece’s coast and islands enjoy a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and windy, rainy winters, while the inland regions have a more continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. In the northern mountains, close to the Bulgarian border, the winters are cold with heavy snowfall , while the summers are relatively mild.

Is Greece safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

Greece is one of the most popular LGBTQIA+ holiday destinations in the world, with a long history of same-sex relationships dating back to Sappho, the Greek poet, whose home island of Lesvos has become a pilgrimage site for lesbians. Though same-sex marriage is not legal, marriages performed in the EU have been recognized since 2018 and discrimination against sexual orientation or gender identity is banned by law.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel.

If you are traveling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travelers who do not wish to share a room.

Is Greece accessible for travelers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Though access to sights and hotels has improved in Athens over recent years, Greece is a difficult destination for travelers with disabilities. It’s a hilly, rocky place covered in cobblestones, particularly on the islands, and the economic situation has meant that there are minimal public funds to improve the situation.

If you do live with a visual, hearing, or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you, and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What should I wear in Greece?

What to pack for Greece will depend on where you're going and what time of year you decide to visit. Comfortable walking shoes are essential all year round, as is a jumper in case a cool wind blows.

If you visit in summer, you’ll need light, breathable clothing, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear and sandals.

If you’re heading to the mountains on the mainland, it’s best to be prepared for everything as the weather can change quickly.

What are some common phrases to learn before traveling to Greece?

Greek is a very difficult language to learn. However, it's easy enough to master a couple of common words such as 'hello' (yah-soo) and 'please' (para-kah-LOE). Not only will this help you communicate with the locals, but it'll allow you to form a deeper connection to the places you're visiting and the people you meet along the way. 

How many islands are there in Greece?

There are roughly 6,000 islands and islets in Greece, of which only about 200 are populated. Each island offers spectacular views of the surrounding seas, golden beaches to lie out on, and ancient old towns full of fascinating sites.

How will I travel around Greece?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Greece, you may find yourself traveling by:

Live like a local resident by hopping on a local bus. Cheap, efficient and fast, it’s a great way to get around Greece’s busy cities.

Some of Greece’s most postcard-worthy scenery is best viewed from the water. Take in awesome views of quaint fishing villages, gorgeous   beaches  and the turquoise Aegean Sea as you hop between Greece’s famed islands aboard a ferry.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What is it like traveling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re about to embark on your first trip, traveling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organizing amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), traveling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

Does my trip to Greece support The Intrepid Foundation? 

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Greece directly support our foundation partner, Amurtel . 

Amurtel provides a safe space for refugee and migrant women and children in Greece. Donations from our trips help Amurtel provide displaced women and children with crucial education, emotional support and antenatal and postnatal care programs run by qualified midwives and expert consultants.

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Does my Intrepid trip include airfare?

While our Intrepid trips include many modes of transport, from tuk-tuks to overland vehicles, bullet trains and feluccas, airfare to and from your home country is not included in your tour package.

SantoriniDave.com

Greece with kids.

Greece › Family Holidays Updated: February 16, 2023 By Santorini Dave

• Athens – Where to Stay & Go
• Santorini – Where to Stay & Go
• Mykonos – Where to Stay & Go
• Naxos – Where to Stay & Go
• Paros – Where to Stay & Go
• Crete – Where to Stay & Go

My boys on a boat in the Santorini caldera. A boat tour of the caldera is one of the highlights of a family trip to Greece.

My Advice – 10 Things to Know for Planning a Greek Holiday 1. Greece is a Wonderful Destination for a Family Holiday Greece and the Greek Islands are my favorite place in Europe for a family vacation. Great beaches, interesting history, incredible food (much of it kid-friendly), wonderful people. Island hopping by ferry adds a bit of adventure to the whole thing and an opportunity to see several very distinct destinations. There are no extra vaccinations required, and no special medicine prescribed. Transport in Greece, whether by Greek ferry , bus, or plane, is efficient and comfortable. 2. My Family’s Favorite Islands My favorite places in Greece for my family are the Greek Islands, and my favorite island for families is Naxos . But there are many others that are also kid-friendly and great for families. Mykonos , Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu are four more that have great beaches, cool towns, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Santorini is typically thought of as a couples’ destination but there’s a lot to see and do and it’s still a great family destination (especially if your kids are a little older, say, 6 and up). 3. Greece is Easy to Get to from the U.K. and the Rest of Europe Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Kos, and a few other islands (depending on the year) have direct flights from the London, Manchester, Paris, Amsterdam, Oslo, and Rome making trips to a Greece quick and easy. It’s not unreasonable to be sitting on a beach 4 or 5 hours after taking off from your home airport. Getting to the Greek Islands from the U.S. will always require two flights (usually connecting in western Europe). A few North American cities (Toronto, New York City) have direct flights to Athens but none have direct flights to the Greek Islands. My kids on the wonderful beaches of Mykonos . Mykonos has a reputation as a party island (and there’s some truth to that) but the club scene is easy to avoid if your with kids. 4. Best Time to Visit Greece for a Family Holiday The best weather in Greece for kids, families, swimming, and beach time is from late May to early September. The sun will be out, skies blue, and there’s very little rain. The absolute best beach weather is from late June to early September. 5. The Highlights of Athens Can be Seen in One Full Day of Sightseeing The top attractions in Athens (Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, and historical sights in the Plaka) can be easily seen in one full (but busy) day – or take two if you want to take it a little slower. And then get on a ferry the next morning (most ferries from Athens to the islands leave between 7am and 8am) and get the kids to a beach. 6. The Best Greek Islands for History and Culture are Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, and Delos Crete has the single best historical sight on any of the Greek Islands: Knossos near Heraklio. Rhodes has the Medieval City of Rhodes Town and the Acropolis of Lindos. And Santorini has the caldera, the volcano, and the story of how this island was destroyed by an immense volcanic eruption. The entire small island of Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of incredible ruins; you can’t stay there, but it is easily reached from Mykonos. 7. The Best Beach for Kids in Greece The single best beach in Greece is Elafonisi Beach in Crete. Magical and very kid-friendly. Other great beaches for families can be found in Naxos, Paros, Antiparos, Mykonos, Lesvos, Skiathos, Skopelos, Corfu, and Rhodes. Santorini has great swimming and unique beaches but since they’re composed of volcanic rock they get very hot in the mid-day sun and aren’t really that kid-friendly. 8. Greek Restaurants are Very Kid Friendly Almost all Greek restaurants and tavernas have a family-friendly atmosphere where kids are welcomed and pampered. Santorini and Mykonos (known for luxury and nightlife) each have a handful of restaurants where kids might be a little out of place but these are the exceptions and the majority of restaurants on every Greek island will welcome your kids with open arms (literally). 9. Do a Tour Greek tour guides are great. (It’s a national law that tour guides need to have a degree in Greek history to conduct any tour to a historical sight in Greece.) And you’ll get much more out of any visit to a historical attraction if you get a guide. At some sights (e.g. Knossos) it’s easy to walk up and find a good guide. At other sights (Akrotiri in Santorini) it’s best to book in advance. Doing a food tour is also highly recommended (especially in Athens). 10. Best Websites for Planning a Greek Holiday Planning a greek holiday is easy to do by yourself. Don’t book a package holiday as you end up getting second-rate hotels and the worst flights. These are the websites I use and recommend for easy and reliable trip planning: Kayak.com to find the best airfares. Booking.com to book hotels. FerryHopper.com to find ferry schedules and book tickets. Welcome Pickups for port/airport transportation. RentalCars.com for reserving rental cars. GetYourGuide.com to find and book sightseeing tours. Special Considerations for Family Travel in Greece Perhaps the most challenging aspect for families is finding hotel rooms suitable for 4, 5, 6 or more people. The most common hotel room is small with 2 single beds with a small balcony and usually a small fridge. Many options do exist outside of these, but it will require some planning and booking in advance. All Greek taxis have a maximum limit of 4 passengers. If your hotel does not offer airport or ferry port transfer, Welcome Pickups pre-booked car service is a great option. Larger vehicles are available for groups of more than 4, and child car seats are available on request. High chairs are rarely to be found in restaurants which can make a stroller an appealing option as a place to sit a baby or small toddler during meal time. What are the Best Greek Islands for a family holiday? Folegandros is a great island for families interested in solitude, quiet, and good hiking. The 7 Best Greek Islands for Families: Crete • Rhodes • Paros • Naxos • Santorini • Mykonos • Corfu Best Greek Island for Families : Naxos Best Greek Island for Beaches : Naxos, Mykonos, Ios, Crete Best Greek Island for Teens : Santorini, Mykonos, Paros Best Greek Island for History : Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos (Delos) Best Greek Island for Hiking : Crete, Folegandros, Santorini, Naxos Best Greek Island for Biking : Kos Best Greek Island for Luxury : Santorini, Mykonos Best Greek Island for Quiet and Solitude : Folegandros, Ikaria, Karpathos Best Greek Island for Outdoor Activity : Crete, Santorini Best Greek Island for Food : All of them Best Greek Island for Family Cruise : None of them – don’t do cruises, visit on your own Best for Island Hopping : Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Mykonos, and Milos are all well connected by ferry and great for island hopping

Should I book hotels in advance when visiting Greece?

Paros is a wonderful mix of charming towns and idyllic beaches. For best choice in hotels and rooms, book early – especially for very popular destinations like Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, and Paros.

For July and August on the most popular islands — like Santorini and Mykonos — booking early is absolutely essential . It becomes increasingly less essential as you move away from those islands and those months. So, Naxos and Paros in June or September would be no problem at all to arrive at without reservations. That leaves a large gray area of course. Are reservations necessary for Santorini in June, Naxos in July, Paros in August? In general, booking early and making reservations will get you the best price, and give you a better selection of room size to fit your family’s needs. Booking.com is my favorite website for finding and booking hotels in Greece. They’re reliable, well-organized, and have offer generous cancellation plans. Flexibility is good (and fun). It’s nice to have some hotel reservations booked in advance – especially for your first nights on a new island – but it’s also nice to have some flexibility with where you’re going and how long you’re staying. Try to find a good balance – maybe have your first 2 nights on each island booked in advance, followed with a few days that you can fill as you wish. That said, flexibility might be a luxury that families don’t feel they can afford. In high season families and large groups should definitely book rooms in advance. If you do show up on an island without reservations you might see hotel owners greeting the ferry, asking if you need a room. These will often be budget hotels (but still nice, clean places to stay). If you do decide to stay with them, try to walk to the hotel from the pier. (This won’t be practical on every island, eg. Santorini’s port is a long ways from anywhere.) Most main towns are right by the ferry port, so if they’re telling you that their hotel is right “in town” you should be able to walk there no problem, right? If instead, they’re trying to get you and your bags into their pickup it’s likely it’s several miles outside of town. At the very least get them to pinpoint the hotel exactly on a map. Some hotel owners will “gently” lie but if faced with a precise question they’ll accurately tell you where it is on the map.

When is the best time to visit Greece for a family vacation?

Waterfront dining in Naxos (an awesome island for families). The best months to visit the Greek Islands with kids are June through September.

June and September are undeniably the best months for a holiday vacation in Greece , with July and August close behind. And if you’re really looking to narrow it down then mid-September is the absolute prime. The weather is essentially the same as late June but while the water can still be chilly in early summer, by September it’s perfect. The crowds arrive in late June and stay until the islands are packed in the last week of August. By early September you can feel a discernible difference in the number of visitors and hopping on a ferry, getting a seat at a popular restaurant, or finding a hotel room gets markedly easier. The difficulty of peak-season travel can be exaggerated, however. I’ve visited in the middle of summer many many times and never had any trouble finding a hotel on a Greek island. But if you do travel during July and August you should, at the very least, book your hotel rooms in advance and be prepared for some intense bustle on the ferries and in the tourist hot spots. May and October can be great as well but you’re taking a little bit of chance with the weather if your aim is beach and swimming time. On the other hand, if you’re more interested in hiking, biking, and historical sites then mid-April to early June and late September until early November can be fantastic options.

How do I get to the Greek Islands?

These are the 4 easiest and most common ways to get to the Greek Islands: Fly to Athens and then ferry to the islands. The classic Greek vacation. The pluses include breaking up your journey mid-way, having an opportunity to tour Athens and getting to enjoy a long, often relaxing, occasionally magical ferry ride from Athens to the Islands.The minuses being that it takes up a few days on both ends of your trip. Stopping in Athens might not be the best use of time if you only have one or two weeks. The ferry schedule can be erratic in August as high winds in the Cyclades (called the Meltemi) can play havoc with ferries schedules. (The Cyclades are particularly vulnerable to high winds.) Cancellations for more than a day or two are rare but your itinerary could be messed up with one ill-timed delay. Fly directly to a Greek Island from a city in Northern or Western Europe. There are many cheap budget flight to a few Greek Islands from the main travel hubs in western Europe: London, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, Milan.Pros: It can often be ridiculously cheap to get a flight from Western Europe directly to a Greek island on one of the European budget airlines. Plus, if you’re coming from North America, Asia, or Australia, you can have a few days in London or Paris or whatever city you transit through. Cons: Surprisingly difficult to arrange if you’re arriving from outside the continent.  The low-cost carriers often leave from smaller regional airports, not the large hubs where your long-haul jet landed. Getting from one airport to another can take the better part of a day. (For example, your flight from New York will arrive at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, but your flight to Greece will leave from Orly – on the opposite side of the city.) Also, only a handful of islands have direct flights from outside of Greece. Currently, the Greek Islands that have international flights are Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Zakynthos, Crete, Lesvos, Samos, Kos, and Rhodes. Fly to Athens, then fly to the islands. Pros: More time on the islands. There are more islands you can fly to from Athens than from outside the country. For example, Milos, Naxos, Paros, and Karpathos all have flights from Athens but do not have international arrivals, so you if you want to fly to the smaller islands you’ll have to go through Athens.Cons: You’ll miss out on island hopping by ferry. Though, of course, you can take ferries between the islands once you’re there it’s that initial trip from Athens out to the islands that’s filled with so much excitement and anticipation. Also, if you do stop in Athens it’s often easier (or just as easy) to go to the port and hop on a ferry as to make your way all the way back to the airport, go through security, and wait for your plane. When you factor in the extra time that taking a flight involves, a highspeed ferry will get you to some of the Cycladic islands nearly as fast as a flight. Combine a Greek trip with one of its neighbors to the east (Turkey) or west (Italy). There are several options for taking ferries to or from Turkey and Italy. On the Turkish side, ferries ply the waters between Lesvos and Ayvalik, Chios and Cesme, Samos and Kusadasi, Kos and Bodrum, and Rhodes and Marmaris. These boat rides vary in length but typically are about 1-3 hours long and can be booked the day prior to departure.A fantastic itinerary might look like this: Fly into Istanbul, tour the Turkish coast, ferry to an eastern Greek island and island hop through 2 or 3 islands, ending your trip in Athens and flying home from there. On the Italian side ferries run between the Greek island of Corfu and the Italian port towns of Ancona, Brindisi, Bari, and Venice. These take between 8 and 12 hours and are often overnight ferries, so it’s best to book at least a few days in advance. Book far in advance if you want to take a vehicle or have a sleeping compartment.

How to Travel with Kids on Greek Ferries

Overnight ferries are a great way to travel long distances and not waste a day of sightseeing, and the cost of a cabin is similar to that of a hotel. Plus, you get to sleep on a bunk bed in a boat! How cool is that?

Ferries are one of the ingredients of what makes a trip to Greece so magical and unique. Ferry hopping around the islands — especially the Cyclades where the islands are very close to each other — is a ton of fun. And if you’re just going from one island to the next it’s very easy too. Foot passengers usually don’t need to book far in advance – especially for ferries between islands – just buy a ticket from a local agent the day before travel and hop on board. But for ferries from Piraeus (the port near Athens) to an island during high season, it’s recommended to book at least a week prior to your departure. Ferryhopper.com is the best website for searching ferry routes and booking tickets in advance When you start doing more than a walk-on ferry ride from, say, Santorini to Mykonos, it gets more difficult. Here are some choices you may need to make for longer ferry rides: Do I want to take a high-speed ferry, a catamaran, or a conventional ferry? If you want to take a high-speed ferry or catamaran to or from Athens then you’ll want to book about a week in advance. Do I want deck seating (also called 2nd class or airplane-style seating) or do I want to reserve a sleeping cabin? If you want a cabin you’ll want to book at least a few weeks in advance. Do I need to take a vehicle on board? If so, booking several weeks in advance is recommended as spots in the car garage are in short supply. Planning a Greek Island Trip Island hopping is what it’s all about. There are so many great islands in Greece it’s almost mandatory to visit more than one. With the exception of Crete (see below) don’t limit yourself to 1 island. But, don’t visit too many islands. Two nights (3 or 4 is best) is the minimum time needed to feel like you’ve seen an island at all, don’t spread your time too thin among the islands. Crete is a big island and requires at least a week to see well. If you’re on a tight schedule and want to see a bunch of different islands Crete might not be your best destination. It’s a fair distance from any other islands (and Athens) and takes a while to get around due to its size. The island could very easily keep you busy for 2 or more weeks and it has a bit of everything: arts, culture, cities, beaches, and quaint idyllic ports. If you have at least 10 days and want to visit Santorini – its closest neighbor – that is very doable. Hotels and restaurants on most islands close during the winter months. You’ll always find something open, but things can be very quiet in the offseason. On the less popular islands things close down even earlier in the fall and open up later in the spring. For example, Santorini will get very quiet by mid-November. The hotels and restaurants that close will start to reopen in late March. But a less popular island like Folegandros will start slowing down significantly in late September and not be completely re-opened until mid-May. Depart and arrive from different cities. Having to return to the city that you first arrived in is a waste of time and money. Open-jaw tickets cost a little more but you’ll save that money by not having to buy tickets back to a place you’ve already been. Example 1) Arrive Thessaloniki travel through the Aegean and Cycladic islands and fly home from Santorini. Example 2) Arrive in Istanbul, visit the Turkish coast, ferry to a Greek island and then more ferries and islands on your way back to Athens for your flight home. Example 3) Fly to Heraklio on Crete, tour that island before visiting Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos on your way back to Athens and home. These are just a few of a number of very good routes and options – all made easier and more fun by not having to return to the city that you flew into. Don’t ignore Northern Greece . Thessaloniki, the Halkidiki, and the North Aegean islands are less popular than the southern destinations but have some great sights and make a great vacation destination. If you’re looking for quieter towns and secluded beaches the north is great. Consider combining a vacation in Greece with a visit to a neighboring country , most likely Italy or Turkey. The Ionian islands in northwest Greece are an easy overnight ferry from Italy’s eastern coast. The Sporades and Aegean islands make a good circular route with Thessaloniki in Northern Greece, Istanbul, and the very popular Turkish coast and beaches. The winds can be intense in summer , especially in August and especially in the Cyclades. The wind blows from the north so beaches on the south coast of an island generally are the least blustery. Naxos, in particular, has a long string of protected beaches on it’s southwest coast. There are different spellings for the same islands and places – usually because of differences between their English and Greek names. The ones that cause the most problems: Zante and Zakynthos are the same island. Corfu is Kerkyra . Santorini is Thira . Chania – the city in Crete – is also Hania , and Heraklio is also Heraklion , Iraklion , or Iraklio . Thessalaniki and Salonika are the same city. Piraeus is the port that ferries leave from near Athens . It is often used interchangeably with Athens when discussing ferry routes. Suggested Ferry-Hopping Itineraries 1-Week Recommended Itinerary for Greece: 2 or 3 islands — probably in the Cyclades as they’re relatively close to Athens and ferry rides from one island to the next are short and tickets are easy to book. The best islands in the Cyclades: Naxos, Santorini, Folegandros, Paros, Mykonos, Milos. Finish your trip with 1 full day in Athens. 2-Week Itinerary: Do 1 week in Crete and then the 1-week itinerary described above. 1 Month Itinerary: Start in Lesvos or Samos in the Aegean islands, either by direct flight or ferry from Athens. Spend a week in those two islands before moving on to the Dodecanese spending a week in Rhodes, Ikaria and Karpathos, then continue with the 2 week itinerary above.

Choosing Ferries and Buying Tickets

• The best website for viewing ferry schedules and buying tickets for Greek ferries is FerryHopper.com .
• Ticket prices on a similar ferry will always be the same between 2 ports (the prices are set by the government) but services, speeds, and amenities can vary greatly between types of ferry and ferry companies.
• Most islands are connected to Athens by at least one ferry a day — even in winter. A subway connects downtown Athens with the port of Piraeus making getting to your ferry cheap and easy, but the port is huge and confusing to figure out for a first timer. Plan to get to the port at least an hour before your ferry departs. There are lots of places to eat and buy snacks in Piraeus before you get on your ferry. A suburban train route connects the airport with the port of Piraeus where the ferries leave for the Greek Islands. If you’re flying to Athens but don’t want to stay there you can almost completely bypass it. (See our Athens Ferry Port Guide for more information.) Most ferries to the islands leave early in the morning so even the best-executed plans will have you staying the night in Athens.
• High speed ferries ,  catamarans , and  Flying Dolphin hydrofoils  will cost about twice the price of a conventional car/passenger ferry. (Believe me, if you think keeping all the ferries straight is confusing, I know. I’m very familiar with the different types and I can just barely remember which is which.)
• Generally, the slower the ferry, the more stable the ride. Larger car/passenger ferries will take a lot longer, but they are much more stable than faster ferries on rocky seas.
• Cabins are recommended for long overnight ferries  to Crete, Rhodes and other islands far from Piraeus (Athens’ ferry port). You’ll see lots of folks camped out in the hallways and stairwells, or sleeping upright in seats, but everyone does better the next day after a good night’s sleep – and the convenience of a cabin is well worth the price.
• Ferries do not travel between every 2 islands in Greece.  Far from it. Ferries tend to move within island groups – between different Cycladic islands for example – with the most popular islands within a group serving as a hub to neighboring island groups. This makes the idea of vacationing in just one island group a good plan to follow unless you have lots of time to spare.
• During high season (June to September) there are departures to all of the most popular islands every day – usually multiple departures. There are far fewer ferries in the winter months, but at all times of the year there will be the following departures:

Morning Ferries

• Piraeus to Syros, Tinos and Mykonos
• Piraeus to Paros, Naxos, los and Santorini
• Piraeus to Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos and Milos

Evening overnight ferries

• Piraeus to Hania, Crete
• Piraeus to Heraklion, Crete
• Piraeus to Rhodes and neighboring islands
• Piraeus to Lesvos and Chios

What are the Greek Island groups and why do they matter?

One of the many cats of Greece. Milos, like many islands in the Cyclades, has an organizations that provides food and medical care to the many feral cats that delight kid and adult visitors alike.

