Greece with Kids: Where to Go & How to Plan Your Trip

Greece is one of my favorite countries to visit with kids, even if it takes a little more planning than some destinations. The dramatic cliffs, scattered islands, and impossibly blue water are a huge part of its appeal, but they also make getting around more complicated.

I’ve traveled to Greece three times with my children, visiting Athens and six Greek islands through both Mediterranean cruises and an independently planned island-hopping trip. From bringing a baby and toddler to returning with all three kids, here’s what I’ve learned about where to go, how to plan a realistic itinerary, and what to expect along the way.

Jump to: Family fit check, Where to go, Planning to trip, Best time to go, Getting around Greece, Where to stay, Things to do, With a baby or toddler, Tips, FAQs

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Contents

Is Greece Good for Families with Kids?

Yes, Greece is a wonderful place for a family vacation. There are beaches, ancient ruins, beautiful villages, delicious food, and plenty to enjoy together without filling your itinerary with kid-specific attractions.

I especially love the variety. One day might mean exploring an archaeological site; another might involve swimming off a boat, wandering a whitewashed village, and settling in for a leisurely outdoor dinner. The food is fresh and simple but so delicious and flavorful, and people have been consistently warm toward our children, even in places like Santorini where I wasn’t sure what to expect.

The tradeoff is that not every destination is easy. Some towns have steep staircases, cliffs, or uneven paths, and traveling between islands can eat into your vacation time. But less convenient doesn’t automatically mean less worthwhile. I would happily travel to Greece with kids again. I’d just be more selective about where we went and how much we tried to fit in.

A dad carrying a little girl on his shoulders walks with two young boys through a cobblestone square in Mykonos. Whitewashed buildings with bright red doors and blooming pink bougainvillea surround the family.

A family of four swims together in deep blue water beside the rocky volcanic island of Nea Kameni near Santorini. The two young children wear colorful life jackets and use pool noodles while their parents stay close.

Where to Go in Greece with Kids

Choosing where to go was probably the hardest part of planning our independent island-hopping trip. I spent countless hours researching and comparing islands, trying to choose the “best” ones for our family. Then I had to work out how to connect them by ferry or flight without spending half the trip in transit. It felt like a giant puzzle!

The best places in Greece for families depend on what you want from your trip. Some islands are especially good for beaches and easy wandering; others reward you with spectacular scenery but require more effort. Here’s how I’d describe the destinations we’ve actually explored with our kids.

A whitewashed church bell tower with weathered stone columns and a cross overlooks the deep blue caldera in Santorini. The hanging bronze bell is framed by the rocky island landscape across the water.

Athens with kids

Athens feels nothing like the islands. It’s busy, gritty in places, and not always the easiest city to navigate with young children. But the history is extraordinary, and I appreciated its prettier pockets, especially around Plaka, much more on our second visit.

We’ve explored Athens twice: during a full-day stopover in 2018 and on an overnight stay in 2021. The Acropolis was absolutely worth the effort, while the Panathenaic Stadium was a particular hit because our kids could run on the historic track. I’d consider at least a day or two here if your family enjoys history and city sightseeing.

Our first Athens visit was actually a flight stopover, rather than a separate overnight stay.

Tall ancient stone columns from the Temple of Olympian Zeus rise into a partly cloudy sky in Athens. The Acropolis stands on a hill in the background and shows how much ancient history families can explore in the city.

Two young boys stand together on the first place winners podium at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens. The enormous curved rows of marble stadium seats stretch behind them.

Greek islands with kids: Six we’ve visited

Santorini: I’ve visited three times with my kids, and it really is breathtaking. The cliffside villages, white buildings, and caldera views are spectacular, and our kids have loved exploring them. It’s also expensive, steep, and less convenient with little ones. If Santorini is a dream destination, go! If it doesn’t particularly interest you, don’t feel obligated to include it just because you’re visiting Greece.

