Uncover the highest family-friendly locations in Greece! From the sun-soaked seashores of Crete to the enchanting villages of Naxos, discover the most effective locations to create unforgettable reminiscences along with your family members. Discover the right stability of rest and journey for your loved ones getaway in Greece.
My household travels lots. We love exploring new nations, cultures, and meals. But it surely’s uncommon that we go to the identical vacation spot twice. There are simply too many locations on the earth that we wish to go to.
However we made an exception for Greece. Not solely did we go to twice. After touring the Greek mainland, we got here again simply three months later to cruise the Greek islands.
What was the draw that introduced us to this historic nation within the south of Europe? The reality is, it was our children. We’re obsessed with household journey. One of many issues that retains our travels thrilling for us and enjoyable for the children is having them be a part of the journey planning.
The boys had been proper in the midst of studying an thrilling e book collection that was inspiring their love of journey to Greece. The collection by an creator named Rick Riordan known as Percy Jackson and the Olympians and was all about Greek Gods residing within the trendy world.
So once we instructed them about our upcoming travels to Greece, we allow them to select their prime locations to go to. Sadly, there was no manner that we may see all of them, however we did our greatest.
On our children’ listing of the locations to go to in Greece had been Athens, Sounion, Delphi, Olympia, Meteora, and Crete. These are all spots talked about of their e book collection. However as a household, we knew we may add just a few further stops to our Greece itinerary.
Finally, on our household travels in Greece, we ended up visiting Athens, Sounion, Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplio, Mystras, Monemvasia, Delphi, Olympia, Meteora, and eventually, the Hill of Kolonos. We returned throughout the summer time for a cruise that introduced us from Kusadasi in Turkiye by way of Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, Athens, and eventually on to Thessaloniki earlier than returning to our 4 weeks of journey in Turkiye.
Why Ought to You Journey To Greece
We knew earlier than we even left dwelling that Greece was going to be unbelievable. It’s in any case, one of many prime vacation spot for household journey on the earth. And with good motive.
Greece, as a rustic, can hint its historical past again a surprising 5,000 years. That’s a date that places it on par with the constructing of the well-known Step Pyramid in Egypt. In contrast to many nations, the historical past of this unbelievable Mediterranean nation is recorded intimately.
The well-known tales of Greek Gods on Mount Olympos will be tracked by way of among the nation’s most well-known ruins, such because the Acropolis in Athens, the ruins of Delphi, and the Palace of Knossos on the island of Crete.
Greece helped to form the world as we all know it at present.
However the attract of Greece goes far past its historical past. The nation’s tradition and culinary scene handle to forged its spell on vacationers to at the present time, and with an unlimited shoreline, gorgeous mountains, and among the world’s greatest seashores, the pure great thing about Greece alone makes it a vacation spot worthy of household journey.
What Is The Greatest Time To Go to Greece?
We traveled to Greece twice inside one 12 months. As soon as in late March and as soon as in early August. The distinction was staggering.
Excessive season in Greece runs from early April by way of to October. Peak journey season takes place throughout the summer time months of August and July. Throughout these two months, particularly in Athens and the Greek Islands, journey throughout the cities may appear a bit like squeezing your self right into a sardine can.
We visited Santorini on the peak of the journey season, and though there have been some quiet hidden gems on the island, the principle vacationer points of interest had been suffocating.
Should you’re in a position to go to throughout the shoulder season from September by way of October or from March to June, you’re prone to face far thinner crowds and revel in decrease prices than you’ll throughout the peak season.
Winter in Greece can get chilly with some rainfall and even snow within the mountains. Some websites, particularly these on the islands could also be closed for the season as, in some locations, vacationers vanish utterly.
Greatest Locations To Go to On The Greece Mainland
Should you’re planning your travels and are questioning the place to go to on the Greek mainland, you’ve come to the correct place. Under, I lay out the entire greatest locations to go to within the nation and what makes each so particular.
Athens
Let’s face it, all roads by way of Greece start in Athens. That is the nation’s capital and its largest metropolis. Athen has been on the coronary heart of Greece for millennia and it’s dwelling to among the nations most well-known points of interest, the Acropolis and the Parthenon.
