20-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Greece
Embark on an epic 20-day odyssey through Greece, designed specifically for families who want to experience legendary history without the stress of a rushed schedule. This route focuses on comfortable intercity travel, stroller-friendly paths in ancient cities, and a balance of educational culture and seaside relaxation.
From the iconic Acropolis to the fairy-tale monasteries of Meteora and the pink sands of Crete, every stop is curated to keep little ones engaged and parents relaxed. We use a mix of trains, ferries, and domestic flights to ensure your journey is as smooth as a Mediterranean breeze.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Athens, Greece - Arrival and Gentle Settling
Athens International Airport Arrival
Arrive in Athens and take a pre-booked private transfer to your hotel. This is the most comfortable way to handle luggage and strollers after a long flight.
Check-in at Plaka District
Settle into a family-run boutique hotel in the historic Plaka area, where the streets are largely pedestrianized and easy to navigate with kids.
Walk to Syntagma Square
Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. The synchronized movements of the Evzones are fascinating for children and the square is wide and open.
Casual Dinner in Plaka
Enjoy your first Greek salad and souvlaki at a traditional taverna under the glowing lights of the Acropolis.
Day 2: Athens, Greece - Ancient Wonders
The Acropolis Visit
Beat the heat and crowds. Use the elevator (available for those with strollers or mobility issues) to reach the Parthenon easily.
Acropolis Museum
A highly stroller-accessible museum with a dedicated kids' area and a cafe overlooking the ruins.
Lunch in Makrigianni
Find a shady spot for lunch near the museum entrance, where many restaurants offer high chairs and kid-friendly menus.
Anafiotika Wander
Explore the 'island village' in the city. The whitewashed houses and narrow alleys feel like a treasure hunt for kids.
Day 3: Athens, Greece - Green Escapes
National Garden
Spend the morning in this lush oasis. There is a small duck pond, a playground, and plenty of shade for a mid-morning nap.
Zappeion Hall Exploration
A grand neoclassical building with wide open spaces for kids to run around while parents admire the architecture.
Panathenaic Stadium
The only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. Kids love running on the ancient track where the first modern Olympics were held.
Mount Lycabettus Funicular
Take the cable car to the highest point in Athens for a spectacular sunset view without the strenuous hike.
Day 4: Nafplio, Greece - Coastal Charm
Drive to Nafplio
Rent a car for the 2-hour drive to the Peloponnese. The roads are excellent and the scenery is beautiful.
Corinth Canal Stop
A quick 15-minute break to see the breathtakingly narrow canal that separates the Peloponnese from the mainland.
Check-in at Nafplio Old Town
Nafplio is one of Greece's most beautiful towns, featuring flat, marble-paved streets perfect for strollers.
Arvanitia Promenade
A stroller-friendly walk along the sea cliffs that circles the base of the Akronafplia fortress.
Day 5: Nafplio, Greece - Fortress and Fun
Palamidi Fortress
Drive to the top (don't climb the 999 steps with kids!) for incredible views and exploring the Venetian battlements.
Greek Gelato Break
Enjoy world-class Italian-style gelato at Antica Gelateria di Roma in the heart of the old town.
Karathona Beach
A shallow, sandy beach just a 10-minute drive away. The calm waters are ideal for toddlers and young swimmers.
Syntagma Square Dinner
The main square in Nafplio is like a giant outdoor living room where local children play safely while parents eat.
Day 6: Nafplio, Greece - Ancient Epidaurus
Epidaurus Theater
A 30-minute drive brings you to the world's best-preserved ancient theater. Kids will love testing the famous acoustics.
Ancient Epidaurus Sunken City
A short drive to the coast where you can snorkel (or view from a boat) ruins of an ancient villa just below the surface.
Olive Oil Tasting
Visit a local farm for a family-friendly olive oil press tour and tasting session.
Evening in Nafplio Harbor
Watch the fishing boats return as the sun sets over the Argolic Gulf.