Clusters of whitewashed buildings cling to the steep volcanic cliffs of Santorini above the blue Aegean Sea. Boats float far below the villages along the dramatic caldera coastline.

A young girl runs along a sunlit stone pathway in Santorini beneath a large tree covered in vivid pink blossoms. A white wall and distant sea views frame the scenic village walkway.

Two young boys look over a whitewashed wall beside a traditional blue domed church in Santorini. Bright pink bougainvillea and sweeping views of the sea and volcanic islands surround them.

Naxos: One of my strongest all-around recommendations for families. We spent three nights here and loved its combination of sandy beaches, charming pedestrian streets, history, and relaxed outdoor dining. It offered plenty of interest without every outing feeling like a production.

Two young boys balance along rocks on a dusty coastal path overlooking Naxos Town. The white buildings of the hillside town and bright turquoise water stretch out behind them.

Two young boys follow their mom along a wooden walkway through beachfront restaurants at Agia Anna Beach in Naxos. White umbrellas and lounge chairs line the sandy beach beside the shaded outdoor dining area.

A pregnant woman wearing a wide brimmed sunhat and blue swimsuit stands on a rock at the edge of Agia Anna Beach in Naxos. Clear shallow seawater washes around the rocks with distant islands visible across the bay.

Milos: My personal favorite for its remarkable landscapes. Our boat excursion around the coast, including the sea caves near Kleftiko, was a highlight, and Sarakiniko’s pale rock formations were unforgettable. Milos takes more planning if you want to explore beyond town, but it’s a fantastic fit for families who love nature and adventures on the water.

Brilliant turquoise waves crash between the smooth white rock formations of Sarakiniko on Milos. The unusual pale volcanic coastline contrasts with the deep blue sea and clear summer sky.

Two young boys play on the rocky ground in front of a small whitewashed Greek church in Plaka on Milos. The church has wooden doors and windows with two hanging bells beneath a cross.

A whitewashed church with a stone bell tower sits high above the sea near Plaka Castle on Milos. Visitors explore the church grounds with sweeping views of the surrounding islands and blue water.

Towering cliffs with layers of red and pale stone rise above the narrow pebble beach at Paleochori on Milos. Clear turquoise water meets the shore beneath the colorful volcanic rock formations.

Kos: Probably the easiest island we visited with small children, at least in the areas we explored. Kos Town’s flat waterfront, pedestrian areas, and established tourism infrastructure made outings straightforward. It can feel more built-up and touristy than some other islands, but that convenience is useful with young kids.

A sunny pedestrian area in Kos Town is lined with outdoor cafes and restaurants beneath leafy trees. Wide paved walkways and relatively flat streets make this part of the island convenient for exploring with young children.

A young boy watches a bright blue tourist train filled with passengers passing through a pedestrian area of Kos Town. The train has several open carriages and travels beside the wide paved promenade.

Mykonos: Charming whitewashed streets, colorful doors, and beautiful photo opportunities, but also very expensive, windy, and known for a party atmosphere. We’ve visited twice on cruise stops. Our family-friendly beach club day was fun, although it wasn’t something I’d make a special trip to Mykonos for.

A traditional whitewashed windmill in Mykonos has a thick thatched roof and a large wooden frame where its sails would attach. White buildings dot the hillside behind it beneath a clear blue sky.

Parked motorcycles sit beside whitewashed homes with bright blue wooden shutters in Mykonos. A small balcony with hanging laundry and potted plants adds to the everyday village atmosphere.

A narrow cobblestone street in Mykonos runs between whitewashed buildings with bright blue doors and exterior staircases. The uneven stone pavement and raised steps show some of the walking conditions families encounter while exploring Greek island towns.

Corfu: We only had a cruise stop here, so I can’t fairly judge the island as a whole. We did, however, have a fantastic beach day with our baby and toddler.

Rows of lounge chairs and thatched straw umbrellas cover a sandy beach in Corfu. Families swim in the calm blue water near rocky green hills that enclose the bay.

