The best activities for young children to try in Greece

Beautiful Greece is a treasure trove of sun-filled days, nature exploration, and adventure for all the family. But if you’re planning a holiday with young children, you may be wondering exactly what they can experience here. From wandering along pristine beaches to climbing ancient ruins, Greece is teeming with stunning natural and historic landscapes that offer fun, educational, once-in-a-lifetime memories for children of all ages.

Here, we dive into some of the best activities young children can try while visiting Greece.

Beach days

As part of the Mediterranean, Greece naturally boasts some of the most idyllic beaches in the world. Calm, warm, shallow waters stretch for miles at beaches such as Elafonisi in Crete, Kalogria in Achaia, and Stupa in Messenia – perfect for family beach trips with young children. After a generous layer of sun cream, or while suited up with long-sleeved sun protection swimwear, they’ll play for hours splashing in the shallows, building sandcastles, and finding shells on the shore.

The Greek mainland is surrounded by an archipelago of around 3,000 islands, and there’s a plethora of coastal activities to be found on each. Spending a day or two island hopping on a boat is an exciting way to show the little ones more of the tropical island lifestyle. The islands are sprinkled with quaint villages and friendly people, and it isn’t hard to find a family-run restaurant in between exploring rockpools and breathtaking beaches.

Hikes and nature trails

Greece is home to 10 national parks and two marine parks, where rare and wonderful sights are waiting to be discovered. Even the smallest of toddlers will appreciate the awe-inspiring view atop the soaring mountains surrounding Vikos Gorge in Epirus, one of the deepest gorges in the world, with walls almost 3,000ft high. Hiking to the viewpoints is considered easy for adults, but it’s worth taking a child carrier or sling for the tikes just in case. And don’t forget to pack plenty of water and snacks as you explore away from the resorts.

If you are staying in or near Epirus, be sure to travel to the region’s capital city of Ioannina. Nestled on the shore of the glorious Lake Pamvotis, there are plenty of fun things to see and do for everyone here. Visit one of Ioannina’s fascinating museums to learn about the history of this region, complete with interactive elements for children. Or, take a boat ride to the tiny island in the middle of the lake, where children can roam freely and pretend to be tiny little pirates claiming their spit of land.

Agrotourism

What better way to teach the kids about another culture than by getting involved with local agriculture? Agrotourism is becoming increasingly popular across Greece, with small farms, vineyards, and olive groves opening their doors to willing participants. From olive picking to grape harvesting to sheep herding, both grown-ups and children alike will enjoy getting stuck while learning about a different way of life.

There are many opportunities to stay on a farm in Greece, complete with gorgeous guest houses, daily activities for all ages, and delicious meals prepared with ingredients fresh from the soil. As a heartwarming experience for all the family, agrotourism is a brilliant way to create memories while enjoying a more eco-friendly holiday.