greece travel with toddler

Tips for Traveling to Greece with a Toddler and Baby

Best Places to Visit in Greece with a Baby

There’s no bad place to visit with kids in Greece. While some places such as Santorini may seem like honeymoon destinations, it’s actually more kid-friendly than you think .

I think every single person told me to skip Mykonos with a baby as it is a party destination, but frankly… it’s been super nice.

The only not-so-toddler-friendly place was the Acropolis, but it doesn’t mean it was impossible to visit . We had fun, we just didn’t know how to plan it right beforehand (don’t worry, I’ll help you with that).

Whether it’s self-catered apartments you’re looking for, or just want to chill at hotels, and explore the food scene, Greece is very baby-friendly and I’m definitely looking forward to returning and exploring it more, now with two toddlers instead of one.

We went to Greece when Dylan was 14 months old so he was basically a toddler but still a bit of a baby in diapers, with a binky in his mouth. He was walking at the time, but falling as it was his specialty.

Greece Itinerary with a Toddler

Where can you go in Greece with a baby? I would say that every island can be a child-friendly Greek island. Most families head to Crete, Rhodes, or Naxos the most.

While these might be considered the best Greek islands with a baby, we opted for a common route: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Zakynthos, as I’ve already been to Crete and Rhodes before.

The only island we decided to skip last minute was Milos . While it’s awesome, most of the activities were pretty inaccessible for babies and toddlers so we left it for another trip when kids are older.

Every single place we visited in Greece was very kid-oriented. We opted for hotels as we wanted the amenities of housekeeping and services if we needed them, but in Santorini we had an apartment with a small kitchenette (never cooked there) mainly because I was set on the location .

All restaurants had high chairs (even a kebab stand offered us one) and some (especially in Zakynthos) had a play area. Hotels usually had a shallow area in the pool for kids to play. There were other parents taking kids to a fancy restaurant in Mykonos and it was never an issue – in fact, both waiters and clients played with Dylan a lot.

What Can Toddlers Do in Greece?

Toddlers can be easily fascinated with simple things, so even a simple ferry ride was exciting for a small bub. The Greeks adore children.

We explored a lot of ancient ruins and Dylan seemed pretty interested as everything was big and impressive to him.

We spent some time at beaches and let him play in hotel pools to cool down and have fun. He wasn’t the biggest fan of beaches at this stage, so in those places, we tried to find some playgrounds nearby and it was possible everywhere really.

Restaurant hopping was a hit. Dylan was hooked on olives which we could order anywhere. If he was fussing there was always something kids-friendly like french fries, pasta, or bread. Your toddler won’t go hungry in Greece for sure.

Mykonos with Baby or Toddler

Mykonos is a beautiful place families can enjoy, despite its reputation as a crazy party spot . There are lots of things to do with a baby and toddler.

Walking around town was nice and easy as you pass by busting boutiques and restaurants. You can watch sunsets on the promenade and let the kids play with friendly pelicans. Dylan had a blast in Mykonos running around and admiring everything while saying hi to people.

Mykonos is pretty flat, so we were able to ride with a stroller everywhere (full-size American stroller like Uppababy Vista won’t fit in narrow streets and through some doors, but no issues with Babyzen Yoyo – it fit barely, but did fit).

All baby products like diapers and wipes were widely available at stores. Every single restaurant we went to had high chairs.

We even went to the famous Cavo Tagoo with the little one as it is a kids-friendly place actually.

We took buses to nearby beaches as we left renting a car for another island, but it wasn’t an issue. We always got a spot.

Keep in mind that Mykonos is windy in the summer months , so you might want to bring a blanket for the evenings.

Santorini with Baby or Toddler

Santorini can be toddler-friendly. We weren’t the only ones with a toddler there and keep in mind there are also locals living there with their kids, so it’s not impossible.

We almost never travel with a carrycot, as most places (hotels, Airbnbs) provide cribs . Santorini was no different. At home, Dylan was already in a toddler bed, but it was easier to keep him contained on our trip to Greece.

There are a few things to plan when traveling with a toddler or baby to Santorini. The town is full of cobblestones and stairs but there are also areas that have flat strolls with only a few steps, which gives you two options: either bring a baby carrier or bring a small lightweight stroller.

It was hot when we visited during the summer so we opted for both, but we were completely fine with Babyzen Yoyo stroller almost exclusively in Santorini. If we only brought a carrier it would have been a nightmare having to drag a sweaty baby on top of the sweaty yourself.

With a stroller in Santorini, we could put the toddler for a nap when he was tired and strap him when we wanted to take photos or quickly enter the store . Where there were stairs we simply folded the stroller in a few seconds and carried it on the shoulder . It was MUCH easier than visiting Matera with a baby .

The stroller was absolutely awesome at restaurants as we just fed him in a stroller where they had no high chairs (I’d say at least 50% of places offered them). There were plenty of flat areas for the stroller to ride on in both Oia and Fyra.

Beaches in Santorini are full of stones, so not all kids will like them but ours hates sand so it was actually better for him . Bring water shoes if your toddler is walking.

We booked a boat tour that was super kid-friendly (what kid doesn’t like motion?) and we got to swim in the volcanic part as well. It’s totally doable and fun with young kids.

Athens with a Baby or Toddler

We spent a few days in Athens due to flight schedules and we all loved it.

The big bonus of having a baby with us was that we didn’t need to wait in line to the Acropolis, as families skip the line . Acropolis wasn’t the most toddler-friendly place, but we brought a harness with us, just in case – might have been a specific case because Dylan loves running away. We would have been better off with a carrier.

At Acropolis, we had to leave our stroller in a stroller area at the main ticket office which took us a while to find – I recommend checking the exact location of this entrance beforehand. If we pre-booked our tickets we’d be able to enter anywhere so I recommend doing that.

I still recommend bringing it with you if you’re planning on exploring the town that day. If you want to cool off, head to Acropolis Museum next for plenty of AC.

Panathenaic Stadium was a big hit for Dylan . As a new walker, he kept running down the track, falling and laughing and kept running again. It was a scene we’ll never forget so I highly recommend visiting.

Street cats were totally amazing for a toddler and restaurants always took care of us as a family . Definitely don’t skip Athens on your trip to Greece with a toddler.

Zakynthos with a Baby or Toddler

We rented a car for our entire stay in Zakynthos, as otherwise, it would be too tough to get around. Driving in Greece was easy and the roads were great.

Zakynthos is full of kids and families so most hotels and restaurants even have small play areas

We visited the famous shipwreck beach viewpoint. While we were visiting the path was still open. We carried our son and the stroller so we had a spot to strap him while we took photos as I didn’t trust him not to wander away which would have been super unsafe.

Car Seats in Greece

Greece car seat laws say that while you need to have your child in a car seat in a private car you don’t need a car seat for a taxi .

We encountered zero problems when using public transportation with a baby . Whether it was a taxi or public bus, it was pretty easy and drivers always made sure that we were comfortable and so was the child.

We didn’t need to bring our own car seat, but we rented a car for our entire stay in Zakynthos so we traveled with WayB Pico .

Baby Products and Diapers in Greece

We were able to buy anything we needed to buy for the baby in Greece . There was a selection of diapers, even in the smallest store on the islands. Always a few types of wipes and baby food.

The only thing we couldn’t really find was apple juice that our son loves to drink and it took him a few days to get used to the “tropical mix” juice we could find in Greece. But that’s really not an issue at all.

Bringing Babies to Restaurants in Greece

Babies in Greece eat whatever you eat. I never saw any kids’ menus , but we have a rule of feeding our kids whatever we eat when we travel. Everyone always found a high chair or brought more bread , or anything to make the toddler happy.

At the end of the 2-week trip Dylan was pretty much Greek with the way he ate and always wanted to order more olives, Greek salad, and bread with oil.

Do you have any questions about traveling to Greece with a baby or toddler?

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Thursday 9th of May 2024

For the WayB pico car seat did you need a locking clip?

AnnaEverywhere

Sunday 26th of May 2024

If you need a locking clip you need to message the company and they'll send you one :)

Wednesday 1st of May 2024

Hi Anna. Thanks for keeping this blog- so useful! We are thinking of going to Crete, Naxos and Mykonos in July. We will have a 3yo and 9 month old. Both used to travelling and pretty easygoing kids- we’ve always travelled by moving around a lot. We’ve always took a small travel stroller with us on holidays but now we have 2 kids are trying to work out whether we are best to take a double or a single or possibly 2 travel strollers. Did you find you ate out lots in the evening? What sort of time do people tend to eat? We like a stroller as they’ll both fall asleep out and we are left to enjoy a nice dinner while they sleep in the stroller, but wonder if it’s too much hassle with strollers in Greece? Would you advice minimal luggage on ferry’s travelling between islands or does it not matter so much? Also you mentioned you found high chairs most places? Do you think that would be true on each of these islands? Thanks!

Thursday 2nd of May 2024

Hi! We ate out every night in Greece. People tend to eat around 8-9pm, because it's hot during the day you most people let the kids run around before. I'd say if you go to a restaurant at 7:30pm you might be the only weird person there and kitchen might not even be fully open. Kids will just adapt to this late nights and then napping in the middle of the day, don't worry! :) Definitely recommend a stroller for this exact reason, you might need to carry it up and down the stairs, but that's not a big deal with a lightweight one. High chairs honestly will be a hit or miss anywhere. We usually got a high chair, but quite often there was only one available so we got our kids used to eating without a high chair from like 1.5 years old and in the worst cdase scenario earlier they just ate sitting in the stroller or our lap.

Sunday 21st of April 2024

Hello, I’m planning to go to Greece for a wedding at the end of august. We will travel to Athens and Santorini coz the wedding will be at Santorini. I have two toddlers 6 and 4yrs. Obviously we can not carry stroller coz they are too old for that so we think to bring a cart I stead but seeing your post it won’t be convient to carry it. What do you suggest? Athens we think to take public transport and Santorini will rent a car. Thank you

Wednesday 24th of April 2024

For a 4 and 6 year old I'd say nothing to be honest. It would be extremely inconvenient in Santorini. For Athens you could use it, but maybe something like Dream on Me "stroller" between both of them.

Wednesday 6th of March 2024

Hello! We are thinking of possibly taking our 14 mo in August for a wedding in Mykonos. Any tips for hotels to stay at while there? Or Airbnbs? Thanks!

Thursday 7th of March 2024

They will all be very welcoming to little kids, so anything you think that suits you best :)

Sabrina Suertegaray

Friday 22nd of September 2023

We are thinking of travelling to Athens, Santorini, and Crete with our three month old baby. We were only going to stay in Athens for one day and spend the majority of our time in Santorini 2-3 nights and Crete 4-5 nights. Do you have any tips for us with our three month old? We are hoping he stays healthy and don’t have much information on medical facilities in the islands. Any tips on activities that would be easy for us? We are planning to go at the end of October.

Sunday 8th of October 2023

I never worried about medical facilities anywhere over the years honestly, doctors are everywhere in case something happens :)

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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 June 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 ’.

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 visitor to the city. 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.

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 beaches. 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.

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 .

Amoudi 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? 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.

___________________________________________

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 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?

From our blog.

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The Best things to do in Athens in 2024

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May 11, 2015 • 5 min read

The whole town turns out for a children’s harbourside ballet performance in Hydra. Image by Alexis Averbuck / Lonely Planet

Greece is one of the best countries in the world for travel with children. Rather than just catering to kids with entertainment parks and special menus, the Greeks will welcome them with true warmth and a natural sense of inclusion in all activities.  Expect locals to make a friendly fuss over your kids and try to treat Greek kids the same way, and a good time will be had by all.

With ruins to clamber over and child-geared sights to explore, there is plenty to keep children busy in Athens . From the Acropolis to the Ancient Agora , kids can retrace ancient history. Bring a book of Greek myths to read for bedtime stories, and they will have plenty to enliven the imagination.

Athens’ shady National Gardens has a playground, duck pond and mini zoo, or look for the fountain stocked with swimming turtles in neighbouring  Zappeio Gardens . You can escape the heat and entertain the kids with a virtual-reality tour of Ancient Greece at the  Hellenic Cosmos  or explore the universe at the impressive Planetarium . At the War Museum , kids can climb into the cockpit of a WWII plane and check out other aircraft in the courtyard.

The Museum of Greek Children’s Art has a room set aside where children can let loose their creative energy and learn about Ancient Greece. At the Hellenic Children’s Museum  kids can join Greek cooking and craft classes. A bit like a play centre, it has a games room and a number of exhibits for children to explore.

Further afield on the outskirts of the city, the enormous Allou Fun Park & Kidom ( allou.gr ) is Athens’ biggest amusement-park complex. Attica Zoological Park ( atticapark.com ) has an expanding collection of big cats, birds, reptiles and other animals, including a monkey forest and Cheetahland.

The sugar-cube island villages, glorious beaches and speedy catamarans linking the Cyclades daily make this island group ideal for families. In fact, when you think ‘Greek island holiday’ you’re probably imagining the iconic Cyclades. Many of the islands also offer outdoor activities and beach-side gear rental. For budding teenage kitesurfers, Paros  has some world-class sandy beaches with ideal conditions for kitesurfing. Wee coastal explorers will enjoy Milos with its multihued volcanic beaches. Naxos offers both beach life and striking temples, plus interior mountains so you can mix water play with relaxed local culture. You can easily set up on one island for your whole holiday, or jump between several.

The Peloponnese

From the ancient theatre at Epidavros where you can hear a pin drop a hundred meters away, to  Ancient Olympia , the site of the original Olympic Games, the Peloponnese is a playground of splendid kid-friendly historical sites. It also has the wonderful, walkable Venetian city of Nafplio . You could easily spend your whole holiday criss-crossing the villages and ruins of the Peloponnese, where the way of life remains refreshingly non-touristy.

You can let the kids loose on Crete’s long and sandy beaches, particularly on the north coast, or the swirling pink sands of Elafonisi and Falasarna, on the west coast. The island is also ideal for active family holidays, offering everything from hikes on short, easier sections of  gorges like Zakros, boat trips to deserted beaches along Hania’s south coast, or exploring caves such as the  Dikteon Cave on the Lasithi Plateau.

Iraklio has the best museums on the island, with sections that will fascinate children of all ages. A favourite is the  Natural History Museum , where the Discovery Centre is aimed entirely at kids and is crammed with interactive features. At the absorbing Cretaquarium ( cretaquarium.gr ) kids love the shark tank, the jellyfish tank and the hands-on pool. They’ll also enjoy the Water City ( watercity.gr ) fun park at Anapoli, southeast of Iraklio.

In Rethymno  children can recreate history at the Venetian fortress and romp along the lovely promenade.  Hania  charms youngsters with its quaint old town and buzzing market streets, and is the place to join the evening parade of families along the Venetian harbour. Crete is also perfect for kids because you can explore from a single base, without the need to pack up and move around.

Northern Greece

The mainland offers slightly lower summer temperatures, and  Halkidiki’s beaches and Ottoman-influenced patisseries will keep the kids happy. In the northwest, laid-back Ioannina makes a great base with its picturesque central lake, or explore into the mountain villages of the Zagorohoria .  Parga is popular with families, too.

Acropolis Athens’ iconic hilltop ruin is perfect to explore early in the day. Its associated Acropolis Museum also has a movie explaining the site’s history. From there you can wander central Athens’ bustling shopping streets and surrounding ancient sights.

Knossos  Young imaginations will go into overdrive when let loose on these Cretan ruins , thought to top a mythic labyrinth. Be sure to pair it with a visit to the excellent Iraklio Archaeological Museum , where all the treasures are housed.

Hydra If time is short and you’d like to take the kids to just one island, go to this small, car-less island in the Saronic Gulf, just an hour and 40 minutes from Athens. Taxi boats zip between beaches, and though the coast is stony rather than sandy, kids and parents alike thrive in this environment where instead of dodging cars and scooters, you stroll the petite waterfront and watch donkeys carrying their loads.

Medieval forts   Rhodes and Corfu offer magnificent fortresses perched by the sea – great for climbing and make-believe.

Volcanoes Hear Nisyros’ volcano hiss and bubble, explore Santorini’s caldera edge and multihued beaches, or take excursion boats around low-key volcanic Milos.

Top activities

Beach time   Jump waves, build sandcastles and snorkel. Older kids can join the windsurfers in Lefkada or kiteboarders in Paros. Alternatively, the kids can splash around water parks at some of the larger and more popular locations such as Rhodes, Crete and Athens.

Boat trips Zip over the sea in a catamaran, bob up and down in a fishing boat or sail to a secluded bay on a day trip. Or pick a kayak to paddle alongside dolphins and visit pirate coves in places like  Kefallonia .

Cycling Use pedal-power along the flat, bike-friendly roads of islands such as  Kos .

Evening promenade On hot summer nights you’ll find Greek life is in the squares and harbours. Have your kids take afternoon naps (like the Greeks), so they can join the nighttime fun with you.

Carnivals  Fancy dress, parades and traditional dancing will keep the kids enthralled. Skyros and  Patra  carnivals draw the biggest crowds.

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Guide to Greece with kids: Greek islands to cities

With 227 inhabited islands to explore and one of the world’s most ancient cities (just for starters), you could happily spend a lifetime discovering Greece with kids.

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Hugely family-friendly, with wonderful coast, unspoiled countryside, fantastic food and the chance to pack several destinations into one easy trip, I’ve been back over and over again with my daughter.

So if you’re wondering where to begin, this guide to Greece with kids gives you ideas on planning a family holiday in Greece, ideas for a city break or an island hop, when to go, where to stay and more.

Contents - click to jump to a section

Practical info

Getting to Greece

There are 15 international airports in Greece. Only 5 of these are on the mainland, while the rest are located on the Greek Islands. A further 20 regional airports help connect the lesser-visited regions and smaller islands.

Many low-cost carriers fly directly from European destinations to Greece and the Greek Islands.

If you’re coming from outside of Europe, most national airlines only fly to Athens airport (ATH). Flights to other regions and the islands will include a connection in a larger city such as Athens, London, or Paris.

When to go 

Greece has its merits no matter what time of year you decide to visit. The best weather in Greece is from April to November. Wherever in the country you visit during this time, you can expect to enjoy sunny days and very little rain. 

During peak summer, temperatures in Greece can soar to 35C+. This is great if you’re relaxing on a beach on a Greek island (just remember to apply plenty of sunscreen) – but not ideal for exploring cities and wandering around ancient ruins.

Avoid visiting Athens in August unless you enjoy heatstroke… and huge crowds.

The shoulder months of April, May, September, and October are the best times to visit Greece for warm but bearable weather and smaller tourist crowds.

However, the Easter weekend can get particularly busy, and prices go through the roof over this period – bear in mind that this is celebrated according to the Greek Orthodox calendar, and is usually slightly later than in the rest of western Europe.

During the winter, you can explore the ancient sites of Athens without the crowds (ideal if you’re visiting Athens with a baby or younger kids. Or head down to the more southerly Greek islands such as Crete , Kos or Rhodes for some of the mildest winter climates in the Mediterranean.

It won’t quite be sunbathing and swimming weather, but it will be warm enough for sightseeing. There’s also more open on these larger islands during the off-season than on the smaller islands that close down after most tourists leave.

What to see

From the world-famous archaeological sites and ancient ruins of Athens to the beautiful white sand beaches and luxury holiday resorts of the Greek islands, there’s certainly no shortage of fantastic things to see and do all across Greece.

And while Greece is best known for its ancient cities and beautiful beaches, 80% of the country is covered in mountains so it’s even a great destination for hiking holidays.

Fancy an island break? The country includes 6,000 islands and islets, although only 227 of these are inhabited.

Plus of course, more history than you can shake an ancient artefact at: not just the Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens , you can find more at Knossos on Crete , on Delos near Mykonos, on Kos , as well as elsewhere on the mainland such as Sparta (although finding ancient Spartans is just one of the things to do in Sparta, Greece ).

To start you off, below is a brief introduction to the major cities, regions, and island groups, and their highlights.

Detailed articles 

For more tips on visiting Greece with kids, check out some of my posts:

Island hopping in Greece – itineraries for the Ionian islands and Cyclades

13 reasons to go island hopping in Greece with kids

The best things to do in Athens with kids

Visiting Athens with a baby – a 2-day Athens itinerary

Review – an Acropolis tour with kids

Review – a street art tour of Athens with kids

Review – Athens4 hotel with kids

Review – Acro Urban Suites aparthotel

Ionian islands

The best things to do in Kefalonia with kids

Visiting Kefalonia’s Melissani Cave with kids

The best beaches in Kefalonia with kids

The best things to do in Corfu Town with kids

One day in Corfu – lost and found

The best things to do in Skiathos with kids

The best things to do in Kos with kids

The best things to do in Rhodes with kids

Tips for visiting the Acropolis of Lindos with kids

Gennadi Grand Resort – my review

The best things to do in Crete with kids

Visiting Knossos with kids – tips on exploring the ancient Minoan palace

The best things to do in Heraklion with kids

North Aegean islands

One day in Chios

Travelling within Greece

The best way to travel around the Greek mainland is by road. Greece’s rail network is extremely limited and will only take you between the main cities. 

The country’s extensive bus network is operated by KTEL and connects most cities, towns, and major attractions. Buses in Greece are modern, comfortable, and affordable. You can buy tickets at the stations or on board.

Alternatively, hiring a car for your trip gives you more freedom to travel at your own pace and visit off-the-beaten-path locations. Car hire is fairly cheap and roads are easy enough to navigate. UK license holders don’t need an International Drivers Permit to drive in Greece.

If you’re planning to hire a car to explore Greece with kids, one of my favourite sites is Zest Car Rental which I used for our trip to Rhodes

If you’re just looking for an airport transfer to one of the major Greek cities, or don’t need a car for every day, check out Welcome Pickups which we’ve used in Athens.

For hopping around the Greek Islands, boat is the most popular way to travel – the Ferryhopper website is a good way to compare routes and prices.

Pedestrian and car ferries connect the mainland with many of the islands, and regularly run between the islands. The farther away islands can be reached by overnight ferry or regional planes.

Flight resources 

Skyscanner  is the website I tend to start with to compare rates for my flights.

Money-saving tip:  Don’t input any dates to scan the best available times to go OR simply input ‘Greece’ instead of a specific airport – you may get a much cheaper flight!

For more  ways to save on a city break with kids , check out my top tips

Accommodation resources

When I travel, I often prefer to book a villa to give me plenty of space while exploring Greece with kids, as well as all the facilities including a kitchen (although you’re missing out if you don’t visit a few local tavernas).

Check out Plumguide , which has a range of accommodation that’s been individually vetted, and which you can filter if you’re travelling with babies or kids, including some great places to stay in Athens with kids.

For a luxury villa stay, companies like Top Villas .has properties across Greece, including the mainland as well as the islands.

There are some great hotels to choose in Greece with kids too – we’ve stayed at the lovely all-inclusive Ikos Dassia in Corfu as well as the luxurious Elivi Skiathos and Lagas Aegean Village in Kos.

Or check out some of the big package holiday operators like TUI which has a mix of self-catering apartments in Greece right up to all-inclusive hotels.

Jet2Holidays also has a range of places to stay in Greece with kids, including accommodation on several different islands and flights included.

For standard hotel stays,  Booking.com  usually offers the best deals, including free cancellation, or check out hotels.com .

Safety tips

Greece is generally a very safe destination to visit. Crimes against tourists are extremely low and the country is welcoming towards families.

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing sometimes occur in busier destinations like Athens. Take basic precautions and look after your belongings, especially when walking through crowded areas, visiting touristy landmarks, and travelling on the metro.

There have been some recent reports of minor scams against tourists at beach resorts on the Greek Islands, such as overcharging at restaurants.

To avoid scams, do your research in advance, look for menu prices before sitting down, and check the bill before paying.

Money saving tips

Greece has shifted from a budget backpacking spot to a luxury holiday destination over the last few decades. But there are still ways you can save money on your trip.