For a more detailed comparison of which island suits which family, I plan to cover that separately rather than trying to rank every island here.

Other destinations to consider

Crete, Rhodes, and mainland destinations beyond Athens are also worth researching, particularly if you’d prefer to settle into one place rather than move between islands. I haven’t yet explored those with my kids, so I won’t present them as firsthand recommendations.

How to Plan a Family Trip to Greece

Greece rewards a little restraint when you’re putting an itinerary together. You can see several islands on one trip, but every change of destination comes with packing, transfers, and time spent waiting for a ferry or flight.

How many days do you need in Greece with kids?

I’d aim for at least one week, with ten days to two weeks giving you more breathing room if you want to combine destinations.

Seven days: Settle into one island, or pair Athens with one conveniently connected island.
Ten days: Consider Athens plus one or two islands, depending on the actual connections.
Two weeks: Athens and two or three islands can work well if you allow several nights in each place.

These are starting points, not fixed routes. Two islands that look close on a map aren’t always easy to connect on the day you need to travel.

A curved turquoise bay in Mykonos is surrounded by a rocky hillside covered with white buildings and hotels. The steep terrain and spread out development show the island landscape families need to consider when planning transportation.

How many Greek islands should you visit?

I’d lean toward fewer islands with longer stays, especially with babies or younger kids. And I say that as someone who didn’t exactly follow this advice!

On our July 2021 trip, I planned Santorini, Naxos, Milos, Athens, and Kos, with Rhodes originally on the itinerary too. We’d barely traveled for more than a year because of COVID, I was pregnant with our third baby, and I knew travel might slow down again. I was eager to make up for lost time and see ALL the things.

I don’t regret the trip. We made incredible memories. But if I planned it today with three kids, I’d probably choose one or two islands and explore them more deeply. Settling into island time instead of always looking at the next departure can be refreshing and restorative.

A young boy sits at an outdoor beach restaurant overlooking rows of white umbrellas and wooden lounge chairs at Agia Anna Beach in Naxos. The calm blue sea and sailboats beyond the beach capture the slower pace of a Greek island stay.

Independent island hopping vs. a Mediterranean cruise

I’ve done both, and neither is automatically better.

On our 2018 and 2025 Mediterranean cruises, we could visit several Greek destinations while unpacking only once. That convenience is hard to beat with children, especially when you don’t want to organize a new hotel and transfer for every stop.

The downside is limited time in port. On our independent trip, we could enjoy slower mornings, take boat excursions, and see towns in the evenings after day-trippers had left. The atmosphere changes significantly in the pre- and post-cruise passenger and day-tripper rush. But in exchange, I handled every accommodation, ferry, and flight connection myself.

If you want a taste of several destinations with simpler logistics, a cruise is appealing. If you want more time to experience island life, I’d choose an independent trip and stay longer in fewer places.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Greece with Kids?

Late spring and early fall can be extra appealing for families, with generally milder sightseeing weather and fewer peak-season crowds. June is also a pleasant option if you want warm days and an active tourist season. Keep in mind that spring sea temperatures can be cooler (and the water is already pretty cool), while seasonal boat tours and ferry routes may be more limited outside summer.

All three of our Greece trips have been during the summer months, in June, July, and August, so that’s the season I can speak to firsthand. We’ve enjoyed the sunny beach weather and long days, but popular places such as Santorini and Mykonos can get crowded and expensive. July and August can also be very hot, making midday archaeological sites and steep villages tough with younger children.

Summer brings the Aegean’s seasonal Meltemi winds, too. They can affect time on the water and transportation plans, so I’d leave some flexibility between island transfers and important flights.

The open upper deck of a Greek passenger ferry has rows of orange seats overlooking the harbor at Ios. Sailboats and white buildings line the waterfront beneath dry brown hills in the summer sunshine.

