Santorini · Greece · Things to do
5 things to do in Santorini with kids
The five best things to do in Santorini with kids are seeing the blue domes of Oia, watching the sunset, looking over the caldera from the cliff path, spending a beach day on the black and red sand coast, and finding the old windmills. Most are free, all are outdoors, and the island is small enough to see them in three or four days.
What to do, in order
- 1
See the blue domes of Oia
Oia is the village at the northern tip of the island, and the blue-domed churches above the cliff are the view everyone has seen on postcards. Go in the morning, before about ten, when the narrow lanes are empty and the light is soft. By late afternoon the main path is shoulder to shoulder. The lanes have steps and no protection from the drop in places, so keep younger children close and consider a carrier instead of a stroller.
- 2
Watch the sunset
Sunset is the daily event on Santorini, and Oia is the most famous place to watch it, with crowds gathering along the castle ruins and rooftops well before the sun goes down. Families with small children often find it easier elsewhere. Imerovigli and Firostefani are calmer, with the same caldera view, and a dinner table facing west works as a seat. Arrive early and keep a jacket handy, since it cools quickly once the sun is gone.
- 3
Look out over the caldera
The caldera is the flooded crater left by an enormous volcanic eruption in the Bronze Age, and the cliffs of Fira, Firostefani and Imerovigli look straight over it. A paved path links these towns along the rim, and the Fira to Imerovigli stretch is the easiest section for families. Walk in the morning, wear a hat, and take water, because there is almost no shade. Skip the long hike to Oia in summer heat if children are young.
- 4
Hit a volcanic beach
Santorini's beaches are black, grey or red because the sand is volcanic. Perissa and Kamari on the east coast are the practical family choices, with sunbeds, tavernas and gradual entry into the water. The black sand gets very hot in summer, so bring beach shoes. Red Beach near Akrotiri looks dramatic, but rockfalls from the cliff behind it have led to closures and warnings, so check the current status and do not sit under the cliff.
- 5
Find the old windmills
A few old stone windmills stand on ridges around Oia and Imerovigli, close to the cliff edge, and they make a simple photo stop and a short walk. They are quiet outside the sunset hour. Treat the edge with care, since there are rarely railings, and keep children away from the drop. Pair the windmills with a walk through the lanes of Oia or with the caldera path, and eat lunch before the busy afternoon crowds arrive.
Plan it
- Best time
- May to early June and mid-September to October give warm sea, open restaurants and thinner crowds. July and August are hottest and busiest. Many hotels and restaurants close from about November to March.
- How long
- Three to four days is plenty. Santorini is small, and a full week is more than most families need unless the plan is mainly to relax by the pool.
- Getting around
- Buses run between Fira and the main villages and beaches, and Fira is the hub. Taxis are limited and hard to find at peak times, so many families hire a car or arrange transfers. Fira has hundreds of steps from the old port, and a cable car and donkeys are the alternatives.
Good to know
- Choose a hotel with a lift or few steps if you have a stroller. Many cave hotels are reached by stairs.
- Take sun protection and water for every outing. Shade is scarce on the cliffs and on the beaches.
- Book a ferry or flight with spare time at both ends. Summer winds can delay boats.
Frequently asked
Is Santorini good for kids? +
Yes, for older children and families who plan around the steps and the heat. Beaches are easy, food is simple, and the views entertain adults. Stairs, cliff edges and a lack of shade make it harder with toddlers, so pick accommodation carefully.
How many days do you need in Santorini with kids? +
Three to four days is enough. That covers Oia, a caldera walk, a beach day and a quiet sunset, with room for pool time. Longer stays suit families who want a slow holiday rather than sightseeing.
Where is the best place to watch the sunset in Santorini? +
Oia is the most famous spot but very crowded. Imerovigli and Firostefani give the same view with fewer people, and a west-facing restaurant table is a good choice for families because it provides a seat and dinner.
What is the best month to visit Santorini? +
June and September are the best balance of warm weather, open businesses and manageable crowds. July and August are hotter and busier. Winter is quiet but many places close and the sea is cold.
