Greece is a fantastic destination for a family holiday, offering a perfect combination of sun, sea, history, and tons of fun for both kids and adults. With its beautiful coastline, crystal clear waters, and picturesque towns, Greece is an ideal beach vacation spot for families.
Moreover, the country boasts some of the most exciting and striking archaeological sites in the world, making it an excellent choice for culturally curious families.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best places to visit in Greece with kids and provide ideas for child-friendly activities for a memorable family vacation.
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The Best Things to Do in Greece with Kids
Enjoy Crete with Kids
Crete, one of the most popular islands in Greece, offers a special experience for families on vacation. As the largest island in Greece, Crete has something for everyone. Families can enjoy family-friendly beaches, explore charming towns, visit historical sites, indulge in water parks, go boating and swimming, and even embark on exhilarating hikes. Crete caters to different travel styles, offering all-inclusive resorts as well as self-catering apartments for those who prefer to explore like locals.
When it comes to child-friendly activities in Crete, there are several options to choose from. The Labyrinth Park, the Natural History Museum, the Crete Aquarium, and the island’s numerous beaches are all worth exploring.
One must-see attraction in Crete is the stunning Knossos Palace, one of the most important and beautiful archaeological sites in Greece. Whether you’re a history lover or an adventure seeker, Crete has something for everyone in the family.
Explore Athens with Kids
As the capital of Greece, Athens is a must-visit destination for families. The city is home to one of the most beautiful sites in the world – the Acropolis. The Acropolis, an ancient city overlooking the modern city of Athens, is a magnificent archaeological site crowned by the Parthenon. It holds immense historical and cultural significance, making it an essential stop on any family’s itinerary.
To make the most of your visit to the Acropolis, it is advisable to go early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. Booking a family tour geared towards children can enhance the experience and engage young minds.
While in Athens, families can also explore the Plaka neighborhood, known for its charming cafes and food places, and visit the Anafiotika district, with its picturesque whitewashed houses and street cats. Make sure to catch the changing of the guards at Syntagma Square, which is quite a spectacle for kids and adults alike.
Athens serves as a perfect starting point for a weekend getaway with the kids. However, during the summer months, it is recommended to allocate only a couple of days in the city and spend the rest of the time on the coast or embarking on a road trip.
Embark on a Mainland Greece Road Trip
While Greece is renowned for its stunning beaches, there is much more to explore beyond the coast. One of the best ways to experience the country is by embarking on a family road trip across mainland Greece. The distances between destinations are manageable, allowing families to visit many places while driving their own vehicle.
A recommended Greece itinerary for a family road trip starts in the northeast and heads south. Some notable places to visit include Thessaloniki with its magnificent Byzantine churches, Mount Olympus, Meteora, Delphi, Corinth (impressive due to its geography), and the Peloponnese.
The Peloponnese, often overlooked but incredibly beautiful, offers a diverse range of attractions, including historic sites like Sparta, Argos, Mycenae, and Epidaurus, as well as charming seaside villages and beaches.
A road trip through mainland Greece provides families with the opportunity to explore different facets of the country without long hours behind the wheel. In just 7 to 10 days, families can visit numerous sites and create lasting memories.
Discover the Peloponnese
The Peloponnese, resembling a hand stretching into the Mediterranean, is a varied and beautiful region of mainland Greece. History enthusiasts will be captivated by the archaeological sites of Sparta, Argos, Mycenae, and Epidaurus, which offer insight into the Mycenaean and classical Greek eras.
For those seeking relaxation, the Peloponnese is home to charming small towns, picturesque seaside villages, and stunning beaches. Nafplio, with its captivating beauty, and Koroni, a coastal town exuding local charm, are highly recommended destinations.
Enjoy the Stunning Island of Corfu
Corfu, situated in the Ionian Sea between Greece and Italy, is a beautiful island offering a bit of everything for families. With its glorious hills, cozy villages, pristine beaches, and fun water parks, Corfu is an ideal destination for a family vacation. The island features shallow bodies of water, perfect for kids and even toddlers to enjoy swimming and splashing.
