Santorini with kids: where to stay, which beaches and what to do (2026)
Santorini can be a great family holiday if you stay on the right side of the island and plan around the heat and the steps.
- With children, stay in Perissa or Kamari near the beach rather than on the caldera cliffs.
- The sand is dark volcanic sand and gets very hot: beach in the morning, water shoes for the kids.
- May–June and September are easier than July–August.
If you are planning Santorini with kids, book a family room near a flat beach early, bring a baby carrier instead of a pushchair, and plan outings for mornings and evenings.
Is Santorini good for a holiday with kids?
Yes, but plan it differently from a couple's trip. Santorini is famous for its cliff-top caldera villages, steps and sunsets, and it is less of a "shallow-beach island" than Crete or Rhodes. With children, it is easiest to stay on the flat side of the island near the beaches and visit the caldera villages for short trips.
Where to stay in Santorini with kids
| Area | Why it suits families | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Perissa and Perivolos | Long beach, many tavernas and hotels with pools | Black sand gets very hot at midday |
| Kamari | Flat promenade, long beach and an open-air cinema | Dark sand and pebbles here too |
| Fira | Centre of the island, transport and restaurants | Many steps, awkward with a pushchair |
| Oia | The famous sunset | Very crowded in the evening, expensive, many steps |
Tip: rooms for 4 to 6 people go early. Book months ahead, especially for July and August.
Which beaches in Santorini are good for children?
- Perissa: usually named the best beach for kids on the island, with a fairly gradual entry, sunbeds and restaurants along it.
- Kamari: a long beach with a promenade that works for an evening walk with a pushchair.
- Monolithos: quieter, near the airport.
Santorini's sand is volcanic and dark, and in summer it gets very hot. Go in the morning and pack water shoes for the children.
Things to do in Santorini with kids
- Caldera boat trip: usually a short walk on the volcano, a swim near the warmer springs and sometimes a sunset from the boat. Best for children who walk on their own.
- Akrotiri: a covered archaeological site of a Bronze Age town buried in ash. Interesting for children and in the shade.
- Kamari open-air cinema: on summer evenings. Check the film suits their age.
- Fira to Oia walk: about 3 hours. Only for older children and early in the morning.
- Fira old port: you can go down or up by cable car, on foot or by donkey. With children, the cable car is simplest.
Pushchairs, heat and safety
- Pushchair: hardly usable in the caldera villages because of steps and cobbled lanes. A baby carrier is better.
- Heat: in July and August midday outings are hard. Plan mornings and evenings with a rest at the hotel in between.
- Cliffs: terraces and paths above the caldera do not always have high railings. Keep an eye on small children.
When to visit Santorini with kids
May–June and September are the easiest months: less heat and fewer crowds. In April the sea is still cold. In winter most of the island is quiet and some hotels close. See also Greece with kids month by month.
How to get to Santorini from Israel
In summer 2026 Sun d'Or and Israir flew direct from Tel Aviv to Santorini, according to the airlines' announcements. Out of season, fly to Athens and continue by domestic flight or ferry. See Greek islands with direct flights from Israel and Athens to Santorini by ferry. More in our Santorini guide.
FAQ
Is Santorini suitable for a holiday with a baby? Yes, if you stay near a flat beach such as Perissa or Kamari and bring a baby carrier instead of a pushchair. The caldera villages have many steps.
Which beach in Santorini is best for kids? Perissa is usually considered the easiest beach for children, with facilities and restaurants along it. Mornings are best, before the sand heats up.
How many days do you need in Santorini with kids? Three to four days are enough for the beach, a boat trip and visits to Oia and Fira. You can combine it with a quieter island such as Naxos or Paros.
Do you need a car in Santorini with kids? A hire car is very convenient with children, as buses are crowded in summer. Evening parking in Oia and Fira is hard, so arrive early.