• Visit during off-season to save on flights and accommodation.
• Get off-the-beaten-path rather than heading to popular tourist destinations.
• Generally, the mainland is cheaper than the Greek Islands.
• When island-hopping, book the older, slower (sometimes overnight) ferries rather than the high-speed catamarans and hydrofoils.
• Opt for Gyros and other tasty street foods rather than eating at expensive restaurants.
• Find free activities to do, such as relaxing on the beach or hiking.

For more tips on  ways to save on a city break with kids , including city passes and finding cheap (or free) tours, check out this post.

Packing for Greece

If you’re visiting Greece during the scorching summer months, make sure to pack sunscreen, aftersun, sun hats, and water bottles. Unless you want to return home with a family of lobsters that is!

Loose, lightweight clothing will be your best friend on sticky, humid days, although if you’re visiting in shoulder season, it’s worth including a lightweight umbrella.

When swapping between the mountains and beaches in some regions of Greece, layers are a must. Temperatures can change significantly depending on the terrain and time of day.

And definitely don’t forget your camera. The ancient ruins and beautiful whitewashed island towns make fantastic backdrops for family photos. 

Check out my complete family holiday travel planner here, including packing lists and more

Lonely Planet guides are always my favourite starting point – the  Lonely Planet Guide to Greece & the Greek Islands covers the whole country or try the Pocket Athens guide if you’re visiting the capital.

If you’re likely to be exploring historic sites, there are also some great books for kids on Ancient Greece to bring the ancient stones to life, including So You Think You’ve Got It Bad? A Kid’s Life in Ancient Greece , while the Horrible Histories range includes Groovy Greeks .

My daughter also has this gorgeous Usborne Book of Greek Myths , perfect for kids who love tales of gods, heroes and monsters.

For more ideas of the best kids’ books about Greece , check out my top picks

Covid resources

Before making any travel reservations, be sure to check the COVID restrictions currently in place in Greece.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission

Boat at Skiathos/Symi/Lagas Aegean Village/Issos beach copyright MummyTravels, all other Iiages courtesy of Depositphotos

Award-winning family travel blogger and mum to the mini traveller, aka Minnie. Together we've visited Europe, America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, tried a cruise and a road trip, and survived countless long-haul trips. London (UK) based. Serious beach habit.

Hi Cathy, I love your articles! I have 2 children under 10 and I am itching to start traveling with them. I have always wanted to go to Greece so thinking to do that for our first big European trip. I would love to take the whole month of June to go to Greece. I was thinking to rent an house/Villa for 2 weeks in maybe Crete and then 2 weeks somewhere else that is more accessible to island hopping. Any suggestions? Thank you and keep traveling! Kathy

Thank you! And Greece would be a fantastic place for a big trip, as it’s so easy to combine a few different islands (and so family friendly). Two weeks in Crete to start off sounds great, as there’s masses to do on the island – you might even want to consider one week in one location on Crete as it’s so big, one week in another so you can explore more widely?

Then there are a couple of other island groups which would be fun for island hopping. You could try the Dodecanese: there’s a direct ferry from Crete to Rhodes, and it’s easy then to visit Kos, Symi, even Turkey once you’re there.

I also love the Ionian islands, including Kefalonia, Zakynthos and Corfu, which will be lovely in June but it’s a bit more complicated to get there from Crete unfortunately – you’d need to go via Athens, I think – and it’s not quite as set up for island hopping.

It’s easier to get to the Cyclades: you’ll need to go via Santorini normally (beautiful but busy) but then can get to quieter islands like Folegandros and Milos, as well as Mykonos (also lovely but busy), and Paros and Naxos (although it’s a while since I was last there)

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Greece with Kids: A Family Guide

Why visit greece with kids.

Few countries in the world are as family-friendly as Greece is. Greece has the perfect combination of great weather, incredible beaches , history, culture, and outdoor activities. Greeks love kids and they are welcome everywhere. Greece has something to do for each member of the family. The Kids Love Greece team has created a list of top things to do in Greece. Are you not convinced yet? Contact us at Kids Love Greece, we are happy to share our passion and experience in traveling in Greece with kids with you.

Where to travel in Greece with Kids?

Some areas in Greece are more suitable for families than others and offer specific family activities. We’ve listed the main areas on mainland Greece and the Greek islands. For more inspiration and information about regions in Greece, contact us, we are here to help!

Athens is a must for families visiting Greece. It is home to the famous Parthenon, where kids will have great fun climbing the Acropolis rock and imagining how life must have been 2000 years ago. The Ancient Agora is another archaeological site where kids will enjoy themselves.

Other kid-friendly highlights of Athens include watching the Changing of the Guard, taking some time in the National Garden or having a snack in the Little Kook fairytale-themed cafe.

What else can you do in Athens? Kids Love Greece organizes a full range of family-friendly activities including guided tours, kayaking, cycling, sailing tours, and farm visits.

Have a look here for more ideas!

Cycladic Islands

If you have an image in your mind of what a Greek island looks like, it is probably one of the Cycladic Islands. White-washed houses, blue-domed churches, sparkling seas with crystal clear water – you get the picture!

The most popular islands are Santorini and Mykonos , but there are many more. Naxos , for instance, is also a popular destination for families. There are many kid-friendly activities in the Cycladic Islands such as water sports, hiking, and family cooking workshops.

The archaeological site of Akrotiri on Santorini and the ancient temple at Delos are two important historic attractions for families.

If there is one island which has it all, it’s Crete . The largest of the Greek islands, it is almost a country in its own right, with its own culture, traditions, and even regional accent. The most famous archaeological site here is Knossos – home of King Minos, the Minotaur, and the fabled labyrinth. There are plenty of other sites to explore, such as Venetian castles and the site of Phaistos , where an undeciphered disc was found. Will your kids be the ones to reveal what it says? Kid-friendly activities on Crete – Crete has everything such as outdoor activities , water sports, and visits to archaeological sites. Perhaps its strongest point is that Crete is an ideal destination for a genuine and authentic Greek experience.

The Peloponnese

Many Greek myths and stories of ancient cities originate from the Peloponnese region. The powerful and advanced Mycenaean civilization is the best example. This region is especially recommended for families interested in ancient and historic sites.

When you add in Greece’s rich Byzantine and Venetian legacy of castles and cities, the sheer depth of what there is to see in Greece with kids becomes apparent. The Peloponnese in Greece is a great area to explore during a road trip .

Kid-friendly activities in the Peloponnese such as hiking, cycling, and caving as well as archaeological visits are available. Agrotourism is also popular in this part of Greece. The Peloponnese has long golden coasts with excellent beaches ideal for families with kids.

Northern Greece

Let’s not forget the Greek mainland! Important centers of Ancient Greek civilization such as Delphi , Thebes, and Mount Olympia are key places to visit on a mythological tour of Greece with kids.

The area around Ioannina is popular with families looking for active holidays, the magnificent monasteries at Meteora are a place of wonder, and the beaches on the west coast of Greece are pristine and unspoiled.

Top activities in Greece with Kids

Ancient greece for kids – the fun way.

Whoever said that visiting archaeological sites and museums was boring has obviously never visited Greece before!

Do it the right way, and your kids will be super excited about what they have learned during their Greece visit. The key is to keep kids engaged. That is why Kids Love Greece has selected kid-friendly guided tours to all the major archaeological sites in Greece.

When visiting Athens, we strongly recommend our family tour with our tablet and 3D app so that the kids can see the Acropolis the way it used to be.

The interactive tour of the Ancient Agora in Athens is another must-do when visiting Athens with kids. With an enthusiastic local guide who specializes in family tours, your children will love discovering Ancient Greece!

The Ultimate Mythological Adventure in Greece

If you want to take your Ancient Greece adventure to the next level, we have put together some great mythological tour packages, which we’ve themed as The Percy Jackson experience .

If your kids are already fans of the Percy Jackson books, then they will love this! The idea is to weave in tales from ancient mythology throughout the vacation. They will learn all about the mighty Minotaur, the Greek Gods such as Zeus, important centers such as Delphi and a lot more. If neither you nor your kids have heard of Percy Jackson before, we’d suggest getting them into it now. This will really fire them up for their time in Greece!

Water sport and outdoor adventure

Whilst the ancient history of Greece is an important factor, there is more! Many people never see an archaeological site during their vacation in Greece. They’re too busy enjoying time on the beach, having fun playing sports, or taking part in other outdoor activities. In Greece, there is a lot to choose from.

● Water sports – With over 6000 islands, there are a lot of coastlines in Greece, and this has opened up literally endless possibilities for water sports. During your vacation, the kids can try water-skiing, surfing, snorkeling, scuba-diving, windsurfing, parasailing or kitesurfing. They could try a different water sport every day, and still, leave some untried for the next vacation! ● Outdoor activities – Leaving the sea behind, the varied landscape of Greece is an incredibly inviting place for anyone who loves outdoor activities. Ranging from gentle pursuits such as walking and family city bike tours in Athens . There is an outdoor activity to match every adrenaline level! ● Workshops – Another way to keep the kids busy during their time in Greece is to sign up for a family workshop or two. You can learn how to bake local delicacies , make your own art, or even try your hand at pottery . ● Cultural Experiences – There is a growing agritourism industry in Greece, where locals are keen to share their knowledge and traditions that have been passed down for generations.

Find out more about vacations in Greece with Kids

Kids Love Greece is specialized in creating tailor-made vacations for families looking to visit Greece based on their interests. To get started, have a look here and leave a request for a family proposal.

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Hi we are looking to do a trip to Greece in 2024/2025 We are a family of 4 ( kids will be 13 and 9) they love history, activities and food

My son is a super Percy jackson fan Was thinking Athena, meteor, naxos (i want to see the pink beaches) santorini or mykonos and whatever else you would suggest They have 2 weeks holiday in April and a month in August

Dear Nicole, thank you so much for your message. We can certainly help you plan an amazing family trip for your family of 4 which will combine our Percy Jackson-themed tours (in Athens, Delphi, Epidaurus, Olympia, Epidaurus, Corinth, Mycenae, and Knossos) as well as fun and engaging culinary and outdoor activities in other places in Greece. Maria has already sent you an email! Looking forward to your response.

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9 fantastic places to visit in greece with kids.

A mom’s selection of fantastic places to visit in Greece with kids. Perfect places in Greece for a family vacation with sea, sun and history and tons of fun for kids and adults.

Greece is a fantastic destination for a family holiday .

Blessed with a beautiful coastline, crystal clear waters and some of the prettiest towns in the Mediterranean, Greece is the perfect beach vacation destination for a spring or summer holiday with the kids and it is also fantastic for culturally curious families.

Greece has some of the most exciting and striking archaeological sites in the world: Athens, Knossos and Delphi are just the most famous but there are plenty of places history lovers and archaeologists in the making will adore.

This is out guide to the best places to visit in Greece with kids and ideas on child-friendly activities for a family vacation in Greece.

This post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission.

Table of Contents

The best things to do in Greece with kids

Enjoy crete with kids.

Crete is one of the most popular islands in Greece for a family vacation and it is indeed a special place.

A large island, Crete has all families may want from a beach vacation destination.

In Crete, you find family-friendly beaches, lovely towns, historical sites, water parks, opportunities to go boating and swimming, hiking opportunities and lots of tourist facilities for a stress-free holiday.

Crete is perfect for families with different travel styles as it offers all inclusive resorts but also the opportunity to get a self catering apartment and explore like a local.

Among the many child-friendly activities in Crete, there are the  Labyrinth Park , the Natural History Museum  and  Crete Aquarium  and of course Crete’s many beaches.

A must-see in Crete at any age is the stunning Knossos Palace. This is one of the most important and beautiful archaeological sites in Greece and one the kids and yourself are likely to love.

You can have a look at the many  family-friendly hotels and apartments in Crete here

Explore Athens with kids

Athens is the capital of Greece and it has one of the most beautiful sites I have ever visited: the Acropolis.

The Acropolis is the ancient city of Athens and it is now a beautiful archaeological site that overlooks the modern city.

Crowned by the Parthenon, the Acropolis is one of those places that you simply cannot miss when visiting Greece.

The birthplace of democracy as we know it, ancient Athens has huge importance as the cradle of Western culture and it is also a place of immense beauty, where nature and architecture come together with spectacular results.

The Acropolis is wonderful to visit with kids of primary school age and up especially, who may have studied Greek history in school.

Top tip! The Acropolis gets very hot and sunny: I recommend you go early in the morning and book a family tour geared towards children to make the most of your visit. Make sure you also plan enough time for the wonderful National Archaeological Museum.

Other fun things to do in Athens with kids include exploring the Plaka neighborhood, which is pretty and full of cafes and food places, the delightful Anafiotika district with its pretty, whitewashed houses and street cats, and a visit to Syntagma square, great for kids as it hosts the scenic changing of the guards, which is quite a show!

Athens is perfect for a weekend with the kids as a starting point to your Greek adventure.

Especially in summer, however, I recommend you only plan a couple of days here and spend the rest of the time on the coast or road tripping.

You can read here >>> all out tips for visiting Athens with kids

Top tip! a great way to explore Athens with kids in a shoer amount of time is by joining a family walking tour . This is a fun way to get to know the city and see areas you may otherwise miss, at a pace that suits everyone, including the youngest member of your family!

Go on a mainland Greece road trip

People tend to sing the praises of Greece’s beaches but there is a lot more to Greece than the sea!

One of my favorite ways to visit the country is to get a car and get a on a family road trip .

The distances in Greece are not big and you can see many places when driving your own vehicle.

Our favorite Greece itinerary crosses the country from northeast to south.

Some places we recommend are Thessaloniki and its wonderful Byzantine churches, Mount Olympus, Meteora, Delphi and Corinth (impressive for kids due to its geography) and the Peloponnese, one of the most underrated yet stunning parts of the country!

A road trip in Greece such as this one is a fantastic way to explore different sides of Greece and it is perfect for families as it doesn’t require long drives.

In about 7 to 10 days, you can see many sites without long hours behind the wheel – perfect for the driver and the kids in the back!

Discover the Peloponnese

The Peloponnese is that part of mainland Greece that looks like a hand stretching into the mediterranean.

It is a varied, beautiful area with many things to see.

If you love history, the Peloponnese is where you will find Sparta, Argos, Mycenae and Epidaurus, just some of the most important archaeological sites from the Mycenean time and classical Greece era.

If you want to enjoy Greece’s small towns, pretty seaside villages and beaches, Peloponnese is also great: Nafplios is as pretty as a picture and we are in love with Koroni, which is a coastal town with tons of local charm.

You can find here >>> our detailed account and itinerary of our family road trip in Peloponnese with kids .

Enjoy the stunning island of Corfu

Corfu is a beautiful island in the Ionian Sea, between Greece and Italy.

It is one of the best Greek islands for kids and a fantastic place for families who want a bit of everything: glorious hills, cozy villages, pristine beaches and it also has fun water parks for those days when the kids just need to let their energy out and have a blast!

Corfu has several shallow bodies of water where kids and even toddlers can enjoy swimming and splashing. 

Family beaches not to be missed in Corfu are also Palaiokastritsa and Halikounas, which has beautiful sand and you are also like to enjoy Sidari.

The town of Corfu itself is lovely and has delightful small alleys that are a pleasure for village exploring with kids.

Among the many things that make Corfu a great as a family destination is that it is a good base for organized tours and island hopping.

From here, you can easily hop on a  day cruise to Paxos and Antipaxos , a  walking tour around the pretty city center  (perfect to find your feet on your first day) – two lovely options for curious families like ours, who like to mix time on the beach and some exploring!

Find family-friendly hotels and rentals in Corfu here .

Have a family sun holiday in the Cycladis islands

The Cycladis are a cluster of islands in the Aegean Sea and are among the most beautiful and famous Greek islands you can find.

Mikonos and Santorini are here but so are islands such as Paros, which have a more family-friendly vibe. If you are looking for a quintessential Greek island vacation, Paros and its beaches are ideal.

It is blessed with picturesque blue-domed churches, pretty harbors and gorgeous sandy beaches and, while popular, it is less crowded as the other Greek islands which is a surprise when you see how stunning it is.  

Among the best kid-friendly beaches in Paros there are Santa Maria, large and with shallow waters perfect for small kids (one of the best beaches in Paros for toddlers), Kolymbithres (quiet and with lovely, protected coves), sandy Bartselo and the aptly-named Golden beach.

You can find a good selection of family hotels in Paros here

See awe-inspiring Unesco World Heritage sites

One of the things I love the most about Greece is how many UNESCO sites the country has and how varied they are.

Some are sun drenched and some are surrounded by luscious greenery but they are all worth a visit for their educational and historical value but also for their sheer beauty. Some not to be missed are:

The Acropolis – already mentioned, the ancient Athen with the Parthenon and some of the most beautiful views and ancient buildings you can see in Greece and the world

Delphi – surrounded by stunning mountains, home to the ancient Apollo’s oracle and the ‘omphalos’, the navel of the world

Olympia – famous as a religious center for worshipping Zeus and for the Olympic Games, that take their name from the locality.

Philippi – a wonderful (but very hot in summer!) archaeological site famous for the battle between Mark Anthony and Octavianus again the killers of Julius Caesar.

Mycenae – with imposing ruins one of the most important cities of the Mycenaean civilization, which dominated this part of Greece from 15th to the 12th century B.C and built the foundations of Classical Greek culture.

Epidaurus – a fantastic site with a shrine to Aesclapius, God of medicine

Meteora – famous for breathtaking monasteries perched on top of tall sandstone natural formations

Let the kids go wild in Greece’s waterparks

Up to know, I have listed places to explore and discover in Greece with kids but there are a lot of child-friendly attractions in Greece too that are perfect for sheer holiday fun.

Theme parks and water parks are becoming more and more popular due to tourist demand and they are independent parks or part of all-inclusive resort.

Among the most famous ones your kids may enjoy there are Allou Fun Park in Athens , Aqualand in Corfu and the Waterpark in Rhodes .

Relax in Greece’s all-inclusive family resorts

If you are looking for a sun holiday destination where you can simply relax and enjoy a resort experience, then Greece delivers!

Resorts come in all shapes and sizes in Greece and at different price points. Some of the most popular destinations for this type of holiday are Rhodes, Crete , Mikonos , Corfu , and Kos .

What to pack for visiting Greece with kids

Greece is a a wonderful sun vacation destination so what you want to pack for a family vacation in Greece in summer is anything you may need to enjoy the sun!

You can find our full family beach vacation packing list here however, these are our must have:

Water shoes for kids – Greece has many pebble and rocky beaches and water shoes are a must to protect small feet, especially if used to closed winter shoes!

A kids snorkel set – to make the most of those stunning clear waters of Greece

Swimsuit, beach towels and light clothing – for the beach and sightseeing

A camera for you and kids’ action camera so the kids can also bring home their captures

A good crossbody bag for you – so you can have all you need on days out

Good travel shoes for kids and good walking sandals for you, for long days sightseeing.

I hope you enjoyed this quick overview of fun things to do in Greece with kids and it inspired you to visit. Safe travel planning!

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Marta Correale

Marta Correale is the creator, writer and creative mind behind Learning Escapes. A travel loving mama of two from Italy, Marta currently lives in Ireland with her husband and two kids, they take frequent trips to European destination, the US and beyond. A professional travel blogger for over a decade, Marta is passionate about traveling with kids and helping others to travel more and better as a family.

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30 Gratifying Things To Do in Greece With Kids

Posted on Last updated: January 11, 2024

Home » Destinations » Europe » Greece » 30 Gratifying Things To Do in Greece With Kids

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Are you planning a family vacation to Greece? Keep scrolling for my top things to do in Greece with kids that are guaranteed to help you make fantastic memories!

This list of things to do in greece with kids was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Planning your family vacation but not sure if there are many things to do in Greece with kids?

If you’ve heard that Greece can get crowded and many Greek islands become one big party in the summer, that’s only half of the story. Yes, lots of couples and groups of young tourists do visit Greece.

But thousands of families travel to Greece with kids every year too!

Greece has 227 inhabited islands offering beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, charming car-free villages, and fun indoor and outdoor activities in Greece for kids of all ages. 

You’ll also find lots of cool things to do in Athens, Greece with family if you’re flying into the capital before your island break. Some of the other best places to visit in Greece with family are Corfu, Paros, Crete, and even Mykonos.

This guide will give you lots of inspiration for fun things to do in Greece so you can enjoy a fantastic Greece vacation with kids that you’ll all talk about for years to come!

30 Great Things To Do in Greece With Kids

The parthenon at the acropolis in athens.

Visiting the Acropolis is a must-do activity in Athens, Greece with kids and the Parthenon is just one of the ancient ruins that sit on top of this hill. 

And don’t write off the Acropolis Museum ! There’s an awesome LEGO model of the site that your kids will love.

It can get extremely crowded and hot during the midday sun, so head there first thing in the morning to avoid the worst of both.  Check the latest rates and availability .

Guard-Changing Ceremony in Syntagma Square, Athens

What is it about parades and people wearing unusual clothing that kids love?! 

One of the best places to visit in Greece with kids is Syntagma Square in Athens next to the Hellenic Parliament during the changing of the guard ceremony . It takes place every hour and involves lots of stomping that looks almost like dancing.

Little Kook Patisserie in Athens

While there are lots of cute family-friendly cafés in Athens, the Little Kook Patisserie takes the cake.

It’s a fairytale-inspired café that constantly changes its theme. Sometimes it’s Mary Poppins and other times it’s Alice in Wonderland or the Nutcracker; it’s part of the fun!

Their specialties are sugar-laded cakes, ice creams, and coffees.

Book a Family Photo Shoot

Whenever we travel, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND guarantee that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.

Allou! Fun Park in Athens

Take a short bus ride east of Athens’s historic center and you’ll find Allou! Fun Park . It’s an amusement park with rides catering to children of all ages from kindergarten and upwards.

You can ride Ferris wheels, teacups, and rollercoasters all day. It’s one of the many reasons to travel to Greece for families.

Stray Cats in the Anafiotika District of Athens

You’ll find one of the best Greek activities for kids roaming around every city and village street in the country. Cats! 

Most cats in Greece aren’t domesticated and they’re often skulking and lounging around everywhere, particularly in the Anafiotika District. If you have animal-loving kids, they won’t be able to resist a stroke.

Santa Maria Beach in Paros

Some of the best places in Greece for kids are the beaches. As long as you have a bucket and spade in a sheltered cove then your kids will be occupied for hours.

Santa Maria Beach in Paros is one of the most family-friendly beaches on this Cyclades island. Some other kid-friendly beaches in Paros include Kolymbithres and Bartselo.

Snorkel on Golden Beach in Paros

Golden Beach is another one of the best places to visit in Greece with family if you have older, elementary-age kids. It’s a long, sandy beach where the coastline dips so it’s calmer and more secluded.

It’s the perfect beach for kid-friendly watersports like snorkeling. Visiting Golden Beach is one of the best things to do in Paros for families.

Butterfly Nature Reserve on the Island of Paros

Open from June to September, the Butterfly Nature Reserve is one of the best things to do in Greece to escape the heat of the midday sun with your kids.

Located in dense woodland are thousands and thousands of butterflies. It’s a small park with trails and some steps so you’ll need a carrier if you have a baby or toddler.

Paleokastritsa Beach in Corfu

Paleokastritsa Beach is a popular kid-friendly beach on the Ionian Island of Corfu but there are so many great choices.

Agios Gordis, Pelekas, Acharavi, Issos, and Glyfada are also secluded, sandy, and safe beaches to enjoy a family beach day.

Aqualand Corfu Water Park

No matter where you travel on vacation, waterparks are always a winner with kids. Luckily, Corfu boasts one of the top, highly-rated places to visit in Greece with family and that’s the Aqualand Water Park .

It’s a sprawling complex of slides, pools, hot tubs, and lazy rivers. They even have a video arcade! Check the latest rates and availability .

Horse Trek through Olive Groves in Corfu

Corfu is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Greece thanks to its abundance of olive groves.

It would be such a fun experience to be able to trek through these groves with your little ones!

