Visiting Greece with Family
With its sparkling blue coastlines, ancient monuments and delectable cuisine, Greece is a perfect destination for families.
Greece is one of our favourite destinations to travel to with family. Whether you want to help your kids learn about this country’s ancient past or simply spend some quality time with your family in a beautiful place, a magical time is guaranteed for the whole group.
Is Greece Suitable for Families?
Greece is a very family-friendly destination, with family being at the heart of Greek culture. Because of this, many hotels and restaurants specifically cater to families with children, and there are plenty of attractions and activities for everyone at any age. From exploring the islands and discovering ancient ruins with your little ones to tasting local delicacies and soaking up some Mediterranean sun, visiting Greece with kids is an unforgettable experience.
Things to Do in Greece with Family
One of the reasons that Greece is such a good destination for families is the variety of activities on offer. From outdoor adventures like sailing and hiking, to visiting cultural attractions and ancient ruins, there’s no shortage of things to do in Greece with your family.
At Scott Dunn, our expert travel consultants can help you build out an itinerary based on what you want to see and do. Whether you want to experience the best of Greek cuisine with an authentic cooking class or take to the water on a sea-kayaking tour, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
What Are the Best Places to Visit in Greece with Family?
Deciding where to go in Greece with your family can be a daunting task. Luckily, our travel experts have curated a list of the best places to visit during your break.
From the best islands for families to unmissable attractions on the mainland, let’s take a look at the best places to go and things to do in Greece with your family.
Athens
Starting off our list is Greece’s iconic capital: Athens. With all major airlines around the world landing here first, it’s the perfect way to start your mainland Greek adventure before heading out to the islands.
However, you may not be so fast to leave as there is a wealth of things to do in Athens with the whole family. The birthplace of Western civilization, Athens is full of famous archaeological sites like the Parthenon and the Acropolis, which bring the past to life for kids of all ages. There are also numerous museums to explore, such as the Museum of Cycladic Art and the Hellenic Children’s Museum, where kids can learn about how the ancient Greeks used to live.
We’d also recommend a visit to the Plaka neighbourhood, the oldest and one of the most beautiful in Athens. Nestled under the shadow of the Acropolis, the streets of Plaka are filled with bright restaurants, cafes and shops - a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon sampling Greek dishes and browsing for souvenirs.
Greece expert and Travel Specialist Milly Darnell says:
“Athens is the ideal Greek destination for families because it provides ancient history, fun neighbourhoods and lots of family fun activities including cooking classes, Olympic-focussed tours, and nearby coastal towns."
The Peloponnese
A unique region known for its charming, authentic villages, stunning coastline and plethora of Ancient Greek monuments; the Peloponnese is a must-visit destination for things to do in Greece with family.
History buffs can visit historical sites like Sparta and Mycenae or take a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Olympia and explore the ancient remains of this renowned sporting and worshipping site. For older kids, travel to the buzzy town of Kalavryta, complete with stunning views, hiking trails and even a ski resort if you’re planning a winter visit.
Or, if you’re looking for a more relaxing itinerary, the Peloponnese is also home to unbeatable beaches and scenic seaside towns, perfect for a few lazy days in the sun.
Crete
This first island on our list, Crete is a popular spot for anyone visiting Greece, but especially for families. From cultural experiences like visiting Europe’s oldest city, Knossos, and soaking in the region’s rich gastronomic offerings, to more adventurous activities like trying your hand at watersports in the bright Aegean Sea, there’s an almost endless list of things to do on the largest island in Greece.
Here you’ll find some of the friendliest family resorts in Greece with water parks and water slides, complemented by spa facilities to keep everyone entertained. When it comes to hotels in Greece, we’d especially recommend a stay at Daios Cove hotel, a 5-star hotel with spectacular views, a private beach and an exclusive Scott Dunn explorers kids club so you can enjoy some guilt-free time to yourself.
Corfu
Corfu is a breathtaking island that is similar to Crete, but on a smaller scale. An excellent family-friendly destination, here you can get your culture fix by wandering through the Old Town and dining on delicious local delicacies - we especially recommend trying any fresh seafood dishes available. When you’re ready for your adventure fix, we recommend a trip to the Aqualand Water Park.
Corfu is also a great destination for a mini-island-hopping excursion, with the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos situated just off the coast. Only reachable by boat and with a population of just 2,500 people, Paxos is an ideal day trip from Corfu. Expect lush greenery, crystal-clear waters and traditional taverna, perfect for a relaxing family meal on the waterfront.
Cyclades Islands
Characterised by idyllic sandy beaches, iconic architecture and warm and hospitable locals, the Cyclades Islands are some of the most well-known and beautiful islands in Greece, with each one offering something unique to enjoy. While other islands may offer more thrilling activities, visiting the Cyclades is all about relaxation.
