A 6-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary to Explore Greece

  • Day 1: Athens
    Acropolis Museum (1 hour, free), Acropolis of Athens (2 hours, €20) 16 minutes (3.2 km) from the airport to Acropolis Museum

    Experience Greece's capital, Athens, that celebrates its ancient with modern life. Starting from the Acropolis Museum which was dedicated to the findings of the historical site, your family can learn significantly and deeply about Ancient Greek civilization. Afterward, visit the majestic monument, Acropolis of Athens - this grand structure has a deep history and offers stunning architecture and views, the perfect way to begin your Greek adventure.

  • Day 2: Epidaurus, Nafplio, and Mycenae
    Epidaurus Theater (2 hours, €12), Fortress of Palamidi (2 hours, €8), Archaeological Site of Mycenae (2 hours, €12) 2 hours 4 minutes (138 km) from the Acropolis of Athens to Epidaurus Theater

    This excursion takes you through two of the best-known ancient sites in Greece - the perfectly preserved theater of Epidaurus and the mythical kingdom of Mycenae. The family can enjoy exploring the ancient architecture while learning about Greek history. In the afternoon, head to Nafplio and visit the Fortress of Palamidi, a beautiful castle towering over the city accessible. The extensive staircases and narrow passages will call for a thrilling family adventure.

  • Day 3: Olympia
    Archaeological Site of Olympia (3 hours, €12) 3 hours 40 minutes (237 km) from the Fortress of Palamidi to Archaeological Site of Olympia

    Spend the day exploring the archaeological site of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The site is enormous and full of historic findings that give a glimpse of the lifestyle of the ancient Greeks. Learn about the ancient games, and your kids can compete in your mini Olympic games?

  • Day 4: Delphi
    Archaeological Site of Delphi (3 hours, €12), Delphi Archeological Museum (1 hour, €6) 3 hours 40 minutes (241 km) from the Archaeological Site of Olympia to Archaeological Site of Delphi

    Discover the ancient site of Delphi, filled with mythical legends and is a testament to ancient Greek history. Explore the haunting ruins and temple sites and visit the Delphi Archeological Museum, which houses a lot of ancient statues and artifacts. Be sure to admire the views from the top of the site.

  • Day 5: Santorini
    Amoudi Bay (2 hours, free), Oia Village (2 hours, free), Red Beach (1 hour, free) 45 minutes (8 km) from Santorini Airport to Amoudi Bay

    Take a beautiful ferry ride to Santorini, one of Greece's most beautiful islands. Visit the iconic Amoudi Bay, hosting some of the island's most famous seafood places. Next venture to Oia Village, which attracts visitors for its beautiful white-washed houses and luxury boutiques. Lastly, visit the Red Beach - the perfect opportunity for relaxation with the beautiful views.

  • Day 6: Crete
    Heraklion Archaeological Museum (2 hours, €10), Samaria Gorge National Park (5 hours, €5) 30 minutes (24 km) from Heraklion Airport to Heraklion Archaeological Museum

    Round off your Greek experience with a family-friendly trip to Crete. Visit one of the best archaeological museums in Greece - Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Then, admire the scenic nature of the island with a visit to the Samaria Gorge National Park, which ends with a beautiful beach attraction where you can rest and relax before heading back home.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Acropolis of Athens (2 hours, €20)
  • Epidaurus Theater (2 hours, €12)
  • Fortress of Palamidi (2 hours, €8)
  • Archaeological Site of Mycenae (2 hours, €12)
  • Archaeological Site of Olympia (3 hours, €12)
  • Archaeological Site of Delphi (3 hours, €12)
  • Delphi Archaeological Museum (1 hour, €6)
  • Amoudi Bay (2 hours, free)
  • Oia Village (2 hours, free)
  • Red Beach (1 hour, free)
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum (2 hours, €10)
  • Samaria Gorge National Park (5 hours, €5)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €97 per person

Transportation

While public transportation is available and quite affordable, rental cars are recommended for families to carry their essentials and make their commutes timely, costing roughly €40-€80 per day, excluding fuel. The cost of taxis from the airport to Athens city center is roughly €38, with prices rising to around €130 if traveling between cities. Domestic flights are also available for around €40-€70 per person, reducing travel time between locations.

Useful Tips

If you have additional days, consider visiting Meteora, an unusual rock formation hosting stunning Byzantine monasteries. You can also learn about Greek mythology with a visit to the island of Delos, a short ferry ride from Mykonos. But if you are running short on days, skip Crete, and explore Athens markets, Day Trips from Athens, and the Greek nightlife instead.

Airports

Greece's major airport is Athens International Airport (ATH), located around 33km east of Athens' city center. The airports in Santorini, Chania, Heraklion, Rhodes, and Corfu provide both international and domestic service.

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