Exploring sites such as the Acropolis in Athens, the Palace of Knossos in Crete, or the ancient theater of Epidaurus can introduce children to fascinating stories and legends from Greek history and mythology, making for a perfect vacation in Greece with kids.
Kids can experience hiking trails, visit picturesque islands, enjoy beach time, and explore natural wonders like the Meteora rock formations or the Samaria Gorge.
Greece offers many family-friendly luxury beach resorts and islands where children can play, and parents can relax.
Introduce your children to traditional Greek dishes like souvlaki, moussaka, or Greek salad to broaden their culinary horizons.
The weather in Greece in July and the rest of the summer months is very hot, so you might want to consider the shoulder season for visiting Greece with kids.
Does traveling with kids sound more like a challenge than a Greek family vacation? Are you worried about keeping the young ones entertained so that you can enjoy your hard-earned break?
This guide for experiencing Greece with kids is for you!
Here, we will give you tips on where to go and how you and your family can have a wonderful time doing activities that all members love that will result in the happiest of memories.
No matter if you choose the mainland or the Greek islands, you will experience a once-in-a-lifetime Greece family vacation you'll be thinking about for the rest of your lives!
Where to go
The Best Greek Mainland Destinations for Families
Athens
Athens - Milan_Gonda/Shutterstock.com
Athens, the Greek capital, is an excellent destination for traveling with kids, as it combines acquaintance with the historicity of the city and getaways to the islands from the port of Piraeus.
It is a safe place with excellent facilities, specialized services, and a rich local culture that guarantees the most exciting vacation for the whole family.
The city’s accessibility, the wonderful weather throughout the year, and the excellent public transport network make Athens the ultimate paradise for families!
Moreover, Athens offers plenty of options for family-friendly accommodation, unique archeological monuments, wonderful organized beaches, special culture and traditions, as well as special, hospitable people.
The rich mythology of this place will drive children crazy, and the multitude of recreational, educational, and experiential activities on offer will be unforgettable for young travelers.
From the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, the Benaki Museum of Toys, and the Museum of Greek Children's Art to the Cultural Center Stavros Niarchos Foundation, with its beautiful, hospitable spaces and special events for children, Athens will not let you down!
Nafplio
Nafplio - credits: Aerial-motion/Shutterstock.com
Nafplio, arguably one of the most romantic cities in Greece, is also an excellent destination for a Greek family vacation!
Wonderful cobbled streets, tourist attractions, such as Akronafplia, and Bourtzi, and picturesque cafes will enchant both the parents and the children with their undeniable allure. Everything a family asks for can be found in this city!
Please note that Nafplio is at its best during spring, with the numerous bougainvillea plants making the landscape nothing short of magical!
Halkidiki is famous among the local Greeks for being a destination of incomparable beauty, and we cannot help but agree.
Its fame is so great that the phrase ‘There is nowhere like Halkidi’ has become a catchphrase the Greeks say so often that it has become an internal joke.
There is no denying that Halkinidi provides the opportunity for amazing holidays of any age and every phase of life.
You can also reach it by road, and you can spend time on excursions in the surrounding area or be isolated with the family on a beach on a 'foot.'
Its most significant family-friendly elements are the shallow seas on the family beaches and the many all-inclusive luxury family hotels the area offers.
Halkidiki may not look out to the Aegean Sea, but it will be engraved in your hearts.
Euboea
Eretria, Central Euboea - credits: Aerial-motion/Shutterstock.com
Euboea might be less known than most Greek destinations, it is, however, just as gorgeous, if not more, than most tourist-beloved Greek spots.
Easy access, unique beaches, rich accommodation options, and scenic streets for cycling make for a kid-friendly destination everyone must experience at least once with their families.
From the several places you can visit on Euboea, our top selections would be Kymi and Kalamos, located in Central Evia, for endless games on the beach and delicious family taverns that will accommodate even the pickiest eaters!
The Best Greek Islands for Families
Aegina
Aegina - credits: leoks/Shutterstock.com
You cannot travel to Greece and neglect the Greek islands! Due to its proximity to Athens, with the quick ferry (called a ‘flying dolphin’) taking a mere 40 minutes, the Greek island of Aegina is an excellent Greek island for a family vacation.
Especially for families who don’t have many days to spend in Greece but still want to experience the island life.
