Our 10-day Greece itinerary with kids took the three of us (Jackson was 4) along the Santorini caldera on foot, through sea caves and moon-like beaches on Milos, and to the Acropolis in Athens on our anniversary in July 2025.
Here’s the exact route we followed, day by day: how we got between the islands, where we stayed, where we ate (including our gluten-free finds), and the small logistics that kept the trip running smoothly. The 10 days include our flights from the US, so you get 8 full days on the ground in Greece.
Fair warning: Milos stole our hearts. It may be our favorite place we’ve ever traveled.
This itinerary is a great fit if you’re planning Greece with young kids, want a mix of famous Santorini and quieter Milos, and like active days with plenty of beach time.
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Where We Stayed & What We Booked
Santorini
Milos
Athens
Trip Essentials
Our Greece Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Fly from Atlanta to Athens (overnight)
Day 2: Connect to Santorini, pick up the rental car, check in to Imerovigli
Day 3: Hike the caldera trail to Oia, swim at Ammoudi Bay, explore Oia and Fira
Day 4: Santorini catamaran cruise and an afternoon in Pyrgos
Day 5: Ferry from Santorini to Milos, dinner in Mandrakia
Day 6: Sunrise at Sarakiniko, Firopotamos, Plathiena, Plaka, Klima, and Papafragas
Day 7: All-day fishing trip to Sykia Cave and Kleftiko
Day 8: Tsigrado and Firiplaka beaches, then an afternoon back at Sarakiniko
Day 9: Early swim at Paliochori, fly from Milos to Athens, visit the Acropolis
Day 10: Fly home
Where we stayed: 3 nights in Santorini, 4 nights in Milos, and 1 night near the Athens airport.
Island Hopping in Greece? Keep It All in One Place
Ferries, hotels on each island, boat days, and a packing list for the whole crew add up fast. Our free Trip Planning Command Center keeps it organized so you can enjoy the islands.
Santorini vs. Milos With Kids: Why We Did Both
Santorini is the island everyone pictures when they think of Greece, and we wanted to see the caldera for ourselves. Everyone told us it would be too crowded to enjoy. That wasn’t our experience at all.
The secret was where we stayed. Instead of Oia, we stayed in Imerovigli, a quieter village on the caldera between Oia and Fira. It never felt crowded. Oia and Fira were busy when we visited later in the day (mornings were much calmer), but they were still worth seeing.
Then there’s Milos. It’s less crowded across the whole island and more remote, and we absolutely loved it. The pace is slow, the entire island is breathtaking, and the people are wonderful. We found the people lovely in Santorini too, but the slower pace and remoteness of Milos made it a place we still dream about. We cannot recommend Milos enough.
The two islands are connected by a direct high-speed ferry in summer, which made the combination easy.
Getting Around Greece With Kids: Flights, Ferries, and Rental Cars
We used every type of transportation on this trip, and it all worked well:
USA to Athens: A nonstop overnight flight from Atlanta to Athens on Delta, landing around 10 a.m.
Athens to Santorini: A short connecting flight on SKY Express, just under an hour.
Santorini to Milos: A SeaJets high-speed ferry, about two hours. We booked through Ferryhopper, which lets you compare ferry times and companies in one place.
Milos to Athens: A 40-minute Olympic Air flight from the small Milos airport.
Rental cars: We had a small car on each island. On Santorini, we picked it up at the airport and the rental company collected it at the ferry terminal, which was really convenient. On Milos, we picked it up at the port, and on our last day, a staff member drove us to the airport for a small fee after we dropped the car off in Adamas. Ask about one-way drop-offs or airport rides when you book, and get it confirmed in writing.
Book your rental car: Santorini and Milos
Check your bag sizes for domestic flights. The smaller airlines that fly around Greece are strict about baggage, and their carry-on limits are smaller than the standard US carry-on size we’re used to. Look up the exact limits for your airline before you pack, wherever you’re flying in from.
Tip: Grab an eSIM before you go so you have maps and ferry updates the second you land.
Day 1: Fly from Atlanta to Athens
Our trip started with an afternoon departure from Atlanta and a nonstop overnight flight to Athens. If you can sleep on planes, this is the time to do it, because Day 2 is a big travel day.
