There’s something about watching the sun dip below the Aegean Sea while your kids giggle in the outdoor pool that’s just magical. Sure, Santorini is full of narrow streets and steep drops (so bring the baby carrier), but the main towns like Fira and Oia are packed with good food, ice cream, and plenty of space for the kids to run around, plus easy access to buses or your rental car makes getting to the rest of the island simple.
Santorini was a last minute pick for us, we left 24 hours after we booked our flights. But we are so glad we went for it because we had the best time and I’m excited to share all the best things we found and enjoyed. For all things Santorini with kids, keep reading!
Why You Should Visit Santorini with Kids
Santorini might not be the first place that comes to mind for a family vacation, but trust me, it’s a great option for kids. This small island is packed with family-friendly activities. Santorini offers a relaxed atmosphere and just the right mix of adventure and downtime to make it a memorable experience for the whole family.
Where to Stay in Santorini with Kids
Tamarix Del Mar
Staying at Tamarix Del Mar was such a highlight of our Santorini family trip! This is on the quiet side of the island, away from the busy tourist attractions. It wouldn’t have been our first pick. We would have chosen to stay in Oía, but because the trip was so last minute, we had to take what we could get for accommodations. It turned out that to be much better staying outside of Oía because it’s so busy. We prefer driving to the tourist sights and staying away from crowds, so this was a great location!
Staying in Kamari meant we were just a short walk from Kamari Beach, cute shops, and tasty restaurants. The amazing and friendly staff made us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. With perfect amenities for a large family (hello spacious suites and swimming pool!), it was easy to relax and enjoy ourselves. The excellent breakfast included each morning was a total win with plenty of options for everyone. We loved that there were lots of fun families staying there too, which made it feel really welcoming and kid-friendly. Plus, the one-way port transfer included made arrival super smooth.
SantoRossa Luxury Villas
SantoRossa Luxury Villas in Akrotiri are a total win for families. The villas each have a private pool, a full kitchen, and tons of space to spread out. It’s quiet, relaxed, and perfect for some family downtime.
Luxury Villas Hariton
Luxury Villas Hariton is the perfect peaceful spot away from the crowds, so it’s great for families who want a more relaxed experience. The villas are super spacious, with private pools and big outdoor areas where the kids can play while you kick back and enjoy the view.
Villa Tebeli is a cute, comfy place near the beach that feels like a home away from home. It’s got a yard, outdoor dining space, and it’s close to local restaurants and shops, which is super handy when you’re traveling with kids.
Villa Therme Athena
Villa Therme Athena is perfect if you’re looking for something a little more luxurious but still kid-friendly. It’s roomy, stylish, and has a private pool plus multiple bedrooms, great for bigger families or if you’re bringing grandparents along. Bonus: it’s near Santorini’s hot springs!
Where to Stay in Fira
Noni’s Apartments
This spot feels like a cozy little home away from home, right in the heart of Fira. The rooms are big (a win for families), and there’s even a small kitchenette for those times you would rather eat in. Plus, the views are incredible. You’ll be walking distance to shops, restaurants, and places to grab gelato.
Asteras Villas
This one is a great mix of comfort and style without going full-on luxury. The suites have enough space for the kids to crash and you to relax, and the balconies overlook the caldera. It’s close to the center but not too noisy, so you get peace and convenience. Just note: there are some stairs, so maybe not ideal with strollers.
The Z House
This house is a modern spot with a fully equipped kitchen, a comfy living area for movie nights, and a sweet outdoor space where kids can play.
The Grand Cave House
Staying at The Grand Cave House feels like a little adventure. It’s carved right into the rock like a classic Santorini cave home, but with all the modern comforts. There’s plenty of space for the whole family, and kids will love the unique layout and cozy vibe.
Where to Stay in Oía
Residence Suites
These colorful, Insta-worthy cave homes are quirky and fun. The location is close to shops and cafés, and some of the houses have private hot tubs with epic views that are perfect for post-exploring wind-down time.
Kaleidoscope Cave Houses
These traditional cave-style suites are super fun for kids (it’s like staying in a fancy hobbit house), and they come with kitchenettes and comfy space to spread out. You’ll be right near the famous sunset spots, so you don’t have to go far when golden hour hits.
The Beauty of Oia
This is a charming, family-friendly stay right in the heart of Santorini’s most iconic village. You’ll get great views, comfy rooms, and enough space for everyone.
This place is perfect for families who want to be close to the action but still have a quiet place to recharge. The suites are spacious, super clean, and just a short walk from restaurants and shops.
Where to Eat in Santorini with Kids
Hook
Hook is in a great location on Kamari, just steps from the beach, and offers typical Greek cuisine that the whole family can enjoy. We loved the variety of seating options, whether you want to sit inside, out on the patio, or right by the beachside with a view of the sea. The chicken souvlaki was super tasty and a big hit with both the adults and the kids. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly spot that’s perfect after a day of fun in the sun.
Mylos
Dinner at Mylos was a perfect mix for our crew. They had great sushi for the grown-ups and delicious pasta for the kids. Everyone left happy and full! The best part? The amazing sunset view from our table. Watching the sun dip into the Aegean while sharing a meal made it one of our favorite family dining moments on the island.
