7-Day Greece Family Vacation: Athens, Naxos & a Few Greek Gods

Seven days, two places, and a Greece family vacation built around the things kids actually remember. You start in Athens, where the whole family gets their hands in the clay at a real pottery workshop and borrows its designs from the ancient Greeks. Then you cross to Naxos, the largest and greenest island in the Cyclades. The kids feed donkeys under 800-year-old olive trees and try archery the way Artemis would, while you taste local honey and the island’s citron liqueur. A free day is yours for the stone villages, and a catamaran day brings snorkeling, a natural mud bath and a cliff jump for anyone brave enough.

Highlights

In Athens an Insider escort walks you to a working pottery studio, and for two hours everyone shapes and paints a piece of their own, borrowing ideas from the motifs on ancient Greek pottery. On Naxos a local expert who knows how to keep children interested drives you through the island’s biggest olive groves to a private donkey farm, where the kids feed donkeys, goats and bunnies, then try archery in honor of Artemis. A walk through the groves ends in Chalki, with a beekeeper, a Naxian lunch and a century-old distillery where the grown-ups sample the citron liqueur. The next day is free for villages like Apiranthos. Then comes the catamaran: swimming in secluded coves, a mud bath in the clay rocks, a cliff jump for the brave, and lunch served on deck.

Price from
2.100 Euros Per person
Best for
Families
Best time to visit
April – October
Adventure level
Easy

Itinerary

Day1
Athens
Welcome to Athens!

Welcome to Athens, Greece’s bustling capital.

The city of Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities, the historical capital of Europe, and a city of culture, history, and philosophy. Athens today is a vibrant metropolis that blends its proud past with its dynamic modern present. This enchanting capital offers a feast of things to see and do, such as endless sites and monuments, nonstop nightlife, and intricate cuisine.

Day2
Athens
Athens Pottery Workshop

Feel like an ancient potter and get creative during this fun pottery workshop! This 2-hour experiential activity is perfect for people who are not afraid of getting their hands dirty and want to unleash their inner artists.

Enter an actual workshop, gather inspiration, and learn about the creative process of ceramic object making with the assistance of knowledgeable artists. Get inspired by the ancient Greek pottery motifs you see in museums or make up your own ideas!

With the help of your expert potter, create ceramic objects, just like the ancient potters used to do. If you feel that you lack inspiration, remind yourself of all the stories you just heard and let the Gods and Goddess motivate you. Do not be afraid to get your hands dirty and make a mess. That is after all how masterpieces are created! Use all the clay, choose the color palette that most express your style, and start forming, shaping, and painting your work of art.

Inclusions

  • 3-hour private experience (inclusive of walking time to reach the workshop)
  • Hotel pick-up (walking)
  • 2-hour pottery workshop
  • Private services of an “Insider” escort
  • All necessary materials and props for the workshop

-The handmade artifact you will create can be sent over to you via post with additional cost. Postage is arranged directly with the workshop hosts and you settle the postage cost with them in cash on the day of the tour.

Indicative costs are:

Cost for Up to two artifacts: ~56 – 60 euro approximately

Cost for Up to four artifacts: : ~72 – 75 euro approximately

Postage can take up to 15 days to be sent from the day of the workshop

Day3
Naxos
Welcome to Naxos!

When looking for a place that brings together different types of architecture, beautiful landscapes as well as culture and tradition the answer is clear: Naxos

The largest and greenest island of the Cyclades boasts towering mountains, rich valleys, and breathtaking seascapes.

In its villages, located high on mountain summits, the residents still dress traditional clothes and live off the land’s bounty. At the entrance of the port is the islet of Palatia where there’s an impressive marble gate, Apollo temple, dating back to the 6th century BC. According to legend, in this place known as “Portara” the god Dionysius found Ariadni there, after being abandoned by Theseus.

On the island, you can also find the classic Cycladic architecture along with Venetian castles, monasteries, and beautiful medieval churches.

This blend of styles coexists peacefully inviting you to visit and admire it since it’s a sight to behold.

Day4
Naxos
Once Upon A Time In Naxos

For young adventurers, there’s no better way to spend a day immersed in the magic of Naxos than exploring the island’s stunning countryside. The adventure begins with a drive through Naxos’ largest expanse of olive groves, where serenity and farm life come together. In this peaceful setting, you’ll visit a private donkey farm, nestled among 800-year-old olive trees. Here, families can meet, pet, and feed the famous Greek donkeys, along with other farm animals such as ducks, geese, chickens, bunnies, and goats. After some time with the animals, everyone can enjoy a fun game of archery, channeling Artemis, the ancient goddess of nature.

The excitement continues with a nature walk through the olive groves, leading to the picturesque village of Chalki. Here, you’ll meet a local beekeeper and sample fresh honey before sitting down for a delicious lunch at a traditional restaurant, where a local guide will share the stories behind Naxos’ signature dishes, including the famous “galaktoboureko.” To wrap up the day, parents can enjoy a special treat at a century-old distillery, tasting the island’s renowned citron liqueur. With unforgettable memories of an authentic island experience, you’ll return to your hotel filled with stories to tell.

