Elena Mavridis – First Immersion in Greece in 2009 My journey to Greece began with an unexpected gift of fate. As a philology student, I won a grant for a summer language program in Athens. What was planned as a three-month academic adventure completely transformed my life. Stepping onto the land of Hellas, I felt an inexplicable thrill – as if my soul recognized the place where it was destined to flourish. After completing the program, I made an impulsive decision to stay for another six months, working as a translator for a small tourism company. Every weekend, I dedicated to exploring new corners of the country – from the majestic ruins of Peloponnese to the secluded beaches of the Cyclades. For over 16 years now, I've been working as a Greece expert, creating unique journeys that reveal the authentic soul of this ancient land. I live between Athens and the island of Naxos, constantly expanding the map of my Greek discoveries. Greece is an amazing world where myths come alive in every stone, and history breathes in modernity. Greeks are incredibly open people for whom philoxenia (love for guests) is not just a tradition but a way of life. Over these years, I have developed more than a thousand personalized itineraries for travelers from around the world, created a popular podcast about Greece's hidden treasures, published an illustrated guide to Greek regional cuisines, and collaborate with leading travel magazines as an expert on authentic Greek destinations.
Santorini with Kids
Santorini, renowned for its stunning views, picturesque villages, and vibrant sunsets, might not be the first destination that comes to mind for a family vacation. However, with the right planning and knowledge, it can be an unforgettable experience for both parents and kids. This guide provides expert insights on making the most of a trip to Santorini with kids, including must-see attractions, best beaches, and practical travel tips.
Must-See Attractions for Kids
- Walk from Thira to Oia: An 11 km hike with breathtaking caldera views. Suitable for older kids who can handle a bit of walking.
- Black Sand Beaches: Perivolos and Vlachata offer unique black sand and surrounding carved cliffs, making for a novel beach experience.
- Akrotiri: Explore the ancient city buried in volcanic ash. The bio dome covering the excavation is a sight in itself.
- Santorini Wineries: Many wineries are family-friendly. Gavalas Winery in Megalochori is a great example, offering a unique experience.
- Sunset Views: While Oia is famous for sunsets, Thira also provides stunning views. Enjoying a sunset from a caldera rim restaurant is a must.
- Pyrgos and Megalochori: Visit these quaint villages and walk the scenic 2 km path between them.
- Boat Ride: Take a cruise to Nea Kameni and experience the volcanic island. Note that the hot springs might not be worth it, but the volcano tour is fun.
- Fish Spa: A unique experience where kids can enjoy a fish pedicure.
- Wandering Thira and Oia: Explore the maze-like streets, full of charm and surprises.
When to Go
The best time to visit Santorini with kids is during the spring. The temperatures are mild (55-70°F), and the island is less crowded than in the peak summer months. This season also showcases beautiful wildflowers, enhancing the island’s natural beauty.
Click here to create a personal itinerary for GreeceWhere to Stay
- Imerovigli: Offers stunning views from the highest elevation along the caldera rim and is quieter than Thira or Oia.
- Firostefani: A calmer extension of Thira, offering easy access to the main town without the hustle and bustle.
- Megalochori: A quaint inland town with a lovely central square, perfect for a peaceful family stay.
- Pyrgos: Perched on the highest hill, providing spectacular views and a more serene environment.
Transportation
While Santorini has pedestrian-only areas, many parts require a car for safe and convenient travel. The roads are narrow, and drivers can be fast, so always prioritize safety. Buses are available but have limited schedules and routes, making a rental car the best option.
Since 2015, our website has specialized in individual planning of unique routes, taking into account personal preferences and desires. Each of you will receive a unique PDF file from us, which contains everything you need: travel routes, car rentals, hotels, the best tourist attractions, attractions for kids and everything you need for a perfect vacation. During the trip, we are available for you by phone via WhatsApp. Our personal service provides information from A to Z, taking into account many small details that can become a decisive factor on the way from a wasted trip to an unforgettable vacation. Our service will make your trip comfortable, save a lot of time on planning and preparation, and most importantly – will allow you to become freer and fully enjoy the pleasure of the trip.
Where to Eat
- Yogi and Gyros, Thira: Affordable and delicious gyros, perfect for a quick meal.
