I celebrated my 32nd birthday on a flight to Santorini with my 7-year-old, and we had the time of our lives! Here’s why I loved visiting Santorini with a child.
Santorini was on my bucket list, but Insta had me believing Santorini was a dreamy, romantic destination for adults and couples only. I saw very few photos of families enjoying the iconic blue-domed churches, white-washed buildings, and crystal-clear waters. It could be my algorithm or the cliffside pools sending the mum part of my brain into a spin. Despite my initial doubts, we just went for it. There are countless reasons why I absolutely adored visiting Santorini with my child. I can’t wait to go back with him.
When is the best time of year to visit Santorini with a child?
We visited Santorini early in April, and I read that the best time to visit with a child is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October).
During these times, the weather is generally good, the crowds are thinner, and the prices are more affordable. Apparently, summer can be very hot, very expensive and very very crowded!
Although I haven’t visited in summer, we found April was perfect for us with a 7-year-old. Yes, not everywhere was open—many places were getting ready to open for the summer, but we absolutely loved this!
We still found plenty of open restaurants and shops, which were relatively quiet. We didn’t have to book a table anywhere, and we enjoyed the best views in the restaurants, as they weren’t too busy. There was so much space and freedom to play on the beach. It was blissful.
Where is best to stay with children in Santorini?
We stayed in Exi Sea Side Suites set in a beautifully maintained courtyard over the road from Perissa Beach (the black sand beach.)
We loved it here. Each apartment had a patio area and free parking on the site.
All accommodations at the aparthotel include free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a cosy seating area, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a private bathroom complete with bathrobes, a shower, and slippers. A toaster, refrigerator, stovetop, coffee machine, and kettle are also available.
The owner was more than accommodating—he went above and beyond for us, and our stay was perfect. Someone was always around to ask questions, and we felt safe staying here with a child. The staff here were really friendly with my son. They gave him a net and water toy to play with at the beach, chatted with him every evening, and made him feel comfortable.
The beach was beautiful and peaceful in April. The shallow shore is great for kids, and although it is a storey area, just pack some water shoes if this bothers you, and you are good to go. I’ve seen some articles noting that the beach here stains clothes; we didn’t find this an issue, but keep it in mind when packing!
Perissa has family-friendly hotels, restaurants, and amenities, making it comfortable and convenient for families. The laid-back atmosphere here was lovely.
I can’t recommend staying in Perissa with a child, especially if you rent a car. We found it a great base to stay with a child and explore the rest of the island.
What should I consider when travelling to Santorini with a child?
It’s important to consider the terrain and accessibility of specific areas and the availability of amenities such as stroller-friendly paths and facilities for changing and feeding. Sun protection is also essential.
Consider the child’s age as well and what you want from your holiday. My child is 7, so changing, strollers, etc, aren’t an issue for us, and he loves to travel more than anything, but every child is different.
Should you visit Fira or Oia with a child?
We did, and we loved visiting both. I could have a totally different opinion on this if I were visiting during summer, though. I imagine the small streets with children at hectic times could be overwhelming.
Reasons I loved visiting Santorini with my child
1. I found the locals so friendly and engaging with children
When I say the people we met in Greece restored my faith in humanity, I wholeheartedly mean it.
Everyone we met engaged with my son, making him feel content and happy. They provided helpful tips and showed genuine kindness towards children. We felt so welcome during our stay.
A strong sense of community and warmth is deeply rooted in Greek culture and tradition, where hospitality is highly valued. Their friendliness also reflects the laid-back and relaxed lifestyle on the island. (Move me to this island asap)
In a time where the world feels very hostile, I wanted to pocket Santorini and take it home with me.
2. The fantastic food
Another reason that made our trip to Santorini memorable was the local cuisine. Santorini is famous for its delicious food, including fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and traditional Greek dishes.
My child enjoyed trying new foods and flavours, and we all savoured the experience of dining at family-friendly tavernas overlooking the Aegean Sea.
There were many fantastic restaurants, and we didn’t have a bad meal the entire week. Everything was reasonably priced, and the portion sizes were huge, so often, we shared a selection of sides or meals to try a little of everything!
Visit the local kabab shops, and you won’t regret it! Gyros Place in Perissa was so reasonably priced and served absolutely delicious food. I still think about it!
