Greece’s Best-Kept Family Vacation Secret: The Peloponnese Region

Is it just my feed or is every friend, travel influencer and celebrity in Greece this summer? Little did I know when my family and I decided to tag along on our friends’ trip there, we would also be among the trendy jetsetters. And I get it — those sun-drenched beaches, ancient ruins, luxe hotels and tomato salads that somehow taste better just because they’re in Greece? Hard to resist.

But while most folks are jostling for sunset photos in Santorini or squeezing into ferry lines to Mykonos, we headed for a quieter, less crowded corner of Greece you should know about: the Peloponnese. Families are craving deeper travel to places where kids can learn something without even realizing it and where parents get more than chicken nuggets and a pool bar. That’s what the Peloponnese delivers … real Greek culture, minus the crowds.

“It’s ideal for families who want flexibility and space,” says Ciao Bambino Senior Travel Advisor Helen Buckner, an expert in planning Greece travel for all ages.

Top Reasons to Love the Peloponnese Region with Kids

Just two hours south of Athens, the Peloponnese — a peninsula that looks like the hand of a Dr. Seuss character on the map — is all mountainside villages, seaside towns and legendary myths (think Hercules, Helen of Troy and Spartan warriors). And the ruins are wide open. Kids can climb fortress walls, race on ancient Olympic tracks and channel their inner Indiana Jones. Just don’t overdo it. “Kids can get what I call ‘ruined out,’” Helen says. “Pick one or two great sites and hire a guide who makes it fun.”

To break up the history lessons, there are tons of hands-on activities for kids under 10: olive oil tastings, beekeeping visits, pottery workshops and even cooking classes where they can get messy and be proud of it. For older kids and teens, Helen recommends e-biking, kayaking and hiking adventures to connect them to the region beyond the beaches.

If the Peloponnese sounds like a fit for you and your family, here are some of the best places to explore.

Nafplio

This seaside town is postcard-perfect, with cobblestone streets, colorful shops and gelato stands on every corner. We made it our home base and took day trips. Nearby excursions include the 12th-century archaeological site of Mycenae and the acoustically perfect Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus; both are a hit for kids who aren’t history buffs. Fun things to do in Nafplio itself include:

Climb Palamidi Fortress. Is it 999 steps or 857? Let the kids count. Either way, it’s a huff, but the views from the top are breathtaking.

Visit Bourtzi Castle by boat. This Venetian gem once housed executioners and royals and now hosts festivals and musical events. Our family appreciated the adventure due to its brevity (let’s face it, “quick culture” is important when you have a little one). Bourtzi is about an hourlong excursion, including the round-trip boat ride.

Chill at Syntagma Square. Let the kids run around (think free babysitting, as there are a lot of other kids to play with) while you admire historic buildings and sip a freddo espresso. At night, there’s usually live music.

Tour the Nemea wine region. While you sip on award-winning Agiorgitiko reds, kids can roam the open-air estates and snack on fresh bread, cheese and olive oil. Roughly a 25-minute drive from Nafplio, Domaine Skouras is great for a relaxed, welcoming family experience. Word to the wise: Make a reservation in advance, especially in peak summer season. Learn from our mistakes — we showed up without one, like you would in the States, and were kindly told they were fully booked.

Visit one of the family-friendly beaches nearby:

• Karathona Beach (10-minute drive) – this wide, sandy beach is perfect for little swimmers. It’s shallow, safe and has plenty of shaded loungers and cafés. Plus, there’s a floating jumper waterpark at which you can buy tickets for an hour or all-day play.
• Tolo Beach (20-minute drive) – Tolo has a similar beach vibe to Miami or Santa Monica. One of the only beaches in the area with sand instead of pebbles, it’s a fun party scene, yet also ideal for little kids due to the gentle waves.
• Arvanitia Beach – right in town, it’s lively and great for a quick dip after sightseeing. The beach is in a protected bay but pebbly (bring water shoes to avoid the painful natural acupressure!) with a view of the cliffs. A handy restaurant above only asks that you spend 15 euros on drink or food to use their lounge chairs.
• Vivari (20-minute drive) – Vivari has a calm bay, perfect for paddle play or a quiet stroll, but the real gem here is Mermaid Tavern (Gorgona in Greek). This family-run taverna has been serving up fresh seafood for decades and sits right on the water. Kids can play on the shore just steps from your table while you enjoy the grilled catch of the day and Greek rosé wine with your toes in the sand. It’s the kind of meal you’ll be talking about for years.