Getting Around Greece with Kids

We haven’t rented a car on any of our Greece trips. We combined walking, ferries, domestic flights, taxis, and boat excursions instead. It worked well for the time we had, although it also meant we didn’t reach every corner of the islands.

Taking ferries between the Greek islands

On our independent trip, we took ferries from Santorini to Naxos and from Naxos to Milos, then an overnight ferry from Milos to Athens. We booked a cabin with bunk beds for that last journey, which made a long crossing much more manageable with young kids.

I used Ferryhopper extensively to compare routes, schedules, and journey times while building the itinerary. It helped me see which island combinations were actually realistic.

Ferries vary in speed, comfort, and amenities, so I’d look beyond the advertised crossing time. Factor in getting to the port, boarding with luggage, seating or cabin options, and reaching your next accommodation. I’ll save the booking and boarding details for a dedicated Greek ferries guide.

Travelers carrying backpacks and rolling suitcases line up to board a large blue and white ferry at Santorini port. The ship reads "Blue Star Ferries" and has a wide boarding ramp open at the stern.

Flying between Athens and the islands

We’ve flown from Athens to Santorini and Kos. Flights can save time, but not every island has an airport, and connections between two islands sometimes require going through Athens.

We’d also booked a flight from Milos to Rhodes in 2021, but high winds canceled it. We had to change our plans at the last minute, spend another day on Milos, and eventually return to Athens by overnight ferry. It was a memorable reminder not to build an itinerary with no room for disruptions.

A small twin propeller Sky Express airplane waits on a sunny airport tarmac with its passenger stairs lowered. The aircraft is marked "ATR 72-500" "skyexpress.gr" and "SX-ONE" and illustrates the smaller aircraft used on some Greek island flights.

The small white airport terminal on Milos has a long row of windows and a simple central entrance. The building reads "ΚΡΑΤΙΚΟΣ ΑΕΡΟΛΙΜΕΝΑΣ ΜΗΛΟΥ" meaning Milos State Airport with "DEPARTURES" above the doors.

Exploring without a rental car

Many of our stays were in walkable towns with restaurants, shops, and sometimes a beach close by. For farther beaches or sights, we’d take a taxi or explore from the water on a boat tour.

But this isn’t a universal formula. Some islands have ports away from the main visitor areas, and local buses and taxis differ greatly between destinations. If I returned to one island for a longer stay, I’d consider renting a car for part of the trip to explore further. With little kids, though, arranging appropriate car seats is another factor to weigh.

A young boy walks along a narrow stone pedestrian street in Naxos Town during the evening. Small shops and restaurants glow beneath string lights and pink bougainvillea with a building marked "HOTEL" in the background.

Where to Stay in Greece with Kids

For me, location is one of the most important factors in choosing family accommodations in Greece, especially without a rental car.

I’d look for somewhere with restaurants, shops, and your main activities within a comfortable walk. If you’ll be arriving by ferry, check the distance from the actual port, not just the island’s main town. And on hilly islands, look closely at how many stairs stand between your room and the street. A spectacular view is less appealing if you have to haul a stroller and luggage up endless steps.

We’ve used a mix of hotels and apartment-style stays, including a cave house in Santorini, a boutique hotel in Naxos, and an apartment in Kos Town. For a family of five, I’d also pay attention to the actual sleeping arrangements, air conditioning, and whether a refrigerator or kitchenette makes meals and snacks easier.

If your trip is primarily about beach time, walking distance to a suitable swimming beach may matter more than staying in the most photogenic village.

A small hotel balcony in Naxos has two wooden chairs and a round table overlooking the marina. Sailboats fill the bright blue harbor beyond the white balcony wall and open glass doors.

Things to Do in Greece with Kids

Some of our favorite things to do in Greece with kids weren’t traditional children’s attractions. Greece is great for mixing history, outdoor adventures, and simple moments that are fun for everyone.