The Greek Islands are divided into several island groups. In part for administrative reasons, but more commonly for shared history and island geography. Ferries and catamarans run more frequently within island groups than between them, so don’t assume that 2 neighboring islands will have daily ferry connections if they lie in different island groups. The most popular island groups for tourists being: Saronic Islands – a few hours by ferry from Athens. Most popular islands: Hydra, Aegina, Poros, Spetses. Cycladic Islands – in the middle of the Aegean Sea, about 4-8 hours from Athens by ferry. Most popular islands: Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos. Dodecanese Islands – in the southeast of the Aegean Sea, off the southwest coast of Turkey. 10-18 hours by ferry from Athens. Most popular islands: Rhodes, Karpathos, Kos, Patmos. Aegean Islands – off the central coast of Turkey. 8-15 hours from Athens by ferry. Most popular islands: Samos, Chios, Lesvos. (Northern) Sporades : – in the northeastern section of the Aegean, closer to Thessaloniki and Istanbul then to Athens, 2-5 hours by ferry from Thessaloniki. Most popular islands: Skiathos, Skopelos, and Skyros. Crete : – the biggest island in Greece and thus it’s own island group, 10-15 hours by ferry from Athens. Main Cities: Heraklio, Rethymno, Hania. Ionian Islands : – the only group on the west side of Greece, 1 or 2 hours by ferry from the western ports of Igoumenitsa and Patras, or overnight ferry from Bari or Brindisi in Italy. Most popular islands: Corfu, Kefalonia and Zante (Zakynthos).

About Santorini Dave

Mother, daughter and 9-year-old granddaughter looking to visit Greece for the first time from US. We have 8 or 9 nights. What itinerary do you recommend? Want to see at least 3 islands if possible. Do we start/end in Athens?

You most likely will fly into and out of Athens (most visitors do) but if you can avoid it with direct flights to an island, that’s fine too. Naxos, Paros, Milos, Sifnos, and Serifos would all be good choices. Mykonos too, which would allow for direct flights from Western Europe (if you want to skip Athens).

What are the best housing options for a group of 13, it’s 4 families mixed with kids. Are villas our best option? And if so which island is best for this large of a group?

It is not a cheap option but the villas at Aria Suites would be my top choice. If you rented the 4-neighboring villas you’d have a shared courtyard completely your own, 4 hot tubs, and marvelous caldera views. The pool at the hotel is a short walk up the lane.

Hello, We are a family of six with four kids ages – 14 to 1. We are thinking of doing two weeks in Greece. Do you recommend one week in Crete and what three islands do you suggest with the kids?

Probably Santorini (do a boat tour), Naxos, and Paros. Though doing 2 might be better than 3. Mykonos might also be worth some consideration as you can then fly directly from there (or Santorini) to Western Europe.

We are a family of 5 with 3 teenage girls. What would you suggest around Athens with the kids that are fun things to do?

Thanks you and great Site.

Fun things to do in Athens with kids/teens: • Street Art Tour • Athens Food Tour • Bike Tour of Historic Athens • Day Trip to Saronic Islands

We are planning a nearly 3-week vacation to Greece for our family – my husband and me, and our 7 kids ages 13 down to <6 months old – from late December (a couple of days after Christmas) until mid-January. We are coming from Iowa, USA, and travel extensively, usually in the off-season, though we’ve not been to Greece. I am thinking about Athens, Crete, and Santorini, but Rhodes and a day or two in Turkey would be great also. We will be renting a van that I am currently working on the details for now. We are homeschoolers who love to learn about history, culture, and food! Any suggestions, Dave? Your website is amazing!

Greece can be wonderful in winter. The biggest problem is getting between the islands. For example, there will be no Crete to Santorini ferry running in winter. There might be a once-weekly ferry from Crete to Rhodes – but maybe not. And there are some Rhodes to Turkey ferries in the off-season but not a lot so you’ll have to organize and research more than you would in summer. Getting a van on ferries is an expensive hassle – much easier to go as a walk-on passenger and rent different vehicles in each location. (In any case, few rental companies allow their vehicles to go on a ferry.) I would suggest limiting yourself to Athens and Crete. Crete is a large island (and the warmest in winter) and could easily fill 15 to 20 days of driving and exploring.

We are heading to Paros and Santorini with our 2.5-year-old in August. Just wondering if an ATV is safe for our 2.5 year old to sit on in between us or if we should hire a car? Thanks Claire

ATVs are the least-safe way to get around the islands. Go by bus or rental car.

Hi Dave. Thanks for your fabulous website! My husband and I and our 8 year old daughter have been spending our summer vacations in Greece for the past 3 years. Naxos is our fave, as well as Paros and Antiparos. This year we’ve booked Naxos again, but also have plans to visit Ios and Santorini for a few days each. School hols mean we have to travel in July/August, but I’m concerned that Ios is going to be too loud and insane in early August. I’ve booked Island House Hotel on Mylopotas beach – any advice on that area? Your description and the pics of the beach look lovely, but I don’t want to be listening to house music for 4 days and nights. Sorry for this long post, and many thanks in advance. Sally [Amsterdam]

Ios is not as crazy as you might have heard. Yes, there are plenty of young people there to party but it’s pretty calm and (almost) quiet through the day. The real party starts late at night in the Chora (and nowhere near where you’re staying). Of course, your perceived vibe of the island can change depending on who’s staying at your hotel or who the regulars are at a nearby taverna during your stay. So there can be big swings in the atmosphere based on unpredictable variables. But all that said, I’d be surprised if you found Ios “too crazy”. The beaches are wonderful. And even the Chora is pretty family-friendly until well into the evening.

Can you tell me if it is best or nessesary to rent a car on any specific island? We plan on visiting Naxos, Santorini, and Rhodes. Very quick short visits.

Those are 3 islands where it’s nice to have a rental car for a day or two. Not sure what you mean by “quick shorts visits” but if you had 3 days on an island spending one of them exploring the island with a rental car would be good.

Hi Dave! Thank you for all the great info in this post. We are a family of 5 (kids ages 5, 3 and 1) and are coming from the USA. Which island would be best for staying at a house directly on the beach? Preferably a beach where the kids/us can get into the water without worrying about giant waves or too many rocks. Thanks in advance!

There are not a lot of house-like rentals directly on the beach. So it’s not so much which island but searching to find the right place (regardless of island). Naxos would be a good place to start. (Note, there are no giant waves in the Greek islands.)

Hi Dave – awesome tips! Our family of four (kids 3 & 4 yrs) will be enjoying the islands for 3 weeks in August and September. Thinking Crete + Cyclades. Debating hiring a car so we can drive on/off ferries, rather than struggling carrying all luggage and 2 young kids. Plus we’ll have transport to explore the islands. Limited info available online, seems hire cos don’t like their cars travelling between islands. Is this your understanding? We’ll fly into Crete from UK, and home to Australia from Athens, so will be a point-to-point booking. Should we pursue, or will a car be more trouble than it’s worth? TIA.

Renting a car and taking it on the ferry to multiple islands is not worth the effort and you’re right: most car companies won’t allow it.

What would you recommend for a family of 4 considering a family holiday to some of the Greek islands? We have 2 weeks holidays and debating between 1 week in Greece (with 1 week in Italy) and 2 weeks in Greece? We would be flying out of Heathrow and want to visit Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, and Crete. Athens is not a necessity but would be nice too. Suggestions on our itinerary?

Thanks Derrick

You either have to limit the islands you visit or forget about Italy and only visit Greece. With 1 week in Greece, I would only visit 2 or 3 islands. Either fly Heathrow to Mykonos, ferry to Santorini, then fly Santorini to Italy, or could add Naxos in between. But if you spent the entire two weeks in Greece then you could fly to Athens, ferry to Mykonos, ferry to Naxos, and ferry to Santorini spending 1 full day in Athens and 3 or 4 nights on each of those 3 islands. Personally I would drop Italy from this trip and leave it for another holiday. Also, Crete (much larger than the other Greek islands) is an island too far for this holiday and would spread your time too thin.

Family of 5 looking for an idyllic Greek island with kid-friendly beaches. What Greek island is best for a family holiday?

There are many great islands in Greece for a family holiday – you almost can’t go wrong. But the best of the best are Naxos, Paros, Crete, Rhodes, Kos, and Mykonos. If you can only do one then go with Naxos.

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"There is nowhere quite like Greece, there is something here for everyone; you can walk in the footsteps of the Ancient Greeks, dance the Zorba while indulging in a Greek feast or get lost in a maze of the whitewashed houses of Mykonos as the sun sets"

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Explore the ancient capital of Athens

Often dubbed the cradle of Western civilisation, Athens was arguably the most influential city of ancient times. Contemporary meets antique in a city both drenched in world history and brimming with a modernity. You’ll discover thermal lakes, buzzing beachside neighborhoods and some of the world’s oldest ruins.

Visit the ancient Olympic site in Olympia

The birthplace of the Olympic Games, Olympia first became known to the world in 776 BC, when the very first games were held. Visit this world-famous ancient site that was also a holy place of worship for Zeus, the Greek god, surrounded by lush forestry in a rolling valley.

See the ruins of the Temple of Apollo

Reachable by a day trip from Athens, the Temple of Apollo at Delphi was rebuilt numerous times before settling into the historic site it inhabits today. Marvel at the remaining sandstone columns and decayed limestone that remind us of the past it endured over many thousands of years.

Dine 'Meze Style' in Psyri, Athens

Most travel guides will have you visiting Plaka for Greek food and nightlife, but authentic eateries are best found in the nearby neighborhood of Psiri. Between no-frills bars and dusty antique shops, you will find traditional mezze-style eateries and a boutique energy that pays tribute to Greece’s culinary heritage.

Visit Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Meteora

One of Greece’s most popular tourist attractions, it’s easy to see why so many flock to the spectacular rock formations of Meteora. Marvel at talents of both man and Mother Nature at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Byzantine monasteries that float around the summits.

Our top 5 things to do in Greece

Food and history form the basis of Greek culture and play a big role in all our trips to Greece. With Trafalgar, we'll showcase the best this country has to offer from sun up to dreamy sundown.

Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is found at the foot of the western world’s most important ancient site. Unpeel layers of history as you wander the halls of the past and gaze up at the dazzling site itself through glass walls. Allow yourself at least half a day to take in the enormity of this museum.

Remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace

Tours in Greece are scarcely complete without a visit to this iconic archeological site, where you will find the remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace, one of the world’s best-preserved fortresses. Glance up and admire unrivalled panoramic views of the countryside, once the Greek civilisation’s major military centres.

Athens War Museum

Opening its doors in 1975, the Athens War Museum documents the country’s past conflicts and military artefacts. In honor of those who fought for Greece’s freedom, the museum showcases four grand floors of past-to-present history. History enthusiasts will find no shortage of awe within these walls.

Best museums in Greece

Though often visited for Greece island hopping, the enchantment of this Mediterranean jewel extends beyond the sapphire waters. With Trafalgar, you’ll venture under the layers of Greek culture by visiting its many fascinating museums.

Standing its ground as one of Greece’s most famous main meals, moussaka is a wholesome and delectable combination of eggplant, ground meat, onion and béchamel sauce. Try this dish a few times during your visit; there are family variations that get passed through generations.

Souvlaki is street food at its very best. A simple preparation of skewered meats and vegetables, it’s the flavoring that makes this snack a pride of the nation. For the most authentic souvlaki, sample if from a street vendor wrapped up with condiments, salad and thick hot chips.

Kolokythokeftedes

The small fried balls of kolokythokeftedes can most aptly be compared to zucchini fritters with fetta cheese. Often ordered in summer with a side of tzatziki, these delicious bites are a great starter to any meal. Learn from the locals and snack on kolokythokeftedes alongside a glass of wine in the warm afternoon sun.

Best food in Greece

From an array of antipasto dips like taramasalata and tzatziki, to heavier main courses of grilled meats and fresh fish, Greek cuisine is internationally recognized for its deliciousness. Trafalgar will take you to the heart of Greece’s culinary traditions, each mouthful and mealtime an utter treat.

What to pack for Greece

Long, breathable pants or skirts

Often warm all year around, and extremely hot during summer, long, light clothing is ideal for daytime sightseeing in Greece – particularly when visiting historic religious sites that require modest attire.

A stainless steel water bottle

Whether you’re basking ocean-side beneath the hot sun or trekking the ancient monuments of this distinct country, you’ll need to stay hydrated. Stainless steel bottles keep your water cold for eight hours while treading lightly on the environment.

Walking shoes

Comfortable shoes are a must when you’re out from morning to night. Choose sturdy, open-toe walking sandals or closed toe sneakers to ensure you can walk effortlessly for hours.

A wide-lens camera

From coasts spanning miles of sea to some of the world’s most spectacular ruins, Greece is bursting with scenes you will want to remember forever. A wide-lens camera will make it easier to capture the views.

Sun protection

Whether it’s SPF50+ sunscreen, a wide-brimmed sun hat or long-sleeved clothing, some form of sun protection is crucial when visiting this popular summer vacation spot.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and toiletry bottles.

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Zest In A Tote

For the discerning family traveler, greece with kids: a 10-day itinerary for a family trip.

• by Shweta Markandeya
• Posted on November 23, 2023 August 7, 2024

Planning a trip to Greece with kids? You will find a comprehensive 10-day Greece itinerary for a family trip here, covering Athens and two beautiful islands, Santorini and Mykonos. This itinerary offers a perfect combination of history, culture, and beach fun.

Starting in Athens, families can explore iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and the Parthenon, while also enjoying interactive museums and delicious Greek cuisine. The itinerary then takes families to the picturesque island of Santorini, where they can relax on the stunning beaches, visit the charming villages, and witness breathtaking sunsets. Finally, the itinerary concludes in vibrant Mykonos, known for its lively atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife. This 10-day itinerary ensures that families can create unforgettable memories while exploring the best of Greece with their kids.

“With an olive tree, a vineyard and a boat, you can rebuild Greece.” – Odysseas Elytis, Greek poet and Nobel Laureate

Whitewashed islands, sailing boats, fishing villages, ancient ruins, olives and feta cheese, enduring myths, awe-inspiring sunsets, the strum of the mandolin, sun-kissed figures – these are the images that Greece evokes. Romance. Luxury.

Not the ideal destination for antsy, precocious kids. But we scoured through some sound advice from the Internet and put together a 10-day kid-friendly Greece Itinerary. We limited our Greece with kids itinerary to the city of Athens and the two most visited islands in the Cyclades – Santorini and Mykonos. Check this post, if you are looking to consider other Greek islands for a family holiday .

To pique interest for this trip to Greece with kids, we got them a set of Leslie Patricelli’s Mini Myths including ‘ Be Patient, Pandora ’, ‘ Play Nice, Hercules ’ and ‘ Make a Wish, Midas ’.

If you have more time, you can easily extend this to a 2 week Greece trip , by adding some parts of the mainland and Crete island.

Disclaimer:  This helpful post contains Affiliate links. This means that if you click on any of the links in this post (AND make a purchase) I may receive a  small commission  at  absolutely no cost to you . As such I thank you in advance should you decide to click & buy .

Travel Resources for Greece

Use Skyscanner for flights.

We used Booking.com for most of our hotel bookings in Greece

Omio is my favourite platform to book bus, train and ferry tickets

Use Kiwitaxi for airport transfers.

Rent a car to drive around in Greece. Get the best car deals on RentalCars and Discover Cars here!

Get an eSim for your trip for effortless and cheap data connection from Airalo .

Page Contents

Olive Tree: Athens

Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, is said to have won the contest for the patron deity of the city by gifting Athens an olive tree.

And olive trees are what greeted us we drove from the Eleftherios Venizelos Airport to the Royal Olympic Hotel near Plaka . The hotel boasts of panoramic views of the Parthenon and the Temple of Zeus. It was perfect for the first leg of our Greece family vacation itinerary.

Plaka is a quaint neighborhood of traditional houses and cobbled streets strewn with cafes, shops, and ancient ruins. Syntagma Square with the Greek Parliament and Monastiraki are a short walk away.

Athens sleeps in the afternoon but is open till late especially in summer. I would highly recommend a long stroll in the night.

What to see in Athens with kids

Ancient ruins.

Athens is a city full of historic monuments and sites. But you need to figure what to see and what to leave out on a family trip to Greece itinerary. Acropolis is a must-do for any first-time visitor while planning an Athens Itinerary . The Parthenon atop the Acropolis is a temple dedicated to Athena. Our guide, an erudite Greek lady, explained the significance of the various ancient structures. It would be a good idea to book a Combo Ticket to Acropolis and 6 Archeological Sites in Athens to avoid the ticket booth lines.

Make sure you hike to the top of the Acropolis site. The sweeping views of the city right up to the Piraeus port are definitely worth it. Don’t miss Mount Lycabettus and the Monument of Philopappos. This two-hour trek involves some bit of climbing, so make sure to carry water and caps to fight the sun.

The Theatre of Dionysus  was the first theatre ever built. This is at the foot of Acropolis. It was supposedly the birthplace of Greek tragedy. The theatre could seat as many as 17,000 people with excellent acoustics.

You can check out the Athens City Pass to unlock 30 attractions and a Hop-on Hop-off ticket.

Museums on a family trip to Greece

The British Museum in London now houses parts of the sculptures that adorned the Parthenon (a contentious issue between the two countries), though the Acropolis Museum has replicas. Located at the foot of the Acropolis, the museum also offers family backpacks and trails to pique the young children’s interest.  The café on the terrace offers a welcome respite after a hectic day.

The Hellenic Children’s Museum focused on experiential learning is free of cost. This Museum would delight every kid from 4-10 years. In the Playground, they play with building materials to create different constructions. At the Marketplace, they are taught about the concept of supply and demand. In the Kitchen area, the kids experiment with food ingredients and recipes and have the opportunity to try their hand at cooking.

Check out Athens Museum Guide for more information when planning for a Greece vacation with kids.

Unfortunately, we had only 2 days in Athens and missed out on some of the other fascinating sites like the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, the Piraeus Port, the funicular rail car to the Lycabettus Hill. A day trip to Delphi also sounds like a wonderful addition to any Greece mainland itinerary .

Here are some online Entry Ticket options for these museums:

Acropolis Museum Entry Ticket

Acropolis site and Acropolis Museum Entry Ticket

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Get travel tips, itineraries, best activities and more straight to your inbox.,  vineyard: santorini.

Santorini features on many lists of island destinations and is a favorite with the honeymoon and cruise crowds: it definitely lives up to the hype and more!

Often named as one of the best places to honeymoon in Europe, Santorini is a true Greek gem. It can also be fun on a Greece family itinerary with kids.

Santorini has unique geology. The caldera and the minor islands were formed through volcanic eruptions hundreds of thousands of years ago, submerging parts of the land in the azure sea.

The result?

The island has stunning views. Think red and black sand with the azure blue sea. It also produces one of the finest Greek wines, the Assyrtiko .

We took an early morning flight to Santorini. A ferry from Athens to Santorini is an alternative economical option but it takes almost 5 hours. Do read the fine print if booking with a low-cost airline like Ryanair or Easyjet for baggage allowances, check-ins and boarding passes. There is a reasonable bus network on the island. But we opted for a self-drive car with an international license, though no one checked us.

As we reached the Atlantida Villas at the edge of Oia on the northern tip of the island, we were mesmerized by the breathtaking views of clear cobalt blue sea. Oia town gets crowded in the evenings and when the cruise ships arrive. It is nevertheless pretty as a picture. A must on any Santorini Greece itinerary .

Santorini beaches

The beaches on the island  – the Red beach, Kamari, and Perissa – are unique and stunning. We spent half a day frolicking at the beach shacks in Perissa .

Ammoudi Bay on the northern tip has glorious views of the caldera as well as blue and green waters. We walked up the steep steps from the bay to the old church in Oia through narrow streets and whitewashed houses with donkeys to give us company.

The boat ride in the caldera at sunset was ethereal. Our captain let us swim in the sea just off the coast of Thirasia and near Nea Kameni, where the hot currents and sulfur reminded us of the proximity of the volcano. What a beautiful evening to remember from our Greece with kids vacation.

Browse through these water activity tours in Santorini:

Boat: Mykonos

Mykonos is a 20th-century addition to the travel map, epitomising the island life.

Till the middle of the 20 th century, Mykonos lived in the shadow of the ancient island of Delos. The island was occupied by the Venetians for more than three centuries.

The two-and-a-half-hour ferry ride from the Thira port to Mykonos took us through the islands of Ios and Naxos. The luggage and cars went into the belly while all of us traveled comfortably in the indoor cabin.

Mykonos beaches  are idyllic; we visited Psarou in the south. We spent our evenings strolling through Mykonos Town with white buildings and bright blue doors. We didn’t find the famously irascible pelican but met numerous cats lazing around while stopping for pictures in Little Venice and near the windmills.

A last-minute change in plan brought George, the owner of Paradise Beach Resort , to pick us up at the Mykonos port. This hotel, where we stayed for just one night, was walking distance from the beautiful party beach. Paradise Resort (no points for originality here!) was good value for money. George and his staff were attentive and friendly. Click here for more suggestions on where to stay in Mykonos .

We moved the next day to Ilio Maris , which is closer to town and walking distance from the windmills and Little Venice. If you are planning to spend 2 weeks in Greece with family, you could include another island perhaps. But we were happy with exploring Santorini and Mykonos.

Browse through these tours from Mykonos:

Looking for more Greek island options? A great alternative to Cycladic islands for family fun and adventure is to add Crete to your itinerary .

Check out why Ios beaches and sights are loved by Travellers .

Shopping in Greece

Apart from the fridge magnets and other knick-knacks, do shop for Greek cotton and linen clothes, pottery and handmade jewelry. The islands have boutiques targeted at the honeymooners and cruise crowd, but you are better off shopping in Athens for better pricing.

Olives, olive oil and olive oil soaps are must buy, as are the Grecian leather sandals.

Food & Drink options

Greek food is both delicious and healthy.

We pigged out on the creamy yogurts, olives, feta salads, seafood, tomato fritters ( keftedes ), stuffed vine leaves ( dolmathes ) and baklavas.

Greece produces amazing wines as well, which surprisingly aren’t exported. But who would want to share such treasures! Assyrtiko white wine is made in wineries in Santorini from a locally grown grape and is light with citrus and fruity notes. We enjoyed a bottle of Domaine Sigalas, Assyrtiko watching the sunset in Mykonos while the kids frolicked in the pool. Another delicious white wine is the Moscofilero .

Here are some food tours in Athens that you could consider:

Restaurant recommendations

We loved the seafood at Terina and the Indian food at Indian Chef in Athens. Skiza Café in Oia, Santorini had great service and decent food. Melenio  in Oia had a cheeky one-liner for those seeking free WiFi – ‘Don’t ask for the WiFi password, talk to each other!’ and with great coffee, pancakes and a breathtaking view, who would argue with that!

We had an unforgettable family vacation as we traveled to Greece with our kids, exploring the bustling city of Athens and the beautiful islands of Santorini and Mykonos.

Check out the website Kids Love Greece for more ideas on a family trip to Greece.

Travel Tips for family trip to Greece

Extended trip : For families contemplating an extended stay in Greece, obtaining Greek residency presents numerous benefits. Greece offers a high quality of life, an excellent healthcare system, and a rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal place for families to settle down.

When to visit Greece:  Note that summer months are amazing for family fun, swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. But summer is also the most expensive, and you need to book much in advance to get the best possible availability and prices. Crowds are insane on popular Greek islands in July and August.

