Key Takeaways
- Santorini's beaches are generally family-friendly. In Red Beach or Kamari Beach, kids can swim, build sandcastles, and play in the clear waters.
- Santorini offers numerous opportunities for cultural exploration. In picturesque villages like Oia and Pyrgos, you will marvel at the traditional architecture and taste the local cuisine.
- You can turn your trip into a learning experience for your kids by visiting the archaeological site of Akrotiri and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira.
- Be mindful of the island's terrain, as there are many steps and steep paths in some areas, which might require extra attention with young children.
Santorini is no doubt one of Greece’s most famous and popular islands. That being said, visiting the volcanic island with young or older children can be a challenge if you don’t do your research first. Is, however, Santorini good for families? But of course!
Santorini is actually quite large, with many villages scattered all over it; the capital town Oia may be the most scenic, but it might not be the most convenient place to stay with children, especially if you have strollers!
We have done the research for you and comprised the information we have gathered below for you to be prepared for your Santorini family vacation. Take a look!
Where is Santorini?
Santorini is a Cyclades island on the southeastern Aegean Sea. It was formed in 1646 by volcanic activity in Thera. The volcanic forces divided ancient Thera into five smaller islands and a Caldera in their center.
Nowadays, most visitors travel to the main one of the Santorini Islands, Thira. Amongst the smaller islands are Therasia, Aspronise, Palia Kameni, and Nea Kameni, where the volcano lies.
Our recommendations are to go on an adventure with a boat and hike the volcanic island to find more insight into Santorini's origins. With the appropriate organization and equipment, this activity can be suitable for children, and it will make your trip to Santorini with kids a memorable experience.
How To Get To Santorini with Kids?
Santorini can be reached by plane from Athens International Airport, and the flight lasts just 40 minutes. Upon arriving at Santorini's national airport at Kaari village, you can get to Fira by car or bus.
The ferry from Piraeus to Santorini port is also a popular and more budget-friendly option. The whole process can be a good eight-hour trip, but you have an incredible view over Caldera.
Getting Around Santorini (yes, this may include a cable car ride)
In Santorini, only several taxi companies are in operation, so do not be afraid of standing outside the city to hire a taxi. You'll see lots of ATVs or motorized scooters in the vicinity, but this type has very limited safety for young children.
A car rental is a very good means of travel during your vacation in Santorini with kids. But this will require maneuvering the narrow streets of Santorini. Public bus services link main towns and are usually slow or late.
As a result, if your budget allows it, we would highly recommend you book private transfers during your visit to Santorini with the kids. This way, your transportation with run smoothly without any effort or the hassle of planning on your part.
What's incredibly interesting is that you can get around some parts of Santorini for families with a Santorini cable car. The cable car will provide you with fast, safe, and easy transport from the old port of Santorini to Fira, the island's capital.
Most people use it to catch the marvelous view of the Caldera it offers from a 220 meters altitude. However, if your kids are afraid of heights, that wouldn't be the best option.
When is the Best Time to Visit Santorini with Kids?
It is advisable to avoid visiting Santorini with kids in the high-season months of the summer. In particular, from July to August.
As Santorini is one of the two most popular Greek island destinations worldwide, the island is in tatters, and boutique hotels of traditional Cycladic architecture, seafood restaurants, and even car rentals are rising at high prices.
What's more, family hotels in Greece are fully booked months ahead, and even when you are lucky enough to find anything, expect a minimum of $150 per night for a 3-star hotel in Oia.
On the other hand, from early September, things simmer down in Santorini. The island is less crowded, making for a much more comfortable and authentic Greek island experience the kids will truly appreciate.
We understand that summer is the only season when a family travels with children at school, but, in this case, we would highly suggest you try to plan your trip to Santorini with kids during their midterm vacation when there will be fewer people and no tourism wave.
Of course, if push comes to shove, even the heart of the summer is magical in Santorini, so don't worry too much about it; your Santorini family holiday will be a stunner!
How Many Days are Enough to Visit Santorini with Kids?
Santorini is not a large island. However, its beautiful towns require time for exploring, and there are a ton of things to do in Santorini to make your family trip memorable.
Most must-try activities in Santorini can be completed in just five to seven days when visiting Santorini. This is the perfect amount of time to visit.
Of course, it is your vacation, so the more days you have at your disposal, the merrier, especially if you consider indulging in day trips from Santorini. However, you can fit most of the island's highlights in a week.
Some important Santorini activities include walking the Fira to Oia's hiking trail, taking a boat tour through the Caldera, and joining a wine tour.
While the last might not sound like the most family-friendly activity, it would be a sin to leave the island of Santorini without having tried as many of the local wine varieties as possible. It is known, after all, that Santorini's wine culture and wineries are one of the island's highlights!
Santorini Family Hotels
Traveling with little ones or strollers will add complications to your trip regardless of where you go, especially if you visit the traditional villages of Santorini, where sidewalks don’t really exist and the winding, twisty little alleyways are quite steep. This could add a lot of trouble to your vacation.
Therefore, if you're wondering where to stay in Santorini, then please know that the best places to stay for families are the surrounding villages rather than Fira and Imerovigli, where you will also find much more affordable and self-catering accommodation options.
