Greece is an excellent holiday destination for families with kids – the weather is perfect, the sea is inviting, and the locals are very welcoming. It may be a small country, but it’s home to several different regions, each offering unique attractions and activities that your kids are guaranteed to love.
5 Things to Do on Holiday in Greece with the Kids
Whatever your interests are, there’s something for you to do in Greece. Here, you can swim at its crystal blue seas, discover the ancient history, and sample the tastiest Greek cuisines. So, gather the kids around and prepare for an action-packed Greek family holiday. So if you’re looking for things to do on holiday in Greece with the kids, take a look at these 5 great suggestions:
1. Visit the Acropolis in Athens
The ancient city of Athens is an excellent destination for families, especially if you have curious kids interested in knowing more about ancient Greece and discovering its centuries-old temples and ruins. While in Athens, one of the best things you can do is visit the Acropolis.
Built during the 5th Century BC, the Acropolis is a citadel overlooking Athens and one of Greece’s most iconic sites. You and your kids will enjoy learning about Greek mythology as you explore the Acropolis and visit the various monuments dedicated to the goddess Athena, including the Odeon of Herodes, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Theatre of Dionysus, and the Parthenon.
There’s no doubt that the incredible sites you’ll encounter in the Acropolis will capture the imagination of your kids. Best of all, kids under 18 years old can enter for free. But it’s worth noting that the site is not stroller friendly. Also, as one of the most popular sites in Athens, it’s often crowded with tourists. So, try to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowd.
2. Camp By the Beach in Paros
Paros is a beautiful island in the Cyclades, located off the Aegean Sea. If you are a family who love nature, especially the beaches, you will absolutely love it here. The island has all the ingredients for a fun and unforgettable family holiday.
If your little ones love water sports, take them scuba diving, kayaking, and snorkelling on one of the beautiful beaches of Paros. The island is home to beautiful sandy beaches where you can relax and observe your little ones playing in the sand. For families who love to explore the outdoors, hiking is one of the best things to do in Paros. The island offers plenty of hiking routes, such as the Ancient Marble Quarries, Lefkes Valley, and the Valley of the Butterflies.
Camping by the beach is also a fun activity for families with kids. You will find many excellent camping and glamping sites in Greece, most of them are located in Paros by the beach.
3. Visit the Markets in Santorini
Santorini is a popular honeymoon destination, but this does not mean that it’s not a destination for the kids. The island offers a variety of fun activities that kids will love. Whether that’s playing at the beach, exploring the whitewashed villages, swimming in hot springs, or visiting vibrant markets.
While it’s possible to explore the island on your Greek island family vacation, consider booking a tour of Santorini. Some of these tours are tailored to families and will include child-friendly activities. The island’s two main towns, Fira and Oia, are a joy to explore. The whitewashed house with the traditional blue domes looks spectacular, especially with the stunning sea views in the background. These towns are also home to vibrant markets, such as the Oia fruit market, which is always full of life and filled with vibrant colours!
If you want to relax at the beach, head to Red Beach. It’s one of the most child-friendly beaches in Santorini, surrounded by gorgeous red volcano cliffs. As one of the most popular beaches in Santorini, the Red Beach is often crowded with tourists, so better come as early as you can.
4. Go Snorkelling in Crete
Crete is the largest of all Greek islands and a must-visit on your family holiday to Greece. The island offers an endless number of activities that you and your little ones can enjoy. Moreover, the locals are very welcoming to visitors, especially families, and there’s a wide variety of local cuisines that you can try.
One of the best things to do in Crete is snorkelling at the beach. The island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. They have the clearest waters and are sparkling clean. If you are not fond of snorkelling, you can relax by the beach chairs and umbrellas while your kids play in the water. Some of the best beaches to visit in Crete are Falassarna Beach and Elafonissi Beach.
If your kids like to spend time outdoors doing adventurous sports, there are plenty of activities to keep them busy in Crete. They can go hiking in Samaria Gorge, riding quad bikes in Rethymno, or rock climbing in Kapetaniana.
5. Visit the Castles of The Peloponnese
Take your kids to the Peloponnese peninsula if they are fond of myths, legends, and castles. Located at the southern tip of the mainland, Peloponnese is a cultural region in Greece home to the Maniots, who claim to be descendants of the ancient Spartans.
The Franks and the Venetians controlled the Peloponnese during the Middle Ages, bringing their culture and traditions with them. They also built magnificent castles, and most of them are still standing today. The Chlemoutsi castle, which sits on a hill above a village, is a must-visit. Built by the Franks, it’s one of the most well-preserved castles in the area, with beautiful paving alleys and long walls.
In the south of Peloponnese, you will find the Monemvasia Castle. The castle stands on an island rock exclusively connected to the mainland through a narrow road. The castle is built within a medieval city enclosed inside the walls of the Byzantine fortress.
In Kyparissia, a small town in northwestern Messinia on the west coast of Peloponnese, you will find another beautiful ancient castle, the Kyparissia Castle. You’ll find a small theatre and some former residences inside, and the castle opens to the stunning views of a nearby mountain and the Ionian Sea.
What is your favourite island within the Greek Islands? Can you recommend any other things to do on holiday in Greece with the kids?
*Disclosure: Collaborating Article
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Coldi says
I’ve never been to Greece. It does look very beautiful. Camping in Paros looks amazing! My children would love the water activities
Rachel Butterworth says
It’s so hard to keep kids entertained on holiday. Thanks for the tips.
Rachael Sexey says
Thank you for all the tips, Greece loves stunning
Samantha Osborne says
Fabulous
Wendy Lam-Vechi says
I love how much stuff you can do in Greece and how they’re so varied. It’s great for those who like history and those who like a bit of history. I personally can’t wait to go with the family. I bet they will love it
Pamtay says
Took the kids to the Acropolis – they loved it
Eilean Fraoich says
I was amazed by just how kind they were to my daughter when we were in Athens, stall holders genuinely helping her find affordable gifts to take home and street traders approaching then leaving us and apologising when they realised I was with a child.