13 Things to Know When Planning a Trip to Greece with Kids

There are many reasons why you and your family should visit Greece, maybe more than once! Greece is one of the most popular destinations around the world for good reason. 

More than 30 million tourists and countless families visit the country every year to explore its long history, its archeology, and, of course, its incomparable beauty.

However, there are a few things you should know before traveling to Greece. That’s why we have made a list of the most important things that will help you spend your time in Greece.

In this blog post, you will learn all the essentials about things like Covid-19 regulations, emergency information, health care, and what you should take with you, especially if you are traveling with kids. 

We will also inform you about other things concerning Greek culture and cuisine, why Greece is a kid-friendly destination, and much more.

Packing List: What to Carry with You

Before traveling to Greece, you should also check that you and each member of your family have all the necessary travel documents, whether you are an EU citizen or not. Here you can find a list of all documents:

Note that US citizens on US passports currently do not require a visa for visits of 90 (3 months) days or less.

Health Information

The Greek healthcare system is characterized by the coexistence of a national health care system (NHS), and a strong private healthcare system. The NHS provides universal insurance coverage to the population.

In a few words, if something happens to you or your family, the NHS will provide you with medical care anywhere in Greece. If you prefer to be treated in one of the private clinics in Greece, additional costs will apply depending on your situation.

However, we definitely recommend you to have travel insurance that will cover not only medical matters, but cancelations & delays on flights, passport replacement in case lost or stolen, and whatever policy best suits your family’s needs.

Finally, if you or your family takes specific medication, then bring with you paperwork that showcases the condition in case you need replacement or more medication.

General Information

In this section, we will analyze a few pieces of general information that you have to know about visiting Greece. 

Emergency Services

Here is a list of the phone numbers of emergency services in Greece:

Opening Hours

The opening hours of stores are not the same everywhere across the country. The usual opening hours for stores in the centers of the large cities are continuous from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., for stores in the suburbs, the hours are split shifts three days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday – 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) and morning shifts for the other three days (Monday, Wednesday and Saturday – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.). 

Supermarkets have a continuous shift until 21:00, while on Sundays most of the stores are closed (exceptions can be made on tourist destinations during the summer months or during the festive season).

However, there are several stores (mini-markets, cigarette wholesalers, kiosks) that are open almost around the clock – 24/7, especially in tourist areas.

Currency 

As you may already know, the Greek currency is the euro, as in most countries of the European Union. You can exchange your currency for euros in any bank or you can withdraw money from an ATM.

Currency Converter

Other General Information

Tipping is optional in Greece, but if you are satisfied with the service, feel free to tip. There is also no specific rule on how much you can tip, but 10% of the service is a good start.

If you are from the U.S. or the U.K., you should know that the Greeks don’t measure with miles. Instead, they use kilometers to represent distances. 1 mile is equal to 1.6 kilometers. They also weigh products in kilos instead of pounds, 1 pound is approximately 0,45 kilograms.

Greece is not Only the Islands

Most people who go to Greece on vacation visit the famous Greek islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete to enjoy the crystal clear blue waters and the hot sun. But if you want to get a complete picture not only of the Greeks but also of their history and culture, you must also visit the mainland. 

The history and mythology of Greece are undeniably great. Especially on the mainland, you can explore numerous amazing destinations that prove this statement. Not only Athens, but also Peloponnese, Delphi, Olympia and Mycenae are just some of the most important places that were once the cradle of culture.

In addition, many people don’t know that Greece is a year-round destination. Greece may be the queen of summer destinations, but in autumn and winter, you can explore another, equally extraordinary side of the country. 

Finally, you should know that in winter Greece has many snowy destinations to offer, such as ski centers on the mainland and small traditional villages that will provide you with a magical snowy landscape, especially during the winter months.

It is totally worth it to visit Greece during the off-season months, where it is less crowded and very beautiful.

Natural and Cultural Paradise 

Greece is full of ancient ruins that reflect the history and mythology of the country. It’s a fact that you can probably find pieces of history almost everywhere in the country. Many of the archeological sites are protected and restored so that both locals and tourists can visit them.

Take advantage of this by taking a tour! You and your family can join a guided tour to all the major tourist destinations, such as the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, Knossos, Epidaurus, and other family-friendly destinations.

For more information about our family-guided tours don’t hesitate to contact our team!

Greece is not only known for its history but also for its amazing and breathtaking landscapes. Numerous destinations offer you and your family the opportunity to see extraordinary landscapes throughout the country. 

The best part is that you have the chance to explore them on hikes, sailing trips, walks, and bike rides!

Don’t miss the opportunity to walk through pine forests, enjoy a breathtaking sunset at the top of a hill, and go horseback riding along the coast. With all these activities and more, you and your children can get to know Greek nature.

Best time to Visit Greece

Let’s start by letting you know that there is no bad time to visit Greece. However, if you want to visit the Greek islands in warm weather, you should plan a trip in late spring and summer. The average temperature in the summer months on the islands is 32°C – 35°C (89.6°F – 95°F). 

However, if you decide to visit Greece’s winter destinations on the mainland and its ski centers, you need to know that the average temperature is 10°C – 12°C (50°F – 53.6°F). In some cases, the cold can go as low as freezing and the thermometer can be 0°C or lower (32°F) depending on the altitude.

Spring and fall are the best times for you and your family to explore the natural landscape of Greece. The average temperature is 17°C – 23°C (62.6°F – 73.4°F). This is the best time of the year to go hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. 

Check the temperature!

