What is the most epic thing you can do as a family?
How about joining the ranks of Olympian gods at the temples of Poseidon and the almighty Zeus? Or maybe heading to the center of the earth in Delphi, where Apollo’s oracle once told fortunes. And what about having the younger ones go full Percy Jackson while uncovering the Minoan legends of Crete?
Greece is a destination that has something exciting for heroes of all ages. And no-one knows that better than Greece by Travelive’s Travel Planner, Harry Bitsounis.
Born and raised in Greece, Harry is no stranger to its myths and wonders. And today, he is sharing with you a hand-selected itinerary that weaves them together into one mythical family-friendly adventure.
So, are you ready to offer your travelers a truly epic family vacation? Harry, we think they’re ready. Lead the way.
Harry Bitsounis, Travel Planner for Greece
Happy to! For me, crafting a journey goes beyond logistics; it’s about creating something seamless, memorable, and, well: epic! That’s why I’m beyond excited to share this itinerary with you, as it showcases everything I love about this country in the most exciting and immersive of ways. And, it’s perfect for the whole family!
- 4 Nights in Athens
- 3 Nights in Naxos
- 3 Nights in Crete (Elounda)
4 Nights in Athens — Myths, Missions & Mini-Heroes
I always think: who wouldn’t be excited to rub shoulders with philosophers, archaeologists, and even gods all in the same place?
In Greece, that place is Athens; and it never fails to set a mythical tone for an adventurous family outing.
There, a tour of the Acropolis and its eponymous museum turns marble ruins into living legends through interactive storytelling; allowing kids to not only see history, but follow it, decode it, and maybe even alter it. While a visit to the University of Athens lets them become little archaeologists and brush the dust off their first artifacts, as parents look on with an urge to join.
Beyond the city, golden shores of the Athenian Riviera set travelers on a path to Cape Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon, where blood orange sunsets present a luminous offering to the god of the seas. Meanwhile, a visit to Delphi echoes with ancient prophecies and reveals Greece’s mystical side amid soaring mountain landscapes and an air of otherworldly power.
To me, Athens is not just a cradle of civilization; it’s the cradle of Greece’s sense of wonder. Thus, not only does this make it a great starting point for this journey, but a quintessential one.
3 Nights in Naxos — Where Curiosity Meets Cycladic Charm
If Athens is home to Greece’s most mythical experiences, Naxos unveils its most down-to-earth, authentic, and delicious ones.
Always a great fit for families, Naxos feels warm and genuine; an island that welcomes you without overwhelming you. This is where you will find some of Greece’s top must-try food experiences, as well as a rhythm of daily life that makes you feel like a true Naxian from day one.
Beyond storming Venetian castle walls and navigating the maze of the Old Market, a guided exploration of Naxos Town reveals some of its most celebrated flavors (think iconic Naxian cheese), while also letting the adults celebrate the trip with a toast at a century-old liquor distillery.
However, I find that Naxos’ true family appeal is best revealed through its authentic, hands-on experiences. A visit to a local farm sees children become helpful farmhands by feeding the animals and crafting traditional cheese. A pottery workshop lets them get a little messy while crafting priceless souvenirs. And a fun introduction to beekeeping always adds a sweet touch.
Naxos is Greece at its most approachable, a place where families don’t just observe Greek life, but become part of it.
No visit to Naxos ends on an empty stomach, and here are some of the reasons why.
- Naxian Graviera Cheese – A signature local cheese with a sweet-nutty flavor, often enjoyed on its own, in salads, or lightly grilled as saganaki.
- Arseniko – A distinctive hard cheese from sheep’s and goat’s milk with a slightly spicy profile, perfect with honey or olives.
- Naxian Potatoes – Widely celebrated for their quality and texture, they are a staple of many traditional dishes like Patates Yahni (Stewed Potatoes).
- Patoudo – A traditional lamb dish stuffed with herbs, greens, and rice, showcasing the island’s farm-to-table flavors.
- Kitron Liqueur – A local citron spirit produced in Naxos, perfect as a digestif or paired with dessert. (A delight for the parents.)
3 Nights in Crete (Elounda) — Legends Come to Life
An epic family adventure should conclude in epic fashion, and there’s no better location for that than Crete.
Personally, I see Crete as the place where Greek legends start to truly merge with reality. For within its boundless landscapes you’ll find moments when Greece’s iconic hospitality, authenticity, and mythical heritage all become one.
Take the Palace of Knossos for example. There, children will follow in the steps of Percy Jackson as they explore a reconstructed Minoan world through interactive 3D tablets that transform corridors into royal halls and frescoes into living scenes. All before bringing their own mythological figure to life at a private pottery workshop, where suddenly, history becomes something they can hold, paint, and proudly take home.
Then comes the Lassithi Plateau, located 2,800 feet above sea level, where windmills turn slowly against mountain skies and villages welcome families with genuine warmth. Another pottery session, a traditional meal, and a glimpse of everyday Cretan life round out the stay with both creativity and connection.
This is Crete, an expansive, imaginative, and endlessly engaging place where families don’t just learn the myths, they create them.
Departure — Until the Next Quest
How epic was that?
Having shared stories worthy of myth, unearthed ancient “artifacts,” and traced the paths of gods, this trip has shown you that history can be just as exciting as fantasy. And for me, that’s the real magic of this journey. It doesn’t just show Greece; it lets families become a part of its discoveries through laughter, curiosity, and moments that will be retold long after the suitcases are unpacked. And that’s the true definition of family time well-spent.
Interested in viewing more handpicked itineraries from the Greece by Travelive team? Then click below and follow them on a journey through Greece!