Teenagers in Greek island

Greece with Teenagers: Top things to do in Greece with teens

    Traveling with teens can be tricky, especially when it comes to finding a balance between things to see and do interesting enough for everyone. Fortunately, Greece is an ideal country to visit with your teens. There is lots to see and do for teenagers! Here are just a few suggestions for Greece with teens.

    Explore the colorful street art in Athens

    Let’s start off in the Greek capital! Athens is known for its vibrant street art scene, and many travel from far to discover this unique form of art that young people have used for years as a way to express themselves in a climate of economic turmoil. As the art is constantly changing, finding street art in Athens is best done during a guided tour.

    Try our Athens street art walking tour, or even see street art in Athens from a bike. You will get to see fascinating graffiti and colorful designs that will surely interest your teens (and may end up on their phones as a screen saver!).

    girl looks a grafiti during street art tour in Athens

    Active Teens in Athens

    One of the most enjoyable and fun ways of seeing the sites of Athens is on a bike tour. Following the pedestrianized streets which run through the historic center, you will get to see the heart of Ancient Athens from a unique angle. Our private bike tours include several food stops. Have a look at the Private Biking Tour for Families and start your Athens adventure on wheels!

    Acropolis View Biking Tour Karen 2 aeropagitou

    Active Teens will also love the Family Olympic Games Workout activity. During this experience, a sports trainer will tell you more about the Olympics in the Ancient Greek society. You will also have the opportunity to learn how the athletes used to live and train, which were the most popular ancient Olympic sports, and how the Modern Olympics took its inspiration and was born again in Athens.

    You will visit a historic gymnasium nearby. This is where things get exciting, especially for teens! You will have the chance to learn the techniques involved incorrectly holding and throwing the discus and javelin. And you can also try the high jump as well the shot put.  Which one of your family will be able to throw the furthest?

    Ask for info!

    The experience ends at the famous Panathenaic Stadium also known as ‘Kallimarmaro’. This hugely inspiring venue held some events of the first modern Olympic games, over 100 years ago. And now it can hold the final event of your very own Family Olympics as you prepare to race around its track. In such incredible surroundings, even the most difficult to please teens will have a great day!

    Olympic Games Workout for families athens (12)

    Athens Instagram and Photo Adventure

    All teens like Instagram and VSCO. During the Athens Instagram and Photo Adventure, your teens need to get their hashtags ready because Athens is #instaworthy! Your guide will take your family to those places where you will take unique photos, ideal for Instagram. Stroll through the iconic Plaka area with the Acropolis in the background, and you will have guaranteed success photos on your social media!

    Hephaistos temple in Agora

    Improve your photography skills

    Most teens love to take pictures and photos are truly a great souvenir from their time in Greece. Teens and parents can now improve their photography skills in workshops that were created for families who like to learn something new during their vacation while also visiting some of the most important attractions. The Photo Adventure in the Acropolis Museum is focussed on the beautiful ancient statues of Greece’s most important museum.

    If your teens prefer to be outdoors, we recommend our Photo Hunt around the monuments in the city.

    Ask for info!

    The Family Postcards from the Athens Riviera take your family to the famous temple of Poseidon and several other impressive places along the coast. Not only will you learn more about light and composition, but you will also see the most important monuments of the Attica seaside!

    Acropolis Museum photo workshop for kids (33)

    Opt for a dual destination

    You are visiting a country home to over 6000 islands and with an extensive coastline. Take advantage of that and include water fun in family your agenda. If you are staying in the cities of Athens or Thessaloniki, both located by the sea, you can incorporate some days of water fun with sightseeing and culture. You can also consider taking a sailing trip for one or more days to the islands nearby Athens.

    Our 2 Day family sailing trip to Kea island and the Family Day Trip to Aegina island combine Athens with the islands and is a great way for families to spent quality time together.

    Aigina island Afea temple

    Explore the great Greek outdoors

    Greece may be known for its beaches and islands, but it is a mountainous country. With high, rugged peaks covering 2/3 of the territory, Greece is ideal for hikers, bikers, and trekking enthusiasts. You can also go bungee jumping on one of the many bridges in mainland Greece and Crete.

    Central and Northern Greece, as well as the Peloponnese and Crete, are ideal for mountain biking for families’ vacations.

