One of the questions I’m asked most often is, “Where is the best place in Europe to take my family?”. While this is a very open-ended question, there are definitely certain destinations that come to mind immediately. One of those is Greece and The Cyclades. It’s a wonderful choice for families with younger children like ours, but also is an ideal location for mother-daughter vacations, graduation celebration trips, and family reunion trips. Due to the varied nature of activities and distinct personalities of each island, you can suit just about any budget or travel taste. However, no matter which island you visit, even Greeks agree September and October are sublime. The weather is amazing, the cruise crowds are mostly gone, and the best resorts have plenty of availability. Perfect for a fall break getaway.
Athens
Because most airlift from the US arrives in Athens, I always recommend at least 2 nights here in a centrally located hotel. Most 5-star properties in Athens are a great value comparatively speaking and worth it for the location, particularly after a long flight. People who need recovery naps can indulge in crisp clean sheets and very good air conditioning, while others riding the adrenaline rush can toast the start of a great trip at the hotel’s rooftop bar. Rooftop dining is extremely common in Athens, particularly in the Monastiraki neighborhood, where nighttime views of the Acropolis are to die for. Let us book you a table at one of our favorites! Of course, you can’t leave Athens without seeing the Acropolis and the Parthenon, and I always recommend a private guide for both to maximize your time.
Mykonos
Mykonos is the island of choice for the young and young at heart. Often called the Ibiza of the Greek Isles, it’s known for its beaches, beach clubs, music, and nightlife. I highly recommend Mykonos for families with teenage children, young couples, and honeymooners, but my advice is to not let the disco club scene scare you from a stop if you’ve never been. Some of the most high-end and luxurious resorts are located here (thanks honeymooners!) as are amazing boutiques for shopping and a buzzy restaurant scene. There are also some great spots that are away from the crowds, too, on sandy beaches that are the best in Greece. Great locations for a family-friendly stay. Spend a couple of nights here before moving on.
Santorini
Best island for sunsets and Instagrammers! Everything you’ve seen in pictures and on social media is accurate. It really is that picturesque. I like to suggest visits to its tiny fishing villages for fresh-off-the-hook dinners at a local taverna or a vigorous hike around the caldera. Many of the hotels offer beach club access for those who want nothing but a lounge chair and a sea breeze while they wait for the excursionists in the family to return for dinner. Like Mykonos, Santorini can feel touristy depending on when you go. This is why we love to send clients in the early fall.
Crete
For the foodies. Crete is much more rugged, rustic, and fertile than the previous islands. The island is simply beautiful. It is the largest of all the Cyclades and the birthplace of the Mediterranean diet. People here live to be well over 100, following a truly seasonal, farm to fork lifestyle. It is my favorite place to add in some agrotourism activities, which are SO much fun for children of all ages, and wine tastings at local farms and vineyards. Olive oil, local honey, and white wine, oh my!
These are just a few of my top choices for first-time visitors, but there is more to unpack here. I think my next itinerary with our gang of 3 will be USA- Athens-Santorini-Crete-Corfu-France-USA, or maybe the other way around. So many places, so little time!
