See Also
- Best Hotels for Families in Santorini
- Coloring Sheets About The Greek Island Santorini
- Where to Lodge in Santorini
- Traveling to Greece with Children
Additional Reading: Map of Paris Districts
Table of Contents
Visiting Santorini with Kids
There is no point in refusing the fact. Traveling to Santorini with children can be testing. However, the astonishing natural beauty of Santorini should not be missed either. Since visiting Greece was the objective, it would be a shame to overlook Santorini. Santorini should absolutely be included in the itinerary.
As long as you know in advance what conditions are present, I think Santorini is a suitable island to visit with families. But the best way to ensure enjoyment for all involved is to keep busy and explore what the locale has available. It`s not truly a locale to relax by the pool mainly (save that for Naxos,Paros, or Mykonos). Here’s a list of ideas for making a family visit to Santorini unforgettable, entertaining, and worth remembering.
Cons
- Most visitors are adults – and most aren’t visiting Santorini to spend time with children. However, you will far from be the only family in Santorini and there will be plenty of kids when dining out.
- Its beaches contain dark volcanic sand that may become intensely hot in the center of the day sun.
- Accommodations are expensive. Many hotels have a boutique feel with small trendy rooms.
- Wine and cuisine are major attractions for Santorini – however, they are not top activities suited for the typical child.
Pros
- There are many great swimming spots scattered across the island.
- Young guests enjoy the boat tour around the volcanic caldera and a swim from the boat to reach the naturally heated spring.
- There are several villages interconnected with intriguing paths and winding alleyways that are extremely fun for kids to explore.
- The history of the island, volcano, and caldera is incredibly fascinating. (The Best of Santorini tour is an excellent way to see the highlights.)
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Top 10 Tips for a Family Vacation in Santorini
1. Book Your Hotel Early
For many islands showing up on the ferry without a hotel booking isn’t problematic – actually, it’s half the fun. However, this isn`t the case on Santorini. Book a hotel as soon as you know your dates and plans. There aren’t numerous hotel rooms on Santorini that will sleep a family of 4 to 6, which makes early booking even more vital. The following are some of the top family-friendly hotels on Santorini.
2. Visit Other Greek Islands
In an ideal scenario, we all could spend as much time as desired exploring each Greek island. However, of course your time is limited. There are many excellent kid-friendly islands in the Cyclades but spending over 3-4 nights on Santorini may be too lengthy.
Experiencing Santorini, even with just a short visit, allows one to immediately observe the island`s natural splendors. As travelers arrive by ferry, the steep cliff views take their breath away. (Landing by plane permits similarly stunning perspectives from above.) The ride from Athinios port up to the main inland towns presents scenic delights all its own. (Those reaching the Old Port on a cruise enter a landscape only traversable by cable car, donkey, or footpower.) Yet strolling Oia or Fira`s lanes grants a felt appreciation for the island`s remarkable natural beauty, with the caldera constantly in view below.
3. Do a Boat Tour to the Volcano
This excursion is one of the highlights of Santorini. The boat first takes visitors to the volcano where they hike to the summit to see some of the craters formed over the years. Next is a swim in the warm seawater of the hot springs below. Dinner is then served onboard, followed by a cruise around the base of the island where the cliffs of the caldera can be viewed up close. Finally, visitors watch the sunset and participate in some Greek dancing (a small theatrical element but still very fun) before heading back to port. These trips are easy to book upon arrival so advance arrangements are unnecessary.
4. Explore the Towns of Pyrgos and Emporio
These 2 wonderful traditional villages are a colorful maze of pathways and alleys. Pyrgos is constructed on a hill with an old castle at the top and fantastic views. Emporio is flatter and smaller, but both offer plenty of chances to get happily lost. The archaeological site at Akrotiri is also excellent).
5. Hit the Beach in the Morning
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The sand doesn’t get really hot until afternoon, so get to the beach early and enjoy the peace, quiet, and cool of some great Greek beaches. The best beach on Santorini for kids is Perissa.
