Only last week, i found out I had miles expiring end of June. As we live in Switzerland we thought of taking a week out to Athens on the second week of October (school break of my daughter) and still get some warm climate.<BR><BR>So I booked the free flights to Athens for the family (incl. my daughter and little boy, 2 years old).<BR><BR>I have been before in Athens (10 years ago) and I am not willing to stay there more then 2 nights (maximum).<BR><BR>We are seeking a place with a nice beach, specially because of the kids, on a somehow relaxed atmosphere and not some sort of big suburb.<BR><BR>We also thought of an island. But bad luck: I checked Olympic web-page I can's find any suitable connection for the day/time we arrive and departure from Athens. Alternatevely, I am afraid that in October ferries will not be reliable and I do not want to turn one week of relaxing into a nerve break-down to get back to Athens.<BR><BR>So, I guess I will be stuck to mainland or one of the small islands just across of Athens.<BR><BR>I will appreciate any input.<BR>

The Saronic Islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra are easy to get to from Pireus. The ordinary ferries are more comfortable than the hydrofoils. I guess all hotels are still open in second week of October.<BR><BR>The Peloponnese peninsula is another good option. <BR>

I have lived in and around Athens most of my life, and would add that:<BR><BR>the beaches on the mainland around Athens (eg Varkiza, Porto Rafti etc) are not really very nice, more of a suburb, modern buildings etc<BR><BR>Aegina and Hydra are both very picturesque islands and the boats and hydrofoils are reliable, but you should definitely plan to return to Athens the day before your flight. However the beaches are not particularly nice there - Agia Marina in Aegina is crowded, and on Hydra you would have to walk to the nearest beach (there are no roads on the island).<BR><BR>My recommendation is either Evia, which has unspoilt beaches and, though an island, is connected via a bridge making it less than 2 hours drive from the airport; or the Peloponnese which again has a bridge across the corinth Canal, but is further away. <BR><BR>On Evia there is a nice 'estate' with cottages attached, see <BR>http://www.candili.gr/<BR><BR>On the Peloponnese I would recommend around Nafplion (or Palia Epidavros if you want to be a bit closer to Athens)<BR><BR>For your nights in Athens, the best, most comfortable option outside the hubbub of the city centre is the Kefalari Suites - see:<BR><BR>https://www.i-escape.com/kefalarisuites.php<BR><BR>Good luck!<BR>

Kalifadas is a nice placeto go It takes from Athen centre 45 min by bus

If you do go to Aegina, your 2 year old may enjoy Water Park, a short taxi trip south of Aegina town - swimming pool with shallow area for children, water slides (for under and over tens), music etc. Not spectacular, but probably nicer than the beach for a toddler. I don't know if it's open in October. It has a website http://www.united-hellas.com/tourism/aegina/water-park/

Also, I recently posted "day trips from Athens" which might give you some ideas - it may come up on a search.