Central Macedonia is Greece's largest administrative region, anchored by Thessaloniki, the country's vibrant second city and a crossroads of ancient, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage. From the UNESCO-listed royal tombs of Vergina and Alexander the Great's birthplace at Pella to the three-fingered Halkidiki peninsula with its turquoise beaches and the monastic community of Mount Athos, the region offers an extraordinary concentration of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Halkidiki Beach Day
A day at Kassandra's sheltered beaches with calm, shallow water ideal for young children. Toroni and Kallithea are particularly family-friendly with lifeguards and gentle surf.
Duration: Full day
Edessa Waterfall Park
Walk through the waterfall park in Edessa, entering the cave behind the main falls and exploring the gorge paths with children. The dramatic cascades are exciting for all ages.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Lake Kerkini Boat Tour
A gentle boat trip on Lake Kerkini spotting Dalmatian pelicans, cormorants, and water buffalo. Children love the wildlife encounters, especially the enormous pelicans at close range.
Duration: 2 hours
Ancient Pella Archaeological Site
Explore the birthplace of Alexander the Great with its extraordinary 4th-century BC mosaic floors. The outdoor site allows free exploration and the Alexander the Great story captivates older children.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Petralona Cave Tour
A guided tour of Petralona Cave — one of Europe's most important prehistoric sites — with stalactites, stalagmites, and dramatic cave formations. The 700,000-year-old human skull replica in the museum fascinates children.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Sea Kayaking, Vourvourou
Guided sea kayaking around Vourvourou bay and its small islands in Sithonia, exploring hidden coves and snorkeling spots accessible only by kayak.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Vergina Royal Tombs
The underground museum at Vergina — filled with golden treasures, bronze armor, and the story of Philip II (Alexander's father) — is one of the most dramatic museum experiences in Greece for all ages.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Mountain Biking, Chortiatis
Guided mountain bike trails through the pine forests of Chortiatis mountain above Thessaloniki, suitable for fit teenagers and parents.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Thessaloniki Waterfront Cycling
Cycle the 3.5km Thessaloniki waterfront promenade on rental bikes. The flat, car-free path is perfect for young cyclists with views of the White Tower and Thermaic Gulf.
Duration: 1-2 hours
White Tower Museum Interactive Tour
The White Tower's multimedia museum tells Thessaloniki's history through interactive displays, and the panoramic rooftop view wows children and adults alike.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Sani Resort
The gold standard for family holidays in northern Greece, Sani Resort has a renowned kids' club (ages 4-12), dedicated family pools, children's restaurants, teen activities, and a protected natural setting
Family features: Kids' club (4-12 years), baby club (0-3), teen activities, family pools, babysitting, pediatric nurse on site, multiple child-friendly restaurants
Porto Carras Grand Resort
A vast resort complex in Sithonia with extensive family facilities including multiple pools, a water park, sports facilities, and kids' entertainment programs
Family features: Water park, kids' club, mini golf, multiple pools, organized sports, family suites, kids' menus
Makedonia Palace, Thessaloniki
The best family-friendly luxury hotel in Thessaloniki, with spacious rooms, a waterfront pool, and convenient city location for family sightseeing
Family features: Family suites, outdoor pool, children's menu, cots available, waterfront promenade directly outside
City Hotel Thessaloniki
A practical mid-range hotel in Thessaloniki center with connecting rooms, good breakfast, and excellent central location for family sightseeing on foot
Family features: Connecting rooms available, cots on request, hearty breakfast buffet, central location
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Greek restaurants genuinely welcome children — staff often bring free bread, olives, and yogurt for young children unprompted
High chairs (kareklaki) are standard in most sit-down restaurants; ask when booking
Children's portions are usually available on request even without a formal kids' menu
Lunch is often better value than dinner for families — the daily special (simerino) at €8-12 is substantial
Souvlaki shops are excellent for fussy eaters — simple, tasty, and inexpensive
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Thessaloniki is extremely safe for children; Greek society is very child-friendly and protective
Car seats must be used and are available from rental companies — book in advance in summer
Many Halkidiki beaches have lifeguards in July-August; always check before swimming with young children
The Thessaloniki Children's Museum (Thessalonikis Paidiki Hora) has indoor play areas suitable for rainy days
Pharmacies are open until 10PM and stock infant formula, nappies, and all children's medications
Children under 18 enter all state archaeological sites and museums free of charge in Greece