Discover ancient history

The Acropolis in Athens is incredible, even if visiting with a toddler takes extra patience. The Panathenaic Stadium was especially memorable because our kids could move around instead of only looking at things. On Naxos, we visited the Portara and explored the old Kastro area, fitting a little history into an otherwise relaxed island stay.

Ancient stone ruins and tall weathered columns rise above large scattered blocks of rock at the Acropolis in Athens. The archaeological site sits beneath a cloudless blue sky and offers families a chance to explore ancient Greek history.

The massive stone doorway of the Portara stands among ancient ruins on a small coastal hill in Naxos. Scattered marble blocks surround the monument with the blue sea visible in the distance.

Swim and explore the coastline

From sandy beaches on Naxos to dramatic rocky landscapes on Milos, Greece’s beaches and coastlines are incredibly varied. I’d choose beaches based on access and swimming conditions for your children’s ages, rather than on photographs alone.

A young girl crouches in the sand at the edge of the clear shallow water at Ornos Beach in Mykonos. Sailboats float across the sheltered bay with white buildings scattered along the rocky hillside.

Two young brothers sit in the soft sand building and digging with colorful beach toys on Naxos. Gentle waves reach the wide sandy beach while swimmers enjoy the clear blue water behind them.

Take a boat excursion

Our Milos sailing trip was one of our favorite days in Greece. We relaxed on the boat, saw extraordinary sea caves and cliffs, and swam together. Exploring by water also let us see parts of the island we couldn’t easily reach without a car. Check boat size, shade, sea conditions, and child-sized life jackets before booking.

A mother wearing sunglasses sits with her two young boys on the cushioned front deck of a boat. The boys make playful faces at the camera with dramatic coastal rock formations and deep blue water behind them.

A small excursion boat floats beside enormous pale rock cliffs and dark sea caves at Kleftiko on Milos. The turquoise water and dramatic cave openings are among the coastal sights families can explore on a boat tour.

Wander through towns and enjoy everyday life

Our kids have been perfectly happy admiring bright doors and parked Vespas, exploring little passageways, getting gelato, and watching boats in the harbor. I love Greece’s leisurely outdoor meals and fresh food, especially the herbs and simple flavors that make even basic dishes delicious. You really don’t need to schedule every hour.

A small Greek restaurant with a sign reading "TAVERNA" has outdoor tables covered in blue and white checked tablecloths. Bright pink bougainvillea cascades over the whitewashed entrance and shaded dining passageway.

Two young boys stop to admire a bright yellow Vespa scooter parked against a white wall in Greece. One boy reaches toward the scooter while the other watches with his hands behind his back.

Two young boys sit beside the harbor in Naxos and point toward the sailboats and yachts moored across the water. The clear blue marina gives the children something to explore and enjoy without a scheduled activity.

A street vendor in Athens prepares bags of nuts and seeds at a wooden market cart beneath leafy trees. The trays have handwritten price labels including "€1.00" and "€2.00" with a lively pedestrian street stretching behind him.

Traveling to Greece with Babies and Toddlers

We first visited Greece with a baby and toddler and returned with two preschool-aged children. It’s doable at these ages, but I would pay particular attention to terrain and pacing.

A lightweight stroller was useful in flatter areas such as Kos Town and some of Athens. A baby carrier made more sense for steep stairs, uneven archaeological sites, and parts of Santorini. You don’t necessarily have to leave the stroller at home, but you shouldn’t assume you’ll be able to use it everywhere. We still brought our stroller, but used it less in Greece than in most other places.

A mother in a red floral dress holds her sleeping baby in a gray front carrier overlooking Santorini. A traditional blue domed church and the caldera appear behind them and show how a baby carrier can help when visiting steep Greek island villages.

I also found that our little ones didn’t need many activities designed specifically for them. Pedestrian streets, boats, rocks, beaches, and people going about daily life held plenty of interest. The biggest difference was how much freedom each place gave them to walk and explore safely.

I’ve shared more about those tradeoffs, including Athens, Santorini, Naxos, Milos, and Kos, in my guide to European destinations we’ve visited with toddlers.

