Our one-month road trip in Greece as a family was a truly unforgettable journey for us and our two young children. It was the main destination of our three-month road trip starting from home: Italy, Greece, and a return journey through the Balkans. You will find all the details of this trip in our article currently being written.

This journey through Greece was incredibly rich and diverse: music, mountains, culture, history, delicious food, myths and legends, paradisiacal beaches, turquoise waters, cliffs, ruins, monasteries… The distances are rather short, making it a very easy country to travel through with young children. We only managed to visit a small part of the country; there is still so much to see and do in Greece! We will definitely return for the Cyclades, the Peloponnese, and Mount Olympus.

After crossing the Adriatic Sea by ferry (with Grimaldi Lines) from Italy to Igoumenítsa, we began our epic one-month road trip across Greece on a captivating Ionian island: Lefkada. We then travelled back to the Ancient World in Athens and Delphi. Next, we were amazed by the breathtaking natural beauty of Meteora and Vikos, before ending our Greek adventure on another Ionian island: Corfu (and then continuing our road trip into Albania).

6 Days in Lefkada with Kids

The island was the perfect place to begin our own Odyssey. The scent of mysterious Lefkada is a blend of flowers, pine trees, ancient myths and salty sea air.

What to Do in Lefkada with Kids

  • Take a short but adventurous hike to the Nidri Waterfalls: from the car park, it’s a fairly short but rocky walk (a baby carrier is recommended). Arrive early to avoid the crowds and the heat, and don’t forget your swimsuits! Our children loved exploring the caves and spotting frogs along the way.
  • Enjoy the spectacular views from the hilltop village of Neochori.
  • Watch the fish and admire the crystal-clear water at Agiofili Beach. Located at the southern tip of the island, there is a parking fee and the beach is pebbly, but it’s absolutely worth the trip.
  • Stroll through the charming village of Agios Nikitas, relax on its two beaches and enjoy fresh fish for lunch or dinner. We recommend eating on the terrace at Sapfo to enjoy the stunning view over the bay.
  • Browse the lovely shops and bookshops in the old town of Lefkada Town.
  • Watch the sunset from Paralia Agios Ioannis, with its iconic old windmill ruins.


 

The Whole Family’s Favourite Activity: A Timeless Day Aboard the Odyssea

This full-day boat trip aboard a replica of an ancient Greek galley was the highlight of our stay in Lefkada. First of all, as parents, it was such a pleasure to simply relax and let ourselves be carried along. We also enjoyed spending time with the captain, who personally restored this remarkable vessel, and his son. We learned so much while soaking in breathtaking scenery. Never had we felt so close to the spirit of Homer’s Odysseus.

The itinerary included a sea cave, views of Kefalonia, Ithaca and the southern cape of Lefkada, a stop in the village of Spartochori on Meganisi Island, Klimaki Beach with a delicious barbecue lunch, and finally views of Skorpios (the billionaires’ private playground and Jackie Kennedy’s famous beach). The icing on the cake? Dolphins joined us!


Where to Stay in Lefkada

We absolutely loved our accommodation, Villa Dimitris, a lovely apartment with the most charming Greek garden, a wonderful swimming pool and spectacular views. The location was perfect, just a few minutes’ walk from the iconic Agios Ioannis Beach and its handful of cafés.

4 Days in Athens with Young Children

After our relaxing stay in Lefkada, we headed to the Greek capital. We knew it wouldn’t be the most relaxing part of the trip, a large city with high temperatures and two young children, but we have absolutely no regrets. Our eldest loved exploring the Acropolis and visiting the museums. In total, we spent five nights and four days in Athens (although three days would have been enough if you prefer a faster pace).

What to Do in Athens with Kids

  • Enjoy a Traditional Greek Dessert

Try the famous loukoumades (Greek doughnuts) at one of the Lukumades locations, or indulge in delicious pastries at the iconic Nancy’s Sweet (which we didn’t have the chance to try ourselves but was highly recommended by Greek friends).