Read More: Kids' Carry-On Essentials: Our Pack-Light List for Long Flights
Read More: International Packing List for Families: Our Must-Haves for Traveling Abroad With a Kid
Day 2: Athens to Santorini
We landed in Athens around 10 a.m. and had a connecting flight to Santorini just before 1 p.m. Plan for plenty of buffer time here. Because our international and domestic flights were on separate tickets, we had to clear passport control, pick up our bags, go through customs, re-check our bags, and go back through security.
We’d bought fast-track security passes ahead of time, then forgot all about them because the line wasn’t busy. We may have just gotten lucky, though. The passes weren’t expensive at the time of our trip, so they could be worth having just in case.
In Santorini, we picked up our rental car at the airport and made one important stop before checking in: the grocery store. We stocked up on water and gluten-free snacks for the next morning’s hike. There’s a large Sklavenitis supermarket near Fira and a Lidl nearby as a backup.
Where We Stayed in Santorini: Langas Villas, Imerovigli
The places we stayed in Greece were the best we’ve ever had, and it wasn’t because of fancy rooms. It was the people.
At Langas Villas, we had a traditional Junior Apartment with a kitchenette, a sitting area, a bedroom, and a breathtaking view of the caldera. There’s a small rooftop pool that was perfect for watching the sunset and for Jackson to swim. And Imerovigli is the perfect location, in our opinion. You’re away from busy Fira and Oia but still close to both, and it’s less crowded and more affordable. The caldera hiking trail runs right through the village. We hiked it one day, and the next morning Matt ran the entire trail from our apartment to Oia and back.
The hosts are what really shine. Langas Villas is run by a husband and wife along with their son, and they are so lovely we can’t even put it into words. When they found out we eat gluten-free, they searched every bakery they knew to find fresh gluten-free bread for our breakfasts. When they couldn’t find any, they bought some from the local supermarket for us.
Breakfast is included in your stay, and it’s brought to your porch each morning and cleaned up for you. We still dream about those breakfasts on our porch looking out at the view. Literally perfect.
Dinner: Gia Mas
Our first dinner in Greece was at Gia Mas in Kamari, a beach town on the east side of the island. We picked it for its gluten-free pizza and made a reservation ahead of time. Unfortunately, they didn’t have gluten-free pizza the night we visited, but we found other things on the menu we could eat, and the setting made up for it. Our table looked right out at the water, and the whole beachfront is lined with restaurants and shops. We grabbed ice cream, strolled a bit, and headed back to our hotel for some much-needed sleep.
Tip: If gluten-free pizza is the reason you’re going, ask about it when you reserve.
Day 3: Hike the Fira to Oia Trail With Kids
If you only do one thing in Santorini, make it this hike. The trail follows the rim of the caldera between Fira and Oia, about 6 miles end to end, with views the entire way.
Because our hotel sat right on the trail, we split the hike in two. In the morning, we walked from Imerovigli to Oia, explored the shops, and headed down to Ammoudi Bay. In the afternoon, we took the bus from Oia to Fira, explored Fira, and hiked from Fira back to our hotel.
Start early. It gets hot, there’s very little shade, and it was windy when we went. Bring more water and snacks than you think you need. There were a few trailside vendors selling fruit, but don’t count on them.
If you’re not staying on the trail: Most people start in Fira, near the Atlantis Hotel. There are public parking lots around Fira.
Getting between Oia and Fira: The bus stop in Oia is just below the main square, near the big church. Bring cash for the bus. A taxi is the other option.
Ammoudi Bay: Swimming and Cliff Jumping
From Oia, we walked all the way down the steps to Ammoudi Bay, a small harbor at the bottom of the cliffs, to swim and cliff jump. There are a lot of steps. Going down is much easier than coming back up, and the climb out is strenuous, so keep that in mind if you have young kids. There are water taxis if you’d rather not walk, and you’ll see donkeys offered for the ride up, but we chose not to ride them and don’t recommend it. We love this kind of thing, so the climb was worth it for us.
