Some fabulously different suggestions below with not a theme park in sight!:-
From playing a farmer for a day in Crete to rafting down the mythical ‘River of Woe’ in Epirus or even volunteering for a sea-turtle conservation project in the Peloponnese, Greece offers a host of original and engaging activities for a family holiday to remember.
We all know about Athens as the original centre of democracy has enough history to keep any child interested. All the stories about the Greek Gods, thanks to numerous children’s novels keep them interested and a guided tour of The Acropolis or a virtual reality tour through ancient Greece in Athens is a must.
But what else? Opportunities for an active getaway, a cultural escape, a relaxing beach break, or perhaps a combination of all three abound
You could horse-ride through the inland villages of Corfu, visit the philosophical theme park in Halkidiki or what about volunteering as a family on a sea turtle conservation project? Find below a selection of family-friendly activities available across Greece to keep kids and adults alike entertained this summer, most of which are on offer all year-round.
Volunteer as a family on a sea turtle conservation project
Parents can apply to be part of a family volunteer programme to assist with turtle conservation with the Archelon Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece during July and August. As well as being the only spot in Greece where, aside from the Caretta caretta sea turtle, the lesser known green sea turtle is also frequently encountered, the beaches of Lakonikos Bay stretch 23km and accommodate, on average, 200 loggerhead sea turtle nests every year. Family volunteers stay at the Meltemi camping ground in Mavrovouni, close to Archelon’s Field Research Station and follow an independent schedule assisting with activities such as informing the public on sea turtles, protecting the marine environment and keeping watch on turtle nests. Families cover their own transportation, accommodation and food expenses, while a discount on accommodation at the campsite is available. Participation fee: 30 Euros per parent and 15 Euros per child. www.archelon.gr/eng/volunt.php#6
Play farmer for the day at Agreco Farm, Rethymnon
With ‘Be Farmer for the Day’ experiences for adults and children, families can spend a day immersing themselves in the traditional Cretan lifestyle at Agreco Farm in Rethymnon, Crete.
The estate, a replica of a 17th century lodge, features a traditional olive press, a flour water mill, a wine press and a giant vat for grape crushing. Reviving centuries-old organic farming practices, a visit to Agreco Farm provides an authentic, fun and educational day out. The Farm Experience for parents includes baking farmhouse bread on a wood burning oven, tasting organic wine at the wine press and picking vine leaves to learn how to make much-loved Greek dolmadakia, rice-filled vine leaves. Meanwhile junior farmers take part in making dough, baking bread, picking vegetables and preparing dishes for their very own Cretan lunch. At the end of the day, guests can relax under the shady pergola with views over the olive groves down to the sea and enjoy a farmhouse meal. www.grecotel.com/crete/agreco/celebrations_2273.htm
Explore the mythical river of Acherontas, Epirus
Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the Acherontas River, which flows from the mountains of Ioannina in the northern Greek region of Epirus all the way to the Ionian Sea, also has a fascinatingly dark tale to tell. Known as the ‘River of Woe’ in Ancient Greek mythology, it was one of the five rivers of the underworld on which Charon, the ferryman of Hades, ferried the souls of the dead. Nowadays, however, this magnificent river with a bed of white rocks and a body of blue-green water serves as an ideal day trip for families staying in the nearby coastal resort town of Preveza. For those who want to explore the mysteries of the Acherontas or simply love nature, there are plenty of activities on offer, including rafting, river trekking, horse riding, kayaking and cycling.
www.riverdream.gr/en
Photo credit: Salatellis Kiriakos
Photo credit: Salatellis Kiriakos
Learn to sail on the Greek seas
Families can go from sailing novices to bareboat skippers learning new skills to take home with the Athens Sailing Academy’s 10-day Live Aboard sailing courses. Each yacht sleeps up to six and travels as part of a flotilla stopping in at various ports and discovering hidden bays over the course of the 10 days. Students live on-board a yacht for the duration of their stay with morning classes to hone sailing techniques before setting sail on the Greek seas and practising new skills. Each day ends harbouring up to a new port with a relaxing evening spent on land. The course also includes a group barbeque allowing students to get to know their fellow ship mates whilst the boat is at anchor. www.athenssailingacademy.com/packages/10-day-live-aboard
Taking a virtual tour through ancient Greece in Athens
The Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Centre in Athens offers virtual reality tours of the ancient city of Miletus on the western coast of Asia Minor, one of the most important cities in Ionia. Youngsters will be transported back 2,000 years with the A Walk Through Ancient Miletus production exploring the virtual city and learning about the most significant public buildings. www.fhw.gr
Get on your high horse in Ano Korakiana, Corfu
With its verdant inland villages and rolling countryside, the Ionian island of Corfu is much more than gorgeous beaches. Trailriders, horse trekking centre and riding stables, located 2km south of the village of Ano Korakiana and nestled in the foothills of Corfu’s Pantokrator mountain range, offers a trail through oak-filled woodlands, past quaint village houses, through olive groves, past vineyards and over pastures of grazing goats and sheep. After every ride, the horses are untacked, showered and fed, while children are encouraged to bring apples or carrots as treats for them. www.trailriderscorfu.com
Get to know the real Athens from an insider’s point of view
While Athens is one of the most fascinating and diverse cities in the world, travelling to any capital city with young children can prove overwhelming for first-timers trying to find their way around. A private four-hour Athens Insiders orientation tour relieves family travel stress and gives you a feel for a unique city that has been inhabited for 4,000 years. As well as Athens’ most important landmarks, itineraries can include hidden sights off the beaten path or be customised to suit each family’s personal interests. It is well worth the money as the tour is totally catered to the interests of your children and captures their imaginations from the word go (well it did mine)…..From 35 Euros. www.athensinsiders.com/athens-orientation
For more information on family fun in Greece visit:
www.discovergreece.com/en/what-to-do/by-traveler-type/family
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