Greece is a dream for young couples looking to get away. Where to stay: At family-oriented resorts with numerous swimming pools, open-air theatres where children’s plays and music and dance extravaganzas are organised daily, or smaller guest houses scattered around the island, in the villages, near secluded beaches. Some of Greece’s cleanest seas. By early September you can feel a discernible difference in the number of visitors and hopping on a ferry, getting a seat at a popular restaurant, or finding a hotel room gets markedly easier. They can learn about Troy and run around the track at the birthplace of the Olympics. Rhodes is considered one of the best places to go in Greece for families, and for multiple reasons. Spend a week in those two islands before moving on to the Dodecanese spending a week in Rhodes, Ikaria and Karpathos, then continue with the 2 week itinerary above. A few North American cities (Toronto, New York City) have direct flights to Athens but none have direct flights to the Greek Islands. But for ferries from Piraeus (the port near Athens) to an island during high season, it’s recommended to book at least a week prior to your departure. Answer 1 of 10: I am hoping to go to Greece late May/early June with my Husband and 2 young children (both under 2). The absolute best beach weather is from late June to early September. 14 of us are planning a ladies (no husbands, children, etc.) Cons: Surprisingly difficult to arrange if you’re arriving from outside the continent. Preferably a beach where the kids/us can get into the water without worrying about giant waves or too many rocks. We are a family of 5 with 3 teenage girls. Aegean Islands – off the central coast of Turkey. Also, only a handful of islands have direct flights from outside of Greece. The biggest problem is getting between the islands. Finding the right place to stay makes all the difference in the world; a successful family holiday by definition means that all … Sally [Amsterdam]. We have 2 weeks holidays and debating between 1 week in Greece (with 1 week in Italy) and 2 weeks in Greece? And you’ll get much more out of any visit to a historical attraction if you get a guide. Dodecanese Islands – in the southeast of the Aegean Sea, off the southwest coast of Turkey. Almost every part of the island is suitable for families, but we’ve chosen a few special areas which make a good base for your vacation in Crete. And then get on a ferry the next morning (most ferries from Athens to the islands leave between 7am and 8am) and get the kids to a beach. All Rights Reserved. When you start doing more than a walk-on ferry ride from, say, Santorini to Mykonos, it gets more difficult. • classic ruins in romantic settings Knossos) it’s easy to walk up and find a good guide. 10 Best Places To Go In Greece For Families (Brilliant Child Friendly Resorts!) Hotel Lyttos Beach in Hersonissos is ideal for families because it is situated on the beach and has its own waterpark complete with exhilarating slides. Renting a car and taking it on the ferry to multiple islands is not worth the effort and you’re right: most car companies won’t allow it. Best Places to Go in 2020. Here are just six Greek islands to help you get an idea of how you and your family could spend your summer vacations in Greece. The safe environment, the good weather, the shark-free beaches, and the organized tourist places provide the best conditions for a relaxing beach holiday. Which island would be best for staying at a house directly on the beach? ... Greece For Families in Greece This itinerary works well for families with kids between 7 and 15 years old. (Note, there are no giant waves in the Greek islands.). Best places to stay in Crete for nightlife: Hersonissos is the place to be for a young British crowd, with lots of great bars and nightclub. Fun things to do in Athens with kids/teens: We will be renting a van that I am currently working on the details for now. The best months to visit the Greek Islands with kids are June and September. is what you and your children will hear when you come to Greece. And there are some Rhodes to Turkey ferries in the off-season but not a lot so you’ll have to organize and research more than you would in summer. Cons: You’ll miss out on island hopping by ferry. Join in with: The International Corfu Festival dedicated to promoting the rich musical heritage of the island. And Santorini has the caldera, the volcano, and the story of how this island was destroyed by an immense volcanic eruption. Explore Corfu holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. • Bike Tour of Historic Athens • Alonissos Best Greek islands for families. The best place for walking, as all sightseeings are found in close distance to each other, Athens is also a transportation hub to the Greek islands. Must Read: Top 10 Most Fashionable Countries in the World. An extra tip for kids: Find out how to adopt a newly-born monk seal at the Marine Park (and please eat some of the local apricots –they are really tasty here)! The top attractions in Athens (Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, and historical sights in the Plaka) can be easily seen in one full (but busy) day – or take two if you want to take it a little slower. Most popular islands: Samos, Chios, Lesvos. • above all, safety and warm hospitality. And if you’re really looking to narrow it down then mid-September is the absolute prime. (Northern) Sporades: – in the northeastern section of the Aegean, closer to Thessaloniki and Istanbul then to Athens, 2-5 hours by ferry from Thessaloniki. 