Santorini needs a little introduction. Iconic sugar-cube houses, topped with brilliant blue domes, cobbled streets, delicious food, sunsets to die for – the beauty is endless. But is Santorini a good choice for families traveling with children? Whilst it may not have the obvious kid-friendly attractions, there are plenty of things to do on Santorini that the whole family will enjoy. Here, we take a look at three of the best.
1. Take a Boat to the Volcano
Volcanoes are exciting, boats are exciting, so why not combine the two? You’ll sail to the volcano, then hop off and begin the climb to the top. The walk takes about half an hour each way. It’s suitable for families, but very young children will struggle, so make sure that your child will be confident to walk with you.
Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with fabulous views of Fira and Imerovigli. There’s a faint whiff of sulphur in the air, and the odd wisp of smoke to add to the excitement of walking on a real live volcano. Your kids will be sure to want to tell their friends about it when they get home.
After your walk, it’s back on board the boat for a bite to eat, or even some Greek dancing if you have any energy left, before heading back to port. There are various companies that run this type of tour and you can often just turn up on the day, but it can be worth booking in peak season to make sure that you get a spot.
2. Let Their Imagination Run Wild
Santorini has some fascinating villages to explore and the mazes of cobbled streets and colourful doorways are the perfect place to get your children’s imagination going. Pyrgos has a castle with fabulous views, and Emporio is a tangle of pretty streets that you can get pleasantly lost in.
A visit to Santorini’s villages is a real chance to step back to the past and get those storytelling skills up to scratch. You think about how life might have been for children who lived in the village or wonder about all the myths and legends that began their life on this magical island. These villages have an almost untouched feel, which is a real contrast with the glamour of the resorts.
3. Hit the Beach
Beaches in Santorini can sometimes require an early start for young families. The black sand gets very hot by midday in the summer, which can make traditional beachside sandcastle building something of a challenge. Fun on the beach is possible though – head down early before the sun hits its peak and you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the sea and sand.
One of Santorini’s best beaches for young families is Perissa beach. The beach has been awarded Blue Flag status, so you can be confident the waters are clean and safe. You’ll find good facilities here too, such as sunbeds and umbrellas, so there is plenty of shade. You’ll also find places to grab a snack or a drink, which can be helpful for hungry little ones. Perissa beach has water sports too, so older children can have fun and burn off some energy.
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