Greece with Kids

Greece proves to be a very accommodating destination for families. Its child-friendly culture, diverse activities, and good infrastructure contribute to making a holiday with children here a positive experience.

General Suitability

Greek culture is characterized by a deep affection for children. This is evident in the hospitality of the locals; children are often given an especially warm welcome in restaurants, shops, and public places. The security situation in Greece is unproblematic for travelers with children, though the usual precautions are always recommended in busy tourist areas or large cities. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers. For families, the transitional periods in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are often ideal, as temperatures are milder and tourist crowds are smaller. Regardless of the travel time, consistent sun protection is essential.

Activities

Greece offers a wealth of activities that appeal to children:

• Beaches and Swimming: The long coastlines and countless islands offer an immense selection of sandy beaches with shallow water, ideal for splashing and building sandcastles. Many beaches boast Blue Flag awards, guaranteeing high water quality and good facilities.
• Ancient Sites: For older children, visits to historical ruins like the Acropolis in Athens or Knossos in Crete can be made lively and exciting with age-appropriate stories and myths. Short visit durations are often advisable here.
• Nature Exploration: Gentle hikes, exploring olive groves, or boat trips to hidden coves offer nature-based experiences. Cycling tours are also possible in many regions.
• Museums: Numerous museums are manageable and can be explored with children. Some offer special family tours or interactive exhibitions.
• Water and Amusement Parks: On larger islands and in popular holiday regions, water parks are often found, providing variety.

Practicalities

The supply situation for travelers with children in Greece is good:

• Baby Food and Diapers: Common brands of baby food, purees, and diapers are available in supermarkets, drugstores, and pharmacies, especially in cities and tourist areas. Special or organic products might not be available everywhere.
• Medical Care: The medical infrastructure in larger cities and well-developed tourist areas is adequate. Pharmacies are well-stocked, and doctors often speak English. Travel health insurance is recommended, and for EU citizens, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid.
• Sun Protection and Hydration: Highly effective sun protection, head coverings, and light clothing are essential. Ensure that children drink enough, especially in high temperatures.

Accommodation and Food

• Accommodation: Many hotels and resorts cater to families, offering spacious family rooms, children's pools, playgrounds, and sometimes even kids' clubs. A popular alternative is holiday apartments or villas, which provide more space and the option for self-catering.
• Food: Greek cuisine is very child-friendly. Dishes like Souvlaki, Gyros, Moussaka (often without spicy seasonings), fresh salads, Tzatziki, and especially fresh fruit and yogurt are generally well-received by children. Greek restaurants and tavernas are often very child-friendly and flexible with special requests. High chairs might be rarer in traditional tavernas but are standard in larger restaurants and hotel complexes.

Mobility

• Stroller Accessibility: The infrastructure for strollers is not optimal everywhere. Especially in old towns, on islands, and at archaeological sites, uneven cobblestones, narrow pavements, steps, and unpaved paths can make pushing difficult. A sturdy, all-terrain stroller or a baby carrier is often more practical here.
• Child Car Seats: In rental cars, child car seats are legally required for children up to a certain size or age (depending on the child's weight and height). It is strongly recommended to reserve these in advance when booking a rental car. Taxis do not always come standard with child seats; if needed, this should be requested beforehand or a private transfer service utilized.
• Public Transport: Buses can be crowded during peak hours. Ferries are generally a relaxed and often exciting travel option for families, with plenty of space to move around and often restaurants on board.