SUN-DRENCHED SANTORINI CAN BE KID-FRIENDLY, TOO
Not just a honeymooners’ paradise, Greek isle offers getaways for families
The Greek island of Santorini is a dazzling scene of whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches stacked upon kaleidoscopic cliffs that rise up from the Aegean Sea.
Its most popular tourist towns, Fira and Oia, are a hodgepodge of winding pathways bursting with boutique hotels, casual cafes, fine-dining restaurants and shops selling everything from highend treasures to token trinkets. Outside of Santorini’s bustling hubs, you’ll discover hidden coves boasting crystal-clear water and volcanic red and black sand beaches. Ancient storied sights and a highly regarded wine scene complete the hallmark attractions.
At first blush, the island once known as Kallístē, meaning “most beautiful one,” seems best suited for honeymooners. However, with the right activities and accommodation choice, it may just become the next bucket-list adventure for your family.
While many of Santorini’s iconic caldera-view hotels are geared toward couples and typically don’t allow children, the recent opening of Katikies Garden is a game-changer for families.
It’s also the first property in the luxury Katikies Resorts & Club portfolio to welcome guests under the age of 13.
Located in the heart of Fira’s restaurants, shops and museums, Katikies Garden offers accessible pathways that are void of the area’s standard steep, uneven stairways — often built without guardrails — which can be dangerous for little legs. Special touches, including a kid’s dining menu, pool toys and turndown service with pint-sized robes, slippers and bath amenities are a few of the family friendly highlights. For parents seeking a date night, the resort offers nanny services at an additional cost. Dine on the property or use the complimentary car service to experience the exceptional Mikrasia, the signature eight-table restaurant at Katikies Santorini in Oia. On our splurge evening, we feasted on succulent smoked beef carpaccio (my favourite rendition of all-time), heirloom tomatoes with goat ice cream and lobster atop lentils, fennel and truffle. The romantic five-star sunset meal was a highlight of the trip.
Another exceptional culinary experience can be found at Sunset by Paraskevas tavern in Ammoudi Bay, below Oia’s vibrant red cliffs.
The restaurant, which was opened in the 1980s by Paraskevas Birigkos and his wife Margarita, is an Ammoudi institution and a favourite among visitors, locals and celebrity guests. We loved the waterfront setting and Margarita’s famous, freshly caught lobster pasta so much that we ate here twice during our week-long stay. Bring the kids, but be sure to reserve a table in advance, especially if you plan on dining at sunset.
Wine touring with the family is also possible. Book a driver for a private excursion that allows you to pick the wineries and go at your own pace. My favourite spot with kids is Venetsanos Winery for its patio tastings with sweeping caldera views. Within moments of your seating, the gracious and knowledgeable staff will bring paper and markers for the children to colour. We enjoyed our tasting paired with local cheese, cured meat, olives and sun-drenched tomatoes. The whites definitely outshine the red varietals, which is a common theme throughout the island.
Other worthwhile wineries include Santo Wines, Estate Argyros and Domaine Sigalas. If you’re a craft beer fan, be sure to stop by Santorini Brewing Company to try a flight of donkey-themed ales and lagers.
For a day by the sea, rent a car and drive to Perivolos Beach on Santorini’s southeast shore. While en route take a slight detour to Akrotiri and visit the ancient Minoan archeological site that was covered in ash during a massive volcanic eruption in 17th century BC. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and Santorini’s scorching afternoon heat. I recommend taking the guided tour through the archeological remains for a deeper understanding of this sophisticated prehistoric settlement. Afterward, the kids will be thrilled to cool down with a dip in the Aegean.
You’ll find a string of beach bars along Perivolos, including our favourite, Seaside Santorini. Reserve a daybed in advance if you’re travelling during July and August. In June or September, you’ll have no problem securing an impromptu spot. Relax on the black sand beach and enjoy spectacular views of the sparkling Aegean Sea.
If you’re looking for a unique perspective of Santorini’s dramatic coastline, take a sunset catamaran cruise with Spiridakos. With kids, we opted for the private tour, which includes round-trip transfers and allows for a more flexible itinerary. The five-hour experience begins with a swim at Red Beach in Akrotiri, then a snorkel in the reefs in front of White Beach and the natural thermal springs of the island’s volcanic crater.
A Mediterranean barbecue dinner of chicken, fish and seafood, served with salad, rice and local wine and beer, follows. The evening ends just after sunset, which, when viewed from the catamaran, rivals even Fira’s best fiery display.