Family travel in Greece has never been more popular, especially now that there are specific family-themed activities and tours on offer, which are guaranteed to keep even the restless kids, entertained and happy throughout the trip.
We know that every family is different, so on this list, there are plenty of options to pick and choose from, all of which will ensure that your family will have an enjoyable and memorable vacation.
We also know that it can be stressful to plan family travel in Greece, taking into account every minor detail, the best time of the year to travel, as well as booking family-friendly activities, so we highly recommend opting for a tailor-made trip, designed by a local Destination Expert.
For now, we have 10 essential tips to enjoy family travel in Greece.
1: Enjoy a variety of activities
Greece could not be a better option for families that love to be active, and by active we don’t necessarily mean hiking, biking, or canyoning, but rather just enjoying a variety of experiences no matter what your interests. Children tend to get bored easily, so one of our top tips to enjoy family travel in Greece is to ensure you have planned a variety of activities, which suit their interests and will keep them excited and entertained. Some options include snorkeling, treasure hunts, swimming, museums, and even food tours – the list is endless when it comes to family travel in Greece.
2: Choose the best time to travel
Traveling in the peak summer season in Greece is not ideal when traveling with a family, especially young kids, given that the summers are very hot, there are many crowds, and the streets and restaurants will be busy. To ensure a more relaxed family vacation, it is a great idea to choose the shoulder season such as May – June or September – October, both of which will be cheaper, have more availability, will still have perfect weather, and will guarantee a much more enjoyable trip.
3: Book in advance
Booking everything in advance is always advised, no matter what time of year you travel, because it means that you take that added stress of last-minute stresses, worries, and disappointments out of the way, and instead you can all look forward to what you have planned. By booking in advance, you can generally grab a good deal and save money, which is a bonus. We also highly recommend booking your tours such as Family Vacation in Western Greece or Family Trip to Greece, which are always very popular. One of the benefits of booking these tours is that everything is done for you, leaving you worry-free when it comes to activities, transport, and accommodation, all of which can be stressful when traveling with children.
4: Plan a variety of locations
Greece is a fantastic destination for family travel, due to its size and variety of locations. Children of all ages enjoy being in different surroundings and exploring many areas, which makes Greece just ideal for planning an unforgettable trip together. There are so many combinations to choose from that you can easily return time and time and choose a different route, depending on what you want to get from the trip, or as your children get older, their interests may change. One year you can choose to go island hopping and, on another trip, you can choose to enjoy the wild and rugged mainland or focus your trip around historic locations – the options are endless in an incredible country such as Greece. These are some perfect options for tours including a variety of locations, which are suited to families.
5: Incorporate some unique adventures
As part of Baboos’ eco-friendly and sustainable tours, there are some great adventures that your family will never forget. Instead of just taking a tour of Athens, why not go on a treasure hunt through the city or bring out your inner Indiana Jones as you explore traditional Cretan villages. Food lovers will thoroughly enjoy interactive foot tours in Athens, Crete, and Santorini, and older kids may even enjoy getting hands-on in the kitchen and learning some age-old Greek recipes. When booking your tailor-made trip, always let your Destination Expert know, what interest you and your family, and your trip will be designed perfectly to keep you all entertained and fulfilled throughout.
6: Make it fun and educational
Trips to museums and historical sites do not have to be boring, and we know that although parents and older children may be impressed by sites such as the Acropolis or Olympia, younger kids may be a little underwhelmed and perhaps bored. There are plenty of ways to make these trips more fun and educational, and perhaps by choosing family-friendly museums, a guided tour, and interactive options, children of all ages and their parents can enjoy the places that make Greece famous, plus they are learn as they travel. Boat trips can teach children about rock formations and geography, while treasure hunts can provide historical facts, while also maintaining a great sense of fun and entertainment for all.
7: Get outdoors
Family travel in Greece is an ideal option for those who love to be outdoors, and there are plenty of things to keep you all occupied and in awe of the country as you travel around. There are plenty of hiking, boating, sea kayaking, and watersports activities throughout Greece, so whether you find yourself on the mainland or the coastline, you will have endless outdoor activities to choose from. As we all know, fresh air is the best for our health, but for kids, it ensures they use up their energy in the best way possible and at the end of the day, sleep well at night, which is a parents’ dream.
8: Protect yourself from the sun
The peak season is July – August when the sun is at its hottest, and while we don’t recommend families travel during this time, the sun still shines strongly at other times of the year, especially during the shoulder seasons, before and after the summer. It is imperative to protect yourself from the strong Greek sun, with a high sun factor, sun hats, umbrellas at the beach as well as sunglasses to protect your eyes, as well as avoiding the hottest hours of the day. The best time for outdoor activities is in the morning and the late afternoon, when the sun is shining but is not at its strongest. It is always advised to carry a first aid kit, after-sun lotion, and drink plenty of water throughout the day, which can easily be forgotten with all the excitement.
9: Choose family-friendly options
This can mean a variety of things, such as family-friendly accommodation options, family-friendly beaches as well as family-friendly tours or day trips. It will always work in your favor when you do some research in advance, read reviews or get some advice on which tours work best for your family, from your Destination Expert, which will in turn mean that your family will have all the necessary facilities to cater to their needs and will have the opportunity to meet other children and socialize wherever they go, which makes for a great kid’s vacation. Family travel in Greece has never been better for this, with many options to choose from, which are designed especially for families in mind.
10: Pack accordingly
Packing is an essential part of ensuring family travel in Greece, goes smoothly, so always make a list of necessary things that your family will most likely need and refer back to this when packing each bag. We all know that forgetting a couple of necessary items can make for a stressful vacation, especially if it means forgetting specific medication, a favorite teddy bear, or items that will make traveling easier such as backpacks, baby carriers, hiking poles, walking shoes or even night blankets. Take your time when packing, to make sure you don’t forget anything that could prove useful or essential, and be sure to have a small family meeting just before your departure, to be clear if anything is missing that each person would like to bring – this can make a huge difference to your trip and will put your mind at ease.