Day 7: Ancient Olympia, Greece - The Spirit of Games
Drive to Olympia
A scenic 3-hour drive across the mountains of the Peloponnese. Plenty of spots for snacks and bathroom breaks along the way.
Lunch in Olympia Village
A quaint village dedicated to the ancient site, offering many shaded tavernas.
Archaeological Site of Olympia
Walk through the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The site is relatively flat and grassy, making it easier for children.
Museum of the History of the Olympic Games
See the statues and artifacts found on-site in a modern, air-conditioned facility.
Day 8: Olympia to Delphi, Greece - The Mountain Route
Drive to Delphi
Cross the impressive Rio-Antirrio Bridge, one of the world's longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges.
Galaxidi Lunch Stop
Stop at this charming seaside town for a seafood lunch by the quiet harbor before heading up the mountain.
Check-in at Delphi
Stay in the mountain village of Delphi, which offers stunning views down the valley to the sea of olive trees.
Sunset Dinner
Enjoy a meal with a view over the Pleistos Valley.
Day 9: Delphi, Greece - The Oracle’s Path
Ancient Delphi Site
Visit the Temple of Apollo. Note: This site is hilly, so a baby carrier is recommended over a stroller here.
Delphi Archaeological Museum
See the famous Bronze Charioteer. The museum is compact and manageable for children's attention spans.
Lunch in Arachova
A short drive to this cosmopolitan mountain village known for its traditional 'formaela' cheese.
Corycian Cave (Optional)
For active families, a light hike to this cave associated with Pan and the Muses.
Day 10: Meteora, Greece - Monasteries in the Sky
Drive to Kalambaka
A 3-hour drive north through the Thessaly plains to the base of the Meteora rocks.
Arrival in Kalambaka
Check into your hotel and marvel at the giant stone pillars looming over the town.
Meteora Sunset Tour
Drive up to the viewpoints to see the monasteries perched on cliffs as the sun sets. It’s a magical, low-effort activity.
Traditional Dinner
Eat at a local taverna in the village of Kastraki, nestled right against the rocks.
Day 11: Meteora, Greece - Exploring the Peaks
Monastery of St. Stephen
The most accessible monastery for families, as it is reached by a small bridge rather than hundreds of steps.
Great Meteoron Monastery
The largest of the monasteries. It involves steps, so take it slow with the kids and enjoy the frescos.
Theopetra Cave
Visit the nearby cave containing a 23,000-year-old stone wall, the oldest man-made structure in the world.
Kalambaka Park
Let the kids play in the local town square while you enjoy a Greek coffee.
Day 12: Thessaloniki, Greece - The Cultural North
Drive to Thessaloniki
A smooth 2.5-hour drive to Greece's second-largest city, known for its vibrant food scene and waterfront.
Lunch at Ladadika
Explore the colorful pedestrian district of Ladadika for some of the best food in Greece.
White Tower Visit
The symbol of the city. There's a museum inside and the climb to the top offers great views of the harbor.
Waterfront Stroll
The Nea Paralia is a massive, stroller-friendly promenade with themed gardens and playgrounds.
Day 13: Thessaloniki, Greece - Markets and Museums
Modiano and Kapani Markets
A sensory experience for kids with stalls selling everything from olives to toys. It's bustling but authentic.
Museum of Illusions
A great break from history. This interactive museum is a massive hit with children of all ages.
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
Spacious and modern, it houses the incredible gold of the Macedonian kings.
Upper Town (Ano Poli)
Take a taxi to the old city walls for sunset, then walk down through the narrow lanes.
Day 14: Crete (Chania), Greece - Island Transition
Flight to Chania
Take a short domestic flight from Thessaloniki to Chania. This avoids the 20+ hour ferry ride.
Transfer to Chania Harbor
Check into an apartment near the Venetian Harbor, the most picturesque part of Crete.
