Visiting Greece with Family
With its sparkling blue coastlines, ancient monuments and delectable cuisine, Greece is a perfect destination for families.
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, Greece is one of our favorite family destinations.
Why Go to Greece for a Family Vacation?
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 the whole family. 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 here. From outdoor activities 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 experts 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. Since most flights to Greece from the US will land in Athens, this is a great starting point for exploring mainland Greece or the islands during your visit.
Having said that, there’s plenty of things to do in Athens itself 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 neighborhood, 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 Stephanie McClendon says:
“Athens is the ideal Greek destination for families because it provides ancient history, fun neighborhoods 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 a family vacation in Greece.
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 worshiping 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 also find some of the most family-friendly resorts and hotels in Greece, complete with luxurious amenities like water parks and spa facilities to keep everyone entertained. We’d especially recommend a stay at Daios Cove hotel, a 5-star hotel with spectacular views, a private beach, and premium all-inclusive villas and suites.
Cyclades Islands
Characterized 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 know how important finding the right accommodation can be. That’s why we have a range of hotel and resort options to suit every kind of family.
Younger Kids
If you’re traveling with young kids, many of the resorts and hotels we offer at Scott Dunn are ideal for younger families. From playgrounds and water parks to specialized 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.
The Blue Palace is nestled into Elounda's hillside and from each level there are beautiful views over the unspoiled natural surroundings. The facilities at the hotel are outstanding; laze beside one of the many pools or on the beach, relax in the ultra-chic Thalassotherapy Spa, perfect your tennis or whiz around the bay on a wind surfer. Families are very welcome at the Blue Palace. The resort offers younger visitors a children’s pool, a kids playground, babysitting, special menus and high chairs in all restaurants as well as children’s bathroom amenities and bathrobes upon arrival. There is also a kids club catering for children aged 3 - 12 years, activities include painting, Greek dancing and creative play.
Porto Zante Villas & Spa is an elegant award-winning deluxe villa resort on the beautiful island of Zakynthos. Each villa has private beach access making it ideal for families. Parents can leave their children with the entertainment staff, whilst they enjoy some time to themselves. There is a Kids’ Corner (the resort’s playground) and kids' service to entertain their younger visitors from 3 years old and upwards, which can include activities such as trips to the local village, water park, mini golf and the Splash Fun Water Park. The resort's chef has specially created a kids' menu and babysitting can be arranged in the evening or during the day for children under 3. The private sandy beach of the resort is perfect for kids, as are the heated pools in all the villas.
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.
The Mykonos Grand is a wonderful beach-side boutique resort, known for its fabulous views of the sparkling Aegean Sea, exceptional service and excellent location. The resort has been designed to enhance the beauty of the natural surroundings while providing ultimate luxury. There is a large range of room options to choose from including interconnecting rooms, which are perfect for families. During your stay at Mykonos you can enjoy relaxing by the pool and soaking in the breathtaking Aegean views. The pool is surrounded by shady cabanas and sun beds, making sure every member of the family is well protected from the sun. During the evening a film screen is often erected, and a selection of well-known films are shown, providing excellent family entertainment in a beautiful setting.
Escape the crowds of the Greek mainland on board your very own luxury yacht charter. Sailing through the Aegean Sea, passengers will have the opportunity to discover the peaceful islands and hidden coves that larger ships do not have access to. Our boats are spacious, comfortable, air-conditioned catamarans, with an expert crew on board to care for your every need. Ideal for families, the common living areas make for the perfect locations to relax with a meal, or unwind in the evening. As well as tailored meals, each itinerary is bespoke, and your skipper will be happy to sit down and discuss your route, according to where and when you would like to travel, which is a great way to get your kids involved with your vacation. These experts know the local area inside out, and can recommend the calmest waters and Greece’s best-kept secrets.
Vedema offers a rustic getaway with a secluded location in the medieval village of Megalohori. This spacious hotel boasts large suites and villas as well as transport to a local beach, making it an ideal choice for families. With a central location towards the south of Santorini this is a fantastic base with a homely feel from which to explore with authentic, quaint Greek tavernas on your doorstep. The surrounding medieval village is reflected in the hotels own design, which also emulates a traditional Greek village, making this a spacious option with plenty of room for younger guests to explore and quiet raised patios to relax and enjoy Santorini’s endless sunshine. For families, we recommend the Athenian Suites which feature two bedrooms and two bathrooms allowing for space while still maintaining proximity.
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.
Set on a private beach on the island of Mykonos, is Santa Marina, this secluded resort has the look and feel of a traditional Greek village and is ideal for families. The resort is very family oriented with good children’s facilities. A children’s club operates daily during the summer with a varied activity program suitable for all ages, including arts and crafts, legend and storytelling, theater games and treasure hunts. There is also a great outdoor kids playground. Children can also eat at the kids club, giving parents more flexibility with their day. The Spa has an extensive range of treatments and therapies to enjoy some peaceful alone time. The resort has a floodlit tennis court where the pro team are happy to arrange lessons for both adults and children. There are two swimming pools, including a beautiful infinity pool and a saltwater children's pool.
Situated on the small private Petrochori Estate, Villa Omina boasts some of the best views of any villa in Corfu. The villa has five bedrooms and works well for families or groups traveling together. Set on three floors, the ground floor features an open plan living/dining room and a separate king/twin en-suite. On the top floor, there are two en-suite, twin-bedded rooms, perfect for children, which are coupled with a shared lounge area. The TV, DVD and fridge, make this an ideal space for kids to relax and play. Villa Omina provides a warm welcome on arrival and everything is provided for to make your stay as easy as possible, including beach, pool towels and bathrobes, plus some basic initial supplies. There is the option to upgrade to a more traditional catered villa service, with a local cook providing meals.
Costa Navarino is an excellent family option, with an Explorers kids club on site and accommodation to suit families, with many rooms with interconnecting options. There are extensive facilities and activities for the whole family to enjoy, including a fantastically designed aqua park, an adventure playground and child friendly swimming pools. The main hub of the resort is full of boutiques, restaurants, cafés and bars. The sports facilities both on land and water are outstanding. There's a vast selection of equipment available for guests to use, from surfing to kayaking, golf or tennis. Our fully qualified childcare experts and Rangers run fun-filled and action-packed days that ensure your children have a truly memorable vacation and making new friends along the way.
The view from the Hotel Grande Bretagne’s rooftop offers a panoramic vista of Athens' historical landmarks, including the iconic Acropolis. At Hotel Grande Bretagne, there is plenty on offer to keep all ages entertained. Facilities include an outdoor rooftop swimming pool, and a gym with personal training for those looking to keep active during their vacation. The majestic city of Athens also has plenty to keep the keen culture vulture satisfied, with an enormous array of historical sites, National Gardens and local markets. The various restaurants at the hotel offer a wide selection of meals for younger guests, as does the hotel's room service. Professional babysitting services are also available upon request through the hotel concierge.
