So, your family wants to take a trip to Greece. It’s not always easy to plan a family trip, and Greece can be tricky due to logistics. Don’t let that stop you! In order to plan a trip to Greece you will need to make several decisions before you make any bookings. I can personally attest that Greece is one of the best family vacations for teens. But, you will want to read along if you are planning a trip to Greece and want to create epic memories with your family.
How to Plan a Trip to Greece
Getting to Greece with your Teens
Plane tickets round trip to Greece are not inexpensive, but they are easy to find. You will most likely have a layover in another European city prior to landing in Greece. The most common points of entry are Athens, Santorini, or Crete. Sometimes you can find a better flight deal by maximizing a layover in a “new to you” city. Check routes to cities that offer direct flights to your point of entry in Greece and see if the flight prices are better for you. Most families will find themselves with time in Athens to explore the city on the front end or tail end of their trip to Greece. We did just one night in Athens, and it would have been nice to do two.
Plan Your Travel Days
First you need to decide how much time you have to take a vacation to Greece. Now build in a travel day on the front end of the trip and one on the tail end of the trip. The days you have leftover will determine how much you can see and help you plan your activities in Greece. Flight times from the U.S. are a bit longer than to central Europe. So, you should expect a few extra hours of travel compared to a typical western European destination. Further down I sketch out a few itinerary options.
Connecting to the Islands
If you fly into the capital city of Athens, you will need to then connect to the islands either via high speed ferry or domestic flight. There are a number of ways to do this, depending on your priorities. First decide which island group you want to visit. The most typical options are the Ionian islands and the Cyclades islands.
The Ionian islands are the 6 northern islands located off the West coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea. These islands are accessible by domestic flight from Athens or via ferry after taking a road trip across the Peloponnese peninsula. This island group has a distinct Venetian vibe. The most popular tourist spots are Corfu and Zakynthos.
The Cyclades islands are located in the Aegean Sea, south of Athens. Several of the larger islands have airports and accept domestic flights and a few have international airports. Most are also accessible via high speed ferry from the Athens port of Pireaus as well.
Crete is technically not in the Cyclades, but is often part of an island hopping adventure because it has ferry connection to Santorini and Milos. It is such a large and diverse island that many plan a family trip for a week or more to Crete for a complete holiday.
Time in Athens, Greece
Anyone planning a trip to Greece should include time in the capital of Athens. Athens has had a bit of revival as a European city destination. The resurgence of shops, restaurants and hotels has revitalized Athens as a city destination. Most families stay in Athens for two or three nights to see the sights and adjust to the jet lag. If you and your family are visiting during the hottest of the summer months, consider making your local tours for early morning or later in the afternoon when the crowds and the heat relent.
On a first trip to Greece you won’t want to miss the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Wingless Nike, and Hadrian’s Arch as popular points of interest in Greece. There is very little shade cover and the summer months are quite hot. Bring sun protection and water for your day in Athens. Although the public transportation is fairly easy to navigate, there are also a host of hotels and apartments that are within walking distance of the Acropolis. Check out Plaka, Monastiraki, City Center, or Makriyanni for walkable and trendy hot spots.
If you and your family have already visited Athens and want a different vibe, consider staying 15 km away from the city center on the Athens Riviera. This is a great spot for a more relaxed visit, away from the bustle of the city. This area can also be a great last night stop before heading home. There are several high end hotel options like The Four Seasons or the brand new One & Only Aesthesis.
Plan a Day Trip from Athens Greece
Another way to maximize your time in Athens is to get outside of the city and take a day trip somewhere on the mainland. There is so much to do in Greece and two of the great aspects are history and mythology. Here are a few ideas of what to do in Greece for families. Teens, kids and adults alike enjoy these aspects of mainland Greece.
- Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon : perfect for the history buffs and those who love mythology.
- Meteora : this is a common tour done via train from Athens, but will take up an entire day. You can hike or explore the complex of monostaries while oohing and ahhing over the rock formations.
- Footsteps of the Apostle Paul to Corinth : for those of you looking to enrich your spiritual heritage or gain more knowledge about Christian history, this would be an incredible day trip from Athens.
- Sparta/Mystras/Limeni : a UNESCO world heritage site from the Byzantine era located on the Pelopennese peninsula and a great day road trip.
- Delphi : the religious center of the ancient Greek world and an iconic spot for history buffs to visit.
The Best Greek Islands for Teenage Families
Milos
Milos is one of the lesser known islands, but it’s gaining popularity. Families with older kids enjoy this island because it offers a bit of adventure. The unique beaches are out of this world. You won’t want to miss swimming in the caves and snorkeling the day away. Hop on a boat tour to the fishing village of Klima or to take a sunset catamaran sail. You will find families cliff jumping and enjoying the incredible outdoor dining options. It’s an incredible destination.
