South Aegean is Greece's island paradise, encompassing the stunning Cyclades and Dodecanese archipelagos in the heart of the Mediterranean. From the iconic whitewashed clifftop villages of Santorini and the glamorous shores of Mykonos to the medieval walled city of Rhodes and the archaeological wonders of Delos, this region offers an unparalleled blend of ancient history, natural beauty, and vibrant island culture.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Santorini Caldera Boat Tour
A full-day boat tour around the volcanic caldera visiting the smoking Nea Kameni volcano, swimming in the warm sulfurous hot springs, and stopping at the quiet caldera village of Thirasia. Thrilling and educational for all ages.
Duration: 6-7 hours
Mykonos to Delos Day Trip
Ferry to the sacred uninhabited island of Delos for a fascinating adventure through ancient ruins. Children aged 8+ engage well with the ancient Lion Terrace, mosaics, and temples. Bring water, hats, and sunscreen — no shade on the island.
Duration: Half day
Horseback Riding, Rhodes
Several stables near Faliraki and Kolymbia on Rhodes offer horseback riding through olive groves and along beaches. A fun and memorable activity for children and adults alike in the beautiful Rhodian countryside.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Sea Kayaking, Milos
Guided sea kayak tours around Milos' spectacular volcanic coastline, paddling through sea arches and into caves. Appropriate for older children in calm conditions, extraordinary scenery.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Windsurfing Lessons, Paros
Golden Beach on Paros is one of Europe's top windsurfing spots with reliable summer winds. Several well-run schools offer beginner and intermediate lessons; the shallow water is safe for children learning.
Duration: 2 hours
Valley of the Butterflies, Rhodes
Walk through a cool, shaded woodland valley on Rhodes filled with thousands of jersey tiger moths from July to September. The wooden bridges, waterfalls, and moth-covered trees are magical for children.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Snorkeling Tour, Naxos
Guided snorkeling excursions from the beaches of Naxos exploring rocky coves teeming with octopus, sea bream, and colorful fish. Safe, shallow, and excellent visibility. Equipment usually included.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Cave of Antiparos
The famous stalactite cave on tiny Antiparos (accessible by short ferry from Paros) has been visited since antiquity and features extraordinary formations. Easy to access with children, well-lit and maintained.
Duration: 2 hours including boat/bus
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Naxos Magic Village
A complex of traditional Cycladic bungalows set in lush gardens near Agios Georgios beach on Naxos, with a lovely pool and excellent service.
Family features: Spacious bungalows, children's pool area, garden for running, proximity to calm family beach
Kos Aktis Art Hotel
A design-forward hotel on the Kos waterfront with family rooms available, rooftop pool, and excellent location for exploring Kos Town and nearby beaches.
Family features: Family rooms, pool, walking distance to beach and ancient site, bicycle rentals
Hotel Paradiso, Paros
A friendly Cycladic hotel near the ferry port in Parikia with a pool garden and comfortable family rooms.
Family features: Family rooms, pool, central location, helpful staff for island logistics
Rodos Park Suites & Spa, Rhodes
A comfortable hotel just outside Rhodes Old Town with a beautiful garden pool, good for families wanting to use Rhodes Town as a base.
Family features: Pool, family suites, near Old Town, spa for parents
Hotel Atlantis, Santorini
One of Santorini's more affordable caldera-view hotels in Fira with terraced architecture suitable for older children who can navigate the cliff paths.
Family features: Pool terrace, caldera views, central Fira location, not recommended for toddlers due to cliff paths
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Greek tavernas are universally welcoming to children — high chairs widely available
Children are often offered complimentary bread or chips while adults decide
Kids' menus (with pasta, chicken, pizza) are found at resort restaurants; traditional tavernas can usually prepare simple dishes
Greek mealtimes are very late — dinner at 8-9 PM is normal; many families simply eat at resort restaurants earlier
Fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, and honey make excellent child-friendly breakfasts
Gyros and souvlaki are usually very popular with children and affordable
Watermelon is widely available and inexpensive — perfect for hot beach days
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Naxos is the best all-around family island: calm beaches, affordable prices, excellent cheese and food, good facilities
For very young children (under 3), avoid Santorini's steep caldera paths and opt for east-coast beach resorts (Kamari, Perissa)
Rhodes has the best infrastructure for families — good roads, hospitals, wide range of prices, family beaches
Bring reef shoes or water shoes for all volcanic beaches — the sand/pebbles get extremely hot
Download offline maps before island arrivals — data can be expensive for non-EU visitors
Ferries between islands with young children can be long — bring snacks, entertainment, and seasickness tablets
Greek Orthodox Easter is a magical time to visit with children — fireworks, celebrations, and giant lamb spit-roasts