'Adelante 88' is a collection of absolutely exquisite villas. They are located in the village of Akrotiri, which is on the south side of the island and close to Santorini’s famous archaeological site, Akrotiri.
The panoramic views from the child-friendly hotels in Santorini are stunning and very easily accessible, unlike other parts of the island. They are self-catered, often an important amenity for families when traveling, and equipped with a pool that the children will undoubtedly take advantage of.
'Remezzo Villas Santorini' is perfectly located between the villages of Fira and Oia, on the edge of Imerovigli, one of Santorini’s most picturesque villages, and it is one of the family hotels that look like they're made of dreams.
It is accessible by vehicle/taxi and on foot from Imerovigli village. These villas are just some-minutes walk away from one of Santorini’s most iconic spots for panoramic views: Skaros.
'Rocabella Santorini' is perfect if you are looking for a bit of pampering on your family holiday. With super-easy access via car, as this stunner of family hotels in Santorini is located right outside Imerovigli, on the main road, with stunning views and a spa and pool, Rocabella is a little piece of heaven.
'Aria Suites' are also one of the best luxury resorts located in Fira. They are an elite boutique hotel with spa services, jacuzzis, and pools that the kid will love. It is also located in the heart of Fira, where there are lots and lots of things to do!
Family Restaurants in Santorini
One of the great things about Greece, in general that many travelers find endearing is that there are so many great food options available at all times of the day, and eating is one of the best things to do with kids in Santorini.
Unlike other Mediterranean countries, which have strict working hours, the laid-back Greek lifestyle ensures you will never be short of delicious food options during your travels - especially great when you have hungry children to feed!
Suppose you stay near Akrotiri or want a bite to eat after visiting the archeological site. In that case, you could go to 'Aeolos Tavern,' which serves great traditional Greek food, with fresh seafood being its specialty.
'Parea Tavern' in Fira is also a great food spot and very child-friendly, with magical views and good value portions. If you are looking for good old souvlaki to satisfy your fast-food craving, check out 'Why Not!', which is one of the best-rated souvlaki spots on the whole island.
Best Family-Friendly Santorini Beaches
While the best beaches in Santorini don't follow the typical postcard aesthetic most beaches in the other Greek islands do, it doesn't mean that they are any less, as they belong to the southern Aegean sea.
In fact, Santorini is full of beaches that are safe for kids, and the kids are going to love them. Our top favorites include the black sand beach of Monolithos, Pristina beach, Kamari beach, Red Beach, White Beach, and Perivolos beach.
Alternatively, for a fun, unique, and therapeutic swimming experience, you and your kids (especially if they're older kids can visit the famous hot springs in Santorini.
The hot springs there are perfect for parents who want to give their bodies some pampering and for kids who despise the cold water. Plus, have you ever immersed yourself in a volcanic hot spring before? We bet you haven't!
In any case, don't forget to bring sunscreens, towels, and beach toys, and we promise you will have the time of your life wherever you choose to go! You can conquer Santorini with kids that easily!
Santorini with Kids; What To Do and See
A family itinerary to Santorini may differ according to your interests. Santorini may not be an ideal holiday destination for children in your head, but it certainly offers an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Families can rent cars on the island to visit Santorini's charming cities, visit the stunning beaches, and explore Santorini's history and culture.
You may try a variety of local foods, such as the famous moussaka, fried salami, and traditional baklava. You may also enjoy a family movie in an open-air cinema. The open-air cinema is a popular form of entertainment on the Greek islands your kids will love; you may find one even within walking distance from your accommodation!
Finally, cruisers can enjoy the Caldera as one of the most exciting activities of Santorini. Children can surely enjoy the turquoise water and breathtaking views over the coastline.
You have finally got to one of the world’s most famous islands, and you want to see all that it has to offer in the limited time that you have.
Perhaps one of the best ways to do this is on our Santorini Highlights Tour, where you will be driven in a luxury vehicle around the island with an expert local guide.
You can even treat yourself by adding a wine-tasting option on this tour to try some of Greece’s wines. You can also browse the complete list of our handpicked Santorini tours.
If you feel like taking it easy and soaking up as much sun and sea as possible, have a look at our Santorini Sailing Cruise, which can be arranged at sunset if you wish.
These Santorini sailing tours are great for couples and children as you will stop at amazing swimming spots and be given snorkeling gear to explore the deep blue, food, and unlimited refreshments.
As mentioned already, you should keep in mind the twisty alleyways and unpaved roads in the old traditional villages of Santorini, which might make using a stroller a challenge.
Also, ensure that your kids have beach shoes because visiting the red and black beaches in the middle of summer will mean scorching hot sand.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a trip that you and your kids will never forget, Santorini with kids is a fantastic choice, as well as Greece in general, where there are plenty of options for all family members!
Your young kids will be able to tell their friends they've witnessed a Santorini sunset from up close. Imagine the cool points they will earn and the sunset views they will remember forever!
See our selection of Santorini tours, but please remember that we can offer so much more, including amazing Santorini family vacation packages! :
- Santorini sailing trip
- Santorini bespoke private tour with local driver-guide
- Santorini highlights, full-day tour
- Santorini sunset wine tour
Get in touch with our travel specialists and design the ideal family trip to Greece
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santorini good for children?
Is Santorini safe for children?
What is the most family-friendly island in Greece?
When should you avoid Santorini with kids?