8-15 hours from Athens by ferry. Why: Often called the “Garden Isle”, Corfu is full of olive groves, cypresses, bushes, colourful anemones, orchids and a number of endemic flowers. Fondly referred to as the “Emerald Isle” Corfu is undoubtedly one of the greenest of all Greek islands. The weather is essentially the same as late June but while the water can still be chilly in early summer, by September it’s perfect. What would you recommend for a family of 4 considering a family holiday to some of the Greek islands? Resident herbalists and a homeopathic academy. Best Greek island for: nature and beaches. Ferryhopper.com is the best website for searching ferry routes and booking tickets in advance. It’s a peninsula on the mainland jutting out into the sea. #28 Best Value of 155 Family Resorts in Greece “ Had a very nice stay at the Adonis. We are homeschoolers who love to learn about history, culture, and food! 10-18 hours by ferry from Athens. Debating hiring a car so we can drive on/off ferries, rather than struggling carrying all luggage and 2 young kids. There also hotels that offer specially organised activities for youngsters of all ages (from 4 months to16 years old), so that parents can enjoy spa treatments while their kids are being looked after by specialist child minders. (In any case, few rental companies allow their vehicles to go on a ferry.) PLEASE ADD US TO TRUSTED SITES :) POSTS MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS INCLUDING AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS We are heading to Paros and Santorini with our 2.5-year-old in August. Find what to do today, this weekend or in January. Read more on the nightlife. Best Places to Stay in Agios Gordios Panorama Hotel – As the name might suggest, this hotel has panoramic views of Agios Gordios, backed by lush mountainsides and the azure blue of the sea. Ustica, Italy; Italy has earned a spot again in the list of top 10 places for snorkeling in Europe. There is so much information to wade through so was wanting your advice. That’s why we wrote this insider’s guide for the best places to stay in Corfu. #28 Best Value of 155 Family Resorts in Greece “ Had a very nice stay at the Adonis. Also, Crete (much larger than the other Greek islands) is an island too far for this holiday and would spread your time too thin. 10 Best Places to Visit in Greece Last updated on October 1, 2020 in Greece 15 Comments Known for its plethora of ancient ruins, whitewashed villages, sunny beaches, tasty cuisine and friendly atmosphere, it is no wonder that Greece ranks among Europe’s top travel destinations. But there are many others that are also kid-friendly and great for families. The best places to go in Greece for a family are the Greek Islands, and my favorite island for families is Naxos. | From the writings of Gerald and Lawrence Durrell to the place where the shipwrecked Odysseus was soothed and sent on his way home, Corfu has been portrayed as an idyll for centuries. The best islands in the Cyclades: Naxos, Santorini, Folegandros, Paros, Mykonos, Milos. And that’s not surprising, as Greeks love to have fun and party. Milos Studios Hostel is the best budget accommodations in Malia. We are a family of 5 (kids ages 5, 3 and 1) and are coming from the USA. Visitgreece.gr is the official tourism web site for Greece, run by the Greek National Tourism Organisation, where you'll find information on the main tourist destinations, such as cities, beaches, as well as activities, events and much more! (The Cyclades are particularly vulnerable to high winds.) We’ve done the hard work for you by creating this list of the best Greek islands for families: Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini, Lefkada, Kea, Hydra and Astypalaia. Where to stay: There are a few all-inclusive hotels, many rooms and family guesthouses, plus some 3-star hotels that are favoured by people of particular nationalities. Waterfront dining in Naxos. Of course, your perceived vibe of the island can change depending on who’s staying at your hotel or who the regulars are at a nearby taverna during your stay. Malia is also a great alternative with a more international crowd. Do you recommend one week in Crete and what three islands do you suggest with the kids? Walking distance to Dimokratias Street and the city’s hottest bars, you won’t have to go far to find the best nightlife in Crete. Ferry hopping around the islands — especially the Cyclades where the islands are very close to each other — is a ton of fun. Thanks Claire. An extra tip for kids: Enjoy your favourite cartoon movies at the open-air summer cinemas in the city. An extra tip for kids: Learn how to protect the loggerhead sea turtle and explore the island’s fascinating underwater world at the Marine Park! It’s nice to have some hotel reservations booked in advance – especially for your first nights on a new island – but it’s also nice to have some flexibility with where you’re going and how long you’re staying. Join in with: Art exhibits, religious festivals, countryside festivals (paniyíria). Here are some choices you may need to make for longer ferry rides: 1-Week Recommended Itinerary for Greece: Answer 1 of 10: I am hoping to go to Greece late May/early June with my Husband and 2 young children (both under 2). Thank you for all the great info in this post. We would be flying out of Heathrow and want to visit Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, and Crete. Those are 3 islands where it’s nice to have a rental car for a day or two. But with so many superb beaches, it feels like an island!!! By far the longest summer in Greece. • olive, orange and lemon groves and important nature reserves There are no special vaccinations required, and no special medicine prescribed. Why: Lush vegetation, white-pebble Blue Flag winning beaches with azure waters, impressive Venetian works of architecture surrounded by olive and fruit groves, numerous family tavérnas with panoramic views over the sea. Halkidiki isn’t actually an island. An extra tip for kids: Visit the Aquarium and Butterfly Valley. If you can only do one then go with Naxos. How cool is that? In high season families and large groups should definitely book rooms in advance. From Athens to Thessaloniki