Greece with kids – Top 10 things to do in Greece with children

Like any other islands or coast-flanking country, water sports are a-plenty, so white-water rafting, sea-kayaking, boat trips, and paddle boarding are all on offer. Inland, there are world-famous ancient sites to explore, hiking, e-biking and cycling trails, and quaint, characterful villages where you can enjoy a meal or drink in a local taverna. And, when you’re feeling like some downtime, we have a host of special classes on offer too, like learning to cook Greek dishes or make pottery.

Whilst guaranteed sunshine and short flight times make it an attractive proposition in peak school holiday season, Greece and its islands (including Crete) are also wonderful – and less crowded – places to visit during the shoulder seasons of April (Easter holidays) and October (half term).

Yassou!

Our favourite activities in Greece with kids

1. Be awed by the Acropolis

Bring the history books to life with a visit to the Acropolis, an iconic landmark dating back to the 5th Century BC which also houses the Parthenon and Temple of Athena Nike. Understandably, this magnificent archaeological site brings visitors in their millions, luckily not all on the same day. Be prepared for crowds, bring plenty of water, hats, and, in peak summer season, an umbrella or parasol for shade. Our top tip during this Greece with kids’ experience: get here early (the site opens at 8 am) or visit at sunset to avoid the peak hours of 11 am – 1 pm. You can visit Athens on our Peloponnese Adventure and on our Athens & Cyclades Island trip.

2. Go island hopping in the Aegean

No visit to Greece with kids would be complete without a visit to its islands and no matter where you choose to visit, there’ll be a ferry or boat to get you there. Linked by a wonderful network of fast boats, slow boats, and everything in between, being able to ‘compare and contrast’ islands during a Greece with kids’ trip is a must! See our sample Athens & Cyclades family itinerary for inspiration.

3. Hike Mt Zas, the birthplace of Zeus

It’s not every day you get to visit the birthplace of legends, but Mount Zas on Naxos (or Mt Zeus as it is also known) is where this Greek God spent his childhood. According to mythology, he was born in a small cave which you can visit as you hike the highest point in the Cyclades. It’s a gorgeous walk, taking around two hours amongst a hillside carpeted with flowers and wild herbs. There’s also a taverna en route where you can enjoy a cool drink, too.

4. Enjoy a food tour of Athens

The historic district of Plaka may be one of the most touristy areas of Athens but you’ll be able to discover a hidden, more authentic side to it by learning about its culinary history. Eating as a way to explore is a delicious and engaging way to keep the whole family entertained on a Greece with kids holiday. During the tour you’ll sample Greek cuisine from kebabs, meatballs in tomato sauce to honey-sweetened pastry treats. Delicious!

5. Take an audio e-bike tour!

We (and other families who have done this) can’t recommend this ‘tour with a difference’ enough! Travelling by e-bike along the coastal roads of Naxos, you’ll enjoy the irrepressible guide, George through your headsets where, as well as telling you everything about the local area you’re passing through and giving directions will also sing and crack jokes en route. He’s a real character whose commentary will keep the whole family entertained and engaged for an afternoon (full-day tours can also be arranged).

6. Learn to pinch and coil in a pottery class on Amorgos

It seems fitting that the laid-back island of Amorgos also offers one of the most laid-back activities! What better after back-to-back activities than escaping the heat and sun for a couple of hours and learning pottery? Taught by a local ceramicist, Anna, who also exhibits in Athens, you and your family will enjoy a bespoke lesson in her private studio where you’ll learn some basic techniques and compete as to who made the best pot. We think teens may find this a little basic but recommend it thoroughly for those with younger children!

7. Go sea-kayaking

For a destination surrounded by water, it’s no wonder that sea-kayaking has become a hugely popular family activity. Paddling along the sea -cliffs and stopping at hidden coves and inlets at a pace that suits your family makes for a memorable afternoon or even a full day of adventure and of course, there’s always time to stop for a swim!  We can arrange double kayaks for parents to share with younger children, too. Check out our Crete family holidays post for more on exploring hidden inlets by kayak.

8. Discover quaint villages and secret beaches on a local tour

What better way to learn about the island you are visiting than by taking a guide with a local? We’ve done this in Amorgos and Naxos (but can arrange it on any island), where you take a full day to visit all the highlights of an island (or two) as well as hidden places far from the beaten track to get the inside story. En route you’ll enjoy lunch at a local taverna, stop for a swim and visit a café to enjoy authentic island food and drink.

9. Visit the second oldest monastery in Greece on Amorgos island

Located on the southern side of the Cyclades, Amorgos Island is the stuff of dreams. With a laid-back vibe and certainly less busy than other Greek islands, it’s the perfect foil to a few days in Athens. Here, you can laze on pure white sandy beaches, go hiking and enjoy nature in glorious peace and quiet. Film lovers might recognise the beauty of the island from the 1988 film, ‘The Big Blue’ – a Luc Besson film about freediving. A ‘Greece with kids’ favourite activity is taking a guided hike up to the white-washed Panagia Hozoviotissa monastery, the second oldest monastery in Greece. The views are spectacular!

10. Learn to cook authentic Greek dishes in Naxos

Is there any better way than getting under the skin of a country than learning to cook its dishes? We’ve had amazing feedback from clients who have done this activity which begins with a guided walk through a ‘secret’ valley, through fruit trees and olive trees before arriving at a village taverna – the perfect way to work up an appetite for the activity ahead! Run by three generations of a local family, you’ll be taught by the Yia Yia (grandmother) and her daughter to make authentic dishes such as ‘gemista’ (vegetables stuffed with rice) and meatballs by the Yia Yia, the grandmother. While you’re waiting for the dishes to cook, you’ll be shown around the farm, where they grow their own vegetables, and you can pluck peaches and plums straight from the tree!

Greece with kids – next steps

Want to know more? Every trip is tailor-made to suit you and your family, but we have several example family itineraries on our Greece itineraries page to help you get started. See our 10-day Crete Adventure (do take a look at our Top 10 things to do in Crete with Kids blog, our 11-day Peloponnese Adventure, and our 12-day Athens & Cyclades Islands adventure.

Ring us on 01728 752751 if you’d like to start planning a trip or you can get in touch with us via our website contact page.