Santorini is an idyllic island, but planning a family vacation there can be challenging due to the many steps, high temperatures in summertime, and lack of child-friendly hotels.
With careful research and booking ahead of time, you can still have an amazing family vacation in Santorini! Here are the top 5 attractions for families with children on this remarkable island.
1. Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum in Fira, Santorini’s capital, is an iconic landmark that chronicles the island’s history through its unique collections. Housed in a restored building reconstructed after being destroyed by 1956 earthquake, this landmark provides visitors with a captivating glimpse into Santorini’s past.
The museum houses an impressive collection of ancient artifacts from various eras. Highlighted items include sculptures, inscriptions and clay figurines from Archaic and Roman times.
In addition, the museum boasts a remarkable Cycladic collection that includes marble statues from Delos and Keros. These Lutist sculptures are notable for their mysterious human representations that have inspired many contemporary artists.
Combine a visit to the Archaeological Museum with a tour of Akrotiri, an extant settlement of a well-connected Minoan port city that was completely submerged under volcanic ash after several earthquakes. Rediscovered in the late 1980s, excavations continue to uncover artifacts from this ancient city.
Though the museum is small, it provides an insightful look into the island’s ancient history. Having a guide with you is highly recommended so that you get the most out of your visit and experience everything this intimate museum has to offer.
Akrotiri is one of Greece’s most significant archaeological sites and a must-visit for visitors to Santorini island. Once an advanced and prosperous community, Akrotiri was completely destroyed by an intense volcanic eruption in the 17th century BC.
Families traveling to Santorini with children should make a stop at Akrotiri. Exploring these excavations is an enthralling experience that will transport you back in time to when this island was at its most vibrant.
2. Caldera Cruise
A boat tour around Santorini’s caldera is one of the best ways to take in all its stunning beauty. Not only that, but it’s also an excellent way to reach some of Santorini’s best beaches, swim in hot springs and take in breathtaking views of the volcano itself.
Families have plenty of boat tours to choose from, but a daytime or sunset cruise is ideal. These excursions will take you to some of the island’s most iconic sites while giving you time for snorkeling or swimming in various beaches.
Your luxury modern catamaran will pick you up from your hotel or cruise port and then set sail to explore Santorini’s volcanic landscape. Your experienced captain will assist in crafting an itinerary; choose either a 3, 4, or 5-hour cruise for maximum exploration!
Next, you’ll visit Nea Kameni, the larger of two volcanic islands within the caldera. After hiking up its crater, you can snorkel in its hot springs and explore an Instagrammable Orthodox chapel situated by the water’s edge.
After that, you’ll cruise around the volcanic islands of Thirassia and Oia. At the beach, you can snorkel or swim while taking in breathtaking views of the volcano.
This tour is extremely popular, so you must book in advance to secure a spot. I went on this tour with my daughter and we both found it to be an enjoyable experience.
When looking for a boat tour, I suggest selecting an experienced company with an attentive crew and reliable vessel. This will guarantee everyone has a fun-filled yet safe experience onboard.
3. Kayaking
For an unforgettable way to explore Santorini, kayaking is one of the best options. These watercrafts are quiet and easy to maneuver, providing you with a serene way to take in all the sights away from the crowds.
Kayaking tours in Santorini offer an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages and skill levels. These excursions can be organized through a local tour operator and include pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.
Choose either a full-day sea kayaking tour around the Caldera or take a half-day tour to view Santorini’s iconic Red and White beaches from below. On these excursions, you’ll traverse stunning landscape while also having plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkeling at uncrowded spots along the way.
Families looking for an exciting family adventure should book this tour. With or without an experienced guide, they will provide all of the necessary equipment.
After receiving a brief safety orientation, you will embark on your kayak adventure with an expert guide. From the sea, you can take in stunning views of Caldera and other parts of the island.
On this guided tour of over seven miles in four hours, you’ll experience the breathtaking rock formations and beaches along Santorini’s south shoreline. You’ll pass Red Beach with its ocher sands and White Beach with its white sands surrounded by impressive cliffs.
Experienced kayakers must try the Round the Lighthouse tour. It takes you around Caldera and Aeolos volcano islands, plus stops at a stunning cove for swimming and snorkeling.
4. Wine Tasting
Santorini’s iconic whitewashed buildings and blue domes are stunning, but it also boasts some of Greece’s oldest vineyards. Thanks to its volcanic soils and warm climate, this island makes for ideal wine-making conditions.
Experience one of Santorini’s most captivating attractions: visiting a winery. Here, you can sample various types of wines, from crisp whites to seductively sweet ones.
There are various tours you can book for a Santorini wine tour. These excursions visit multiple wineries and typically include either an expert guide or sommelier. Some of these experiences tend to be more expensive than others, so make sure you pick the one most suitable for you.
Santorini Wine Adventure Tours offers a small-group experience that visits three wineries and includes complimentary hotel pickup. This tour is an excellent opportunity to learn about the island’s wine production while tasting 12 types of wine from around the world.
This 4.5-hour tour takes you to some of Santorini’s most acclaimed wineries, all highly praised by international experts. You’ll get an introduction to wine production on the island and taste a selection of popular wines such as Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto.
Upgrade this tour with an evening excursion that includes wine tasting at a hilltop winery and local tapas. This option is available when making your booking, or it can be customized according to your individual requirements.
The Argyros Estate is a truly special Santorini winery. Housed in an iconic labyrinth-style villa, its winery and art gallery showcase both contemporary design and traditional architecture. Renowned for their Assyrtiko Greek white wines, they also produce an impressive range of reds. Plus, you’ll be greeted by their friendly staff who will ensure your visit is an enjoyable one!
5. Family Movie Night
When looking for a family-friendly activity to do with your kids in Santorini, try visiting an open-air cinema. They are popular forms of entertainment on Greek islands and will provide hours of enjoyment for everyone involved.
Fira’s main cinema, located on the main road, provides an amazing view of the city. Additionally, there’s a bar adjacent to watch movies with your drinks in hand!
Another family-friendly activity is taking a boat tour to the Caldera. These excursions provide an amazing chance to view the island from different perspectives and give your kids some Greek dancing practice (which may be gimmicky but still loads of fun!).
Around the port, you’ll find numerous cruise companies offering these tours. With so many choices and ease of booking ahead, it’s easy to find what you’re looking for!
These trips are great because they’re short and the prices are competitive. Not only do you get to witness the beauty of Caldera, but you also get treated to an incredible dinner on board!
Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this famous island with your family while sipping on a glass of wine and munching on some popcorn. It’s the ideal way to spend an evening together and share memories from your trip.
Santorini is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, as well as its delectable cuisine and wines. At least a dozen local vineyards host tastings that often include food with the wine. You can also sample some of Santorini’s most beloved dishes such as egg-based sfougato or fried tomatokeftedes fritters.
