When you picture Santorini, you probably imagine honeymooners sipping wine at sunset, dramatic cliffside villas, and romantic blue-domed churches. But here’s a surprise you might not expect:
Santorini is a fantastic destination for families traveling with children.
That’s right — beyond the postcards and Instagram shots lies a warm, welcoming island filled with adventures, safe towns, unique beaches, and plenty of fun and educational experiences perfect for curious young minds.
We recently spent a week in Santorini with our two children - Elliot who is now 12 and Erin who is 8. The holiday was booked on a spur of the moment type google - we found a good price and decided to go for it!
When to Visit?
The best time to visit Santorini with children is during the shoulder seasons — late spring (April to early June) and early autumn (September to early October). During these months, the weather is warm but not too hot, the island is less crowded, and accommodation prices are generally more reasonable.
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| Oia, Santorini |
We visited in the first week of April however I would recommend going slightly later in the month. We had a few warm days but out of the sun it was a cool 14 degrees!
Getting There
Getting to Santorini from the UK is easier than ever, with multiple direct flight options available from major airports including London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted), Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh, especially during the spring and summer months. These flights typically take around 4 hours and are offered by airlines such as British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair. For more flexibility or off-season travel, you can also fly into Athens and take a short domestic flight to Santorini or opt for a scenic ferry ride from the mainland — a great option if you want to include a bit of Greek island-hopping in your itinerary.
We chose to fly from Gatwick Airport with Easyjet and it couldn't have been easier - we hopped on a train from Poole and within 3 hours we were at the airport. Our flight was 730am so we chose to stay overnight in the Premier Inn North Terminal - the hotel is great value and literally a 5 minute walk to departures.
Where to Stay
When visiting Santorini with children, the best places to stay are in the flatter, beachside towns like Kamari and Perissa, which offer easy access to the sea, family-friendly restaurants, and plenty of space for little ones to explore. These areas are less crowded and more buggy-friendly compared to the steep, cliffside villages. They are often better value too.
Our hotel (Hotel Alexandra) was located in Kamari and was perfect for our needs. We had a one bedroom apartment that had converted sofas in the living area which the kids had. The bedroom had a huge bed, plenty of wardrobe space, aircon and even a TV which came in handy in the evenings when the kids were asleep! The breakfast was plentiful and we never had any issues finding a sunbed around the pool. Location wise it was 2 minutes to Kamari Beach and around 10 minutes to walk into the main town area.
How to Get Around
Santorini is a small island (76 square km) however if you are travelling with kids, I would really recommend hiring a car. You can usually arrange this via your hotel, or just google nearby companies like we did. We found having a car gave us lots more freedom than relying on public transport and we could explore at our own pace. It also meant we could visit places such as Aktori Lighthouse which aren't easy to get to by bus. The views from here were worth the car hire cost alone!
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| Caldera view from Aktori Lighthouse |
There is a regular bus service on the Island however these do get very busy in the North of the Island, especially after Sunset.
Things to Do
If your kids love a bit of adventure and a dash of ancient mystery, Ancient Thera is a must. Perched high on a mountain above Kamari, this archaeological site is packed with ruins to explore—old houses, temples, and even an ancient theatre. You can hike up if you're feeling energetic, otherwise you are able to drive partway and walk the rest.
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| Views for days - Ancient Thira Santorini |
Set sail from Fira’s Old Port for a boat trip to Nea Kameni, the volcanic island in the caldera. You’ll hike around the crater and then jump into the warm sulphur springs nearby.
Note: Better suited to older kids or confident swimmers
Wander Fira's winding streets
Kids will love exploring the cobbled alleyways and there are quirky little souvenir shops around every corner. The views over the caldera are amazing once you reach the edge of the town!
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| Caldera views from Fira |
The Lost Atlantis Experience
Perfect for a rainy day (we had a few of those in April!), this is a brilliant, hands on museum where you can explore Plato's legend of Atlantis with holograms, hands on exhibits and a fun 9D cinema.
Catch a Sunset
Santorini is renowned for it's amazing sunsets and it would be a crime not to see at least one while here! Many tourists head to Oia but if you don't fancy the crowds, there are plenty of places on the Island where you can catch the perfect sunset. We headed for the highest point of the Island, the Profitis Ilias Mountain - you can drive all the way up and it offers breathtaking, panoramic views over the Island.
Visit the highest village on the Island
Once the capital of the island, Pyrgos is a traditional village full of winding alleys, whitewashed houses, and blue-domed churches—minus the crowds you’ll find in Oia or Fira. What makes Pyrgos special (besides being the highest village) is the panoramic view from the old Venetian Castelli (castle) at the top of the village. From there, you get a 360-degree sweep of the island—including the caldera, the sea, and the sprawling vineyards below. It’s a great place to escape the tourist buzz and soak in a more peaceful, authentic side of Santorini.
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| Pyrgos |
What to Eat
Greek cuisine is perfect for families with lots to please even the fussiest eaters. We loved trying out the local gyros (pronounced yee-ros, a pita bread stuffed with meat, tzatziki, salad and chips) and found it a really inexpensive meal. Souvlaki was also a big hit - and the portion sizes seemed to be very generous wherever we went so we could all share a couple of meals.
Elias Grill in Kamari was our favourite for gyros but we also had fantastic meals at Alfresco in Kamari and Triana Tavern in Fira.
It's worth noting that you will pay more if you are in the touristy areas such as Oia, especially if you are looking for a sunset view whilst dining.
📌 Final Thoughts
Santorini is truly a beautiful destination with so much to offer for families who want to make magical memories together. The locals were warm, welcoming, and helpful, and we felt completely safe wherever we went — whether we were exploring charming villages or unwinding by the pool at our hotel. I think Santorini is especially well-suited for families with slightly older children, like ours, who can appreciate its rich culture, stunning views, and all the walking involved in navigating its steep streets. We did a lot of exploring on foot — up and down countless steps — which might be a bit challenging for families with toddlers or pushchairs, especially in the more touristy areas like Fira and Oia. But for those who are up for a little adventure, Santorini offers a blend of relaxation, education, food, and fun that makes for a truly rewarding family holiday.