    There are also many islands that combine sea and sun with activities in nature. Crete is the island that offers the most outdoor activities to families with teens. From hiking to canyoning and from Via Ferrata to River Trekking, it is all possible on the largest island of Greece.

    If you have already been to Crete, there are other islands too for outdoor fun. Consider hiking in Mykonos and combine a jet-set vacation with a workout in nature. For more ideas, have a look at our top selection of Best Greek Islands for Active Families.

    Hiking the Samaria Gorge with the family

    Obsessed with sports and the Olympic Games

    Kids and teens have a lot of energy. Being at the birthplace of the Olympic Games is an excellent excuse to tap into that overabundance of energy and put it to good use! Our Kids Love Greece top favorite activity for teens in Athens is the Olympic Games Workout Family activity.

    Olympic Games Workout for families athens (14)

    For families who wish to travel further and extend their Olympic Games experience should include a Visit to Olympia with the family. Here you can show your teen the birthplace of the Olympic Games and run the ancient track. Don’t miss the museum at the site, it gives you lots of information about the ancient and modern Olympic Games.

    branch olive tree Olympic champions KidsLoveGreece.com

    Join a Mythology Tour 

    Visiting museums and archaeological sites can be dull for teens so try to find sites that will trigger their interest. Find interesting tours with guides specialized to a younger audience, for example, our Percy Jackson Mythology Family Tours, that take you through the Acropolis in Athens, the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion, the sanctuary of Delphi, the Minotaur’s Labyrinth in the Palace of Knossos or to the cave of Zeus in Crete.

    Percy Jackson Delphi with family friendly guide 4

    If your teens like food (and who doesn’t?!) we recommend our Mythology Food Tour for families in Athens. During this 3-hour walking food tour, not only will you dive into the secrets of Greek foods and flavors that survived for more than 2 millennia but you will also connect all this knowledge to Greek mythology and Greek gastronomy.

    Teens will have a leading role in this journey, through fun activities, quizzes, and storytelling. The walk takes you to artisan neighborhoods and to the central Athenian market with traditional Greek products, herbs, meat and fish. You will discover unique places, such as the oldest bakery of Athens for a Greek Koulouri for breakfast and a traditional pie baking shop where you will sample bougatsa – or cheese pie – as well as other versions of this ancient old recipe while watching a live demonstration.

    At a famous Athenian charcuterie, you will sit down and taste cold cuts, feta, some hard cheeses, rusks, and dolmades, all of which already existed in Ancient Greece. A unique experience amongst spices and herbs while listening to stories of the Greek Gods. Included in the tour are also Greek pita souvlaki prepared the ancient Greek way, and traditional loukoumades, doughnut-shaped fried fluffy sweet honey puffs for dessert.

    Kids Love Greece Mythology Food Tour for families 33

    Get your hands dirty

    A fun way to get your children and teens interested in a new culture is through food.

    Take advantage of the many culinary tours and cooking lessons available in Greece and get your hands dirty while learning how to cook new dishes. What better way to remember your vacation than to reproduce that special dish at home. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new flavors. Expand your teen’s taste buds by exploring the local markets and enjoy an adventure of all your senses.

    Cretan cooking class for kids Kissamos (6)

    Shop Local

    A visit to Greece inevitably includes souvenir shopping. This is your chance to show your teenager’s local Greek craftsmanship. Greece is famous for its leather goods. Leather sandals, for example, are a great souvenir, and they don’t take too much space in the suitcase.

    You will find many artisans in small boutiques in the main villages in the islands or in the center of the cities. Nowadays, young Greek designers have set up trendy souvenir stores with modern and innovative gifts that will surely seduce teens. Items such as tote bags, colorful tees, or key chains are the new hip souvenir.

    Greek souvenir kids (4) copy

    Rent a villa with some friends on an island

    There are many advantages of self-catering accommodation for your family holidays. You are free to do pretty much anything you want and can alternate nights out with home-cooked dinners and barbecues.

    If you plan to visit Greece with friends who have children of the same age, a vacation home may be the ideal accommodation option. Teens will not be bored and have company at the pool, beach, and during an afternoon shopping spree.