  • Admire Ancient Greek and Roman Ruins from the Outside

Here’s a budget-friendly tip to enjoy Athens’ archaeological treasures without paying the entrance fees, which can quickly add up. For us, seeing many of these sites from the outside was more than enough with young children. There are certainly many more to discover, but these are the ones we came across during our walks:

  1. Kerameikos Archaeological Site: an ancient cemetery that we passed on our way from our place to Monastiraki.
  2. The Temple of Hephaestus.
  3. The Roman Agora of Athens and its famous Tower of the Winds.
  4. The Stoa Poikile (Painted Porch), where we were lucky enough to watch archaeologists at work during ongoing excavations.
  5. Hadrian’s Library.
  6. The Temple of Olympian Zeus (currently under restoration and covered in scaffolding).
  7. The Acropolis towers above the entire city and can be admired from almost every corner of Athens. It’s easy to walk around it and enjoy different viewpoints throughout the city. However, in our opinion, this is the one site that is truly worth visiting up close.

The Acropolis: Visiting the Site, the Museum and the Scenic Walk

Be sure to book your tickets well in advance during the high season!

Our eldest had been looking forward to visiting the Acropolis for weeks. The early time slots were already fully booked, so we opted for the 6 p.m. entry on a Monday, hoping to avoid both the heat and the crowds.

Even though we visited in mid-June, before the peak tourist season and the hottest part of the summer, it still felt extremely busy and very hot. The entrance fee is expensive, but standing at the foot of the Parthenon is an unforgettable experience.

Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, as well as your smartphone for your tickets and the official audio guide app.

The day before, we also visited the Acropolis Museum to admire the statues and friezes and learn more about the site’s fascinating history. We were glad we did it beforehand, as we wouldn’t recommend visiting both the museum and the Acropolis on the same day with young children.

After visiting the museum, take some time to stroll along the pedestrianised Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, which starts just outside the Acropolis Museum and offers some of the city’s best views of the Acropolis. Nearby, Philopappos Hill also looks like a fantastic viewpoint, although we didn’t have the energy to climb it.


  • Enjoy Brunch or Relax in Athens’ Coolest Cafés

If you’re looking for a peaceful rooftop surrounded by greenery, we highly recommend the café on the rooftop of the Benaki Museum. Here’s another money-saving tip: you can simply walk through the museum entrance to reach the café without buying a museum ticket. The prices are reasonable, there are vegan options, and we really liked our brunch there.

My favourite place in Athens (we went there three times!) is the vegan bakery and café Holly Llama, which also serves excellent brunches. As someone who is lactose intolerant, it felt like paradise: vegan pain au chocolat, croissants and cheesecakes that are simply irresistible.

Another lovely stop is the cosy bookshop café Little Tree Books and Coffee, or enjoy brunch surrounded by lush greenery at The Place by COCO-MAT in the Gazi district.

  • Eat ice cream in Athens

There are ice cream shops on (almost) every corner. We tried the gelato at Arte Athens as well as the sugary paradise Hänsel & Gretel (a fun experience for kids, but not the best ice cream for adults).

  • Go shopping in Monastiraki and Plaka

For shopping, head to the pedestrian street of Ermou where you’ll find all the mainstream stores. For souvenirs, the best place is the flea market (right by the metro exit). We brought a book, Playmobil figures dressed as Greek gods, earrings, and winged sandals like Hermes (our son absolutely refused any other pair).

  • Let the kids play at the Hellenic Children’s Museum

It’s free, but make sure to book well in advance! We hadn’t, and we were lucky enough to get in thanks to a cancellation.

  • Watch the changing of the guard

We attended the Sunday 11am ceremony in front of the Parliament. Honestly, it wasn’t that impressive for us, as we were quite far back in a large crowd. It is possible to see the guards up close at other times, or in front of the Presidential Palace along a pretty flower-lined street. We also managed to watch the end of the parade from the terrace of the restaurant at the Benaki Museum.

  • Have a meal with a view of the Acropolis

There are plenty of options, for all budgets, with rooftops, terraces, or even street-level views.

  • Take a relaxing break in the Athens National Garden

Enjoy the shade of the trees while watching the turtles.

Where to stay and how to get around Athens with a family

From one street to another, the atmosphere can change dramatically. We stayed in the Gazi district, but in a part with many abandoned buildings. It’s a former industrial area, now a “cool” nightlife neighborhood. It wasn’t ideal for a family trip, although it was well located for sightseeing. We admit we felt a bit uneasy about leaving the car parked on the street; but we emptied it completely and had no issues.

As for transport, we mainly walked or used the metro (taxis seemed affordable, but we didn’t need them). We had read many warnings about pickpockets in tourist areas and especially on the metro. However, we found the metro very easy to use with children. It was not crowded, clean, and simple to navigate. If you are used to the Paris metro, Athens will feel quite reassuring.

