kimnoaks

Would like advice as to where to go in June 2007 for 2 weeks with husband and children ages 11 and 13. Interested in beaches and history (Greek mythology). Prefer the not so touristy places, but understand that this might be a must for the first time visit.

DejaVu

Well, the most historical places are the most touristy, so that's unavoidable.

Kids would really enjoy Olympia, I think (they can have a footrace in the ancient stadium!). And you can't leave out Delphi. If your kids are really "up" on their myths and know about the Trojan War, then Mycenae might be in order ("palace of Agamemnon" in the citadel). Knossos in Crete for Theseus and the Minotaur if you're going that far.

DenverDice

I just travelled all over Greece this summer with 3 children, ages 6, 8 and 9. They loved Napflion - climbing up the 999 steps to the Fortress, the Military Museum, just walking around. It's a very beautiful place w/lots for adults to like as well. And it's a 10 minute drive to Tolo, where the beaches have lots of activities and it's fun to walk around the crowded streets. It's close to Mycenea, Corinth, Olympia.

I would recommend choosing your ancient sites wisely - they all seem the same to kids & they get bored after a few. We bought postcards for the kids of things they would see inside the site, then took photos of them holding the postcards next to their spot. It was a fun game that kept them engaged - always hunting for their spot. They also loved Haikidiki - up North - it's way less touristy, very affordable and lots of beautiful beaches with fun stuff for kids.

Another bit of advice - even though your kids are older, they still might get antsy with the Greek way of dining. Lots of waiting, sitting, enjoying the scenery - not ideal for kids who get bored easily. Bring gameboys, books, whatever and warn them that dinner might be a 3-hour affair.

DenverDice

Oh - I can't believe I forgot - but check out Hydra! It's a beautiful island a short ferry ride from Athens. There is no sandy beach, but kids enjoy jumping off these huge rocks down into the ocean (looks scary, but is safe). It's a very charming island with no cars, so it's safe for kids to run around.

jgw

we are planning a similar trip with our kids ages 10 and 11. we will be in athens, visit Delphi, and then Mykonos, Delos, Santorini and Crete.
Friends of ours did this trip last year and their kids loved Delphi, Delos and Santorini best.

Carolina

I suggest Tolo near Nafplion on the Pelopponese for some of the time and maybe the islands near Athens / Cyclades for the rest. Tolo is 7km from Nafplion and has a nice beach and good quality accomodation. It is touristy but is nice for the children to relax after exploring. From there, you can visit Mycenea, Corinth, Epidaurus, and ofcourse Nafplion without changing hotels. My family has stayed at the Paradise Lost apartments a couple of times and been very pleased. Regarding the islands: 1 option is Aegina, Poros and Hydra (staying on one and visiting the others). Alternatively, relax on one of the Cyclades and explore a few of the islands. Mykonos, Santorini and Paros are the most popular (and expensive). Andros and Naxos are quieter.
Carolena

brotherleelove2004

Those of you looking to visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri on Santorini should double-check to see if it's open before going. Last October the protective roof collapsed killing one tourist and the whole facility was closed indefinitely.

sheila

YOu could do alomost the whole shebang on Crete.

As I write that I become conscious of how little "Greek" history is obvious there, on second thoughts, whilst you'll get a great handle on the Minoans and the Second World War, it's maybe not the best for mainstream Greek history.

It'sa fantastic place, nonetheless

Heimdall

Were I travelling with children I would choose Naxos rather than Mykonos. It has better beaches and you can still go to Delos from there.

If you do opt for Mykonos, keep your children close when walking through the chora. Those little passageways are like a maze, and it would be easy to get separated. They wouldn't be in any danger, but you might have some anxious moments while trying to find them. Naxos Town has a similar district, but it is much smaller.

June, incidentally, is an excellent time to visit Greece. The weather is perfect, and even the "touristy places" are uncrowded.