Greece is good any time of the year – winters do get cold though (it even snows!). If sun and sea are what you seek, anytime between April and October is a great time to travel. Shoulder season (both spring and autumn) are a great time to visit if you are not keen on warm waters. Prices are lower and availability is better, the best spots in Greece are not overcrowded during this time. Here is a complete packing list  on what to take!

Account for heat in summers:  If you are visiting Greece in summer months, be aware of the strong sun. Wear light colored, airy, cotton or linen clothes to keep yourself comfortable. Wear a wide brim hat and use sunblock. Keep yourself hydrated at all times. Try and avoid ancient sites early in the morning and not during mid-day. 

Understand the ferry system : Ferries are a cost-effective and efficient way of reaching islands in Greece. Major cities such as Athens, Thessaloniki, and Patras are connected with many of the islands. Additionally, there are routes connecting the islands within an island group (Ionian, Cyclades, Dodecanese etc.) 

There are several ferry companies operating ferry routes in Greece: Ferryhopper being one of the most popular. It’s important to check the timetable of the specific route you’re taking as ferry times can change depending on the destination and the time of year. In summer months, popular ferry routes (such as from and to Santorini and Mykonos) do sell out. So you should pre-book. Omio is my favourite platform to book ferry tickets .

Spend time on mainland : Greece is not just about island hopping. While there are stunning islands to be explored, the mainland offers several attractions. Meteora is heaven for thrill seekers, hikers and rock climbers. There are golden beaches in Peloponnese. The historic city of Athens is great for archeological sites, incredible food and meandering around neighborhoods. There are also several  day trips to be explored from Athens  if you have more time in the city.  

Eat like a local:  There are amazing Greek dishes that you need to try on your trip. From moth-watering pastries to hearty breakfast dishes to flavorful dinner-time food dishes, you will have fun eating out in Greece. Greek island is simple yet delicious. Ask for local wine and don’t shy away from regular tap water.

Be mindful of local culture and customs : The older generation in Greece is conservative. So don’t go around wearing skimpy outfits in local neighborhoods. Also, nudity is not ok on beaches. Dress modestly while visiting churches and other religious sites.

Most importantly, embrace Greek time and have fun on your holiday. Don’t expect punctuality and you shall be fine.

___________________________________________

Planning a trip to Greece? Check out –

Greece Mainland : Greece 2 week Itinerary , Greece mainland itinerary , 3 days in Athens , Complete Guide to Meteora

Greek Islands : Crete Itinerary , Santorini Itinerary , Crete vs Santorini , Beautiful Greek islands for a family holiday

Packing List : What to wear in Greece

This is a guest post by Shweta Markandeya.  After 10 years of climbing the corporate ladder, Shweta decided to call it quits and just “chill” with her daughter. When not wandering on foot, she wanders in her mind by reading, writing and planning yet another trip! She lists Greece, Northern California and Prague as her favorite destinations – she’d be happy to run a book-and-coffee shop in Oia.

[This post was originally published in 2018, and last updated in November 2023.]

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“Don’t expect punctuality and you will be fine!” Hilarious but true 😂

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I am possibly thinking of traveling with my kids, as a single mom I wonder if this trip would be doable with two kiddos. 10 & 13. Also, can you share about how you found tour guides? Where did you fly in from, and out from? Do you need a special license to drive in Greece? Also, curious your thinking on adding a day or two to each location…but which one(s) do you recommend adding an extra day or two too? Thank you!

I never knew so many beautiful places existed in Greece. I swear I am going to visit each and every island in Greece.

the brightest thing to do is to go to athens and at least to one of the islands! using some tools, apps and maybe booking platforms like trip advisor to get ideas you can hve the time of your life!

I love your post! It’s very informative. My family may be taking a trip to Greece. We have a son who is turning 5 years old so it should be an interesting trip 🙂

Thanks for this post. I am visiting Greece 🇬🇷 next month and this is very helpful.

Glad you can make use of the some of the info shared. Greece is lovely in June. warm but not overcrowded.

We love the article and we are honored that you made reference to our website, http://www.kidslovegreece.com , the only travel company dedicated to family travel to Greece! Kids certainly love Greece and your photos and stories from you trip definitely confirm that! You should definitely come back… there are is so much to do!

Thanks, Katerina. I took a lot of inspiration from Kids Love Greece. Greece is such a beautiful country – everyone loves Greece :).

I think like you mentioned the key is to get them excited about the trip and the things they will see. And you of course want to sprinkle in plenty of kid friendly activities. It’s certainly possible to enjoy Greece with children 🙂

Totally agree, Nick.

Loved the entire piece. I now want to travel to Greece (without my grown-up kids). You’ve taken me there and packed in plenty of useful tips. I’ve been to Athens and to one island (whose name i fail to remember). It feels like aeons ago, and i was a lot younger too. I want to return as myself, the person who’s keener and more observant now, and of course, thanks to you, better-informed as well. Lovely, keep us entertained Shweta!

Thank you. So nice to hear your kind words. It is great to revisit countries after ages with your family.

Thank you so much 🙂 And you must go to Greece – it’s a lovely place. I would love to go back.

It sure is. Have you been with your family?

Ive never been to Greece and always wanted to go! I would love the beaches and the food for sure!

You are spot on! The islands and the food are amazing.

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Greece is my favorite country in Europe. It’s loaded with amazing islands ( Corfu , Mykonos , Rhodos , and Milos ), fantastic historical sites ( Athens , Crete , and Delphi top the list), and stunning natural beauty ( Santorini , Kythnos , Hydra , Crete and the Meteora are my favorites). The magical Greek islands are perfectly scattered for a sailing trip or island hopping and adventure, while the Peloponnese is packed with ancient cities and less-visited regions.

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• Where to Go in Crete
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Greece Family Vacations

Family vacations in greece & greek islands | all inclusive greece family holiday packages.

Looking for a vacation that the whole family can enjoy? Talk to Antelope Travel about arranging a perfect vacation for you and your family. We have access to hundrends of locations all over the mainland and the Greek islands which offer you and your family the perfect vacation. You may be looking to spend time on a quiet island, with calm beaches, perfect for families with young children.

Or perhaps you wish to visit more vibrant locations, mixing sightseeing, family time in by the resort pool, water sports and adventure activities for those with older children. Or maybe you want to arrange a large family gathering in an exotic place.

Antelope Travel's network of can help you arrange the perfect family holiday, no matter what your requirements. Let us arrange not only accommodation, flights, ferry tickets, transfers, tours and hire cars but recommend family friendly locations, tours and places to visit that will keep all of the family enthralled. We can organize the unforgettable family vacation of a lifetime.

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Travel Guide

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• For Families
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For Families in Greece

This itinerary works well for families with kids between 7 and 15 years old. We tried to balance the adults' reasons for coming all the way to Greece (seeing the glories of Greece) with the children's desires (swimming in hotel pools). As for food? The varied Greek menu should provide something for everyone's taste. And for better or worse, fast food is increasingly available all over Greece. Heat, especially in high season, should be a concern for travelers of all ages. Stay out of the midday sun, especially on the beach. Most forms of transportation offer reduced rates for kids 11 and under, as do most hotels, museums, and archaeological sites. Our itinerary assumes that you will rent a car for touring the Greek mainland. We also recognize that children wilt faster while traveling than adults do.

Day 1: Athens

Need to work off some fidgets after a long plane ride? Start your first day in Greece with the landmark you can’t go home without seeing: The Acropolis . True, there’s a lot of climbing as you ascend through the Beule Gate up a well-worn path, but what lies at the top makes the hike all worthwhile: The ruins of the perfectly proportioned Parthenon and surrounding temples. Find a spot to sit and just gaze at those massive columns, summoning up the glory of classical Greece. Then help the kids put it all together with a visit to the Acropolis Museum , at the base of the hill, where the original sculptures and statuary from the site are on display. If their legs are up to it, you can then stroll along the Grand Promenade , a cobblestone-and-marble, pedestrian-only boulevard that skirts the Acropolis Hill, and end your sightseeing by strolling around the evocative ruins of the Ancient Agora , where Socrates once conducted open-air seminars and St. Paul sought converts for the new religion of Christianity. After that, it’s time for dinner, maybe beneath a shady plane tree at a long-time favorite, the Platanos Taverna .

Day 2: Athens

Begin the day with a visit to Athens’ National Archaeological Museum , with the world’s finest collection of Greek antiquities. Youngsters will be intrigued by the gold death masks in the Mycenaean Collection, with its Trojan War connections; the Thira Collection’s colorful and charming frescoes from Santorini are as fascinating as an ancient comic strip. Then walk south down through Omonia Square to the lively, colorful Central Market . The sheeps’ heads and live chickens may gross them out, but there’s also tasty picnic fare to be picked up. Make your way down Aiolou Street for a look at the Roman Forum and the adjacent Tower of the Winds , then swing west through the Plaka to Syntagma Square . Enjoy your picnic in the National Gardens , where the kids can let off some steam. End your picnic in time to see the Changing of the Guard , every hour on the hour at the nearby Parliament Building. Walk northwest through Kolonaki—a neighborhood favored by well-heeled Athenians—to the funicular that climbs Lycabettus Hill . The kids will love the ride, and at the top, you’ll all be mesmerized by the views of the Acropolis and across the city to the sea. Return to your hotel in time for an late afternoon swim in the pool; if your hotel doesn’t have a pool, the Athens Hilton , in Kolonaki at 46 Vassilissis Sofias Avenue, will let you use theirs, 5 euros a person on weekdays, 10 euros on weekends.

Day 3: Corinth

Pile the family into a rental car. (For ease of getting out of Athens, you might want to zip out to the Athens airport on the Metro and get the car from a rental office out there.) No one’s going to get too squirmy, as there’s not too much driving to do today. First stop is the Isthmus of Corinth , the narrow neck of land, only 6.3km (4 miles) wide, that connects the Peloponnese to the rest of mainland Greece. Before the Corinth Canal was dug in the 1890s, ships had to sail an extra 400km (240 miles) around the Peloponnese to reach Athens. You can observe the canal, the ship traffic—and, most impressively, the 86m-high (282-ft.) walls of rock through which the canal was cut—from a well-marked overlook off the highway. You might also see some daredevils bungee-jumping off the railroad bridge across the canal.

Just beyond the Isthmus, the Acrocorinth , one of the world’s most remarkable fortresses, looms into view, looking as if it’s still there to defend the city of Corinth below. Signs point to the temples, agora, fountains, and other sprawling ruins of the Greek and Roman city, where kids will get a good sense of this ancient powerhouse that once rivaled Athens in wealth. (See if they can spot examples of Corinthian columns, with their ornately decorated tops.) End the visit with a drive up to the Acrocorinth, with its three rings of massive fortifications, and mountaintop views that sweep across the sea to the east and west.

It’s just another 55km (33 miles) on to Nafplion , where you’ll settle in for the next 2 nights. A good choice for families is the Hotel Perivoli , on a hillside outside town with large family units and a sparkling pool. If you stay in a hotel without a pool, make your first stop Arvanitia, the town beach at the end of a pine-scented promenade.

Day 4: Nafplion & Epidaurus

Nafplion’s Old Town , crowded onto a narrow peninsula that juts into the Bay of Argos, is decidedly family friendly, almost entirely closed to car traffic in the area surrounding marble-paved Syntagma Square . The first thing young explorers will probably want to do is climb up (part of the way via 999 steps cut into the cliff face) to the fortifications of the Acronafplia , the southeastern heights which have defended the city for some 5,000 years. Here, the massive walls of the Palamidi Fortress ramble across a bluff above the sea and the city. Once back down, an ice cream from the venerable Antica Gelateria di Roma , at 3 Pharmakopoulou, is in order after all that climbing.

In the afternoon, drive out to Epidaurus , one of the best-preserved classical Greek theaters in the world. The acoustics are so perfect that a whisper onstage can be heard at the top of the 55 tiers—plant the kids at the top of the house then step on stage to demonstrate. The adjoining Sanctuary of Asklepius at Epidaurus was one of the most famous healing centers in the Greek world, dedicated to Asklepius, son of Apollo and god of medicine. Tell the kids that one of the sanctuary’s favorite treatments involved serpents flicking their tongues over an afflicted body part—they may never complain again about a visit to the pediatrician.

Day 5: Olympia

Pack up the car and set off for Olympia , site of the original Olympic Games. The drive is less than 3 hours, leaving time to visit the ruins and museums in the afternoon and early evening. Remains of the stadium, gymnasium, training hall, and dormitories richly evoke the city’s famous ancient games, inaugurated in 776 B.C. You can pique their interest by explaining certain gee-whizz aspects of the ancient games—such as the fact that strangulation and metal knuckles were considered perfectly acceptable tactics. Young athletes can stretch their legs with a lap or two around training fields still lined with columns. The Hotel Europa is a good choice for a night’s stay because it has a big pool; guests at the smaller but delightful Hotel Pelops may use the Europa pool as well.

Day 6: Delphi & the Sanctuary of Apollo

You’re in for a bit of driving today. It’s about 3 1/2 hours from Olympia to Delphi, but for much of the way the scenery is spectacular—you’ll follow the highway around the northern coast to Patras and then Rio, where a dramatic bridge crosses the Gulf of Corinth; that’s followed by more scenic coastline as you head east to Delphi. No other ancient site is quite as mysterious and alluring as the Sanctuary of Apollo . Even youngsters can sense the awe as they climb the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo, where priestesses once received cryptic messages from the god. Views over the cliffs and crags of Mt. Parnassus are pretty spectacular, too. Plan to be back in the car about 4pm or so. That allows 5 hours to make the drive to Athens (a little over 2 hr.), drop off the car, and get to Piraeus to board the 9pm boat to Chania, on Crete. (To save time and hassle, see if your car rental company will allow you to drop off in Piraeus.) One you’ve settled into the cabin for the night crossing, head to the dining room for a meal.

Day 7: Chania

You’ll arrive in Chania early, so settle in for a full day of relaxing in one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. An especially welcoming base for families is the Villa Andromeda , a former seaside estate that housed the German High Command during World War II and has a shady garden and swimming pool. When it’s time to explore the city, you won’t need to wander too far away from the city’s colorful Venetian Harbor , with its lighthouse, palaces, and massive arsenali (warehouses), one of which houses a replica of a Minoan ship.

Day 8: Samaria Gorge

Any travel agency in town can arrange the 18km (11-mile) excursion through the Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge in Europe. Make sure your kids are up for a long though relatively easy hike. You know their limits, but keep in mind that once into the canyon—only 3m (10 ft.) wide in places with walls that can be up to 600m (1,969 ft.) high—there’s no turning back. Equip your clan with hats and sunscreen and carry snacks and bathing suits, for a refreshing dip in the Libyan Sea at the end of the hike. Don’t load yourself down with too much water; you’ll come upon several freshwater springs along the way. Your tour organizer will have you back in Chania in time for dinner.

Days 9 & 10: Rhodes City

If you’re up for a long sea voyage, take the bus to Heraklion and board a boat to Rhodes. It’s a 14-hour cruise (great for reading and sea-gazing) but if a day of enforced R&R doesn’t appeal to your traveling companions, fly instead. However you get to Rhodes, make Old Town your base. If the children are tired of togas and dusty columns, this medieval enclave is the perfect antidote—one of Europe’s great historic quarters, with all the storybook atmosphere a young traveler could desire. Many hotels have pleasant gardens, and the Spirit of the Knights has a little plunge pool. Two landmarks will fire up youngsters’ imaginations. The City Walls , 4km (2 1/2 miles) in length and 12m thick (40 ft.) in places, are complete with fortified gates and bastions. You can walk around the walls in their entirety, either in the dry moat between the inner and outer walls, or along the ramparts on top. The Street of the Knights is one of the best-preserved and most evocative medieval relics in the world, a 600m-long (1,968 ft.) stretch of cobbles where crusader knights of various nations maintained their towered, crenellated inns. For a quick dip, join the locals at Elli beach , where the waves almost lap up against the walls surrounding the Old Town.

Day 11: Lindos

Frequent buses make the trip to the most picturesque town on the island outside of Rhodes Old Town, a collection of white-stucco houses tucked between the sea and a towering ancient acropolis . Kids will probably want to board a donkey (also known as a “Lindian taxi”) for a slow plod all the way to the top. There, atop a flight of stone steps, are a medieval castle and an ancient Greek terrace littered with the remains of a great assembly hall with a grand columned portico. Way down below is a beach that is just too tempting to resist.

Day 12: Symi

Take a morning ferry to Symi , where even cranky young travelers will be impressed as the boat sails into beautiful, mansion-lined Yialos harbor . One of the pleasures of this rugged little island is the slow pace. You’ll want to climb the 375 or so wide stone steps, known as the Kali Strata (the Good Steps), to picturesque Horio , the old island capital. There the Archaeological and Folklore Museum shows off a replica of an old island house. The beaches on Symi aren’t spectacular, but there’s good swimming from the shoreline right around Yialos.

Day 13: Taxixarchis Mihailis Panormitis Monastery

A favorite outing from Yialos is this unexpectedly grand, white-washed monastery dedicated to the patron saint of seafaring Greeks, tucked away on Symi’s hilly, green southwestern corner. A charming museum is filled with wooden ship models, and a heavily frescoed church and chapels open off a courtyard. The most exciting way to reach the monastery, especially with kids, is by boat; there is also twice-a-day bus service from Yialos and Horio. However you get there, count on a refreshing swim in Panormitis Bay.

Day 14: Back to Athens

Now it’s time to head back to Athens. No better way to end a vacation in Greece than with a sea voyage, and, depending on timing, you can catch the once-a-week boat from Symi to Piraeus or return to Rhodes and take one of the overnight ferries than run a bit more frequently from there. Then, of course, there’s plan B—a quick flight from Rhodes to Athens.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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14 Best Greek Islands For Families in 2024: Plan the Perfect Trip to Greece with Kids

Out of the 6000 islands scattered around the Greek coastline, there are so many islands to choose from, especially if you’re visiting Greece with kids. From the more well-known islands of Santorini, Mykonos and Crete to the hidden gems of Ios and Naxos, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking for the best Greek islands for families, the best Greek holidays for families or the best Greek island for kids, look no further. You’ll find a family-friendly atmosphere and pristine beaches throughout the Greek islands. We’ve got you covered.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my  full disclosure  for further information.

A Beginners Guide to Family Travel in Greece

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Greece with kids:

Is Greece Good for Families?

Yes! Greece is one of the best countries in Europe to visit with kids. Combine stunning city breaks with fantastic cuisine, picturesque villages, crystal clear water and white sandy beaches!

Greece is perfect for all traveller types and has some of the best islands to visit for solo female travellers as well as LGBT+ friendly destinations such as Mykonos and multiple destinations to visit on a honeymoon and on a trip with friends.

The Greek Island Groups

There are  several groups of islands in Greece  based on geographic locations.

The  Cyclades  are the most widely known group and include the likes of Mykonos and Santorini as well as the lesser-known islands of Ios, Amorgos and many others. Click here to view our 10-day island-hopping itinerary around the Cyclades islands and Athens.

The Dodecanese are next to the Turkish coast. The islands can be reached from Athens (15 hours) or Marmaris in Turkey.

The  Saronic islands  are located near Athens and can visit on a day trip. They also make a great island-hopping itinerary! 

North-Agean islands  are also a short ferry ride from the mainland and include the likes of Samos and Lesvos and many others.

The  Ionian islands  include six islands on the East coast of Greece. If you wish to travel to the Ionian islands by ferry, you must depart from  Killini  on the East coast of Mainland Greece .

If you’re hiring a car to visit the Greek islands, it’s easy to drive from Athens to Killini. There’s also a bus from Athens (30 Euro), or you can take public transport to Parta then take a taxi to Kyllini. Click here for our in-depth guide on travelling from Athens to Kefalonia.

To view the best beaches in Greece for families, click here .

Travelling Between the Greek islands

When travelling as a family in Greece, it’s better to create an itinerary based on one island group (or two nearby groups). Ferry routes often operate around individual island groups rather than between. Most ferries start in Athens.

If you’re planning a family holiday to just one island, it’s best to choose one with an international airport rather than a regional airport, only with flights to Athens. Islands mentioned in this post with an international airport include:

• Chania (Crete)
• Heraklion (Crete)

Islands with regional airports (flights only to Athens) include:

You can also travel around the Greek islands by ferry. This way, you can discover more remote islands that are less touristy. To book ferries, I use Ferryhopper . You can book a whole island hopping trip in one go on the easy to use the app. Check prices and ferry times below:

Can’t get to Greece just yet? Take a look at how to explore Greece from home.

The Best Ionian Islands for Families

This list will help you find the best Greek island for a family holiday:

#1 Kefalonia

Best for: Beaches, scenery, boat trips, turtle spotting

Fiscardo Fishing village, Kefalonia

As the largest of the Ionian islands and the 6th largest island of Greece, with a rich history, Kefalonia seems somewhat less developed than its neighbours of Zakynthos and Corfu, with plenty of places to explore.

If you’re heading on a beach holiday, there are lots of places to choose from. The resort of Lassi is popular with package holiday tourists and families for its long beaches and clear seas. The resort has all the facilities you’ll need, including excellent Greek food and sunbeds to hire. You’ll also find warm shallow waters making Kefalonia the perfect Greek island for kids.

In the South of Kefalonia is Skala beach , a picturesque sandy beach popular with families and surrounded by the resort town of Skala. Take your pick of the watersports available on the beach to keep all the family happy, from jet-skis to banana boating. There are lots of sun loungers to hire too!

Things to do on the Amazing Island of Kefalonia with kids

Kefalonia is also a good island for some turtle spotting . There are a few beaches in Kefalonia where you can spot loggerhead turtles and their nesting sites.

The main site to spot nesting sites is below Ratzakli at Mounda bay between Skala and Katelios. If you want to spot adult Loggerhead turtles in their natural environment, try Koutavos Lagoon in Argostoli near De Rosset bridge. They often tail fishermen in search of food.

There are plenty of day trips in Kefalonia that the kids will love. Visit the awe-inspiring Melissani lake , see stalactites and stalagmites in Dragorati cave , visit the famous fishing village of Fiscardo or walk the streets of Kefalonia’s capital Argostoli .

12 Fantastic things to do in Kefalonia

Exactly how to travel from Athens to Kefalonia with kids

Where to stay in Kefalonia for families

#2 Zakynthos

Best for: Turtle spotting, boat trips, family atmosphere , ease of access

Zakynthos Town

Zakynthos (also known as Zante) is one of my favourite islands for a family holiday in the sun and the first Greek island I ever visited.

There are several options for a beach holiday; Tsilivi is a large resort town on the East coast, popular with those who want a quiet break but with lots of activities on offer.

The resort has become the busiest and most popular resort in Zakynthos, especially with families. The town is home to a wide range of souvenir shops and traditional tavernas and cuisine from worldwide. Tsilivi is also home to Zante’s best waterpark.

Laganas is popular with both families and young people. It’s an excellent resort to stay in as you explore Zakynthos with plenty to see and do. Laganas beach is one of the best beaches in Zante and one of the longest too (9km).