When visiting Corfu, be sure not to miss the family-friendly beaches of Palaiokastritsa, Halikounas, and Sidari. The town of Corfu itself is charming, with delightful small alleys that are perfect for exploring with kids. Corfu also serves as a great base for organized tours and island hopping, such as a day cruise to Paxos and Antipaxos or a walking tour around the pretty city center.
Have a Family Sun Holiday in the Cyclades Islands
The Cyclades, a cluster of islands in the Aegean Sea, are known for their beauty and are among the most famous Greek islands. While popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini attract tourists, there are family-friendly options as well, such as Paros. Paros offers a quintessential Greek island experience with its blue-domed churches, pretty harbors, and gorgeous sandy beaches. Despite its stunning beauty, Paros is less crowded compared to other Greek islands, making it an ideal destination for families.
Paros boasts several kid-friendly beaches, including Santa Maria, Kolymbithres, Bartselo, and the aptly named Golden Beach. The island also offers a range of family-friendly hotels to choose from.
Discover Awe-Inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Sites
One of the remarkable aspects of Greece is its abundance of UNESCO World Heritage sites. These sites vary in terms of geographical location and appearance but all hold significant educational, historical, and aesthetic value.
Some of the must-visit UNESCO sites include the Acropolis in Athens, Delphi with its stunning mountainous backdrop, Olympia – the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Philippi with its historical significance, Mycenae showcasing the Mycenaean civilization, Epidaurus with its shrine to Aesculapius, and Meteora with its breathtaking monasteries perched atop tall sandstone natural formations.
Let the Kids Go Wild in Greece’s Water Parks
While exploring Greece’s historical and cultural sites is essential, it’s also important to have some fun-filled attractions for the kids. Greece offers several water parks and theme parks that are perfect for families seeking holiday entertainment. Some of the most famous water parks in Greece include Allou Fun Park in Athens, Aqualand in Corfu, and the Waterpark in Rhodes.
These parks provide a great opportunity for kids to cool off and enjoy thrilling rides and slides.
Relax in Greece’s All-Inclusive Family Resorts
For families looking for a relaxing sun holiday experience, Greece offers a wide range of all-inclusive family resorts. These resorts come in various sizes and price ranges, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Popular destinations for all-inclusive family holidays in Greece include Rhodes, Crete, Mykonos, Corfu, and Kos. These resorts ensure that families have everything they need for a stress-free vacation, allowing parents to unwind while the kids engage in activities and entertainment provided by the resorts.
What to Pack for Visiting Greece with Kids
As Greece is a sun vacation destination, it is important to pack accordingly to make the most of your family vacation. Here are some essential items to include in your packing list:
- Water shoes for kids: Greece’s pebble and rocky beaches make water shoes a must for protecting small feet.
- A kids’ snorkel set: Let your kids explore the stunning clear waters of Greece with their own snorkel set.
- Swimsuits, beach towels, and light clothing: Pack for the beach and sightseeing with comfortable and lightweight clothing.
- Camera equipment: Bring a camera to capture your family’s memories, and consider a kids’ action camera for your little ones to document their own adventures.
- A good crossbody bag for you: Opt for a practical crossbody bag to carry all your essentials during day trips and outings.
- Travel shoes for kids and walking sandals for adults: Ensure everyone has comfortable footwear for long days of sightseeing.
Final Thoughts
Greece, with its stunning beaches, rich history, and diverse landscapes, is a perfect destination for a family vacation. Whether you choose to explore the ancient wonders of Athens, embark on a road trip through mainland Greece, or relax on the picturesque islands, Greece offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
With a wide range of child-friendly activities, attractions, and accommodations available, Greece is sure to provide endless fun and cherished memories for kids and adults alike. Plan your trip, pack your bags, and get ready for an incredible adventure in glorious Greece!
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