JCAN

Hello,

We (4 adults and 2 kids) arrive in Athens in 2010 and we've never been before. So, we would like to figure out where we should go if we had 7 days there. We don't want to island hop too much so we were thinking 2 or 3 days in Athens and the rest in just one island -Santorini. Do you think this is a good idea? just that we have two kids and was wondering if we also went to Crete that it would just be too much packing and unpacking. But, on the other hand, if 4 days in Santorini is too much, then, maybe it'll be OK going to Crete as well...
And, we would have to get a flight out from Athens to Santorini and return. If we went to another island, it would cost even more with flying...?
Suggestions. And, also which hotels?- kid friendly and also can accomodate 6 people.

Thanks,

travelerjan

You don't say which month. It matters. June is better than July for Athens. July is the hottest month. You are right ... with only 1 week, 1 island. Santorini will be fine, but if you want a hotel with a caldera view, you will have to put out the extra €€ for a pool as well...because it will be HOT. If you want to stay in Oia, the Hotel Anemomilos has a "sea" view (of the eastern side) but it also is kid-friendly, a good-size pool and a reasonable room rate, for that pricey area. Many Oia hotels do not welcome kids, because of the steep steps, no guard rails etc.

BTW, you also don't share the age of "kids". Are they 5 & 6? 8 and 12? or 14 and 16? More details would help. ALSO -- your approximate budget per night in Euros will help this forum's Santorini experts give you advice without spinning their wheels in vain. IF you need help in converting your dollar budget into Euros, here is a currency conversio website: http://www.xe.com/ucc/

Maria_H

Does it have to be an island? There is plenty to do within driving distance of Athens, which might be easier with a 3 and 5 year old, who will probably be happier on the beach. I'd drive to somewhere like Nafplion, or to be right on the beach, maybe even Tolon or Paralio Astros. These are just over 2 hours drive from Athens and put you in a great area for many fantastic ancient sites, plus beaches for the children.

Kristinelaine

The kids' ages are in the title of the post.

dfr4848

Does the 7 days include any travel time, ie do you arrive on day 1 from overnight flight and/or leave on day 7?

With kids that age, I wouldn't move around much so I'd either visit Athens and 1 island, or Athens and the Peloponese [the suggestion of Nafplion and immediate area is good - beautiful town on the coast].

Greece is very kid friendly. Athens has plenty to keep everyone busy. And Santorini is as beautiful and stunning as it's reported to be. As mentioned, some hotels discourage kids depending on their location. We stayed in Oia at the top of the caldera (with an amazing view), so we didn't run into the steep stair, etc problem.

If you have 7 full days, I'd split the time between Athens and an island or Peloponese.

JCAN

Thanks so much for all the responses. They help immensely. I would like to spend about 250 Euros to accomodate all of us (2 bedrooms and a living room for the kids OR 3 bedrooms). It would be good if it had a swimming pool (with a nice view)and has shopping nearby. We are not renting a car so it'll just be walking around with two kids all the time.
I believe we arrive in AThens at 6pm and then we have 7 full days in total, separate of the trip to Athens day and the trip from AThens day.

travelerjan

What Month?

littlejane

Just back from Greece with a little girl (nearly 3).

Santorini is my favourite place in the whole world but it's just not really a kid friendly place. I would choose another island (or the peloponnese as suggested earlier) and leave Santorini for another time when they are older or when you can go on your own.

Athens also is not really a great place to bring kids, sorry, unless they are really interested in ancient history and it is a total pain to walk around with a buggy, pavements there are just not made for pushing little ones around. Unless you are going in off season when it won't be too warm, I'd regretfully advise keeping time there to a minimum.

Where in Greece would I recommend so? Corfu, Rhodes, Naxos, Paros, Crete, Tolo in the Peloponnese as already mentioned (and there is a great place there to stay with kids called Heliotopos, I reviewed it recently on Tripadvisor).

Would really recommend a car if you stay on the mainland or go to a larger island - it's hard to tramp around in the heat with 2 kids. We had a car and it made things much easier (and we are used to driving on the left, if you already live somewhere that you drive on the right it should be manageable).

stanbr

While Santorini is spectacular I think the post from litttlejane really hits the mark. With a young one you are going to have to use a stroller or dads shoulder and there are lots of steep stairs and the little streets in Fira are paved with small round rocks. Not nice for a stroller at all.

With small kids I would suggest you head to Naxos. It is a large island with good beaches and a compact old town area and waterfront. It is kid friendly particularly St George beach which has nice sand but the water is very shallow.

St George is adjacent to Naxos town so there is lots to do for those adults who can find a moment to slip away but it is far enough away that it is really quiet at night for a good sleep.
You might Google Hotel Spiros. It is set back about 100 meters from the beach but has a pool and one and two bedroom units and is reasonably priced, well under your price range at least in May June and Sept Oct the shoulder seasons.

Here are some Naxos pictures. I think it is ideal for your situation.
http://travel.webshots.com/album/570796960FtMsPF

travelerjan

JCan never came back for more advice although he/she asked for lodgings advice.

I agree with Littlejane about santorini for kids.. not the best choice. I also think that a car rental will make the visit most productive & relaxing(and what is the problem with this? you can get a car or a mini-van at a VERY reasonable rate, especially if you can drive stick-shift). BUt it all depends on the time of year too... which JCAN did not share with us.

My recommendation would be to rent a car right out of the airport (the tots will fall asleep in back seat and drive straight to the Nafplio area on the Pelopponese. It's only 2.5 hours, on a modern divided highway, no tdraffic lights. GORGEOUS town to explore on foot... and u can stay nearby in the type of housing you specifically asked for -- pool, next to sandy beach... 10 mins drive (or local bus) to Nafplio sights... with Stroller-friendly flagstoned streets.

http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/...owPhaistos.htm
http://lilly-villa-tolo.focusgreece.gr/en/aboutus.htm

here's a Fodorite's slide show of the beauties of Nafplio... it's on a peninsula so you get the "island feeling"... believe me, this has it all.
http://travel.webshots.com/slideshow/551991579dJbWvh

This will give you a true taste of Greece without the hassle & time of ferries or the cost of flying... do consider it JCAN (if you ever come back).

HappyTrvlr

I think Paros , Naxos or Crete would be better for kids than Santorini.A caldera view in Santorini means you are on a cliff edge and I wouldn't feel comfortable bringing small kids there.

tengohambre

Having just returned from Santorini, I agree that while it is one of the most beautiful spots we have ever seen, it doesn't seem like the best destination for very young kids. Aside from the hills and steps, it isn't someplace whose majesty they will remember. Another island with easily accessible and long beaches, if you are heading in the summer, is likely your best option.