Getting to the swimming spot is a little sketchy. You have to go around a gated area and follow an uneven, rocky path along the water’s edge. You’ll know you’ve found it when you see people lounging on the rocks, swimming, and jumping off a large rock just offshore. Matt, of course, jumped. We spotted a few sea urchins here, so watch your step (water shoes help). This spot is burned into our memory. It was just so much fun.
Lunch: Ammoudi Tavern
After swimming, we had lunch at Ammoudi Tavern, right on the water. The setting is beautiful, and plenty of diners around us seemed to be enjoying their meals, but it wasn’t worth the price for us since our gluten-free needs limited what we could order. It may be a better value if you can order from the whole menu. The restaurant required a deposit to book our table, and it wasn’t credited toward our bill, so ask how the deposit is applied when you reserve.
Back Up to Oia, Then Fira
After the climb back up, we explored Oia a bit more, then took the bus to Fira. We wandered in and out of the shops in Fira and then hiked the trail back to our hotel in Imerovigli.
Second Lunch: Lucky’s Souvlaki
We were starving after all that hiking and a light lunch, so we grabbed a bite as soon as we got off the bus in Fira. Lucky’s Souvlaki is on the main street, just a minute’s walk from the bus station. We ordered a souvlaki platter without the pita, and it was delicious and very affordable. The staff were so friendly and accommodating of our gluten-free needs.
Dinner: Anogi
We had dinner at Anogi, a short walk from our hotel in Imerovigli, on our hosts’ recommendation. The menu is traditional Greek with a modern touch, and there are plenty of naturally gluten-free choices like grilled octopus, sea bass, souvlaki, lamb, and Greek salad. Anogi is listed as offering gluten-free options, so let your server know you eat gluten-free and ask them to point out what works for gluten-free.
Day 4: Santorini Catamaran Cruise and Pyrgos
After a big hiking day, a day on the water was perfect. We booked a 5-hour small-group catamaran cruise with Spiridakos Sailing Cruises, and they picked us up a short walk from our hotel.
The cruise sails around the south and west sides of the island, past the Venetian Lighthouse, the Indian Rocks, the Red Beach, and the White Beach, with stops to swim and snorkel. You also get to swim in the volcanic hot springs near the volcano. Lunch is a BBQ buffet with drinks, and snorkel gear and towels are provided. If you eat gluten-free or have other dietary needs, mention it when you book so the crew can plan for the BBQ lunch.
We really enjoyed this tour and found it worth it. One thing to know: the water in Greece is cold, at least for us East Coast swimmers. Even in July, we found it chilly. Thankfully, we knew this ahead of time and packed a wetsuit for Jackson, along with his swim vest. Keep the cold water in mind if you’re planning water activities with little ones.
Tip: Wear a dark-colored swimsuit. The tour company warns that the sulfur in the hot springs can stain light suits. We wore dark-ish suits and had no issues.
Afternoon in Pyrgos
After the cruise, we went back to our villa to rest and freshen up, then drove to Pyrgos to explore. This village is so beautiful, and we had so much fun just wandering. There were no crowds, and most of the time we had the whitewashed lanes and blue-domed buildings to ourselves. We found a cute little cafe for an afternoon treat and coffee. Such a lovely experience. We highly recommend it if you want a quieter side of Santorini.
Dinner: Aris Restaurant
We drove about 10 minutes to Fira for dinner at Aris Restaurant, tucked on the cliffside just below the busy main streets. The caldera view is absolutely incredible, and we went at sunset, which was amazing. We recommend a reservation, especially if you want a sunset table. It isn’t a dedicated gluten-free restaurant, but like most places in Greece, there are naturally gluten-free options on the menu. Always tell your server you eat gluten-free so they can check for hidden gluten and avoid cross-contamination. We found staff everywhere in Greece to be friendly and happy to answer our dietary questions.
Tip: Map apps can drop you at the wrong spot. The restaurant is a short walk down from where the pin lands.
Day 5: Santorini to Milos Ferry
We kept the morning slow. Jackson had one last swim, and then we drove about 25 minutes to the port, where the rental car company collected our car.
The ferry port was an experience. It’s busy, but there are several places to eat and hang out while you wait. Plan to be there at least an hour before departure. The SeaJets ferry itself was large and comfortable, and the ride to Milos took about two hours.
