The island of Santorini and the surrounding smaller islands in the archipelago are world famous for their stunning sunsets, gorgeous beaches and superb food.
But is Santorini a good place to visit with your kids?
Photo by Jeroen den Otter on Unsplash
Well, although it isn’t well-known for it’s family vacations, Santorini is a wonderful place to enjoy with your whole family. With a little inside information you’ll find plenty to ensure a memorable holiday for you and the kids – whilst also soaking up the fantastic scenery and magical sunsets.
Here are six things to keep in mind that will make sure that your trip to Santorini is great fun for the kids too…
Visiting Santorini with the Family: 6 Things to Keep in Mind
Photo by Simon Shim on Unsplash
The Volcanic Boat Trip
The volcanic boat trip is a fantastic way to see more of the island. Did you know the island of Santorini and the adjoining islands were all created during volcanic eruptions? The islands are actually what remains of the volcanic caldera at that spot. While the volcanic boat trip will not take you near any active volcanoes (thankfully!), it’s still awe-inspiring to see the craters up close on the cruise. Swimming is allowed at the hot spring nearby. Then, once you are done with seeing the craters, the boat will go around the island to give everyone a view of the caldera cliffs. There’s even optional Greek dancing for children and anyone else who fancies it! Food is served onboard and before you return, you will enjoy one of the greatest attractions in all of Greece; watching a Santorini sunset from on top of a boat.
The Santorini Villas Experience
If you go to Santorini with the family, you just have to stay in one of the many Santorini Villas spread across the main island. It’s part of the Santorini experience. BlueVillas has luxurious villas for every occasion and for families of all sizes. The best part is that there are multiple options to choose from, whichever part of the island you like the best. The Santorini villas represent everything that the island is famous for; relaxation, luxury, great vistas of the Aegean Sea and brilliant cuisine. You will have a hard time getting the kids out of the private pools and outdoor jacuzzis – or getting yourself out for that matter! Pure relaxation is floating in a heated infinity pool and looking at a stunning sunset on the horizon of the Aegean Sea.
Ice Cream at the Lanes of Oia
The cobbled streets of the former fishing village of Oia and its bright white buildings, contrasted by bright bougainvillea everywhere, are a sight to behold. The lanes of Oia are magical for everyone to explore, including kids. As you get lost in the lanes off the main street, you can treat the children to ice cream and crepes from the local shops. If you are feeling up to it and there’s time, you could hike up to the town of Fira; capital of Santorini. The views alone are worth the hike.
Take the Kids to the Water Park
The coastal village of Perissa also has a grand beach, but more importantly, it houses Santorini’s only child-friendly water park. The water-park is small, with just three pools and three water slides. But when you are on a Greek island with multiple natural swimming spots and some of the world’s most luxurious villas, you don’t need a big water park! Nevertheless, the water park and the vibrant village of Perissa itself are well worth a visit during your stay.
The Child-Friendly Beach of Monolithos
Not all beaches in Santorini are suitable for children, but there are quite a few that are. Among them is the Monolithos beach. It is a peaceful, less crowded beach with lovely shallow waters and is perfect for wiling away a lazy day with the family.
Pick a Good Time
Santorini has fairly warm weather throughout the year, so it can be hard to pick when to visit. However it does get very hot during the months of July and August, so if your dates are flexible, avoid going then if you can. As you are going with the kids, the best times to visit are early to mid-June, September or the first half of October. To save on some money and avoid the tourist rush, visit either during May, the latter half of October or even the first half of November.
You might not get to make the most of the famous nightlife if you have children with you (!) But you CAN explore and see all the natural beauty that Santorini has to offer, with some fun activities for the kids too. When you start exploring and keep in mind these tips, you’ll find Santorini a magical place to visit with your family.
Disclosure: This is a contributed post. Please see my full disclosure policy.
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