Welcome to Greece! Start your family adventure in the capital, Athens. Check into your hotel and explore the ancient city with your family. Visit the Acropolis, located on a rocky hill, it offers views of the city and houses the Parthenon, Propylaia, and the Temple of Athena Nike. End your day with a leisurely walk around the historic Plaka Neighborhood.
Climb up the Lycabettus Hill, the highest point in Athens, for panoramic views of the city. Afterward, visit the National Archaeological Museum to learn about the history of the ancient Greek world. End your day with a visit to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, one of the largest ancient temples in Greece.
Take a ferry to the idyllic island of Hydra, a place with no cars and colorful narrow streets. Stroll with your family along the picturesque harbor lined with quaint cafes and restaurants. Take a walk to view the traditional houses and visit the Ecclesiastical and Byzantine Museum of Hydra, which has an incredible collection of icons, objects of worship, and art from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Take a flight to Crete, the largest and most populated of the Greek islands. Check into your hotel and head to Knossos Palace, the ancient Minoan palace that dates back to 2000 BC. Afterward, visit the Historical Museum of Crete to explore the history of Crete from early Christian times to the present. End your day with a stroll along the Heraklion Venetian Port, the heart of the city's historic district.
Take a ferry to Santorini, a popular Greek island with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Upon arrival, take your family to the Oia Village, a romantic maze of white-washed houses built on the edge of a cliff. Afterward, take a trip with your family to the ancient city of Akrotiri, dubbed as the "Greek Pompeii". End your day with a walk to the Amoudi Bay and watch the sunset.
Take a flight to Skiathos Island. Enjoy the pristine beaches with your family, such as Koukounaries Beach, where you can go windsurfing, swimming, or relax on the sandy shores. Take a walk to the charming port of Skiathos Town to enjoy the local cuisine and visit the Bourtzi Fortress, which houses an interesting pirate museum.
Take a car to Meteora, a rock formation in central Greece that has several Eastern Orthodox monasteries that sit at the height of more than 1200 feet. Explore the Meteora Monasteries, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. End your day by visiting the Kalambaka Village, where you can experience authentic Greek hospitality and food.
Take a drive back to Athens, where you started your family-friendly adventure in Greece. On your way back, stop at the Thermopylae Museum, which displays the history of the Battle of Thermopylae, one of the fiercest battles fought in history. Spend your final day in Greece exploring Athens, shopping for souvenirs, and enjoying a final taste of Greek cuisine before departing.
During your trip to Greece, you will travel by plane, ferry, and car. Depending on your departure and arrival points, your transportation costs may amount to approximately €400-$500 per person for flights, € 250-$400 for ferries, and € 150 for car rentals.
If you have more time to spare, consider adding a day trip to the nearby island of Aegina. Alternatively, if you have less time, you could skip Hydra and spend a full day in Athens, giving you more time to explore its rich history and culture.
There are two major airports in Greece: Athens International Airport (ATH) and Heraklion International Airport (HER). Athens International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in the country and located approximately 12 miles east of Athens city center. Heraklion International Airport is located approximately 2 miles east of the city center of Heraklion, the capital of Crete. Skiathos Airport (JSI) is a small airport located near Skiathos Island, serving charter flights from Europe.