Half a day in Delphi

On the road between Athens and Meteora, we stopped at the “center of the world” (according to Greek mythology): the town of Delphi. An incredible stop, with the Temple of Apollo facing such a beautiful view! The ruins of the ancient Greek theatre and stadium are still very well preserved. And honestly, the landscape behind the ruins makes the experience magical and almost mystical.

The museum (included in the entrance ticket) pieces are impressive and quite different from what we saw at the Acropolis Museum in Athens.

We visited in a few morning hours, and the village is just a short walk away for lunch in a local taverna.


2 days in Meteora with young children

After cities and ruins, we headed towards a fascinating natural wonder. Meteora is a spectacular landscape. Shaped by tectonic movements and millions of years of erosion, it consists of enormous rock pillars topped with monasteries. It’s a perfect blend of geology and history.

What to do in Meteora


Note that when visiting monasteries, you must pay attention to your clothing: women should wear long skirts, and men should wear long shorts or trousers (knees must be covered).

A family bike tour in Meteora

We love cycling tours, and with Meteora e-bike we had a perfect experience. The two Vasilis and Jenny truly deserve their five-star reviews! The equipment (including helmets in all sizes, which is rare with rental companies) and safety standards were excellent. We were able to carry our 3-year-old on a seat behind one of us, and our 5-year-old rode behind the other on a co-pilot bike.

The 4-hour tour around Meteora (including two monastery visits) was very enjoyable and informative. The guide adapted perfectly to the children. With electric assistance, we could climb easily and take our time to enjoy the scenery. Water and snacks were included!

 

Where to stay in Meteora with a family? The town of Kalambaka

The small town of Kalambaka is a great base for visiting the nearby Meteora rocks. You can see these stunning mountains from the town center, where you’ll also find shops and tavernas.

Vikos Gorge: Greece’s mountains with kids

After just a two-hour drive, we discovered even more nature in the heart of Greece. Don’t miss the Greek mountains: dramatic landscapes, fascinating flora and fauna, stone bridges, small villages, a breathtaking green canyon, and such a relaxing atmosphere (somewhere between tradition and a touch of hippie spirit).

What to do in Vikos Gorge with young children?

  • Dip your feet in the natural pools along the walk to the Papingo Rock Pools (be careful, it’s very cold; the bravest can swim), then have lunch at this charming café with plenty of vegan options: Κουκουνάρι Πάπιγκο.
  • Go for a swim (still very cold but more accessible) under the Aristis Bridge (Papigo Bridge)
  • Take in the breathtaking viewpoint over Vikos and…
  • Hike down to the springs (for the most adventurous). We did it with our 3- and 5-year-old children all the way to Angastromeni Springs, but in hindsight we felt it was quite ambitious given the elevation gain and the sun! (And it’s even colder than the previous swimming spots)
  • Walk to the Beloi Viewpoint and have lunch at the excellent café-boutique Skala tou Vradetou (you have to try the wild mushroom pie).
  • Don’t miss the Oxya Viewpoint (less walking required), which pairs nicely with a descent to the Holy Monastery of Saint Paraskevi and the stone forest (Stone Forest).
  • Cross the many ancient stone bridges over the river around Kipoi; it’s truly worth the detour. There are hiking routes that let you explore the whole area.

Where to Stay in Vikos Gorge: Zagori

We highly recommend Hotel Machalas in Zagori. It was the most authentic place we stayed during our trip to Greece! It had everything we could have hoped for: wonderful hosts, breathtaking views, a lovely garden (perfect for children), warm vintage décor, a comfortable room, and hiking trails starting right from the property.

5 Days in Corfu with Kids

Corfu was our final stop in Greece, and by then we were already feeling nostalgic about this incredible journey across the country. We stayed in a resort in the north of the island. It was the only all-inclusive hotel of our trip, and we have mixed feelings about it. It’s not our style of travel. Staying there meant missing out on discovering (and sharing with you) the local tavernas and cafés, which is usually one of our favourite parts of travelling.

On the bright side, it gave us the opportunity to book a short babysitting session and enjoy a little adventure as a couple!

What to do in Corfu with toddlers?

