7 reasons to visit Greece with family
Our experts share the top reasons to visit Greece with family. So get excited (and get packing) for the trip of a lifetime together.
Greece may only be around the same size as Florida, but it’s home to so many different regions—with so much to explore inside each one. There’s truly something for everybody, so it’s no surprise that Greece is one of the top family travel destinations in the world.
From crystal blue seas to rich ancient history and unforgettable food, our experts are sharing the top reasons to visit Greece with family. So get excited, and then get packing for the trip of a lifetime together.
1. History for the ages
Greece is home to some of the best vacations for families because of its famed history and educational sites. “I anticipated I’d be ‘wowed’ by Greece’s beauty, but instead was blown away by its ancient and rich history,” said first-time traveler Mary.
Younger travelers might recognize famous characters from Greek mythology like the Minotaur and Zeus, and others may be familiar with the Odyssey and the demigods. These legends truly come to life as you wander among their ancient temples and ruins.
The best places to travel in Greece for the history are Athens, Delphi, and Olympia. At the ancient Acropolis in Athens, you can see the Parthenon ruins, the Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion as you learn all about the significance of Greek gods in everyday life. In Delphi, you can tour the legendary home of its mystical oracle, as well as the Temple of Apollo where the gods are said to have once communicated with people. In Olympia, you can view the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You can even stand where the first Olympic Games once took place. The more you explore, the deeper you’ll go into the past.
2. Great weather year-round
Greece is one of the most popular places to go with family because it’s one of the few locations where you can experience near-perfect weather anytime of year.
If you’re hoping to soak up the sun with your family on one of Greece’s many beaches, a summer visit is for you. However, the temps typically don’t dip below 70°F through September or below 50°F in the winter in any of the top places to go with family in Greece. That means the off-season is perfect for hiking, visiting shops, and checking out the local scenery without all the crowds. Check out some traveler reviews and photos from Greece.
3. Impressive islands
The islands are great family destinations in Greece because there is so much to explore on each one.
Santorini is the best Greek Island to visit for families that love to explore. Walk through history at the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, a Bronze-age village finely preserved by a volcanic eruption nearly 4,000 years ago. Ride to the top of Mount Profitis Ilias and soak up the panoramic views, lay in the black sand on Perissa Beach, or hike together to Oia. “Sometimes it can get tricky making your way, but once you get there it’s incredible,” said traveler Andres, who did the hike on his tour of the Greek Islands. Our Santorini Travel Guide dives into all the best places to travel with family on the stunning island.
Mykonos is one of the best Greek Islands to visit with family if you’re looking to relax and take in the culture. There are so many things to do in Mykonos. Wander through the winding streets of Chora, take in the colorful bougainvillea vines, hear the crashing waves as you bask in the sunlight on one of the beautiful beaches, see the iconic 16th-century windmills, or watch local life at the Old Port together.
“Greece was on my top list of places to visit and I was able to convince my 33-year-old son to go with me,” said traveler Ann. “I wondered if he would enjoy himself, but I was amazed that he had a great time. We even went to one of the party beaches on Mykonos!”
4. The most delicious eats
Whether you’re sitting down at a small, tucked-away restaurant for fresh-grilled octopus, trying roasted lamb at a table surrounded by mountain views, or eating the best gyro you’ve ever tasted, some of the best places and experiences in Greece involve food.
Make memories together around the table, and you’ll know exactly why Greece has the best vacations for families. This Greek food and wine pairing guide can help, too.
5. Magical views
Some of the best places to travel in Greece are vistas and overlooks. Views from the Acropolis, the Temple of Apollo, and Crete will take your breath away.
Crete is one of the best Greek islands to visit for the views because the entire island looks like it came out of a storybook. Between the bright blue lagoons, the pink sands of Elafonisi Beach, the white mountains, the colorful Chania alleys, and the traditional villages, every turn you take is a new sight to see.
“I very much enjoyed being able to see locations I had only ever dreamed about before,” said traveler Laura. “The history in Athens is surreal, and the beauty of the islands is breathtaking.”
6. Sites that mean something
Many families go on our Greece tours to connect with their culture. There’s nothing more meaningful than standing where your ancestors once stood and learning how they once lived together as a family.
“As the daughter of Greek immigrants, visiting the homeland was very personal,” said traveler Nancy. “This tour allowed me and my family to hit all the top sites, share in the finest cuisine, all while honoring this great country and its amazing history.”
You don’t have to be from a country to feel a connection to it, though. Many families choose destinations to reflect on their own family traditions. “When my sister and I were kids, my mother often read us a book that took place on the island of Corfu called My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell,” said Go Ahead staffer Lora. “Being able to visit that island and the places in the book, which is such a good memory for us, was unreal. Now when I read it, I can picture those beautiful places that we experienced, and I’m so glad we all got to do that together.”
7. Infinite ways to make memories
There are so many different family travel destinations in Greece, everyone is bound to find something they love. For some, the best places to travel in Greece are the historic sites like the Parthenon. For others, less traveled spots like the islands of Paros and Naxos are the perfect escape.
“This was a bucket list family trip,” said traveler Michael about his tour of Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete. “I had my wife, my two sons, one daughter-in-law, and a nephew and his fiancé with us as a combined celebration of birthdays, anniversaries, and engagement. Everyone had a great time.”
Traveler Judie said she takes every one of her grandchildren on a trip to a destination of their choice when they graduate, and that two of her grandchildren chose trips to Greece a few years apart from one another. “I did not mind because I love Greece and loved going back there,” she said. “...It’s just a memory that you have forever and you can reflect back on it. You have those memories to share with your grandchildren, and it’s great.”
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