Travel Tips: Visiting Archaeological Sites

Undoubtedly Greece is home to many impressive archaeological sites. Every visitor should make an effort to visit its ancient past and explore those historic monuments which offer a unique view into some great civilizations.

That said, a child’s visit to an archaeological site or museum can be very overwhelming. The following tips will help you prepare and get the most out of your visit.

Dress code

Greeks in ancient times might have worn sandals or be walking barefoot, but these days flat, closed shoes like sneakers are your best bet. Keep your sandals or flip-flops for the beach! 

Wear comfortable shoes because you may be climbing uphill or walking on uneven surfaces.

When to visit

Often the best time to visit is early in the morning or fairly late in the afternoon (leaving enough time to visit before closing time) in order to avoid the heat of the mid-day sun.

Sun can be dangerous

Don’t forget to use sunscreen unless you like the idea of sunburn! We certainly don’t like how it looks or feels! There are some very effective Greek sunscreen brands for adults and children, like Apivita. Our trusted partner www.Bestpharmacy.gr will definitely have lots of recommendations.

Don’t forget to take a sunhat and sunglasses too.

Getting thirsty? Take water

Beware of dehydration! We prefer taking small bottles of water rather than large ones as they are lighter to carry but also we have noticed that the water gets warms easily (even in large bottles) so you have to throw it away before they are finished.

Who wants to drink lukewarm water anyway? Most archaeological sites have cafes or restaurants and prices on-site might be less than you think.

Removing ‘stones’ is not allowed

Let’s be honest, children love playing with little stones. It’s hardly a wonder that they will think they are in paradise when they see all those stones scattered about the archaeological sites.

Educate your kids about the importance of the stones and how they are an integral part of the site, no matter how small and insignificant they seem.

Do your homework before you go

We highly encourage you to do a little bit of background reading with your children. This will help them get motivated for the visit and give them a better insight and understanding about what they are going to see.

A really good start would be to get a book on Greek mythology. See below our favorite mythology books:

•  A Child’s Introduction to Greek Mythology: The Stories of the Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, Monsters, and Other Mythical Creatures
• Greek Myths for Young Children (Stories for Young Children)
• D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths

Hire a guide

There is no doubt that having a guidebook is helpful but it does not compare to having a local tour guide on site.

Do you need more inspiration about what to do and where to go in Greece? Contact us!