3. There are loads of educational opportunities
Our visit wasn’t all beach days, Fanta and gyros! Santorini is full of educational opportunities, which we made the most of. We explored ancient ruins, archaeological sites, and museums, which offered valuable insights into the island’s fascinating past.
I love learning alongside my child, and I found his curiosity about the island’s history so uplifting.
Akrotiri Museum (prehistoric city)
When we visited Santorini, we made sure to explore the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri. This archaeological site is one of the most significant in Greece and is named after the nearby village. It was a well-connected Minoan port town with a thriving economy and was occupied from the 4th millennium BC to the 16th century BC. The site was abandoned due to a volcanic eruption, and ongoing excavations continue to uncover artefacts and treasures from this unique prehistoric settlement.
Artefacts from Akrotiri are exhibited at both the Archaeological Museum of Thera (located in Fira) and the National Archaeology Museum (located in Athens).
Lost Atlantis Experience
We loved the Lost Atlantis Experience. The museum is small, but don’t let that put you off. There is so much to learn here. It’s hands-on, interactive, and fantastic for children.
This is the world’s first Museum entirely dedicated to the myth of Atlantis. Lost Atlantis offers a digital interactive experience suitable for everyone aged 6 and above. You can immerse yourself in the destruction of Atlantis through a sensational 9D experience. Engage in discussions with the ancient philosopher Plato, explore the world’s largest Atlantis diorama, follow Plato’s journey towards the ideal city and witness a holographic representation of Santorini island’s geological evolution from ancient times to the present day.
We found the staff very friendly, and the layout was easy to follow. Our visit took about an hour, and I’d highly recommend a visit if you are interested in the mystery surrounding Atlantis, its origins, and its full story.
There are so many more things to do, history to learn about and tours to take that we only scratched the surface in a week. Ah, well, we will have to visit again!
4. The sunsets
I love watching the sunset with my son. It’s a great way to be present together and take a moment to be thankful for all that we have. Santorini’s magnificent sunsets left a lasting impression on us.
The feeling of being surrounded by water while we watched the sun dip into the ocean was something I will always carry with me.
The best place we found to watch the sunset was from the Akrotiri Lighthouse on the southwestern tip of the island.
5. The beautiful beaches
The island’s beautiful beaches also made our trip enjoyable. We spent leisurely days building sandcastles, swimming in the clear waters, and just in awe that we were on an island. My child had a blast playing on the beaches making memories together.
Visiting Red Beach in Santorini with a child
This beach was formed by the 1646 BC volcanic eruption. Its distinctive red colour is due to the oxidation of iron-rich volcanic lava. It’s a scramble to get onto, and there is a risk of landslides or falling rocks.
So my heart skipped a little when my 7-year-old told me he was desperate to hike to it!
Because it wasn’t busy, we didn’t have a cliffside queue to contend with, and because a bit of risk can get you to the most beautiful places, we did it. And this was a day I don’t think he will ever forget! I love how much he loves to challenge himself, but on the whole, I don’t recommend this with a child, especially in busy periods.
6. Cats galore
I have read many reasons for the number of cats in Santorini and issues surrounding animal welfare, so it’s best to do your own research on this. However, I will say that the cats we saw were healthy and well-fed by locals, and we were there just before the summer season. Please remember we are only there a short time, though!
My son is a cat person through and through. He loves animals, but cats are his biggest love. He was in heaven in Santorini, so this has made it into reasons I loved visiting Santorini with my child.
If you’re visiting Santorini with a child, hire a car!
Renting a car in Santorini gave us the flexibility and convenience of staying in Perissa and exploring the island. With a car, you can visit various destinations at your own pace without being restricted by bus schedules or limited routes.
Additionally, having a car made it easier to navigate the island and reach popular attractions, such as the beautiful beaches, historic sites, and popular towns, without relying on taxis or tours.
The island isn’t huge, so we found hiring a car affordable. Just remember there are very narrow roads and fast-driving vehicles in certain areas, so driving cautiously and being aware of local traffic conditions is crucial.
Visiting Santorini with my child was a special experience I will never forget.
The island’s natural beauty, culture, welcoming locals, and family-friendly activities made it a perfect destination for us. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to have shared this incredible experience with my child, and I wholeheartedly recommend Santorini as a destination for families. A little research goes a long way! I hope you have found this blog post helpful. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
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