There are lots of local companies (Trailriders Horse Trekking, Horseland Kavos, and Angel’s Horses are some) that cater to young riders.

Glass-Bottomed Boats in Corfu

You can’t visit the Greek Islands without going on a sailing trip, even for an hour or two! The Kalypso Star departs the Old Harbor of Corfu Town every hour and it caters so well to kids.

There’s a glass bottom so you can see the fish swimming below and they even give out fish feed so your kids can get in on the action.

Achillion Palace in Corfu

This extravagant 19th-century Achilles-themed mansion is a far cry from the dusty ancient ruins that you’ll no doubt be visiting a lot of in Greece.

Inside, it’s filled with Ancient Greek-inspired statues, and outside there’s a lovely garden with palm trees and panoramic sea views. Perfect for family photos! Check the latest rates and availability .

Plakias Beach in Crete

Greece’s largest island, Crete is a beautiful, relaxed island and many consider it the best place to visit in Greece for families. 

Plakias Beach is one of the best places to go in Greece with kids thanks to its ample size and nearby restaurants, bars, and other amenities. Other great family-friendly beaches in Crete include Karavostasi, Preveli, Marathi, Loutraki, Kalathas, and Stavros.

Cave of Diktaion Andron (Birthplace of Zeus) in Crete

One of the absolutely best things to do in Greece, with kids or not, is to visit the Cave of Diktaion Andron . You cannot go to Crete and not visit the birthplace of Zeus!

There are lots of wooden paths and walkways so you should be able to walk quite far into the cave even if you have a stroller. There’s a small Greek mythology theme park right outside too. Check the latest rates and availability .

Labyrinth Park on the Island of Crete

But if you are interested in visiting the best mythology-themed amusement park in Crete, Labyrinth Park is the best. 

It has a maze, mini golf, horseback riding, a fun house, and even a petting zoo tied to fun mythological stories and characters.

Knossos Palace on the Island of Crete

Speaking of mythology, the Knossos Palace is the partially reconstructed palace of King Minos dating back to 1,600 BC. It has links to the myth of the Minotaur.

The ground is super uneven but it’s a great place to take older kids, especially if they’ve been learning about the Ancient Greeks at school. Check the latest rates and availability .

Natural History Museum of Crete

Natural history museums can be a little hit-and-miss depending on what interests your kids have, but the Natural History Museum of Crete goes to a lot of effort to provide activities specifically to entertain children.

There’s an earthquake simulator and a ton of realistic and to-scale model Dinosaurs.

Kounaviano Gorge in Crete

The islands of Greece have so many nature reserves and hiking trails but these can be difficult to do with young kids. Luckily, the Kounaviano Gorge is much more child-friendly.

The trails are short and the paths are well-shaded with lush vegetation. 

Pottery Making in Crete

Want to do a cultural Greek activity that is fun for the whole family? Sign up for a pottery-making experience in Crete.

Lots of studios run workshops for visitors including Cretan Spiral Pottery and the simply named Pottery Workshop.

CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos in Crete

One of the best aquariums in Europe, the CRETAquarium boasts over 200 species of sealife including brightly-colored reef fish, turtles, and sharks. 

It’s a huge spot and perfect for children of all ages since you can easily bring a stroller here. Check the latest rates and availability .

Agios Ioannis Beach in Mykonos

Mykonos has a reputation for being a party island, but that’s just one side of the story. Like Ibiza in Spain, depending on where you stay on this Cyclades island, you’ll have a completely different vacation!

Mykonos has so many quiet and pretty family-friendly beaches like Agios Ioannis that you’ll be spoiled for choice. Some other recommendations are Agios Stefanos, Cavo Psarou, Agia Anna, and Platys Gialos.

Sunset by the Windmills of Mykonos

It’s a popular experience but you really cannot visit Mykonos without viewing the sunset by the island’s famous windmills. 

Take note of the sunset time earlier in the day and show up 10 or 15 minutes beforehand. 

You won’t snag the best spot, but the view will be beautiful no matter where you are. Plus, if you have young kids they’re less likely to get bored.

Mykonos Town and Little Venice in Mykonos

Some of the best places to visit in Greece for kids are the island villages. Almost all of them are car-free so you don’t have to worry about traffic safety and they have tons of cats roaming around.

Mykonos Town and Little Venice are two great places to stroll around with your kids. While you’re there, check out the five churches of Panagia Paraportiani.

Cine Manto in Mykonos

Santorini’s Cinema Kamari might be one of the best open-air cinemas in Europe, but there are outdoor cinemas all over the country and they’re one of the top things to do in Greece.

Cine Manto is Mykonos’s version and they screen family-friendly English language films (with Greek subtitles) twice an evening during the summer months. Grab your popcorn and get cozy!

Things To Do in Greece With Kids FAQs

Is greece a good place to visit with kids.

Visiting Greece with children is a very good idea! Greece has some of the best beaches in the world with soft white sand and calm, clear waters and most beach resorts are family-friendly.

There are plenty of other Greece activities for kids like snorkeling, short hikes, cool ruins, amusement parks, and spotting local wildlife.

Greece travel with kids is also easy because Greek people love kids and always make a fuss over them. Greek cuisine is generally crowd-pleasing and even the fussiest of eaters will end up liking at least one local delicacy.

What is the best time to visit Greece with kids?

The best time of year to enjoy family travel in Greece is from May to September.

Logistically, this is a great time to be traveling to Greece with family because your kids will be out of school. But this is also when Greece experiences its best, warmest weather. 

You’ll be welcomed with blue skies, warm seas, and very little rain.

Yes, visiting Greece with kids during this season means accommodation prices and flights will be more expensive. But doesn’t everything get more expensive when you have kids anyway?!

How many days in Greece with kids is enough?

If your vacation to Greece is your big summer family trip, you can easily spend one week or more in Greece with kids. 

Book a few days in Athens before flying or sailing to one of the islands in the Aegean Sea. You won’t struggle to find activities or new experiences for your kids in Greece as you can island hop for as long as your vacation days and bank balance allows.

Things To Do in Greece With Kids Wrap Up

There is an abundance of things to do in Greece with kids. 

Even if all Greece had was soft sand, calm waters, and cats roaming around the villages, visiting Greece with kids would still be a great idea.

Luckily, there are tons of tourist attractions in Greece that cater to little ones.

Whether you’re looking for waterparks, cultural experiences, or fun excursions, there are plenty of places to go in Greece for families to enjoy a wonderful summer vacation.

Looking for more Greece travel resources? Check out my top Santorini travel tips , how to plan a trip to Greece , Europe travel tips , 7 Best Athens Hotels for Families Worth Booking , 15 Best Santorini Hotels for Families Worth Booking , and top Athens travel tips !

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My Free Range Family

Destinations , Greece · Last Updated: April 3, 2024

Greece with Kids – Planning for the Perfect Family Getaway to Greece

Greece is a fabulous destination to travel with kids.  Idyllic islands, blue and white villages, friendly people, ancient ruins and sweet summer vibes… Greece is one of our favourite places to visit as a family . But it’s a big country and there are lot of places to choose from.  So it’s a good idea to do some homework before you book, so that you find yourself on a Greek family holiday to remember.  

Each corner of Greece offers a slightly different experience…

This makes narrowing down the right location somewhat a challenge, but that’s where we can help.  We have travelled mainland Greece slowly and visited some of the more popular island destinations as well. If it’s a resort style vacation, an off the beaten track adventure or an island hopping holiday then read on for our recommendations . 

Also with a few of our travel tips and packing recommendations, you’ll find that travelling around Greece with kids is really easy! The first family holiday we ever took to Greece was one of our most memorable holidays to date. Partly due to the perfect 14 day itinerary I had prepared, but also because Greece is just awesome with kids!

So read-on for all the details and don’t hesitate to contact me for any further tips and tricks.

Table of Contents

Best Places to Visit in Greece with Kids

*This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you).

As already mentioned we have travelled around Greece slowly on the mainland. But have also explored the outer islands taking ferries and even trying our hand at sailing. No, we are not sailors but we love adventure and trying new things with our kids.

And if you asked me which experience we preferred (island hopping or road tripping the mainland) I honestly couldn’t pick one over the other. Instead I’ll share with you some of the highlights below and give you an idea on what to expect in each. Then you can make the decision on what sounds right for you.

Note: I link to other posts throughout, so be sure to click through to learn more about each specific destination.

Cyclades Islands – Santorini, Mykonos & Paros

First up – the Cyclades. You honestly can’t go wrong with an island hopping holiday through Greece. So I’ll start right here. The Cyclades refers to a group of islands in the Aegean Sea, some of which are the more well known islands in Greece. Our top three favourite to visit were Santorini, Mykonos and Paros.

Santorini & Mykonos

Santorini and Mykonos were lively and busy and were undoubtedly a lot of fun with kids. The beaches were gorgeous ofcourse, but my favourite thing about these two islands were the beautiful white washed towns. Watching the kids running up and down cobbled streets, through bougainvillea lined alleyways is a photographer’s dream come true.

Every day is a new adventure, with plenty to do and see. A new restaurant to try, a different beach to swim at, or a new sight to visit.

An absolute must with kids in Santorini is Atlantis Books , but don’t just take my word for it… Santorini Dave agrees and rates it as one of the best in the world. The story behind it is also cool… but I’ll let you drop in and chat to the friendly staff to get the full lowdown.

Thanks to this book store our kids now have a bookshelf full of Greek mythology. And I have a cookbook shelf full of Greek recipes… which yes I do make from time to time!

The best beaches for kids in Mykonos and Santorini would have to be these –

• The southern beaches of Mykonos are idyllic. Our favourite was Paraga Beach, which we got to by bus. The bus system in Mykonos is super easy to navigate, just turn up to the main bus depot in town and ask a few questions to get the timetable.
• The black sand beaches of Agios Georgios in Santorini were quite unique. Take a drive along this long stretch of beach and pick a spot that you like. There are plenty of restaurants to lunch at, so find one that looks good and park up!

Now if you want to chill in the quintessential side of Greece, then I absolutely recommend Paros. There is enough here to keep you busy, but at the same time it’s possible to find some down time as well.

Explore the trendy fishing village of Naoussa, wander the streets of Parikia and take in some history at Frankish Kastro and Panagia Elaktontapyliania. Head to the hills of Lefkes and eat chocolate cake and orange cake in the village centre.

The island is small and can easily be circumnavigated in a day. But basically it is the perfect island in Greece to visit if you have young kids. We recommend rent a car and check out some of the best child friendly beaches in Paros –

• Parasporos Beach in Paros was close to our accommodation. It was a cute sandy bay with a good restaurant and it kept the kids busy.
• Kolimbythres Beach in Paros was to the North of the island near Noussa. It was a tiny little bay, perfect for the kids to paddle around with fishing nets.
• Faragas Beach in Paros was one that we stumbled upon while driving around the island. We parked near the beach restaurant and walked over the small hill at the southern end of the beach to discover a small bay. It is very quiet and kids will love jumping the small waves of this little bay. While there is not a lot to see underwater, it is a sheltered bay when the wind is off-shore and so is also a good place to take a snorkel.

Read: Our 14 day Greece Itinerary

The biggest island in Greece is Crete. And this not so small island is quite the kid-friendly destination. Regular flights leave from Athens to Crete which makes getting to and from the island very easy indeed.

The island is big which means there is plenty to do and explore, but not too big that you’ll feel overwhelmed. Rent a car with Qeeq as it is easy to drive in Crete. We would recommend Crete if you are taking a holiday longer than a week and want to avoid island hopping. Explore ancient sites such as Knossos, snorkel little coves, find quiet stretches along sandy beaches and take in some wine tasting!

There are many resort style accommodations to chose from but one that has a great selection of room options to suit every budget is the Cretan Malia Park . Browse their full range – from rooms, to bungalows, to suites – they’ll have one that suits you. This is a busy resort hub and a great central location.

Things to do and see –

• Take a trip to Chania and wander the narrow streets. Stop to taste the spectacular Cretan food – if you love food this is a great island for you. Crete is well-known for its honey, wine, olive oil and cheese.
• Visit the famous Elafonisi Beach, also known as pink beach. Note that it does get extremely busy in the summer, so get there early. Or head to Falarssana Beach if you are looking for something a little quieter.

Another big island in Greece, towards the far East near Turkey and part of the Dodecanese group of islands is Rhodes. While considerably smaller than Crete it is better suited to families wanting to holiday for 5 to 6 days.

Resorts are equally as fab as Crete, check out Helea Family Beach Resort . Do keep in mind that Rhodes can be a much busier than Crete due to the cruise liners that frequent the island. So expect that in the height of summer beaches will be packed.

Things to do in Rhodes –

• Visit the Valley of Butterflies – between June and September seeing the thousands of butterflies is a fun experience for the kids.
• The incredible UNESCO world heritage site of Rhodes Old Town is a beautiful place to visit, but so also is Monolithos and Acropolis of Lindos. So in terms of historic sites Rhodes certainly has it covered.
• The North and the East sides of Rhodes have calmer beaches so are better if you are visiting with kids. Elli is a favourite but can be very busy. While the South is popular with surfers and kite-surfers, particularly Prasonisi.

Now this is another super popular island in Greece for families to visit. But it is perhaps arguably more quintessential Greece than Crete, given that it is closer to the mainland. Situated in the Ionian Sea Corfu is close to Athens, but also receives flights directly from European countries. This makes travel to Corfu easy and adds a definite appeal factor.

Corfu is famed for it’s family friendly beaches and Mesongi is a firm favourite for places to stay in Corfu. The beach is safe and shallow and great if you are travelling with younger kids. These boutique apartments are a great place to stay , reasonably priced and with rave reviews on Booking.com.

However, if travelling with older kids then consider Paleokastritsa for another beautiful beach and little more adventure. The Aliki Apartments are a great option with a cute terrace, only 150m from Platakia Beach.

Things to do in Corfu with Kids –

• Visit Corfu Town and the Achilleion Palace for some history and heritage.
• Take a glass bottom boat ride, or head to a water park.
• Take a day trip to Paxos and Antipaxos .

Mainland Greece – Peloponnese Region

Mainland Greece is so underrated. Everyone heads to the islands because that is what we know and hear about from other travellers.

But don’t overlook the possibility of heading to mainland Greece with the kids – especially the Peloponnese region . One of the biggest benefits is that it is most certainly cheaper. The second plus point – you’ll feel slightly more off the beaten track, and find some beautiful places away from masses of tourists.

In the Peloponnese region, the Mediterranean beaches such like Simos Beach on Elafonisos Island are crystal clear and gorgeous. But equally as impressive are the UNESCO World Heritage sites like Monemvasia and Sparta, a must-see if you visit this region.

Mainland Greece is the perfect travel destination for a road trip with the kids. But take it slowly, and narrow down in on one area rather than try to see it all. We absolutely loved Laconia and can recommend this region for a family holiday.

You just have to visit Athens right. The Acropolis is extremely unique, and the Acropolis Museum is really well done. The history and the culture of Athens is intoxicating… it’s a great city to explore on foot or by public transport.

There are ruins around every corner, the funky Monastiraki Flea Market is loads of fun to wander around with the kids. We also loved our visit to Theatre of Dionysos and Odeon of Herodes Atticus. But the best part really is just the novelty of walking the streets – enjoy the buskers and relish in the atmosphere of Athens.

As always, I recommend booking entrance tickets in advance with Get Your Guide. Browse for and purchase the ‘skip the line’ ticket options and then you won’t have the kids waiting around impatiently as you queue to purchase tickets on arrival.

Tips & Tricks for Travelling with Kids in Greece

I hope this has helped highlight a few possible locations for your family holiday to Greece. Coming up I share our tips for travelling Greece with young kids. Think about the possibility of a sailing holiday, whether to take the stroller, what it’s like to eat in restaurants with kids and so on.

Read on for our recommendations on the essentials to pack and also grab our free beach packing list!

What to Pack

As I always say, if you pack smarter you’ll be in for a way less stressful holiday with the kids. So don’t overpack. Pack only what you need and find things that help you lighten the load. Here are my top recommends for packing for a Greece holiday with kids and babies.

• These Keen shoes are our absolute fav for the kids. If it’s walking through busy cities, cruising archaeological sites or swimming at rocky beaches… our kids live in their Keens . We have tried to find them in stores, but always find the best selection online through Amazon. Click the link below to browse their selections. But our go-to for the kids is the closed toe SeaCamp. The model here is what our Boo wears and she looks super cute in them!

• Strollers are a challenge on cobbled streets (read more below) so think about getting yourself a child carrier. We loved our BabyBjorn for this type of travel.

• These microfibre slip-over towels are game changing in terms of space saving for travel. We never leave home without them anymore. Wrap the kids up in them and they dry instantly, seriously the best!

• Greece is a great place to introduce kids to snorkeling. And we have found that the best mask on the market for this is the Cressi mask and snorkel. Honestly if you want to encourage water babies then this is the kit to do it with. Our girls have had their masks and snorkels for years and they are still going strong.

• For a really good sunblock stick for kids and babies look no further than Thinkbaby. This one is made with all natural minerals, it’s reef friendly and water resistant. But the best part is that it begins protecting against the UV instantly.

For a complete list of things to pack for a beach holiday with kids then go to my post here. I list it ALL from A to Z.

Our Thoughts on Island Hopping & Strollers

Now this a decision we went back and forward on. In the end we decided NOT to take the stroller for our toddler. And in hind sight, I’m glad we didn’t take it. This is one of the reasons why…

I remember standing in the back of the ferry in Santorini watching the honeymooners waiting to disembark. They had sooooo much STUFF! Then there was our family of four. We (the adults) each had a backpack and a child in hand. That each gave us one hand free.

Meanwhile our fellow passengers dragged their multiple suitcases uncomfortably behind them. And I thought travelling with kids was supposed to be stressful! But these folks surrounding us, made it look a damn sight harder. Why do people need so much stuff these days? I just don’t understand it. Less is best people!

I think this is also somewhat a personal decision, but ultimately having a stroller increases your STUFF and is just one more thing to contend with. What with all the travel between islands and modes of transport, the extra stuff seems unnecessary. Be prepared of course for some shoulder carries from time to time, but ultimately not having it reduces things to pack AND excess.

Getting Around Greece With Kids – Without Stress

Greece has unevenly paved roads, obstacles such as stairs, there are potentially many modes of transport you’ll be taking… ferries, yachts, planes, buses and automobiles. So just be smart about accomodation choices. Find centrally located Airbnb’s or hotels (check out our recommendations in our 14 day itinerary post ) and encourage your little ones to stretch their legs and you honestly won’t need a stroller.

We book car rentals with Qeeq which is a great budget car rental option. And we book ferries with Ferryhopper . Both are super reliable and make getting around in Greece with kids stress free.

Sailing with Kids

Initially, I wasn’t sure if this was going to be safe with young kids. Many providers immediately said no, and some wanted a minimum booking of 7 days (a week on a boat with kids – were they crazy). Finally I found the right operator Mykonos Onboard and I’m so glad I did. They were incredible… read more about why here .

So if I could give any advice to a family wanting to visit Greece with kids, I would say SAIL… and don’t hesitate. It takes you off the tourist trail and sets you up for quality family time.

Of course I don’t need to explain, that you set the rules immediately as you board the yacht. And all eyes on kids at all times. These are both a given right? Our youngest is quite the cheeky one and moves non-stop, so we had to be extra cautious with her. But in reality people sail around the world with young kids all the time… La Vagabonde can vouch for that. It’s just about being sensible and setting rules (for the kids and the adults).

However, if a several day sailing trip sounds like a bit much to handle with your littles… do consider a day trip from Mykonos. This trip sets sail in the morning to Delos Island to check out some of Greeces most iconic archeological sites and includes lunch AND wine! Sold right 😀

People in Greece… and your Kids

The Greek people are super friendly and from our experience… they love kids! Children can do no wrong. Its kind of like turning up to a party with a puppy. You’ll make new friends and have a completely different experience, compared to if you turn up solo. I always find travelling with children opens new doors and along with that comes completely new experiences.

Restaurants will welcome you no matter the time, day or place. We like good food… and eating is a total ritual for us. We have visited countries where taking children to smaller, higher end, restaurants that do great food is just not the done thing. This is definitely not the case in Greece.

In fact, children are often seen running around small courtyards in restaurants as the families sit for hours at a time, socialising and eating. So hey! While in Rome (or Greece) right!

Word of advice when eating at a Greek restaurant with a local. They will order a LOT of food, and you won’t leave until it’s all gone… even if it takes a few hours.

Another thing I really liked about restaurants in Greece is that there is no special child’s menu. Kids eat what everyone else is eating. But don’t fret, there will plenty to choose from and it all tastes so good… and so your little one will likely discover a new taste or two to enjoy. Our youngest found she had a love for sardines!

Annoyances in Athens

In Athens the touts, chancers, scammers saw us coming… like a beacon. They go straight to the kids, all playful and coy, sometimes with offerings, attempting to get to you… but through them. Ultimately they are looking for money. So word to the wise… play it cool and avoid their freebies.

Kid Free Date Night?

Now I don’t know about you, but I love a regular date night. And you don’t get to Santorini often… So just do it!

I definitely recommend Santorini as the location for it too. It is a special place for sure and there are some amazing restaurants. See this post for more on Santorini . If you stay in the Zoe Aegeas Cave Houses then Zak the Manager will recommend a fantastic babysitter.

I always like the babysitter to arrive early while I’m getting ready which gives me the opportunity to suss them out. Likewise, I would only book a babysitter through someone that I have developed some rapport with and feel that I could trust their judgement.

How Many Islands to See When You’ve got Kids?

Athens, Mykonos and Santorini are busy! Stay there for a couple of nights and then choose a couple of islands to sit back and relax with the kids.

But keep it real… there is definitely no need to over do it or you’ll miss the point of a Greek Island vacation. While the islands are close, they are still a bit of a trek to get between, so just take it easy this time with the kids… save some for next time!

Two weeks was good and honestly I wouldn’t advise trying to do it in just one week. For this length of time pick three, maximum four islands to see. But hey… I don’t need to tell you. You’ll know what type of holiday better suits your travel style. But just keep in mind… Greece is big and getting between islands requires some planning and energy.

More on Greece…

This is just the tip of the iceberg, in terms of travel advice for exploring Greece with kids. If you have any other questions that you’d like to know more about, then be sure to leave a comment below and we’ll try to help out. Or share some of your own travel tips based on your own experiences.

And don’t forget to read these other posts on Greece –

• Check out our recommended two week itinerary for Greece here.
• Our recommendations for places to visit in mainland Greece in the Peloponnese.
• A guide to visiting Simos Beach on Elafonisos Island.
• Our guide to getting off the beaten tourist track in Santorini.

We now travel full-time and have plenty more itineraries and guides to share on all the destinations we visit. Sign up to follow our journey! (And don’t worry we won’t spam you with unnecessary emails.)

You’ll Also Love

June 3, 2020 at 6:07 pm

I would love to go to Greece. I recently finished binging The Durrells and it made me want to go there so bad. It looks stunning! Can’t wait to read more about your adventures.

June 3, 2020 at 6:24 pm

Thanks Jennifer… it is a pretty remarkable place. We definitely hope to get back there to explore further some day.

June 17, 2020 at 5:32 pm

I imagine going anywhere is more challenging with kids since I’m a solo traveller but Greece looks like a fun spot to take your kids.

June 17, 2020 at 7:38 pm

I’d love to visit Greece, it’s that destination that I’m not really sure why I’ve never managed to get there! Backpacking with kids is an impressive feat! We travel as a couple but I’m definitely guilty of bringing too much stuff! I’m working on streamlining my packing!

June 17, 2020 at 8:30 pm

I think that Greece is an ideal place for visiting with kids. People are so helpful and friendly which makes it easy. I was in Athens last year – amazing, but that must be quite hard – like all big cities.

June 18, 2020 at 5:58 am

I love your itinerary and I think it’s perfect not just for those with kids but also for solo travellers! It’s slow and unstructured and just basically so, so, idyllic with none of that rushing around and turbo-touristing – definitely love your tips on the islands and beaches to visit!