At the Milos port, we picked up our next rental car, a small 4x4, and stopped at Vidalis Super Market in Adamas for breakfast groceries, snacks, and more water.
Where We Stayed in Milos: Aegiis Maisonnettes
On Milos, we stayed in the Obsidian unit at Aegiis Maisonnettes, and once again our host felt like a relative we were visiting. She lives next door to the apartment, which was spotless. She made us gluten-free treats every day, was so kind to Jackson, and was always available to answer our questions. We love her and would go back in a heartbeat.
Having a kitchen was great for easy breakfasts before long beach days, and it’s a short drive to Sarakiniko and Mandrakia.
Dinner: Medusa in Mandrakia
Go here! We loved it so much we went twice. Medusa sits in Mandrakia, a tiny fishing village with colorful boat garages built into the rock. The food is amazing and so fresh, and while there aren’t a ton of gluten-free options, there are some, so tell your server right away. (As always, double-check fried dishes, since they’re often dusted in flour.) The servers were so sweet with Jackson, and on our second visit, they remembered him and brought him a free chocolate ice cream.
Medusa doesn’t take reservations, and there was a long wait both times we went. Use it as an excuse to walk down to the water, take pictures with the colorful buildings, and see the octopus drying on the line.
Fun fact: when we visited, photos of celebrity guests, including Justin Bieber, were on the walls from their visits.
Day 6: Sarakiniko Sunrise and the Best of Northern Milos
This was our biggest exploring day on Milos, and it started with sunrise at Sarakiniko Beach. The smooth white volcanic rock looks like the surface of the moon. This is a must. Do not skip the sunrise here. It’s breathtaking.
We went back to our apartment for breakfast, then packed the car for a full day.
Pack for the day: Snorkel gear, our swim buoy, snacks, water, sunscreen, and a change of clothes for lunch or dinner.
We made it to every spot on our list, and they were all so beautiful and worth it. Honestly, we wish we were back there right now.
Firopotamos and Plathiena Beaches
Firopotamos is a small fishing village with a pretty beach and great spots for cliff jumping. Plathiena, just a few minutes away, has a nice beach and interesting rock formations.
Lunch in Plaka
We had planned to eat at Avli-Milos in Plaka, but it was closed when we got there. Instead, we found a tiny spot right next door. (We forgot the name, whoops! We had no idea we’d be writing a family travel blog on this trip.) The owner, who runs it with his wife, knew all about gluten and even made us a meal that wasn’t on the menu so we could eat gluten-free. They were so kind, and the coffee was delicious.
Plaka
Plaka is the main town of Milos and a fun one to wander. You can walk up to the church at the top of town for panoramic views, and it’s said to be one of the best sunset spots on the island.
Klima
Klima is a tiny fishing village of white houses with brightly painted doors lining the water. It’s one of the most photographed spots on Milos. We loved this spot. It was picturesque. Jackson loved jumping off the stone wall into the water. It truly felt like we’d stepped into a storybook.
Papafragas Sea Caves
Papafragas is a series of sea caves and swimming holes on the northern coast. We spent a lot of time here swimming and jumping off the arch. Check the water depth before you jump.
Dinner: O! Hamos!
We ended the day at O! Hamos!, a family-run taverna across from Papikinou Beach, just outside Adamas. It doesn’t take reservations, so arrive early. The menus are handwritten, there’s a playground right inside, and the whole place has a great, relaxed vibe. There were gluten-free options, and the staff were knowledgeable.
Day 7: The Best Day of Our Trip: A Milos Fishing Trip
We cannot say enough wonderful things about this fishing trip. Milos Fishing Trip is run by a husband and wife who were born and raised in Greece, and they are as authentic as it gets. We have never felt so comfortable on a paid excursion with our child. They were wonderful to Jackson and to everyone else on the boat. It honestly felt like being out on a fishing boat in Greece with your relatives.
They take you to the same famous spots as the big tour companies, but you never feel like just part of their job. Their boat is smaller, which meant it could fit inside Sykia Cave, the sea cave with a hole in its roof, where we anchored and snorkeled. Then we headed to Kleftiko, the white rock formations and sea caves Milos is famous for, to snorkel while they cooked our lunch. We fished the entire way there and back, and they cook the fish you catch. They answered every question we had and were just so kind and personable.
