hopepingree

I am interested in travelling to Greece in August with my husband and 9 year old daughter. We have about 2 weeks. We would like to have an adventure, a little history but not too much as it might not interest a 9 yr old.
Any suggestions? which islands? hotels?
Should we consider a sailing trip?

brotherleelove2004

With a child in tow choose an island with calm beaches and a lot to see and do. In the Cyclades group that would include Naxos and Paros. Crete would be a good choice since it's very large but you need a rental car to move around. Rhodes would also be good, and from Rhodes you can take a daytrip to Bodrum in Turkey to see the Crusader castle.

hopepingree

thanks.. any hotels to recommend?

parosblue

Great ideas from Brotherleelove, as always. From my viewpoint, I think Paros is a good choice for you - you can take day trips to other islands. You might like a day trip to Delos for some antiquities.
One hotel to check out in Parakia is Parian Village. It is around the bay from the main dock. has a pool, great view of the harbor, and walking distance to the Livadia beach where there are beach chairs, tavernas, and a sailing camp. The rooms are small and rather spare but it's very reasonably priced. You can walk the other direction to a swim club where I see kids taking lessons and continue on the trail to another beach called Krios. Its an easy and pretty hike along the cliff through mounds of wild herbs. In town, take in the small museum of antiquities and the church of 100 Doors. There is lots of walking around the Old Market area. You can rent a car and see other beaches where there are activities and water sports. Or find the undeveloped quiet beaches. Also, drive up to Naoussa to the amazing Kolimbithres Beach with sculptural rocks. Beyond it there is a small waterpark and hiking trails.A ride up to Lefkes in the center of the island will give you a view and a nice walk around a mountain town. There are many other hotels, and some sound quite suitable for families. Check out parosweb.com.
On another note, Crete is an amazing island - large and almost its own country. Knossos is a great historical visit. We loved staying on the south side in Mirthios overlooking the beach at Plakias. It is pretty quiet there so I don't know if it is too quiet for your family. We stayed at Anna's Apartments which is wonderful and very reasonable.
Lastly, Rhodes is a great place for a family. The Castle of the Knights is amazing, and what kid doesn't love exploring a real gigantic castle? The best beach is in the south at Lindos. You can take also a great day trip to Symmi.
I suggest you spend time in Athens and choose one of these islands. Then add day trips as desired.

hopepingree

Wow.. thanks everyone. What about Santorini and Sifnos? Sounds like they should not be missed.

hopepingree

Do you think Greece in August is a mistake.. July could be another option.

Heimdall

Early July would be less crowded. After the 20th of August crowds begin to ease, but the period from mid July to mid August is the peak of the high season.

otisabi74

If you go until Rhodes, Bodrum; Turkey would be a good option to see by catching a ferry

yannis

hopepingree: I agree with heimdall. Early July is probably better, less crowded.

hopepingree

We have settled on Sifnos as part of our itinerary.. 4 nights in late August.
Any recommendations on where to stay?The Alexandros is booked and Elie's resort is very expensive. We can get into the Petali. Would that be a good choice? What about Kavos Studio?
Also Athens... the Ava sounds lovely, though very expensive. We are travelling with a nine year old and we thought maybe the Intercontinental since it has a pool and she will only want to do so much sightseeing. Any other hotel ideas for Athens in early september?

chris45ny

Hotels with pools in Athens are not so plentiful. Check out these but I'm not sure how pricey they are:

Hilton Athens Hotel
President Hotel www.president.gr/
Dorian Inn Hotel www.dorianinnhotel.com/en/index.html
Athens Zafolia Hotel www.zafoliahotel.gr
Royal Olympic

Go to Trip Advisor forum and do a search for Hotels in Athens with pool-several will come up and you can get an idea of price.

travelerjan

Hope, only really convenient hotel with pool is Electra Palace & its not cheap about €220 for a triple. But it is right in the heart of Plaka district. Hiltons & other chain hotels really require taxi or shuttle to the central (Acropolis/Plaka) area. What if u are in the midst of something & she has a meltdown.