A smiling mother carries her baby in a gray front carrier while standing beside the harbor in Mykonos. The baby stretches both arms outward as the wind blows through their hair with fishing boats and rocky hills in the background.

Practical Tips for a Greece Family Vacation

Food and restaurants

Greek food has been an easy part of traveling here with our kids. We’ve found plenty of approachable options such as grilled meats, pita, potatoes, fruit, and pastries, alongside fresh local dishes for the adults. I also love how welcoming restaurants have been toward our children, including during outdoor meals in busy tourist areas.

Two large Greek gyros are wrapped in warm pita bread and brown paper on a wooden serving board. The wraps are generously filled with sliced meat and golden fries for a casual meal in Greece.

A white plate holds several large grilled shrimp coated in garlic and herbs beside a mound of rice and fresh green salad. The seafood is served with a light sauce as part of a Greek restaurant meal.

Budget and accommodations

Costs vary widely by island, season, and travel style. Santorini and Mykonos have felt particularly expensive, and moving frequently adds ferry tickets, transfers, and separate hotel stays. Staying longer in fewer places can help both your budget and your sanity.

The exterior of Polis Boutique Hotel in Naxos is a modern white building with wooden details and several small balconies. A sign on the wall reads "POLIS OF NAXOS BOUTIQUE HOTEL".

Safety and packing

In summer, I’d prioritize sun protection, water, comfortable walking shoes, and a plan for breaks during hot sightseeing days. Cliffside paths, rocky swimming areas, and boat trips call for extra supervision, especially with little ones. Pack as lightly as you reasonably can if you’re moving between islands, since luggage and stairs aren’t a fun combination.

If Greece involves a long international flight for your family, I also have a separate guide to taking a long-haul flight with kids.

A young boy wraps his arm around his dad while looking toward the turquoise water from a small boat in Milos. Large rocky coastal formations rise beside the boat during their family excursion.

FAQs About Visiting Greece with Kids

Do you need to include Athens on a family trip to Greece?

No. Athens is absolutely worth considering for its history, but if you’re planning a beach-focused island vacation, there’s no requirement to add it. Choose it because it interests your family, not because you feel you have to tick it off.

Should you book Greek ferry tickets in advance?

I’d book ahead for peak-summer travel, popular routes, or a trip with fixed accommodation dates, particularly if you need specific seating or an overnight cabin. Schedules can change, though, so keep an eye on your operator’s updates and avoid leaving a tight connection before your flight home.

A bright blue bowl contains a fresh salad with cherry tomatoes and yellow peppers topped with a thick round piece of grilled cheese. Golden grill marks cover the cheese and add to the colorful Greek meal.

Ready to Plan Your Family Trip to Greece?

Greece is one of those places I could happily return to again and again. The incredible landscapes, welcoming people, delicious food, and laid-back island atmosphere make it such a special place to explore as a family.

My biggest advice for visiting Greece with kids is to choose destinations that genuinely interest you, be realistic about travel logistics, and leave yourself time to enjoy the experience. You don’t need to visit every famous island or squeeze everything into one trip. There’s plenty of Greece worth coming back for!

Dark volcanic rocks and reddish cliffs rise from the deep blue water below Oia in Santorini. Whitewashed buildings stretch across the steep hillside high above the rugged coastline.

More family travel planning resources

How to Pack for a Family Vacation with Kids: My practical packing strategies for traveling with kids, staying organized, and managing luggage, especially when moving between destinations.
Long Haul Flight with a Toddler: Sleep, snacks, entertainment, and survival strategies for flying long distances with little ones. Traveling with an infant instead? Read my long-haul flight with a baby guide.
12 European Destinations to Visit with a Toddler: More firsthand experiences exploring Europe with young children, including several destinations in Greece.
Planning a Strategic Stopover: How we made the most of a long layover in Athens with our baby and toddler.