As we left Naxos this spring I reflected on where we had been before and felt it necessary to mention our lovely trip to Santorini.
While it’s not traditionally a place for children to visit, as its more a place for lovers, my daughter loved it. My parents, my daughter and I had flown direct from Luton to Santorini with Easy Jet.
We splashed out on a hotel in the Calderas called Abelonas Retreat, a boutique hotel with the best views on the island. Every morning we woke up to breath taking views. We had the duplex on the top floor, so we had to negotiate three flights of stairs to arrive and leave our hotel. But I felt worse for the hotel staff who brought heavy trays with elaborate breakfasts every morning to our duplex.
If it wasn’t too windy they would place the tray on our table outside on the balcony. It was packed with thick amazing greek yogurt, Greek coffee, fresh orange juice and every type of greek delicacy. Since it was the beginning of the season we never had a moment without wind in early April. We would watch the thick mist being burnt off by the sun every day early in the morning. It was a magical setting and certainly we have never seen views anywhere else in the world like in Santorini. It was the most expensive part of our trip in Greece but worth it.
Once we started our day in a magical way we headed off to walk from Imerovigli where our hotel was to Oia. Quickly we found out this was a long walk and that there was a public bus to get us there. We found the public bus stop with great difficulty after almost being run over several times when walking down the narrow roads heading to the sea. Eventually finding the right stop we got on the large public bus and half an hour later were in the incredible town of Oia.
We spent the entire day enjoying the shops and nice restaurants and views of Oia, which has incredible vistas from every ancient nook and cranny. Oia has a castle, white washed homes and blue domed churches.
What really tickled me was that they have official tours for flowing sunset dress “photo shoots” and locations set up just for Instagram-worthy photos for ladies who want to be captured in flowing dresses. Sadly, I have to save my money for my daughter’s tourist souvenirs; otherwise, it could have been me posing in a flowing dress!
We looked over along the volcanic rocks and impressive Caldera views in Armeni Bay, and at the end of our visit, we found the Oia windmills. There were just a couple of the traditional windmills at the end of the pathway, which were historically used to mill flour, but they were beautiful in that setting, nevertheless.
The churches of Agios Spiridonas and Agios Anastasis are some of the most recognisable Greek island icons, with blue domes and white facades in Oia. One of the main attractions is the Church of Panagia Platsani in Oia’s main square.
But Maya’s favourite sight seeing spots were the many cat houses built on the streets with food and water to care for the stray cats.
We enjoyed the whole day in Oia, and when night fell and the temperature dropped we found ourselves at a very good restaurant across from our hotel called Anogi. This place was so good we ate there several times.
The next day we headed again by bus to the main town of Santorini, Fira. This was a much easier journey as our hotel had direct bus lines to Fira. I found Oia prettier than Fira but enjoyed Fira in different ways. Fira has more affordable shops which my daughter and mother spent many hours in. I found some lava soap and lava body moisturiser which are famous in the area and enjoyed that.
Fira also has amazing views and more affordable food options. From Fira we took the Santorini cable car to the port which has a whole new world of shops and walks and a lovely harbour. The cable car tickets for adults cost €6 and for children €3 and it runs around every 20 minutes. We ended up spending the rest of our day there eating fresh fish at a fish restaurant and wandering the harbour after My daughter loved feeding the fish and sitting on the boats in the harbour.
We were lucky that the last run from the lower station leaves later at 22:00 because we almost missed the last cable car.
Some people took donkey rides instead of the cable car but there been reports the donkeys are not treated well so we didn’t. It’s also a lot more expensive to take them and the pathway looked steep, but my daughter liked stroking the donkeys when they arrived at their feed station inside the port.
After a long wonderful day we took the bus back to our hotel. The next day we looked at the hike between Oia and Fira but it’s too hard with a four year old and takes an average of 3 h 13 min to complete. But it is a popular area for hiking, so it’s a good destination to go with older children as the trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Our four days went too quickly in Santorini and before you knew it we were packing up and going to
the port of Athinios for our departure to Naxos. Unlike Mykonos island, Santorini (or Thira) has only one port that serves passenger ferries – Athinios. l managed to call an Uber to the port and it was cheaper than the taxi quoted by the hotel.
It was when we were standing with a long wait for the Uber that I realised we had all forgotten our passports in the hotel reception where we had left them at check in! I was then thankful we had left early for our ferry giving the Uber and us plenty of time! We took a ferry trip from Santorini to Naxos, on Seajets, and we chose the Express Jet because the trip is only an hour and a half but it was very convenient and comfortable. It costs €50 per person which was worth it considering the amount of travel time we were cutting out by taking a boat.
