Greece offers a captivating blend of ancient history, stunning islands, and Mediterranean culture. From the iconic Acropolis in Athens to the whitewashed villages of Santorini, this sun-soaked destination combines archaeological wonders with pristine beaches and world-class cuisine.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Acropolis and Mythology Walk
Bring ancient myths to life at the Acropolis - children who've heard about Zeus, Athena, and Poseidon are entranced by the actual Parthenon. The National Archaeological Museum with the Antikythera Mechanism and ancient board games also fascinates school-age children.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Beach Day on the Athens Riviera
Take the Athens coastal tram (€1.40) to beaches at Voula, Vouliagmeni, or Glyfada - all within 40 minutes of central Athens. The shallow, calm waters of these sheltered bays are ideal for children of all ages.
Duration: Half day to full day
Ancient Olympia - Run in the Olympic Stadium
The original Olympic Stadium with its ancient starting line still visible is a magical place for sports-loving children. Running the 192-metre sprint where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC creates a tangible connection to history.
Duration: Half day
CretAquarium (HCMR), Heraklion, Crete
Greece's largest aquarium near Heraklion displays Mediterranean marine life across 35 tanks including sharks, rays, sea turtles, and the rich Cretan marine ecosystem. An excellent rainy-day option and a hit with marine-life-loving children.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Boat Trip to Sea Caves (Kefalonia or Zakynthos)
Daily boat excursions around Kefalonia and Zakynthos visit spectacular sea caves, the famous Melissani Cave, and pristine swimming beaches. Children love the cave exploration and crystal-clear water swimming stops included in most tours.
Duration: 4-6 hours
Rhodes Medieval City Treasure Hunt
Download a family treasure hunt app or purchase a self-guided children's map of Rhodes Old Town, exploring the medieval Knight's Quarter, Palace of the Grand Masters, and mosaic-paved lanes in a playful format that engages children in history.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Blue Palace Resort & Spa, Elounda, Crete
Luxury family resort on Mirabello Bay with a comprehensive kids club (5-12 years), water sports, private beach, and family bungalows with connecting rooms. The marine biology sessions in the kids club are particularly popular.
Family features: Full children's club, connecting family bungalows, shallow kids pool, babysitting service, family water sports
Capsis Elite Resort, Agia Pelagia, Crete
Large beachfront resort with a full on-site water park, five pools, kids club, and comprehensive all-inclusive options. The water park with slides is the defining feature for families with 6-14 year olds.
Family features: On-site water park, kids club, five pools, all-inclusive option, shallow lagoon pool
Elounda Beach Hotel, Crete
One of Crete's most established luxury family resorts with extensive shallow beach, supervised water sports, baby-friendly facilities, and long family tradition dating to the 1970s.
Family features: Kids club, beach sports, shallow family pool, babysitting, family suites
Electra Palace Rhodes, Rhodes
Beachfront hotel close to Rhodes Old Town with private beach, pools, kids club, and family rooms. Excellent combination of beach resort and cultural proximity to medieval Rhodes.
Family features: Private beach, kids club, family rooms, shallow pool, beach sports
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Greek tavernas universally welcome children and Greeks are tolerant of noise - ask for a 'paidiko menu' (children's menu) or order mezze plates to share, which children generally enjoy
Souvlaki pita wraps (€2-3) are universally loved by children and a reliable fallback when children won't eat local dishes
Fresh Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts from yogurt shops like Fresko is an excellent healthy snack or dessert that almost all children enjoy
Most beaches have seasonal tavernas serving simple grilled meats and pasta - reliable family-friendly lunch options without needing to travel away from the beach
Self-catering studios or apartments save significantly on dining costs for families and allow flexible meal timing around children's schedules
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Greek children stay up late - many restaurants won't be filling up until 9:30-10PM - gradually adjust children's sleep schedule or book early-bird restaurants in tourist areas
Pack water shoes for rocky beaches (common in Greece) and reef-safe sunscreen - Greek summer sun is intense and reflects off water
Islands with airports (Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, Crete) are much easier with young children than long ferry journeys - book domestic flights rather than overnight ferries for families with under-5s
Free entry for EU citizens under 18 at all state archaeological sites and museums - substantial saving for families