Athens, Greece 

Santorini (Thira) Greece

Crete

Travelling Within Greece

If you want to travel with your family within Greece, you should know that you have the option of taking either public transportation, buses, the train, a rental car, or a taxi. It depends on where your starting point and destination are.

If you want to travel within the mainland, you should know that for short distances in a city like Athens, you can easily use public transportation or a taxi. However, if you want to travel from one city to another, which may or may not be nearby, you can take a bus or train. 

The intercity bus system in Greece is very efficient and the Greeks call it KTEL. Train services in Greece do not cover the entire mainland. If you want to travel to the Peloponnese, it is better to take the bus or rent a car.

If you want to travel from the mainland to the Greek islands, you can take a ferry or a plane. The distances within Greece are usually short by plane. If you decide to take a ferry, consider taking the fast ferry, otherwise, it can take more than 7-8 hours to reach a distant island like Santorini from Athens. Greek airlines and ferries are very safe to travel with your family.

Major international car rental agencies can be found at the airport, and in major cities, especially tourist destinations. If you decide to rent a car, be sure to know that not all roads are smooth to drive on, especially on the islands where there are always small roads.

Taxis are a smart and safe solution if you want to cover short distances or travel within a big city like Athens. Remember that it is easier to hail a cab than flag it down on the street.

Greeks Do Speak English

One important piece of information you should know is that Greeks speak English. The young people speak English very well and if you ask them any questions, they will help you. Most older people also speak English. 

Moreover, especially in tourist places, you can talk to everyone in English. They are polite and willing to help you whether they offer their services or not. Don’t hesitate to ask a local for information because they know better and will also easily give you more than enough information about something.

Besides, Greeks will surely appreciate it if you can speak a few Greek words like “thank you”, “hello” and “good morning”.

Greek Cuisine 

To experience the famous Greek cuisine, be sure to eat like a local. People all over the world love to eat Greek recipes, especially famous Greek dishes like gyros and souvlaki. But there is so much more to try! Hidden treasures can be found in every local menu, so start with mezes and combine flavors without fear! We advise you to experiment with the local dishes and not stick to the familiar ones. 

The best part is that every part of Greece has its specialities and recipes to offer, which vary from place to place. We encourage you to try as many authentic dishes as possible. 

Tip: If you are not sure what to eat or need some advice, don’t hesitate to ask the waiter. The waiters have a lot of experience and if you talk to them, they will suggest what you should eat that suits your taste.

Still, if you have special dietary preferences and allergies, we strongly suggest you ask for a special menu.

For more information check out our food tours in Greece!

Eating in Greece also includes drinking, so of course try the national drinks such as ouzo, tsipouro, wine, and beer. In every part of the country, you will find a different tasty variant of a drink. 

Finally, Greeks love coffee and you should know that because in Greece you will have the opportunity to try tasty and unique coffees. The most famous ones are the cold Freddo espresso and the Freddo cappuccino. Frappe is always a must-try thing and of course the famous Greek coffee. All these coffees and more can be found in any coffee shop throughout the country.

Greek Customs and Local Dialects

Participating in Celebrations and seasonal festivals is a great reason to visit Greece with your family. Before coming to Greece, you should know that Greeks are known to celebrate numerous festivals such as Christmas, Easter, Apokries, and national holidays like Ohi Day.

Stick around with your family to experience any of these festivals, because you will probably see different local customs and traditions in every corner of Greece.

The local dialects are another great thing about Greece that you should know. Especially the locals on the islands have their dialect. In any case, you can easily communicate with them and as mentioned before, they speak English.

Greece is Ideal for Road Trips

Many people believe that one of the best ways to explore a country is to take a road trip with your rental car. This is also the case in Greece! You will visit cultural sights, natural beauties, breathtaking landscapes, and fantastic beaches.

If you decide to take a road trip with your family to Greece, you can do it both on the mainland and on the islands. The distances are not so great, so you can really enjoy it, especially since you can easily stop at any place you like.

You should also know that in many cases the roads are not smooth, so try to stick to the main roads and highways if possible. The best and safest roads are on the mainland and especially on the part between Athens and Thessaloniki, which is the national highway.

For more information and tips check our latest guide about family road trips in Greece.

Greece is a Kid-Friendly Country

Tourism in Greece is focused on families, offering kid-friendly facilities and numerous activities for the whole family. It doesn’t matter which part of Greece you choose to visit, because you will definitely find kid-friendly tours whether they are indoor or outdoor activities.

Endless Fun Family Activities 

It doesn’t matter if you are an active family or not, because in Greece you will find the right tour for you and your family. All major cities on the mainland like Athens or big historical cities like Delphi and Olympia, offer specially designed kid-friendly activities and cultural tours. 

Also, you should know that islands like Crete, Naxos, Mykonos and Paros have a long history and mythology that locals and professionals are more than willing to explore with you in numerous tours that can be tailored to your family’s needs.

Greece is a Perfect Multi-Generational Destination 

It is very important to know that Greece is a great multigenerational destination. It is very important that you can travel with your family to a destination that offers activities for all.

Greece is a great destination for multigenerational families, mainly because it is a safe country. Also, there are many activities and sights that young and old love to explore.

If you want to visit Greece with your multi-generational family don’t hesitate to contact us!

Some of the activities multigenerational families enjoy participating in our Greek cooking classes and workshops, mythology tours, and for those who are more active, hikes and walks are a great way to not only get to know a place but also create unique memories.

Don’t forget to take lots of photos when you visit Greece with your family, and you will surely always remember your experience. Visiting Greece is a must, at least once in your life, and this is obvious when more than 5 million people from all over the world choose Greece as their vacation destination.