6. Walk from Fira to Oia
This roughly 10km/6-mile walk is only suitable for families with older kids due to the distance, but what a scenic route it is! The trek is fairly uncomplicated, though should take at least three hours with children in tow. Set out early in the morning before it gets too hot, and remember to bring sufficient water and sun protection. Eat lunch in Oia then bus or taxi back to Fira (unless your hotel is in Oia of course, in which case you`ll do the reverse). If you have a toddler or young child, just doing a portion of the hike like Imerovigli downhill to Fira is a better option. And definitely don’t take a stroller or jogger on the hiking trail.
7. Go to a Movie at the Kamari Open Air Cinema
This constitutes one of the most amusing activities to partake in Santorini. The movies aren’t constantly appropriate for kids, so check the schedule beforehand, but they generally involve popular Hollywood-style movies in English (with Greek subtitles).
8. Wander the Streets and Lanes of Oia and Fira
Great views and cobbled roads aren’t just for adults. You likely know best if this sounds like something your kids would find fascinating. But I’d be surprised if most parents couldn’t make an afternoon of wandering and exploring. Ice cream, crepes, and a few stories about exploding volcanoes will add to the experience.
9. Go for a Swim off the Rocks Below Oia
It is not obligatory if you possess experience in natural and landscape photography, you are aware of all the creatures visible in the Canadian Rockies and where to locate them, you comprehend how to take pictures of the northern lightsand you can scheme the finest photographic spots.
10. Rent a Car
The transport system around Santorini includes buses, thus using the buses isn`t absolutely necessary, but a rental vehicle makes experiencing some attractions on the island more convenient. All buses use Fira as their central hub. Therefore, traveling from somewhere like Oia to Akrotiri requires a stop and transferring to another bus in Fira.
Therefore renting a vehicle could provide views of the caldera from various angles around the island. Hitting the best beaches for children at Santorini (Perissa and Monolithos) also becomes possible. Stopping at one of the island’s wineries likewise presents advantages. These activities become simpler with the availability of a car.
Hotels for Families in Santorini
Large rooms are limited on Santorini, so advance reservations are recommended if more space is needed beyond the typical layout with two queen beds. The following hotels have family rooms with increased capacity.
- Aria Suites & Villas – Fira
Large villas with private plunge pools and amazing caldera views. - Anteliz Suites – Fira
Senior and VIP suites. - Check prices for Ruby Lucy
- Astra Suites Imerovigli
Rooms with beautiful family rooms offer caldera and sunset views. - Le Narcisse BlancHotel phone: +33 1 40 60 44 32
- Andronis Arcadia • Oia
Family Suites, Two, Three, and Four Bedroom Villas, and the 6-bedroom Eden Villa can accommodate families ranging from 4 to 12 persons. All include heated, outdoor, private infinity pools. Three and Four Bedroom villas add an outdoor jacuzzi. Eden Villa has 2 pools. - El Greco Resort & Spa Hotel – Location: Fira Triple and quad rooms
- Whitedeck Hotel in Imerovigli
Family cave suite is a good size. - Fanari Villas • Oia
Good sized suites sleep 5 (or maybe 6). - Kamares Apartments in Fira
Large family suites. - Sea Sound White Katikies Apartments – Perivolos
Sea view suites for large groups. - Sea View Beach Hotel Hotel – Location: Perivolos Suites for family of 6.
- Aegean Plaza Hotel – Kamari
Large triple rooms. - Voreina Gallery Suites – Pyrgos.
Deluxe suites with private pool.
Apartments for 4 to 6 people.
Triple and quad rooms.
Getting There
You can find more detailed information about traveling to Santorini on our How to Get to Santorini page.
Ferry To Santorini
Ferries travelling at high speed and catamarans from Athens to Santorini take approximately 4 to 5 hours. Traditional ferries take between 8 and 10 hours relying on the vessel and route utilized. The approach to the island by ferry is spectacular and worthwhile for relaxing on board for half a day. Ferryhopper is an excellent method to search for and book ferry tickets in Greece.