Egyptian Lighthouse Walk
Walk along the harbor wall to the lighthouse. It's a flat path with a great sea breeze.
Harbor Dinner
Dine at one of the many restaurants lining the water. Most are very accustomed to families.
Day 15: Chania, Greece - Beach Bliss
Agia Marina Beach
A short bus or taxi ride from Chania. This beach has shallow water and excellent facilities for families.
Beachfront Taverna Lunch
Enjoy fresh fish while the kids play in the sand right next to your table.
Old Town Exploration
Wander the leather market and boutique shops of Chania's Venetian quarters.
Open Air Cinema
Catch a movie at Cine Attikon, a lovely outdoor cinema that often shows family films in English with subtitles.
Day 16: Chania, Greece - Botanical Beauty
Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete
Located in the foothills of the White Mountains, this park features fruit trees from around the world and a great restaurant.
Farm-to-Table Lunch
The garden's restaurant uses its own produce. The flavors are incredible and healthy for kids.
Lake Kournas
The only freshwater lake in Crete. Rent a pedal boat to see the turtles that live here.
Relax in Chania
A quiet evening enjoying the local atmosphere of the Splantzia district.
Day 17: Heraklion, Greece - Minoan Mysteries
Drive to Heraklion
A 2-hour drive east along the northern coast road to Crete's capital city.
Check-in & Lunch
Settle into your hotel near the Lions Square (Morosini Fountain).
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
See the real artifacts from the Palace of Knossos, including the famous bull-leaping fresco.
Koules Fortress
Explore the massive sea fortress at the entrance to the old harbor.
Day 18: Heraklion, Greece - The Labyrinth
Palace of Knossos
Visit the legendary home of the Minotaur. Go early to avoid the heat. The site is mostly accessible, though some paths are gravelly.
CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos
One of the largest aquariums in Europe. It's fully air-conditioned and a perfect afternoon activity for kids.
Dinosauria Park
Located right next to the aquarium, this park features life-size animatronic dinosaurs and a fossil dig for kids.
Evening in Heraklion
Enjoy the pedestrian shopping streets of 25th of August Street.
Day 19: Heraklion, Greece - Final Sun & Sand
Matala Beach Day Trip
Drive south (approx 1 hour) to the famous hippie caves and a beautiful sandy bay with very calm water.
Cave Exploration
The kids will love exploring the Roman-era caves carved into the sandstone cliffs.
Gortyna Ancient City
On the way back, stop at these lesser-known ruins to see the first written laws of Europe carved into stone.
Farewell Feast
A final Cretan dinner featuring 'dakos' and 'kalitsounia' (cheese pies).
Day 20: Heraklion, Greece - Departure
Leisurely Breakfast
Enjoy a final Greek yogurt with honey and fresh fruit at a local cafe.
Souvenir Shopping
Pick up some Cretan honey, olive oil soap, and small replicas of the Minotaur for the trip home.
Heraklion Airport (HER)
The airport is very close to the city center, making for a stress-free final transfer.
Departure Flight
Fly home or back to Athens for your connecting international flight.
Best Time to Visit Greece
The best time to visit Greece with a family is during the shoulder seasons: late May to June, or September to early October. During these months, the weather is warm enough for swimming but not the scorching 40°C (104°F) of July and August. You'll also find smaller crowds at major sites like the Acropolis, making it much easier to manage strollers and curious toddlers.
Currency & Money
Greece uses the Euro (€). While credit cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, and major restaurants, it is essential to carry some cash for smaller tavernas, kiosks (peripteros), and local buses, especially on the islands. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving a 5-10% tip for good service is appreciated.
Getting Around Greece
For intercity travel, a mix of transport is best. We recommend renting a car for the Peloponnese and Crete to have the flexibility a family needs. For the trip from Athens to the north, the national train service (Hellenic Train) is comfortable, though domestic flights (Aegean/Sky Express) are often the most time-efficient way to reach the islands like Crete with young children.
