Ancient Ruins & Island Vibes: Where to Go in Greece with Teens

To borrow the oft-repeated phrase about Paris — Greece with teens is always a good idea. This beloved country has been a critical part of Western history, civilization and culture for centuries, and even usually disinterested teens can find something to enjoy here.

While it’s impossible to explore all of Greece on a single holiday, the country’s ferry system and the sheer number of airlines in Europe make it easy to travel from the mainland to popular islands with ease. On my first trip to Greece, I managed to visit Athens and a few islands, and I loved being able to see the places I’d only ever read about in history books. If you want to excite, entertain and wow your teens in that same way with some of the world’s most marvelous sites, Greece should definitely be on your travel bucket list.

From magnificently preserved archaeological marvels to jaw-dropping architecture and pristine beaches, here are six of the best places to visit in Greece with teens.

Favorite Spots in Greece with Teens

Athens

Like me, your kids have undoubtedly read about Athens in their history classes. But you can swap boring lectures for an immersive vacation when you visit this famous Greek capital with teens in tow. Start your first morning early with a tour of the Acropolis, a collection of ancient temples (most famously the Parthenon) and other important buildings from the city’s 5th-century heyday. From there, head down to Plaka, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited neighborhoods. Wander along its winding stone-lined streets and seek shade amid the shops and restaurants lining the walkways, or head to some of the other attractions nearby — you can easily walk to sites like Hadrian’s Arch, the Museum of Greek Children’s Art, the Roman Agora, the Jewish Museum of Greece and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Food tours are usually a hit with ravenous teens, and our CB Travel Advisors can arrange a private guided walk to sample traditional desserts like galaktoboureko, street food classics like souvlaki and more.

Corfu

When travelers think about visiting the Greek Islands, the gorgeous archipelagos that dot the Aegean Sea usually come to mind. However, one of the best isles to visit in Greece with teens is actually located on the other side of the peninsula. Meet Corfu, a family-friendly island tucked between Greece’s western coast and the bottom of Italy’s boot in the Ionian Sea. The Old Town of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and here, you can tour the Old Fortress and meander through the town’s historic streets. If you go in the summer months, you and your family can also take advantage of the island’s diverse beaches, from the lively beach clubs of Glyfada to less developed, lower-key spots like Issos. Spend the day swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters, or book a boat tour and venture to some of Corfu’s tucked-away coves or visit nearby Paxos to explore another island. You can even take a short ferry ride to Albania if your teens want to experience another country and culture.

Crete

Even if you’ve never been to Greece before, it’s easy to find Crete on a map. It’s the largest Greek island and sits almost horizontally in the Mediterranean, and there are plenty of attractions and activities to occupy teens here. Most family vacations to Crete include stops in the towns of Chania and Heraklion, both on the island’s northern coast. In Chania, spend your day exploring the Old Venetian Harbor, a waterfront district adorned with pastel-colored buildings, or visit the Byzantine Walls for another glimpse at the city’s past from a different era. Heraklion, a little farther to the east, is a history buff’s dream — learn about the island’s Minoan past by visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum or take a private tour of the ruins at the Palace of Knossos, the fabled home of King Minos and his monstrous minotaur. When you need a break from the ancient world, chill out at one of Crete’s striking pink sand beaches, such as Elafonisi, Balos or Falassarna.

Santorini

Santorini is one of the most popular places to visit in Greece with teens (and toddlers and everyone in between). In the age of social media, snapping pics of the island’s famous whitewashed buildings has climbed to the top of many travelers’ bucket lists — and your teens are likely no different. To catch a glimpse of some of these photogenic vistas, embark on a private walking tour that takes you high above the caldera on the northernmost part of the island. From there, wander along the winding pathways in Oia to snag those iconic photos of the blue-domed houses jutting out proudly against the Aegean. Then, head down to Akrotiri, located on the southernmost tip of Santorini, to lounge on the island’s legendary Red Beach. As the name suggests, this beautiful shorefront offers red-tinted sands that are sure to wow even the most blasé teenagers. You could also set sail on a sunset cruise in the caldera to see the island from an entirely new perspective.

Naxos

If you want to experience the beauty of the Cyclades without the intense crowds you’ll find on nearby islands like Santorini and Mykonos, opt instead for a family vacation to Naxos. This island is one of the top places to visit in Greece with teens thanks its diversity of landscapes and the sheer variety of activities you can do here, from mountain hikes to windsurfing to learning how to make the local graviera cheese. One of Naxos’ major draws is its traditional culture and the laid-back feel of the many whitewashed villages scattered throughout the hills. Explore the shorefront fishing hamlets and the Byzantine ruins that dot the countryside, or venture into the old quarter of Naxos Town (Chora), with its 13th-century Venetian castle, for a glimpse into the island’s storied past. When you’re ready to decompress, lounge on one of the golden stretches of sand along the island’s western shore, many lined with local tavernas for a casual bite. Naxos is also a mere 45-minute ferry ride from its chic sister island, Paros, so it’s easy to combine the two in a single trip.

Thessaloniki

With so many captivating islands to explore, most travelers don’t venture too far north into mainland Greece — and that’s a mistake. Thessaloniki, Greece’s vibrant “second city,” has been an important gateway to the rest of the country for thousands of years. Located on the northern coast of the Aegean near the borders with North Macedonia and Bulgaria, this ancient port city is filled with enough museums, archaeological attractions and trendy neighborhoods to rival the capital, with a melting pot of Roman, Ottoman, Byzantine, Jewish and other cultural influences as well as a buzzing university scene. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, one of the largest of its kind in all of Greece, or climb to the top balcony of the 15th- century White Tower for sweeping views of the city. And if beach days are more your speed, head to the shallow shores of Perea Beach for fine golden sand and clear, shallow water.

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

Greece’s best-kept family vacation secret: The Peloponnese region

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.