Truly, book this one instead of the big-company tours. You won’t regret it. It was just perfect.
♥We aren't sponsored and don't make any money from this booking. We just loved it so much that we recommend it to everyone heading to Milos.
If Milos Fishing Trip is booked up: Full-day Kleftiko sailing cruise with lunch. It’s another small, couple-run boat that visits Sykia Cave and Kleftiko, with life jackets and lunch cooked on board. It’s a long day (about 9.5 hours), so it’s best for kids who are comfortable in the water. Let them know about any dietary needs at least 24 hours ahead.
If the Milos Fishing Trip is booked up for your dates:
Full-Day Kleftiko Sailing Cruise With LunchAnother small, couple-run boat to Sykia Cave and Kleftiko→- Life jackets on board, and lunch is cooked on the boat
- A long day (about 9.5 hours), so it's best for kids who are comfortable in the water
- Share any dietary needs at least 24 hours ahead
Dinner: Astakas in Klima
We drove back to Klima for dinner at Astakas, the only restaurant in this little fishing village, with all its tables outdoors right by the water. It’s just so beautiful here, and the sunset was incredible. We made a reservation ahead of time but still had a short wait for our table, and the parking lot is a bit of a walk from the restaurant, so give yourself a few extra minutes. We had grilled fish, salad, and rice, and the wine was top notch.
Day 8: Milos South Coast Beaches and Back to Sarakiniko
Day 8 started on the south coast, then took us back to our favorite beach. Wear closed-toe shoes today because there’s some climbing, and pack the same beach bag as Day 6.
Tsigrado Beach
Tsigrado is a tiny cove you reach by climbing down a ladder, so it fills up quickly. Get there early. This was such a fun adventure. The ladder is a little sketchy, though, so do your own research before deciding whether it’s right for your kids.
Firiplaka Beach
Firiplaka is right next to Tsigrado and is known for its colorful rock cliffs. It’s more of a traditional beach and was very crowded when we went. Parking is along the road and can be tough when it’s busy, so go early.
Lunch
We headed back to the apartment for lunch, where our host had left us gluten-free desserts. Such a nice treat.
Skipping the boat trip? We had planned to hike to Sykia Cave and the Kleftiko lookout this afternoon, but our fishing trip had already taken us to both by boat. If you aren’t booking a boat trip, AllTrails has routes for the Sykia Beach and Cave hike and the Kleftiko Caves lookout.
Back to Sarakiniko
After lunch, we went back to Sarakiniko to enjoy it in daylight. We swam, and Matt cliff jumped.
Dinner: Medusa (Again!)
We loved Medusa so much that we went back for a second dinner, and it was just as good the second time. Seriously, you have to go here.
Day 9: Milos to Athens and the Acropolis With Kids
Day 9 was our anniversary, and it was a great one. We started with an early swim at Paliochori, had a breakfast reservation at DOM, and returned the car in Adamas (the rental company drove us to the airport) before boarding our 40-minute flight to Athens.
Paliochori Beach
Paliochori is one of the most popular beaches on Milos, but we went very early in the morning before leaving the island and had it pretty much to ourselves. It was so lovely.
Breakfast: DOM
Our gluten-free options here were limited, so we kept it simple with eggs and a smoothie.
Where We Stayed in Athens: Natalie Apartments, Artemida
Since we were flying home the next morning, we stayed in Artemida, a seaside town near the Athens airport, instead of in the city. Natalie Apartments was perfectly fine for one night before our flight. Our host picked us up at the airport for a fee, drove us back the next morning, and even helped arrange a driver to take us to the Acropolis and back. Bring cash for the drivers.
Tip: If you only have one night in Athens before an international flight, staying near the airport takes a lot of stress out of the last morning. Just know that it’s a long ride into the city.
Not staying somewhere with a driver? My Athens Transfer with flight tracking and a driver who waits if you’re delayed. The company provides child seats at no extra charge, so send your kids’ ages after you book.
Not staying somewhere with a driver?