Ios
The main Chora is chock full of restaurants, shops, and nightlight. While fun to see during the day, it’s at night that this area comes alive. Ios has a lot of nightlife. There are dozens of beaches accessible by foot or ATV including Mylopotas, Maganari, and Kolitsani (clothing optional!). Find a spot like the Ios Sunset Club to end your day and start your evening. You will find a lot of young adults on this island looking for a wild time, but it’s a great island for people watching and enjoying the vibe.
Santorini
This is the island everyone dreams about when they go to Greece. It’s beautiful. It’s iconic. It’s crowded and also expensive. If at all possible, spend a minimum of 3 nights here so you can get a good feel for the island and see it without the throngs of daily cruise passengers. The late evenings and early mornings can be absolutely blissful and you should take advantage. Make dinner reservations late, for after the crowds depart.
Spend a day renting ATV’s and exploring parts of the island and beaches that the masses never get to. Mesa Pigadia, Monolithos, Eros, or Pori are quieter beaches. Just keep in mind they won’t have sun beds or umbrellas and require a little more adventure to find and access. Ammoudi is super unique and quite rocky, but worth checking out because it’s so different. Teens will love it for the cliffs!
Crete
Crete is huge! If you and your teens love outdoor adventure and hiking, then Crete is a great stop for you. The Western side of the island is primed for an incredible luxury ocean resort type holiday. You can relax and take in the breeze at the pool. On the Eastern side of the island you will find rugged terrain perfect for hiking, climbing, and adventuring. If your family is into wine, this island has a lot to offer for that type of touring as well. Check out Domes Zeen Chania for a spectacular 5* stay. Crete has two airports that make seeing just one side of the island possible. If you want to explore both sides, I recommend renting a car.
Paros & Antiparos
This island pairing is still a little sleepy, but is gaining popularity quickly. This little island duo is easily connectable via quick ferry and offers a more relaxed family atmosphere. Although there are no big resorts, both sides of Paros give a family with teens plenty to explore. I recommend a car rental for your time on Paros so you can enjoy everything. You will find that many sailing charters embark from Paros so the port is busy with ferries and sailboats. We didn’t see many Americans on Paros, but it felt like a European holiday melting pot. This is the island we would return to again and again.
Naxos
Naxos is another island where a rental car is warranted. You and your teens will want to drive and explore the countryside together where you will observe a very relaxed way of local life. There is a great mix of agriculture, stunning beaches, the fabulous maze of the chora, and more. One of the best things we did on Naxos was to head to a hilltop restaurant in the interior for dinner and a glorious sunset. The drive back to our hotel was absolutely dreamy! For a very local experience, Naxos is a great island to include as you plan a trip to Greece with your teens.
Mykonos
What used to be a chill, family oriented Greek island, Mykonos has become quite the place to see and be seen. Mykonos has grown in popularity for beach parties and nightlife. The island is most alive during the months of June-August and can become quite crowded and rather expensive. If you have the opportunity to visit in May or late September the island will be quite a bit more quiet. However, if you’re looking for a fun, lively Greece vacation, Mykonos is the place to be. Bring some friends, meet some friends and get ready to stay up late and wake up late!
The prices continue to increase on Mykonos, but is worth a stay for a few nights before hopping off to another island. Check out the newly refreshed Cali Mykonos for a good family option.
Corfu
Corfu is perfect for a family escape with your teens. This island feels almost like it’s connected to Venice, Italy. The buildings are remniscient of an Italian dream, and there is no shortage of shoreline resorts and hotels to dream away the day. Cape Drastis at sunrise will leave you speechless, and you’ll need a rental car or scooter to get up top to see the incredible natural wonder. If you’re looking for the best beaches, seek out the Canal d’Amour. Like most Greek islands, one of the keys is to get out on the water to enjoy the stunning blues and beat the heat. Wander the winding streets and get lost in the markets and shops.
There are several day trips you can take from Corfu to smaller islands, but this is not the area you would do island hopping necessarily. This is more of a destination in itself. For a dreamy island family getaway, check out Angsana.
Zakynthos
The overwhelming coastline of Zakynthos will take your breath away, and you will need to have a boat rental to make the most of it. Make your way to shipwreck cove (Navagio Beach) via boat and Turtle Island and Keri Caves for fun water adventures. Walk across the footbridge to Cameo Island for a small fee. The town of Zakynthos is full of shops, restaurants, churches, and bars. The Bochali Venetian Castle will give you some history of the Venetian rule of the island and spectacular views. For another viewpoint adventure, check out Myzithres for dramatics views of the Ionian Sea.
The very best ways to experience Zakynthos are with a rental car to explore and a boat rental or boat tour to see the beaches and coastlines. Again, this is not really an island hopping island, but a destination in itself. Another way to enjoy Zakynthos with your teens is to take a road trip across the Pelopennese peninsula to do some extra historical and cultural sight seeing. Now that would be an incredible Greece family vacation.