- Skala, Oia: A reasonably priced Greek seafood restaurant with a nice ambiance.
- Franco’s Cafe, Pyrgos: Offers stunning views and a limited menu of small plates, ideal for a light meal.
- Galini, Thira: Known for its fantastic brunch, especially the savory pancakes.
7-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
- Arrive and settle into your accommodation.
- Explore the local town (Imerovigli, Firostefani, Megalochori, or Pyrgos).
- Enjoy a local meal at a recommended restaurant.
Day 2: Thira and Oia
- Morning: Walk from Thira to Oia, taking in the stunning caldera views.
- Afternoon: Relax at a cafe in Oia and explore its picturesque streets.
- Evening: Dinner in Oia at Skala.
Day 3: Akrotiri and Beach Day
- Morning: Visit the ancient city of Akrotiri.
- Afternoon: Spend time at Perivolos or Vlachata black sand beaches.
- Evening: Return to your accommodation for a home-cooked meal or dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Pyrgos and Megalochori
- Morning: Visit Pyrgos, explore the castle, and enjoy the views.
- Afternoon: Walk to Megalochori, have lunch, and visit a winery.
- Evening: Dinner at Franco’s Cafe in Pyrgos.
Day 5: Boat Ride to Nea Kameni
- Morning: Take a boat tour to Nea Kameni.
- Afternoon: Explore the volcanic island and return in the late afternoon.
- Evening: Sunset dinner in Thira.
Day 6: Leisure and Exploration
- Morning: Relax and enjoy the local area.
- Afternoon: Visit a fish spa and explore more of Thira or Oia.
- Evening: Dinner at Yogi and Gyros in Thira.
Day 7: Final Day and Departure
- Morning: Last-minute shopping and wandering the streets of Thira or Oia.
- Afternoon: Relax at a beach or cafe.
- Evening: Prepare for departure and enjoy a final meal at Galini in Thira.
Tourist Tips List
- Rent a car for convenience and safety.
- Visit in the spring for mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Choose accommodations with kitchens to save on meal costs.
- Book travel in advance to ensure availability, especially in the off-season.
- Be prepared for temperature changes at sunset.
- Stay in quieter towns like Imerovigli, Firostefani, Megalochori, or Pyrgos for a more peaceful experience.
- Plan activities suitable for kids, balancing relaxation with exploration.
- Use baby carriers for young kids due to hilly terrain and lack of pavements.
- Ensure safety when walking on roads and near steep drops, especially in Oia.
Enjoy local cuisine and find budget-friendly dining options.
What we propose Emma Heidi Take all the stress out of planning your trip! With our experts, you can create the perfect itinerary for you – complete, comfortable, and tailored to all your dreams, wishes, and needs. We take care of every little detail, so you can simply focus on enjoying your journey. We’ve been designing personalized itineraries since 2015, and over the years we’ve created thousands of custom itineraries for happy clients. Save time, avoid confusion – we do the work for you. Our service saves you weeks of searching, reading, comparing, and complicated planning. Instead of wasting endless hours – you receive a ready-to-use, accurate and clear itinerary. A tailor-made itinerary – built just for you. Your itinerary is personally designed based on our experts’ real field experience and genuine feedback from hundreds of travelers – including hidden discoveries and insider tips that don’t appear in any travel guide. Smart accommodation selection – often saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We help you choose verified and recommended places to stay, checking availability for your exact travel dates. Sometimes we suggest hotels not “in the center,” but in safe, convenient, and highly strategic locations – which can significantly reduce travel costs and save you even thousands of dollars. We’re by your side even during the trip. We stay with you throughout your vacation – providing professional help whenever needed. If the weather changes, there’s a strike, a local event, heavy crowds, or any unexpected situation – we are here to update, guide, and adjust your itinerary in real time. Easy-to-use itinerary – with direct navigation links. Your itinerary includes direct Waze / Google Maps links – no need to search for parking addresses, no stress, no mistakes. Just tap – and go. Want to know if it’s really worth it? Take a look at the experiences of travelers who built their personal itinerary with us. Click here and let’s start building the itinerary that will save you time, money, and stress – and turn your vacation into perfection. Of course, your first inquiry is completely free – with no commitment whatsoever. How it works
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