It is also great for families who want to be close to the security of a capital city and its medical infrastructure without missing out on the famous Greek islands.
Despite its small size, the island of Aegina is rich in history and culture, with the ancient Temple of Afaia and the Church of Agios Nektarios being two of its most significant sights.
Once you visit the island, don’t forget to taste the local pistachio, and take as many bags with you as you can back home.
Although pretty much every island on the Saronic Gulf is an excellent family vacation destination, Aegina is our absolute favorite, and a visit to the island will let you know why.
Crete
Knossos Palace - credits: Scorpp/Shutterstock.com
Greece’s largest island, Crete, is one of the most popular Greek islands for families. Crete has often been voted 'the most loved island' by thousands of visitors every year due to its extraordinary beauty and natural diversity.
Crete is on the south coast of the Aegean Sea and it is often referred to as the jewel of the Mediterranean.
If you and your family are up for experiencing ancient Greek culture, traditional lifestyle, and nature, this island is meant for you!
Crete’s glorious coastline with unique sandy and rocky beaches will capture your senses, while the locals will make sure to cater to traveling families, making you feel welcome and at home.
Depending on where you choose to stay, you may have the choice of enjoying adventure-filled days with lots of entertaining activities devised by your hotel.
Alternatively, you can always go out and explore the island's beauties on your own or with the help of a tailor-made Greek tour designed by us!
The island’s larger cities, like Rethymno and Chania, will stun your kids with their unique architecture and narrow picturesque alleys, full of colorful souvenir shops and delightful aromas coming from the traditional tavernas that are scattered across the island.
A visit to Knossos Palace and the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion should occupy the top two spots on your 'to-do' list.
Let your kids get excited with the juicy myth of the labyrinth and the fearsome Minotaur. And if you are an active family, you can trek through stunning gorges like Samaria Gorge and other mythical paths, take boat trips, or explore the island's caves.
Top tip! Don’t miss the opportunity to browse our family-friendly tours and activities. It is guaranteed that your kids will have the time of their lives!
Naxos
Plaka Beach, Naxos - credits: Christos_Siatos/Shutterstock.com
Naxos is located in the heart of the Cyclades Islands and is the largest island in the Aegean Sea, while it is in itself a multitude of choices of activities and pleasures for the whole family.
The all-white town of Naxos welcomes the thousands of travelers who arrive on the island. Either for their family holiday or as a stop during their island-hopping adventure.
At the entrance of the port, one can find the islet of the Palaces and the most famous attraction of the island, Portara, the marble gate of an unfinished temple dedicated to Apollo. On this island, the legend says that Theseus abandoned Ariadne.
Chora, the capital of the island, has all the characteristic Cycladic elements.
The heart of the city beats in the Old Town, the castle town with the cobbled streets and the traditional houses, with Venetian coats of arms and the Venetian castle.
Approximately 100 kilometers of white sand beaches and crystal-clear, shallow waters make Naxos the perfect destination for families with toddlers and young children.
The great island offers its visitors the unique opportunity to ride horses by the sea and take windsurfing and sea kayaking lessons, experiences that your little ones will never forget.
Take the chance to visit striking temples, explore the impressive countryside, and indulge in walking tours around the island.
You can even enjoy traditional Greek food made with your own hands by joining a Naxos cooking lesson!
Paros
Paros - credits: Kite_rin/Shutterstock.com
The beautiful Cycladic island, white as well as its marble - voted for years now as the best Greek island by various international tourism organizations - retains its charm and popularity over time.
This is because it harmoniously combines natural beauty, authentic experiences, gastronomy, activities, ancient ruins, and even mountain villages.
It may be advertised as a 'party island', however, Paros is so much more. It is a perfect opportunity for family travel, and it is one of the best Greek islands for young children!
A typical example of Cycladic aesthetics, Paros welcomes many families every year, as it has some of the most ideal beaches for families with young children.
Of course, from its long list of assets that make Paros one of the best Greek islands for families, we cannot overlook its traditional cuisine that will enchant both younger kids and adults and will reward their activities on the island in the tastiest way possible.
In Naoussa, visiting the Environmental and Cultural Park of Paros will excite you with the alternative activities it offers.
Other interesting suggestions for families are a bike ride in the alleys, a visit to the Park with the Butterflies, and a walk in the museums on the island. A Greek adventure is waiting for you!