Things to do in Zakynthos with kids

While you are in Laganas, you can visit Cameo Island . The wedding venue in Mamma Mia, Cameo is a small island attached to Zakynthos by a small bridge. Once on the island, you can relax on the beach with stunning views onto Laganas bay or sip a cold drink at the bar.

Visible from Laganas beach, Marathonisi (Aka. Turtle island) is an uninhabited island just off the coast of Zakynthos. Marathonisi is part of a national marine park that protects loggerhead turtles.  

Boat trips can be booked to view Marathonissi and maybe even some turtles close up. There’s so much to be seen from the water. The blue caves are one of Zante’s most popular attractions. The reflections turn the water a fantastic shade of blue when inside the caves! Other famous sights include Shipwreck beach and banana beach .

Best for: History, atmosphere, beaches, ease of access

Corfu has a special place when it comes to the Greek islands. It is located on the Western side of Greece and offers excellent beaches facing the emerald waters of the Adriatic. Another huge positive for Corfu is the lack of wind that blows through the Cycladic islands like Mykonos and Santorini.

Corfu is a big island and has a lot of gorgeous beaches . The international airport is located close to the old town of Corfu. The town is everything you expect from a beautiful Greek summer heave; narrow cobbled streets with whitewashed houses laden with flowers, plenty of great food and a sense of relaxation that wafts through your being.

The island has many beaches both in the north and south, and all of them are easily accessible, especially by car. In the south, try the vast golden Sandy strip of Issos beach, and in the north, Agios Georgios is a great beach to enjoy with the entire family. The monastery of Palaiokastritsa is not too far either and offers a great chance to enjoy the views and a small hike for everyone.

Whether you are a young family or a couple, a chance to reconnect with your siblings and parents on holiday, Corfu offers excellent options for everyone, from partying to lounging on a sunbed. As a bonus, you can take a speed boat trip to Ksamil in Albania, because why the hell not!

By Ucman, Brown Boy Travels

Best for: Beaches, scenery, off the beaten track

Lefkada  is a beautiful, lesser-known Greek island worth exploring with your family. It has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, great food, plenty of day trip options.

Lefkada is an island connected to the mainland via a bridge. You can’t fly into the island. The closest airport is in Aktion/Preveza, located on the mainland, 25 kilometres from Lefkada’s main town.

We would recommend you rent a car for your trip. Despite being a small island, some of the best beaches in Lefkada are spread out. Plus, having a car will give your family a sense of freedom you couldn’t achieve by taking taxis everywhere.

One of the best beaches on the island is Mylos Beach. This family-friendly beach is very picturesque. It has white sand, sheer cliffs, and turquoise waters. Spend the day sunbathing, swimming and playing beach games.

Another great beach is Porto Katsiki Beach . This beach has been voted amongst the most beautiful beaches in Europe time and time again. There are sunbeds for rent on the beach, and you can order food from the restaurant at the base of the stairs.

If you feel like a day trip, you can hire a boat tour to take you to the Skorpios & Meganisi Islands . You’ll explore caves, uninhabited islands, and pretty swimming bays. It’s the ultimate family outing.

By Oskana and Max from Drink Tea and Travel

Best Greek Islands for Kids: Best Saronic Islands for families

The Saronic islands group is one of the best areas in Greece for families:

Best for Scenery, seafood, pistachios, crystal clear waters

Located in the Saronic Gulf, Aegina is the closest island to the port of Piraeus. Its proximity to Athens makes it one of the favourite weekend getaways of Athenians. Aegina is famous for its pistachios. From a history and culture standpoint, Aegina stands out from all other  Greek islands  for the Temple of Aphea, the Agios Nektarios Monastery, and the former neoclassical mansions well-preserved to this day.

Aegina is a great destination for families due to its shallow, crystal clear waters, great food, and proximity to Moni Island’s wonderful natural paradise, a tiny, uninhabited islet very close to Aegina’s port town of Perdika .

The best thing to do on Aegina with kids is to take a water taxi from either Perdika or Aegina Town to Moni Island and spend the day lying on the beach, snorkelling and admiring the wild peacocks with their cute peachicks roaming around under the pine trees. You can climb to the top of the hill to take photos of the breathtaking Saronic Gulf scenery.

The best place to stay on Aegina is Aegina Town . The waterfront promenade is perfect for evening strolls. Have ouzo (or two) on one of the terrace bars, then enjoy a dinner with amazing sunset views. End your evening with a scoop of tasty ice cream.

Marathonas is the next best place to stay on Aegina, particularly if you travel with kids. Here you can book beach chairs and tables at once, as restaurants are set right on the sandy beach.

Even though Aegina isn’t famous for the size of the amenities of its beaches, it is a good choice for families due to the convenience of the shallow and tranquil waters. The magnificent views, the proximity to other Saronic islands and Athens, the wide variety of pistachios and the fresh fish and seafood make Aegina an excellent idea for your next family vacation.

By Violeta, Offbeatgreece.com

Best Islands in the Cyclades for Families

Here are some of the best islands in the Cyclades to visit with kids:

Great for: Beaches, food, culture

Best Family areas: Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Naxos Chora and Plaka

Naxos is my number 1 recommendation for families visiting Greece. Naxos is the biggest island in the Cyclades and quieter than some of the others.

There’s a huge variety of beaches to choose from of varying sizes, most of which have white sands and crystal clear waters. Families can choose from staying in a small secluded resort with basic amenities such as the fishing village of Appolonas or a more lively resort such as Agios Prokopios .

There’s plenty of sightseeing to be done in Naxos too, from ancient ruins of the temple of – and the prehistoric acropolis to exploring the winding streets of the old town up to the old castle.

Naxos is the greenest island in the Cyclades and grows most of the food for the region. Make sure you try some local food at one of the many family tavernas – especially the signature Naxos potatoes.

For more information on visiting Naxos with kids, view our guide to the resort of Agios Prokopios here . Planning on visiting? View our complete guide on where to stay in Naxos for families.

How to Get to Naxos

There’s a small airport which has many daily flights from Athens. Most people arrive by ferry from other Cyclades islands or Athens. We travelled in a cabin from Athens. Read how to get to Naxos from Athens here.

Where to Stay in Naxos

We enjoyed our stay at the Ioanna Apartments in Agios Prokopios, the best resort in Naxos for families. View our detailed guide on where to stay in Naxos for families for more information.

Best for: beaches, windmills, typical greek streets, food

A great island in Greece for families is the island of  Mykonos . The island is beautiful to see, and there are many lovely towns and white sandy beaches. Mykonos is part of the Cyclades island group, and you can find the islands Paros and Naxos near it.

One of the best towns on the island for a family trip is Mykonos Town, where most daily life happens. You find typical Greek streets, cute houses, magnificent churches, and lovely windmills here.

You can go to the Agricultural Museum, which is excellent for children as there is so much to do. You can see old farm tools there, and you can go inside a windmill. Also, Little Venice is a beautiful part of the town. Furthermore, if you are in the city, you might stumble upon the Pelican that lives there and is very friendly.

Besides Mykonos Town, there are many great beaches. One of the best of these is Ornos Beach, and this is also an excellent beach for families. There are many other pristine beaches to choose from. Cavo Psarou is on the south coast and perfect for families. Another one of the best family beaches is Platis Gialos , as it has many facilities, stores, and places to stay within walking distance. Also, the food on the island is excellent as there are many lovely restaurants! You can easily go here by public transport, there are many stores nearby, and you’ll find here many hotels.

By Dymphe, Dymabroad

view Our Mykonos to Syros Transport Guide

Great For: Photography, Calm seas, beaches, nightlife

Best Family Areas: Yialos Beach

Although Ios has a reputation for being a party island, look deeper, and you’ll find family-friendly beaches and a child-friendly atmosphere, crystal clear waters and very calm seas.

Yialos beach is the perfect place to base yourself. The beach is within walking distance of the port in a small resort with plenty of family tavernas. Stroll along the waterfront looking at the fabulous views towards Sikinos island or walk to the nearby church – painted in the traditional blue and white Cycladic style.

Yialos beach is also in the perfect location for day trips. From the port, you can go on day trips to Santorini, Folegandros, and Sikinos. There’s also a regular bus service to Myopotos beach and Ios Chora.

How to Get to Ios

Many ferries pass through Ios en route through the Cyclades islands from Athens.

Where to Stay in Ios

We stayed nearby the port on Yialos Beach at the Mare Monte Hotel. The beach’s calm waters make it excellent for families. Click here to view our in-depth guide on the best places to stay in Ios for families.

More on Ios – A day trip to Ios, Greece

Best for: Boat trips, unique landscapes, beaches, archaeology

Best areas for families: Polonia, Adamantas

The  Greek island of Milos  is a family paradise with 70+ beaches, traditional villages, historic sites, and caves and cliff jumps galore. While Milos is by no means an undiscovered island, it is much quieter than neighbouring Crete and Santorini while still offering plenty to see and do.

Families can take catamaran tours around the island to explore off-the-beaten-track beaches, go scuba diving, paddleboarding or horseback riding or discover the breathtaking, moon-like landscape of Sarakiniko Beach .

Unlike most other Aegean beaches, Sarakiniko was formed by smoothing out the volcanic rock, leaving almost mythical rock formations contrasting with the azure blue waters. This is THE place on the island for photography, cliff jumping, and sunset, meaning there’ll be something for all the family to enjoy.

Families might also want to take a sailing trip out to the old pirate hiding spot Kleftiko (aka Bandits’ Lair) or visit the Amphitheatre of Milos, an ancient archaeological site overlooking the sea.

Other spectacular beaches to enjoy while visiting Milos is the geothermal Paleochori Beach and the classically beautiful Agia Kyriaki .

When choosing where to stay in Milos, you’ll probably want to consider the town of Polonia in the northeast of the island. This town offers a great mix of whitewashed tradition and modern amenities with well-equipped apartments, family-friendly restaurants, a playground and even a sandy beach within walking distance beach that boasts shallow waters and tavernas. Alternatively, you could choose the port town of Adamantas where the delicious O! Hamos restaurant is located.

By Chrysoula, Travel Passionate

Find out how to get to Milos here >>>

Best for: Beaches, traditional villages, architecture, nightlife

Photo by Nefeli Kavvada

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of busier Greek Cyclade Islands like Santorini and Mykonos, head to the secluded island of Paros . The island attracts a mix of people, including families, young couples, and retirees. You’ll find everything from classic Cycladic architecture, charming rural villages and stunning beaches.  

Beaches in Paros

Families with young children will love Paros’ 35 beaches. Check out Kolymbithres Beach – the small pristine beach lays between large boulders to either side, creating a shallow bay of clear water. There are also plenty of water sports to take part in. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard or take sailing lessons with a local company.

You’ll find excellent Greek food everywhere you go, but some of our favourites were the zucchini fritters, squid, and tzatziki. Be sure to visit Golden beach, one of the most amazing beaches in Greece – perfect for family vacations! Families with young children will also enjoy Monastiri Beach and Santa Maria Beach, which have nice shallow water for splashing around.

Where to Stay in Paros

Several villages can stay on the island, including Parikia, Naoussa, Piso, Drios, Lefkes , and Marpissa . Parikia and Naoussa are the busiest and have the most nightlife and bars, so if you prefer a quieter scene, check our Drios, Lefkes, and Marpissa.

To see most of the island, we recommend renting a car. Because the island is relatively small, it only takes 30-40 minutes to drive from one end to the other. 

Click here to view our detailed guide on how to travel from Athens to Paros

By Natasha from the Great Ocean Road Collective

#11 Santorini

Best for: Landscape, views, photography, shopping, sunsets

Best Family Areas: Fira, Kamari, Perivelos

Santorini is one of the most popular islands in Greece and a year-round holiday destination, and volcanic island. Choose from a relaxing beach holiday on the black sand beaches of Perivelos and Kamari or an exploring holiday from the island’s capital, Fira. It’s also a fantastic place to bring the kids.

You’ll get the chance to visit fantastic volcanic landscapes world-famous vineyards and view one of the world’s best sunsets – it’s no wonder people keep coming back to Santorini – the best greek island for views.

How to Get to Santorini

Santorini airport has seasonal flights all over Europe and plenty of flights to Athens, where you can fly to most places in the world. Many ferries pass through Santorini from Crete and Athens on the route through the Cyclades. Seasonal routes run to islands outside the Cyclades group.

Where to Stay in Santorini

We enjoyed our stay in Fira at Anessis . The outdoor pool is a lifesaver on a hot day! The apartments are within walking distance of Fira, where buses can be caught all over the island.

#12 Crete for Families

Best for: Culture, history, attractions , food, family atmosphere

Crete is the largest island in Greece, with an incredible family-friendly vibe. We stayed in the resort of Gouves . There’s plenty to choose from in the resort, including several beaches, plenty of tavernas and souvenir shops and even an aquarium.

From Gouves, you can go on day trips to nearby places such as Hersonnisos (a larger resort – great for shopping and boat trips), Heraklion (the biggest city in Crete with a great Saturday market) and Knossos Palace (one of the most famous historical sites in Greece). There are also many picturesque villages waiting to be explored!

The area around Rethymno town is also great for a family holiday. The long sandy beach is perfect for a holiday in the sun. You can go on trips to the nearby Rethymno old town, Chania (a beautiful city just 1 hour away), go sea kayaking and visit the famous Kournas Lake.

How to Get to Crete

Crete has the luxury of having three airports, 2 of which (Chania and Heraklion) fly to destinations throughout Europe. The main port in Crete is located in Heraklion, with ferries to destinations throughout Greece. There is a high-speed service to Santorini (2.5 hours) and Athens (8 hours), Where to Stay in Crete.

Where to Stay in Crete

You’ll be spoilt for choice with family-friendly accommodation in Crete. From all-inclusive hotels to mountain retreats, you’ll find something to meet your family’s needs.

More on Crete – Things to do in Crete with kid s

Best Dodecanese islands for families

Here are the best Dodecanese islands to visit with kids;

Best for: Family atmosphere, beaches, history

Kos is one of the most popular destinations in Greece and perfect for family holidays. The island hosts over 1 million visitors every year.

One of the best areas in Kos to stay for families is Kardamena. Kardamena is a small town 7km from the airport, surrounded by plenty of perfect beaches with soft sand and calm waters, perfect for a relaxing break in the sun. Nearby Kardamena, you’ll find Paradise Beach (between Kardamena and Kefalos).

From Kardamena, you can go on day trips to other beaches on the island and Kos Town, where you can get an insight into the local culture.

How to Get to Kos

Nearby Kos town, an airport flies to many destinations throughout Europe. The ferry port is located in Kos town. Services run throughout the Dodecanese islands and towards Athens.

Where to Stay in Kos

There’s a vast range of options, from huge all-inclusive hotels to small townhouses in Kos town and beachside bungalows. View accommodation in Kos here. We stayed at Atlantica Portobello Beach Hotel . The all-inclusive hotel has an excellent kids pool and free sunbeds on the beach.

#14 The Greek Island of Rhodes

Best for: Beaches, history, culture, attractions

Rhodes is one of the most popular islands in Greece for tourists. Many have even been awarded blue flag status. The island is family-friendly, with numerous gorgeous sandy beaches with crystal clear waters.

If your kids like attractions head to butterfly valley or Rhodes aquarium.

There’s plenty of history to see in Rhodes, both in the capital, Rhodes town and the old town of Lindos. Both are nearby family-friendly resorts.

View Our Greece Family Travel Guides:

Amorgos Family Travel Guide

Syros Family Travel Guide

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Sylvie Simpson is the founder and editor of the Island Hopping in Greece blog. She has spent many months exploring the Greek islands solo, with friends and with family. Sylvie is on a mission to help people plan and make the most of their island hopping adventure in Greece and helps thousands of people every month with their Greek trips.

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Fun and Interactive Family Olive Oil Experience – Private 3 hour Experience

Enjoy a unique experience in the beautiful island of Naxos. Learn all about the olive oil production in Naxos from the 1700 till today and have an olive oil tasting. This is an amazing way to explore the reach history of olive oil in Naxos. read more

Astro-Mythology Tour in Athens

Take an astro-tour with your family in the National Observatory in Athens. your kids will love learning about the connection between mythology and stars in the sky. read more

Exploring the National Park of Mount Olympus | 3 hours Experience

Explore Mount Olympus' natural beauty on a family-friendly 3-hour hike. Traverse the legendary E4 trail, marvel at waterfalls, and uncover myths with Kids Love Greece. read more

Hiking the Mount Olympus: A Mythology Hike for Families | 2.5 hours Experience

This is a mythological hike in Mount Olympus specifically created for families. Explore Litochoro, Enipeas River, and visit the National Information Center in Greece! read more

Sea Kayaking & Snorkeling for Families: Explore Ancient Epidaurus

Kayak & snorkel around ancient epidaurus.

This tour offers the ultimate exploration of ancient Epidaurus, combining kayaking and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters with learning all about the ancient monument. read more

Sea Kayaking & Snorkeling for Families: Explore Medieval Nafplion

A fun, family-friendly kayaking tour of lovely nafplio..

Don't miss out on an exciting sea-kayaking day in Nafplio, the ultimate way to explore this historic town.  read more

Mosaic Family Workshop in Heraklion

A hands-on activity in heraklion.

A family-friendly Mosaic workshop, the perfect blend of fun and learning. read more

Catamaran Cruise Around Hersonissos

The perfect sailing day in northern crete.

An amazing family sailing day, exploring shores around Hersonissos. read more

Explore and taste the 7 villages of Apokoronas

An amazing day in western crete's villages.

This amazing tour promises to guide you through western Crete's traditional villages. read more

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THE BEST GREEK ISLANDS FOR FAMILIES – UPDATED FOR 2024

We’ve tried and tested a bunch of Greek Islands with our own family over the years and these are our picks.  

PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE?

Whether you’ve been before or it’s your first time it can be hard to process all the information out there. Be sure to check out our complete Planning Guide as well as our FREE 13-page downloadable itinerary.

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When to visit Greece with kids

Whilst Greece is home to some of the best beaches and stunning clear azure waters on the planet there are many things to see and do year round.

Summer in Greece is over June, July, and August and is the ideal time to spend at the beaches and waterfalls while Spring and Autumn are excellent for hiking and exploring Ancient Ruins, Caves, and Archaeological sites. Kids especially love to visit places that are rich with stories from Greek Mythology !

August is also the busiest and most expensive month of the year whilst many islands close their tourist ‘season’ down between late October and Easter each year.

Most people would say that May – June and September- October are the best times to visit Greece when the weather is great and the prices and crowds are low.

If you are travelling to Greece from a great distance with kids it also pays to get some great tips on flying long haul with kids . 

A bit about the Greek Islands

It’s important when planning a trip to the Greek Islands to understand a few fundamental things about them, particularly what groups the best greek islands for families are located in and where those groups are located in relation to each other.

A lot of people set out planning very unrealistic itineraries hoping to island-hop between places that are actually hundreds of kilometres from each other and a logistical nightmare.

There are 6 main island groups and Crete as well as a stand alone destination. Crete itself is huge and is like visiting a country of its own so it deserves a decent length of stay – at least a week, and preferably two.

The Cyclades islands are the most photographed and visited and are home to Santorini and Mykonos as well as Paros , Milos , Naxos and many more beautiful white sugar-cube dotted islands.

The Dodecanese are to the East of the Cyclades and are very close to Turkey . The most populace and popular island is Rhodes with Kos , Patmos and Symi nearby.

North of the Dodecanese are the Northern Aegean Islands which include Lesvos and Chios .

The closest island group to Athens are the Saronic islands in the Saronic Gulf. They include Hydra and Spetses which are both car-free and are easily visited as day trips.

To the north-east of Athens are the Sporades islands including Skiathos and Skopelos which have been made very famous in recent years due to the movie Mama Mia.

Lastely the Ionian Islands are in the far west of Greece near Italy . They are very popular with families and include Corfu , Kefalonia and Zakynthos .

Most of these island groups do not connect to others by ferry and you would have to consider flights and/or driving in order to visit them all in one trip. 

The best Greek Islands for families with different interests

In this article, the islands we cover in detail are those that appeal to families with small children, tweens and teenagers. Places that offer a wide variety of activities for kids of all ages and that are family-friendly on multiple levels. They also all have airports and are easy to get to.

That said we know not all families are the same and some may be into certain things that are more specific. Here are a few more ideas that might suit your needs:

Best Greek Islands for families in this article : Kefalonia , Paros , Naxos , Corfu & Rhodes

Best Greek Island for History and Mythology : Delos ( Mykonos ), Santorini , Crete and Ithaca

Best Greek Island for Beaches : Naxos , Kefalonia and Crete

Best Greek Island for Hiking : Sifnos, Naxos, Santorini and Crete

Best Greek Island for Watersports : Paros , Lefkada , Corfu and Rhodes

Best Greek Island for Diving : Crete , Chios , Corfu , Santorini and Rhodes

Best Greek Island for older Teenagers : Mykonos, Ios and Paros

Best Greek Island for Percy Jackson enthusiasts : Crete (he mostly visited the Mainland )

Best Greek Island for Mama Mia enthusiasts : Skiathos and Skopelos

Best Greek Island for Knights and Castles : Rhodes   

Kefalonia with kids

Kefalonia is also a very large island that could easily take weeks to properly explore. There are towns full of high-end resorts as well as small, picturesque villages with charming seaside rooms and tavernas. Especially popular with families who love the outdoors.

Things to do in Kefalonia

Some of the best things to do on Kefalonia with kids include;  

• day trips to neighbouring Ithaca and Zakynthos
• world famous beaches such as Myrtos Beach ( above )
• incredible caves at Melissani and Drogarati
• the delightful small village of Assos
• the colourful fishing village of Fiscardo
• huge sea turtles, especially in Argostoli
• boat trips from Skala
• Odysseus Zoo Land
• glass bottom boats at Argostoli and Sami
• donkey trekking
• rent an electric or pedal boat or hydro bike at Koutavos Lagoon

Kefalonia Restaurants

The food on Kefalonia is excellent with an abundance of locally caught and grown ingredients like fish, vegetables and honey.  Check out Paradise Beach Taverna  in Agia Effimia  for authentic home cooked food looking out to Ithaca and the extraordinary views and great food from Hellenic Taverna up above Assos.

In Fiscardo we’ve had great meals at Roulas Grill or sit across the harbour at Nicolas’ Taverna and watch all the comings and goings of harbour life in front of you.

Where to stay in Kefalonia with kids

Unless you have several weeks, due to the size and topography of Kefalonia, you probably need to choose between staying in the south OR the north. 

In Lassi San Lorenzo Village is a big favourite with families as they have a great pool and a well equipped games room. Not far from the airport and 15 minutes from Argostoli  Avithos resort is perfect for families with a kids pool and have beautifully appointed family studios that sleep up to 4 people. 

To explore the North Agia Effimia is a quaint village in a central location and Odyssey Hotel is both stunning and located at the end of a no-through road. There are excellent local tavernas out front and small secluded coves for swimming.

