Makryianni-Acropolis With the Family

Whether you’re going there to see the Parthenon or the New Acropolis Museum, Makriyianni can keep the entire family happy with plenty of things to do and see! 

Insights Greece - Makryianni-Acropolis With the Family

Any day of the week – but especially during the weekends, the Makryianni-Acropolis area is a bit of a hub and a wonderful place to go for a stroll with your kids. Unsurprisingly, because of the majestic beauty of the Parthenon overhead, and then there’s the pedestrian road of Dyionissiou Aeropagiotou with its neoclassical and modernist residences, greenery, and cobblestone pathways leading towards the historical hills of Filopappou and Pnyx. Jewellery-sellers, mimes, and musicians set up camp to entertain passersby in the hope of making an extra penny, and the hop-on hop-off Happy Train sets off from outside the New Acropolis Museum for a tour of the town. It’s busy, it’s buzzy and it’s scenic.

The New Acropolis Museum is in fact a good starting point if you’re looking for ways to breed a little bit of culture into your kids under the guise of fun. Little visitors are offered a bag with various museum-centered activities to engage them – a treasure hunt, colouring books, puzzles. The restaurant, which can be visited even by those who are not buying a museum ticket, is on a large outdoor terrace under the Acropolis and serves a good variety of Mediterranean dishes suited for all ages.

At the museum, you can also enjoy entering through the side entrance which has a metal ramp going all the way down that’s perfect for pushcarts or wheelchairs. Once on the museum level, there’s another side path across the way surrounded by more greenery that leads to the side exit.

From here you can head up the road to Kallisperi 2 where there is a playground. There are no swings and slides here, but the twirly-whirly rides are always entertaining for kids.  

Insights Greece - Makryianni-Acropolis With the Family

From there, head back up to Dyionissiou Aeropagitou for a scenic walk to Filopapou and Pnyx hills, where you can admire the view of the Acropolis and Lycabettus hill seemingly side by side and chill out on an ancient rock in the place where Democracy was devasted millennia ago.

If you return to Dyionissiou Aeropagitou and turn downwards you’ll find yourself walking around the Acropolis grounds on Apostolou Pavlou, where you’ll pass even more street musicians and a row of street sellers as well as several cafes where you can stop for coffee and ice cream. Here there is also a playground (Apostolou Pavlou 33) with plenty of rides to keep kids busy for a while.

Tip: From here you will also see a park-like entrance with an earth pathway, which if followed will lead you to Monastiraki – Plaka area. A little further down is the train station of Thisseio. 

Cover image by IN+SIGHTS GREECE ©

Holidaying with Little Ones in Greece is Child’s Play

When we told family and friends that we were travelling to Greece with our then 11-month-old baby, which entailed a 24-hour flight from Sydney to Athens, many said we were crazy!

I knew it would be an extremely different holiday to our previous kid-less travels, but I was determined to have a great time with our little girl, and that we sure did.

Insights Greece - Holidaying with Little Ones in Greece is Child's Play

Family-oriented Greeks whole-heartedly welcome babies and children of all ages. And whether you are exploring the islands, visiting archaeological sites, enjoying the stunning beaches, or just eating at a local tavern, Greece is an ideal destination to introduce kids to a fun, carefree and comfortable atmosphere, which helps create wonderful memories for the entire family.

Kids become your ticket to the front of the queue

You will find that Greeks love children and treat all kids as their own. From babies through to teenagers, locals smile at children, ask their name, age, and greet them in a lovely, warm manner. Travelling with kids to Greece really is your passport to excellent service and chances are you will be ushered to the front of the queue at airports, museums, or cafés, as Greeks understand kids have their limits, as do parents! 

Insights Greece - Holidaying with Little Ones in Greece is Child's Play
Feeding fussy little eaters has never been so easy

While travelling, many parents worry about what their children will eat, which is a fair enough concern, as many kids are used to certain foods. What’s great about Greece is any place you go, whether it’s a city, village or island, there is always a local taverna serving fresh food that is ideal for kids, as the variety is healthy, delicious and simple. From salads, vegetables, meat, and fish, through to pasta and rice dishes and of course tiganites patates (homemade chips), there is a huge selection to cater to all tastes. And don’t expect a kids’ menu, taverna food is designed to suit the entire family.

Insights Greece - Holidaying with Little Ones in Greece is Child's Play
No such thing as being bored

Trying to entertain kids while parents simultaneously enjoy themselves can be testing at the best of times, let alone while you are away from home, but what is there not to love about Greece- regardless of your age? Greek beaches are perfect for kids as the water is clear, calm and shallow and the sun is not as strong as other parts of the world, so with plenty of sunscreen, families can sit back and enjoy a full day of playing, eating and drinking by the water. And when the sun goes down kids are still riding their scooters, shooting a basketball at the school court, kicking a soccer ball around, and dancing at the local Panigiri (festival), where all kids are welcome to join in on the fun. Here you can forget about curfews and routines and enjoy yourself without feeling guilty the kids aren’t asleep at a certain time.

  • Insights Greece - Holidaying with Little Ones in Greece is Child's Play
  • Insights Greece - Holidaying with Little Ones in Greece is Child's Play
Sleep Like Babies

When it comes time to tuck them into bed, chances are they won’t have much energy left to resist as they should be worn out after a jam-packed day at the beach, followed by dinner, which is capped off with a night stroll and some ice-cream. By the time you head back to the hotel, your kids will be ready for a good night’s sleep… then wake up and start all over again!

Stay tuned as IN+SIGHTS GREECE will be sharing lots of family-friendly tips and ideas for you to be able to discover Greece all-year-round with kids of all ages.

All images by IN+SIGHTS GREECE © (Copyright)