Andros
Andros - credits: Kite_rin/Shutterstock.com
While it doesn’t rank at the top of the popular Greek islands for families or in general, Andros is a stunning island you can explore alongside the other islands with your family during your Greek vacation.
Andros is the second-largest island of the Cyclades. One of its perks is that Andros Airport offers direct flights from and to some of the most popular European cities.
At the same time, the Greek island of Andros is about two hours by ferry from Athens.
The island itself is beautiful and your kids are going to love it. It boasts lots of greenery, secret walking paths, scenic Venetian castles, and natural springs you and your family can take a dip in.
All these, of course, are in addition to the many family-friendly beaches that adorn the island and allow its visitors to swim in crystal clear waters that look like they have come straight out of a fairytale.
The multicultural and cosmopolitan Greek island of Syros is one of the most popular islands of the Cyclades and one of the best Greek islands for families you will meet.
The island is very aesthetically pleasing with a charming old town with an impeccable old-time charm and a spacious central square that invites people in regardless of their age and interest.
It is apparent that this Greek island marries the old with the modern, contributing to being a favorite destination for people who want to experience landscapes that let the mind wander, without being deprived of the high-quality services a Greek island for families offers.
Don't leave the big island without having the whole family try the famous Syrian Loukumi (our Turkish delight).
It is a traditional sweet with sugar as its main ingredient and flavored with all kinds of essences, with the most popular one being rosewater, and it will make your family holidays that much sweeter!
Santorini
Santorini - credits: zabara123/Depositphotos.com
Even though this one-of-a-kind island famous for its breathtaking views is usually chosen by couples, Santorini has a lot to offer to families with kids.
This wondrous Greek island, part of the Cyclades, encapsulates all the iconic images you have probably imagined when thinking about typical Greek holidays.
Santorini is the home of some of the most luxurious boutique hotels in Greece, with exceptional activity programs for kids.
On Santorini, you'll be impressed by the magnificent nature, mostly influenced by the volcanic activity of the island and the island’s unique white and blue colors, the trademark of the Cycladic aesthetic.
Families visiting Santorini will have the opportunity to take some amazing trips to the archeological sites of Akrotiri andAncient Thira, while the captivating colors of the island’s coastline will leave you speechless.
Santorini’s dramatic, cliff-top village of Fira, overlooking the huge volcanic crater, will steal your heart, while Oia will offer you the most magical sunset view.
Corfu
Corfu Island - credits: Balate Dorin/Shutterstock.com
A budget-friendly option among the best Greek islands for families every year is the Greek island of Corfu.
Corfu is located in the Ionian Sea and is part of the Ionian island group, and it is argued by many that it is the best Greek island in the Ionian complex.
It is considered to have the most luscious vegetation and to be one of the most beautiful Greek islands altogether, mostly because of its appealing hillside area and its verdant nature full of olive groves and cypress trees.
Corfu has long attracted visitors who seek -among others- peace and quiet. You and your family will be amazed by the elegant beauty of the Venetian town of Corfu, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Family Adventure: 11-night Trip to Athens, Crete & Rhodes
The extraordinary architecture will captivate you, while your kids will have the time of their lives exploring the maze of small streets and the colorful shops of the old town!
Here, you will be spoiled by the finest beach-front hotels that offer family-friendly amenities and daily activity programs specially designed for children.
And if you love music, don’t forget to book your tickets around the time of the International Corfu Festival and let your family get immersed in the long and rich musical heritage of the Greek island.
Lefkada
Porto Katsiki Beach, Lefkada - credits: Andronos_Haris/Shutterstock.com
The Greek island of Lefkada is an excellent family-friendly destination to the sheer beauty of its gorgeous sandy beaches.
The most popular of Andro’s beaches is Porto Katsiki, which is also considered without a doubt one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
Apart from the beaches of the islands that will make your kids happy, one thing that will make you happy is the fact that this Greek island is accessible by car from Athens, saving you the costs and trouble of Greek ferry tickets.
If your kids are a bit older and fans of watersports and intense activities, Lefkada will be the best Greek island for them, as there, they will have the chance to enjoy surfboarding and kayaking on Lefkada’s beach, and especially the Bay of Basilica.