Sunset Ammoudi Bay
Eating at Sunset Ammoudi Bay with the kids was such a fun experience! Located just at the edge of Oía’s old port in Ammoudi Bay. The great view of the sea and bay was absolutely worth it, and the awesome fresh seafood didn’t disappoint. The kids loved watching the boats come in while we enjoyed dinner by the water. Afterward, we opted for the €20 taxi back up the hill, but you can also take donkeys back up if you’re feeling extra adventurous!
Elias Grill
Elias Grill was a great spot for a casual family dinner! It was an easy walk from our hotel, and we loved that there were lots of locals eating there. It made it feel super authentic. The traditional Greek food was great with excellent portions, and there were plenty of good choices for the kids, from grilled meats to simple pastas. Plus, the mini golf next door was a fun little bonus to keep the kids entertained after dinner!
Worlds 4th Best Souvlaki
This was a quick and tasty win for our family! Located right on the Kamari boardwalk, it was inexpensive and easy, which is exactly what we needed after a beach day. The gyros and souvlaki were very good, fresh, flavorful, and perfect for both kids and adults. It’s a great casual spot to grab a bite without any fuss.
Bakery in Kamari
Stopping by the bakery in Kamari with the kids was such a sweet treat! They had so many great desserts to choose from, and everything looked amazing. The baklava was especially very good, flaky, rich, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect place to grab a little something after dinner or as an afternoon pick-me-up while exploring Kamari.
What to See in Santorini with Kids
Kamari Beach
Kamari Beach was one of our favorite hangouts with the kids: black sand, shallow waters, and easy access to restaurants and shops right along the boardwalk. There’s a really relaxed atmosphere, and the whole area just felt really family-friendly. It’s a great place to kick back while the kids play!
Fira
Fira is one of the main towns in Santorini with tons of shops, great food, and breathtaking views of the caldera. The cable car ride was a huge hit with the kids, and I loved wandering the narrow streets with my camera out. It’s lively and full of energy, but still manageable with small children in tow.
Oia
Oia is picture-perfect and full of white-washed buildings and cute shops, and while it’s known as a romantic destination, it was surprisingly fun for the kids too. We grabbed ice cream, walked through the scenic alleys, and soaked in those incredible views. Just bring a baby carrier if you have little ones, since strollers can be tricky with all the steps!
Sunset in Oia or Fira
Watching the sunset in Oia or Fira is a must-do. It’s busy, yes, but magical. We found a nice spot early, grabbed a few snacks, and just enjoyed the sunset views together. If the crowds in Oia are too much, Fira has some amazing edge-of-the-cliff views without quite as much chaos.
Ammoudi Bay
Ammoudi Bay was one of the most memorable stops on our trip! The walk down from Oia was gorgeous (though steep, wear comfy shoes!), and the seafood restaurants by the water were amazing. The kids loved watching the boats, and we took a taxi back up instead of tackling the stairs. A fun mix of adventure and good food for the whole family!
What to Do in Santorini with Kids
Swim at Kamari Beach
The black sand got hot (so bring water shoes), but the clear water and shallow entry made it great for younger children. You can spend hours splashing around and relaxing, definitely a great option for a family.
Walk along Kamari boardwalk
The Kamari boardwalk was one of our favorite evening strolls. There are ice cream shops, restaurants, and cute little markets all along the way. It’s easy access and flat, which was perfect for strollers or small kids who just wanted to run ahead and explore.
Related: The Best Travel Strollers for Europe
Shopping in Oia and Fira
Shopping in Oia and Fira was fun for all of us (okay, mostly me, but the kids loved picking out little souvenirs!). We found everything from handmade jewelry to postcards and treats. The streets are narrow and charming, and even my older kids thought it was cool to see all the little shops tucked into corners.
Dinner at Sunset
Dinner during sunset, whether in Oia or Fira, was such a memorable experience. We picked restaurants with a view, ordered a little of everything (the kids loved the pasta and souvlaki), and just soaked in the sunset views over the caldera. It was one of those “pause and take it all in” moments for our Santorini family trip.
Wine Tours
While the wine tours were more for the grown-ups, some spots were surprisingly kid-friendly! We chose a half-day option with beautiful views of the caldera and even found a place with a play area so the kids could stretch their legs. Definitely a great way to sneak in a little adult time while still keeping it a family adventure!
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What You Should Know About Traveling to Santorini with Kids
Before heading to Santorini with kids, there are a few helpful things I wish I had known that made our family vacation so much smoother.
There’s a great rental car spot right next to Tamarix Del Mar, which is super convenient. Driving in Santorini is easy, and having a car makes exploring the rest of the island way simpler with kids. What’s really cool is that gas stations have attendants who fill up your car for you, no need to get out with the kids!
Oia gets very crowded in the afternoon and at sunset, so plan visits earlier in the day for a more relaxed experience. And speaking of avoiding crowds, be sure to check the cruise ship schedule before heading into Oia or Fira, when multiple ships are in, the crowds can be intense.
We also loved that you can find local wine sold in barrels at some grocery stores, fun to try back at your hotel!