June 18, 2020 at 9:31 am

These are some invaluable insights for traveling in Greece with kids. I really appreciate your views about carrying strollers with you, especiall the terrain of Greece and island hopping does not favour the use of strollers unless it is absolutely necessary. I guess the other islands which are not that famous as Mykonos and Santorini would be ideal for some relaxed quality time with the kids.

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Best places to holiday in Greece with babies and toddlers

When choosing a country to holiday with babies and toddlers, Greece is one of our favourites. Young visitors are treated like royalty and there are plenty of attractions and nature based activities that make it a perfect family destination. We’ve rounded up our pick of Greece’s best places to visit with babies and toddlers to ensure a relaxing holiday for parents and children alike.

Lindos Bay, Rhodes

1/7  Rhodes

The largest of the Dodecanese islands in the Aegean sea, the climate in Rhodes is perfect for babies, with westerly winds taking the edge off the summer heat and sunny, mild winters. For families with babies young enough to sleep in a carrier there are plenty of ancient sights such as the UNESCO classified medieval city, partially erected on the foundations of the Byzantine enclosure, where gothic architecture coexists with mosques, public baths and historical bastions.

There are miles of family friendly beaches including stretches like Faliraki with shallow, calm waters perfect for little ones. Tsambika beach is also a good option to get away from the crowds but still have the convenience of a mini market nearby, and Elli beach is popular for its crystal clear water and nearby restaurants. Water babies will also love the award-winning Faliraki Water Park that offers rides for all ages and a children’s pirate ship.

Corfu town marina

This size of this green island means that a short drive away from the tourist resorts lie picture-perfect olive groves and pine-covered hills. Kids will love feeding the fish at the harbour in Corfu old town, where adults can enjoy the architecture and relax with a Greek coffee in a shady square. Glass bottomed boat tours are always a hit with children; why not take a BBQ cruise (look out for dolphins) and make a day of it?

For families with school-aged children horse riding is another way to see Corfu, with treks through the scenic interior of the island offering stunning views. Aqualand Water Park has a young children’s area for ages four and over as well as plenty of pools where families can swim together. Beach lovers should head to Agios Gordios to enjoy the fine sand, nearby playground and local friendly restaurants, or Sidari for a lively atmosphere with watersports for the grown-ups.

Tubing along the coast of Halkidiki

3/7  Halkidiki

This peninsula on the coast of the mainland is postcard-perfect and dotted with luxury family resorts and Instagram-able beaches. The Blue Flag Trani Ammouda beach is one of the largest, with watersports and sunbeds, yet remains uncrowded even in peak season. Karidi beach is like a giant children’s pool, with the aquamarine water remaining waist-deep even 50 metres out to sea.

Children old enough to walk will enjoy a day out to Petralona Caves where they can spot resident bats, and school-aged kids can hear about the ancient fossilised skeletons found in the rocks. Hiring a car for a day trip to Thessaloniki is a great idea, where there is an educational Dinosaur Park and Mammoth Museum and the Waterland theme park.

Naxos Island at sunset

4/7   Naxos

Arguably the most family friendly island in Greece, Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades and according to legend is where Zeus spent his childhood. There are plenty of day trips to neighbouring islands so families can experience the best of Greece during their holiday. Naxos is large enough to be sparsely populated and offer watersports and day trips, yet small enough that driving around is a pleasure and it has remained free from the sprawling resorts that often appear on popular islands.

Naxos is ideal for nature loving families as there are plenty of outdoor activities on offer, from hiking to horseback riding and watersports for parents. Some of the best beaches in Greece call the island home, including the child friendly St. George’s beach with shallow waters and the quieter and more secluded Kastraki, Mikri Vigla or Plaka.

National gardens in Athens

5/7   Athens

If your family prefers a city break, head to the capital of Greece and soak up all that Athens has to offer. Toddlers can run through the ruins of millenia-old architecture at the Acropolis, take a fun and educational trail through the Acropolis Museum or watch a 3D film at the Planetarium before exploring the interactive science exhibits. If your little ones need some open spaces to burn off some energy, escape to the National Gardens to visit the duck ponds, beautiful flower gardens and shaded woodland.

There is also a small zoo that will capture toddlers’ attention with monkeys, peacocks, Bulgarian wolves and other animals. There are lots of gorgeous beaches near Athens, too, making it a perfect destination for families who want to see everything that Greece has to offer!

Antipaxos Island

Perfect for families with babies who just want to relax in peace and quiet, the island of Paxos offers solitude and an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. At just seven miles long and three miles wide, there are no huge complexes as the isle is popular with families hiring private villas.

Parents wanting a break from the party bars and waterparks of other family resorts will feel as though they’ve found heaven; there are several unspoilt beaches such as Harami and Kanoni with shallow, warm water ideal for toddlers and larger stretches like Monodendri with tavernas and watersports available. Take a boat trip to the paradise island of Antipaxos, home to two of the best beaches in the Mediterranean.

Skiathos old town

7/7  Skiathos

If it’s a beach holiday you’re after, Skiathos has plenty to choose from- over 60, in fact! Megali Amos beach has watersports to offer parents while kids make sandcastles, and Koukounaries is a stunning stretch of golden pine-fringed sand with sunbeds and nearby restaurants. Take a look at the daily open air cinema, showing English films, or enjoy boat life with a cruise past the blue caves to swim at the uninhabited island of Tsougria.

Tell toddlers how the Kastro fortification protected the island from pirates and hire a mountain bike with child’s seat to explore Skiathos on two wheels. There are plenty of watersports and other activities such as horse riding and family friendly walking trails.

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Home > 9 Top Greek Islands For Families: Travel Greece With Kids

9 Top Greek Islands For Families: Travel Greece With Kids

Written by our local expert Gabi

Gabi is an award-winning writer who lives on the Island of Crete in Greece. She is an expert in Greek travel and writes guides for the everyday traveler.

Here is your guide to the best Greek islands for families. These family islands in Greece are perfect for those with small kids or teenagers. We’ve listed the islands for families in search of family-friendly beaches and outdoor activities, as well as many islands for families who want to sit back and relax.

Even when you might think that Greek summer destinations are all about partying and beach raves or, on the contrary, quaint whitewashed villages that are a bit dull for active kids, the truth is that Greece is more than just Mykonos and Santorini !

There are, in fact, dozens of other Greek islands that can offer fantastic holiday opportunities for families with children. 

Some are quiet and relaxing, with wonderful and safe beaches; others offer an active lifestyle of sports and outdoor activities, and there are many more that showcase exciting museums and cultural offerings that all families enjoy. 

In this article, you’ll learn about some of the best Greek Isles for families with kids and how to pick the right destination for your summer island hop vacation with the children.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

1. Paros Island For Familes

A top choice for families with kids who love long days, by the way, playing with small waves in safe shallow waters or making dozens of sand castles, Paros is a fantastic island to spend your summer vacation with the family.

This island, quite popular among Greeks, offers incredible activities for children who want a break from beach life. One of them is Petaloudes, a unique butterfly valley where loads of superb and colorful butterflies come to reproduce at the end of every summer.

There are just two places like this in Greece (the other one is the Petaloudes Valley on Rhodes Island), and it is undoubtedly a magical place for kids to enjoy.

Kids also enjoy the fantastic Kolombithres beach, which has a unique, moon-like landscape made of soft white stones eroded by the sea and the wind. The beach is shallow and extremely safe, making it one of the best places to visit in Paros with the kids .

The island also has incredible restaurants, most of them serving delicious and healthy dishes of the Greek tradition , abundant fresh fish, and fresh vegetables. For kids interested in mountain landscapes, there are several traditional villages in the center of the island that you wouldn’t want to miss. 

If you like cultural activities, don’t miss the Archaeological Museum of Paros, where you can admire some of the most beautiful examples of ancient Cycladic art in the area.

Top Accommodation In Paros For Families

This fantastic island is the place you want to spend your summer vacation with the family, as it is popular among locals and visitors, and accommodation tends to sell out fast, so book early to ensure better fees and availability. These are some of the best accommodations in Paros for those traveling with kids.

Budget Accommodation In Paros For Families

• Deep Blue Studios: This family-friendly property is only 40 meters from the beach. The Cycladic-style complex provides self-catering studios with balconies. There is a charming garden with a fountain and barbecue. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  
• Silver Rocks Hotel: This picturesque hotel rests between the stunning beaches of Chryssi Akti and New Chryssi Akti. Here, you can relax in a family environment and enjoy our hospitable atmosphere. The hotel itself offers a swimming pool with sun beds and water activities.  Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  

Mid-Range Accommodation In Paros For Families

• Fragoulis Village: The place is set in lush gardens on the western coast of Paros. All rooms feature a balcony with a sea or garden view. There is a swimming pool, children’s pool, playground, and snack bar. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  
• Naoussa Bay Villas: Surrounded by vineyards and gardens, Naoussa Bay Villas offers spacious, Cycladic-style villas with fully equipped kitchens and sea views. It has two pools with sun terraces. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  

Luxury Accommodation In Paros For Families

• Hara’s Villa: This place provides accommodation with a garden, a shared kitchen, and a shared lounge. The holiday home has three separate bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and three bathrooms. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  
• Villa Trifylia: The place offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy a terrace, a seating area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a barbecue during their vacation in Greece. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  
• Things To Do In Paros Island
• Best Beach Clubs In Paros
• Traveling From Athens To Paros
• Ferry From Mykonos To Paros

2. Greek Island Of Crete For Kids

Crete is the biggest and most impressive Greek island to visit with children. There is no shortage of things to do when discovering it. Such a huge island, the fifth biggest in the Mediterranean, offers plenty of things to do for holidays lasting from just a week to a whole month!

One of the most fascinating things for kids in Crete is the dozens of archaeological sites scattered all over the island; the most important of them, the Minoan Palace of Knossos, is not just the second most important archaeological site in the country but is the fantastic destination for curious kids interested in Greek mythology and Greek mythological creatures like Minotaur and the labyrinth.

On the island, there are also several water parks , theme parks, incredible lonely beaches, especially on the southern coast, and some fascinating museums, such as the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion or the Marine Museum of Chania.

Kids interested in hiking or trekking will enjoy the three huge mountain ranges that cross the island. These ranges contain dozens of gorges for kids to explore and discover the island’s unique flora and fauna. Many of these ravines end in incredible, kid-friendly beaches, where you could spend a whole day with your family enjoying the sea.

The last word should be spent on Cretan food, popular among travelers of all ages. This delicious cuisine, similar to the Mediterranean diet and with some Middle Eastern influences, is often the main reason why people choose Crete for their holidays, and both adults and kids really love the local diet!

Top Accommodations In Crete For Families

One of the most kid-friendly islands in Greece offers hundreds of stunning hotels for families; these are some of the best accommodations in Crete for those traveling with kids.

Budget Accommodation In Crete For Families

• Elpida Village: Located in Istron, East Crete, the hotel boasts stunning sea views amidst lush gardens and features a charming courtyard and outdoor pool. Elpida’s terrace is an ideal place to relax or challenge friends and family to a game of pool or table football in the games room. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  
• Anastasia Hotel Stalis: This hotel is just 30 minutes from Heraklion town, and the rooms are decorated and furnished. They all include a terrace or balcony that looks out to a swimming pool, gardens, or the sea. There is a restaurant and bar situated by the pool. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳

Mid-Range Accommodation In Crete For Families

• Royal & Imperial Belvedere Hotels: The hotel is set within a Cretan garden with lemon, olive, and palm trees. It offers seven swimming pools and three tennis courts. All rooms have balconies with views across the Aegean Sea and the contrasting hillside. There are two children’s pools with water slides. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  
• Gouves Bay Hotel: With a restaurant, a bar, a shared lounge, and a garden, this property also provides guests with a children’s playground, an outdoor swimming pool, and karaoke. Guests at Gouves Bay Hotel can enjoy a continental or buffet breakfast. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳

Luxury Accommodation In Crete For Families

• Porto Platanias Village Resort: The hotel is 200 meters from the beach. The village-style complex has gardens and a lovely swimming pool and is perfect for families seeking relaxation. Studios and apartments have a private balcony, a well-equipped kitchenette, and a satellite TV with international channels. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  
• The Village Resort and Waterpark: The hotel has a waterpark with super-fun slides on site for all guests, including children, as well as various day and night bars. You can play mini soccer and ping-pong and enjoy family activities with the international animation team. The area is also popular for biking. Nearby are the world-renowned Crete Golf, the Creta Aquarium, and the ancient monument of Knossos. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  
• Family Holidays In Crete For Kids
• Where To Stay In Crete
• Top Chania Beaches On Crete
• Crete Itinerary – Things To Do On The Island
• Island Hopping From Crete
• Car Rental & Driving Tips For Crete

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3. corfu island for families.

Another huge island with incredible beaches and excellent museums is Corfu . Located on the Ionian Sea, this is a great summer destination for families with children. During the visit, families enjoy visiting Corfu’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring two stunning fortresses that children love to explore.

On the island, several beach towns seem to be primarily geared for children; one of them is Paleokastritsa, featuring some of the most incredible beaches on the island, with plenty of impressive lush greenery and where kids enjoy exploring the sea caves with pedal boats or kayaking.

Another beach families love is Sidari, where the impressive rock formations of the so-called Canal D’Amour fascinate adults and kids alike. On Sidari, the sandy beaches make it the right place for kids to create sand castles, swim, and enjoy water sports.

Corfu also has interesting museums, art exhibitions, and archaeological sites for children. Besides, the mountains in the center of the island offer outstanding opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and close contact with nature.

More activities can be found in the port of Corfu , where boats offer excursions to the nearby beaches of Antipaxos and short tours on glass-bottom boats to discover the impressive seabed of the island.

Top Accommodation In Corfu For Families

There are plenty of options for kid-friendly places to stay in Corfu . These are some of the best accommodations in Corfu for those traveling with kids, and as usual, booking early will let you find better fees and availability.

Budget Accommodation In Corfu For Families

• Sea-Bird Hotel: The hotel is 150 meters from the beach, features a swimming pool and a children’s playground, and all rooms open to a balcony or patio. Guests can start the day with a delicious breakfast served at the property. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  
• Maltezos Hotel: This small family-run hotel is located in Gouvia, 250 meters from the kid-friendly beaches. It provides a large swimming pool. Rooms come with a fridge and a spacious balcony. Pool tables, darts, and a garden with a children’s play area are also provided. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  

Mid-Range Accommodation In Corfu For Families

• Primavera Hotel: The hotel is 500 meters from the beach, and rooms are set amidst a big beautiful garden. It has a swimming pool and provides free private on-site parking. Continental breakfast is served daily. Facilities include a billiards table and a table tennis table. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳
• Nic Gemini Hotel: Just 50 meters from the beach, the hotel features an outdoor pool with a separate children’s pool and a playground in the lush garden. Dining options include one restaurant and bars. Private parking is provided on-site upon charge. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  

Luxury Accommodation In Corfu For Families

• Sentido Apollo Palace: The hotel is 200 meters from the beach and has a garden and terrace. The resort features a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, evening entertainment, and a shared lounge. The resort also offers a children’s playground. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  
• Pelekas Monastery: Set right on the sandy beach , the hotel has a large free-form swimming pool, two restaurants, and 3 bars. The rooms feature relaxing interiors with either mountain or sea views. There are also pool tables, a beach volleyball court, a mini playground, a kids’ club, and a kids’ pool. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  
• Family Holidays In Corfu For Kids
• Best Hotels In Corfu
• What To Do In Corfu During Winter
• Complete Guide To Corfu Island
• Is There Uber In Corfu
• Best Beaches In Corfu

4. Naxos Island For Families

Naxos is undoubtedly among the most favorite Greek Islands for families. It spreads over a huge, green territory with gorgeous mountains and is also home to some of the most impressive beaches in Greece .

The coastal area of Naxos has some safe beaches for families to enjoy; one of them is the huge Plaka Beach, with soft sand and shallow, crystal clear waters. Agios Prokopios is another favorite beach for children, and it is well-organized and offers water sports for the whole family.

The old town of Naxos is also a fascinating place for kids to discover . It is home to one of the most family-friendly experiences on your Greek holiday, including beautiful Venetian Castles in the Cyclades. There are several museums to discover, such as the archaeological and folklore museums.

The island is also famous for its incredible archaeological ruins; the most important of them all is located right by the port and is undoubtedly the first thing you will notice when your ferry approaches the island, the giant Portara. Considered the entrance gate to a Greek temple that was never finished, this impressive structure overlooking the main town of Naxos, Chora, is one of the most fascinating ruins on the island.

But that’s not all; Naxos is also known for hosting the highest mountain in the Cyclades, Mount Zas, where all the family can enjoy intriguing hikes as the climb is not tricky. People of all ages can enjoy the experience.

Top Accommodation In Naxos For Families

You will not have a lot of trouble finding the right property in Naxos to enjoy with the family. These are some of the best accommodations in Naxos for those traveling with kids.

Budget Accommodation In Naxos For Families

• Orkos Beach Hotel: The hotel is on the sandy beach of Mikri Vigla. It has an outdoor pool surrounded by a well-tended garden. Guests can relax in the sunbeds by the pool or enjoy a refreshing drink from the bar. A chapel and a children’s playground are available on-site, and a mini library is included. A shuttle service is provided at an extra charge. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  
• Sun and Moon Villas: A favorite for families, the place features a large, beautiful garden with an outdoor pool. All rooms and suites have a kitchen fitted with a toaster, stovetop,  and refrigerator. There is also a hot tub and a children’s playground. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  

Mid-Range Accommodation In Naxos For Families

• Lagos Mare Hotel: The hotel is a short walk from the endless sandy beach of Agios Prokopios. It offers a restaurant serving Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, a beauty spa and fitness center, and several swimming pools. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  
• Finikas Hotel: Set amidst a large garden, Finikas offers sea-view accommodation and a pool. The hotel’s restaurant serves a la carte lunch and dinner. There is also a pool bar, where guests can enjoy a refreshing drink or cocktail. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  

Luxury Accommodation In Naxos For Families

• Aegean Palace: The boutique Aegean Palace features a large, free-form pool with a poolside bar surrounded by extensive gardens. Guests can start the day with a rich American breakfast. The pool bar serves cocktails and refreshments. For the little ones, there is also a children’s pool. The elegant guest rooms are air-conditioned. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  
• Glaronissi Beach: Located amidst lush gardens, just 60 meters from the sandy Plaka Beach, the hotel offers self-catering units opening to balconies with a kitchenette with a fridge, cooking hobs, and kitchenware. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳
• Is Naxos Worth Visiting
• Best Beaches In Naxos
• Naxos Vs. Paros Island Comparison
• Mykonos To Naxos Ferry Routes
• Naxos Vs. Crete Comparison

5. Rhodes Island Family Holiday

Families love to enjoy the warm waters of the Dodecanese Islands during their holidays in Greece. Rhodes, the biggest island in this group, has just the right amount of entertainment, great beaches, and mesmerizing sites that fascinate kids of all ages.

Trust me; this will highlight your kids’ holiday on the island. Starting with the main settlement, Rhodes Town, kids will be stunned by the perfect castle left by the Crusaders in the heart of the medieval town of the capital. Known as the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, this is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world, built in Gothic style and the previous citadel of the Knights.

The perfect island for curious kids, Rhodes also features a well-preserved ancient hilltop town, Lindos, with fascinating archaeological ruins to explore. The village overlooks one of the most beautiful shores on the island, and it can be an excellent trip from any other seaside village in town.

As we mentioned before (See Paros), the Valley of the Butterflies, or Petaloudes, is a big park where kids love to explore the immense colony of butterflies that arrive and remain in the area during the end of the high season. This vast park has ponds, streams, gorgeous wooden bridges, and dozens of benches where you could even enjoy a picnic with the family.

Older kids interested in water sports should not miss Prasonissi, a wide beach that turns into an island depending on the tides and a favorite place in Rhodes to practice kitesurfing.

Top Accommodation In Rhodes For Families

Finding the right place to stay with kids in Rhodes is straightforward; however, since the island is really popular, booking accommodation in advance guarantees better prices and wider availability. These are some of the best accommodations in Rhodes for those traveling with kids.

Budget Accommodation In Rhodes For Families

• Romantza Mare: The place offers an outdoor pool and a sun terrace in Kalithea. It features a garden and games room. Other amenities offered at the property include entertainment staff and grocery deliveries. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  
• Sun Beach Resort: Set right on the beach and near Rhodes Town, the hotel boasts excellent entertainment facilities for children and adults. The beachfront property is surrounded by gardens stretching all the way down to the sea. Guests can enjoy three large fresh-water swimming pools and an extensive program for kids, including a supervised mini club, cinema, two adventure playgrounds, and two pools. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  

Mid-Range Accommodation In Rhodes For Families

• Lindia Thalassa: The property is situated in Pefkos Beach, and it offers an outdoor pool, restaurant, and snack bar. It features studios and rooms with a balcony, a kitchenette, and a TV. The bathroom comes with a shower and complimentary toiletries. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  
• Blue Horizon: An attractive resort set amongst pleasant gardens situated on a beautiful sandy beach. It offers tennis, a spa, and an on-site restaurant. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  

Luxury Accommodation In Rhodes For Families

• Princess Sun Hotel: The hotel is on a small hill, offering excellent sea and mountain views. There are three swimming pools with sun beds and umbrellas, a buffet restaurant with a children’s corner, and a bar. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳ 
• Apollo Beach: Located on an enchanting beach with remarkable surroundings nestled in greenery with flowering gardens and trees, the two buildings of this hotel are located on the East of the island, 400 meters from the heart of Faliraki Beach and village. There is a bar and restaurant bar available.  Check out the hotel & prices here ↳ 
• Best Beaches On Rhodes
• Is There Uber On Rhodes
• Expert Rhodes Travel Guide
• Crete Vs. Rhodes Comparison

6. Skiathos Greek Island For Families

Another impressive green island that kids enjoy in Greece is Skiathos. The place is a fantastic destination for families with older children who are learning or love water sports and immersion, and it has pristine beaches with dozens of trees.

However, Skiathos is not just a party island; it also caters to sport-loving kids and young kids; the island is super laid-back and relaxing, making it an excellent destination for families with toddlers and babies.

 The atmosphere is quiet, and for those little feet that are just beginning to swim, there are abundant safe, very shallow shores that will make the little ones laugh and enjoy for hours.

On the island, the whole family can admire the coast of Koukounaries Beach, often included among the ten best beaches in the world. This unique seven-kilometer-long shore with soft sand is perfect for long days by the sea without ever feeling that the place has gotten very crowded.

Top Accommodation In Skiathos For Families

The green island of Skiathos is a true paradise for families with children who love to explore natural landscapes and are keen on water sports. These are some of the best accommodations in Skiathos for those traveling with kids.

Budget Accommodation In Skiathos For Families

• Blue Horizon Studios: The place enjoys a privileged location only 10 minutes from Skiathos Town and 400 meters from Megali Ammos Beach. There are 16 fully equipped studios, offering a comfortable space. Each of them comes with a fridge and a kitchen. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  
• Villa Kavourakia: Perfect for families, this hotel is surrounded by lush greenery and offers self-catered accommodation with views of Kolios Bay. The nearest beach is 600 meters away. Units come with cooking facilities and a fridge. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  

Mid-Range Accommodation In Skiathos For Families

• Villa Albanis: The property offers accommodation in Kolios, 6 kilometers from. Skiathos Town. Some units include a seating area and balcony. There is also a kitchenette fitted with a fridge. There is a seasonal outdoor pool on-site. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  
• Elizabeth Studios: Located in Skiathos Town, the place features a restaurant, a shared lounge, a bar, a garden, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a terrace. The daily breakfast offers buffet, à la carte, or continental options. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  

Luxury Accommodation In Skiathos For Families

• Vigles Sea View, Philian Hotels and Resorts: Just a 5-minute drive from Skiathos Port, this hotel has accommodation with views over the Aegean Sea or the complex’s swimming pool. It has a poolside bar and serves breakfast buffet in the morning. Free private parking is available on-site. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳  
• Thalassa Cape Hotel, Philian Collection: Located meters from Megali Ammos Beach, the hotel features a garden and room with garden or sea views. An array of restaurants, shops, and grocery stores are within walking distance. Check out the hotel & prices here ↳
• Skiathos Island Guide
• How To Get To Skiathos
• Skopelos Vs. Skiathos Comparison

7. Travel With Kids To Zakynthos: One of the Best Greek Islands for Families

Traveling with kids to Zakynthos is an ideal choice for families looking for a blend of adventure and relaxation under the Greek sun, making it one of the best family destinations.