Athens is Europe’s oldest capital metropolis, and it’s additionally dwelling to the oldest road in Europe, Tripodon Avenue, within the metropolis heart. Whereas town’s historical past is its greatest draw, it is usually a contemporary cosmopolitan hub. As you enterprise out from the historic heart, with its slender cobblestone streets and historic monuments, you’ll discover unbelievable museums and artwork galleries, superb buying, and among the nation’s greatest eating places.
Central Athens may be very family-friendly and simple to journey on foot. You’ll wish to spend about two days exploring well-known spots such because the Plaka, the Monastiraki buying district, and the primary trendy Olympic stadium.
Delphi
Should you’re a fan of Greek mythology, Delphi is probably going close to the highest of your prime locations to go in Greece. This historic mountaintop temple was dwelling to the Oracle of Delphi, who was believed to have delivered prophecies from the God Apollo from atop a rock.
On this temple advanced on the Mountain of Parnassus, the Temple of Apollo remains to be standing together with the rock from which the prophecies had been delivered. Together with many temples and buildings you’ll additionally discover an historic Olympic oval and the gorgeous Athena Treasury.
We spent about three hours exploring the ruins of Delphi. Though, we may have simply spent one other hour or extra. The go to includes plenty of steep walks on slippery marble, so be sure to put on grippy footwear.
Delphi is positioned about two and a half hours from Athens and makes a preferred day tour from town. This is among the hottest tour choices from Viator.
Halkidiki
Situated on a collection of slender peninsulas jutting out into the Aegean Sea in northern Greece, not too removed from town of Thessaloniki, Halkidiki is an off-the-beaten-path Greek vacation spot that households will love for its impossibly blue water and comfortable, sandy seashores.
Whereas we didn’t get to Halkidiki on our go to to Greece, it’s excessive on our listing of locations to go to once we return.
The area is understood for its crystal clear waters and thrilling seashore scene that attracts households from throughout Europe and the world to high-end resorts corresponding to Ikos Olivia.
Every of the Halkidiki peninsulas affords a novel appeal that ranges from the energetic to the laid again. The area isn’t with out its personal historical past both. Close by are the historic Mount Athos, a monastic metropolis courting again 1,200 years.
Epidaurus
Situated south of Athens within the northeast of the Peloponnese, Epidaurus is among the hottest archaeological locations in Greece. What makes it so well-known is the unbelievable high quality of the ruins of this historic metropolis that was constructed round 400 BCE.
Whilst you’ll discover superb buildings all through this UNESCO World Heritage Web site, essentially the most well-known is the outstanding historic theater, which nonetheless hosts concert events and performances to at the present time. Tickets to the Greek dramas, concert events, and festivals at Epidaurus promote out extremely quick. When you’ve got an opportunity to e book one, I extremely advocate it.
Should you’re as fortunate as us, possibly an impressed singer will step into the theater’s candy spot and serenade the group.
Meteora
Wow, simply wow. Meteora could also be one of the crucial stunning locations that I’ve ever visited. Don’t miss the sundown over this magical panorama.
Situated within the area of Thessaly simply exterior the city of Kalabaka, proper within the heart of Greece, Meteora is made up of many vertical mountain tops which have been carved out by fault traces and erosion to create one of the crucial distinctive and awe-inspiring landscapes on the earth, corresponding to Cappadocia, Turkiye, however way more lush and inexperienced.
Situated on the prime of many of those mountains is a group of gorgeous hermit-like monasteries and nunneries, in addition to cave church buildings that may be traced again to the eleventh century CE.
In case your love mountaineering and climbing, Meteora is an absolute paradise. You’ll discover loads of out of doors excursions that may take you into among the hidden areas of those mountains. This tour is the excellent introduction to mountain climbing.
Thessaloniki
Town of Thessaloniki is the second largest metropolis in Greece. It was the final cease on our Aegean Cruise by way of the Greek Islands earlier than heading again to Turkiye.
At first look, you’d be hard-pressed to not mistake the streets of Thessaloniki for Paris. That’s as a result of the architect who was charged with designing town’s structure was Parisian, and he needed to mannequin town after his dwelling.