Zakynthos
Blue Caves, Zakynthos - credits: Lucian_BOLCA/Shutterstock.com
When hearing the name ‘Zakynthos’, frantic parties and drunken tourists in the bustling Laganas in the heart of the Ionian islands may come to mind.
However, Zakynthos, or 'Fiore of Levante', as the locals call it, which means ‘flower of the East,’ is also a family island with long, shallow sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters.
The island will excite the children with its excellent organization in terms of facilities and interesting inland walks in the afternoons.
Shipwreck Beach, Zakynthos - credits: Calin_Stan/Shutterstock.com
In the must-do, note the water park, which will introduce the children to the world of the Caretta Caretta turtle through games and interactive exhibitions, and the Blue Caves, which you will reach by boat from the Scenario.
Apart from the famous Shipwreck Beach that you can access solely by boat, you can spend a fantastic time on the endless beach of Gerakas with the famous turtles, on the sandy beach of Alykes, which offers many opportunities for water sports, and on the emerald waters of Limniona, where the rocks are a magnet for children.
Rhodes
Lindos during sunset - credits: kvika/Shutterstock.com
One of the best Greek islands for families with kids is the island of Rhodes. Rhodes is located in the eastern part of the Aegean Sea and is part of the Dodecanese island group.
Relaxation here comes with a hint of medieval charm.
A stroll around the small cobbled alleys of Rhodes Old Town will bewitch you, with the unmatched aesthetic of the region satisfying even the most demanding of visitors.
At the same time, a visit to the imposing Palace of the Grand Masters will make your children feel that they are taking a trip back in time.
You and your children will have the extraordinary opportunity to visit one of the most historically valuable places in Greece, where the 40m statue of the Colossus of Rhodes is believed to have once stood!
Rhodes, Acropolis of Lindos - credits: frantic00/Shutterstock.com
Additionally, this fascinating island offers a string of excellent family-friendly beaches with shallow, calm waters, most of which have been awarded Blue Flags.
From the eastern coast and the busy Faliraki beach, offering plenty of watersports and a vibrant nightlife, to quieter coves further down the south part of the island, you will have the chance to enjoy the world-renowned Greek sea in all of its glory.
A must-visit beach excursion is Lindos, an ancient acropolis of fascinating beauty, and Prassonissi, one of the most popular windsurfing spots in the Mediterranean Sea, that can serve as a stop to your island-hopping adventure around the area.
If you prefer a more tranquil experience, don’t miss the chance to visit the Valley of the Butterflies and let your kids explore the many different species of butterflies in their natural habitat.
It's a truly enlightening and rewarding experience that makes the family-friendly island of Rhodes the best Greek island for you!
Holidays with children: What to look out for
Traditional Greek aesthetic on a Greek island - credits: leoks/Shutterstock.com
The accommodation you will stay in should be clean and comfortable.
Prepare beforehand a mini pharmacy with all the basics. You can consult your family doctor or a pharmacist regarding what you should include.
Choose a destination that will be close to a hospital in case of an emergency. ‘Better safe than sorry’ goes a long way during family vacations.
Prefer non-touristy places and months, especially if you want to rest and not spend your days chasing behind the children.
Ask around about the most comfortable beaches in the area you choose to visit. You should be looking for something without cliffs or inaccessible places to make the life of your family members easy!
Do your research regarding the best eateries in the place you want to visit. That way, you will be sure that every preference and dietary restriction will be taken care of.
In Greece, it is literally impossible to have a bad culinary experience even if you try; however, kids are pickier eaters and may hesitate to try the strong Greek flavors!
Greece for Families Tips
Tip 1: Choose Family-Friendly Tours
Family vacations in Greece - credits: d.travnikov/Depositphotos.com
This is perhaps the golden rule when traveling and choosing tours on your vacation. Your average tour will dish out loads of information that may be interesting but will very often be hard for children to follow.
An hour in, you will likely begin to feel the children getting restless and distracted, which will make the remaining tour a struggle for all family members.
Not at all what you want after spending money and limited time in a city you are longing to explore!
Thus, it is crucial that you choose a tour that is specifically designed to be fascinating for both you as a parent and your children.
Here at Greeking.me, the team has acknowledged the need for such tours and has created a number of activities and tours designed just for families.
The content of information on family-friendly tours is adjusted to ensure that it is suitable for all ages.