This island is excellent for families to visit, offering a mix of beautiful beaches and family-friendly activities that the whole family will love. Starting with the jaw-dropping Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, it’s not only a stunning family beach but also features an actual shipwreck for families to explore, showcasing a slice of Greek history.

Moreover, Zakynthos invites families to embark on a family-friendly boat tour to spot the famous Caretta-Caretta sea turtles, especially around the protected Marine Park in Laganas Bay. This experience is ideal for families, offering a gentle introduction to marine life and conservation. The island is also recognized as a great family destination, dotted with numerous kid-friendly attractions, including water parks and the opportunity to explore the Blue Caves by kayak. This provides a unique perspective on the island’s traditional Greek beauty and the crystal-clear waters that surround it.

The island’s manageable size and the welcoming vibe of its communities make it an incredible island for families, ensuring that you can experience a wide range of activities without the need to spend excessive time traveling around the island. Zakynthos stands out as a family-friendly Greek island that offers everything from educational outings to simply enjoying the local cuisine. It is one of the most popular islands to visit for those who want to experience the full spectrum of what Greece for families has to offer.

• Zakynthos Island Guide
• Best Hotels In Zakynthos
• Corfu Vs. Zakynthos Comparison
• Getting From Athens To Zakynthos

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8. Santorini Island With The Family: A Family-Friendly Island in the Cyclades

While Santorini is often celebrated for its romantic sunsets and dramatic landscapes, it’s also surprisingly great for families. The island features family-friendly beaches like Perissa and Kamari, which are not only beautiful but also offer a gentle and accommodating environment for a day out with the family. Santorini’s unique volcanic landscape provides an incredible backdrop for family adventures, including hikes and boat tours that allow you to explore the island from a different angle, making it an appealing destination for families to visit in Greece.

Santorini’s rich ancient Greek history is accessible through sites like Akrotiri, offering families a glimpse into the past without the crowds, positioned as an educational yet exciting part of your trip. Despite the island’s hilly terrain, its natural beauty and the warmth of the local community make it a superb family destination, ensuring that your visit to Santorini with your family is as enriching as it is enjoyable.

• 3 Day Santorini Itinerary
• Best Resorts In Santorini
• Best Places To Stay In Santorini
• Best Beaches In Santorini To Enjoy
• Best Beach Clubs In Santorini
• Ferry From Athens To Santorini
• Guide To Akrotiri Santorini
• Your Guide To Santorini With Kids

9. Family Vacation To The Island Of Mykonos: A Diverse Family Destination

Mykonos might be known for its vibrant nightlife , but it also boasts a side that is ideal for families. The island offers a range of family-friendly beaches, such as Ornos and Psarou, making it the best Greek island for kids where they can safely enjoy the water. With a variety of activities geared towards children of all ages, from horseback riding to windsurfing, Mykonos stands out as a family-friendly island that caters to diverse interests.

Exploring Mykonos’s charming streets and iconic windmills can be a fun family activity, offering a mix of cultural exploration and leisure that is great for families. The island’s compact size and the friendly nature of its inhabitants further underscore its appeal as a family destination, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

• Best Places To Stay In Mykonos
• Getting From Athens To Mykonos
• One Day In Mykonos
• Complete Mykonos Travel Guide
• Best Beach Clubs In Mykonos
• Santorini Vs. Mykonos Comparison

Best Time To Visit Greece For A Family Vacation

Planning a family trip to the Greek islands requires careful consideration of timing to ensure the best experience. The ideal months for families to visit Greece are late spring (May and early June) and early fall (September and October), when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities without the discomfort of the summer heat.

This timing also aligns with fewer tourists, making it easier for families to explore the islands, enjoy the beaches, and engage in local culture and events. Thus, it is the best time to go to Greece for families seeking an authentic and enjoyable holiday experience.

• Unique Things To Do In Greece With Kids
• How To Tip In Greece
• Car Rental And Driving Tips For Greece
• What To Expect & Do In September In Greece
• Things To Do In Greece During The Winter
• Packing Tips For Greece
• Things To Do And Eat During Easter In Greece
• How To Travel Greece On A Budget
• How To Get From Santorini To Crete
• Best Cave Hotels In Greece
• Greek Island Groups, Including The Cyclades Islands And The Ionian Islands
• Mainland Beaches In Greece Not To Miss

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The Best Things to do in Greece with Kids

We all know Greece is a romantic destination, but there is also plenty of great things to do in Greece with kids .    During your family holidays in Greece, there are many fun and educational activities to do as well as some gorgeous beaches and islands to explore.  If you’re in the early stages of planning your family holidays to Greece and in need of some inspiration as to where to take the kids in Greece, then you will love this post. 

In this post, we look at some of the best things to do on Greece holidays for families in three of the most popular Greece destinations – Athens, Santorini and Mykonos.  Across these three destinations, families will experience one of the oldest, most historic cities in the world as well as the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful island destinations in the world.

Thanks to Pam from  Travel Hacking Mom  for this guest post on the best things to do in Greece with Kids.  

This post may contain compensated links.  Please refer to my disclaimer  here  for more information.  

Page Contents

• 1.1.1 1. Climb the Acropolis and See the Parthenon in Athens
• 1.1.2 2. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square
• 1.1.3 3. Panathenaic Stadium
• 1.2.1 4. Exploring Oia
• 1.2.2 5. Catamaran/Snorkel trip in Oia
• 1.2.3 6. Wander around Oia
• 1.2.4 7. Watch the Sunset in Oia
• 1.3.1 8. See the Windmills in Mykonos
• 1.3.2 9. Enjoy a Movie and Dinner Out (Under the Stars)
• 1.3.3 10. Mykonos Beaches
• 2 Getting Around in Greece
• 3.0.1 Want to save this information for later? 
• 3.0.2 Click on one of the images below and save it to Pinterest.

10 Fun Things to do in Greece with Kids

This post on things to do in Greece for kids has been divided into things to do in Athens, Santorini and Mykonos

Best Things to do in Athens with Kids

Below are some of the very best things to do in Athens with kids during your Greece family holidays.

1. Climb the Acropolis and See the Parthenon in Athens

You can’t go on a Greece family vacation and not see the Acropolis and Parthenon. Talk about seeing the beginning of civilization! The Acropolis is the hill itself and one can see it all over the city. It just says you are in Greece and is a pretty spectacular sight! The Parthenon is a temple dedicated to Athen’s patron goddess, Athena, and is the main site on the Acropolis.

You can take a taxi to the area but another perfect way to see it while you’re in Greece with children (if they are older) is to climb up to it. The perfect way is start in the Plaka neighborhood and enjoy the stunning scenery on the way up.

It’s best to go early when it opens at 8:00 am or later in the day after the cruise traffic dies down about 4:00 pm. From April 1 to October 31, the cost of tickets is 20 Euros. The rest of the year it is 10 Euros. Children under 18 years of age with identification are free. Purchase tickets online in advance from Klook and skip the line.

Be sure and take lots of family pictures with the city of Athens in the background. It is spectacular and great place to learn some facts about Greece .

2. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square

Nothing beats watching the changing of the guard in any city for children. Add the spectacular costumes of the guards at Syntagma Square and you have a winning combination! Even better, this is a free activity in Greece for families!

The changing of the guard takes place every hour on the hour. If you are lucky enough to be there on a Sunday, a parade is included. What child (or adult) doesn’t love a parade?  Make sure to include this activity on your family vacation in Greece.

3. Panathenaic Stadium

The best place to go in Greece for families who love the Olympic is the Panathenaic Stadium.  Sitting on the marble seats, you can practically hear the roar of the crowds.  Cheer your children on as they run around the track and take pictures of them on the winner’s blocks.  All you need is laurel wreaths for their heads to complete the experience!

The cost of this experience is 5 Euros for adults, 2 Euros for children. 

Best Things to do in Santorini with Kids

Santorini is one of the best Greek Islands to visit and below are some of the very best things to do in Santorini with kids during your Greece holiday with kids.  

4. Exploring Oia

One of the best Greek island for families is Santorini and when visiting Santorini, Oia is the place to be!  Nothing compares to the views you get all over this city.  If you stay in one of the cave houses of Oia, you will see an amazing view every time you walk out your front door.

Because Oia is built on a hill, you will need to be prepared for lots of steep hikes, but so worth it for the photographic moment and one of the top things you can do on your Greece holidays for kids!  While you’re there check out Ammoudi Bay and have a swim.

Unfortunately, there are not a lot of taxi’s in Santorini so be prepared to wait.  Alternatively, you can walk up the 278 steps to the top.  Talk about a workout!

5. Catamaran/Snorkel trip in Oia

All of the best family holidays in Greece include a Greek island snorkel trip and this is a very popular thing to do in Santorini.  Sailing the blue Aegean Sea and seeing the caldera (the volcanic remains of an eruption) make for a great experience.   You can swim in the incredibly warm hot springs around the island, snorkel a little and enjoy sunbathing. 

The lunch they serve is amazing!  Grilled chicken, shrimp and the best Greek salads with fresh feta. The feta in Greece is so, so good.  Most people say this is the best thing they did on their family trip to Greece.  It is something you don’t want to miss on your Greek Island family holiday in Santorini.  You can book day trips through GetYourGuide or Klook .  

6. Wander around Oia

Wandering around Oia on your Greek family holidays is a delight!  Cobbled streets, white buildings, and the cutest shops to explore.  Stop by a local restaurant and introduce your children to some Greek food. 

Oia is often warm and not all accommodation has a pool.  Luckily, you can go to the Lioyerma Lounge Cafe Pool Bar and swim for free if you buy a little food.  This can be a lifesaver on a hot day!  

Expect to be amazed by the beauty of Oia as you wander through the streets and cute shops. There are plenty of gelato shops along the way to bribe children so you have time to explore all the cute shops!

7. Watch the Sunset in Oia

One of the most interesting things in Greece is watching the sunset.  Actually, watching the crowds head to watch the sunset every day is the most fascinating part of it! 

While wandering around Oia, you will suddenly see everyone heading west.  It’s time to watch the sunset and life seems to stop and the stores get emptier when it’s sunset time.  

Pictures of the sunset are spectacular but pictures of the crowds watching the sunset are pretty interesting too!  It has to be a national pastime and definitely one of the things to do on Greek Island holidays for families!

Things to do in Mykonos with Kids  

Below are some of the very best things to do in Mykonos with kids during your holidays to Greece with children.

8. See the Windmills in Mykonos

Most of the iconic pictures of Mykonos include the windmills.  Used in the past to mill wheat and built by the Venetians, they are seen from many parts of the island.  Some of the most beautiful are right in Mykonos Town.  Be sure and visit them and wander the streets of Mykonos town during the day. 

9. Enjoy a Movie and Dinner Out (Under the Stars)

Cine Manto is the oldest outdoor cinema in the world and is open from the end of May to the end of September.  They show two shows a night.  One starts at 9:00 and one at 11:00 and they offer a lot of children appropriate films. At 9 Euros for adults and 7 Euros for children, it is a very affordable option for activities to do in Mykonos. You can even grab dinner from the restaurant on location.

10. Mykonos Beaches

No trip to Greece with family would be complete without a trip to the beach and Mykonos has several family friendly beaches.  Ornos Beach is a very calm beach with crystal clear waters.  You can rent a sunbed for 30 Euros and there are several restaurants there. It is one of the closest beaches from the city center. 

Agrari Beach is very family friendly with a little playground the kids can play at and calm waters. It is very secluded and a little outside of the city center so you’ll need to have your own rental car to get here with children. 

Platis Gialos Beach (pictured above) is also a great family beach. It is wide and has that beautiful white sand that Greece is famous for. There are several options for food, sunbeds, meals and minimarts.

Getting Around in Greece

There are flights from all over the world into Athens International Airport – check Skyscanner for the cheapest flights.  Travel from Athens to Santorini is easiest to do by airplane.  It is a short one-hour flight and costs about $100 per person.  From Santorini to Mykonos, it is fun to take the ferry.  You can get your tickets at ferryhopper for about 67 Euros a person.

In Athens, there are lots of taxis and Ubers available so that is the easiest way to get around unless you want to rent a car at the airport.   

As mentioned above, there are not a lot of taxis in Santorini. There are only 25 or so.  You can call +30 22860 22555 to arrange a taxi.  Renting a car at the airport is also an option. Buses are also available to get to different parts of the island.

In Mykonos, the best way to get around is the bus system.  If you take the ferry from Santorini to Mykonos, you will find many taxis when you disembark but, in reality, there are not a huge abundance of them available at other times. Rental cars are also a good option, but many have manual transmission.  No cars are permitted in Mykonos Town, only foot traffic.

Where to Stay in Greece

Athens is a huge city and so there are many hotels available .  

Santorini has some boutique hotels but few branded hotels.  You can stay in a luxurious hotel or a more modest hotel. If you want the view you see in most pictures of Santorini, stay in Oia .

Mykonos Town is known as a party place so you might want to stay outside of Mykonos Town.   Ornos is a lovely area, as is Platis Gialos. One popular hotel near Ornos Beach is the Mykonos Essence Hotel .  It is a short walk to the beach, has a swimming pool and a nice breakfast buffet.

There you have it!  Ten fun things to do with your kids in Greece.  Enjoy the history, the white sand and blue water, and some the most stunning views in the world!

Pam is the mother of five and grandmother of 20! She and her daughter Alex, a mother of 3 boys, make up the duo known as Travel Hacking Mom , a blog dedicated to the goal of teaching beginners how to travel hack. Travel hacking is traveling for free (or close to it) by using miles and points collected through credit card signup bonuses. They have traveled internationally in lay down business seats many times and only pay taxes and fees.  They stay for free in hotels around the world too.  Their goal is to instruct others how to do the same! You can follow Travel Hacking Mom on Instagram , Facebook , and Pinterest .

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Naxos with kids: your complete travel guide

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Most visitors to Greece can’t wait to step off a ferry and onto a charming, white-washed island paradise. And I can’t blame them – it’s every bit as amazing as it sounds. But tackling the Greek isles with kids is a little different than visiting as a 20-something!

When planning our own trip to Greece, we heard plenty of feedback from other parents. Santorini? Too crowded and hilly, not enough shallow beaches. Mykonos? Too many drunken party-goers. But one island kept coming up in recommendation after recommendation for visiting Greece with kids: Naxos.

Why you should visit Naxos with kids

The best time to visit naxos, the best things to do in naxos with kids, our favorite naxos restaurants, where to stay in naxos, how to get to naxos, plan your family holiday on naxos.

Read more Greece articles or get Europe travel inspiration

What’s so great about Naxos? In a word, everything. Naxos is truly one of the most kid-friendly vacations we’ve taken, without being overrun by all-inclusive resorts with kids clubs (not that there’s anything wrong with that, as Seinfeld would say, but it’s not our style).

-Naxos offers the perfect balance of activity and relaxation. There are shops to visit, villages to explore and ruins to see but also world-class beaches for lounging and splashing.

-It can be a car-free vacation! You don’t need a car on Naxos if you’re staying near town. If you have kids in car seats like we do, you’ll understand how amazing it feels to get around everywhere on foot for a week!

-It doesn’t have to be expensive. While some other islands cater to the luxury set, Naxos offers quality accommodations and dining at all price points. Check out this awesome place we stayed for less than $100 per night! Read more insider tips about how to visit Greece on a budget .

-Last, but certainly not least, your kids are welcome and loved on Naxos. Plenty of other popular Greek islands are full of no-kids-allowed hotels and restaurants. On Naxos you’ll find relaxed waiters and waitresses popping by to play with the kids, lunch spots with kids menus and even an arcade along the waterfront.

“The season” on Naxos begins on May 2, the day after May Day, and ends in late September. But your experience will be very different depending on when you choose to visit.

We arrived at the end of April and found the island so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Several times, we dined completely alone in restaurants and sampled the first attempt at the chef’s new menu. Our hotel was only about ¼ occupied and we had nearly all of Agios Prokopios to ourselves. Hard to believe, eh?

The weather during shoulder season in Greece was mostly lovely, but we had about 1½ days of rain and wind during our week there. It was just warm enough to swim in the sea, but not hot enough to want to jump in the the unheated hotel pool (though we did anyway).

A week later, as we prepared to depart in early May, Naxos was utterly transformed. Every store and restaurant was open, our hotel was near capacity and the sun was shining full-blast. The summer is in full-swing through May and June, but with most European schools still in session, the crowds won’t yet be unmanageable.

Ready to pack your bags? Check out our complete guide to packing for a spring trip to Greece!

Naxos is rising in popularity, so the peak months of July and August will be hot and crowded . Maybe not Santorini crowded, but don’t expect to have the beach (or anything else) to yourself! Highs will be in the low 80s, with near-constant sunshine.

By September the season – and the perfect weather – is winding down. Just as we experienced some inclement weather in May, mid-September usually sees the start of rains. Fortunately you’ll have the place to yourself again! Don’t plan visit too late in September, as businesses will begin to shut down for the winter.

Check out the best beaches in Naxos

There are more than a few amazing Naxos beaches, including one that’s ranked among the world’s best. If you’re staying in Naxos for a few days, you should have plenty of time to visit several of them.

Agios St. George is on the edge of Naxos town ( Naxos Chora ), just minutes away from the wonderful hotel where we stayed on our visit. St. George beach is the best in the area for families with young children thanks to its shallower entry and warmer temperatures compared with some of the more famous neighbors on the island. Indeed, we saw plenty of local families there with their own kids.

Agios Prokopios is by far the most famous beach on Naxos, and arguably its most beautiful. The water is crystal clear and the views are incredible. That said, the shore drops off fairly quickly and the water is colder than St. George beach so it’s less ideal for families with young children.

It’s about 15 minutes from Naxos Chora by car, but if you just want to visit for the day there’s a convenient shuttle bus connecting the two. The cost is just a few euros per person and is runs several times per day (the exact schedule depends on the season). Of course, the schedule is all relative… prepare yourself for “island time”!

Agia Anna is just down the road from Agios Prokopios and can be accessed from the same bus route. We didn’t visit, but heard it’s a little less crowded and perhaps slightly less crowded but with similar scenery.

Plaka Beach offers a totally different experience that’s probably better suited to aqua adventurers than tiny globetrotters. The intense winds can make swimming dangerous but provide world-class windsurfing.

Soak up the charm around Naxos town

The white-washed walls and cobbled streets of Naxos town are the stuff of Cyclades dreams.  Spend an afternoon strolling along the harbor and the narrow back streets, then wind your way up to the church at the top of the town’s Venetian castle. Grab an iced coffee at Meli kai Kanela ( Honey and Cinnamon ) and then take in the stunning views around every corner.

Visit the Portara of Naxos

It wouldn’t be a Greek vacation without ancient ruins, right? Even tiny Naxos has its own and it’s impossible to miss . Indeed, the Portara is the first thing you’ll see when you arrive by ferry and it stands as the town sentinel visible from the entire waterfront.

The Portara was intended to be the doorway of a massive temple commissioned by the island’s tyrant ruler, Lygdamis, over 2500 years ago. Construction was halted due to a war with neighboring Samos and then, as tends to happen, the unpopular tyrant was overthrown and his pet project fell by the wayside. You can read more about the history here .

To get to the Portara, walk along the waterfront just past the ferry and continue straight up the small hill. The path is not accessible, but if you’re able to walk it shouldn’t take more than about 10 minutes. The views around the back side seem to stretch on forever.

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Explore the traditional Naxos villages

While beachside Naxos Chora is a haven for tourists, the smaller villages on the island’s interior retain much of their old-world charm. If you leave town after breakfast, you can return by dinner time and get a totally different view of the island in the interim!

Our favorite stop was Damalas, where you can get a glimpse of some of Naxos’ traditional industries. We spent a lovely hour with Manolis in his pottery workshop witnessing his mastery of the craft after 35 years of practice. Pro tip: the first pottery shop you pass on the left is run by Manolis’ brother, but there’s no “action” there – continue another 100-200m down the road and take the right turn toward pottery and the olive press.

Once you’ve had your fill of pottery (and probably done some souvenir shopping), leave the car and keep walking another two minutes toward the village of Damalas. At the end of the village on the right, you’ll find the villages original olive press and an explanation of why it was so important to the area. Make sure to try out the press to see if you have what it takes to be a real Greek villager!

Leave behind village life and continue on to the sunny little town of Chalki. In some ways, Chalki feels like a miniature version of Naxos town, with a smattering of restaurants surrounding the everybody-knows-your-name town square. Apart from appreciating the charms of the place, take some time to get acquainted with a Naxos specialty, kitron liqueur. Move over, ouzo!

Never heard of kitron? Neither had we! It’s distilled from the fruit and leaves of the Greek citron tree. Once we saw the tree itself, we immediately recognized its distinctive fruit as an etrog , the extremely fragrant and equally fragile citrus fruit used during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.

While at Vallindras, take a few minutes to look over the old equipment and see how kitron is made. Then step into the tasting room to sample the different types available. Don’t worry, kids are welcome too – they just can’t drink. Chalki is also a great place for your lunch stop.

While we didn’t have a car for most of our time on Naxos, it was easy and affordable to rent one for a day. We picked up an automatic transmission Fiat 500 convertible from a Moto Land for just 35 EUR and spent around 20 EUR on gas. If you can drive a manual transmission car, the options are even more affordable! If you’d rather not handle the logistics, check out this great, affordable tour around the island.

Cruise to nearby islands

If you have a little extra time and want to experience some other islands in the region, book a day tour on one of the many sailboats and catamarans filling the Naxos harbor. Some of them have set schedules for daytime or sunset cruises, while others are available as charters to take you wherever your heart desires. Check out this awesome luxury tour !

Though we usually go the self-catering route, we decided to treat our week on Naxos as a much-deserved vacation rather than just another “travel” period during our family gap year. In total we tried roughly a dozen restaurants! The good news is that this tiny island is overflowing with really great choices. Here are some of our favorite Naxos restaurant suggestions :

Best lunch spots on Naxos

This is a tasty, cheap lunch spot. It’s right in the town square, so it’s hard to miss. We had a really beautiful, fresh salad to start – Naxos is one of the only Greek islands that can produce everything it needs, from meat to produce to dairy. We ordered the lunch special of 13€ for two chicken gyros, two cokes and a Greek salad, while the kids split a big chicken plate for just 7.50€.

Yialos Tavern

If you’re spending the day at St. George beach and need a solid food option, look no further tha Yialos Tavern (not to be confused with some of its neighbors, which we didn’t enjoy nearly as much). The stuffed tomatoes and mousaka were amazing – food that made us say “wow”. The kids loved their veal meatballs as well. Lunch rang up at 34€ for our family of four.

Yasouvlaki!

Yasouvlaki! Is a great lunch option at the Naxos port – and one of our favorite Naxos restaurants. They make an incredible chicken kebab – it was so good that we returned for a second lunch. The friendly waiter gave us glasses for our own water (since every restaurant in Greece seems to charge for water) and advised what to order for the kids to save money, which we always appreciate. The prices are unbelievably low 2.40€ for a gyro (ask for it with tatziki) and 3.60€ for kebabs with fries. Our total? 11.30€ for lunch for four. I’m not joking.

Best dinner places on Naxos

To Ellinikos

To Ellinikos is one of the closest restaurants to the great Naxos hotel where we stayed, so naturally we had to give it a try – and it was so good that we returned later in the week. Most of the seating is on their spacious, inviting patio that you can’t miss as you up the street from St. George beach to the Naxos town square.