Private Athens Airport Transferby My Athens TransfersChild seats at no extra charge→- My Athens Transfers tracks your flight, and your driver waits if you're delayed
- Send them your kids' ages after you book so they bring the right seats
Visiting the Acropolis
We’re not history people by any means, but we were in Athens, and it’s the Acropolis. It felt like a rite of passage, and it’s definitely worth going if you’re able. We picked an early-evening timed-entry slot to avoid the worst of the July heat, and we booked our tickets ahead of time. Arrive on time, because time slots are strictly enforced. Expect crowds, even in the evening. We booked ours on the official Acropolis ticket site (hhticket.gr). Kids under 18 get in free, but bring a passport or ID for each child. Strollers aren’t allowed, so bring a carrier for little ones.
Best of Athens Half Day Private Tour
A private driver picks you up anywhere in Athens, even near the airport where we stayed, and takes you to the Acropolis and the city's highlights at your own pace. Strollers and car seats are welcome. Tickets aren't included, but they'll help you get them.
Good to know: Your driver shares history in the car and at each stop, but doesn't guide you inside the Acropolis, so you'll explore it on your own. That's how we visited too.
See the Private Tour →
Dinner: Greek Stories (Fully Gluten-Free)
Just a few minutes’ walk from the Acropolis, Greek Stories has a completely gluten-free menu, and everything was delicious. It was the perfect anniversary dinner and a stress-free way to end the trip. It’s right across the street from the Acropolis Museum in the Makrygianni neighborhood, which is a lovely area to stroll after dinner.
Day 10: Fly Home
Our host drove us to the airport for our nonstop flight back to Atlanta. Grab snacks for the flight before you leave, or pick them up at the airport.
Gluten-Free in Greece: Where We Ate
Eating gluten-free in Greece was easier than we expected. So much of the food is naturally gluten-free, especially the fresh fish and grilled seafood you’ll find almost everywhere, and a few incredibly thoughtful hosts went above and beyond for us. We didn’t take detailed notes on every meal (this trip was before we started the blog). Always tell your server you eat gluten-free, and ask about anything fried or grilled, since fryers and grills are often shared.
Eating Gluten-Free in Greece?
Build a personalized dietary card to show your server, so the kitchen knows exactly what you can't eat. The card is in English, so use your own translation app if you'd like it in Greek. Always double-check ingredients too.
Santorini
Langas Villas (Imerovigli): Our hosts tracked down gluten-free bread for our included breakfasts.
Gia Mas (Kamari): Known among gluten-free travelers for its GF pizza and pasta, but the pizza wasn’t available the night we went, so ask when you reserve.
Lucky’s Souvlaki (Fira): A quick, affordable souvlaki platter without the pita, and the staff were very accommodating.
Aris (Fira): Not a dedicated gluten-free spot, but naturally gluten-free options on the menu and helpful staff.
Anogi (Imerovigli): Plenty of naturally gluten-free grilled seafood and meat, and it’s listed as offering gluten-free options. Tell your server and ask what works for gluten-free.
Ammoudi Tavern (Oia): Our one miss. The setting is beautiful, but our options were limited, so it wasn’t worth the price for us.
Milos
Aegiis Maisonnettes: Our host made us gluten-free treats every day.
Tiny café next to Avli-Milos (Plaka): The owners made us a gluten-free meal that wasn’t on the menu, and the coffee was delicious.
Medusa (Mandrakia): Fresh seafood and a few gluten-free options. Tell your server right away.
O! Hamos! (near Adamas): No gluten-free menu, but there were gluten-free options, and the staff were knowledgeable. Reports from celiac diners are mixed, so be very clear with your server.
Astakas (Klima): Grilled fish, salad, and rice by the water, with plenty of naturally gluten-free choices.
DOM (Milos): Limited gluten-free options at breakfast, so we kept it simple with eggs and a smoothie.
Athens
Greek Stories: Every item on the food menu is gluten-free. Our favorite stress-free meal of the trip.
Tips for Visiting Greece With Young Kids
Jackson was 4 on this trip, and Greece was one of the easiest places we’ve traveled with him. Everyone we met was so warm with Jackson, and we felt welcome everywhere we went. A few things that made it work for us:
Pack a kids’ wetsuit. The water was colder than we expected, even in July.
