15 Best Attractions in Greece for Families
Greece is a beautiful destination blessed with crystal clear waters, stunning gardens, pretty towns, endless sandy beaches, and delicious food. If you are planning a Greece vacation with family, rest assured this ancient country has just the right amount of attractions for all ages. These are the best places in Greece for families you won’t want to miss!
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Best Things to See and Do in Greece for Families
If you are wondering what you can do with families on holiday to Greece, we have you covered! Here are some of the best places to see in Greece for families:
1. Athens
Athens is one of the best places in Greece to go with your family if you want endless attractions to explore. In the capital city, kids can learn about Greek mythology, explore the ancient home of the Greek Gods, and admire the beautiful rock formations of the Acropolis.
You can also visit Syntagma Square, where little children can run around, buy candy from local vendors, and admire the uniforms of the presidential guard soldiers.
While in the capital, we recommend you go to Little Kook, a tea house nestled in the forgotten alleys of the Psirri. Little Kook is a great place to enjoy snacks, pastries, cakes, and tea while you’re surrounded by beautiful views that look like it’s out of a wonderland.
Another fun place to visit in Athens is Plaka, a unique neighborhood full of amazing restaurants, shops, and cafes.
2. Crete
One of the best places to see in Greece for families is Crete! Crete is a lovely island and it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular Greek islands for family vacations.
On this big island, you will find family-friendly beaches, water parks, and cute small towns. There are also plenty of outdoor activities and other fun things you would expect from a beach vacation destination.
Explore beautiful ancient archaeological sites, including the Zakros, Faistos, and the Minoan Palace of Knossos. Here you will hear the story of the mythical Minotaur that lived in a Labyrinth.
Kids can also explore beautiful museums, aquariums, aqua parks, and theme parks. Fun outdoor activities for older children include climbing mountains and hiking gorges. (Note: The Samaria Gorge is 10 miles long and one of the most beautiful national parks in Europe. If you’re in western Crete, be sure to make time for a visit).
Did we mention that Crete has an incredible water park that your younger children will enjoy? The Acqua Plus Water Park has over 50 slides, a lazy river, a huge wave slide, a W.O.W. ball, and a hydromassage pool for relaxation.
3. Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece, and it has numerous attractions and activities suitable for children of all ages.
The city is home to a variety of museums, parks, and cultural sites, including the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, the Dinosaur Park, the Thessaloniki Science Center and Technology Museum, and the Thessaloniki Zoo.
Families will enjoy strolling along the waterfront promenade, visiting local markets, and exploring the nearby beaches and mountains.
4. Sifnos
Sifnos is an ideal destination for a family trip owing to its spectacular views. You’ll also experience great traditional meals, and there are many gorgeous beaches with shallow water that are safe for younger children.
One of the things you can do here is to visit the capital city of Apollonia, where you can shop for souvenirs, eat all the food, people watch, and soak up the culture.
If you happen to be here around September, you don’t want to miss the island’s culinary celebration of Nikolaos Tselementes, one of Greece’s most famous chefs.
5. Rhodes Town, Rhodes
The island of Rhodes is one of the largest Dodecanese islands. Here you will find Rhodes Town with its family-friendly atmosphere, Mediterranean culture, and opportunities for outdoor fun.
Some of the fun things to enjoy here as a family includes watching the sailing and fishing boats in Mandraki Harbour, visiting the ancient Olympic Stadium, and exploring the site of the former Colossus of Rhodes.
While in Rhodes, you can also visit the Valley of the Butterflies, known for its colorful butterflies and stunning streams. Or, you can walk the path of Pelekanos River and enjoy a lovely family meal in the Seven Springs area.
For families on a budget, Rhodes happens to be one of the cheapest Greek islands to visit!
6. Peloponnese
The Peloponnese is where you will find Sparta, Argos, Epidaurus, and some other ancient ruins that date back to the classical Greece era. This beautiful area is one of the most important centers of the Mycenaean Civilization.
It features cute small towns, seaside villages, walled cities, historic castles, and gorgeous beaches. The Peloponnese is a popular destination for families interested in Greek history and ancient historical sites.
Other family-friendly activities you will enjoy in Peloponnese include visiting a local winery where you can learn winemaking and try Agiorgitiko. Don’t worry, the kids can have grape juice.
Hike to the Palamidi Fortress for the best views of the area. Likewise, visit the Peloponnese beaches for pristine views.
Other things to enjoy here with kids include bike tours, exploration excursions, hiking tours, and agrotourism.
7. Santorini
Santorini is one of the clusters of islands on the Aegean Sea, and it’s known for its turquoise waters and picturesque surroundings. When you hear Santorini, you may think of a honeymoon or romance, but you may not know that the town is also an excellent destination for families.