Whereas we had been in Thessaloniki, we took within the views from the gorgeous “White Tower†alongside the waterfront earlier than strolling by way of the city to see Hadrian’s Wall earlier than making a cease on the Hagia Sophia. No, not THAT Hagia Sophia, which we had seen whereas exploring Istanbul with our children. This Hagia Sophia is way smaller and fewer intricately adorned, however its historical past uniquely parallels that of its extra well-known sister in Istanbul.
Thessaloniki is understood for its vigorous environment, vibrant road life, and thriving culinary scene. Town’s waterfront promenade, stretching alongside the Aegean Sea, is a well-liked spot for leisurely strolls, providing panoramic views of the ocean and the cityscape. In the meantime, Thessaloniki’s various neighborhoods boast an array of stylish cafes, conventional tavernas, and stylish boutiques, making a dynamic city expertise.
Messolonghi
Messalonghi is one other of the locations on my Greece bucket listing for when my household returns. Situated on the sting of the Kilsova Lagoon alongside the Ionian Sea within the west of Greece, this stunning fishing city performed an important position within the Greek Revolution within the early 1800s. The city’s protection towards Ottoman forces is well known throughout the nation yearly.
This is among the nation’s hidden gems. Few vacationers have had the luck of stumbling upon it but. Those that do are welcomed with some spectacular points of interest, such because the Backyard of Heroes, which commemorates the fallen troopers from the Greek Revolution and the nation’s battle for independence.
The distinctive lagoon that town sits on the shores of spans over 160 kilometers and is a protected wetland famend for its biodiversity and birdlife. It’s a unbelievable spot for out of doors lovers and those that take pleasure in kayaking, mountaineering, and boating.
Olympia
Sports activities have at all times been a giant a part of my household. My children each play high-level hockey and are concerned in observe and area. I used to be a swimmer and competed in observe and area in my youth. So once we had the prospect to go to the place the place all of it received began, there was nothing that was going to face in our manner.
Olympia is among the prime locations to go to in Greece for historical past and sports activities fans. In any case, this former city powerhouse was the situation of the very first Olympic Video games over 3,000 years in the past.
Whereas the positioning is generally in ruins, you’ll be able to nonetheless go to the traditional stadium in addition to the very first Olympic Oval. Should you look carefully, you’ll be able to nonetheless make out the beginning traces. Olympia additionally has two gorgeous temples, the temples of Zeus and Hera.
We solely had a really brief time to go to, as we had been coming to Olympia after visiting Delphi. However I’d advocate giving your self at the least a few hours to see Olympia completely.
Sounion
The city of Sounion on the southern tip of the Attica Peninsula about an hour from Athens was my household’s first cease in Greece. As I discussed earlier, my boys’ love of the story collection Percy Jackson and the Olympians fueled our want to go to this nation. And Percy Jackson himself was the son of Poseidon.
Nicely, Sounion is dwelling to the Temple of Poseidon, so there was no higher place to start out our household travels in Greece than this historic vacation spot.
This historic temple was constructed between 444 and 440 BCE and was devoted to the well-known God of the Sea. It’s perched dramatically atop a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea and there are breathtaking views from round it, particularly at sundown.
The Temple of Poseidon isn’t Sounion’s solely declare to fame, although. This quaint fishing city is surrounded by attractive landscapes and delightful seashores. It’s a preferred summer time getaway recognized for swimming, snorkeling, and its coastal mountaineering trails.
Nafplio
As we had been following within the footsteps of Poseidon by way of Greece, the subsequent cease after the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion was the city based by Poseidon’s son, Nafplios. The city of Nafplio.
Town was first based underneath the identify Argolis round 1600 BCE. It fell into disrepair for over a thousand years round 1000 BCE, however its rise started round 129 CE and it’s now one of the crucial fashionable locations to go in Greece.
Nafplio’s Outdated City is a labyrinth of slender cobblestone streets and waterfront plazas. The streets are lined with historic buildings, and whereas lots of them are in want of restore, that merely provides to town’s genuine appeal.
Don’t miss a cease at Palamidi Fortress, a historic Venetian fortress. You’ll be able to both climb the 999 steps to the fortress or do what we did, which was drive up and save our legs. The fortress affords an incredible overlook of town and the distinctive Bourtzi Fortress, a particular fortress and former jail positioned on an island only a brief distance from land.
