Great Family-Friendly Hotels & Villas In Greece

  • by XpatAthens
  • Tuesday, 25 June 2019
Great Family-Friendly Hotels & Villas In Greece
Located in the peaks of the Peloponnese, the unknown mountainous regions of northern Greece and on sun-drenched islands, all of these places to stay have lots of character and are loads of fun for travelers with children.

1. Eumelia, Laconia, Peloponesse

Surrounded by more than a thousand olive trees, Eumelia is a sustainably minded, beautifully designed, biodynamic farm. Here you will find five guest cottages with beamed ceiling and geothermal heating. Activities change with the seasons: grape pressing, olive harvesting, or cooking lessons using organic produce from the farm. Kids can help the owners feed the animals, plant vegetables, and forage for the herbs used in various homemade delicacies.

How To Get There: The closest airport is Kalamata (1¾ hours). It’s a 3½-hour drive from Athens.

2. Astra Inn, Zagori, Epirus

Want to let your kids run amok in the wilderness? Zagori is just the ticket. Epirus, an overlooked mainland region of soaring peaks, steep gorges and rippling streams is slowly getting the attention it deserves thanks to lovely lodges like Astra Inn. Astra Inn is open year-round and consists of six wood and stone cottages and a cozy restaurant. Activities include truffle or mushroom hunting, swimming in rock pools, canyoning, cycling, and rafting.

How To Get There: Daily flights (45 minutes) from Athens to Ioannina, then one hour by car to Megalo Papigo.

3. Candili Estate, Prokopi, Evia

Located on the underrated island of Evia, this 10,000-acre estate is part has been in the Noel-Baker family since 1832. Nowadays, the granary has been converted into ten bedrooms that overlook a glistening pool. Philip Noel-Baker, the mischievous lord of the manor, encourages kids to pile into his vintage Land Rover for off-road adventures. Meals are great fun at the estate, as everyone gathers around communal tables to exchange stories over Stavroula’s delightful Greek food. The estate can host up to 25 people, making it an excellent option for large family vacations.

How To Get There: Candili Estate is a two hours’ drive from Athens.

4. Verina Suites, Sifnos, Cyclades

It's not easy to find a hotel that appeals to children of all ages; however, Verina Suites on Sifnos island wins the bet and also offers plenty of perks for adults too. Parents can sip homemade lemonade or coctails at the pool while kids can fool around on giant inflatables or play table tennis. Shallow Platis Gialos beach is right across the road, with pedal boats, paddleboards and a lively strip of beachfront tavernas and bars to choose from.

How To Get There: Five hours by ferry or three hours by catamaran from Athens.

5. Little Bird, Lesvos, North Aegean

Every single soothingly simple villa at Little Bird on Lesvos offers unobstructed sea views. Little Bird is a relaxing retreat with shady gardens, cobbled terraces, and an infinity from which you might see monk seals or flamingos. Kids will love the fruit smoothies and home-made custard pies and parents can while away the afternoon tasting Lesvos' most famous products: sardines, olive oil, and ouzo.

How To Get There: Daily flights from Athens (50 minutes) or it’s 11 hours by ferry. Car hire is recommended.

 

To read the full list of family friendly Greek villas and hotels, please visit: The Guardian

LIFE & CULTURE