In Assos Kanakis Apartments have stunning views over the bay, a nice pool and well-appointed family rooms with kitchenettes, or Faros Suites  in Fiscardo have great views and are meters from the calm beach and a short walk to the village centre.  

How to get to Kefalonia

You can take a ferry to Kefalonia from the nearby islands of Lefkada, Ithaca and Zakynthos as well as the Greek Mainland and Italy.

You can also fly into the small International airport near Argostoli. 

Ferry to Kefalonia

There is typically a direct ferry from Sami to Brindisi in Italy. Otherwise, you can connect with ferries from Venice, Bari and Ancona via Patra or Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland.

Patra is a 2-hour drive from Athens. There is also a ferry from the Peleponnese peninsula at Kyllini, or Astarkos near Preveza International airport on the mainland.

Fly to Kefalonia

Alternatively, you can fly non-stop from Athens to Kefalonia airport on Olympic Air for as little as $45 each way! 

You can also fly from several airports in the UK, other European countries and sometimes further afield. Charter flights vary each season and with the demise of Thomas Cook new schedule and carriers to Kefalonia are being announced regularly.

Check prices and schedules here  – and if your travel dates don’t show up, check back in a month or two as new schedules are released. 

We’ve taken our extended family to Paros several times and travelled there with friends a lot – it really is the perfect Greek Island! Situated in the Cyclades islands between Santorini and Mykonos it is one of the best Greek Islands for families due to its wide array of accommodation and range of activities and things to do . It has a number of towns and villages that really lend themselves to family holidays.

Things to do in Paros

Some of the key highlights when travelling to Paros with kids are;

• the lively and upmarket fishing village of Naoussa
• cheap and cheerful Parikia Port town
• world renowned watersports including windsurfing and kitesurfing
• significant religious monuments such as the Church of a Hundred Doors
• some of the best beaches and beach clubs in Greece
• the medieval village of Lefkas
• easy day trips to Antiparos, Naxos and even Mykonos and Delos
• sailing the Small Cyclades
• plenty of animals to interact with including cats of course!

Paros Restaurants

Paros is a food lovers dream with an abundance of traditional tavernas, modern restaurants and cafes and some truly amazing bakeries.  We’ve had excellent meals in Nasoussa at Statheros right on the beach, SoSo tucked away in a back alley and Yemeni has been one of the best Taverna’s on the island for years.

Spend the days at Monastiri Beach which has an excellent beach club and restaurant as well as sunbeds on a protected and calm beach – great for kids, although not cheap. If you want a great cheap and cheerful beachclub head to Paralia Beach Club near Parikia – the cover photo for this article was taken there. 

If you have kitchen facilities it is possible to get traditional local takeway from To Tsoukali tis Giagis ( Grandma’s pot) opposite Market Inn supermarket in Parikia or Lemon E in Parikia behind the pharmacy at the crossroads.  

my three travellers

Where to stay in Paros with kids  

There are a wide variety of Paros hotels and something to suit all budgets. We like to stay in Naoussa where the best dining and shopping is located, although there are many great spots scattered around the island. Families are particularly drawn to Santa Maria, Piso Livadi and the northern area of Parikia where the beaches are calm and protected. Paros is big enough to offer a lot to see and do but small enough to drive around in a day so a central location is achieved almost anywhere.

In Naoussa we love to stay at Paliomylos Hotel and Spa where Greek/Aussie Chrys and the team deliver the most efficient yet friendly service in town. They have a nice pool overlooking the bay and excellent family apartments that can cater for up to 6 people with kitchenettes. Piperi beach is right next door and is a wide sandy beach and great for small children.

In the southern part of the island it’s worth checking out Acquamarina Resort at Chrissi Aliki – a short stroll around the Golden Beach, and Irene’s View Apartments near Pounda which have both kitchenettes and a tennis court.

See our Paros Accommodation Guide for even more suggestions.

How to get to Paros 

You can take a ferry to Parikia or you can fly to Paros domestic airport in the south of the island.

Ferry to Paros

Paros is one of the first ports of call on the ferry routes to the Cyclades islands from Athens. There are three ports in Athens – Pireaus is the largest, and also Rafina and Lavrio. Schedules to the smaller ports change regularly, and some years may not run at all.

The fast ferry from Pireaus takes around 3 hours, and the slower but excellent Blue Star Ferries take just over 5.There are also ferries to Paros from Mykonos, Syros, Naxos, Serifos and Kithnos which all go on to service islands throughout the Cyclades and beyond.

Fly to Paros 

Paros has an airport with up to 6 direct flight from Athens per day in summer. The flight takes around 35 minutes. Be sure to book a window seat on the left hand side ( rows A-B) for some spectacular views as you land!

Naxos with kids

Naxos is very popular with families and its easy to see why. Wide sandy beaches, small family-run tavernas, rich ancient heritage, and quaint local villages give it a distinctive family feel. There are over 40 km of coastline to explore and numerous activities for the whole family.

Activities on Naxos

Some of the best things to do on Naxos with kids are;

• easy day trips to several neighbouring islands
• the beaches of Angios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, and Agia Anna – all very safe for children and with crystal clear waters and wide sandy beaches
• windsurfing and kitesurfing at Plaka Beach
• explore the gorgeous Mountain Villages
• archeological monuments such as the Venetian Kastro(Castle) and the Portara ( pictured above)
• a guided EBike Tour
• cooking classes
• famous Naxian food such as kefalotyri and touloumotyri cheeses and Naxos potatoes

Naxos Restaurants

Naxos food is famous across Greece and even the world. The above-mentioned cheeses are found on menus all over Europe and the potatoes are so famous they’ve even set a world record with the largest number ever roasted! Make sure to also try the local honey, sausages, and Kitron liqueur known as Greek Limoncello ( perhaps just the adults for that one). 

There are many wonderful places to eat for the whole family. We love Maro’s Taverna on Protodikeiou Square or To Ellinikos for dinner. For lunch Yasouvlaki has great ( you guessed it) Souvlakia, and Gyro Gyro has great Yiros!

Spend the days at St. George Beach which has an array of water sports as well as sunbeds, and then dine at any one of the waterfront tavernas along the beach. Yialos Taverna has really delicious Gemista – stuffed tomatoes and eggplant, and veal meatballs that are always a hit with kids. 

Where to stay – Naxos hotels  

There is a lot of choice with accommodation on Naxos and something to suit all budgets. Families love to stay in or near the Chora ( main town) or at the more developed beaches.

In the Chora Nissaki Hotel is excellent and we have had a lovely stay at Nastassia Village with our kids. Well located and very good value too! If you would prefer your own self contained Villa then Diadema Villa is lovely and has its own pool or Iliana By The Beach is a 3 bedroom villa right on the beachfront at nearby Agios Georges beach.

In Agios Anna lades Studios are great value whilst in Agios Prokopios the Agios Prokopios Hotel has a games room a great pool and is walking distance to the beach and all the amenities and shops. Further down at Plaka Beach are the stunning Salinus Villas which has a huge pool and is right across from the beach.

See our Naxos Accommodation guide for even more suggestions.

How to get to Naxos

You can take a ferry to Naxos Town ( Chora ) or you can fly to Naxos domestic airport which is 10 minutes from town.

Ferry to Naxos

Naxos is adjacent to Paros and it’s less than a 30 minutes ferry ride between the two. Most ferries to Naxos come from either Mykonos or Paros or, in the other direction,from Santorini ( where people may have flown).

There are also ferries to and from Naxos from Syros, Ios, Iraklia, Folegrandos and the Small Cyclades including Donousa.

Fly to Naxos

Naxos airport is a short drive from the main town and has several direct flights day from Athens in summer. The flight takes around 35 minutes. Be sure to book a window seat for some spectacular views as you land!

Paros or Naxos?

We love them both and it is always a difficult question to respond to. Generally, I encourage people to try and spent a bit of time on both. Our personal favorite is Paros but only by a smidgeon and probably because our kids are older. If we had young kids again I might say Naxos.

They are very similar in many ways but there are a few key differences;

1. Paros is smaller and is able to be explored by car in a loop around the island. It takes about 6 hours to drive around the island with several stops.

2. Naxos is much bigger but that means road trips have to go either north or south and back again.

3. Both islands get very windy at times in Summer. You will hear people say one or the other is windier but the same wind – the Meltemi – blows on the same days in both places ( and Mykonos and other Cycladic islands too).

4. Both have excellent beaches but Naxos have larger ones that have shallow water and are generally safer and better suited to families with small children.

5. Naxos has one main town, Chora, whilst Paros has two. Many people see this as an advantage for Naxos as the port, airport, main town and good beaches are all close together. On Paros the airport is about 10 minutes from the port town of Parikia and 20 minutes from Naoussa.

6. Paros has a livelier bar and nightlife scene, especially in Naoussa,so if your kids are older or are young adults they may prefer it there.

7. Paros has better shopping ( and overall, more shops).

Further reading : Paros or Naxos

Corfu with kids

Corfu Old Town is steeped with history having been occupied at various times by the Venetians, British and even the French. It is a large and very green island that has a lot to offer all travellers, especially families.

Whilst some pockets are largely populated by large all-inclusive resorts there are magical gems such as the 5 bays that make up the village of Paleokastritsa, which translates to ‘old castle’. This is a place that remains one of the best holidays of our lives and transforms from a busy tourist destination during the day to a quiet magical paradise in the evenings.

Things to do in Corfu

Some of Corfu’s key highlights are;

• Paleokastritsa  ( afore mentioned) – a monastery, tiny villages, great beaches, water sports
• Corfu Old Town
• Iconic Vlacherna Monastery aka Mouse Island
• numerous gorgeous beaches
• a huge variety of water sports and boating
• The Durrells – tour their home, places of work and animal sanctuary
• ancient ruins
• Corfu Water Park
• over 20 museums
• day trips to Albania, Paxos or the mainland
• Corfu Donkey Rescue sanctuary
• Princess Sisi palace and the Royal Baths
• a day trip to Saranda in Albania to see the UNESCO Butrint National Park
• a boat trip to Paxis islands and the stunning Blue Caves

Corfu Restaurants

Food on Corfu is a delight with many dishes influenced by the flavours and style of Italy as well as traditional Greek cuisine. The best of both worlds!

In Paleokastritsa we had a wonderful night at Archontiko and also at Nausika Taverna where the meat roasts on a spit out front and young men dance with fire. We still talk about that night regularly! For something a little more tranquil and right on the water then look no further than a candlelit dinner at Akron (pictured below). 

In Corfu Old Town you will find a number of tavernas and cafes along the shady Venetian Colonnade, the Liston. We like Methystanes for traditional greek food, especially the mussels, and Libra D’Oro which will make you feel like you’re in Venice. 

For a lovely lunch with views over Mouse Island head to La Veranda di Corfu.

Where to stay in Corfu with kids

In Paleokastritsa we stayed at the wonderful Zefiros Hotel , a small cheap and cheerful pension across the road from the beach. You can just see its distinctive red walls through the pine trees in the photo below. The rooms were basic but comfortable and breakfast was amazing. I can still picture those fat lazy bees buzzing around the honey. Close by and more upmarket is Odysseus Villa which can sleep 6.

In Corfu Town Artemis Apartment and Anesis Apartment both sleep 4 and are in great locations in the old town. At the southern end of the island Seaview is a cheap and cheerful family apartment above the pastry shop and is only 10 meters from Agios Georgios Beach.

See our Corfu accommodation guide for even more suggestions. 

How to get to Corfu

Corfu has an International Airport and it can be reached by ferry from several destinations, both domestic and international.  

Ferry to Corfu  

Corfu can be reached by ferry from the Italian ports of Ancona, Brindisi, Triest and Venice. Brindisi is the shortest route and takes about 8 hours and most of these ferries allow you to take your car.  

There is also a ferry that runs between Corfu Town and Albania.  

Most ferries from mainland Greece are from Igoumenitsa to Corfu Town but there is also a small service that runs from Ladochorion ( adjacent to Igoumenitsa) to the southern town of Lefkimmi . Further to this there is a long service ( around 6 hours) from Patra which is then a 2 hour drive to Athens . 

Fly to Corfu

Corfu International Airport is a new airport located around 15 minutes south of Corfu Town. Landing is quite spectacular!

There are flights daily to and from Athens and between May and October there are numerous international flights from the UK and other parts of Europe.

Check prices and schedules here  – and if your travel dates don’t show up, check back in a month or two as new schedules and sale fares are released.

Rhodes with kids

The island is home to more than 40 beaches , stunning landscapes and vistas, authentic Greek towns and villages as well as modern resort precincts. It is rich in history and has an incredible fortified old town which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of medieval relics, a big moat and castles, which kids love.

Things to do on Rhodes with kids

There is a LOT to do and see on Rhodes for families. Some of the best activities in Rhodes with kids are;

• The Medieval City including everything ‘Knights Templar” – the old hospital and museum, the moat, Palace of the Knights and the Street of the Knights.
• The ancient Lindos Acropolis
• beautiful Saint Paul’s Bay and beach
• Anthony Quinn Bay 
• Rhodes Toy Museum
• Rhodes Petting Zoo
• over 40 beautiful beaches
• Faliraki Water Park
• an underwater Submarine Cruise
• a boat trip around the island
• sea kayaking and snorkeling
• a day trip to Symi – considered one of the prettiest islands in the world!

St.Pauls Bay

Rhodes Restaurants

Food in Rhodes has a distinctive blend of influences and flavors from both traditional Greek as well as the Ottoman and Middle Eastern flavours from its neighbours and, at times, occupiers.It is common to be offered a glass of Ouzo or Raki here after your meal.

Odyssey Restuarant is located in the Old Town and has traditional Greek Food at excellent prices. Also Hermes Greek Grill House has cheap beer and huge plates of Souvlaki. The kids will love the watermelon and fruit platters too.

In Lindos Village House has some of the best food in the Dodacannese whilst Ktima Lindos has spectacular sunset views.

Where to stay in Rhodes with kids

Rhodes is one of the most popular islands in Greece and one of the most developed in terms of some of the best family resorts in Greece and things to see and do . There are several big all-inclusive resorts along the beach and small family-run hotels in the Old town and in many towns and villages across the island. 

In Rhodes Old Town kids will love Camelot Hotel which has a medieval look and feel and is close to the Grand Master’s Palace. If you need more space Villa Nonna has 3 bedrooms and traditional Turkish Hamam. The family will never be so clean!

In Lindos Lindos Seaside Villa and CasaLindos Cottage are lovely 2 bedroom houses near the ancient Acropolis and at Faliraki Beach Mitsis Faliraki Beach Hotel & Spa have quad rooms, a huge pool, tennis courts, and a fitness centre.

See our Rhodes Accommodation Guide for even more suggestions.

How to get to Rhodes 

Rhodes has an international airport and is well serviced by ferries from both the Greek islands and the Turkish mainland. 

Ferry to Rhodes

Rhodes is a major port island and acts as a transportation hub for other islands of the Aegean and additional destinations such as Cyprus and Turkey. There are ferries that run daily from Piraeus in Athens but these are general overnight trips and take about 16 hours. Book a cabin on the Blue Star Ferry and enjoy a cruise on your holiday as well!

There are also ferries to and from the neighbouring Greek islands of Symi, Chalki, Tilos and Kos as well as Marmaris in Turkey.

Fly to Rhodes

Rhodes airport  is located in Paradisi about 16kms south of Rhodes Town. There are flights year round to the major cities in Greece and in summer there are many flights to other countries thoughout Europe and the Middle East including the UAE. 

Check prices and schedules here  – and if your travel dates don’t show up, check back in a month or two as new schedules and sale fares are released.

A big factor when travelling with families is obviously the easiness and accessibility of destinations.

This is what makes Lefkada such a desirable place for families, as it is already connected to the mainland from the West Coast by a causeway and floating bridge.

This means no long boat trips or planes, which with kids can be tiresome. This also makes it easy to get around once on the island, as hire cars are readily available from Aktion International Airport and the port town of Lefkada.

Like most of the Greek Islands, there are many wonderful beaches to explore on Lefkada. Some of these are:

• Egremni Beach
• Kathisma Beach
• Pefkoulia Beach
• Milos Beach
• Vasiliki Beach 

Further reading: A Complete Guide to Lefkada  

Others Things to do in Lefkada are:

• Monastery founded in 1634, Moni Faneromenis
• Fortress of Agia Mavra
• Lighthouse Doukato
• The oldest church in Lefkada, Agios Ioannis Antzoussis
• Archaeological Museum
• Collection of Post-Byzantine Icons
• Museum of Lefkadian Embroidery
• Orpheus Folklore Museum
• Dimosari Waterfall

Lefkada RESTAURANTS  

There is a large selection of authentic places to eat that can be found almost everywhere on Lefkada. In Athani village there is the delightful Cape of Lefkatas restaurant. It is set out on a terrace and boasts amazing views of the mountains and sea. The seafood here is unforgettable.

On the eastside of the island there is the famous Pavlos Taverna , and from here on the way to the South of the island is the wonderful Taverna Giannis Katerina in Vournikas , in the countryside, famous for it’s homemade traditional food.

If you want to try something different, perched up in the hills with spectacular views on the West side of the island is T’Aloni . The reviews here are outstanding for a reason. This is traditional Greek food meets modern, and the view really is like a dream.

Over in Lefkada town there is Thymari . This restaurant features a menu of modern Mediterranean cuisine which is served up on a sunny terrace in a local area. The family-run Taberna Ionian is also located in Lefkada. Great seafood is served here in its authentic surroundings.

  WHERE TO STAY IN LEFKADA WITH KIDS  

There are a number of places in Lefkada town to stay in the Northern part of the island, close to the mainland and the centre of business.

There are various accommodation options on offer throughout the town and entire island, from beautiful boutique lodgings to budget self-catering apartments. All of which cater to families, with large swimming pools, activities for kids and more. 

Starting with the town itself some options are Pirofani , The Lefkadian collection and very close to Faneromeni Monastery, Iliaktida Studio Villas . 

For something in the countryside, the charming Asplathia Villas and Karya Villas are incredibly tranquil and peaceful, with countryside views and everything you need at the accommodation. 

For incredible options on the West coast: Evridiki’s Villas and Beyond Villas in Agios Nikitas will not disappoint and for options on the East coast check out Porto Galini Seaside Resort & Spa , and Amalia Villas.

Right down the bottom, at the South of the island lies a true family gem. When it comes to the perfect accommodation, San Nicolas Resort Hotel really does have everything. From the perfect views to a kids and adults pool, bar, and private beach.

Porto Katsiki Beach, Lefkada

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16 BEST Greek Islands for Families to Visit!

Categories Europe , Greece

Are you tired of searching for the best Greek islands for families that combine adventure, relaxation and cultural richness? But with so many Greek islands to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go for your family.

With its pristine beaches, historic sites, and vibrant culture, the Greek islands have something to offer every member of the family. But with so many Greek island vacation spots , how do you know which ones are best for families?

In this blog post, I and my fellow travel bloggers have put together a fantastic list of popular Greek Islands for families to visit , taking into consideration all the factors, such as affordability and kid-friendly activities in Greece. And, highlighted must-see sights for families, the best family-friendly accommodation in Greece and accessibility for each island.

From sandy beaches to historic ruins, these 16 best Greek islands have something for every member of your family. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the land of gods and heroes.

Greek Islands For Families

The Greek Islands cover a large part of Southern Europe and when it comes to looking for family holidays in Greece. I do find searching for the best Greek Islands hard using Google Maps because Greece is one of the few countries that uses its own names for the islands on Google Maps … which I respect, but it does make it hard working out which island is which sometimes.

Map of Greek Islands for Family Holidays

So, here is a map of the Greece detailing all of the 16 best Greek islands for families mentioned in this post to help get your bearings of the country and to help you plan your family holiday to Greece!

There are so many wonderful Greek islands for families but few offer the peaceful, natural surroundings of  beautiful Serifos . Even though it boasts some of the most dramatic and unblemished scenery in the Cyclades , it is often overlooked by people heading to the more popular nearby islands of Paros and Naxos.

So what is it about Serifos that makes it such a great family-friendly Greek island ? Well, let’s start with the beaches. Even though Serifos is relatively small (you can drive around the entire island in about 1.5 hrs) it features an impressive 72 beaches !

From bustling  Livadi Beach  with its bayfront location, volleyball court, soccer field and numerous restaurants to serene, empty  Kalo Ampeli  with its clear water, picturesque caves and good snorkelling, there is a Serifos beach to match everyone’s tastes.

Of course, the most dramatic aspect of Serifos is the incomparable Chora , the island’s traditional old town that sits perched on a tall hill above  Livadi Bay . Kids may not appreciate the fascinating history but they will certainly be intrigued by the bright white village topped by the spectacular ruins of a castle .

Finally, one of the most unique attractions on Serifos is  Megalo Livadi , a mostly abandoned former mining town . Although the mines have been closed for years, the remnants of those boomtown days are still everywhere, just begging to be explored, from an epic mining tunnel to rusting ore cars and a “bridge to nowhere” that stops partially across the bay. Most families base themselves in the main town of Livadi , where you’ll find the majority of hotels, shops and restaurants. Click here to see some nice places to stay in Livadi and book the one that really suits you.

How to get to Serifos?

You might be upset to know that there is no airport in Serifos but you can book a flight to Athens (or most of the Cycladic islands) and book a ferry from there. The ferry daily departs from Athens and it takes 3 hours to reach Serifos making it manageable for most kids.

Suggested By : Dean and Laynni at Routinely Nomadic

2. Antiparos

Planning a family vacation to Antiparos can be an exciting and memorable experience. From its stunning beaches to its many unique attractions, Antiparos offers something for everyone. With its crystal clear waters and stunning views, it’s the perfect destination for a family getaway in Greece . Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore the many attractions in the area , Antiparos is sure to provide your family with an unforgettable experience.

The snow-white Chora of Antiparos, a magnificent ancient village full of flowers and white cottages, is a definite highlight.

There are also some of the top restaurants and taverns on the island, such as the Poet, which serves the best fish . The Kastro, a historic Venetian fortification that is now being rebuilt, is well worth visiting.

But there’s more to discover! Absolutely recommended for families is the Antiparos Cave , a massive stalactite cave on the island of Antiparos . The massive stone formations, which are claimed to be 45 million years old, will astound you on a tour.

The amazing beaches of the island are another attraction. Beautiful bays stretch up along the east coast , providing ideal conditions for a family beach vacation . Especially worth seeing is Faneromeni Beach , a snow-white sandy beach with Turquoise sea .

For a family vacation in Greece, you will find a wide range of fantastic  places to stay in Antiparos . Absolutely recommendable for families is the Kouros Village with pool and relaxed atmosphere .

How to get to Antiparos?

The journey to Antiparos island is a wonderful experience. The island can only be reached by ferry , the nearest major international airport is on the island of Mykonos .

Suggested by : Places of Juma

Sail into Adventure with Convenient Ferry Bookings at the best price possible!

The popular island of Mykonos is one of the most energetic and is famed for its all-night parties and cosmopolitan vibe, however, there are still plenty of things to do for families in Mykonos on this historic Greek island.

