Travelling with children can be a challenge, but not if you do it right! Dreamista blog is dedicated to travel and motherhood; twins specifically which can be a handful. However, being a traveller before being a mother, I have found ways that both these roles can not only co-exist but can be thoroughly enjoyed together. Motherhood definitely changes your priorities but it doesn’t have to change your habits, especially if they are habits that are food for the soul. One more thing Dreamista knows well is, of course, Greece. Having travelled through Greece extensively with and without the twins, take my word when presenting the best places to visit in Greece for families. Finding the right place to stay makes all the difference in the world; a successful family holiday by definition means that all members, parents and kids, have a great time. Of course, for our family, this also requires a certain level of luxury as we do enjoy the finer things in life. So this post is about combining these three loves: Greece, family & travel, and doing it well.
Santorini is not just for adults only
Yes Santorini is a quintessentially romantic destination and often a romantic escape does not include bringing kids. Indeed, on our last trip to Santorini we experienced the ultimate romantic holiday at the wonderful Kalisti Hotel & Suites in Fira town. Centrally located, you can easily walk to any spot of the capital town, reach the immaculate Caldera, even take a scenic promenade to Imerovigli in about a half hour or so. For exploring other locations you will need a car to get to Oia or Akrotiri and the famous colourful beaches. For getting to Santorini, adults travelling on their own may find it easier to take a flight from Athens, however, there is also the option to taking a ferry. For travelling with children, perhaps a ferry is the most suitable means to transport as you do not have any baggage restrictions, however the duration of the journey varies significantly. The aforementioned 4 star hotel in Fira is also child-friendly, so there is no excuse not to take your kids with you and experience a family holiday in Santorini all together.
Paros island for a Cycladic retreat
For spending a few days on an island that offers its visitors the best of both worlds, head over to Paros which is one of the best places to visit in Greece for families. Embodying the perfect balance between a character that is both cosmopolitan and authentic, minimally affected by mass appeal, Paros has a broad range of experiences to offer. It has great beaches, picturesque towns and some fascinating hills that command panoramic views. Visiting with the family, you’ll be interested to know that there is a large aqua park with waterslides and a lazy river for kids above the age of 3, while the younger ones can enjoy a waterground. The aqua park is located within the grounds of a hotel that charges an entrance fee for non-guests. Given that this place attracts many families and kids from all over the island, it would be wise to visit it just for a day while your family stays at the family oriented Paros Agnanti. Set on a quiet cove overlooking a sandy beach, here you can expect top tier service and some child facilities to ensure your kids are comfortable.
Thassos island for true island vibes
For taking a holiday in Greece for families that is characterised by true island vibes, away from the hustle and bustle associated with more high profile destinations, consider Thassos. Tucked away in a far away corner of the North Aegean, your family holiday can be whatever you make of it. Set your own pace and your own agenda; do not be bound by unlimited facilities of mainstream resort hotels that want to keep you within their confines. Having a lavish environment which offers all your heart’s desire is sometimes a double edged sword, as you will rarely make the decision to leave the comfort and convenience of such hotels. This often results in a relaxing holiday, yet when you return back home there will be few things that you remember. Instead, take your family out of the confines of your chosen hotel as often as possible in order to really experience the destination and all it has to offer. If this is something that your family identifies most with, if you are seekers of the bonafide experiences, then staying at a centrally located, cozy apartment hotel of Aelia Villa in Thassos. As it is family-run, it has a particular outlook and vested interest in providing hospitality that is family-friendly yet urges its guests to go out and explore the surroundings and gain experiences that are at the heart of local island life.