    Renting a home in Corfu, Rhodes, or renting a holiday villa in Crete is ideal because you can choose a location near a bigger town, teens will not feel isolated away from civilization.

    villa rental in Greece

    Active Teens will get excited

    If you rent a villa in Crete, there are lots of options for teens around. Being the largest island in Greece, the opportunities for fun and exploring are endless in Crete.

    The turquoise Bay of Balos with Gramvousa’s pirate island, Seitan Limania Beach, Elafonissi with its pink sand… If there is one place in Greece with such diverse and Instagrammable natural treasures, it has to be Crete! The spectacular natural surroundings in Crete not only create tons of Instagram locations but also a wide variety of outdoor activities that you can do with friends. Hiking, Via Ferrata, Kayaking, Biking, it is all possible in Crete.

    And Crete is not just great on land. There are lots of small uninhabited islands near the West and East coasts of Crete, many with ancient ruins, castles, or wildlife. So besides sharing a villa, you can also opt to rent a private boat with your friends and explore the sea.

    From Chania in West Crete, we recommend sailing to the famous Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. Our 3-day Family Sailing Adventure to the West Coast of Crete takes you to this pirate island and shows you the centuries-old castle on top with breathtaking views. If you go to the South of Chania, you will find several isolated and strikingly beautiful locations across the South coast of Crete like Ag. Roumeli (where the exit of Samaria gorge is), beautiful Ag. Pavlos beach, Marmara caves, gorgeous Loutro, and Sweet Waters beach.

    If you go to the East of Crete with teens, we recommend the Family Sailing Adventure: East Coast of Crete. You will visit Dia island, opposite the capital city of Heraklion. The island is a small nature paradise with a wonderful sea and a seabed that offers lots for snorkelers. Other highlights of this 3-day trip are the breathtaking Mirabello Bay and Elounda, the Kolokytha island, Mochlos Psirra islet, and cosmopolitan Agios Nikolaos. The trip starts in trendy Heraklion.

    And since you have a kitchen in your villa, why not book your teens a cooking class? During the Cretan Cuisine Cooking Lesson for families in East Crete, teens will explore the colors and flavors of Cretan cuisine through various, delicious recipes based on well-hidden secrets and old traditions. In West Crete, teens can get hands-on at a traditional farm in Chania and learn more about organic produce, herbs, olive oil, and other ingredients while preparing Greek pies.

    And don’t forget to take them to a waterpark! Heraklion, the capital city of Crete hosts two of these: Water City and Aqua Plus. If you are in West Crete, head over to Limnoupolis hidden away in the green hills near Chania.

    Get social and consider a resort 

    Make your life easier and pick a family resort with tennis courts, swimming pools, a water park or a teens’ kids club so that your teenagers can socialize with other youngsters in a safe environment. Parents can relax at the pools or spas knowing their kids are in safe hands and have the time of their lives with other teens on water slides or at sports.

    We recommend Ikos Dassia Resort because of its many family-friendly features including a club for kids and teenagers. The complimentary Just4Teens club caters for ages 13 + and the resort also organizes sports events such as the WK Football Academy for ages 5 – 14 (at extra charge).

    Teenagers will love the long sandy beaches and swimming pools. Some rooms even have a private swimming pool. Large families who want to spend their holiday in exclusive luxury can book the deluxe three-bedroom villa with a private heated pool. With an exclusive beachfront location, these luxurious, ultra-spacious two-story family villas feature three separate bedrooms, their own outdoor Jacuzzi, and an extensive private garden with an outdoor dining area and heated pool. 

    Panoramic View Ikos Dassia pool beach

    Escape Room in Athens

    Escape rooms are very popular amongst teens and a great way to keep them entertained and excited. In a country like Greece with nice weather all year round, why not join an Outdoor Escape Game?! This Kids Love Greece Escape Room activity takes place on the maze-like streets of Anafiotika, a historic neighbourhood in Athens. Teens and parents will love exploring this picturesque part of the city while solving puzzles and playing games.

    Escape Room Outdoor Kids Athens Anafiotika

    A trip to Meteora

    Meteora is one of the most impressive parts of Greece and is especially suitable for an outdoor adventure with teens. Who will not like watching the impressive rock formations and the dazzling cable car rides?! Families with teens have the choice of a variety of tours such as the Meteora Family Hiking Tour and the Meteora Sunset tour. Meteora is a unique destination in Europe and the world and bucket list material for adventurous teens.