Mani Peninsula

Roughly a 3-hour drive south from Nafplio, Mani is like visiting Greece a hundred, maybe a thousand, years ago. It’s definitely off the beaten path and you might be one of the only tourists there. Here are some places to check out:

Diros Caves. In Greek mythology, the Diros Caves were well known as the entrance to the underworld. Glide through the otherworldly underground lakes in a boat.

Vathia. A deserted 18th- and 19th-century village of stone towers, Vathia feels frozen in time.

Cape Tainaron. Hike to the lighthouse at Europe’s southernmost tip. Along the way, explore the ruins of a Poseidon temple and ancient cisterns.

Limeni. This tiny fishing port has swimmable turquoise waters along with family-run fish tavernas.

Byzantine churches. You’ll find them everywhere, small, simple and breathtaking.

Aspasia Restaurant (Stavri). Opened by chef Stavriani Zervakakou in 2023, Aspasia is more than a meal — it’s a love letter to the land. The menu changes daily based on what the garden, sea and hills provide. Even picky eaters will be curious about dishes like milk pie with mulberries or slow-cooked syglino pork.

Arcadia

In the heart of the Peloponnese, Arcadia is lush, quiet and perfect for unplugging. Hike past the cliffside monasteries and river views of Lousios Gorge or along the Menalon Trail, a winding route through forests and stone villages that’s especially suited for older kids. In villages like Dimitsana and Stemnitsa, history meets local charm. Visit the Open-Air Water Power Museum or explore cobblestone alleys with a pastry in hand. Stemnitsa is home to a long history of metalworking and silversmithing, so picking up some fabulous handcrafted jewelry is a must.

TIP: If you’re headed back to Nafplio from Arcadia, the side trip to Agia Fotini, an unorthodox Orthodox church that upcycles old churches in a gorgeous multi-religion tribute, is worth it!

Monemvasia

Cross a narrow causeway into a medieval rock island that feels plucked from a storybook. Older kids will love roaming the cobblestone alleys, exploring hidden churches and climbing to the castle ruins for epic views, where Tangled meets real history.

Ancient Olympia

Let the kids run (literally) where the original Games began. The site is flat and stroller-friendly, and the adjacent museum brings the ancient world to life. “It’s a bit of a drive from Nafplio, but worth it if you’re heading west or en route to the Ionian Islands,” Helen says.

Costa Navarino

On the southwest coast, Costa Navarino is a resort-style area with beautiful beaches and full-service amenities. One of Helen’s favorite Costa Navarino hotels is the Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino; she raves about the kids’ club (starting at 3 months) and teen lounge. Activities range from beach bonfires and mini-Olympics to cooking classes and horse riding. Helen also recommends The Romanos and The Westin Costa Navarino, both family-friendly with pools, space to spread out and plenty of onsite fun.

Amanzoe: A 5-Star Peloponnese Home Base

If you’re looking for a luxurious Peloponnese resort that’s kid-inclusive and reasonably close to Athens, opt for Amanzoe on the first “finger” of the Peloponnese. Despite its posh wellness resort vibe, it’s surprisingly family-friendly. “It’s calm and beautiful but still keeps the kids entertained in such a thoughtful, local way,” Helen says. Amanzoe offers kids’ pools plus a teen area with video and board games, and organized afternoon activities include Olympic beach games, Greek dancing, ceramics, gardening and yoga.

However you decide to experience the Peloponnese region, perhaps the real reason to go is this, according to Helen: “Sometimes the most magical moments are just wandering a village, seeing how people actually live.” Honestly, our favorite memories from this summer’s trip weren’t planned — they just happened. A slow afternoon at the sea, a surprise impromptu choir concert in the town square and a fantastic home-cooked meal in a random taverna you’d never find on Yelp. And really—what more could you want from summer?

Relevant Links:

Browse all destinations and accommodations in Greece on Ciao Bambino 

72 hours in Athens, Greece with kids

Top Greek islands for families: How to choose the best match

Slow travel and authentic charm on Naxos and Paros

A week in the realm of Greek gods: Visiting Crete with kids

Milos and Folegandros: Two hidden gems in the Greek Islands

Photos by Lanee Lee except where noted.

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.