From exploring the Old Town and taking in all the traditional Cycladic architecture , including the whitewashed houses and distinctive paved alleyways to observing one of Mykonos’ most unique draws, the famous 18th-century Windmills. The Mykonos Windmills are lined up along the coastline and can be viewed from any part of the island.

If your kids are interested in having a peek inside, then one of them has been converted into the Agricultural Museum . Or hang out by the beach here and view the Pelicans that stop by daily.

Other great places to visit with kids , includes Little Venice , which has some beautiful balconies that hang over the sea and are perfect viewpoints for sunset (away from the crowds) and one of the stunning beaches in Mykonos.

Popular beaches for families in Mykonos include Ornos Beach and the quiet, Platys Gialos which is 10 minutes away from the town centre (and the parties!). There are plenty of restaurants lined up along the boardwalk, so this is also a great place to stay. Click here to book the best hotel in Platys Gialos to stay with your family. If you need accommodation recommendations, then these   beautiful airbnbs in Mykonos , are favourites amongst visitors.

How to get to Mykonos?

The nearest airport is the Mykonos National Airport , which is located on the island. You can fly to this airport from major cities in Greece and other European countries .

You can also reach Mykonos by ferry from other Greek islands or the mainland . The ferry port is located in the town of Mykonos , and there are regular ferry services to and from Piraeus (Athens) , as well as other nearby islands such as Santorini and Naxos .

Suggested by: Roshni from The Wanderlust Within

Book the exciting things to do in Mykonos here and make the most out of your time!

Corfu is the perfect family-friendly Greek island . With its stunningly beautiful beaches, peaceful atmosphere , and diverse array of activities, it’s no wonder why Corfu is a popular destination in Greece for families looking to get away from it all.

From relaxing on one of the many picturesque beaches to exploring historic sites and monuments , there’s something for everyone in Corfu.

When it comes to beaches, Corfu is one of the best Greek islands for families . The stunningly clear ocean waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling , and many beaches also offer beach parks with playgrounds, picnic areas , and other activities for kids . For more exciting adventures, you can book boat tours around the island .

For those looking for more cultural activities, there’s plenty to explore in Corfu. The historic Old Town is full of winding cobblestone streets and old Venetian-style buildings that tell stories about the island’s past. It’s highly recommended to hire a car when on a family trip to Corfu so you can see all the sites at your own pace.

The whole Island is incredibly family-friendly so you will not struggle to find somewhere great to stay. But if you are looking for areas that the whole family will love, stay at Roda . This area in Corfu has many great hotels, restaurants and super safe beaches to explore.

What makes Corfu so great for families is the fantastic weather, endless things to do and welcoming locals . So no matter what your family is looking for in a holiday destination, Corfu has it all!

How to get to Corfu?

The island has its own international airport, Corfu International Airport , which is located near the town of Kerkyra. There are flights to Corfu from major cities in Greece, as well as other European countries. Book a flight to Corfu here at the best rates possible!

You can also reach Corfu by ferry from the mainland city of Igoumenitsa , as well as from other nearby islands such as Paxoi and Antipaxoi . Ferries to Corfu run regularly and the journey can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on your departure point.

Suggested by : Lowri Thomas from Many Other Roads

Lefkada is a Greek island for families that lies in the Ionian Sea and features seaside villages, beautiful blue sea waters, and beaches, as well as a seaside food culture to savour.

On the island of Lefkada, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to stunning, white sandy beaches that the whole family will enjoy. One of the most beautiful beaches is Porto Katsiki which is at the south end of the island.

You can reach the best beach on Lefkada itself by walking down a staircase of around 100 steps that winds along the cliffside. At the end, you will be rewarded with beautiful turquoise waters and a serene shore , which your kids will surely love.

Another great beach to visit is Egremni Beach . It is especially beautiful at sunset as the rocks on the beach turn bright red in the evening .

Most kids will be more than happy spending the day on one of the many beaches playing in the sand and turquoise waters; however, when you want a little more adventure from relaxing on the beaches head into Lefkada town.

Here you can indulge in a little shopping and stop for a little drink or bite to eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants perfectly situated along the waterfront.

Another fabulous  thing to do in Lefkada   is to organize a day trip to the island paradise of Kefalonia . If you have a whole day available, use the entire day to explore the island and then spend the early evening in the beautiful town of Fiscardo .

You can also take a boat trip and visit Kastos, Kalamos, and Skorpios. You will get to visit several beaches and small villages and enjoy a fabulous buffet onboard.

A great central place to stay in Lefkada , look no further than La Casa di Caterina hotel which is just outside Lefkada town and is less than 1 mile from the beach at Agios Ioannis.

How to get to Lefkada?

The nearest airport to Lefkada is Aktion National Airport , which is located on the mainland near the town of Preveza. From there, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Lefkada.

There is a regular ferry service from the mainland town of Nidri to Lefkada . The ferry journey takes about 30 minutes . You can also reach Lefkada by ferry from other nearby islands such as Ithaca and Kefalonia .

Suggested by : Wanderlust Storytellers

Don’t Miss Out – Book Your Ferry Adventure via ferries in Greece Now!

6. Astypalaia

Also known as the Butterfly of the Aegean Sea , Astypalaia is part of the Dodecanese Islands complex even though it looks more like one of the Cyclades. Far from the glamour of the neighbouring Cyclades though,  Astypalaia is a small island, ideal for a relaxing family vacation in Greece .

The main attraction of the island is Astypalaia’s Old Town or Chora, which is considered one of the prettiest among the Aegean Islands . Getting lost in the maze of its whitewashed alleys and climbing to the top of Chora, where the Venetian Castle awaits to be discovered, is a unique experience. Constructed in 1204 by the Querini Family, Astypalaia’s Castle is the best place for family holiday in Greece as the kids will enjoy panoramic views of the island and the Aegean Sea.

Like most Greek Islands, Astypalaia has several beaches with crystal clear waters and facilities that make them ideal for families. Among them, Livadi Beach stands out. Situated just over one kilometre from Chora , Livadi is a long beach equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas and lined by restaurants and cafés. Although it sounds touristy and loud, Livadi Beach is far from that. It’s the ideal place for an e asy-going vacation for families travelling with kids .

A few steps from Livadi Beach, Book Gerani Studios hotel which is the perfect accommodation option for a family vacation in Astypalaia. At Gerani Studios, there’s also an on-site traditional Greek restaurant , ideal for a delicious family lunch or dinner with local delicacies.

How to get to Astypalaia?

Astypalaia has a national airport that connects it to Athens by domestic flights . Alternatively, you can get to Astypalaia by ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens. The ferry journey takes about nine hours , with stops at several Cyclades Islands.

Suggested by : Katerina of It’s All Trip To Me

7. Kefalonia

When looking for the best Greek island for family holidays , how can you forget Kefalonia? Some of the most breathtaking natural wonders can be found in Kefalonia and this unspoiled island is the perfect destination in Greece to explore with the family.

This island’s stunning scenery and the Ionian Sea where kids can spot turtles offer a wonderful vacation in Greece for families .

One of the  best things to do in Kefalonia  is to visit the capital of the island – Argostoli . This lovely town is ideal for strolling along the water and looking for turtles. Families will also love the variety of cafes, restaurants , and ice cream shops that Argostoli has to offer.

However, kids will also enjoy exploring dark caves and learning about stalagmites and stalactites . Kefalonia boasts of the impressive Drogaratti Cave that reaches a depth of 60 m . Moreover, a short boat trip to Melissani Cave will be a fun activity for families.

Another fantastic place to visit with kids is Assos Village . It is one of Kefalonia’s most picturesque spots with pastel-coloured houses and calm water beaches. Other family-friendly beaches on the island are among others Xi Beach, Gialos Beach , and Gradakia Beach .

Moreover, Kefalonia is also perfect for taking amazing day trips. Island hopping to Zakynthos or Ithaca can be a great travel experience. Both of those neighbouring islands have sandy beaches and plenty of attractions for kids .

Families may find lots of accommodation in Argostoli , which is only 15 minutes from the airport . Make your trip memorable and book Kefalonia Grand Hotel , which is one of the best options that will allow you not only to explore the town on foot but also to book trips from local tour companies. 

How to get to Kefalonia ?

The island has its own airport, Kefalonia International Airport , which is located near the town of Argostoli . You can book the flight to Kefalonia from major cities in Greece , as well as other European countries .

You can reach Kefalonia by ferry from the mainland city of Sami , as well as from other nearby islands such as Ithaca and Zakynthos . Ferries to Kefalonia run regularly and the journey can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on your departure point.

Suggested by : Paulina from the UK Every Day

Look for the best flights to Greece for your family here!

I use Skyscanner to book all of my flights! I’m a huge fan of Skyscanner because I love how easy it is to compare different dates and routes to help me find the best flight at the best price! 

Open Skyscanner by clicking here and search for the best flights as you read this post.

8. Kos 

When you’re trying to choose a family-friendly Greek island , Kos always seems to be the perfect combination: small enough to drive around in a da y, but still with lots of  things to do in Kos with kids .

If your kids are fascinated by Ancient Greece , the island is home to one of the world’s oldest hospitals , the Asklepion – get a guided tour to discover some of the unexpected medical treatments – plus there’s a great little archaeological museum in Kos Town to amaze your kids and experience the best Greek island vacation .

The island’s capital is also home to the remains of the 15 th  Castle of the Knights , where kids can let their imaginations run wild and soak up the views , as well as an Ottoman mosque on the main square.

Or discover recent history at the last working windmill on the island at Antimachia , where they still grind flour to make some great biscuits.

Away from the sights, there are two waterparks on the island,  boat trips including the chance to sail off aboard a pirate boat, and a string of fantastic beaches .

The beaches on the south coast have  gorgeous golden sand , including popular Paradise Beach, or there are quieter coves with black volcanic sand to discover too and Blue Flag Tigaki beach in the north.

You’ll find lots of family-friendly hotels and resorts around Kardamena , also on the south coast, which makes a great base to explore – it’s around 30 minutes from Kos Town at one end, and pretty Kefalos at the other, plus just a 10-minute drive from the airport.  

Book the best hotel in Kardamena and take the First Step to Your Next Great Getaway!

How to get to Kos?

The island has its own airport, Kos Island International Airport , which is located near the town of Kos. There are flights to Kos from major cities in Greece , as well as other European countries .

You can reach Kos Island by ferry from the nearby islands of Rhodes and Kalymnos , as well as from the mainland city of Piraeus (Athens) . Ferries to Kos run regularly and the journey can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours depending on your departure point

Suggested by: Cathy from Mummy Travels

9. Zakynthos

Zakynthos is one of the best Greek islands to visit and top Greek island for families . The beautiful island of Zakynthos is mainly known for its famous shipwreck beach (called  Navagio Beach) , but it’s also the most family-friendly Greek island that belongs on everyone’s bucket list.

If you’re travelling with children , you can visit Zante Water Village or the Tsilivi Water Park, and there are also many wonderful beaches scattered across the island, including kid friendly beaches like Argassi, Kalamaki, Alyakanas, and Gerakas beach .

Another good one is Banana Beach , which has nice facilities , including restaurants and luxurious sun loungers . Some of the best areas for families to stay on the island include Tsilivi and Zakynthos Town .

Snorkelling is another fun activity in Zakynthos, and the water is incredibly clear like glass. In some places, you can even see wild sea turtles, but remember to give them plenty of space since they’re protected animals.  Even though it’s becoming a very popular island , it’s still pretty affordable and now is the time to visit!

Last, but not least, you can’t visit the island of Zakynthos without doing at least one boat tour of the coastline , seeing sights like the Blue Caves , Keri Caves , and of course the shipwreck at Navagio Beach . You can even land on the beach and see the rusty old shipwreck up close !

How to get to Zakynthos ?

The island of Zakynthos can be reached by flight or ferry, with daily nonstop flights from Athens that are quite short and affordable. You can also fly directly to Zakynthos from some international cities like Amsterdam or Rome .

Suggested by : David & Intan from The World Travel Guy

Boasting a chilled vibe, uncrowded beaches and quaint towns with plenty of Cycladic charm, Milos is a perfect family-friendly destination in Greece .

You may not find here the vibrant nightlife of Santorini or Mykonos, but on Milos, you will enjoy unspoiled nature and plenty of relaxing time with your loved ones making it the best place to go in Greece for families .

Apart from enjoying the quiet beaches of Milos, more active families can go kayaking , explore the famous white cliffs of Kleftiko on a boat tour or rent a small motor boat and organise their own family boat tour along the shores of Milos.

Other things to do in Milos include visiting the colourful fishing village of Klima and exploring the Catacombs of Milos .

If you’re looking for a family-friendly town on the island , you should stay in Pollonia , which is located on the northeastern side of Milos . Pollonia is super quiet and has a sandy beach with shallow access to the sea, but despite being small and chilled , Pollonia also has a fantastic range of family-owned restaurants .

Stay in one of the Airbnb style apartments in Pollonia that feature self-catering facilities and suitable space for the whole family. A great choice is Venia’s Guesthouse .

How to get to Milos?

Getting to Milos island is simple, and the easiest mode of transportation is a ferry from Athens or, if you’re island hopping, other Cycladic islands such as Santorini or Mykonos .

The ferry ride is an adventure in its own ride, especially for the little ones. It is also possible to fly to Milos from Athens international airport .  Check out flights here!

Suggested by : Mal of Raw Mal Roams

From thrilling watersports to wandering through ancient ruins, Rhodes is an easily accessible Greek island for families. It’s only 80km long , meaning it’s easily explorable, yet has plenty to offer.

Base yourself on the eastern coast of the island where you’ll find numerous charming villages with a swathe of kid-friendly accommodations , activities and restaurants available.

Here, you’ll also find the   best beaches in Rhodes  to enjoy snorkelling, swimming, sandcastle building and paddle boating fun .

Away from the shore adventure awaits too, with j eep safari tours ready to whisk you along off-road trails into the hills, a h idden butterfly valley that also provides a welcome escape from the heat , and a toy museum where kids can play with interactive exhibits, including an old-school arcade .

Fascinating sights will wow even the smallest of visitors to the island , like the impressive Acropolis of Rhodes , and the stunning Lindos Acropolis .

And if you fancy heading out on a day trip, everything from underwater submarine adventures and speedboat rides to sightseeing tours are available and easy to book direct from the stalls lining the Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes town.

It’s also here that you can jump on a ferry to nearby islands such as Symi, Tilos, and Halki .

For a low-key seaside stay, head to Charaki beach where self-contained holiday apartments sit right on the beachfront .

For a busier atmosphere, choose Lindos , where you can embark on activities and tours straight from the small harbour port . Or if you don’t want to hire a car , choose one of the beachside resorts surrounding Rhodes town . 

How to get to Rhodes?

There is an airport on Rhodes, known as Rhodes International Airport (RHO) , you can also book a flight from various cities in Greece and Europe .

Rhodes is well connected by ferry to the mainland of Greece , as well as to other Greek islands . Book a ferry ride from Piraeus (Athens) or other nearby ports to reach Rhodes.

Suggested by: Le Long Weekend

12. Santorini

While Santorini is generally thought of as a place for honeymooning couples , there are still family-friendly things to do in Santorini. It’s worth a stop for a few days , giving your kids a chance to see some of the beauty of the Greek Islands .

One of the most exciting things to do is take a boat tour of the caldera. You’ll get a chance to see the expanse of the caldera and the island from afar , visit the volcano up close , and swim in volcanic hot springs . Often cruises include a meal or drinks.

Good swimming options in Santorini for families include jumping off low rocks near Ammoudi Bay or playing in the sand and waves at Perissa Beach.

The archaeological site of Ancient Thera and the prehistoric village ruins of Akrotiri are fascinating places where your kids can let their imaginations run wild, dreaming up what the ancient world was like. It really is one of the  top attractions in Santorini .

Also, don’t miss out on wandering through the cobblestone streets of the small towns , best done while eating an ice cream cone . Oia is the most iconic town on Santorini, but that also means it is very crowded and accommodations are often geared towards couples.

Consider staying in a more family-friendly town like Fira , which is conveniently located in the middle of the island and has a range of accommodation options .

How to get to Santorini ?

The quickest way to reach Santorini is by plane. There is an airport on the island, Santorini National Airport (JTR) , which receives flights from various cities in Greece and Europe .

There are surprisingly cheap flights to Santorini from the UK during the school holidays. Have a look on Skyscanner here!

Santorini is also connected by ferry to the mainland of Greece, as well as to other Greek islands . You can take a ferry from Piraeus (Athens) or other nearby ports to reach Santorini .

Suggested by: Megann Star

How to get the best flights??

I use Skyscanner to book all of my flights! I’m a huge fan of Skyscanner because I love how easy it is to compare different destinations and different dates for the best price and route!

For example, I type in ‘everywhere’ in the destination if I have fixed dates and want to find the best flights on those dates on Skyscanner .

And if I have a set destination I’ll look at the ‘month view’ to check the cheapest days to fly in that month!

Here comes the next best Greek island for family holidays , Naxos. Naxos is the largest island by landmass in the Cycladic Island group but by no means its busiest. This laidback underrated Greek island is a hot spot for large expansive golden beaches and crystal-clear azure waters.

Small family-friendly beach towns dot the southwest coast of the island, with amenities to suit any length of stay . Not a party island whatsoever, Naxos provides the calm and serenity of a true holiday but also packs in a fair amount of activities if you so choose.

If you’d like the convenience of a nearby ferry port , you can book a white-washed Greek villa by St Georges beach (a family apartment at Kalergis Studios fits the bill), just south of Naxos Chora , a 15-minute walk from the port or a short taxi ride .

For the best place to stay in Naxos a bit more remote, head to Agia Anna, one of Naxos’s most family-friendly beach towns .

For a day of fun with the kids, rent a car and drive to the Aqua Fun Waterpark , only a 10-minute ride away . Hunker down in a shaded lounge chair , grab a cocktail from the tiki bar and let the kids frolic in the water and check out the park’s waterslides .

Alternatively, you can book a windsurfing class at Laguna Beach Park – fun for the whole family. Spend a couple of hours in the safety of the bay, while you try your hand with a board and sail.

For sunset, either head to the Temple of Apollo in Chora and watch the sun dip below the horizon , or take a 3-hour sunset horseback riding tour , a unique way to see the island.

How to get to Naxos?

The quickest way to reach Naxos is by plane. There is an airport on the island, Naxos Island National Airport (JNX) , which receives flights from various cities in Greece and Europe .

Naxos is well connected by ferry to the mainland of Greece , as well as to other Greek islands. You can take a ferry from Piraeus (Athens) or other nearby ports to reach Naxos.

Suggested by: Haley of Haley Blackall Travel

The Cycladic Island of Paros is one of the best Greek Islands for families for those looking for a peaceful family getaway with some of the best food in Greece !

Paros is an up-and-coming island known as a more affordable alternative to the eye-wateringly expensive Santorini and best place to stay in Greece for families. With so many stunning beaches, cute hilltop villages and family-friendly activities , it’s easy to design a family-friendly Paros itinerary . It’s the best Greek island for a relaxed family holiday .

One of the best family-friendly things to do on Paros is a boat tour of the island’s gorgeous coastline . Many different companies offer this, and most of them do the same thing.

You’ll get to sail around the island, making numerous stops for swimming, snorkelling and jumping off the boat into the sea , before having a BBQ lunch of freshly caught fish . In the afternoon, you’ll make a few more stops and check out a cave before the boat inflates its huge slide , so you can slide off the boat into the sea!

There are also more beautiful beaches within walking distance of Parikia than Naoussa , and P arikia’s nightlife is far less rowdy, so your family won’t be kept awake at night!

Most visitors to Paros stay in either Parikia or Naoussa . Although both towns are fabulous options, the obvious choice for families would be Parikia . This is the town where the ferry arrives , meaning getting to your accommodation will be far easier than navigating the island’s bus system to get to Naoussa . 

Elevate Your Next Trip with a Stress-Free Hotel Booking and book the hotel in Parikia here !

How to get to Paros?

Paros doesn’t have an international airport , you can either fly to the island from Athens or catch a ferry from Athens or one of the other Cyclades islands .

Book your flight via Skyscanner to Athens. Once you reach Athens, book your ferry ride to Paros to start the adventure!

Suggested by: Ella from Many More Maps

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and offers an array of experiences for families with children of all ages which makes it the best Greek island for family holidays. Crete is divided into four prefectures, each unique in its own way.

Those who wish to explore a lesser-known side of Crete are invited to spend some time in Lassithi , with its capital city Agios Nikolaos characterized by its beautiful lake Voulismeni that crowns the central part of this town. Merely an hour’s drive from the capital city of Heraklion it is connected both by an airport and a port.

The Lassithi region also has its own airport and port located in Sitia .  The port serves routes to mainland Greece as well as the Dodecanese and the Cyclades.

This magical part of Crete has everything from pristine beaches like Chryssi island to breathtaking natural beauty such as Richtis Gorge and centuries-old history . In terms of accommodation, Lassithi offers a wide choice of hotels and apartments ideal for a family getaway.

Candia Park Village is a perfect example of a family-type hotel which not only features a spectacular location overlooking the Mirabello Bay but also has an extensive selection of family friendly activities designed solely with families in mind making it one of the best places in Greece for families.

Rethymno is another wonderful destination that is ideal for a family escape, its long stretch of sandy beach is lined with four and five-star resorts which are perfect for a carefree vacation . The region of Rethymno offers a wide range of experiences for all types of travellers, from beautiful mountainous villages to impressive monasteries and stunning beaches .

Its charming Venetian Old Town is a wonderful place to enjoy a leisurely evening , wandering around the picturesque alleyways lined with blooming bougainvillaea and jasmine .  The Cretan hospitality is one of a kind and your family will most certainly enjoy a vacation of a lifetime . 

How to get to Crete?

You can fly to Heraklion (HER) or Chania (CHQ) airports , which are the main airports on the island. From there, you can take a taxi, bus, or rent a car to get around.

You can also book yourself a ferry from Athens or other nearby islands to the port of Heraklion, Chania, or Rethymno . This is a great option if you’re already in Greece and want to explore the islands.

Suggested by: Elena from Travel Greece Travel Europe

One of the best family-friendly Greek islands is the island of Hydra. Hydra is a beautiful island that you can find very close to Athens and it is possible to do a day trip to the island from the capital city by ferry, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Also, there are ferries from other places in the country.

One of the reasons why Hydra is a family-friendly island is that this beautiful picturesque island is completely car-free . This makes travelling to the island with children a much more relaxing experience.

Also, what makes Hydra perfect for families is that it is a very small island that is easy to explore on foot . When you go to the island by ferry, you arrive immediately in the center of the main town as that’s the place where the ferries go, so you don’t have to walk a lot from the ferry. In this town, there are a lot of restaurants, shops, and sights.

Another reason why Hydra is family-friendly is that you can see a lot of mules in the main town. These animals can be great to see for kids. Also, there are beautiful beaches on the island that can be reached by water taxi. And it is possible to do boat cruises that start in the main town of Hydra.

Through these cruises, you can explore the coastline of Hydra, which can be a lot of fun to do. If you decide to stay in Hydra for more than one day, the main town, Hydra port, is the most convenient place to stay as most accommodations can be found there.