This might be the most child-friendly restaurant in Naxos – they have an actual kids menu! The kids loved the veal meatballs so much that they each ordered a second one – which sweet Sylvia brought free of charge. We feasted on their mezze and especially liked the stuffed bell pepper and the warm Naxos cheese. Ronnie declared the goat “exceptional” and I thoroughly enjoyed the mushroom pie. At the end of the meal, we enjoyed mandarin liquor and dessert on the house.

Shockingly, our total bill for dinner was just 38€. I could go on and on about To Ellinikos – the great food, the warm service, the charming ambiance… but if you go to Naxos, you’ll just have to enjoy your own dinner there an say “hi” to our friends.

Another favorite meal for our family was Strofili, just south of the harbor, which we caught on their opening night and had completely to ourselves! We’ve heard that usually the restaurant and it’s associated club are popular and busy, so if you’re visiting during peak season you might try to make a reservation. Strofili is known for its delicious homemade pastas, which didn’t disappoint. The sea bass (16€) was wonderful – easily best dish we had on Naxos. While TripAdvisor rates the cost as $, be warned that it’s really more like $$$. It’s worth the price if you want to splurge for the best dinner on Naxos, but better to avoid the sticker shock.

Must-eat desserts on Naxos

Waffle House

You can’t miss Waffle House, located just off the main square as you walk into the older part of town toward the Castle. They serve up great ice cream and offer lots of flavor choices. The only downside is that it’s expensive at 2.30€ for a single (but large) scoop.

Milkato has a nice location on the harbor – grab your cone and sit on the benches while you watch the boats come in. The servings are generous and the prices are a little lower than Waffle House, but they don’t have as wide of a selection of flavors.

Naxos is full of places to stay for every style of travel and every budget, from luxury resorts to tiny Airbnb’s. We consider ourselves middle-of-the-road value-oriented travelers, and so we were looking for accommodations to match.

As you saw above, Naxos town is full of wonderful restaurants (many of which are reasonably priced for the quality of food). On the other hand, grocery store options are limited in the tourist area. So instead of our usual leaning toward self-catering, we opted to stay in a more traditional Naxos hotel – even with breakfast included to speed up our morning routine!

We were thrilled with our choice to stay at Hotel Spiros . The location is wonderful, tucked in a quiet corner of Naxos town just a few minutes’ walk to Agios St. George. It was equally convenient to walk to the dozens of Naxos restaurant choices in town. Around the corner are several car rental agencies to set you up for a day trip around Naxos villages, and about 10 minutes away you’ll find the bus stop that takes you to stunning Agios Prokopios.

Our room offered plenty of space for the four of us, with a queen bed for the parents and a daybed with a trundle for the kids. We even had a little kitchenette for preparing basic breakfasts or a picnic lunch. Even better? We scored a huge terrace overlooking the beautiful pool! Hotel Spiros was a big win for our family and a great value to boot. Check the latest prices here and reserve your spot early, as they do book up during the high season.

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

There are two ways to get to Naxos and they’re both easy! You can take a ferry to Naxos town or you can fly to the airport near Agios Prokopios.

What should you do in Athens on the way to Naxos? Find out here!

Ferry to Naxos

The best option is to take a ferry from Athens to Naxos. The ride takes 3-5 hours depending on which ferry you choose and is very comfortable. Be advised that the “fast ferries” save time but may be harder on the stomach. Beyond the cost savings, the big benefit of taking the ferry to Naxos is that you arrive right in town and can walk to all of the local hotels. If you’re visiting with kids, that means no car seat installation in a taxi! Book your ferry tickets here – and get them early for high season, as they do sell out.

Fly to Naxos

Alternatively, you can fly non-stop from Athens to Naxos on Olympic Air for as little as $45 each way! Check prices and schedules here – and if your travel dates don’t show up, check back in a month or two. The airport is small and manageable, but it’s located near Agios Prokopios – meaning you’ll need to either take a taxi or rent a car to get anywhere else on the island. You’ll also need to allow plenty of time to get to and through the airport in Athens, which may negate any time saved by flying rather than taking the ferry.

Would you rather stay on the mainland of Greece? Check out Stoupa!

If you want to travel Greece on a budget, here are some great backpacker-friendly Greece itineraries to suit all types of interests.

Check out these additional resources to plan your family trip to Naxos and the rest of Greece: – Book ferry tickets – Reserve Hotel Spiros – What to pack for Greece in spring – How to travel Greece on a budget – Things to do in Athens with kids – Crete with kids – Visiting Greece with kids: where should you go? – A Local Guide’s Perfect Greece Island Hopping Itinerary

Still planning? Pin it for later!

What to read next

20 thoughts on “naxos with kids: your complete travel guide”.

I’ve never heard of Naxos until today. It sounds exactly like something out family would enjoy. We love walking and like you, we prefer to stay away from big hotels. Adding this beautiful island to our family’s bucket list. Thanks for the inspiration!

My pleasure! Hit me up if you have any more questions… it was one of the most relaxing weeks of our whole year abroad.

Dying over the photo of your kids with the white steps behind them. So cute! What a beautiful family memory!

It’s one of my favorites, so I had to sneak it in!

I would love to visit Naxos, it sounds heavenly. We went to Crete at Easter and had a similarly friendly reception from everyone we met. #WanderlustKids

Honestly, I liked Naxos even better than Crete! (Though my better half disagrees ?)

Naxos sounds amazing. I hadn’t heard much about it until I read your post but it sounds like the perfect place for a family getaway in the quieter shoulder seasons. And even nicer to not really need a car to explore the town too. Thanks for linking up to #wanderlustkids

Great post thanks Melissa. Island hopping next June to Sifnos, Naxos and Astypalae with my 3 children, 17,15 and 11. Hoping that Naxos has plenty to keep the teenagers amused!!

Sounds like an awesome trip! I’m guessing they’ll love the arcade by the harbor ?

Hello! This is a great post! I’m planning a trip next year with my 2.5 year old and 4 months old (at the time of travel, I’m currently pregnant). How many days did you stay in Naxos?

I think we stayed on Naxos for 6 days and that felt “just right” for our family 🙂 We had a few beach days (including one at Agios Prokopios, accessible by bus), a day exploring the old town/castle area, a day driving around the island and a rain day – assuming you’re going more in the peak season, you could probably spend that day out on the water exploring other islands!

Thanks for this post! We are spending a few days in Naxos with our one year old next month! We actually booked Spiros off of your recommendation. Quick question – we are coming in by ferry…how would you recommend getting to the hotel from the port? Is it easy enough to walk with luggage or are we better off catching a bus or hiring private transport?

We walked 😊 Even with going the “long way” it took us about 15 minutes.

And say hi to Stelios for me!

We are planning to visit in late May/ early June this year. Any chance the kids can stand the water temps to swim in ocean or pool?

Hi Malia! You should be in great shape. We went a month earlier last year and it was a little chilly but still swimmable for our crew. Let me know if you need any other help planning your trip 😊

Planning to visit the Greek Islands for about 5 days with our almost three-nager first week of October. Do you think there will be things available for us to do with the shops possibly closing for the season?

I think in very early October you’ll find some places open and some closed, but it won’t be totally dead. The water should be very warm and the crowds thin!

Thanks Melissa! I appreciate the info.

My pleasure! Have you decided on your itinerary?

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World Wild Schooling

2 Days in Athens with Kids: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers

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Are you looking for a memorable and fun family vacation in Athens, Greece? Look no further! Athens is the perfect place for a family trip with plenty of attractions that will engage and excite your kids. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to exploring the city with kids and creating a 2-day Athens itinerary that will make sure everyone has a great time.

This 2-day Athens itinerary will help you visit the best places and make the most out of your two days with practical tips from a local. We also share tips on where to stay with kids.

*That’s me, I’m the local! I was born and raised in Athens and we still spend 3-4 months in Athens and all over Greece every year 🙂

• In a Nutshell
• Best luxury hotel :  Grande Bretagne
• Best midrange hotel :  Electra Palace
• Best budget apartment :  Blue Ark Stylish Athens
• Best tour :  guided tour of Acropolis and the Museum of Acropolis here
• We highly recommend booking  skip-the-line tickets to Acropolis and Acropolis Museum  to avoid the long queues, if you are not going with a tour

Exploring Athens with Kids: Create a Fun and Memorable 2-Day Itinerary!

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If you are looking for more things to do in Athens with kids and more practical tips, check our guide on Athens with kids | Best things to do | Where to stay

• The Ultimate Guide to Athens’ Hotels and Neighborhoods
• Best Thinsg to Do in Athens with Kids
• Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon
• Famous Greece Landmarks

Athens is one of the oldest cities and a great destination for families, with plenty of attractions and activities to explore. From ancient ruins to open-air playgrounds, there’s something for everyone in Athens. The city is also home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world , like the Acropolis and Syntagma Square, making it a great destination for a family vacation.

If you are a family with kids looking for a quick but fulfilling getaway, 2 days in Athens could be the perfect option. Usually right before you go to one of the gorgeous greek islands, two days in Athens would give you just enough time to visit the main attractions for the first time that are gathered in the city center.

• If you could stay one more day, you could get to see the stunning Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion .
• If you have plenty of time and you are looking for more things to do, then check our extensive guide on Athens with kids .
• If you could stay even longer, then a day trip from Athens would be possible, such as to Delphi or Nafplion. Read our guide with the best day trips from Athens .

If you only have two days in Athens, then a good idea is to stay in the city center, such as Syntagma Square and near Acropolis. Here are our recommendations

€€€€€  Grande Bretagne  is a 5-star luxury hotel at Syntagma Square with 2 swimming pools. Roof garden with Acropolis view and an outdoor pool, spa with an indoor pool, and marble bathrooms.

Located right next to the metro and the start of the tourist train it is very convenient for families with kids. Some balconies face the Acropolis and from those, you can see the daily changing of the guard at the Greek parliament. It is also close to Zappeio with its playground, National Garden, and Panathinaiko Stadium. You can reach Acropolis by metro or by walking 15 minutes

See photos and availability here

€€€€   Syntagma Spotlight Residence  is an entire 80m² apartment right next to Syntagma Square. As this is an apartment, you will have a kitchen, a washing machine, and all other amenities that make an apartment an easy choice when traveling with kids. It is located on the main shopping street in the center of Athens, Ermou, and just a few minutes from Syntagma metro station

See  photos and availability here

€€€   Cityzoe Athens Suites  is located under Acropolis in the charming district of Anafiotika in Plaka. The location of this small hotel is excellent with the Acropolis and the Acropolis museum just a few minutes walk from the hotel

€   Blue Ark Stylish Athens  is an entire apartment of 55m² in the residential area Koukaki. It is pretty inexpensive for this location. This cozy apartment is located near the Acropolis museum and the Acropolis

The first day of your family trip to Athens should be spent exploring the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. This is a great way to introduce your kids to the history and culture of Athens and get them excited about the city.

Book a  guided tour of Acropolis and the Museum of Acropolis here

The Acropolis is one of the most iconic landmarks in Greece and the world. It is a must-see when exploring Athens with kids. Acropolis comes from the word acro and polis, which mean highest and city in Ancient Greek. It’s an ancient citadel built in the 5th century BC. It is home to some of the most famous monuments in Greece, like the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Theatre of Dionysus.

According to Greek mythology, Athena and Poseidon entered a contest for control of the city. Poseidon created a salt spring and the goddess Athena planted an olive tree on Acropolis as a present to Athenians. The citizens chose Athena’s present, hence the city was named Athens after the goddess. Today you can find an olive tree at the same spot, in front of the ancient temple of Erechtheion.

Read also: Landmarks in Greece

The Acropolis is a great place to explore with kids. It’s filled with ancient ruins that will fascinate them, and there are plenty of activities for them to enjoy. There are guided tours available for kids, as well as interactive exhibits and activities that will help them engage with the history of the ancient sites.

Tip The best time to visit the Acropolis is to do it first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds and cruel heat during summer months. There is no shade, so take with you hats, sunscreen, and water

For a more in-depth experience, you may want to consider booking a  guided tour  of the Acropolis with kids. This tour includes a guided walk of the ancient monument and a visit to the Acropolis Museum. Acropolis is stunning and you will get so much more out of your visit with a guided tour!

Find a  guided tour of Acropolis and the Museum of Acropolis here

We highly recommend that you book  tickets  in advance if you don’t go for a guided tour. The queues can be long to enter the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, especially during the high season, and with kids, it’s always best to book tickets in advance rather than spend time waiting

Book skip-the-line tickets to Acropolis and Acropolis Museum here

Tip Take a carrier with you! Strollers are not allowed at the archaeological site of Acropolis. Do take the stroller with you for the rest of the day though, you will leave it at a designated spot for free

Tip There is an elevator, so if you are pregnant, ask to use it!

Read also: Ranking the Greek Islands for Beaches

Find skip-the-line tickets to Acropolis and Acropolis museum  here

The new Acropolis Museum is a great place to visit after exploring the Acropolis and only a short walk from the Acropolis of Athens. It’s a modern museum that houses a collection of artifacts from the Acropolis. It is one of the best museums in the world and a good place to get a glimpse of the ancient world.

The museum is a great place for kids to learn more about the history and culture of Ancient Greece. There are interactive exhibits and activities that will help them engage with the history of the site. And there are plenty of artifacts on display that will fascinate them.

Tip Book tickets to the Acropolis Museum in advance, as the queue to enter the museum can be very long (especially during high season)

Find tickets to Acropolis and Acropolis museum  here

After visiting the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, it’s time for lunch! There’s no better place to have lunch than Plaka, just a few minutes walk from the Acropolis Museum. Then you can continue to visit the Ancient and Roman Agora with your regained strength

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Plaka is a picturesque neighborhood in the heart of Athens at the foot of the Acropolis. It’s a great place to explore with kids, as there are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore.

Shopping in Plaka is a great way to introduce your kids to the culture and history of Athens. There are plenty of souvenir shops that have a great selection of traditional Greek items, as well as modern items. And there are plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat. Some of the restaurants have live music and serve traditional Greek cuisine with good olive oil and feta cheese in the menu

We usually eat at Scholarcheio when we are in the area. It is a taverna with traditional Greek food – similar to what our Greek grandmas cook!

Read our post on the best traditional Greek food here .

Find  combo tickets for Acropolis and 6 more sites, including the Ancient and the Roman Agora, here

The Ancient Agora of Athens and the Roman Forum are great places to explore with the kids. This marketplace used to be the beating heart of ancient Athens. It is where ancient Athenians were gathering, discussing and making decisions democratically, where business was taking place, and where philosophers and performers would be found.

From the Temple of Hephaestus to the House of the Furies, there’s plenty to explore in the Agora. The Roman Forum was the meeting point during the Roman era of Athens and is a bit further away

While the Ancient Agora is one of the most important landmarks of Athens, visiting the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum in the morning and the Ancient Agora in the afternoon can be very tiring. This is marked as optional not because it is not important, but because not every family will have the stamina to visit another archaelogical site. You will be passing by the Ancient Agora in Plaka in any case, so you will get to see it even if you decide not to visit it

After all the sight-seeing of the day, it’s time to stroll around and relax!

Monastiraki hosts a flea market and the landmarks like the Ancient Agora and the Stoa of Attalos are well known. There are tons of cafés, bars, restaurants and traditional taverns. The Monastiraki Flea Market is also a great place to explore with the kids. This outdoor market, located near the Acropolis hill, is a great place to explore and shop. The kids will love exploring the stalls and searching for souvenirs

Go to a rooftop café, such as A for Athens or 360 for amazing view of the Acropolis! Both A for Athens and 360 are high-end and next to metro stop Monastiraki.

If you’re looking for an exciting family adventure in Athens, look no further than Psyrri . This vibrant neighbourhood is perfect for a day out with kids, offering plenty of interesting and unique activities to keep everyone busy and entertained.

With its colourful street art, trendy souvlaki stands, and many quirky cafes and bars, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Psyrri is a great place to explore, with its modern, cosmopolitan vibe and vibrant atmosphere. Take a stroll through the narrow streets, admiring the street art that adorns the walls.

Then, grab some tasty souvlaki from a local street vendor and enjoy a picnic in the park. You’ll find plenty of cafes and bars, so you can enjoy a refreshing drink or a snack while taking in the sights.

Grab a quick bite at Street Souvlaki . This has been recommended to us by a Greek friend who is chef and we couldn’t agree more!

Then go to Little Cook , one of the most quirky cafés in Athens. Don’t forget to take a photo! It’s one of the most instagrammable spots in Psyrri

Or go for a desert at Nancy’s Sermpetospito , one of the most favorite places for sweets for Athenians.

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The second day of your family trip to Athens should be spent exploring Syntagma Square and witnessing the Change of Guards. This is a great way to introduce your kids to the city and get them excited about the culture and history of Athens.

Syntagma Square is the main square of Athens and is home to the Parliament building. It’s a great place to explore with kids, as there are plenty of activities and attractions for them to enjoy.

One of the highlights of visiting Syntagma Square is witnessing the Change of Guards. This is a traditional ceremony that takes place every hour, in which the Presidential Guards march from the Parliament building to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

You can watch the changing of the guards every hour on the hour in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every Sunday morning at 11.00 you can watch a more impressive ceremony of the changing of the guards with a small parade

Tip Don’t forget to check out Ermou Street, it’s the main shopping street in the center of Athens. Ermou street starts at Syntagma Square and reaches Monastiraki Square and goes even further.

After witnessing the Change of Guards, you should take a ride on the Happy Train. This is a fun and interactive train ride that takes you around the city and is a great way to get your kids excited about exploring Athens.

The Happy Train has stops at all the major attractions in Athens, so you’ll be able to take your kids to all the best sites in the city. And the train is filled with fun activities that will keep your kids entertained throughout the ride.

The second day of your family trip to Athens should be spent exploring Plaka and the Panathenaic Stadium. This is a great way to introduce your kids to the culture and history of Athens and get them excited about the city.

The Panathenaic Stadium is a must-see when exploring Athens with kids. It’s an ancient stadium that was built in the 5th century BC and is the site of the first modern Olympic Games. It is also the world’s only stadium that is entirely made from marble.

Exploring the Panathenaic Stadium is a great way to introduce your kids to the history and culture of Athens. There are guided tours available for kids, as well as interactive exhibits and activities that will help them engage with the history of the site.

Tip Don’t forget to take a photo on the podium!!

The next stop from the Panathenaic Stadium would be the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch before going to the National Garden to unwind for the day. The temple of Zeus, otherwise named Olympeion, was one of the greatest temples in ancient times. It is worth visiting to admire the Corinthian columns of the temple – although only 16 columns remain standing today.

Hadrian’s Arch was a gate to honor the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a benefactor of Athens.

The second day of your family trip to Athens should be spent exploring the National Garden and playground. This is a great way to introduce your kids to the city and get them excited about exploring Athens.

The National Garden is a beautiful park in the heart of Athens. It’s a great place to explore with kids, as there are plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy.

Having a picnic in the National Garden is a great way to introduce your kids to the city. The park is filled with lush gardens and trees, as well as plenty of picnic spots to relax. And there are plenty of activities for kids to enjoy, from playing games to exploring the gardens.

The National Garden also has a playground for kids to explore. This is a great way to keep your kids entertained and get them excited about exploring Athens.

The playground is filled with fun activities for kids to enjoy, from slides to swings. And there are plenty of games and activities to keep them entertained.

There is another big playground within walking distance to the one of the National Garden near Zappeion Megaron. This is 5 minute’s walk from the playground of the National Garden, so you can easily combine them. The exact spot of the playground in Zappeion is here

After Syntagma and the change of the guards, you can take the tourist train to see the Panathenaic Stadium . If you only see the Panathenaic Stadium and the National Garden from the tourist train, then you can take the funicular to go up to Lycabettus Hill

The funicular is a great way to get to the top, with kids especially enjoying the ride up the hill. Once you reach the peak, the view is simply breathtaking and the kids will enjoy running around and exploring the area.

Lycabettus Hill stands tall at almost 300 meters and offers amazing views of Athens, since it’s the highest point of the city. At the top you will find St. George, a whitewashed church with magnificent architecture and gorgeous view.

Additionally, there is the restaurant Prasini Tenta at the top of Mount Lycabettus, where you can enjoy delicious food along with the spectacular view of the city. This is a high-end restaurant and it does not offer traditional Greek cuisine .

The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, Greece

Do you have an extra day? Then go to Cape Sounion for the sunset at the Temple of Poseidon !

Read more: Cape Sounion

As the capital city of Greece , Athens is home to stunning ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and historical attractions. One of the must-visit sites in Athens is the Acropolis, an ancient citadel that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It not only offers breathtaking views of the city but also the iconic Parthenon temple and several other ancient structures.

In addition to the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum is another popular attraction in Athens. It houses artifacts of great historical and cultural importance, such as sculptures, pottery, and other objects from the Acropolis. A visit to the museum will give you an insight into the rich history and culture of the city.

Syntagma Square and the change of guards is also a must-see in Athens. Here you can witness the guards perform their changing of the guard ceremony and take pictures of the picturesque square.

Plaka and Monastiraki are great places for shopping, dining, and exploring the city’s nightlife. You can walk along the cobblestone streets and explore the traditional Greek shops for souvenirs, or grab a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants. They are also some of the best neighborhoods to stay in Athens .

If you are looking for a short but enjoyable trip to Athens, two days is enough to explore the city’s major attractions such as the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, Syntagma Square and the change of guards, and Plaka and Monastiraki.

Read also: Best Neighborhoods and Hotels in Athens

Wondering when is the best time to visit Athens ? Athens is best visited during the mild and comfortable seasons of spring and fall. If you’re keen on exploring the ancient landmarks such as the Acropolis and the Temple of Poseidon, the months of April, May, September, and October are perfect for that.

Summer, however, can be a challenge as temperatures can soar beyond 32°C (90°F), making it difficult to indulge in outdoor activities. In addition, August is when most Athenians take their vacations, resulting in the closure of several local businesses and restaurants.

To experience Athens in its full glory without crowds and heat, consider planning your visit during the shoulder seasons. This way, you can avoid any inconvenience and savor the beauty of this historic city to the fullest.

Read more: Best Time to Visit Greece

For travelers with a passion for history, culture, and architecture, Athens, the capital city of Greece, is a must-visit destination. It boasts a perfect mix of ancient ruins and modern-day attractions.

To get to Athens, flying into the Athens International Airport, also known as El. Venizelos, is the best option. As the largest and busiest airport in Greece, it caters to thousands of passengers daily. The airport is approximately 35 km east of the city center, easily accessible by public transportation, taxis, or rental cars.

Several airlines operate flights to Athens, making it easy to find a flight from most major cities worldwide. In general, getting to Athens is a stress-free experience.

We compare all airlines with  this search engine to get the lowest price possible for flights. You can also set ‘Everywhere’ as destination and it gives you the cheapest flight anywhere on any given day or find out when is the lowest price to fly to a specific destination.

Search for flights here

The best way to reach your hotel from the Airport of Athens is a private transfer. Do not take one of the taxis at the airport or any other tourist area as very often these are geared towards scamming tourists.

We always use this highly-rated pickup service with local English-speaking drivers. The ride costs a flat, pre-paid fee, they are monitoring for flight delays and they provide stellar 24/7 customer support

Book your airport pickup here

If you are in Athens only for one or two days, then the top sights to see are in the center of the city and you do not need a car. You can easily walk around from Acropolis and Acropolis Museum to Syntagma and Panathinaiko Stadio or take the tourist train .

While taking a taxi in Athens is relatively inexpensive and comfortable, avoid taking a taxi from touristic spots. Instead call a taxi with an app, such as FreeNow and Uber.

If you want to use public transportation, the metro is the easiest and cheapest way to move around the center. The metro stops Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Acropolis are the most important ones.