Inclusions

  • 5-hour private experience
  • Hotel pick up and drop off (vehicle)
  • Private services of an English speaking local expert experienced with children
  • Animal farm visit
  • Archery activity
  • Nature walk with mythology commentary on local plants
  • Local honey tasting
  • Naxian lunch (season salad, variety of naxian cheeses, famous naxian potatoes, meat or vegetarian dish, dessert)
  • Historic liquor distillery visit & sampling
Day5
Naxos
Naxos Leisure Time: Exploring Naxos Villages with the Family

The traditional villages of Naxos provide a fun and educational experience for families. Take the kids to Apiranthos, where they can explore ancient stone pathways and learn about local culture. In Halki, visit the historic distillery to see how Kitron, the island’s traditional spirit, is made. The whole family will enjoy wandering through these picturesque villages, stopping at local bakeries for treats or taking a break in a shady square for lunch at a family-friendly taverna.

Day6
Naxos
Naxos Day Cruise - Small Group

Step aboard a luxurious catamaran and settle into a relaxed day at sea, coffee in hand as you meet your fellow travelers and watch Naxos fade into the distance. The captain steers toward secluded coves and hidden beaches, where clear waters invite long swims and snorkeling over bright, rocky seabeds. At an unspoiled cove, unique clay rocks create the perfect setting for a natural mud bath before a leisurely brunch full of local flavors is served on deck.

The adventure continues along endless sandbanks and sculpted rock formations, with the chance for an exhilarating cliff jump for those who feel daring. A freshly prepared traditional lunch made with local ingredients, accompanied by Greek salad, refreshments, raki, beer, and wine, keeps everyone satisfied between swims. On the way back, the catamaran pauses at a sweeping sandy beach with crystal-clear water for a final dip and refreshing fruit salad. By the time the boat returns to the marina, the day feels like a sun-soaked highlight of any Naxos holiday.

Inclusions

  • Approx. 7-hour small group experience (max 25 pax)
  • Coffee & cake
  • Delicious traditional lunch served on-board
  • Cold refreshments & chilled local wine served with lunch
  • Fresh fruit salads
  • Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel) & swimming flotation aids
  • Lifejackets for all ages

What to bring

  • Beach bag & swimsuit
  • Sunscreen lotion
  • Hat & camera

Special Note: Please keep in mind that the itinerary may change last-minute, as this experience is highly dependent on weather conditions.

Day7
Departure
Departure Day

Today, you will have to say goodbye to beautiful Greece. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the island airport for your domestic flight back to Athens. After arriving at Athens Airport, check in to your international flight and depart Greece.

As you reminisce about the fond memories while looking at the photographs you took and the souvenirs you are bringing with you, get ready to share all about your trip with your loved ones back home.

Best hotels and resorts
drz-achilleas-hotel-athens__10005

Athens: Achilleas

Begin your family getaway steps from Syntagma Square with easy transport, walking access to the Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki, and museums.

Athens Manor Houses

Athens: Athens Manor Houses

In Athens’ historic heart, Athens Manor Houses embraces families with charming suites, sunlit courtyards, bustling streets, timeless comfort, and warmth.

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Athens: Electra Metropolis

Electra Metropolis: a family-friendly Athens retreat offering comfortable accommodations, a convenient central location, and easy access to the city’s landmarks, museums, shops, and cultural experiences.

elia ermou

Athens: Elia Ermou

Elia Ermou Athens Hotel: modern comfort steps from Syntagma—family-friendly luxury and unbeatable location in the heart of historic Athens.

Athens Four Seasons

Athens: Four Seasons

Four Seasons Athens on the Athenian Riviera blends beachfront luxury, spa, private beaches, ancient city access, family-friendly activities, timeless hospitality.

Athens: Grande Bretagne

Grande Bretagne welcomes families with lavish rooms, rooftop Acropolis views, dedicated kid amenities, central Syntagma location, pool, impeccable luxury service.

Athens: King George hotel

Athens: King George

King George Hotel in Athens embraces families with timeless elegance, spacious rooms, Acropolis views, refined hospitality, rooftop terrace, personalized comforts.

Athens MGallery

Athens: MGallery

Nestled in Athens’ vibrant core, MGallery welcomes families with elegant rooms, sunlit terraces, timeless design, curated experiences, and heartfelt hospitality.
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NJV Athens Plaza

Athens: NJV Athens Plaza

NJV Athens Plaza combines family-friendly elegance, spacious rooms, Acropolis views, central Syntagma location, rooftop bar, gourmet dining, and personalized service.

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Athens: Perianth

Perianth: a comfortable and centrally located Athens hotel with spacious accommodation, contemporary design, and easy access to the city’s main attractions for a convenient family stay.

Athens: The Dolli

In Athens’ quarter, The Dolli welcomes families with whimsical suites, rooftop vistas of the Acropolis, sunlit courtyards, and bespoke comforts.

18 Grapes

Naxos: 18 Grapes

On Naxos’ sun-drenched shores, 18 Grapes envelops families in Cycladic elegance: cozy rooms, vine-lush gardens, seaside kitchens, and timeless hospitality.

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Naxos: Liana Beach Hotel & Spa

Liana Beach Hotel & Spa, Cycladic beachfront in Naxos, features pool, spa, semi-private beach, Greek cuisine, spacious rooms, balconies, views.

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