Flights To Santorini
Flights from Athens and Thessaloniki to Santorini are available with Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines. The following budget airlines offer inexpensive flights to Santorini from major hubs in Europe (e.g. London, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Paris) as well as smaller airports:
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Santorini with a Baby – Specific Tips
Helpful advice on travel was found below on an online forum. After connecting with the author and gaining more input, I decided to post it here for all. It`s been edited for brevity and to integrate her later additions.
I have traveled with my kids before, but this visit to Santorini was my longest solo trip with just my 4-month-old son. (My husband and 2-yr-old daughter stayed home.) Here are some observations from visiting Santorini with a young baby.
Traveling with a baby on a multi-leg, overnight flight to Greece
It is best to book flights well in advance so you can secure a seating arrangement that has the option of a bassinet. I know several major airlines like British Airways offer these. The downside is these bassinets can restrict the movement of the person in the middle seat for as long as the bassinet remains installed. If traveling with another adult, this confined individual may be one of your group… but since I was flying solo as a parent, it was a total stranger. This created some interesting discussions around space and timing for placing the bassinet. If possible, wait to set up the bassinet after meals so you or the stranger in the seat can use the restroom. (I held my son in my arms while dining). BA permitted me to board early and go through transfer at Heathrow using the priority lane. If they don’t direct you there, just inquire.
Adjusting to Time Changes, Jet Lag, and a Baby’s Sleep Routine
My son adapted more readily than anticipated (typically he does not sleep well or keep a consistent schedule, so I expected difficulties). I followed the same guidelines for him as I use when traveling overseas: Adjust immediately to the new routine and include an extra nap when needed. With the bright sunlight, it would have been very challenging to try maintaining his home schedule (and I would have been miserable).
Best place to stay with kids
We stayed at the Anema Residence Villas, located about ten minutes away from Fira by car on the flatter part of the island. It was such a lovely place that I felt eager about spending time there while my son napped. We easily and happily spent time during the hottest hours of the day without any challenges. We had our private pool just outside the room, so I could relax there while he rested inside – and I could still easily hear him. There was ample room so we and our belongings could spread out comfortably. Though the villa`s cost was a bit more than many of the hotels, the difference was not huge, and the rate covered a rental vehicle.
Baby supplies – What to take
Santorini was larger than I expected and I could find most everything at the grocery store in Fira, like US brand diapers. Since I’m still breastfeeding, I didn’t require formula, but my recommendation would be to bring what you need if you use a specific brand. They had restricted choices of baby formula and it didn’t compare well to US products. There were no Similac or organic formula brands available.
Don’t take a stroller
I rued transporting my stroller through the airport. Some advised that it could be useful to have so the infant might have a spot to sit while dining out, etc, yet I found it wasn`t worth the effort to withdraw it since most areas are off hilly cobblestone paths. And I didn`t employ it in the airport either. I did utilize my Baby Bjorn and kept the youngster fastened in while I ate or took turns having companions hold him while we ate.
Transportation of vehicles and child car seats
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Things to do
July in Santorini holds much heat. I found it difficult to be outside with an infant. Even with a hat on him and consistent application of sunscreen, I remained anxious about the sun`s rays. We focused our activities in the early mornings and evenings. During the day, we stayed at the villa and took in the scenery, pool, and cool refuge offered. Unless starting very early or later in the evening, don`t attempt to hike between Fira and Oia – really any portion of it. The sun beats down intensely. Additionally, strolling around Fira other than in the evening was damp and disagreeable. But once sunset commenced, we visited the town. Restaurants and wineries were very accommodating of a baby. I have never been anywhere with people as fond of infants as Santorini. People gave him kisses and requested to hold him, going above and beyond to suit us. We dined at (and enjoyed) Nicolas in Fira, Katina`s on Ammoudi Bay (Oia), and the Sigalas winery outside of Oia.
I am delighted that we undertook the trip. Several individuals from the travel forum in my life doubted my decision to travel such a long distance with my son alone. While definitely presenting stressful moments, like nearly crying as my son wailed through the lengthy customs line upon our return stateside, I was still fully able to enjoy my journey – in fact, some of my fondest memories stem from having my son with me. People seemed eager to engage with me as a person rather than merely a tourist because of his presence.