• Two Days in Athens with Kids Itinerary
• The Ultimate Guide to Hotels and Neigborhoods in Athens
• Best Greek Islands for Beaches, Ranked
• Best Family Hotels in Zakynthos
• Greece Travel Guide
• Famous Landmarks in Greece
• Best Traditional Greek Food

27+ Best Things to Do in Athens with Kids + Where to Stay

If you are looking for more ideas, read our extensive guide on the best things to do in Athens .

Read more: Athens with Kids

10 Best Day Trips from Athens + Tips from a Local

Discover the where to go on day trips from Athens ! Uncover ancient ruins, quaint villages, and breathtaking beaches. Get ready to explore beyond the city limits!

Read more: Best Day Trips from Athens

You can read all the practical details you need to make the most out of your visit to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon , such as how to get there, where to swim, and the best restaurants and hotels nearby.

25 Best Things To Do in Rhodes With Kids +Map

Discover the best things to do in Rhodes with kids , where to stay and practical tips.

Read more: Rhodes

Corfu with Kids | Best Things to Do | Where to Stay

Are you looking for an island getaway with the kids? The cosmopolitan island of  Corfu  is a great choice!

Read more: Corfu

21 Best Things to Do in Lefkada: A Local’s Guide

Discover the best things to do in Lefkada , where to stay, and practical tips from a local.

Read more: Lefkada

14 Best Family-Friendly Hotels & Villas in Zakynthos

Here are the best villas and hotels for families in Zakynthos , catering to all budgets and preferences. 

Read more: Family Hotels in Zakynthos

Best Time to Visit Greece According to a Local

Wondering when is the best time to visit Greece ? Here is all you need to know!

Read more: When to Visit Greece

60+ Best Traditional Greek Foods to Try in Greece

Discover the best traditional foods to try in Greece !

Read more: Greek Food

14 Amazing Things To Do in Paros, Greece

These 12 Top Greek Islands With Airports Make Island Hopping Easy

12 Most Beautiful Islands in Greece That Will Make You Finally Plan That Getaway

How To Plan Your Dream Greek Escape

12 Greek Islands Known for Their Unique Wildlife and Nature Reserves You Need To See

12 Beautiful Places To Retire in Greece That Will Make You Pack Your Bags

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Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She is regularly featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire, and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.

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The best activities for young children to try in Greece

B eautiful Greece is a treasure trove of sun-filled days, nature exploration, and adventure for all the family. But if you’re planning a holiday with young children, you may be wondering exactly what they can experience here. From wandering along pristine beaches to climbing ancient ruins, Greece is teeming with stunning natural and historic landscapes that offer fun, educational, once-in-a-lifetime memories for children of all ages.

Here, we dive into some of the best activities young children can try while visiting Greece.

As part of the Mediterranean, Greece naturally boasts some of the most idyllic beaches in the world. Calm, warm, shallow waters stretch for miles at beaches such as Elafonisi in Crete, Kalogria in Achaia, and Stupa in Messenia – perfect for family beach trips with young children. After a generous layer of sun cream, or while suited up with long-sleeved sun protection swimwear, they’ll play for hours splashing in the shallows, building sandcastles, and finding shells on the shore.

The Greek mainland is surrounded by an archipelago of around 3,000 islands, and there’s a plethora of coastal activities to be found on each. Spending a day or two island hopping on a boat is an exciting way to show the little ones more of the tropical island lifestyle. The islands are sprinkled with quaint villages and friendly people, and it isn’t hard to find a family-run restaurant in between exploring rockpools and breathtaking beaches.

Hikes and nature trails

Greece is home to 10 national parks and two marine parks, where rare and wonderful sights are waiting to be discovered. Even the smallest of toddlers will appreciate the awe-inspiring view atop the soaring mountains surrounding Vikos Gorge in Epirus, one of the deepest gorges in the world, with walls almost 3,000ft high . Hiking to the viewpoints is considered easy for adults, but it’s worth taking a child carrier or sling for the tikes just in case. And don’t forget to pack plenty of water and snacks as you explore away from the resorts.

If you are staying in or near Epirus, be sure to travel to the region’s capital city of Ioannina. Nestled on the shore of the glorious Lake Pamvotis, there are plenty of fun things to see and do for everyone here. Visit one of Ioannina’s fascinating museums to learn about the history of this region, complete with interactive elements for children. Or, take a boat ride to the tiny island in the middle of the lake, where children can roam freely and pretend to be tiny little pirates claiming their spit of land.

Agrotourism

What better way to teach the kids about another culture than by getting involved with local agriculture? Agrotourism is becoming increasingly popular across Greece, with small farms, vineyards, and olive groves opening their doors to willing participants. From olive picking to grape harvesting to sheep herding, both grown-ups and children alike will enjoy getting stuck while learning about a different way of life.

There are many opportunities to stay on a farm in Greece , complete with gorgeous guest houses, daily activities for all ages, and delicious meals prepared with ingredients fresh from the soil. As a heartwarming experience for all the family, agrotourism is a brilliant way to create memories while enjoying a more eco-friendly holiday.

The post The best activities for young children to try in Greece appeared first on A Journey We Love .

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About Santorini Dave Updated: March 10, 2024

Where to stay: • Athens • Crete • Milos • Mykonos • Naxos • Paros • Santorini • All destinations

The village of Fira overlooking the caldera in spectacular Santorini .

Greece is my favorite country in Europe. It’s loaded with great beaches ( Naxos , Mykonos , and Paros have the best sand and swimming), iconic historical sites ( Athens , Crete , and Delphi top the list), fantastic hotels , and stunning natural beauty ( Santorini , Milos , and the Meteora are my favs). The magical Greek islands are perfectly scattered for island hopping and adventure, while mainland Greece is packed with ancient cities and less-visited regions that will surprise and reward the unhurried traveler. The 2024 Greece Travel Guide Skip to our Greece FAQ Travel Guides Athens Crete Mainland Greece Mykonos Naxos Paros Santorini My two sons and I on a boat tour in the Santorini caldera. Where to Stay in Greece Aegina – Best Areas Andros – Best Areas Athens – Best Areas Chios – Best Areas Crete – Best Areas Delphi – Best Areas Folegandros – Best Areas Hydra – Best Areas Meteora – Best Areas Milos – Best Areas Monemvasia – Best Areas Mykonos – Best Areas Nafplio – Best Areas Naxos – Best Areas Paros – Best Areas Poros – Best Areas Rhodes – Best Areas Santorini – Best Areas Spetses – Best Areas Syros – Best Areas Tinos – Best Areas What to Do in Greece Athens – Things to Do Crete – Things to Do Delphi – Things to Do Meteora – Things to Do Monemvasia – Things to Do Mykonos – Things to Do Nafplio – Things to Do Naxos – Things to Do Paros – Things to Do Santorini – Things to Do Where to Eat & Drink in Greece Athens – Best Restaurants Athens – Best Bars & Clubs Delphi – Best Restaurants Meteora – Best Restaurants Monemvasia – Best Restaurants Mykonos – Best Restaurants Mykonos – Best Bars & Clubs Mykonos – Best Beach Clubs Nafplio – Best Restaurants Naxos – Best Restaurants Naxos – Best Bars & Beach Clubs Paros – Best Restaurants Santorini – Best Restaurants Santorini – Best Bars & Clubs Santorini – Best Wineries & Wine Tours

Island hopping by ferry is a great way to get between the Greek Islands .

Where to Go in Greece Best Greek Islands Greece with Kids Mainland Greece – Where to Go Peloponnese – Where to Go Halkidiki – Where to Go Where to Go in Greece Paros or Naxos? Crete or Santorini? Mykonos or Santorini? Greece Itinerary Greece & Italy Itinerary Greece for First-Timers The Best Beaches in Greece Best Beaches in Greece Andros – Best Beaches Mykonos – Best Beaches Naxos – Best Beaches Santorini – Best Beaches Syros – Best Beaches Tinos – Best Beaches When to Go to Greece Best Time to Visit Greece & Greek Islands Athens – Best Time to Visit Crete – Best Time to Visit Mykonos – Best Time to Visit Naxos – Best Time to Visit Santorini – Best Time to Visit Greece Travel Videos Athens Travel Videos Mykonos Travel Videos Naxos Travel Videos Paros Travel Videos Santorini Travel Videos

The Calilo Hotel in Ios is one of our favorite new beach resorts in Greece.

The Best Hotels in Greece Antiparos – Best Hotels Athens – Best Hotels Athens – Family Hotels Athens – Budget Hotels Athens – Airport Hotels Corfu – Best Hotels Corfu – Family Hotels Crete – Best Hotels Crete – Family Hotels Folegandros – Best Hotels Folegandros – Family Hotels Ios – Best Hotels Kefalonia – Best Hotels Kos – Best Hotels Kos – Family Hotels Milos – Best Hotels Milos – Family Hotels Mykonos – Best Hotels Mykonos – Family Hotels Mykonos – Budget Hotels Mykonos – Beach Hotels Mykonos – Honeymoon Hotels Naxos – Best Hotels Naxos – Family Hotels Naxos – Beach Hotels Paros – Best Hotels Paros – Family Hotels Paros – Beach Hotels Paros – Best Antiparos Hotels Rhodes – Best Hotels Rhodes – Family Hotels Rhodes – Boat Tours Santorini – Best Hotels Santorini – Family Hotels Santorini – Cheap Hotels Santorini – Luxury Hotels Santorini – Boutique Hotels Santorini – Honeymoon Hotels Santorini – Beach Hotels Santorini – Cave Hotels Santorini – Sunset View Hotels Santorini – Hotels with Private Pool Santorini – Best Villas Serifos – Best Hotels Sifnos – Best Hotels Skiathos – Best Hotels Skopelos – Best Hotels Syros – Best Hotels Thessaloniki – Best Hotels Zakynthos – Best Hotels Zakynthos – Family Hotels

Mykonos Town harbor in Mykonos , Greece.

Getting To & Around Greece Greece Rental Cars Flights to Greece Greek Ferry Guide Greek Island Hopping Italy to Greece Ferries Maps of Greece Athens – Getting Around Athens Athens – Airport Car Rental Athens – Ferry Port Guide Athens – Maps for Travelers Athens to Delphi & Meteora Athens to Mykonos Ferries Athens to Santorini Ferries Athens to Crete Ferries Athens to Milos Ferries Athens to Mykonos Ferries Athens to Naxos Ferries Athens to Paros Ferries Athens to Santorini Ferries Crete – Heraklion Ferry Port Guide Crete – Heraklion Airport Car Rental Crete – Maps for Travelers Crete to Santorini Ferries Crete to Athens Ferries Crete to Santorini Ferries Milos to Athens Ferries Milos from Athens Ferries Mykonos – Ferry Port Guide Mykonos – Car Rental Mykonos – Water Taxi Mykonos – Maps for Travelers Mykonos to Athens Ferries Mykonos to Santorini Ferries Mykonos-Santorini Helicopter Naxos – Maps for Travelers Naxos to Athens Ferries Naxos from Athens Ferries Naxos to Santorini Ferries Naxos from Santorini Ferries Paros – Getting Around by Bus Paros – Maps for Travelers Paros to Athens Ferries Paros from Athens Ferries Paros to Santorini Ferries Paros from Santorini Ferries Santorini – How to Get There Santorini – Ferry Port Guide Santorini – Airport Guide Santorini – Car Rental Santorini – Maps for Travelers Santorini to Athens Ferries Santorini to Crete Ferries Santorini to Milos Ferries Santorini to Mykonos Ferries Santorini-Mykonos Helicopter Santorini to Naxos Ferries Santorini to Paros Ferries Frequently Asked Questions about Greece See Also: Greece: Itinerary for First-Timers Where is Greece? Greece is located in southeastern Europe, at the southernmost tip of the Balkan Peninsula. Greece has a land area of over 50,000 square miles and comprises a large mainland peninsula between the Ionian and Aegean seas, surrounded by an archipelago of about 6,000 islands and islets. Sharing its northern land borders with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey, Greece is positioned at a historically rich crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

What is the population of Greece? The population of Greece was estimated by the United Nations to be 10,445,365 in 2021. Some estimates put the current population as high as 10,600,000. The country’s population grew from 5,000,000 in 1920 to a peak of nearly 11,000,000 in 2010. The five largest cities in Greece are Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Larissa, and Heraklion. The vast majority of Greeks live in Mainland Greece. Approximately 1.2 million people live in the Peloponnese and 1.3 million on the Greek islands. How many islands are in Greece? Greece has between 1,200 and 6,000 islands depending on the measure used to establish an island vs an islet. The number of inhabited islands is variously cited as between 166 and 227. The ten largest Greek islands by land area are Crete, Euboea, Lesbos, Rhodes, Chios, Kefalonia, Corfu, Lemnos, Samos, and Naxos. The ten largest Greek islands by population are Crete, Euboea, Rhodes, Lesbos, Corfu, Chios, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Kos, and Samos. The Peloponnese has technically been an island since the completion of the Corinth Canal in 1893 but is generally not considered to be an island due to its artifical nature. What language is spoken in Greece? The official language of Greece is Greek, spoken by 99% of the population. The most common foreign languages learned by Greeks are English (48%), German (9%), French (8.5%), and Italian (8%). English is widely spoken in the largest cities and on the most popular Greek islands. What are the best things to do in Greece? The must-do destinations and attractions in Greece: • Acropolis in Athens • National Archaeological Museum in Athens •  Caldera hike in Santorini • Boat tour in Santorini • Wineries of Santorini • Helicopter ride around Santorini • Staying in a caldera hotel in Santorini • Nightlife & beach clubs in Mykonos • Beaches of Naxos • The beaches and solitude of Antiparos • Sarakiniko Beach on Milos • Staying in Chania Old Town • Staying in Rhodes Old Town • Visiting Delphi • Meteora Monasteries • Staying in Nafplio • Island Hopping by Greek ferry

Naxos is one of my very favorite islands in Greece. Relaxed vibe, wonderful local food, and great beaches . How to get to Greece? Most people will fly from a hub in western Europe (usually London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Frankfurt, Rome, or Venice) to Athens , Crete , Santorini , Mykonos , Kos, Rhodes, or Corfu. If you’re arriving from the east you could fly via Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai, Mumbai, Delhi, or Singapore. My top tip for choosing flights is to fly into and out of different airports so you don’t waste time and money backtracking to your arrival point. For example, fly from London to Athens, then ferry to Mykonos, ferry to Paros, ferry to Santorini, then fly Santorini to London (and don’t go back to Athens for your return flight). You may pay slightly more for 2 one-way tickets than a round-trip ticket, but it will be more than made up for by the savings for the extra ferry and hotel night. How long is the flight to Greece? Flying times to Athens, Greece. For direct flights to the Greek islands (when available) flight times can be up to 30 minutes longer or shorter. • Rome to Athens: 1 hour, 50 minutes • Barcelona to Athens: 2 hours, 50 minutes • Paris to Athens: 3 hours, 10 minutes • Amsterdam to Athens: 3 hours, 15 minutes • London to Athens: 3 hours, 40 minutes • Boston to Athens: 9 hours, 15 minutes • New York to Athens: 9 hours, 30 minutes • Toronto to Athens: 9 hours, 30 minutes • Chicago to Athens: 10 hours, 10 minutes • Atlanta to Athens: 10 hours, 50 minutes • Istanbul to Athens: 1 hour, 25 minutes • Dubai to Athens: 5 hours, 10 minutes • Delhi to Athens: 10 hours, 15 minutes • Singapore to Athens: 11 hours, 30 minutes

Boarding a Sky Express flight from Athens to the Greek islands. When is the Best Time to Travel to Greece? To enjoy Greek beaches and hot weather, travel between June and September. For sightseeing, tours, hiking, and exploring the best months to go to Greece are late March to early June, and late September to and early November. Travel to the Greek Islands is not recommended between November and March; the weather will be gray, windy, and often rainy, and many most hotels and restaurants will be shuttered for the season. Athens is a good year-round destination; the weather is best in the spring and fall, but archaeological sites and museums are open throughout the winter, and there is the benefit of lower rates and thinner crowds in the off-season. The Acropolis Museum in Athens . Though travel to the Greek Islands is best in the spring and summer, Athens can be a great destination at any time of year. What are the Best Greek Islands? All the Greek islands are wonderful. Really! I have never met someone that went to an island and said, “what a mistake, big disappointment.” It just doesn’t happen. They’re all different but all very special. Perhaps a better question is what are the best Greek islands for a first time visitor to Greece? For that I would answer Santorini , Naxos , Paros , and Mykonos . Crete is also great for first-timers but it’s so big that it’s good to do on its own or perhaps along with Santorini – not much more or you’ll spread your time too thin.

Santorini is famous for its fantastic luxury hotels and caldera views. How do you get between the Greek Islands? Greek ferries are the primary mode of transport between the islands – especially for the islands in the Aegean (e.g. Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes). There are also some flights between the islands and (more commonly) flights via Athens between different islands but these are expensive and have inconsistent schedules. For most itineraries, using the ferry is best. Ferryhopper.com is the best website to search for and purchase tickets for all Greek ferry routes.

Passengers boarding a ferry in Mykonos. Traveling between the Greek Islands by ferry is easy, fun, and a highlight of a trip to Greece.

What are the best places to visit in Mainland Greece? I love the Greek Islands, but there are so many great places to visit in mainland Greece that it’s worth making a trip to explore it all on its own. Just west of Athens is The Peloponnese, a vast peninsula peppered with romantic harbor towns, olive groves, and archaeological ruins. North of Athens are the ancient ruins of Delphi and the incredible clifftop monasteries at Meteora. In Greece’s far north is the three-legged peninsula of Halkidiki , famous for its excellent beaches and mountain monastic republic .

The romantic harbor town of Nafplio is located in the Peloponnese peninsula, about two hours by car or bus west of Athens. What are the Best Beaches in Greece? My favorite islands for beaches are Naxos , Mykonos , Paros , Ios, Rhodes, and Crete. But there are many more with wonderful beaches and every island has great swimming even when the beaches don’t have the typical golden sand you’re expecting. Outside of the islands, the Halkidiki region of northern Greece also has excellent beaches running all up and down the coast of its three popular peninsulas.

With its pink sand and calm turquoise water, Elafonisi Beach in southwest Crete is my all-time favorite Greek beach.

What are the best places in Greece for kids? The whole of Greece is incredibly kid-friendly . And with great beaches, interesting history, a laid-back vibe, and incredible (and kid-friendly) food, the Greek islands are an especially excellent choice for a family vacation. Greek island hopping adds a bit of adventure to a family trip and an opportunity to see several very distinct destinations – plus, riding the ferry is always fun. 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 islands that have great beaches, cool towns, and a friendly atmosphere. Paros is an idyllic mix of Naxos (slow pace, traditional, great beaches) and Mykonos (trendy, luxurious, lots of nightlife). What currency is used in Greece? Greece is part of the European Union, and the currency used is the Euro (€). Most major shops and restaurants across Greece accept credit cards, but there may be a minimum purchase required to use them. It is a good idea to have some cash on hand for bus trips and small purchases like bottled water and snacks. ATMs are plentiful in Athens and generally easy to find in most villages and beach towns across Greece. Do you tip in Greece? Tipping is not expected in Greek restaurants but is appreciated. Rather than a percentage of the bill, a restaurant tip in Greece can be a few Euros left on the table as a recognition of good service, or simply rounding up the tab to the nearest convenient amount. The more touristy (and expensive) a restaurant is, the more a tip is expected.

A seafood tavern in Ammoudi Bay below the village of Oia in Santorini . Most restaurants and stores in Greece accept credit cards, but it is a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases.

The spectacular walking path along the Santorini caldera.

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Tips For Traveling To Greece With Babies

• Last updated Jun 10, 2024
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category Travel

Are you planning a family trip to Greece but worried about how to handle your little bundle of joy? Well, worry no more! We have gathered some helpful tips for traveling to Greece with babies that will make your vacation an enjoyable and stress-free experience for both you and your little one. From selecting baby-friendly accommodations to planning age-appropriate activities, we have got you covered. So, pack your bags, and get ready for a memorable adventure in the beautiful land of Greece with your precious baby by your side!

What You'll Learn

Essential tips for traveling to greece with babies, packing checklist for traveling with babies to greece, best places to visit in greece with a baby, safety tips for traveling to greece with babies.

Traveling with a baby can be challenging, but it doesn't mean you have to give up your dreams of exploring the world. In fact, Greece is a great destination for families, thanks to its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and welcoming culture. If you're planning a trip to Greece with your little one, here are some essential tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

• Plan Ahead: Before you embark on your trip, it's important to do some research and plan your itinerary in advance. Consider the time of year you'll be traveling, as well as the activities and attractions that are suitable for babies. Make a list of baby-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and amenities such as parks and playgrounds. This will help you save time and avoid any unexpected surprises.
• Pack Wisely: When traveling with a baby, packing light is nearly impossible. However, it's essential to pack wisely to ensure you have everything you need without going overboard. Make a checklist of baby essentials such as diapers, wipes, formula or baby food, bottles, and extra clothes. Don't forget to bring any necessary medications or special equipment, such as a stroller or a baby carrier.
• Choose Baby-Friendly Accommodations: When booking your accommodations, opt for baby-friendly options, such as hotels or apartments that provide cribs, high chairs, and other baby essentials. Consider staying in family-friendly resorts with amenities like pool areas suitable for babies, kids' clubs, and babysitting services. Additionally, try to find accommodations near attractions and amenities that are convenient for families, such as parks or beaches with shallow waters.
• Take Care of Health Needs: Before traveling to Greece, ensure that your baby's vaccinations are up to date. Pack a basic first aid kit that includes essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers suitable for babies. Bring any necessary prescription medications and consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or specific medical needs for your baby.
• Be Flexible and Pace Yourself: Traveling with a baby requires flexibility and patience. Be prepared to alter your plans and adapt to your baby's needs and schedule. Allow for plenty of rest breaks and take your time exploring each destination. Keep in mind that babies can be overwhelmed by new environments, so try to create a familiar and soothing routine even while on the move.
• Stay Safe and Hygienic: Baby-proof your accommodations by removing any potential hazards such as sharp objects or toxic substances. Carry a baby-safe insect repellent to protect your little one from mosquito bites, especially in areas with a higher risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Maintain good hygiene practices by washing your hands frequently and carrying hand sanitizer or wet wipes for quick clean-ups.
• Enjoy the Local Cuisine: Greece is famous for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and you should take full advantage of it. However, when dining out with your baby, be mindful of their needs and preferences. Stick to familiar foods and opt for restaurants that offer baby-friendly options or have a welcoming attitude towards families. Ensure that the food is properly cooked and avoid uncooked or street food that may pose a higher risk of foodborne illnesses.
• Stay Sun-Safe: Greece is known for its sunny weather, so it's crucial to protect your baby from the harmful rays of the sun. Dress your baby in lightweight, breathable clothing that covers their skin. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF specifically formulated for babies and apply it generously throughout the day. Opt for shade whenever possible, and consider using a sunhat and sunglasses for added protection.
• Embrace Baby-Friendly Activities: While exploring Greece, look for activities and attractions that will engage and entertain your little one. Greece offers plenty of family-friendly options such as visiting archaeological sites with stroller-friendly paths, playing on kid-friendly beaches with calm waters, or taking scenic boat rides. Research and choose activities that are suitable for your baby's age and developmental stage.
• Capture the Memories: Last but not least, don't forget to capture the precious moments of your trip. Take plenty of photos and videos, so you can reminisce about this special time later on. Document the little joys and memories, from your baby's first dip in the Aegean Sea to their first taste of Greek food. These memories will be cherished for years to come.

Traveling to Greece with a baby may require some extra planning and preparations, but it's a wonderful opportunity to create lifelong memories and introduce your little one to new experiences. By following these essential tips, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable trip for your whole family. Bon voyage!