How Much Does a Trip to Greece Cost?
Every trip will have different budget constraints, but there are some items that will remain nearly the same for everyone. I will break down average costs into categories and offer a total average cost for a trip to Greece.
- Domestic Flights will typically run between $50-$80 one-way during peak season
- High Speed Ferries will vary, but expect to pay $20-$30 for short rides and $60-$90 for longer rides
- 3* Hotels during summer peak season will cost about $250-$550 for 4 people/night
- 4* Hotels during summer peak season will cost about $500-$800 for 4 people/night
- 5* Hotels during summer peak season will cost about $800-$1500 for 4 people/night
- Private Boat Tours in Zakynthos will cost around $250 for 4, but in Paros around $405 for 4.
- Walking Tour of The Acropolis with a guide during summer will be $20/pp
- Food in Greece is relatively inexpensive. A family of 4 can eat a nice dinner for about $60. Many hotels offer quick breakfast service as part of the rate and lunch is usually on the go or in town, which will run about $40 for a family of 4.
The Perfect 7 Day Greece Itinerary for a Family Trip
A 7 day Greece itinerary would mean that you have given your family a travel day on the front end and possibly on the tail end as well. This 7 day itinerary does not include travel days.
Day 1: Arrive in Athens and get checked into your hotel or apartment and freshen up, change clothes and grab a water bottle and snack. Do an afternoon tour at The Acropolis to keep you moving and awake. Walk the neighborhood where your hotel is and find a spot for an early dinner. Relax and get a good night’s sleep.
Day 2: Explore Athens and other sites that interest you and your family. Do a little shopping and eat an outdoor cafe in Plaka.
Day 3: Catch a flight to Corfu and pick up a rental car. Check into your hotel and enjoy the beach and pool for some chill time.
Day 4: All day boat tour out on the waters around Corfu for snorkeling, swimming, and exploring.
Day 5: Take the rental car up to Cape Drastis for an unforgettable sunrise, then take the car into Corfu town for breakfast and street wandering.
Day 6: Do another boat day trip to Kefalonia and enjoy a little island hopping in some of the most beautiful waters you have ever seen.
Day 7: Take a slow morning to eat breakfast at the hotel before check out. Catch a flight back to Athens before you fly out to head home. If you built in another night to spend in Athens, head to the Athenian Riviera for a super luxe last night.
The Perfect 10 Day Greece Itinerary for a Family
With 10 full days to explore, you have the opportunity to island hop down the in the Cyclades for a complete Greek isles experience.
Day 1: Arrive in Athens and get checked into your hotel or apartment and freshen up, change clothes and grab a water bottle and snack. Do an afternoon tour at The Acropolis to keep you moving and awake. Walk the neighborhood where your hotel is and find a spot for an early dinner. Relax and get a good night’s sleep.
Day 2: Explore Athens and other sites that interest you and your family. Do a little shopping and eat an outdoor cafe in Plaka.
Day 3: Catch a flight to Santorini. Store your luggage at your hotel or try to check in early. Explore the area near your hotel and/or enjoy some chill time at the pool. Wait to head to town until later for sunset views and a later dinner.
Day 4: Rent ATV’s (about $75 per ATV) to explore Santorini and find some of the off the beaten path beaches. Don’t miss Red Beach if you’re renting from Fira, but if you’re renting from Oia, check out Pori Beach for a quiet spot.
Day 5: Start the morning in Santorini and enjoy breakfast before you head out for a cooking class together. Many cooking class experiences include market shopping as well. Spend the late afternoon and evening relaxing.
Day 6: Catch a ferry to Milos. Check in to your hotel or apartment, but don’t linger. Find your way to Sarakiniko Beach for cliff jumping and swimming and climbing the moon-like beach area.
Day 7: Do a boat tour around Milos on a catamaran and sail away for a day of fun.
Day 8: Catch a ferry to Naxos or Paros and pick up your rental car at the port. Spend time shopping and walking the maze of the Chora. Check in to your hotel.
Day 9: Enjoy exploring Naxos or Paros by driving the island and visiting beaches and towns through the day.
Day 10: After a slow breakfast, catch a ferry back to Athens. Spend your last night in Athens before flying home.
An Epic Greece Family Vacation
Greece is an incredible destination with so much to see and explore. The islands offer a mix of adventure and relaxation, each with its own personality. The logistics may be overwhelming, but it’s worth it to create a memorable time of connection as a family. Your teens will remember a trip to Greece for a lifetime.
If you need help putting everything together and want a customized trip to Greece, I can help. As a travel advisor, nothing gives me more joy than to match a family with the right itinerary and the right hotels to meet your needs and your desires. I have a Calendly meeting schedule available if you have serious questions and inquiries about developing a travel plan for you and your family.
