Greece Trip with Toddler - Looking for Suggestions

Posted by michelle2256 (Missouri) on 07/19/24 03:05 PM

I have found this forum very helpful so I am coming here for some itinerary advice! My husband and I are traveling to Greece for the first time this September, and we will have our 19 month old son with us. We have our destinations picked out and lodging booked, but we are looking for advice on any toddler friendly activities that are must-do's while we are there. I have outlined our destinations and number of nights below. We would love to hear any recommendations (restaurants, tours, historical sites, excursions, beaches, etc.)!

Santorini (2 nights), Naxos (5 nights), Athens (2 nights)

A few other questions:
1. How far in advance would you recommend purchasing ferry tickets (Santorini to Naxos)?
2. How far in advance would you recommend purchasing flight tickets (Athens to Santorini, Naxos to Athens)?
3. Would you recommend adding a day trip to Paros during our stay on Naxos?

Thank you in advance - We are excited to learn more from this community!

Posted by BethFL

07/19/24 05:14 PM

2657 posts

On Naxos, stay in St George area. The beach there is shallow. When we were there, there were lots of small children.

Posted by janet

Philadelphia, PA, USA

07/19/24 08:31 PM

3385 posts

You should get your plane tickets now, to get the timing you want .... allow 2 hrs after landing in ATH to yr departure for Santorini. Many fewer fllights per day from Naxos to ATH, so don't dither. Either SKy Express or Aegean/Olympic. YOu get the "Comfort flex" rate because that allows a bag up to 42 lbs.. plus your carryon shoulder bag. For the Naxos flgith they will check y our bags because the planes (turbo prop) do not have cabin room for ordinary "rollaboard" cases (20 or 22").

You should see about taking a cheap-cheap foldable "cane" stroller too .... toddlers often run-run-run then sudden meltdown. Stroller won't be much good in many parts of Santorini (cobblestones), but if you stay on St, George (Ag Giordios) beaach in Naxos, it's an easy level paved walk along the seaafront to the port town. If you get the right kind of accommodation (1 Br Studio unit is perfect, w kitchenette, LR, balcony), you can feed jr his dinner on his t imetable, then walk into the port for a sunset dinner at waterside for the 2 of you, & he can have dessert. Greeks love kids, fine if they wander about in open=air cafes, then fall asleep in their stroller. When I visit Naxos in May, the cafes are full of scandinavian parents enjoying t heir coffee, while tot dozes beside them.

Posted by leonard

Oregon

07/22/24 06:30 PM

247 posts

You can get your ferry tickets at a local travel agency a day or two before your ferry ride. They can give you up to date information on weather/strikes. It's not any more expensive than getting the tickets from the ship company. Plus, they can later change your ticket if you have a change of plans.

Posted by JoLui

France Southwest

07/22/24 07:46 PM

2172 posts

Apart from swimming and beach games there are not really any "fun" activities in Naxos compatible with a 19 month old child (perhaps a farm visit)..

If you want to get out of Naxos Town and St George Beach and spend some time exploring Naxos in most cases a baby carrier backpack is probably the most useful accessory.

Would you recommend adding a day trip to Paros during our stay on
Naxos?

Rather than thinking about a daytrip to Paros, why don't you try visiting Naxos since that's the island you're staying on?

You can consult this map, you will see that there are quite a few things to do and see before going to spend a few hours on another island

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1d7GZMjFODUlB8lf7EPSXQRwu-YXaKxw&usp=sharing