
Sea, sun, fun and food make happy family vacations
Greece is the perfect holiday destination for families with kids. Delicious fresh food, the crystal clear sea, and famous Greek hospitality are just a few reasons why Greece is great for kids.
1. Children love Greek food
Think of a rich Pastitsio smothered in cheese sauce, crisp chips with a freshly made tomato dipping sauce, barbecued, smoky meat on skewers, Greek salads straight from the garden. Even the pickiest child, when sitting at a table laden with different tasting plates, will eat their fill. Children who hated vegetables often eat them easily in a Greek taverna. The flavours are unlike any vegetables they may have tasted.
2. Children love Greek legends
By grade three most children know their Greek myths. Start your holiday in Athens and visit the Acropolis Museum to catch up on your myths. Then head over to the Acropolis to see where the ancient Athenians gathered. An easy day trip to Mycenae shows you the site where Odysseus set off to rescue Helen of Troy. If you have time, continue on to Delphi. Legend has it that this is where the infant Apollo shot the arrow that marked the centre of the universe. You’ll also find the Temple of Apollo and home to the Oracle there.
3. Safe, clean swimming on the islands
Shallow, clear water and sandy beaches are perfect for children’s swimming lessons. We recommend quiet beaches on smaller islands rather than the busy tourist spots. Prices are cheaper for food and accommodation and smaller islands are easier to get around. The first Cycladic island you reach from Pireaus is Syros. Syros is known for peaceful, sandy beaches and wind-free bays with perfect swimming. It also has sailing courses for children. The Good Life Greece is an eco-farm by the sea with vegetables straight from the garden. Your children will be in heaven collecting the farm eggs and picking salads for lunch.
4. Greek people love children
Having children with you is your passport to excellent service, warmth and affection from everyone you meet. Greek people love children and treat all children as their own. You will be pushed to the front of the queue in banks and ticket offices, and your waiter will serve you first. Every Yiayia (grandmother) will want to give your children biscuits and fruit. If you feel the need to tell your child off, watch out. A Yiayia will appear from nowhere to defend your child!