Kalamata
Far south within the Peloponnese is town of Kalamata, dwelling to the well-known olives and the traditional ruins of Messenia. This can be a quiet area of Greece that doesn’t see too many vacationers, even throughout peak season, which is a shock as it’s dwelling to one of the crucial stunning seashores in Greece.
Navarino Lagoon Seaside is a pristine stretch of shoreline alongside the waters of Navarino Bay. It’s recognized for its idyllic horseshoe form, comfortable golden sands, and crystal-clear turquoise water set amidst a backdrop of lush vegetation and rugged cliffs.
Mycenae
One of many coolest points of interest that we visited in Greece was the ruins of Mycenae. This well-known archaeological website dates again to the Bronze Age and was an vital location within the epic poems of Homer and an important location throughout the Trojan Wars. It’s even believed that the well-known Agamemnon was buried right here within the Treasury of Atreus.
Wandering round Mycenae, you’ll discover loads of locations to discover and some locations which may appear hidden. Don’t miss the attractive underground beehive tombs. These had been historically used for storage, however one is the well-known Treasury of Atreus.
One other notable website is the Lion Gate. This stunning cornerstone is the only real surviving monumental piece of Mycenaean sculpture work. When the sunshine hits the Lion Gate excellent, the whole lot inside it will get a fantastic golden glow.
Mystras
Oh, Mystras, you’re so stunning. We had deliberate for at the least three hours to discover this unbelievable historic metropolis sitting above the stays of Historical Sparta. Sadly, the climate had different issues in retailer. After simply an hour, torrential rain got here down, inflicting your entire website to shut.
Situated on the slopes of Tagetos Mountain, Mystras was the capital of this area of Morea throughout the Byzantine Empire, across the 14th and fifteenth centuries. It was a vacation spot for artists, students, and theologians of the best caliber.
The stays of this metropolis are unbelievable. There are historic church buildings, homes, faculties, and retailers uniquely positioned in a manner that conforms to the steep verticals of the mountain slope.
Attending to Mystras is usually a problem, and it’s a tricky place to discover for individuals who will not be in good bodily situation. However I extremely advocate a go to right here. It’s remarkably stunning, and I can’t wait to get again.
Monemvasia
The tied-off island metropolis of Monemvasia was our final cease within the Peloponnese earlier than heading west towards Delphi and Olympia. The walled metropolis was as soon as a medieval fortress city and is perched dramatically on a steep rocky incline overlooking the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea.
What I cherished most about Monemvasia is that its historic appeal has not been washed away by trendy renovations. Town’s slender, cobblestone alleys are a labyrinthine mess. One the place you might end up strolling on roofs or balconies as you attempt to zig-zag your strategy to your resort or restaurant. It’s fantastically genuine.
Monemvasia has been known as the “Gibraltar of Greece†as a consequence of its gorgeous location overlooking the water. And greater than any of the opposite locations that we visited in Greece, it was right here that my complete household felt like we had been transported again in time.
We spent hours wandering the city’s imposing partitions, historic church buildings, and quaint squares. The city can be dwelling to some attractive eating places serving up historic household recipes. One in every of our most unforgettable moments got here from a go to to Tsimbidi.
This store has been making an attempt to recreate the household’s authentic wine that first introduced Monevasia to fame lots of of years in the past. Ships had been despatched right here from throughout Europe to choose up the island’s well-known nectar and return it for the enjoyment of the elite and royalty.
Greatest Locations To Go to On The Greek Islands
Many households who journey to Greece might overlook that the nation even has a mainland. That’s as a result of the Greek Islands are the premier draw for these in search of a fantastic island getaway.
Greek island cruises and holidays are extraordinarily fashionable. These islands pack as a lot historical past, pure magnificence, nice meals, and well-being because the mainland. However the expertise out on the islands is totally distinctive.
Listed below are our prime locations to go to throughout the Greek islands.
