Introducing guest blogger Anna from Dreamista
We are Anna, Costas, Orpheas and George (the latter two are our almost 3-year-old twin boys) and we live in Athens, Greece. We love traveling to nearby destinations and we love exploring our city too.
Athens might not have that many options for toddlers under 36 months old, but it’s a lovely city to visit if you know where to go and what to avoid. Here are all our favourite things to do in Athens.
This post is part of our Explore My City series – come and visit cities around the world through the eyes of local parents
Best areas to stroll with kids
The historic center of Athens
I love it. I love the cobblestone alleys (they are stroller friendly), I love Anafiotika, Plaka and Dionysiou Aeropagitou str., as they all surround Acropolis and it’s so quiet here and car-free.
Athens Riviera
Most visitors tend to avoid anything outside the historic center. Can’t blame them, as it’s mostly busy, ugly and very unfriendly. But the coast is lovely. There a long pedestrian street right on the water edge, where you can stroll, stop for a swim on a beach, enjoy seafood or visit some of the family-friendly parks (mentioned below).
Family-Friendly Parks
Stavros Niarchos Foundation
Parks, event halls, family-friendly cafes, kid library… This might be one of the best places to visit with kids in Athens. It’s in Faliro, by the coast.
Flisvos Park
Also in Faliro, Flisvos Park features a park, several playgrounds, some in cafeterias. It’s perfect for kids of all ages. It’s by the sea and close to the yacht marina.
Green Park This one is closer to the city center, but still, you need a car or public transport to reach it. Situated in Galatsi, that’s a huge park with playground, green areas for picnic, an open-air theater, cafes and restaurants, all family friendly.
Goudi Park That’s even closer to the city center and easier to get to. Huge green area with a playground too.
Vouliagmeni Lake This lake is swimmable, plus there is a green area, play area, coffee and food. In my opinion, it’s one of the most fab places in Athens. It’s also accessible by public transport, but there is also a parking lot.
Travelling to Athens with older kids? A great guide here from 5 Lost Together on touring Athens top attractions with your kids
Family-Friendly Beaches in Athens
Glyfada
Not the best one, but easy to reach by subway or tram. It’s sandy and there is this family-friendly beach club here, Balux, with food, playground, soft play area and small theme park, perfect for families.
Sounio
It might be trickier to reach, but this coastal area around 30 minutes west of Glyfada, is amazing. Apart from the Temple Of Poseidon and lovely sea food taverns on the beach, here you’ll find some of the best organized sandy beaches in the area.
Family-Friendly Cafes and Playrooms in Athens
Balux – Glyfada
Mentioned above (in “Beaches”).
Flisvos Cafe – Faliro
Also mentioned above (in “Parks”).
Oliver Family House – Glyfada
Glyfada happens to be a very family-friendly suburb of Athens, with over 30 modern playgrounds and some cool family-friendly cafes. Never been to this one, but it serves organic, and it features playrooms.
Spiti Paihnidiou – Halandri
Playroom with a cafe in one of the hippest northern suburbs of Athens.
Family Friendly Restaurants in Athens
Funmily
Situated in one of the largest suburbs, Funmily in Maroussi features outside and inside play areas and serves food for all.
Chain restaurants
High chairs, toddler meals and toys, you can find in La Pasteria and TGI Friday’s restaurants. Learn more about traditional Greek cuisine
Farms you can visit in Athens
Aristi Farm
This is situated within 5 minute’s walk from Agia Paraskevi metro station. No animals here, but there are workshops and a lovely open space with veggies and herbs. There are more, but harder to reach (around 1 hour away from the center), as FarmaMoo, which is in Nea Makri, To Perivoli sti Vari in Vari, The Margi Farm in Keratea and more. They all have some animals.
The Mountains Around Athens
Ymittos
This is a majestic mountain, easily reached by bus from the city center (224 bus to Kaisariani). There are workshops for kids, a nunnery and several easy pathways to walk or stroll.
Parnitha
ParnithaApart from the camps which are perfect for lunch (one even has high chairs), this amazing mountain is great to walk.
Where to stay in Athens with Kids
Athens City Center
There are several hotels here, all with lovely terraces with Acropolis views. You have to look hard for a family-friendly option and I’m afraid I don’t have a personal experience with any.
Athens Riviera
Some of the greatest Athens hotels are here, including the Four Seasons, the Grecotel Sounio, Grand Resort Lagonisi and Divani Thalasso and Spa, which also has easy access to the city center and I know that it’s family-friendly. They are all located by the sea, feature their own (private) beach, swimming pools and great restaurants.
Perfect short trips from Athens
This is more my area of expertise, as we’d rather go away for the weekend anytime.
Nafplio
Just under 2 hours drive away, this lovely sea town has a lot to see, several itineraries (historic, coastal) to follow, playgrounds, a fun park and a family fun area, all around or in the town center.
Andros
AndrosThe closest island from Rafina port has more sandy beaches than you can count.
Porto Heli
One of the top family destinations, it’s almost 4 hours away and within 10 minutes in a small boat, you can get to Spetses island from here.
Arahova
If your family is into ski, mountains, great food and hiking, don’t skip this.
Agistri
This is the closest island from Peiraeus port (which you can reach by metro green line) is budget-friendly, green, with lovely food and 2 amazing beaches close to the port.
So why Athens with kids?
To cut a long story short, Athens is perfect for a short visit on your way to the islands or your road trip to mainland Greece. But it’s also a great idea to stay here longer, preferably in a beach hotel, discover the coastline, explore the city center and take one or two short trips or day trips to some close-by destinations. In any case, enjoy!
About the Blogger
You can visit Anna’s blog and catch up with her and her family in Athens here:
BLOG | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
With thanks to Anna for her contribution to our guest series, you can also catch Anna’s best tips for Day trips and long weekends from Athen’s here.
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