A Family Greek Adventure: 20 Greek Holiday Tips and Fun Activities for Families

Travelling anywhere with kids can be quite challenging, but that doesn’t mean that it wouldn’t be fun. Greece is among the most kid-friendly countries you can travel to. In this post, we share our best Greek holiday tips to make sure your family holiday to Greece is as magical as it can be.

Greece is an incredible country to visit and one of the most child-friendly holiday destinations. This is because the locals here are incredibly fond of children to the point that you will feel like you are accompanying little celebrities. You will feel at ease in Greece because the kid-loving yia-yias (grandmas) and friendly hotel staff will shower your little ones with attention and adoration wherever you go. Apart from that, you and the kids will surely enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the countryside, along with Greece’s breathtaking coasts and beaches, scrumptious cuisine, and world-class archaeological sites where they can learn about Greek history and mythology.

This is a contributed article. 

If you are planning a trip to Greece with your children in tow, this guide will give you useful tips and tricks on what are the best activities to do and how to make it an epic Greek adventure that you and the kids will surely enjoy.

Greek Holiday Tips to Have the Best Greek Adventure with Your Kids

You know what they say, “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” And you cannot plan for something you have no knowledge of. Ensuring their safety and comfort is your top priority when travelling with kids. So here are the travel tips you must know so that you can plan a hitch-free trip to Greece for you and your family.

1. Avoid Traveling During the Summer Months

At the peak of summer—around July to August—the temperatures in Greece can rise to higher than 35°C. This weather might be ideal if you want to go splashing around the beach, but this much heat is not ideal for wandering around the cities and ancient ruins of Greece. Otherwise, you risk experiencing heatstroke with sweaty, irritable kids in tow. Moreover, there are bound to be huge crowds at the top tourist attractions around summer, and battling against a crowd is the last thing you would want to do when you’re travelling with children who can easily get lost in the sea of people.

That said, the best time to visit Greece is from April to November, which is when you can enjoy some sunny days and very little rain without the risk of heatstroke and giant crowds.

2. Always Carry Some Cash With You

The official currency of Greece is the euro. Most establishments accept credit card payments, but as always, it is only prudent to have some cash on hand in case a problem arises from the credit card transaction. Moreover, you have to pay with cash if you happen to fancy something from markets and street food stalls. Some tavernas, bars, and kiosks also only accept cash.

3. Don’t Forget to Apply Sunscreen When You Go Out

With an average of 250 sunny days per year, Greece is considered among the sunniest places on Earth. So do not forget to apply sunscreen to you and your kids whenever you go out to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

4. Renting a Car is the Most Convenient Way of Getting Around Greece with Kids

The coverage of Greece’s rail network is especially limited as it can only take you between the main cities. Your next best bet, then, is to opt for the bus. The country’s bus network is quite extensive, as it connects most cities and major attractions. Moreover, the buses in Greece are modern, comfortable, and affordable. But if you want to travel to less popular towns, you will have difficulty finding a bus that goes down that route. In such cases, hiring a car for your trip would be the best choice as it gives you more freedom to travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations at your own pace. It also ensures the most comfort and safety for the kids.

Cars for hire in Greece are fairly affordable, and the roads are easy enough to navigate. To top it off, UK license holders are not required to present an International Driver’s Permit to drive in Greece.

5. Pack Lightly

Packing lightly is a surefire way to avoid unnecessary stress during the trip. Pack only the essentials because it would be such a hassle to drag huge luggage along with your kids, especially if you are going to use transportation such as ferries and buses. Determine which things can be bought in grocery stores in your destination to save on space on your suitcase.

6. Opt for a Baby Carrier Instead of a Stroller

Travelling the cobblestone streets of Greece is quite challenging with the use of strollers. Moreover, ramps and elevators for strollers are few and far between. It would also be hard to board and disembark ferries when carrying a stroller. So, it is in your best interest to opt for a baby carrier when travelling or sightseeing.

7. You Can Use Restrooms in Most Cafés Even If You Are Not a Paying Customer

There are few public restrooms in Greece, except in highly popular and touristy areas. But if you must change your baby’s diaper or your child cannot hold their urge to urinate, most cafes and restaurants are generous enough to let you use their facilities even if you are not a paying customer.

Family-Friendly Activities to Do When In Greece

Here are the best ways to make your Greek adventure memorable for you and the kids:

1. Explore Ancient Sites to Learn About History and Mythology

When in Greece, it is an absolute must to explore ancient attractions like the Acropolis in Athens, the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, or the Palace of Knossos in Crete. Doing so is an exceptional way of introducing your children to the country’s fascinating history and Greek mythology. And for kids who grew up reading Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, visiting the dwelling space of the Greek Gods themselves would surely be a dream come true.