Here you can explore the archaeological sites of Ancient Thira, take a boat trip to the island of Palea Kameni, see the Red Beach, tour the volcano, and enjoy the watersports. You can also enjoy other kid-friendly activities such as taking a family cooking class, water sports, and hiking.
8. Mainland Greece
One of the best ways to spend time with the whole family is taking a road trip down to Mainland Greece. A family road trip to Northern Greece is a beautiful way to enjoy a different side of the country.
Here you will experience ancient Greek attractions such as Mount Olympus, Corinth, Thessaloniki, and Meteora.
The stunning monasteries in Meteora are a must-see for families looking for hidden gems in Greece. These monasteries date back to the 14th century and sit on top of dramatic cliffs. On these cliffs, you can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding areas.
9. Kalamata
One of the best things to do in Greece is taking a sea kayaking tour or a boat trip along the east of Kalamata.
On this tour, you will discover beautiful seaside villages while your guide fills you in on the history of the area. You can also stop at the remote beach to enjoy local Greek delicacies before you return on your trip.
10. Acropolis Museum and New Acropolis Museum
One of the best things to do in Athens is to go to the Acropolis Museum. We recommend a visit after seeing the iconic Acropolis. This is a perfect place for families who want to learn more about Greek history and mythology.
This historical museum features treasures from the Bronze Age and Byzantine times. It is a perfect destination for families who want to fill up their time with mind-blowing history and facts.
11. Corfu
The stunning island of Corfu sits in the Ionian Sea between Greece and Italy. It’s one of the best Greek islands for families as it boasts unique villages, glorious hills, and fun water parks.
Corfu is also known for its family-friendly beaches with shallow waters. These are perfect for kids who want to swim, splash, and have fun in the water. Some famous Corfu beaches to go to with kids are Paleokastritsa, Sidari, Issos, and Halikounas.
While in Corfu, you and your family can take a short drive or cruise to explore the nearby island of Paxos. It is known for its stunning coastlines, blue caves, and delicious seafood.
Other things to do in Corfu include visiting the Vlacherna Monastery, taking the kids to play at the Old Fortress, going to the Corfu Aquarium, and exploring historical sites like the Venetian castle.
We recommend visiting the Agios Gordios, a charming coastal town with vibrant colors, gorgeous views, and family-owned taverns.
12. Naxos Island
Naxos Island is perfect for families who want to enjoy outdoor activities like water sports, horseback riding, and sailing. Younger kids will enjoy the children’s waterslides, the pool bar, and the cafeteria at Aqua Fun Water Park.
Naxos is the largest of the Cycladic islands and boasts fine architecture, stunning beaches, and mountainous villages.
You can explore the Jesuit Monastery, enjoy sea views from the fishing village of Mountsana, and enjoy outdoor sports like windsurfing, kayaking, and horseriding.
Another great thing to enjoy on Naxos Island is the Philema Food tour. This tour will take you to a cheese farm where you can cuddle with lambs and learn more about how the animals help produce delicious dairy products.
13. Mykonos
Mykonos is one of the most vibrant and picturesque destinations for families in Greece. You will enjoy the tavernas, turquoise waters, white-washed buildings, and waterside restaurants that serve some of the best Greek food. You can enjoy a family cooking class at Mykonian Spiti, visit the harbors in Little Venice, and explore the ancient vessels at Aegean Maritime Museum.
Mykonos also has many beautiful beaches with waters perfect for swimming, yachting, snorkeling, and boat riding.
If you plan on snorkeling, we recommend adding a full face snorkeling mask. It makes it easier for kids to enjoy the water and we think it’s essential on any Greece packing list.
This island is one of the most popular tourist sites in Greece. The best time to visit Mykonos is during the early summer months to avoid the large crowds.
14. UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Greece has so many UNESCO sites, and one of the best ways to have a great time with family in Greece is by exploring these sites one after the other. These heritage sites include Delphi, Olympia, Meteora, and Mycenae.
15. Paros
Paros offers beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, and a rich cultural heritage. Families can spend their days swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, taking boat tours to nearby islands, or visiting historical sites such as the Byzantine church of Ekatontapiliani or the ancient marble quarries.
Kids will love wandering through the charming streets of Parikia or Naoussa, trying local foods like souvlaki and loukoumades, and playing in the many parks and playgrounds. It’s a beautiful spot to enjoy your Greece vacation.
There are so many places to see in Greece for families! The Greek islands have all the sun, all the soft sand, all the fun, and all the stunning sites, making it a perfect destination to spend time with your family.
You can spend your vacation learning more about Greek history, exploring the beautiful beaches, trying Greek food, and hopping between the gorgeous islands.