BackGreek Islands
The Greek Islands are a dream of whitewashed villages, turquoise seas, ancient ruins, and some of the healthiest food on earth. Santorini delivers the iconic postcard views, while Crete is the best all-around family island with beaches, gorges, ancient palaces, and authentic village life. Together they offer the perfect mix of spectacle and substance.
Family Verdict
Great for families with kids 3+. Crete is the standout family island — large enough to explore for a week, with sandy beaches, warm shallow water, fascinating history, and genuine hospitality. Santorini is stunning but more challenging with young kids (steep stairs, no sandy beaches, expensive). Combine both for 3-4 days Santorini + 4-5 days Crete. Greek tavernas are extremely family-friendly — kids eat late, run around between courses, and are doted on by staff.
Best time to visit
Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct (warm seas, fewer crowds, lower prices). Jul-Aug is peak season — hot, crowded, and expensive. Many islands shut down Nov-Mar.
Getting around
Crete: Rent a car — the island is large (260km end to end) and public transit is limited. Roads are good but winding. Car seats available from rental agencies (reserve in advance). Santorini: For families, rent a car or ATV (adults only for ATVs). Buses connect main towns but are crowded in summer. Taxis are scarce — book through your hotel. Both islands: Ferries connect the islands (Crete to Santorini is about 2 hours by fast ferry). Book ferries on ferryhopper.com.
Sample Itinerary
5 days curatedEvery spot is researched and family-tested. Tap any to see why families love it.
Explore Crete's most beautiful harbor town in the morning, then hit one of Europe's best beaches in the afternoon.
Family-Tested Restaurants
Peskesi
$$Heraklion, Crete · Traditional Cretan
Cretan food is naturally kid-friendly — grilled meats, cheese, simple vegetables. The courtyard setting is spacious. Warm, family-oriented service. Complimentary raki and sweets at the end. Highchairs available.
Reservation recommended
Thalassino Ageri
$$Chania, Crete · Cretan seafood
Waterfront tables let kids watch boats and the sea. Fish is grilled simply — kids who eat fish love it. Fries and bread are always available. The relaxed pace of Greek dining means no rush. Highchairs available.
Reservation recommended
Melitini
$$Oia, Santorini · Santorinian meze
Small plates format lets kids try different things. Tomato fritters are universally loved. The tiny interior is cozy but not ideal for very young kids. Best with kids 4+ who can sit for a bit.
Taverna Giorgos (Kamari Beach)
$Kamari, Santorini · Greek taverna
Tables on the beach mean kids can play in the sand between courses. Simple Greek food that kids generally enjoy. Beach setting = no formality, no stress. Very affordable compared to caldera restaurants.
Tamam
$$Chania Old Town, Crete · Cretan-Mediterranean
The historic building fascinates kids. Comfort food like stuffed vegetables and grilled meats are approachable. Generous portions meant for sharing. Can accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions. Highchairs available.
Reservation recommended
Lucky's Souvlakis
$Fira, Santorini · Greek street food
Gyros and souvlaki in pita bread are the ultimate kid street food — familiar, handheld, and tasty. Quick service means no waiting. Portions are generous. The fries in the gyros wrap blow kids' minds.
Insider Tips
- •Greek taverna culture: nobody rushes you, the bill never comes until you ask, bread and water appear automatically (small cover charge), and kids running between tables is totally normal. Embrace the pace.
- •Raki (tsikoudia) in Crete is served free at the end of every meal with a small dessert — it's tradition, not upselling. Sip politely or decline; either is fine.
- •Sunscreen and hydration are critical — the sea breeze masks how strong the sun is, and heatstroke sneaks up fast. Enforce hat and sunscreen rules even on cloudy days.
- •Book inter-island ferries on ferryhopper.com — compare schedules and prices. The fast ferries (SeaJets, Minoan) cut travel time in half but cost more and can be rocky in wind.
- •Greek pharmacies (green cross sign) are excellent and pharmacists speak English. Many medications that require prescriptions elsewhere are available over the counter in Greece.
- •Santorini's caldera restaurants charge 3-5x what the same meal costs in Kamari or Perissa on the east coast. Save caldera dining for one special sunset meal and eat on the east coast for value.
Common Mistakes
- •Visiting Santorini with toddlers and a stroller — the island is essentially vertical stairways. Oia has 300+ steps to many hotels. If you have under-4s, prioritize Crete or stay in flat Kamari/Perissa on Santorini's east coast.
- •Only booking Santorini and skipping Crete — Santorini is visually stunning but limited for families. Crete has the beaches, the history, the hiking, and the authentic culture. Give Crete more days than Santorini.
- •Eating at restaurants on the main harbor or caldera strip — walk one block away from the waterfront or caldera for dramatically better food at 30-50% lower prices.
- •Not booking accommodation and ferries for July-August — Santorini especially books up months ahead. Shoulder season (May-June, September-October) is better in every way for families.
Packing Tips
- •Water shoes are essential — many beaches have pebbles, and rocky coastlines are common for snorkeling
- •High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen — the Greek sun is intense, even with sea breezes that mask the heat
- •Snorkel gear for older kids — the water clarity is extraordinary and the underwater life is rich
- •Light layers for evenings — island breezes can make nights cool, especially in clifftop Santorini villages
- •A lightweight carrier instead of a stroller for Santorini — the stairways, cobblestones, and narrow paths make strollers nearly impossible in Oia and Fira
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