And if you’re already in Athens, take the time to stop by the famous Acropolis Museum, where they have dedicated children’s programs, games, and interactive exhibits. You will also find here the fantastic Lego reproduction of the Acropolis that children would surely have fun exploring.

But if crowded tourist spots aren’t your thing, you can opt for quieter traffic-free areas in Athens. One example is the Anafiotika, where you can find interesting Cycladic-style cubic houses and winding alleys decked with bougainvillaea. Or you can go to Lykavittos Hill, where you can let the kids freely roam about without the fear of losing them among the crowds.

Travel Tip: Make sure you and your kids are wearing comfortable walking shoes because Greece’s ancient ruins are best explored on foot! Also, don’t forget to bring a baby carrier if your child gets tired of walking. Travelling with strollers will not be feasible because of the rough terrain of some sites.

2. Swim, Snorkel, and Chill by the Beach

Undoubtedly, you and your kids will surely fall in love with Greece’s picturesque islands and pristine beaches. Greece’s beaches are dotted with many family-friendly beach resorts where children can play freely among the gentle waves while the parents relax by the shore. Just make sure the kids are wearing their floaters securely. Naxos—the lesser-known destination with comparable beauty to that of Santorini and Mykonos—offers spectacular golden sand beaches, especially near Plaka and Agios Prokopios.

Alternatively, you can explore Greece’s balmy turquoise waters and be one with the fishes by snorkelling. There is nothing more fascinating than witnessing Greece’s underwater beauty without gasping for breath.  If you and your family decide to snorkel, Crete—with silk sand beaches like Elafonisi and Karavostasi—is the best place to go. There are also enthralling waterparks on Spinalonga Island or Chrissi Island, which will keep the keeps preoccupied for a good while. Parents should take their time to rest and relax while the kids are playing.

3. Go on a Food Trip of Greek Cuisine

Another fun activity would the family would be to go on a food trip sampling traditional Greek dishes like souvlaki, moussaka, or Greek salad to broaden your and your kids’ culinary horizons.

4. Enjoy a Catamaran Cruise

The thrill of gliding across the sparkling blue waves of the ocean while watching birds and dolphins is something that kids—and adults—of all ages would surely enjoy. Not to mention the rocking motion of the cruise ship as it sails is perfect for lulling the little ones to sleep so that mommy and daddy can relax while sipping on a glass of prosecco.

For the best experience, make sure to pick a large cruise ship, as it tends to be more stable than smaller boats. Make sure to book a cabin where the children can comfortably sleep if they get sleepy along the cruise. Usually, the catamaran tours offered in Greece have complementary meals included, so you won’t need to worry about food. The best place to set sail in Greece is along the calm waters of Santorini’s caldera.

5. Watch Dolphins 

Another activity that the kids will surely love is dolphin watching in Delos. This 30-minute ferry ride over the dolphin hotspot is an enjoyable activity that will make the children appreciate the beauty of nature and marine life.

Are you ready for your next Family Adventure to Greece?

In conclusion, Greece proves to be an enchanting destination for families seeking a perfect blend of history, culture, and picturesque landscapes. From the ancient ruins of Athens to the sun-kissed beaches of the islands, this Mediterranean gem offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to all ages. By following these Greek holiday tips, families can make the most of their family adventure to Greece:

1. Plan Ahead: Research and plan your itinerary in advance to ensure you cover the must-see attractions and family-friendly activities in each destination.
2. Embrace Greek Cuisine: Indulge in the delicious local dishes and encourage your kids to try new flavours. Greek cuisine is not only healthy but also a delightful culinary journey.
3. Family-Friendly Accommodations: Opt for family-friendly hotels or vacation rentals with amenities that cater to the needs of children, such as swimming pools, play areas, and babysitting services. Or consider family-friendly self-catering holiday accommodation.
4. Keep it Flexible: Allow for spontaneity and flexibility in your schedule, as this will enable your family to explore unexpected gems and take time to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
5. Engage in Educational Experiences: Make history come alive for your children by visiting museums and ancient sites and engaging in interactive educational tours.
6. Embrace the Island Life: Greece’s islands offer an excellent opportunity to unwind and immerse yourselves in the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. Choose the islands that best suit your family’s preferences.
7. Be Sun Smart: The Mediterranean sun can be intense, so make sure to wear sunscreen, hats, and light clothing to protect your family from sunburns.
8. Respect Local Customs: Encourage your children to learn about Greek customs and show respect for the local culture during your stay.

By following these travel tips, your family can create cherished memories, strengthen bonds, and discover the timeless beauty of Greece together. Whether it’s exploring ancient wonders, relaxing on pristine beaches, or savouring delicious Greek delicacies, Greece promises an unforgettable experience for families. So, pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and embark on a journey of a lifetime to this captivating Mediterranean haven. Kalo taxidi! (Bon voyage!)