Greece is the word
A golden goose of history, mythology, archaeology, sights, beaches, cuisine, nature and activities, Greece has it all for families, as sarah knight discovers.
Our Grecian adventure begins well in advance Stoa of Attalos as well as the incredible of take-off with some at-home DIY language Monastiraki Flea Market. lessons. With a couple of YouTube tutorials under our belt, we’ve sorted our “kalimera” Hydra delights (good morning) from our “kalispera” (good After our Athenian introduction, it is time to afternoon) and mastered “efharistoh” (thank bask in the Greek summer on the islands. you). While we may not fool anyone with Postcard worthy from every angle, Hydra is articulation, at least we’re polite. a 1.5-hour ferry ride from Athens and makes Our first outing when we arrive in Athens is a perfect day trip. Vehicle and scooter-free, equal measures practising our newly acquired the island is a welcome change from the Greek sayings, staring in astonishment hustle and bustle of Athens. Water taxis can at glimpses of the ancient Acropolis, and transport you to beautiful beaches around selecting the perfect stracciatella (vanilla the island or you can people-watch in and gelato with crunchy chocolate pieces – you around the port. If you’re feeling a little more can thank me later). adventurous, discover Hydra on horseback We base ourselves in Plaka, a family- with Harriet’s Hydra Horses. There’s a choice friendly, historical town resting in the of short rides or full-day island discoveries northeastern shadows of the Acropolis and even an incredible Seahorse option where we enjoyed a three-day sojourn enjoying Hydra’s blue waters on horseback. touring the city, the Acropolis itself and nearby Monastiraki area, known for iconic Pretty Paros landmarks including the ruins of Hadrian’s An unsung hero, Paros Island is the lesser Library, the Ancient Agora and the rebuilt known cousin of Mykonos and Santorini, and
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beaches, but be prepared for the logistics of getting to them. Balos Beach is a non- negotiable. Access it via boat, or take the 15-minute downhill trek from the car park. Yes, your children will probably complain the lack of hype only adds to its substantial hiking back up. And yes, the awe-inspiring charm. Easily accessible from Athens via a sight of the turquoise paradise is worth it. three-hour ferry or a 30-minute flight, once We reward them for their efforts the next you spot the iconic windmill at Parikia Port, day with a visit to Elafonisi Beach in Chania. you’ll be forever hooked. There is plentiful The powdery fine pink sand, created by accommodation in Parikia or the smaller, crushed shell powder, and endless shallow, quieter fishing village Naousa. We opt for an clear waters make a perfect family day out. Airbnb stay in the latter, which proves the After two weeks of unadulterated family perfect base to explore the island. fun, spine-tingling sights, superb weather The island’s white cubic houses, and delicious food, we’re heading off to cobblestone streets and character-filled our next destination, but I can’t shake the laneways have us captivated. Naousa is filled feeling that we’ve hardly scratched the with boutique shopping, traditional Greek surface of this one. restaurants (dinner at SOSO is a must) and the breathtaking views of the large, mostly Public transportation is a cinch and an modest cafes. Our children love watching submerged caldera and cascading cliffs. While easy bus ride transfers us to nearby beaches. Stay tuned for part 2 of Sarah’s European the ducks and geese in port, as well as local the town is certainly not known for its toddler/ Perissa, known as the black-sand beach, adventure in our next issue. fishermen unloading fresh hauls of octopus stroller friendliness, we arrive well equipped becomes a favourite. With its kilometres of each day. We’re spoilt for choice when it with a travel stroller which folds at lightning sand dotted with beach bars, sun beds, cafes comes to beaches, with kid-friendly Little speed for trekking up the steep stairs. and playgrounds on the sand for the kids, it is Greece Report Card Santa Maria, Kolymbithres, Monastiri and We set up post at the base of Oia in the perfect spot to swim, splash and play. Ampelas beaches and a day trip to pretty Amoudi Bay, once a simple fishing village, but Antiparos top of our list. All images © Sarah Knight now filled with restaurants, hotels, a small bay Captivating Crete and views of Oia’s famous sunsets. A sailing Our last stop on our island hop is Crete. Info visitgreece.gr Show-stopping Santorini adventure proves an unforgettable way for While we evaded car hire elsewhere, in Crete, Stay airbnb.com Our ferry hopping takes us to Santorini us to explore the caldera, floating through its Greece’s largest island, it’s the ideal way to Do kidslovegreece.com paleologos.gr where we oooh and ahhh for days on end at azure waters and visiting the nearby islands. explore. Crete is renowned for its beautiful sunset-oia.com
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