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Traveling with a baby can be daunting, but with careful planning and a well-packed bag, your trip to Greece can be a breeze. To ensure you have everything you need for your little one, use this comprehensive packing checklist:

• Travel documents: Don't forget to pack your baby's passport, birth certificate, and any other necessary identification documents. Make sure to also carry a copy of your baby's medical insurance and contact information.
• Clothing: Pack enough outfits for each day of your trip, plus a few extras in case of spills or accidents. Include comfortable clothing suitable for the Greek weather, such as lightweight onesies, rompers, shorts, and t-shirts. Don't forget to pack a few extra layers for cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces.
• Diapers and wipes: Depending on the length of your trip, pack enough diapers for each day plus a few extras. It's always better to overestimate to avoid running out. Carry a small pack of wipes in your diaper bag for easy access during travel.
• Changing essentials: Pack a changing pad, diaper cream, and a small supply of plastic bags for dirty diapers. This will make changing your baby’s diaper on-the-go easier and more hygienic.
• Feeding supplies: If your baby is bottle-fed, pack enough formula or breast milk for the duration of your trip. Don't forget to include bottles, nipples, a bottle brush for cleaning, and sterilizing equipment. If your baby has started solids, pack portable feeding utensils and a small amount of baby food in sealed containers.
• Snacks and drinks: For older babies and toddlers, pack age-appropriate snacks such as fruit pouches, cereal bars, or crackers. Carry a refillable water bottle to keep your baby hydrated during your travels.
• Baby carriers and strollers: Greece's cobbled streets and uneven terrain may not be ideal for strollers. Consider bringing a baby carrier or a lightweight, compact stroller for easier mobility.
• Baby sleep essentials: If your baby has specific sleep routines or comfort items, be sure to pack them. This could include a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, a portable white noise machine, or a lightweight travel crib if necessary.
• Baby hygiene products: Bring travel-sized baby toiletries, including shampoo, body wash, lotion, and any other products your baby requires. Also, include a baby-friendly sunscreen to protect your little one's delicate skin from the Greek sun.
• Entertainment and comfort items: Pack a few toys, books, or favorite comfort items to keep your baby entertained and comforted during the trip. Consider bringing soothing items, such as a pacifier or teething toys, to help your baby during takeoff and landing.
• Medical supplies: It's always a good idea to have a small first aid kit on hand when traveling with a baby. Include items such as infant pain reliever, band-aids, thermometer, and any medications your baby may need.
• Travel essentials: Carry a spacious diaper bag or backpack to hold all your baby's essentials. Don't forget to include a portable changing mat, extra clothes for yourself in case of accidents, and a few plastic bags for storing dirty clothes or diapers.

Remember to plan ahead and make a checklist to ensure you don't forget anything essential for your baby's comfort and well-being. With the right preparations, you can enjoy a memorable and stress-free trip to Greece with your little one.

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Greece is a beautiful country with a rich history and stunning landscapes. If you are planning a trip to Greece with a baby, you might be wondering what are the best places to visit that are baby-friendly. Here are some top recommendations for places to visit in Greece with your little one:

Athens is the capital city of Greece and a great place to start your journey. The city offers a mix of ancient history and modern attractions. Visit the Acropolis to see the famous Parthenon and take a stroll through the charming Plaka neighborhood. The city also has several parks and playgrounds where your baby can play and enjoy the outdoors.

Santorini is a popular tourist destination known for its white-washed buildings and stunning sunsets. While it may seem like a romantic destination, Santorini is also suitable for families with babies. Take a walk along the caldera in Fira or visit the picturesque village of Oia. Many hotels and resorts in Santorini offer family-friendly amenities such as baby cots and high chairs.

Crete is the largest Greek island and offers a wide variety of activities for families. Visit the Knossos Palace, the ancient Minoan site, and explore the charming towns of Chania and Rethymno. Crete is also known for its beautiful beaches where you can relax and let your little one splash in the sea. There are several family-friendly resorts and apartments available for accommodation.

Nafplio is a charming coastal town located in the Peloponnese region of Greece. The town is known for its historic architecture and picturesque streets. Visit the Palamidi Fortress for panoramic views of the town and take a leisurely walk along the promenade. Nafplio is a great place to relax with your baby and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

Rhodes is another popular Greek island that offers a range of activities for families. Explore the medieval old town of Rhodes and visit the Palace of the Grand Master. Take a stroll along the Mandraki Harbor and visit the Aquarium of Rhodes, which is sure to fascinate your little one. Rhodes also has several family-friendly beaches where you can spend the day building sandcastles and enjoying the sunshine.

Corfu is a lush green island located in the Ionian Sea. The island offers a mix of beautiful beaches, charming villages, and historic sites. Take a walk through the old town of Corfu and visit the majestic Achilleion Palace. Corfu is known for its family-friendly resorts and hotels, many of which offer kids' clubs and activities for children.

When planning your trip to Greece with a baby, it's important to consider the needs of your little one. Look for accommodation options that provide baby-friendly amenities such as cribs and high chairs. Pack essential items such as diapers, baby food, and sunscreen. Also, make sure to bring a lightweight stroller or baby carrier to make it easier to navigate through the narrow streets and cobbled paths.

Greece is a welcoming and family-friendly destination, and with proper planning, you can have a memorable vacation with your baby. Enjoy exploring the ancient ruins, soaking up the sun on the beautiful beaches, and immersing yourself in Greek culture.

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Traveling to Greece with babies can be an exciting and memorable experience for the whole family. However, it's important to keep in mind a few safety tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. From packing essentials to transportation options, here are some valuable tips to keep your little ones safe during your vacation:

• Plan ahead: Before you embark on your journey, make sure to research and plan your itinerary in advance. Look for family-friendly accommodations that offer amenities such as cribs and child-proofed rooms. It's also wise to choose destinations that have easy access to medical facilities, just in case of any unforeseen emergencies.
• Carry necessary documents: Ensure that you have all the required travel documents for your baby. This includes their passport, visa (if necessary), and any medical records or prescriptions. It's a good idea to make copies of these documents and keep them in a separate bag in case the originals are lost or stolen.
• Pack baby essentials: When it comes to packing, make sure you have all the essentials your baby needs. This includes diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, baby food, and any other necessary items for their comfort and hygiene. Pack enough supplies to last the duration of your trip, as it may be difficult to find specific brands or products in Greece.
• Use a safe car seat: If you plan on renting a car or using taxis for transportation in Greece, it's crucial to have a safe and appropriate car seat for your baby. Ensure that the car seat meets the appropriate safety standards and is properly installed in the vehicle before each journey. If you're unsure about the regulations or need assistance, consult with a local car rental agency or your accommodation host.
• Protect from the sun: Greece is known for its sunny weather, so it's essential to protect your baby from the harmful rays of the sun. Pack lightweight clothing that covers their skin and a broad-brimmed hat to shield their face and neck. Additionally, apply a baby-friendly sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply it regularly, especially if your baby will be spending time in the water.
• Be cautious with water activities: Greece offers beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it tempting to take your baby for a swim. However, it's important to exercise caution and ensure their safety. Always supervise your baby around water and consider investing in a flotation device, such as a life vest or a baby float, to provide an extra layer of protection. Be mindful of the beach's current and wave conditions and select calm and shallow areas for your baby to play in.
• Stay hydrated: Greece's warm climate requires extra attention to staying hydrated, especially for babies. Be sure to bring enough water for your baby and offer regular feeds if they're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. If your baby has started on solids, consider packing easy-to-eat fruits with high water content, such as watermelon or cucumber, as healthy and hydrating snacks.
• Avoid crowded places: While exploring popular tourist spots in Greece, it's wise to avoid crowded areas with your baby. Not only can large crowds be overwhelming for them, but it also increases the risk of getting separated or lost. Opt for quieter times of the day to visit attractions or explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, where you can have a more relaxed and intimate experience.
• Practice good hygiene: Maintaining good hygiene is crucial when traveling with a baby. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your baby's food or bottles, and encourage your little one to do the same. Carry hand sanitizer for situations where soap and water are not readily available. Regularly disinfect surfaces such as high chairs, hotel room countertops, and any other areas your baby may come into contact with.
• Trust your instincts: As a parent, it's essential to trust your instincts and prioritize your baby's safety. If something doesn't feel right or you sense any discomfort or distress in your baby, take immediate action. Seek help from local authorities, medical personnel, or your accommodation host, who will be able to assist you in navigating any challenges you may encounter.

By following these safety tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Greece with your baby. Remember to stay prepared, be vigilant, and most importantly, cherish the precious moments you'll create as a family in this beautiful Mediterranean destination.

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Greece has historically engaged in wine making. Take for example Dionysus, the son of Zeus, the god of the grape-harvest, winemaking and wine. His face is seen today on the sommelier’s pin which is a symbol of respect to wine’s contribution throughout history.

Feta, which is made from sheep and goat’s milk, is Greece’s national cheese. It dates back to the Homeric ages, and the average per-capita consumption of feta cheese in Greece is the highest in the world!

In Greece, people celebrate the “name day” of the saint that bears their name in a similar way to their own birthday.

Greek is one of the oldest spoken languages in Europe since it has been spoken for more than 3.000 years.

Did you know that Greece is the third largest producer of olive oil in the world? Greeks have cultivated olive trees since antiquity. Some of the olive trees that are still producing olives date back to the thirteenth century.

Continuously inhabited for over 7,000 years, Athens is one of the oldest cities in Europe.

Alexander the Great, one of history’s greatest warriors and leaders of all time, was Greek. Alexander the Great conquered land all the way from Greece to Asia. His achievements and conquests gave rise to the later Hellenistic period (323 BC - 31 BC).

Did you know that Greece is the third largest producer of olive oil in the world? Greeks have cultivated olive trees since antiquity. Some of the olive trees that are still producing olives, date back to the thirteenth century.

Did you know that Greece is the 4th largest cheese producer worldwide. Greeks eat 28 kg per capita per year. And guess what, mostly feta cheese!

Greece is the place where democracy was born. But democracy in ancient Athens was significantly different from modern democracies. It was both more participatory and exclusive, and there were no political parties in Athenian democracy.

Greece has one of the richest varieties of wildlife in Europe, including 116 species of mammals, 18 of amphibians, 59 of reptiles, 240 of birds, and 107 of fishes.

Τhe concept of democracy developed in Athens around the 6th century BC. The Greek word demokratia (δημοκρατία) meant “the power of the people”.

Greece has historically engaged in wine making. Take for example Dionysus, the son of Zeus, the God of the grape-harvest, winemaking and wine. His face is seen today on the sommelier’s pin which is a symbol of respect to wine’s contribution throughout history.

Did you know that in Greece you can enjoy skiing with a sea view?

700 plant species of Greece are endemic, meaning that they may be found only in Greece; approximately 20% of those are aromatic or medicinal plants.

The species and subspecies of the native plants in Greece are about 6,000, almost as much as 50% of the native plants of Europe!

Did you know that Greece has around 6,000 islands, islets and rocky islets? 2,000 of them are islands and only 107 of them are inhabited!

About 7% of all the marble produced worldwide comes from Greece.

Crete, Greece’s largest island and birthplace of the Minoan Civilisation, is the most southern one, except for the little island of Gavdos!

Did you know that in Greece, 47 mountains are over 2000m., 105 mountains between 2000 and 1500m., 155 mountains are between 1500m. and 1000m. The number of mountains under 1000m. have yet not been recorded.

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The ultimate Greece holiday destinations to visit in 2024

Sunny islands, ancient cities and the mountainous mainland – these are the very best Greece holiday destinations

Whether you want to visit one of the thousands of islands, from the Cyclades to the Sporades, tour the classical destinations on the mainland or admire the Acropolis in Athens , there’s a holiday destination in Greece for you.

Just like Italy's holiday destinations and the most beautiful Portuguese holiday destinations , the beauty spots in Greece are perfect for a spring , summer or autumn escape when you can make the most of the Mediterranean sunshine.

Mykonos and Santorini in the Cyclades get more tourist footfall than most of the rest of the country, but there are other islands worth a visit in this region of the Aegean, too.

Sifnos, for example – home to several hundred whitewashed churches, an exciting food scene and charming boutique hotels. Or magical Milos, with its rich mining history, incredible geology and hilltop towns, where the sunsets give even Santorini’s a run for their money.

Ancient Athens never gets old: the almighty Acropolis is one of the most majestic sites in the country.

Crete may be an island, but it’s a vast one – don’t miss the gorgeous capital Chania, with its Venetian harbour and restaurants along the water’s edge.

Here are our favourite Greece holiday destinations to visit in 2024.

Framed by the dramatic Taygetus mountain range, the lively city of Kalamata is the capital and central port of Messinia on the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece. It's a haven for culture vultures: there's the annual International Dance Festival, regular shows at Castle of Isabeau, an excellent archaeological museum, tonnes to see at the Modern Greek Art Gallery, and a pretty old town filled with local shops and boutiques to boot. For beach lovers, meanwhile, there's a full four-kilometre stretch of crystal-clear sea and sand, as well as a waterfront area dotted with tavernas, restaurants, and bars.

Where to stay: A little while out of town, facing the wide, sandy Analipsi bay, you'll find Buca Beach Club – a minimalist, boutique-style Neilson resort offering water sports, activities and relaxation aplenty. Words Clementina Jackson

Mykonos may have a reputation as Greece’s premier party-loving island, but there’s another, far quieter side to the island. And regardless of how popular it is today, there’s a reason it became so adored and sought-after in the first place. Mykonos Town is where you’ll find some of the island’s iconic windmills. There are also lots of lovely beaches on the island, including Agios Ioannis, which is lined by restaurants where you can dine on fresh seafood at the water’s edge. How to visit: Travel on board Star Clipper with the writer Victoria Hislop, who has written many novels set in Greece, and see a less-trodden part of Mykonos. Your voyage will begin in Athens, stopping at Patmos and other places before you dock at Mykonos for a relaxing day on a beautiful beach.

To the north of the Ionian Sea, the mountainous, cypress-studded isle of Corfu has been ruled by the Venetians, French and British over the years, which makes it a fascinating place to visit (and not just for fans of The Durrells ). As well as the golden beaches and sparkling coastline, which is dotted with well-heeled resorts, there are lots of mountain villages. Corfu Town – with its palaces, Venetian fortresses, cobblestoned alleyways and UNESCO-listed old town – is not to be missed.

Where to stay: For some romantic seclusion, Domes Miramare , on an olive grove above the coast, is the hotel for you – it was built by the Onassis family in the 1960s and has been popular with royals and rock stars ever since.

One of Greece’s lesser-visited islands, Amorgós is just as beautiful as its counterparts that see far higher footfall come the summer months. The sleepy isle is the easternmost of the Cyclades, and the closest to the Dodecanese archipelago. As with most Greek islands, it’s home to several beautiful, quiet beaches, lots of whitewashed architecture, and some iconic blue-dome-topped churches, too.

How to visit: Set sail aboard a nine-day cruise with the celebrated writer Victoria Hislop, who has based many of her novels in Greece and its islands. She will host a drinks reception during the trip and discuss her accomplished career, and will sign copies of her latest book, The Figurine . The journey begins in Athens and will also dock in Patmos and Mykonos.

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Mani Peninsula

In the central of the three finger-shaped peninsulas of the Peloponnese and one of the most wild, remote parts of Greece, the Mani is home to the Maniots, believed to be descended from the Spartans. The dramatic scenery spans the Taygetos Mountains, quiet coves and walking trails linking up hilltop hamlets. The region is divided into the Outer Mani, which includes coastal villages such as Stoupa, and the Deep Mani, visited by few tourists.

Where to stay: For a stay as historic as its surroundings, look no further than Citta dei Nicliani , an officially designated ‘ancient monument’, formed from an old tower and a series of atmospheric stone buildings.

The rugged, mountainous Epirus region of north-western Greece may not be all that well-known, but if you like your classics, you’ll enjoy a visit to the door to Hades, AKA the Necromanteion of Acheron. In Preveza, there’s a charming old town and lots of seafood restaurants; or tour the shores of the Ionian Sea, go canyoning, hike to cliff-top monasteries and stop by pretty mountain villages.

Where to stay: At Meraviglia Slow Living on the edge of Preveza, the clue is in the name: hotel guests can enjoy a peaceful, unhurried pace of life, while admiring the stunning architecture (the hotel is the dream creation of a local construction mogul).

Home to Mount Athos, this part of northern Greece is formed from peninsulas of forests and sandy bays, and has lots of seaside resorts to choose from. Archaeological sites of note include Stageira, which is where Aristotle was born, and Olynthus, founded by the son of Heracles and famous for its mosaic floors.

Where to stay: The westernmost peninsula has the most bustle and it’s where you’ll find Sani Resort, a collection of five hotels – including Sani Beach and Sani Dunes – within a well-equipped estate that has everything from football academies, survival courses with Bear Grylls and tennis courts to fine-dining restaurants and its own marina.

Skopelos and Skiathos

If you thought the backdrop of the first Mamma Mia! film looked like your idea of Greek-holiday heaven, you need to visit the Sporades isles of Skopelos and Skiathos, which are where much of the filming took place. Skopelos has no airport, which makes it a little harder to get to, but all the more rewarding when you reach it. The unspoilt island is much more authentic than many of its crowd-frequented counterparts.

Where to stay: It’s just a short ferry ride to Skopelos from neighbouring Skiathos, which does have an air hub. Over on this island, Elivi was once popular with Jacki O – today, it has villas along the beach, a Japanese restaurant and an Elemis spa.

Crete is the fifth largest island in the Med and there’s so much more to it than popular package-holiday resorts. The capital Chania, on the north-west coast, has a Venetian harbour that was built in the 14th century and a lighthouse from a couple of centuries later with Venetian, Ottoman and Egyptian influences. Classical sites include the Palace of Knossos, a Minoan settlement with its own labyrinth, and the remains of the city of Eleutherna.

Where to stay: In the east, Acro Suites has been created by a Cretan family with several other hotels on the island – each of the stylish, cliff-edge rooms has its own pool and there’s a superb spa, too.

A butterfly-shaped island in the Cyclades, Milos has an incredible landscape that spans red, pink and orange beaches, caves and the lunar landscape of Sarakiniko. In Klima, colourful fishermen’s houses are lined up along the water, and there are beaches marked out as being only for the adventurous, since they can only be reached by ladder (or boat, of course). More amazing rock formations await at Kleftiko, Fyrligos and Glaronisia. All days should end in the ancient capital Plaka – high on a hilltop and with a 13th-century Venetian fort – for sunsets that rival even those seen on Santorini.

Where to stay: A perfect base in Pollonia is Captain Zeppos Boutique hotel , which has just a handful of suites and a very helpful owner, who’ll assist with everything from hire cars to kayaks to borrow.

The tiny island of Hydra in the Argo Saronic Gulf, close to the Peloponnese coast, is just 10 miles long. It was once home to Leonard Cohen – the singer lived here in the Sixties and it’s where he met his muse Marianne. The main harbour is the only town, there are no cars (just horses, donkeys and water taxis), bells ring out from its hundreds of churches and the coves are scented by pine. You won’t find any big resorts or high-rise hotels, and there are certainly no arrivals by air.

Where to stay: Not to be confused with a certain behemoth hotel brand, the Four Seasons Hydra Luxury Suites is one of the most charming places to stay on the island.

The ancient landmarks of the capital make it one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece, with people eager to explore the classical sites – the most famous of which, of course, is the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel with buildings that include the Parthenon temple. More archeological treasures await at the many museums, which showcase ceramics, sculptures and jewellery from Ancient Greece. The modern city is a lively one, with neighbourhoods such as gallery-packed Kolonaki and edgy Exarcheia.

Where to stay: Keep watch over the Acropolis from the comfort of the Hotel Grande Bretagne on Syntagma Square, which has been offering refuge to classics fans since 1874.

Santorini and Mykonos may steal a lot of the Cyclades’ thunder, but Sifnos is just as captivating as its more tourist-frequented neighbours. Fittingly for the birthplace of beloved Greek chef Nikolaos Tselementes, the island has some excellent foodie credentials – visitors can dine at upscale seafood bars where the jet-set yachts drop anchor and traditional tavernas, and try island-made goat’s cheese, chickpea fritters and aniseed buns in the ancient villages. Sifnos also has 235 whitewashed churches, monasteries and temples to Artemis and Apollo.

Where to stay: Verina Astra is a boutique hotel with pastel-coloured shutters, shaded terraces and stone walls that gives its guests a taste of the traditional Greek-island life.

Paros and Antiparos

Somewhat of a Cyclades secret (until now), the word is out about Paros and its diminutive neighbour Antiparos. The islands have A-list approval – Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson had a home on Antiparos and Salma Hayek was spotted on Paros in recent summers. Paros has all of the appeal of its starrier neighbours, such as Santorini and Mykonos, but it’s a much more discreet kind of style. Spend your days hiking inland near Lefkes and your evenings strolling the beautiful towns Naoussa and Parikia.

Where to stay: Cosme is next-door to the harbour town of Naoussa, which means you’ll be within walking distance of the many bars and restaurants lining the water’s edge, not to mention the several boutiques that were made for souvenir shopping.

If you are in search of glitz and glamour though, Santorini is one of the flashiest of the Greek islands – mostly thanks to its spectacular sunsets, but also because of its luxury hotels, fine-dining scene and captivating (and croissant-shaped) coastline. The northern town of Oia, with its famously cliff-hugging architecture, may be packed with people in search of a church with a blue dome, but there’s a reason it’s so popular – the views of the sparkling Aegean and the caldera are mesmerising. Hike the shoreline south to Imerovigli for a workout and more incredible views.

Where to stay: A little away from the action in Oia (and all the more peaceful for it), Santo Pure has been modelled on a traditional Cycladic village, with whitewashed villas forming the standalone suites, several pools and a cocktail bar with a prime view for sunset. As an added bonus, there’s a footpath taking you up into Oia in minutes.

One of the Ionian Islands, Zakynthos has everything you could hope for in a Greek holiday destination, from beautiful beaches to a capital with a harbour for sunset strolls. Some of the beaches, such as Navagio, can only be reached by boat – you’ll also be able to see the shipwreck from 1980 that’s been left behind in the cove.

Where to stay: For the ultimate seclusion, check in to Porto Zante , a series of private villas on a peaceful beach that is formed from just nine buildings, each of which has a private pool and up to four bedrooms. Other highlights include the spa by the water and the two restaurants.

Monemvasia, Peloponnese

On the mainland, Monemvasia is one of the most magical towns in the Peloponnese. It’s in the region of Laconia, which linguists will be delighted to learn is where the word ‘laconic’ derives from, but that’s not to say that they’re not a friendly bunch. The town is on an island off the east coast of the Peloponnese that’s connected to the mainland by a 200-metre causeway. The main attraction is the medieval castle at the edge of a cliff, but don’t miss the narrow shop-lined streets, too.

Where to stay: Kinsterna Hotel is set on a vineyard and olive grove – don’t go home without stockpiling their wares at the shop. The serene retreat has 25 acres of grounds and a view of the castle.

Made famous by Captain Corelli’s Mandolin , the film of which was shot here at the turn of the century, Kefalonia is in the Ionian Islands. The Hollywood scouts chose Sami Beach as their backdrop, but the rest of the island is just as beautiful, thanks to its limestone cliffs and sandy coves. The hillside capital Argostoli overlooks a harbour; and Myrtos Beach in the north of the island is just one of the picturesque places for a swim.

Where to stay: At F Zeen , guests can enjoy yoga on a deck overlooking the Ionian Sea, film nights at the outdoor cinema and drinks down on the beach, along with guided hikes and meditations.

In the eastern reaches of Greece and close to the Turkish border, Samos is a Greek island for the more adventurous traveller – and any mathematicians hoping to go on a Pythoras pilgrimage (the philosopher was born here). The island has another famous son: it was the birthplace of Epicurus, whose disciples can indulge today at the tavernas that line the harbours or at one of the vineyards where sweet muscat wine is produced. This is also where you’ll find the remains of the Temple of Hera.

Where to stay: Casa Cook Samos near the town of Pythagoreio has no fewer than six swimming pools, a beachside restaurant with a Josper grill and siesta-ready cabanas suspended above the water.

More Mediterranean holiday ideas:

- The best hotels in Malta

- Spain's top holiday destinations

- The best hotels in Sardinia

- Where to stay in Kos

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