  • Explore the inland areas, Mount Pantokrator, a monastery, and Palea Peritheia, the oldest village in Corfu

We also visited Mount Pantokrator and Palea Peritheia in the same trip. The road between the mountain and the village includes a long unpaved section, so if you are using a rental car, don’t drive too fast. It went fine with our C3 Aircross.

At the summit, the view is impressive, although you should expect a lot of radio antennas. The small monastery is still worth a visit. The walk through the stone village of Palea Peritheia is very pleasant, with beekeepers working in the area. It’s a perfect place to stop for lunch on one of the flower-filled terraces of the local tavernas.


  • Stroll through Corfu Town

This is worth doing either on arrival or departure from the ferry to avoid unnecessary detours. The old town and the port are pleasant. Plan about 1–1.5 hours to walk around, unless you want to visit paid attractions such as museums or the old fortress. There are many shops, cinemas, and cafés. The Venetian architecture is charming, but in our opinion it is not an essential visit with children.

  • Watch fish with the kids

We really enjoyed Paralia Mpataria. It was easy to spot fish with a mask and snorkel, or even just by looking in the clear water with small children. Be careful with parking: to park close to the beach you need to arrive early, and the parking is reserved for the bar and sunbeds (quite expensive). It is very pleasant early in the morning with excellent visibility, so it was worth paying (but if you are willing to walk, it may be possible to park further away). At least we had sunbeds, as it is a pebble beach.

  • Go on a snorkeling adventure in caves and hidden beaches (without the kids)

Right next to our accommodation and not marked on maps (we found it by chance). We arranged 1.5 hours of babysitting (the only real advantage of the resort) and jumped into the water for an adventurous break. Lots of swimming, but also deserted beaches, incredible caves, and a small island full of birds. Our favorite kind of date! You can start from this spot.

  • Relax on a sandy beach and watch the sunset

We enjoyed Paralia Agios Spiridonas, close to our accommodation.

  • Take a boat trip to explore caves, deserted beaches, and go snorkeling (this time with the kids)

We went on a boat trip with Paleo Sea Travel. They offer many options, and we chose the Kasteli, Blue Caves & Limni Beach boat trip. The itinerary included 1.5 hours at Limni Beach, where snorkeling was excellent. Our son was proud to spot sea stars. We then took a wooden boat to explore sea caves and swim for 30 minutes in the turquoise waters of Kastelli Beach, accessible only by sea. Finally, we were dropped off back at Agios Spiridon Beach. We quite enjoyed the excursion, though, as always, we regretted not spending more time on the beach. One downside was seeing bread being thrown to the fish.

  • Explore the Palaiokastritsa coastline

The coastline around Palaiokastritsa was beautiful but crowded (parking is very limited and the beaches are small or harder to access compared to the north of the island).



The Ionian Islands: Corfu vs Lefkada?

100% Lefkada for us: wilder, fewer tourists, and much easier access by car thanks to the bridge. However, if you are looking for shopping, a larger city, cultural outings, nightlife, and direct access by flight, then Corfu is more suitable.

Our dream Odyssey: Greece as a family

To conclude, this trip was pure happiness! Our route involved fairly short distances, easy driving, plenty of time to rest and explore each destination. A perfect mix of city life, culture, time travel, nature, beaches, hiking, and water adventures… The kids loved it, and so did we. We dream of coming back to explore other parts of this vast and fascinating country with its incredibly rich history.

We traveled in June, intentionally avoiding the crowded and very hot July–August period. It was a good choice, although it was already warm! This is also why we went quickly to Athens to be there mid-June rather than later.

Bonus: the food is absolutely delicious!

Reading list about Greece (for kids and adults)

  • The novel Circe by Madeline Miller, a spellbinding feminist retelling of mythology that I really enjoyed. Seeing it from a different angle really made me want to dive back into Ancient Greek myths.
  • The epistolary novel by Victoria Hislop, Cartes Postales de Grèce. I didn’t expect to enjoy it this much, even though I’m not usually a fan of epistolary fiction. It is so well written, and it really immerses you in Greece through different eras and very realistic characters.
  • The crime series set during the financial crisis in Athens by Petros Markaris.

Films and series about Greece

  • The Netflix miniseries Kaos (sadly cancelled, but brilliant).
  • The film adaptation of the musical Mamma Mia!, at least for the ABBA soundtrack (there is a sequel).
  • Classic 2000s historical epics: Troy and 300 (and the upcoming Odyssey film expected in 2026).

Audio content about Greece for children