Greece with kids: what actually works (and what doesn't)

Greece is genuinely rewarding with kids — Athens is walkable and stroller-friendly, museums cater to children, and public transport is cheap or free for little ones — but the hilly islands and ancient sites take some planning. Here's what actually works.

What should families do in Athens?

Skip the traffic and stick to walking and the metro — Athens's only metro system is fast, clean, stroller-friendly, and links the airport, city centre, and Piraeus Port. Avoid it during rush hour (7–9am and 5–7pm) with kids in tow. For calmer sightseeing, head to Anafiotika, a traffic-free neighborhood of Cycladic-style houses and winding alleys, or take the funicular up Lykavittos Hill. The Acropolis Museum and Museum of Cycladic Art both run children's programs with games and interactive exhibits, making them good rainy-day or midday-heat options. Renting a car in Athens isn't worth it — traffic is chaotic, parking is difficult, and public transport plus walking is easier and more pleasant.

Are strollers practical everywhere?

Not everywhere. Greek historic centers are compact and pedestrian-friendly, so strolling is generally easy in cities and towns. Archaeological sites, though, often have steps and uneven ground that strollers can't handle. On hilly islands like Santorini and Mykonos, stairs and rough terrain make strollers impractical — a baby carrier is far more useful there, and generally recommended for sightseeing anywhere, since ramps and lifts can be scarce.

What about car seats, taxis, and ferries?

Children under 3 must always use a car restraint in any vehicle — there's no seatbelt-only fallback — and kids under 12 or under 135cm need approved restraints in rental cars. The fine for an unrestrained child 12 or under in the front seat is €83. Rental companies like Europcar and Hertz offer child seats for a fee, but availability tightens in July–August, so specify your child's age, height, and weight in writing when booking. Taxis are legally exempt from this requirement — if no seat is available, your child can travel without one. On public transport, kids under 6 ride free with an adult; ages 6–12 often get reduced fares. On ferries, under-4s are free and ages 4–12 get 50% off.

What should families pack or plan for?

Baby-changing facilities are rare outside larger airports (Athens Airport has a play area and changing rooms), so carry a portable changing mat. Public toilets are scarce beyond touristy zones, but cafés will usually let kids use theirs. Supermarkets stock baby food, diapers, and wipes — expect higher prices on the islands. Visa-wise, US, Canadian, UK, and Australian citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period with no paperwork.

FAQ

Do I need a car seat for a taxi in Greece? No — taxis are exempt from child restraint rules, so your child can legally ride without one if the taxi lacks a seat.

Are Santorini and Mykonos stroller-friendly? No — both are hilly with stairs and uneven ground; bring a baby carrier instead.

Is Athens easy with a stroller? Yes for the metro and pedestrian centers, but archaeological sites have steps and uneven terrain that require carrying your child instead.

Sources

• https://www.roughguides.com/greece/greece-with-kids/
• https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/greece-with-kids
• https://www.taxibambino.com/single-post/car-seat-laws-and-regulations-in-greece-taxis-cars-and-car-rentals-for-children
• https://www.taxibambino.com/single-post/getting-around-in-greece-with-kids-a-family-friendly-guide
• https://wanderingwagars.com/tips-for-family-travel-in-greece/