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Excursions, Hotels, etc - advice for Greece with kids

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Hello! In June 2026, we're traveling to Greece (2 adults, 2 kids ages 8 and 12). I'd be grateful for advice from experts here!

  • 3 nights in Naxos. We're staying in Agia Anna. Any tips on excursions, etc would be great! I've seen visits to farms where you gather food and cook dinner, etc that sound interesting. I don't want to keep the kids in a bus for hours, so longer tours of the island are probably out. Tips on renting cars or towns to visit would be great too.

    • 4 nights in Paros. We're staying in Naoussa. As above, advice on activities and car rentals would be great.
    • 2 nights in Athens. Thinking we'll stay in the Plaka area (I know it's touristy, but we're not there long and doing touristy things). Advice on hotels or any activities kids might like (other than the obvious). Thank you in advance!
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3171 posts

I've rented many cars on several Greek islands. (including 3 times in Paros, 2 times in Naxos). Here's my method:

On Google Maps, I zoom in on the island's capital (Naxos Town in Naxos, Parikia in Paros) and search for "Rent a Car."
Then I make a selection based on reviews, prices, and a lot of gut feeling.

I eliminate majors like Hertz and Avis when they exist, and I mostly choose local rental companies that don't have an online reservation system or credit card prepayment. Websites with just a request form or a simple email are my favorites.
I always pay once I arrive on the island, either by credit card or cash (discounts are possible if it's cash).

I avoid the first category A (1100cc or less), the cheapest. They lack engine power (especially if there are 4 of you).
If you need an automatic, it can limit your options.

As long as you have a car, you won't have to worry about bus travel with excursions. You can plan your own excursions, which will save you time, especially since 3 nights in Naxos is only 2 full days, plus roughly the afternoon of the day of arrival.(I would have preferred to choose a single island where I could have stayed longer to explore it and added 2 nights in Athens)

Just so you know about Naoussa, once a charming fishing village, it has become a kind of Disneyland, making it a very touristy destination, renowned for its "honeymoon packages," high-end boutiques, and expensive restaurants. The beach is small and unremarkable. Parking can be difficul. It's called "The Little Mykonos".
It might be a good choice for you, but for me it's a no-go.
So you've been warned.

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