Milos
Till lately, Milos has sailed comparatively unnoticed among the many greater than 6,000 islands in Greece. However up to now few years, this quiet island within the Aegean Sea has began popping up on the journey radar. And with good motive. In any case, Milos was our favourite cease on our Celestyal Cruise of the Greek islands.
Milos was made well-known by the invention of the famed Venus de Milos, also called the Aphrodite of Melos, which has been on show within the Louvre Museum in Paris since 1821.
You’ll find a duplicate of this well-known statue on a cliff overlooking an historic Greek theater and the lovely fishing village of Klima. This tiny city is the right spot for a swim, and mixing it with the hilltop city of Trypiti permits you to take a look at among the island’s historical past, together with the traditional Catacombs of Milos, among the many oldest Christian catacombs on the earth.
This laid-back island is an ideal vacation spot for individuals who like to chill out. And its dwelling to one of the crucial stunning seashores on the earth, proper up there with Horseshoe Seaside in Bermuda and Boracay within the Philippines.
Strolling alongside Sarakiniko Seaside may really feel a bit like strolling on the moon. The shockingly white sandstone has been polished easy by rain and waves, creating an otherworldly panorama that contrasts breathtakingly with the blue waters of the Aegean.
You’ll discover family-friendly narrows the place shallow water swimming is good, in addition to towering rock arches the place adrenaline junkies launch themselves into the waves under. It’s a must-stop for any go to. Should you look rigorously, you’ll additionally discover a collection of previous mining tunnels that make for an ideal escape from the new summer time solar.
Mykonos
After Milos, the island of Mykonos was our second most cherished vacation spot on our Greek Islands cruise. This energetic island is busy however not almost as packed as its well-known sister, Santorini. But regardless of its reputation, it was surprisingly simple to wander away the crushed observe and escape the crowds.
The primary stretch of Mykonos is the place the entire bustling vacationer crowds collect on a stroll alongside the waterfront by way of the Outdated Port to the picturesque “Little Venice,†the place whitewashed buildings stand shoulder to shoulder, overlooking the blue waters.
However as we handed this space with its wall-to-wall revelers and continued alongside to the island’s well-known windmills, the crowds gave manner, and we had been welcomed into the mazelike streets of a fantastic and welcoming metropolis. As we strolled alongside, we found a century-old bakery, an out of doors movie show, and a fantastic view of day by day life in one in every of Greece’s greatest vacationer locations.
The draw of Mykonos goes far past Mykonos City, although. This island is understood for having among the most stunning seashores within the Mediterranean. Among the extra notable seashores embody Platys Gialos, Psarou, Ornos, and Elia. Nonetheless, the names that caught my consideration had been Paradise Seaside and “SUPER†Paradise Seaside.
I imply, that’s a fairly daring assertion. They’re recognized for his or her crystal-clear waters and vigorous seashore bars. However they’re fairly touristy, so count on some umbrella-to-umbrella crowds.
For historical past lovers, the island of Delos is only a brief boat journey away from the principle city. The Historical ruins listed here are mentioned to be the birthplace of each Apollo and Artemis. This UNESCO World Heritage Web site has highlights that embody the Terrace of the Lions and the Temple of Apollo. You too can go to the island’s Archaeological Museum, which has a great deal of artifacts from the positioning.
Sifnos
The Island of Sifnos is a tiny island only a brief distance from Athens. This enjoyable getaway is a well-liked vacation spot for these vacationing in Athens. It affords a quiet, enjoyable escape from the tourist-heavy huge metropolis the place you will discover massive stretches of sandy shore with only a few crowds.
The island is fashionable for its stunning landscapes, charming whitewashed villages, and laid-back environment. You’ll additionally discover some wonderful meals right here. There are a variety of tavernas and native eateries serving wonderful Greek delicacies. Don’t miss the island’s specialty. A chickpea soup topped with candy almonds.
Crete
As the biggest of the entire Greek Islands, Crete is definitely on of the most well-liked locations in Greece. The island’s historical past dates again an astounding 9,000 years. It’s this unbelievable island the place the Minoan Civilization, the primary civilization in Europe, got here to be about 5,000 years in the past.
The Minoan civilization flourished on the island, and a few of its artwork and tradition will be considered on a go to to the favored Palace of Knossos, which was as soon as the middle of Minoan tradition.