Overall Santorini was an amazing destination for the elderly and young also. It’s not just a lovers sunset vacation spot and should certainly be put on everyone’s bucket list!
Frequently Asked Questions about visiting Santorini with Kids
Is Santorini Family Friendly?
Absolutely, yes! While it’s famous for being a couple’s paradise, families are just as warmly welcomed. With thoughtful planning, you’ll find it a perfect destination for kids of all ages.
What Food Options Do Kids Have?
Greek cuisine is super kid-friendly—think pita bread, grilled meats, fresh fruit, and plenty of cheese. Restaurants are also accommodating and can prepare simpler dishes like pasta if needed.
Can You Walk Everywhere with Kids?
If your kids can handle walking, you’re golden! Otherwise, public buses, car rentals, and taxis are all family-friendly ways to get around.
What Activities Work for Toddlers and Older Kids?
Toddlers will enjoy beach time and poolside naps, while older kids will love boat tours, exploring ruins, or trying out snorkeling.
Where to Stay in Santorini with Kids?
Accommodation can be tricky for families, as many hotels are designed with adults in mind. Thankfully, there are plenty of family-friendly options too!
Oia: Offers breathtaking views, but better for families with older kids due to its hilly terrain.
Kamari or Perissa Beach: More relaxed, with family-run hotels, playgrounds, and close proximity to safe, sandy beaches (perfect for young children).
Fira: The island’s main hub with lots of kid-friendly restaurants, shops, and access to public transportation.
Pro Tip: Look for accommodations with a pool—kids will live for it, and you’ll thank yourself later during those precious quiet hours.
When is the best time to visit Santorini, Greece?
The sweet spot for visiting with kids is during the shoulder seasons, mid-April to early June or September to early October. Why?
Weather: Warm, breezy days but not scorching heat.
Crowds: Fewer tourists, which means more space on beaches and less waiting in line.
Costs: Prices for flights and accommodations are lower compared to the peak summer months.
Safety Tips and Health Essentials
Traveling with kids? Here are a few pointers to keep everyone happy and healthy:
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: The heat can take a toll during the summer months. Keep water handy at all times.
Strollers vs. Baby Carriers: Many parts of Santorini, especially Oia, have steps and steep paths. Baby carriers can be easier to manage than strollers.
Pack Sunscreen and Hats: Those iconic white buildings reflect a lot of light—don’t underestimate the sun’s strength!
First Aid Kit: Keep a small kit with essentials like band-aids and motion sickness remedies for ferry rides.
Why Santorini is Worth Visiting for Families?
It is one of the most picturesque islands in Greece, and it’s not just for honeymooners. Families who visit often gush about the rich history, amazing food, and warm hospitality that makes it a children-friendly destination.
Imagine your kids exploring ancient ruins in Akrotiri, collecting volcanic rocks at Red Beach, or marveling at the turquoise waters of the Aegean while tucking into fresh baklava. Sounds pretty amazing, right? While Santorini isn’t your typical “kids’ theme park” escape, it offers unique and unforgettable experiences for children—if you know how to plan for it.
Why is Santorini so famous?
It is famous for its stunning volcanic landscape, white-washed buildings, and picturesque instagram worthy sunsets.
Is Santorini in Greece or Italy?
This question gets asked a lot!
Santorini is in Greece, not Italy. It’s part of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, known for its iconic whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and stunning sunsets.
The confusion often comes from Santorini’s Mediterranean charm, which shares similarities with some Italian coastal towns, like those in the Amalfi Coast or Southern Italy. Both regions boast picturesque cliffside villages, warm climates, and historic significance, which can blur the lines for travelers. However, Santorini’s distinct Greek heritage, language, and cuisine set it apart as a treasured part of Greece.
Is Santorini expensive?
Santorini can be considered expensive, especially during peak travel seasons like summer, as it’s a top-tier destination. Luxury hotels, fine dining, and iconic activities can add up quickly. However, there are ways to visit Santorini on a budget if you plan wisely. Opt for accommodations in less touristy villages like Pyrgos or Karterados instead of Oia or Fira, which are pricier.
For dining, seek out local tavernas rather than upscale restaurants with caldera views. Many beaches and walking trails, like the Fira-to-Oia hike, are free to enjoy, and you can save on transportation by using buses instead of taxis.
With some savvy planning, you can experience the charm of Santorini without overspending.
Discover:
Our trip to Athens
Our trip to Chalkida
Trip to Napfilio