How to get to Hyrdra?

Hydra is fairly close to Athens so it is best to fly into Athens Airport and then take a ferry from Athens to Hydra which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Also, there are ferries from other places in the country.

Suggested by: Dymphe from Dymabroad

I hope this helped you find the best Greek islands for families to visit!

• More of my posts from Greece & Europe:
• How To Visit Santorini On A Budget, Because It Can Be Done!
• Tips for Quad Bike Hire in Santorini & Places To Go in Santorini on a Quad!
• 8 Reasons To Have a City Break in Athens!
• 16 BEST Winter Sun Destinations in Europe & Nearby!

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How To Spend Two Days In Athens, Greece: The Ultimate Family Itinerary

Discover the ultimate family guide to spending two unforgettable days in Athens, Greece. Explore top attractions, kid-friendly activities, and travel tips for a perfect family vacation in this historic city.

Athens is awesome. Walking down the narrow streets and climbing up to the Athena Parthenon imbues a jaw-dropping amount of history. My family loved the city so much that we came back to Greece twice in one year to visit, something that we almost never do when we travel.

The first time that we visited, we only had two days in Athens. On our second visit, on our Greek Islands cruise , we only had one. And I think we’ve perfected that brief but epic itinerary that will let your families experience the best things to do in the city on a short schedule.

Athens is, after all, one of the most awe-inspiring places to visit in Greece . At one time, this was one of the most powerful cities on the planet, and it was the birthplace of philosophy, democracy, and many of the world’s best adventure stories .

Our first visit to Athens was on a dramatic road trip inspired by our boys’ love of the Percy Jackson and the Olympian’s modern fantasy series. The book series follows a young demi-god living in modern times as he navigates a balance of living as the son of a Greek God while still living life as a modern teenager. It’s a wild ride.

If you’ve only got a short time to spend in the city, this Athens guide is perfect to help you plan your visit. We covered most of the big experiences in the city and even had time for a few unexpected adventures that you’ll likely not find in many other places.

How you follow this itinerary is going to depend a lot upon your timeline. I’ve laid out some of the more time-sensitive items, such as the Acropolis and some of the restaurants. But I recommend following a path that hits the major sights for the rest of it based on where you’re staying so that you avoid too much walking, especially if you’re visiting Athens with younger children.

Day One in Athens

Breakfast at migniardis.

We love keeping it as local as possible, so when we started our two-day Athens itinerary, we wanted to fuel up with a local hotspot. We had researched local Greek breakfast spots and cafes and came across Migniardise at Veikou 30, Athina 117.

This lovely little cafe is run by a man named Thanos (which my kids just couldn’t believe after watching some Marvel movies), who was an absolute gem, showing off his favorite Greek treats, amazing coffee, and traditional Greek dishes.

Migniardise is a classic Greek cafe, so there are no seats inside, but there are a couple of small tables outside where we enjoyed our breakfast.

The Acropolis

Let’s face it, the Acropolis is the face of Athens. And any family visiting the city will definitely want to check this off of their Athens bucket list.

The Acropolis was the first place that my family visited in the city. We had originally booked tickets on Get Your Guide, but those tickets turned out to be fake (we don’t get burned often, but when we do, it hurts). So, we ended up getting our tickets directly from the ticket booths outside of the entrance.

You can also purchase tickets and a gu i ded tour from Viator at a very good price if you’d like to have an expert on hand to show you around.

We visited Athens in March, so the crowds weren’t nearly as busy as they can get during the peak summer months, but the Acropolis grounds were still buzzing with excited visitors.

I highly recommend that you visit first thing in the morning as the crowds get busier throughout the day, and so does the heat. There is very little shade around the Acropolis, so take advantage of the cooler mornings to enjoy yourself.

Before we went in, the boys posed with a gladiator outside of the entrance. We were celebrating Cohen’s birthday, and when the actor found out, he gave them each a cool Greek pendant.

Within the Acropolis, there are several different things to do. I recommend grabbing a map and planning out your visit beforehand so that you get to all the stops that resonate best with you. Most visitors walk up the stairs to get to the entrance, but there is an elevator for those with mobility issues or for parents with strollers.

Give yourself at least a couple of hours to go through the Acropolis grounds. Some of the top places to visit are the Propylaea (where most people enter), the Theatre of Dionysos, the Odeion of Herodes Atticus, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Parthenon itself.

The Theatre of Dionysos is often heralded as the world’s oldest theater. The views here, overlooking the surrounding area and Athens itself, are spectacular.

Panathenaic Stadium

After taking in the wonders of the Acropolis, we took a leisurely stroll down from the hilltop, pausing to grab some roasted chestnuts and some golden Olympic tiaras on the way. We continued down past the Acropolis Museum.

The museum is a wonderful stop, especially if you love museums. For us, our two-day Athens itinerary didn’t really allow for it. We wanted to have our feet in history, not just see it on display. So we continued downhill toward the Panathenaic Stadium.

It was March, and back home, the boys were preparing for their spring track and field meets, so a stop at the first modern Olympic Stadium seemed like a perfect way to set the mood. The stadium, originally built in 144 CE, is the only stadium in the world to be completely built out of marble. It was excavated and renovated to be used in the inaugural 1896 modern Olympic games. The stadium hosted four of the nine Olympic events from that year. It was used for the Olympics again in during the 2000 Summer Olympic Games.

After running around the track a few times, we dipped into one of the athlete tunnels on the north side of the museum. The tunnels lead to a cool little free museum where you can see a huge collection of Olympic torches from the past century.

Tripodon Street

The oldest surviving road in the world is Lake Moeris Quarry Road in Egypt , which has been in existence for more than 4,000 years. But the oldest road in Europe is right here in Athens. Tripodon Street runs through the Plaka from Thespidos Lisou and is essentially a section of Flessa Street.

At 18 feet wide, Tripodon was actually one of the widest streets in Europe at one point. Nowadays, it’s a narrow lane lined with wonderful restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Strolling down Tripodon isn’t just a cool walk down memory lane. It’s a convenient way to get to some of the best things to do in Athens, like the Plaka. I highly recommend stopping at one of the ice cream shops along the way and treating yourself to a cold treat, especially if you’re visiting Athens during the summer.

Lunch at Varvakios Central Municipal Market

Just past the end of Tripodon St. at the corner of Socratous 9 and Thatrou 2 was one of Athen’s hidden gems. Diporto restaurant was one of the oldest restaurants in Athens and had been serving set blue-collar meals across from the city’s Municipal market for decades. Unfortunately, Diporto closed its doors shortly after our last visit.

But if Diporto was on your Athens culinary list, don’t fret; the Municipal market has loads of amazing places to eat, many with the same rough-and-tumble vibe that Diportos so loved. You’ll find kebabs, grilled sardines, salads, and authentic Greek cuisine as fresh as it could possibly be.

Enjoy some time wandering through the aisles, picking out your seafood or meats and vegetables, and watching as it’s crafted into an unforgettable meal.

Hadrian’s Library

Just a ten-minute walk from the Varvakios Central Municipal Market is Hadrian’s Library. Built in 132 CE, the library was used for art exhibitions, as well as a place of worship. But its primary function was as an archive for many of the city’s important documents.

Hadrian’s Library suffered heavy damage during an earthquake in 237 CE but was repaired in 402 by Herculius the Perfect of Illiricum. This is a beautiful historic spot, and a visit here doesn’t take much more than about 20-30 minutes.

The Ancient Agora

Circling back around the top of the Plaka, we enjoyed a shady 10-minute walk to the Ancient Agora. The Agora is a BIG stop, almost as involved as a visit to the Acropolis itself, and if you find yourself walking in, expect your visit to be close to two hours in length.

Some of the most notable stops in the Agora are the Temple of Hephaestus, the Stoa of Attalos, and the Odeon of Agrippa. There’s also an on-site museum called the Agora Museum located in the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos. There are some fascinating exhibits and many pieces of art from the original buildings.

You can get a guided tour of the Ancient Agora if you’d like, but if you want to save some money and still learn, there’s a fantastic  free audio gui de from Rick Steves’ Europe that we used. It has loads of great information and helped to keep us on track while we were exploring.

Dinner at Lesvos Fish Tavern

If you’re looking for a great dinner in a place that’s just off of the tourist radar, Lesvos Fish Tavern at the corner of Benaki and Solonos is a fantastic option. The restaurant has a relaxed, casual atmosphere and is typically full of locals choosing from their broad selection of orzo.

They’ll occasionally have live music as well, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend.

Day Two in Athens

Breakfast at to koulouri tou psirri.

Welcome to Day Two of your Athens itinerary! On our second day in Athens, we started out with a visit to another local bakery to enjoy some delicious koulouri, a ring of bread sprinkled with sesame seeds that originated in Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki.

The dish is something in between a pretzel and a bagel and was a hit with Cohen and Dylan. Grab a cup of coffee or a cappuccino, or take it all with you on another urban adventure through Athens.

Hadrian’s Arch and the Statue of Zeus at Olympia

There’s something uniquely magical about ancient monuments. In our travels, we’ve been lucky enough not just to encounter many of the modern wonders of the world like Machu Picchu , Petra , and Chichen Itza , but we’ve also gotten glimpses of what remains of several of the Ancient Wonders of the World including the Temple of Artemis in Selcuk , Turkiye, the Great Pyramids of Giza , and on our two-day tour of Athens, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia.

Very little remains of the statue of Zeus beyond the throne on which the statue once stood and a few broken columns. But the Arch of Hadrian, which was built right between the ancient city of Athens and where Hadrian’s new city was being built, is still a majestic place to visit in Athens. The arch stands next to a busy roadway but offers a beautiful frame for the nearby Acropolis.

National Garden

With our coffee (and hot chocolates) in hand, we wandered down to the Greek National Gardens. This stunning tree-covered paradise is located right between Syntagma Square and the Panatenaic Stadium. We spent nearly an hour strolling through the shady trails and along the bird-filled pond hidden deep inside the garden.

Within the gated grounds, the noise of Athens seemed to fall away, and we were left in a world of peace and quiet that was absolutely delightful. There is no cost to enter the National Garden.

Changing of the Guards at the Hellenic Parliament

We timed our visit to the National Garden so that we could walk next door to the Hellenic Parliament in time to see the changing of the guard. The changing of the guard happens every hour, but if you happen to be visiting Athens on a Sunday, the ceremony includes a changing of the wreaths.

Christina and I found the event to be a fascinating example of military discipline. The boys found it to be almost painfully slow. The guards move with an excruciatingly slow speed and razor-sharp accuracy during a ten-minute event where two sets of guards swap roles in an ever-rotating watch over unnamed Greek soldiers lost in battle.

Lunch at Monastiraki Market

Markets are my favorite way to get into the heart of a new city, and one look at the bustling entrance to Monastiraki Market on Ifestou Street will let you know that you’ve arrived where the action is.

Although Monastiraki is dubbed as a Flea Market, it really only fits that bill on Sundays. Monday through Saturday, the market is a bustling hub of stores selling everything from trinkets to antiques, much more akin to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul . But on Sundays, locals lay out rugs and hock wares, bringing a new level to the busy market experience.

You’ll find great deals on clothing and souvenirs such as handmade sandals (Christina picked up a lovely pair that she still uses all of the time), clothing, artwork, and baked goods. Most of the items are priced to bargain, so bring your poker face. The bargaining here is all in good spirits, and if you get a great deal, you may even be congratulated!

There are countless cafes and small restaurants throughout Monastiraki Market. One of my top food stops in Monastiraki is Bairaktaris. This famous souvlaki spot has been run by the same family since 1879!

Syntagma Square

The history of Greece has been written and debated in Greece’s city squares since before the country was even formed. These places are where debates, protests, and announcements have been made that have, quite literally, shaped the world.

In modern Greece, the most important square is Syntagma Square. It’s located near the Old Royal Palace, where the Greek Parliament is housed, and has been the heart of commerce since 1843. A stop here won’t take long, but it’s a good place to know as it’s where the main metro terminal is. You’ll definitely end up here if you’re staying outside of the old town.

Church of Panagia Kapnikarea

Stroll around historical Athens, and you’ll notice some gorgeous small stone churches that dot the urban landscape. These are some of the oldest and most beautiful places of worship in the country. The most famous of these is the Church of Panagia Kapnikarea at Pl. Kapnikareas 3.

The history of the church is spotty, but it’s believed that it was built sometime in the 11th century, possibly around 1050 CE, over a Greek temple that was dedicated to either Athena or Demeter.

Inside, the small but opulent church is dark and broody, but the artwork and design are quite spectacular. There are no photos allowed inside the church, but it’s definitely worth a visit. To add to the allure, there are some wonderful cafes and ice cream shops nearby.

Sunset and Dinner at Mount Lycabettus

Athens can sport some beautiful sunsets, and one of the things that I’d love to do on a two-day Athens itinerary is to get to the top of Mount Lycabettus, the highest point in the city, and watch the sunset.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to do this on our second day, as our Greek Islands cruise was leaving early. But if you get the chance, the photos that I’ve seen are beautiful. You can actually see Mount Lycabettus from the Acropolis, so it’s easy to scout out the location to decide if the weather will cooperate for you.

There’s a funicular railway that can take visitors up from the lower terminus at Kolonaki (on Aristippou Street). At the summit is the 19th-century Chapel of St. George, a theater, and a restaurant.

The restaurant, Orizontes , is beautiful and offers incredible views of the city, especially on a clear night. The servings are generous and tasty but expect to pay tourist-level prices here. But the scenery is worth it.

Have An Extra Day? Here’s How We Would Spend A Third Day In Athens

If you have a third day in Athens, it’s road trip time. I recommend either renting a car or joining a tour to visit Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. This beautiful cliffside temple was a key reason that we chose to visit Greece, as Poseidon is the main God in the Percy Jackson book series!

Sounion is about an hour from central Athens, and if you have the chance to get there for a sunrise view of the temple, you won’t regret it.

The scenic drive around Cape Sounion is wonderful, and if you love snorkeling, it has some of the clearest water in Greece. This private half-day tour takes you out to Cape Sounio for that beautiful sunset and includes dinner and drinks.

Family-Friendly Places To Stay In Athens

If you’ve only got two days in Athens, picking the right places to stay can be the difference between experiencing and commuting.

We chose to splurge and stay close to the historic old town. Yes, the prices are higher, and the rooms are smaller, but because we only had a limited amount of time, we wanted to ensure that we had as much time to explore as possible.

We stayed at Old Time Apartments , which is just a short walk to the Acropolis. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and they had more than enough space for the four of us and Christina’s parents, who had joined us for our mainland tour of Greece.

If Old Time Apartments is booked, nearby Apartments Tina is another highly-rated place to stay with a similar setup. They also offer a free Airport shuttle, which we didn’t need because we were driving in Greece.

Tips For Visiting Athens With Kids

Like any big city, there are a few things to know about Athens before you visit. These Athens tips should help you plan for your visit and save you a little money and time when you’re in the city.

• You can save money using the Acropolis and Six Archaeological Site combo ticket . It includes access to the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Temple of Zeus, Aristotle’s School, Hadrian’s Library, and Kerameikos Ancient Cemetery. The ticket also includes five audio guides so you can learn about the attractions along the way.
• Before you go, check out our  Greece family travel guide , which has loads of tips, including Greek words to know, electrical outlet types, and other important need-to-knows before you go.
• Plan for Heat and Hydration, especially during the summer. Athens can get very hot, and many of the archaeological sites do not have much shade. Carry a filtered water bottle , wear hats, and apply sunscreen regularly. Plan outdoor activities like visiting the Acropolis early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the peak heat.
• Athens has a reliable and affordable public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro. The metro is particularly useful for getting around quickly and avoiding traffic. Consider getting an “Athens Transport Ticket” or a family pass for easy access to all public transport.

How to Get to Athens?

If you’re visiting Athens from out of town, it’s a very easy city to get to. There is reliable public transportation that includes buses, trams, and a metro. We used public transit to get from the cruise port to the old town, which took us about an hour.

There are ticket booths near most stops, and many shops and groceries also sell public transportation tickets. Most transit options will take you right to Syntagma Square near the Parliament buildings.

Athens Airport is located about 30 minutes from central Athens. Taxis and shuttles are available to take you straight to the urban center. We rented a van at the airport and drove ourselves. It was an easy drive for the most part, but expect very narrow streets and limited parking once you get to the older section of the city.

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The best campsites in Greece for families

With playgrounds, sports fields, activities, and the sea just a stone’s throw away, these five campsites are ideal for families with children.

Family camping trips might require a bit more effort, plenty of equipment, and a strong sense of adventure, but they provide children with the opportunity to connect with nature and sleep under the stars.

Armenistis, Sithonia, Halkidiki

Armenistis, one of Greece’s largest campsites, is located in front of the gorgeous Armenistis Beach, known for its coarse sand and crystal-clear waters. The campsite is fully organized, with tent pitching areas, bungalows, caravans, and ready-made tents available for rent. There is electricity, a communal kitchen, plenty of showers and toilets, two restaurants, a sandwich shop, a mini-market, a café, and a bar. Children can enjoy a playground, educational events with educators, and outdoor movie screenings.

Club Aghia Anna, Northern Evia

Summer at Club Aghia Anna is not only jam-packed, but also brimming with activities for children, including swimming pools, table tennis, play areas, and board games. The variety is sure to keep the little ones interested and engaged. The resort, located just a few meters from Aghia Anna Beach, offers a variety of accommodation options, including guesthouses, bungalows, yurts (large circular tents), and caravans.

Gythion Bay, Gythio

This campsite, located 6 kilometers from Gythio, is located in front of the sandy Mavrovouni Beach and has plenty of shaded areas for your tent. Tents are also available for rent, ranging from basic to more spacious and comfortable options. The amenities include a playground, a play area for children under the age of five with a teacher, daily children’s programs from 2 p.m. until evening, restaurants, sports grounds, and a swimming pool.

Sykia, Kato Gatzea, Pelion

This little beach, with its sand, fine pebbles, and trees that provide ample shade, is ideal for children. The campsite lacks unnecessary luxury but does provide all the essentials: pleasant shade, proximity to the sea, clean facilities, and friendly staff.

Nautilos, Syvota

The Nautilos campsite, located ten kilometers past Syvota and just before the village of Plataria, extends along the sea in front of a magnificent pebble beach with the Ionian Sea’s characteristic blue waters. It is fully organized with numbered tent places, ample shade, a restaurant, a café, and sports areas. The sea may not be too shallow, but you will enjoy the peace and cleanliness.

This article appeared in Greece Is (www.greece-is.com), a Kathimerini publishing initiative.

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8 Reasons Why September Is The Best Time To Visit Paros, Greece

P aros, Greece is located in the central Aegean Sea and is popular with couples, families, and big adventurers. Paros is a Greek island that is appealing to tourists for many different reasons. It is well known for its traditional features as well as its modern additions. Visitors of Paros can enjoy various experiences throughout the year, but it is important to highlight the most ideal time to travel there.

There are, of course, distinct destinations throughout Greece since it is not a monolith. Paros has its own ideal tourism time which falls during the shoulder season month of September. Travelers will notice several benefits to planning their visit to this lesser -known paradise during this month. Here are some of the top reasons why September can be considered the best time to visit Paros.

Weather 

The weather in Paros during September is idyllic. This island has a Mediterranean climate and experiences hot dry summers and winters with mild weather conditions. September is the perfect time to plan a visit because travelers will be able to enjoy the weather. Although the temperatures are not as high as in July or August, visitors can still enjoy sunbathing in September. The beach is also considered more enjoyable due to the slightly lower temperature. 

Travel Tip : Since Paros is less hot in September, it is recommended that visitors plan more active trips during this month. 

Lounging At The Beaches 

One of the main reasons that people visit Paros is its stunning beaches. Visitors can sunbathe, swim, or indulge in a beach bar at their preferred seaside paradise. The island has plenty of beaches to choose from. Some of the most popular choices are Kolymbithres, Santa Maria, and Golden Beach. These beaches have powdery sands, clear waters, and calm waves. Kolymbithres is a beach that is more centrally located, so visitors have easier access to local eateries on the main road. 

Travel Tip : It’s best to pack cool, light clothing. Consider carrying a long-sleeve shirt in the evenings in case it gets chilly. 

Charming Towns

There are many towns in Paros that visitors may find to be worth their while. Each town has its distinct vibe and ambiance which cater to varying preferences. A few towns not to be missed include Naoussa, Aliki, Antiparos, and Lefkes. Lefkes and Antiparos are the more rural and hidden away towns. To avoid potential crowds, it would be wise to spend time in one or both of these towns. On the other hand, Aliki and Naoussa are more peaceful destinations with modern fixtures. Aliki is a coastal village that is great for relaxation while Naoussa has a vibrant nightlife and plenty of dining options. 

Travel Tip : Find serenity and adventure during a Paros stay by carefully choosing the towns that will offer the ideal vibe and experience. 

Hiking 

Paros has a variety of hiking options available to visitors. It has mountainous terrain and there are also coastal routes, so a hike on this island is a very scenic experience. Choose between shorter or longer hikes, with shorter options typically taking about 30 minutes. One of the most famous hikes for visitors of Paros is the Byzantine Trail hike from Lefkes down to Prodromos. This is a 3.1-mile trail hike that is not considered to be too difficult for the average hiker. 

Travel Tip : Bring plenty of water and wear comfortable hiking boots since trails can be rocky and there is not much available on the trail.

Explore Local Vineyards

Those who enjoy wine tastings should visit some boutique wineries and vineyards in Paros. The Moraitis Winery and Louridis Winery are two of the most popular spots. Visitors can take tours of these options to learn about the regional varieties and local history while tasting local wine. Paros is home to Monemvasia but there are also other traditional grapes there. People will find that Assyrtiko and Malagousia are also common finds at the vineyards in Paros. 

Travel Tip : Many of the vineyards and wineries in Paros have deep family history so people who take tours will likely get an intimate encounter and ample insight into the industry. 

Try Authentic Greek Food

September is one of the best times of the year in Paros to comfortably enjoy a meal outdoors. It is also not as crowded as it is in late July and August, so that will help guests have more pleasant experiences. The island offers Greek cuisine and seafood mostly but visitors can also enjoy other types of food. People can also find Asian, Italian, and fusion food options there. Giannoulis, Mario by the Sea, and Sigi Ikthios are some of the tastiest restaurants in Paros. 

Travel Tip : Dining on fresh seafood while in Paros is a must. Fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables are a part of a healthy meal in Paros and meals tend to be lighter there.

The Calm Atmosphere

Overall, Paros is a pretty serene destination. It does not compare to more lively and nightlife-focused places like Corfu and Mykonos. The natural landscapes and laid-back communities of Paros make it a tranquil getaway that is best appreciated during September. Visitors can practice slow tourism and explore ancient ruins, historic churches, and more during their visit. The island is cozy and considered to be one of the most beautiful Greek islands by some. 

Travel Tip : In September, the crowds are fewer but the weather is still pleasant. This mixture can help visitors of Paros who want to go on a spiritual journey or at least experience peace while abroad. 