Past its historical past, Crete’s dramatic landscapes make it a paradise for mountaineering and out of doors lovers. The rugged gorges of Samaria and the comfortable sand seashores of Elafonissi and Balos are particularly fashionable. Amongst its out of doors points of interest is a variety of SCUBA diving playgrounds alongside the island’s rugged coast.
Crete is a well-liked vacation spot for small resorts and homestays. Take your time and gradual journey the island to expertise sipping a glass of raki with locals in a mountain village or wandering the slender alleys of Chania’s previous city.
Kefalonia
Not removed from the Gulf of Patras and the gorgeous shores of Messalonghi sits the island of Kefalonia. I’ve been dying to go to right here ever since I first heard about it from an Italian pal who visits yearly.
The island’s rugged shoreline and hilltop villages make for postcard-perfect surroundings. But it surely additionally provides to the attract of an island recognized for seashores that you must hike a bit to succeed in. Myrtos Seaside, with its dazzling white pebbles and electrical blue water, is among the island’s hottest.
Kefalonia is a haven for snorkeling. The waters off its shores are lush with marine life and colourful corals. There are numerous coves and sea caves which are accessible solely by boat in addition to ample marine reserves.
One of many island’s most original options is the underground Melissani Lake, a lake that lies contained in the cave, with bushes and forests surrounding it.
Corfu
North of Kefalonia within the Ionian Sea is the big island of Corfu. Corfu is named the Emerald Ise, because of its lush vegetation topping towering cliffs and azure coves. The island is a well-liked vacation spot for sunbathing, swimming, boating, and snorkeling. However the rolling hills, olive groves, and delightful villages of the island’s inside are really what makes it probably the greatest locations to go to in Greece.
That is an island that’s greatest explored. Hire a automobile and drive by way of the small cities, stopping to speak with locals at tavernas and cafes. Experience a motorcycle by way of hills dotted with olive bushes and discover the historic monasteries hidden amongst cypress bushes in lush valleys.
Santorini
There are few locations in Greece that epitomize the Mediterranean life greater than the island of Santorini. This fashionable island recognized for its white-washed buildings topped with brilliantly blue roofs is picturesque. And it’s additionally one of many busiest locations to go to within the Greek Islands.
Through the excessive season, Santorini is loaded with vacationers packed like sardines seeking the right photograph of the island’s scenic skyline. But it surely’s doable to see one other facet of this island with a fraction of the crowds.
Head away from the vacationer crowds in Oia and wander the maze of slender alleys lined with quiet retailers and cafes. As soon as you permit the principle drag behind, the crowds drop away dramatically.
For one thing even higher, head south to the city of Megalachori. This postcard-perfect metropolis will get a fraction of the vacationers as its sister within the north. It’s an genuine have a look at life on the island and my household’s favourite cease in Santorini.
Naxos
Naxis us the biggest of the Cyclades islands. the island is understood for its attractive seashores together with Agios Prokopios and Plaka Seaside. However like Corfu, the true magic of this island lies inland with its quaint villages the place time appears to gradual to a craw.
Picturesque cities are linked by rolling hills and fertile valleys lined with wildflowers and citrus groves. The plush greenery appears virtually surreal beneath the towering Mount Zas, the best peak within the Cyclades Archipelago. The views from the summit over the shimmering waters under are spectacular.
The island’s capital, Naxos City, options Venitian-style mansions centered round an enormous marble doorway the place the stays of the Temple of Apollo lie. Dotted round it are fantastic artisan retailers, tavernas, and cafes serving up thick iced espresso.
Are You Prepared To Go to These Unbelievable Locations in Greece For Your self?
Greece is an excellent vacation spot that provides somewhat one thing for everybody. There’s a vary of unbelievable landscapes, enjoyable seashores, lovely cities, unforgettable meals, and historical past that dates again so long as civilization itself. Should you’re in search of an unbelievable household journey vacation spot, this nation may simply be the right match.
Should you love household journey as a lot as we do, have a learn of our Greece Household Journey Weblog, and please be part of our Household Journey Assist Group on Fb. You’ll be able to join with extra household vacationers identical to you who like to discover the world.
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