Furthermore, our tour guides are very experienced with working with children and families (another very important component for a successful tour!).
Our Acropolis for Families Tour is a perfect example of one of our highly entertaining (and best-selling) family Greece tours that you should not miss on your trip to our lovely country!
Tip 2: Choose Interactive Activities
Kids playing treasure hunt - credits: LightField Studios/Shutterstock.com
Perhaps the most certain way to keep your kids entertained on any tour or activity is to ensure that it is interactive.
In practice, this means that your kids will have a hands-on experience that will not just fully captivate them at the moment but one that they will likely remember many years later.
We have developed an interactive activity that takes place right in the heart of the Greek capital.
These experiences are highly rated and have often been the highlight of many families’ trips when they visit Athens, specifically because the children find it great fun!
Tip 3: Think Outside of the Box for Your Family Vacation
Mother and son on the Acropolis hill, Athens - credits: NadyaEugene/Shutterstockcom
One important thing to keep in mind when planning a vacation for the family is that children often expect an adventurous experience when they are told they are going on holiday.
Therefore, if their vacation consists of mundane tours and a few hours of walking around an unfamiliar city, they are likely to be disappointed as they expected something much more exciting.
That being said, we have come up with the perfect city adventure for families that will certainly live up to and exceed the children’s expectations: theAthens Family Treasure Hunt.
This is an enthralling way to learn about Athens and the city’s history while embarking on solving a series of challenges and riddles.
You will be accompanied by an extensively experienced, family-friendly guide who ensures that you learn loads but also have huge amounts of fun while doing so!
You can be certain that this is an experience your kids will not soon forget, and it is definitely a way to ensure that they remember all the history they will learn too.
Tip 4: Embrace Percy Jackson!
Cecrops and Pandrosos sculptures at the Acropolis Museum - credits: Michael Paschos/Shutterstock.com
Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson is a series of books (converted to movies) that have a base on the Greek gods and Greek mythology.
If your kids happen to be fans of Percy Jackson, then be sure to take a look at our Percy Jackson Tours.
We have invented these tours specifically to captivate the fans while doing a whole lot of teaching at the same time!
Tip 5: Get Out of Athens for a Day (or Two), or go Island hopping
Aerial view of Cape Sounio- credits: Aerial-motion/Shutterstock.com
Perhaps one of the best ways to give your kids a sense of adventure on your vacation is to take a day trip out of Athens to one of the many amazing Greek ruins that are for sure on your bucket list.
Delphi, Ancient Corinth, Argolis, and Cape Sounio are all great options for excursions from Athens that can be done in one day, and we arrange for tour guides to be family-friendly and for the content to be child-appropriate!
There are no doubt countless tours out there that will take you on the average tour of Athens. We, however, really focus on creating the perfect Athens tours for families.
Our goal is for children who experience our tours and activities to learn as much as possible in a way that will ensure they have loads of fun and retain all of the information as a result!
Where you go and what you'll do are considered details when traveling to Greece and marveling at the historical sites, the amazing beaches (maybe even a private beach in the middle of the Aegean Sea?), and the popular islands.
All you have to do to have the best family holiday is visit Greece!
Check out our Greece itineraries, or our Greek island hopping guide and get ready for the ultimate Greek adventure! Get in touch with our travel specialists, and design the ideal family trip to Greece!
Our Tailor-MadeTrip Planning
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Hop on a quick call with a local expert from our team
Yes, many Greek destinations cater to families with children, offering a range of activities, family-friendly accommodations, and safe environments.
What are the best family-friendly Greek islands?
Crete, Rhodes, Naxos, and Corfu are among the top family-friendly Greek islands, featuring kid-friendly beaches, attractions, and accommodations.
Are there safety concerns for families traveling with kids in Greece?
Greece is generally safe for families. Exercise standard safety precautions, and be mindful of traffic and water safety, especially on beaches.
Are there kid-friendly activities and attractions in Athens?
Yes, Athens offers family-friendly attractions like the Acropolis Museum, and the National Garden, ensuring an enjoyable experience for kids.
What should we pack when traveling to Greece with kids?
Pack essentials like sunscreen, comfortable clothing, snacks, and entertainment for the journey. Check the weather and plan accordingly, and don't forget any necessary medications or comfort items for the kids.
Family vacations in Greece - credits: d.travnikov/Depositphotos.com