Aquatic Activities 

Since the weather is still very pleasant during September, enjoying aquatic activities is one of many ways to spend your days. Paros is a great place for water sports but September is less crowded and have more mild weather. Some of the most popular activities are kayaking, snorkeling, diving, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. Alternatively, book a boat tour to get out on the water even if water sports aren’t preferred. 

Travel Tip : Monastiri Beach in northern Paros is a good option to enjoy water sports and also be in a slightly secluded area. 

Travelers who are looking into a visit to Paros during September will find plenty to do. While the weather and fewer crowds are a big appeal and the reason that the month is the best time to visit, there is much more to discover. Some visitors might even find that the shoulder season becomes their favorite vacation time after kicking back in Paros.

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

My Big 40th-Birthday Trip to Greece

Sailing days, seaside tavernas, and beach goats..

Everyone knows that person who spends weeks sniffing around travel blogs, going deep into Tripadvisor rabbit holes, collecting Google docs from friends of friends, and creating  A Beautiful Mind –style spreadsheets to come up with the best  vacations  and itineraries possible. In this recurring series, we find those people who’ve done all the work for you and have them walk us through a particularly wonderful, especially well-thought-out vacation they took that you can actually steal.

To celebrate my 40th birthday , ten friends joined me on a weeklong trip to Greece. I don’t normally go on big personal trips like this, as trying to corral such a large group can be a daunting task. But if there’s a time to make the effort, it’s now.

We decided on Athens and Crete for the end of May, when it was warm enough to have glorious Mediterranean vibes on an island but not so deep into the season that we were saddled with crowds and higher summer prices. Friends from both coasts of the U.S. (and one from Europe) made the journey to Greece, but we weren’t all arriving on the same dates or even staying in the same hotels. Some did both Athens and Crete, some did just Crete, some did a few days in Crete, and then there were the three of us who randomly decided to head to Santorini after, a totally last-minute addition to the itinerary, because, well, why not?

All the planning passed through me, and I had to be exceptionally organized. I had spreadsheets about everyone’s arrivals and departures, who was coming to which destinations, which Athens hotels they were booked into, who was renting a car, what were the room assignments in the villa on Crete, and who was paying for what. The one thing that helped simplify this process was that I was spearheading most of the decision-making. Yes, we had a big email chain in which dates, destinations, and activities were discussed, but it turned out my friends were agreeable to all my suggestions. That’s the benefit of not only being the celebrant but also a travel writer who was already familiar with the destination: My friends trusted me to take care of it, and I did.

I booked the villa, the boat, some of the tours, and our group meals. I researched flight times between Athens and Crete as well as which beaches we should go to and where we should pick up breakfast along the way. If my friends got themselves to Greece, I was happy to plan the whole thing. (Thank goodness for Venmo, Splitwise, and WhatsApp, which helped make everything else easier to manage.)

If I may pat myself on the back, I think I put together an epic trip. Most of them had never been to Greece before, and this itinerary gave them classic cultural sightseeing and island relaxation. And even when our days got a little too busy, there was always a fantastic meal coming and more wine flowing. And when you’re in our age range, that’s pretty much all you want out of a vacation anyway, right?

Days 1–3: Athens

The Athens portion was a mishmash of sightseeing, shopping, eating, and drinking as friends trickled in from all over. Because I booked my accommodations rather last-minute, I had to split my stay between two hotels. First, a night at A77 ( Adrianou 77 ) in Plaka, the neighborhood directly underneath the Acropolis. The hotel stuffs 12 spacious and elegantly decorated suites into a three-floor townhouse. I had a simple but charming room with a soaring ceiling and marble bathroom. A77 was lovely: There were jars full of candy scattered everywhere, and they served a massive breakfast tray to your room.

Then I relocated to Monument Hotel ( Kalamida 11 ) for two nights. The year-old Monument is in a heritage building from 1881 (built by architect Ernst Ziller, who was behind over 500 buildings in Greece). It took three years to transform the city-center property into a nine-key hotel in which every room is individually decorated. It’s all poured concrete, ceiling frescoes, antique rugs, and a picturesque medley of sculptural seats. It’s incredibly photogenic there, and everything is exclusively for hotel guests; I loved the quiet intimacy.

I was originally booked into a standard room, but a guest cancellation led to an unbelievable upgrade. (Always note that you’re celebrating something when booking hotels; you never know what surprises it will yield!) I ended up in the attic suite, which has a patio and a hot tub with unobstructed views of the Acropolis. I never used the tub, but my friends did join me for predinner sunset wine one night.

On day three, my friends (Joe, Joelle, Kathryn, and Luigi) took a private walking tour with Alternative Athens . Having been to the city before, I skipped that to instead check out the Sunday flea market, buy a pair of linen shorts at decades-old Greek brand Parthenis ( Dimokritou 20 ), and peruse the Museum of Cycladic Art ( Neofitou Douka 4 ) for its ancient marble figurines and bronze tools.

Dinner at Akra ( Aminta 12 ) on night one produced one of the best dishes of the trip: goat terrine that’s charred with a super-crispy exterior but still juicy and tender. It was paired with grilled eggplant slices — unbelievably tasty! Right around the time we were finishing dessert, a musical troupe marched in, singing and playing their instruments. Our server told us it was a totally random moment.

There was a long lunch at Taverna ton Filon ( Argous 66 ), a modest but bustling spot on the northwestern edge of the city center. Luigi fell in love with taramasalata, the fish-roe dip, so we basically had to order that plus peppers stuffed with rice and herbs, fresh tomato salad with a block of feta on top, and different preparations of fish.

We had a blowout dinner at Pharaoh ( Solomou 54 ), one of the hottest dining rooms in Athens, known for wood-fire cooking, natural wines, and its DJs. We ordered yellow-split-pea purée topped with slivers of anchovies, grilled pork sausage, and a slice of galaktoboureko, a semolina-custard pie.

Day 4: Crete

8 a.m.: visit ancient ruins and eat lunch at a winery.

Our group of six (Marya arrived from Jersey the night before) took an early-morning, hourlong flight to Chania, one of Crete’s largest cities and located west of the island. We landed a little before 9 a.m. and immediately picked up our rental cars from Enterprise so we could get a breakfast of hazelnut pastries and slider-size ham-and-cheese brioche sandwiches at Red Jane Bakery ( Kidonias 101 ).

We then drove 20 minutes east to Aptera, an ancient city-state that dates back to the Minoan period from 3500 to 1070 BC. There were cavernous cisterns, the remnants of a bath complex, and a small outdoor amphitheater, where I received a lecture for loudly singing “Circle of Life” as if I were headlining my own concert. Mortified, I begged my friends to leave.

Lunch was 45 minutes away at Manousakis Winery , one of Crete’s most famous producers, and one look at the outdoor tasting setup, with tables and chairs under the shade of olive trees, and you could understand why. My friend Lane (and her Pomeranian, Indiana Jones) met us here from Paris. The white and rosé wines are some of the winery’s most popular because they pair so well with whipped fava-bean dip, stewed gigantes beans, and fries.

We made our way back to Chania to check into our villa rental. But to make sure we had the necessary amenities, we stopped at the whimsically named booze shop the Lighthouse of Mr. Vertigo ( Andrea Dikonimou ) to pick up a dozen bottles of Greek wines.

4 p.m.: Check into the villa and relax for a few hours

When I was researching for a house that could accommodate at least ten people, this eight-bedroom villa 15 minutes from Chania’s airport was noticeably cheaper than the rest, so I booked it. It’s a massive complex with a pool, two separate buildings into which the eight rooms are split up, and lots of outdoor lounge spaces, including a separate dining area with a grill. When we arrived, Chrissie and Dani (friends from home) were already there taking full advantage of sunshine by the pool. So we popped open a bottle and raised a glass to our Greek odyssey.

8 p.m.: Order fried anchovies by the sea

For dinner, we headed to Thalassino Ageri ( Vivilaki 35 Tabakaria ), a seaside fish tavern 15 minutes away. The outdoor tables were right next to rocks on the water offering a very pretty sunset vignette. The menu was fairly simple: more taramasalata, tomato salads, grilled octopus, fried calamari, and fried anchovies. Overall, a wonderful welcome to my favorite Greek island.

Day 5: Crete

8 a.m.: set sail.

After collecting Bianca, who flew to Crete from Jersey through Rome, our three cars (packed with sunscreen, bottles of wine, and a bag of ketchup chips) set out for the 90-minute drive through the mountains to Sfakia Port to board a boat for a day of sailing. We booked Sailing South Crete , led by Annie and Christos, who — surprise! — got married the weekend before we met them. They operate a chic 50-foot yacht sailing Crete’s less touristy southern coast.

We hit three beaches, starting at Sweetwater beach , surrounded by cliffs and outfitted with a sweet little beach club under some trees. Some of us swam; some of us started drinking wine. The water was a gorgeous shade of blue but is impossibly cold for those of us who prefer bathwater beaches. Next was Marmara beach , four miles west, where we stayed for 90 minutes to give Joe as many opportunities to scramble up, then jump off, the cliff. There was wine-fueled merriment for those of us who opted to stay dry.

Our final stop was Loutro , a larger village giving classic seaside vibes with the white-washed buildings and seafood tavernas lording over the blue of the Aegean. For lunch, Annie recommended a restaurant with striped umbrellas called Ilios , where we ordered most of the classics: moussaka, grilled squid, Greek salad, and more white wine. It was a quick lunch because we still had to sail to Sfakia and drive the 90 minutes home.

9:30 p.m.: Share pulled pork and birthday cheesecake

Emily, another childhood friend, arrived in time (via London from Brooklyn) for the largest group gathering of the trip: dinner at Maiami ( Akti Miaouli, Mesologgiou ), a beautiful dining room–design studio in Chania’s historic Venetian port. At nearly 10 p.m., you couldn’t see much, but the restaurant features the artsy design genius of Alexandra Manousakis , who I learned, during the booking process, shares my birthday.

Foodwise, we took a break from traditional Greek cooking; Maiami’s menu was more globally influenced. There was a pulled-pork sandwich spiked with pickled watermelon rinds that the group really liked. I loved Mama Sharma’s Shrimp, a red stew sitting on some rice. The biggest surprise, however, was the beautiful cheesecake sparkling with birthday candles that arrived at the end of the meal.

It was the busiest day of the trip but also, maybe, the best day.

Day 6: Crete

10 a.m.: tour through the mountains.

We said good-bye to Kathryn and Joelle, who took an early-morning flight back to Jersey. The rest of us had a half-day tour of Crete’s interior with Anastasia, who runs the travel company Greek Like Me . She took us to visit an olive-oil facility before lunch at Ntounias ( Keramion, Nerokouros ), a family-owned agritourism project that has a restaurant with a cult following. At arrival, we found the team fussing over an outdoor kitchen by the entrance. But we’re seated under what looked like a dining gazebo with expansive views of the surrounding valley.

Anastasia brought a few bottles of wine for us to try with our lunch of sticks-to-your-bones mountain fare: fried potato wedges dusted with oregano, a stew of tender beef chunks and beans, and a super-juicy chocolate cake.

8 p.m.: Eat souvlaki at home

After the twists and turns of the drive back to Chania, the group was feeling the breakneck pace of the past few days, and we decided to hang at the villa for dinner. We stocked up on more wine, and Marya and Emily, who explored downtown Chania for a couple of hours, picked up pork souvlaki, chicken salads, fries, and some dolmas from Delish ( Tsouderon 69 ).

Day 7: Crete

10:30 a.m. visit a beach with goats.

We started at Seitan Limania , a small rocky beach at the bottom of a cliff with goats. The hike down was not technically difficult, but it was steep and you needed to pay attention to where you were stepping. I don’t know how people did it in sandals while carrying children. It was worth it, though; the water was clear and frigid. The goats did eventually make it down, and, boy, were they frisky, trying to steal everyone’s stuff.

1 p.m.: Grab lunch and hit one more beach

Ninety minutes later, we decided to make the trek back and onto the next: Stavros , a calm, sandy beach 30 minutes away. There were lots of families, and the area had more restaurants and bars. We lunched at Almyriki ( Stavros 731 00 ), which we chose for its windmill. Luigi said that the taramasalata, topped with a squid-ink sauce, was one of his favorites. But the crab pasta and marinated anchovies were also very delicious.

Beach time at Stavros was brief because we needed to be back at the villa to receive Afshin Molavi, the chef at Salis . He came over to make dinner for our final night on Crete. After a few days of bopping around the island and eating at various restaurants from the sea to the mountains, a cheffy last supper in the villa would be the perfect end to the trip.

7:30 p.m.: Have a farewell dinner followed by karaoke

Afshin’s coursed-out dinner was Greekish. The group’s winner might have been the glazed eggplant with fermented fava. It was spectacularly packed with umami flavors. I also liked the spinach pie that he served with preserved grapes, which added an unexpected tartness. Then, for dessert, baklava. Afshin also gifted us a few bottles of his super-exclusive pét-nat. Between that and the rest of the wine we ordered, it was no wonder the group ended the night with some makeshift karaoke courtesy of the wireless mic Chrissie brought from Jersey.

Days 8–10: Santorini

While in Crete, Bianca revealed that there was space in her two-bedroom Airbnb in Santorini. And that’s why, at 5 a.m., Bianca, Lane, Indiana Jones, and I were in a taxi for the port in Heraklion for an 8 a.m. ferry.

The adorable two-bedroom apartment was just outside Oia, the island’s most popular village. It was easy to walk into town whenever we wanted but thankfully far enough away that we were spared the noise and traffic. There were two bathrooms, too, and a small outdoor terrace with a plunge pool, where you could catch some nice sunsets.

Because everything was so last-minute, we booked what we could when we could, starting with a wine tasting at Vassaltis Vineyards ( Vourvoulos ) to sample its assyrtiko, Santorini’s trademark grape. The tasting came with a selection of savory tapas, like a spoonful of taramasalata and a piece of bread topped with butterflied sardines.

The rest of our meals on Santorini were some of the fanciest of the trip. One night, Lane and I splurged on Botrini’s ( Main Street Oia ), an offshoot of a Michelin -starred restaurant in Athens. Every moment was beautifully orchestrated. My favorites were the small chickpea tartlet topped with chopped green beans that were meant to mimic seashells and a gorgeous plate of phyllo pastry topped with a sculptural arrangement of zucchini slices. Both were refreshingly light, and the wines were fantastic, too.

The best restaurant views, though, were at Mia’s ( Perivola Oia ), a Greek hot spot overlooking the caldera. From the terrace, we watched the amber glow of the sun drop behind Santorini’s white-washed buildings. That’s what people come here for, but the food was equally stunning — dialed-up family cooking. I’m still dreaming about the oxtail pastitsio (plump agnolotti stuffed with meat) and the hearty bowl of orzo topped with lobster. A bottle of local assyrtiko from Kyanos Wines — only 3,000 bottles were produced — extended our party mood.

For another boat moment, we booked a public sail with Vista Yachting . I wasn’t sure how joining strangers on a catamaran would pan out, but mercifully we ended up with a chill group. The perspective you get of the island from the water is special. You’ll actually see beaches, from white sand to black rocks. Vista Yachting’s operation was awesome, too. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and lunch were all included. Obviously, we brought our own bottles from Vassaltis.

On our last day, our flight to Paris wasn’t scheduled until 7 p.m., so we splurged on Korres facials at the spa at Vedema ( Megalochori ), one of Santorini’s top hotels, then lunch at Nobu ( Imerovigli ). After all the Greek food, I was craving something different. Nobu Santorini was incredibly sexy and tranquil, which was the ideal vibe before we tackled the madness of an airport. I’ve never tried Nobu’s iconic spinach salad with the truffle-yuzu dressing; it was as yummy as advertised. As was the salmon sashimi. But I did try to hold on to my Greek fantasy a little bit longer by sipping as much Santorini rosé as I could with every bite.

Chadner’s Greece Packing List

You may already know that I love a linen shirt . But I didn’t have classic white in my inventory, and a birthday trip seemed like a great time to invest. I wore this to the beach, while walking around, to meals — a true closet workhorse.

Like the shirt above, these breezy navy pants were picked up specifically for the trip. And they blended very seamlessly with the rest of my travel wardrobe. I liked that these are designed to look more like trousers (rather than with a drawstring closure), making them a lot more versatile for that one fancy-night dinner on Santorini.

This might be my favorite clothing item at the moment. The linen is so soft and comfortable; it drapes beautifully, too. I own it in “bone,” but I already placed an order for “ night .”

This was one of the items I gifted everyone who attended the trip. And it came in handy, because while it wasn’t blazing hot in Greece yet, we were outside a lot. Every now and again, we were all giving ourselves a refreshing spritz.

Lane and Bianca gifted me a Bao Bao tote for my birthday, which I received the morning we went sailing. I used it immediately. It’s a great beach bag because of the PVC. You wipe dry. You wipe it clean. It’s surprisingly sturdy. They got it for me in teal, which matched my Greece outfits perfectly, but you could never go wrong with black.

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How Greece (yes, Greece!) is becoming a golf paradise

The country of Greece is not known for its golf — but that reputation is quickly changing.

The saddest part of any great golf trip is the final day — time to go home — which is how I found myself at the counter in Athens International airport checking my golf bag. Or trying to. The woman behind the counter was apprehensive and borderline suspicious of the large, oddly shaped luggage, and inquired, “Is that sporting equipment?” Before I could answer, her neighbor on the other side of the scale interjected proudly, “Golf clubs!”

The learning curve is understandable, because until recently, pretty much no one in their right mind went to Greece to play golf. Pinehurst Resort has more holes than the entire country , with only seven places where you can play — and only one of these has more than a single course on property. But that one, Costa Navarino , is a doozy.

In recent years Greece has been one of the hottest tourism destinations for Americans. It is rich in history, has gorgeous islands and beaches, stunning architecture and amazing food that is the archetype of the fabled Mediterranean diet. It’s also one of the most affordable Eurozone countries; 2023 was an all-time record year for tourism, and through the first quarter of 2024, that number is up another 25 percent.

Greece is a country of temples, and the highlight of the nation’s most visited attraction, the Parthenon in Athens, is the Temple of Athena. Outside the capital, popular tourist sites are the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, and the Temples of Zeus and Hera at Olympia. There are temples to the gods, temples to oracles, temples to just about everything, and now, for the first time, Greece has a legitimate temple to golf.  

The very definition of a “destination resort,” huge Costa Navarino has singlehandedly put Greece on the golf travel map. It’s reminiscent of big Hawaiian recreational communities like Kapalua, Wailea and Kaanapali, with courses and extensive facilities shared by multiple hotels. But unlike most developments, Costa Navarino has a single owner who designed the four hotels (and everything else), so despite different brands and management, there is a harmonious continuity of design that feels more like being in a town or region than a resort.

The community spans about 2,500 acres on the Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece’s “mainland,” two and a half hours from Athens. It also has a small nearby international airport, Kalamata, with connections from several European cities. Not continuous, the property is “interrupted” by a couple of lovely Greek coastal towns full of charming tavernas and shops, offering more dining options (you can walk to one village) and dividing it into three sections.

Between these are four very good 18-hole courses, four luxury hotels, more than 40 bars and restaurants (with plenty of Greek seafood, lamb and mezes), multiple pool complexes, beaches, gyms and spas, plus a huge array of world-class sports — including a state-of-the-art golf academy.

Navarino Dunes is home to the Westin and Romanos (Marriot’s high-end Luxury Collection) hotels, which sit next to Dunes golf club, the oldest. Designed by Bernhard Langer and European Golf Design, it’s hilly and just inland from the sea, with constant views of the water and dunes, playing through groves of olive trees and citrus fruits as it climbs inland.

The Dunes has long been the favorite of homeowners, though it’s hard to find any two people here who rank the four in the same order. All prominently feature olives, views, major elevation changes and excellent conditioning. All can fairly be described as “challenging resort golf,” with fairly wide landing areas and big greens, but at the Dunes these are heavily bunkered, with many uphill approaches making shots in play long with little room for error.

The two hotels are linked by an agora (a Greek word for marketplace) which has taken on more of a piazza connotation. The agoras are one of the greatest elements of Costa Navarino, creating a village feel, and rather than eat or drink in your hotel you can wander next door to an outdoor café or wine bar amidst fountains and people watching. At night there’s live music and outdoor movies, and with a residential population, family-friendly Costa Navarino has a lot of spirit.

Navarino Bay has the two fancier hotels, the ultra-hip W and the ultra-luxury Mandarin-Oriental, where rates typically start north of $2,000 a night. These are also linked by an agora, but this one wraps around the harbor. Both agoras include casual spots where you can grab souvlaki, ice cream or a cold draft Mythos beer. The W is an adult-only property with a terraced pool complex sprawling down to beach, complete with DJ booth. It’s the place to stay if you want to party, and just next door is the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed Bay Course. This was my personal favorite, and hard to beat if you like oceanfront holes and drop-dead scenery.

The opener is short par-4 that plays downhill straight to the ocean. I’d rank it as one of the most beautiful golf holes anywhere in the world. For big hitters, the back tee sits on the roof of the clubhouse, something you do not see every day. The second hole is another stunner, a mid-length par-3 hugging the coast. Then the course turns inland with back-to-back par-5s — complimented by back-to-back par-3s on the back. Besides being tops for eye candy, the Bay is the least penal, with less dramatic ups and downs, and is not as wind-affected as its higher altitude siblings.

Navarino Hills is the newest section and does not yet have a hotel, though one is planned — along with a fifth 18. A shuttle system links the three sections and clubhouses, and none are more than 15 minutes apart. Navarino Hills has two new eighteens (2022) by Jose Maria Olazabal, both with significant elevation changes, playing on the highest points of land and very exposed to wind. Both offer stupendous 360-degree views, but the Hills course is more consistent and probably the best of the four from a shot-making perspective. Climbing to its high point by the fourth hole, it quickly delivers a top-of-the-world feel, and again, is more challenging than usual resort golf with a good amount of room off the tee but some tight spots, uphill approaches and lots of bunkers. Towards the finish, there’s a handful of shorter downhill holes negotiating hazards and offering fun strategic and risk/reward decisions. Oddly, all four courses have par-5s as both the number one and two handicap holes, but at the Hills the third most difficult is also a par-5, thanks in large part to elevation gain.

The International Olympic Academy Golf Course is an unwieldy name and the most difficult of the four, similar to the Hills but without the shorter non-driver hole options. Off the tips at 6,945 yards, the par-72 rates 73.7 and was designed to host tournaments with a par-71 setup. It adds huge, heavily undulating greens which make three and four-putts a very real possibility. It has the slowest start with a visually mundane front but explodes out of the gate on the back with crazy panoramic views of the ocean, hotels, and towns below. The back is the most dramatic nine here.

With four different and distinct but all high-quality courses, and an array of hospitality and recreational facilities only a handful of places on earth can rival, Costa Navarino would be a serious golf destination anywhere, but the fact that it is in Greece helps seal the deal, offering two vacations in one.

Larry Olmsted is an award-winning travel journalist whose work has appeared in the NY Times, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post. He also authored “ Fans: How Watching Sports Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Understanding .”

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