    Meteora Family friedly tour kids Greece

    Sailing Adventures

    Greece is an ideal country for boating and spending time exploring the beautiful Greek coastline and islands is especially suitable for older children. Kids Love Greece offers family sailing day trips and longer sailing adventures at many destinations in Greece.

    If you are based in Athens, we recommend sailing along the Athens Riviera or to the islands near the Greek capital. But we also have plenty of exciting sailing trips around the Greek islands, both in a small group or on a private boat, such as sailing in Milos, Mykonos, Santorini, or West and East Crete.

    Have a look at Sailing under our themed trip section for a large choice of sailing trips around Greece.

    Athens Riviera Family Sailing Kids

    Day trips from Athens

    For teens who want to be on the move and see a lot of different places, we recommend planning a day trip from Athens. You can even experience a bit of island hopping while being based in the Greek capital city.

    During our Family Day trip to Hydra tour, we allow you to explore one of the most beautiful islands of Greece with a local insider. Hydra is a car-free gem near Athens with lots of cultural and natural highlights. During this tour, your family will have a chance to go horse riding as the transportation on this island is provided by donkeys, horses, boats, and water taxis.

    Family Visit to Hydra with kids from Athens

    Other islands near Athens are Aegina and Tzia.

    Besides day trips by boat to the nearby islands, you can also opt for a day trip by private vehicle to Cape Sounio near Athens, Delphi or the Peloponnese.

    Trip to Olympia

    The culturally rich Peloponnese, in particular, offers several important archaeological and historical sights and monuments. Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games is one of the most important. Sport-loving teens will love visiting the remains of the ancient stadium and the old track.

    Olympia teenager girl entering the Olympia site CV

    Trips in Argolis

    Teens interested in mythology and history should not miss a day trip to Ancient Corinth, Mycenae or Epidaurus. Kids Love Greece has created several themed day trips to this area of mainland Greece focused on Mythology and the books and movies of Percy Jackson.

    Epidaurus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It used to be the most popular healing centre of ancient times and is considered the first hospital in the world. Here you can still see the Ancient Theatre, the Temples of Artemis and Asclepios, as well as other ancient monuments, sports, and hospital facilities.

    The Temple of Asclepios was a sacred healing place devoted to the god Asclepius, the son of Apollo. Percy Jackson’s fans probably know that Asclepius was one of Athena’s favourites and the God of healing from the Rick Riordan book ‘The Blood of Olympus’. The Goddess gave him a vial of Gorgon Blood which allowed him to cure any illness, heal any injury, and even bring back the dead. Jason and his friends used the Physician’s Cure, a magic potion given to them by Asclepius, to bring Leo Valdez back to life after a fierce battle with Gaea, the Greek primordial goddess of the Earth.

    Aerial drone bird's eye view photo of Ancient amphitheater of Epidaurus at Peloponnese, Greece

    Mycenae plays a role in Rick Riordan’s ‘The Last Olympian’ and Ancient Corinth was one of the most important city-states in antiquity. Our guides will show you around the site and tell you more about the mythology and legends attached to the area. This includes the story of the Sorceress Medea. Your teens may already know of her from the Percy Jackson book The Lost Hero.

    Mycenae with the family

    Best season to visit

    • summer
    • autumn
    • winter
    • spring
    • All
    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    • HI.. I am investigating a 10 day trip to Greece for 2 adult women and 2 teenagers (13 and 14 years of age) It will be around 28th of June. A sailing trip around the greek islands sound great as does the following: Family day trip to Hydra, Meteora, Outdoor escape room, kayaking. I think we wouldn’t want to spend more than 2 days in Athens or perhaps more with a couple day trips, and would want to stay the rest on an island that will keep the teens busy

      • Hello Dawn! Thank you for your question regarding our article. It’s great that you wish to visit Greece with your teens. You will have so much fun! Maria has already sent you an email. All the best!

     

    Relevant Articles

    Get inspired by our top ideas for vacation in Greece. Discover our blog full of ideas, insights about Greek destinations, reviews for kid friendly activities, hotels, beaches, museums and so much more!