Travel to Paros for charming boutiques, head to Naxos for an unbeatable foodie scene, or for a truly luxurious break, soak in the cobbled streets, bright white buildings and enchanting pink Bougainvillaea flowers of Mykonos.
Where to Stay in Greece with Family
At Scott Dunn, we understand the importance of finding the right accommodation. That’s why we have a range of hotel and resort options to suit every kind of family.
Best For Little Ones
If you’re travelling with young kids, many of the resorts and hotels we offer at Scott Dunn are ideal for younger families. From playgrounds and some of the best family hotels in Greece with water slides, to specialised children’s menus that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Our travel specialists can help you find hotels with all the right amenities to keep your kids happy during your stay.
Many of our hotels also offer kids clubs to keep your little ones entertained while you enjoy some rest and relaxation.
A truly luxurious resort, Daios Cove has incredible views, superb service and delicious cuisine. Perfect for families, there is a private cove with a sandy beach, pool with shallow end and incredible Scott Dunn Childcare. Summer days are long and hot, with balmy evenings, however, the beginning and end of the season are great value times to visit.
Adults can enjoy the beautiful spa, boat trips or just spend time relaxing by the pool or at the beach.
If you are looking for the perfect family friendly resort this summer, look no further than Eagles Palace. Soak up the sun on the long stretch of sandy beach and watch the more active take part in the fantastic range of water sports on offer. Combine this with the option of an excellent Scott Dunn Explorers kids club and you have a truly unforgettable summer family holiday.
Eagles Villas benefit from the facilities of neighbouring Eagles Palace, yet enjoy the privacy of a villa, complete with private pool and living area. Home to one of our Explorers kids clubs, Eagles is the perfect place to let the kids scamper off with new found friends whilst you relax overlooking one of the best coastlines on the Aegean. So, unwind in the comfort of your very own home-away-from-home and soak up the views.
With a fantastic offering of land and watersport activities and flexible family friendly accommodation, Costa Navarino, The Westin is a brilliant option for a family getaway. There is no shortage of things to do at Costa Navarino for both adults and children. The impressive aqua park with 3 waterslides and adventure playground keep the little ones entertained for hours, and family activities range from bike hire to yachting with your own skipper to exploring the local area.
Older Kids
From luxurious resorts with interconnected rooms that will give teens a bit of privacy to secluded villas ideal for spending some quality time together as a family, we have a range of hotels that are perfect for visiting Greece with teens and older kids.
Costa Navarino is an excellent family option, with an Explorers kids club for Scott Dunn guests on site and extensive facilities for the whole family to enjoy, including a fantastically designed aqua park, an adventure playground and child friendly swimming pools. The sports facilities both on land and water are outstanding. Our fully qualified childcare experts and Rangers run fun-filled and action-packed days that ensure your children have a truly memorable holiday and making new friends along the way.
If you are looking for the perfect family friendly resort this summer, look no further than Eagles Palace. Soak up the sun on the long stretch of sandy beach and watch the more active take part in the fantastic range of water sports on offer. Combine this with the option of an excellent Scott Dunn Explorers kids club and you have a truly unforgettable summer family holiday.
This hotel is ideal if you want a family holiday with a slower pace. The gardens at Cape Sounio are beautiful and make for the perfect place to relax in the sun, lying next to the large seawater pool. The hotel also opens onto two secluded beaches below the Temple of Poseidon. For children aged 3-12 years there is an entertainment program. There is also a children’s paddling pool next to main pool.
Multi-Generational Families
Travel is an excellent way for multi-generational families to reconnect, and Greece is the perfect destination. Many of our resorts and villas offer luxurious, expansive, private accommodation to comfortably house every member of the family, while allowing for the utmost flexibility.
The Naxian Collection is a stunning of suites and villas but if you're travelling as a family, we recommend you opt for a villa which has 1-4 bedrooms so you're not on top of each other and each boasts a kitchenette and private pool. If guests can tear themselves away from the private pools, the beaches of Naxos are just a short distance away and the picturesque beach town of Agios Prokopios is only a 15-minute stroll away.
The resort is set on a hillside overlooking the bay and offers 360-degree panoramic views out to sea and across the surrounding mountain. Amanzoe has a small selection of private villas ranging from four to six bedrooms within the hotel grounds, which are ideal for larger families looking for ultimate seclusion. A dedicated chef and host are on-hand to look after villa guests in complete privacy and each villa comes with an outdoor heated pool overlooking the surrounding olive groves.
The Mansion at Daios Cove, Crete is a 600sqm private residence split over 3 levels and with spectacular views, a fully-equipped kitchen, heated indoor and outdoor pool, gym and spa. Combine this with resort facilities and an exclusive Scott Dunn Explorers kids club, it's ideal for a special occasion that brings all the family together in an exclusive, private setting with exceptional service. And the piece de resistance: the floor-to-ceiling windows make the best of the hilltop position and offer breathtaking views from every room.