and from Crete to Corfu, here's the scoop on ten fantastic places you shouldn't miss if you're traveling to Greece this summer. While all the Greek islands we’re recommending for families have fantastic beaches, Skiathos, which has more than 60, is the connoisseur’s choice for variety. For information please contact: info@visitgreece.gr. Island hopping by ferry adds a bit of adventure to the whole thing and an opportunity to see several very distinct destinations. Go by bus or rental car. But there are many others that are also kid-friendly and great for families. Must visit: The beautiful medieval city of Rhodes, the ancient town of Líndos, the castles near Monólithos and Kritinía, the other Dorian city-states of Kameiros and Ialyssos, and Prassoníssi, one of the best windsurfing spots in Europe. Why Athens : Archaeological sites, architecture, history, lively city, museums, nightlife, culture, great Climate, amazing gastronomy, festivals, long weekend getaway, family destination, alternative destination, underground scene. Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu are four more that have great beaches, cool towns, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu are four more that have great beaches, cool towns, and a family-friendly atmosphere. There are also countless guesthouses and 3-star hotels all over the island; either on or within a short walk of the seafront or in the mountain villages. • Day Trip to Saronic Islands. The sun will be out, skies blue, and there’s very little rain. It’s not unreasonable to be sitting on a beach 4 or 5 hours after taking off from your home airport. “Paidiá, kalosírthate!” (Children, welcome!) Okay, we’re cheating here! We’ll fly into Crete from UK, and home to Australia from Athens, so will be a point-to-point booking. This year we’ve booked Naxos again, but also have plans to visit Ios and Santorini for a few days each. I am thinking about Athens, Crete, and Santorini, but Rhodes and a day or two in Turkey would be great also. Mykonos might also be worth some consideration as you can then fly directly from there (or Santorini) to Western Europe. Great location (easy to walk everywhere), reasonable price, very large and … There is also a football pitch, children’s pool and on-site kids club as well as a daytime activity programme and evening entertainment. It is not easy to choose which island to visit in Greece. The best places to go in Greece for a family are the Greek Islands, and my favorite island for families is Naxos. Thinking Crete + Cyclades. Join in with: Countryside festivals (paniyíria), wine festivals, religious celebrations held in the cities and in rural churches, traditional Cretan weddings and Renaissance festivals. These take between 8 and 12 hours and are often overnight ferries, so it’s best to book at least a few days in advance. Crete: – the biggest island in Greece and thus it’s own island group, 10-15 hours by ferry from Athens. Cancellations for more than a day or two are rare but your itinerary could be messed up with one ill-timed delay. Mykonos Town at sunset. What would you suggest around Athens with the kids that are fun things to do? • Athens Food Tour If you do decide to stay with them, try to walk to the hotel from the pier. Your family holidays begin with a hearty, warm welcome in a country where children can enjoy memorable adventures in the past and present. Where: In the southern part of the Aegean Sea, separating the Aegean from the Mediterranean Sea And even the Chora is pretty family-friendly until well into the evening. We are thinking of doing two weeks in Greece. Required fields are marked *, Newsletter – Get all new and updated articles. Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Kos, and a few other islands (depending on the year) have direct flights from the London, Manchester, Paris, Amsterdam, Oslo, and Rome making trips to a Greece quick and easy. Read on for the most affordable and exciting destinations in Greece to explore together. Start in Lesvos or Samos in the Aegean islands, either by direct flight or ferry from Athens. Some hotel owners will “gently” lie but if faced with a precise question they’ll accurately tell you where it is on the map. Also, if you do stop in Athens it’s often easier (or just as easy) to go to the port and hop on a ferry as to make your way all the way back to the airport, go through security, and wait for your plane. The best weather in Greece for kids, families, swimming, and beach time is from late May to early September. Must visit: The beautifully preserved Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO world heritage site, filled with Venetian, French and British monuments and remarkable works of architecture. You either have to limit the islands you visit or forget about Italy and only visit Greece. All Greek taxis have a maximum limit of 4 passengers. Must visit: Mount Athos (unfortunately, no women allowed), the cave of Petrálona, one of the most important caves in Europe, Stágeira, the home land of Aristotle. When you factor in the extra time that taking a flight involves, a highspeed ferry will get you to some of the Cycladic islands nearly as fast as a flight. Best for: beaches. Your email address will not be published. Suggestions on our itinerary? Cycladic Islands – in the middle of the Aegean Sea, about 4-8 hours from Athens by ferry. Thanks in advance! And if you’re just going from one island to the next it’s very easy too. Crete is a large island (and the warmest in winter) and could easily fill 15 to 20 days of driving and exploring. Naxos is our fave, as well as Paros and Antiparos. Ferries are one of the ingredients of what makes a trip to Greece so magical and unique. The island’s arid but fertile soil produces some of Greece’s top white wines, as well as flavour-packed tomatoes, white aubergines and fava beans. 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