Bring a swim buoy. Holding the rope kept Jackson close in open water, so we weren’t constantly swimming over to check on him.
Rent a car seat with your rental car. We added one to our reservation on Milos, which saved us from carrying a seat through two flights and a ferry. Request it ahead of time.
Stay somewhere with a kitchen. Easy breakfasts and lunches back at the apartment gave Jackson a break from the sun and kept our gluten-free meals simple.
Start early. July is hot. Our best mornings were sunrise at Sarakiniko and starting the caldera hike before the heat.
Get to the ferry port early. It’s busy, but there are places to eat and hang out while you wait.
Pack the sound machine. Our portable sound machine helped Jackson sleep in three different places in one trip.
What to Pack for a Greece Island Trip
What We’d Do Differently
Double-check carry-on sizes for the small Greek airlines before packing.
Spend more time on Milos.
How to Change This Itinerary
If you have more time: Add nights on Milos first. Four nights wasn’t enough for us, and we’d love a slower pace with more beach days.
If you have less time: Shorten Santorini to two nights and keep the Fira to Oia hike, which was our Santorini highlight.
If you want more Athens: Stay a night or two in the city instead of near the airport, so you can see the Acropolis Museum and stroll Athens’ Plaka neighborhood without rushing.
If you have older kids: Add the hike to the Kleftiko lookout, or rent a 4x4 to explore western Milos.
Greece With Kids FAQ
Is Greece good for kids?
Absolutely. Everyone we met was so warm and welcoming to Jackson, the food is simple and kid-friendly, and there are beaches, boat trips, and hikes for every age. Jackson was 4, and we all had a blast!
Is 10 days enough for Greece?
Ten days, including flights from the US, gave us 8 full days on the ground, which was perfect for two islands plus a night near Athens. We would have loved another day or two on Milos, but only because we loved it so much. You don’t need the extra time. Next time, we’d love to spend two weeks: a full week on Milos and another on a similar, quieter island like Sifnos, which is a short ferry ride away and often compared to Milos.
Santorini or Milos with kids?
If you can, do both. Santorini has the famous caldera views and the Fira to Oia hike, and Milos has quieter beaches, sea caves, and a slower pace. If you can only pick one, we’d choose Milos.
How many days do you need in Milos?
We had four nights and wished we’d had more. Four nights covers the highlights, but five or six lets you slow down.
How do you get from Santorini to Milos?
We took a SeaJets high-speed ferry, which took about two hours. Book ahead in summer, and get to the port at least an hour early.
Do you need a car in Santorini and Milos?
We rented a small car on each island, and we’d do it again with a kid. On Milos, a regular small car is enough for most visitors.
Is the water cold in Greece in July?
For us, yes. Even in July, we found it chilly, so we packed a wetsuit for Jackson, and we’re so glad we did.
Is it easy to eat gluten-free in Greece?
Easier than we expected. So much of the food is naturally gluten-free, and staff were happy to help.
Is July a good time to visit Greece with kids?
It worked well for us, but it’s hot and busy. We started every day early, from sunrise at Sarakiniko to beginning the caldera hike before the heat, and saved the afternoons for swimming. The water was colder than we expected, even in July, so pack a wetsuit for little ones.
Is Santorini good for kids?
Yes, especially if you stay in a quieter village like Imerovigli. Jackson loved the catamaran cruise, swimming at Ammoudi Bay, and our rooftop pool. The Fira to Oia hike is long and exposed, so start early and bring lots of water.
Is Milos good for kids?
It was our favorite. Jackson loved jumping into the water at Klima and Papafragas, the fishing trip, and the moon-like rocks at Sarakiniko. Some spots, like the ladder at Tsigrado, are more adventurous, so choose based on your kids’ comfort level.
Plan Your Own Greek Island Trip
Between ferries, a different stay on every island, boat days, and packing for the beach and the hikes, a Greece trip has a lot of moving parts. Our free Trip Planning Command Center keeps it all in one place, so the planning is the easy part.
- Plan each island day by day
- Track ferries, hotels, and boat trips you've booked
- Keep the whole crew's packing in one list
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Our Greece Trip
