Memories of beautiful Santorini… A Greek island famous for many things – exquisite sunsets dramatic enough to draw cheers from onlookers as the sun takes its nightly dip in the ocean (John especially enjoyed those!), the iconic backdrop of blue and white buildings that seemingly perch on the side of vertiginous cliffs, wonderful local produce, and it would be fair to say, the masses of honeymooning couples that flock to it in the hope that the over the top romantic setting will make what should be their most memorable holiday 100% memorable…
Of course there are a few larger resorts that cater to families here, but in hindsight (and although we still had an amazing time), Santorini wasn’t perhaps the best Greek introduction for the children (although we still laugh at the memory of the American Honeymooners who looked on in horror as our older two suddenly joined them in their miniature plunge pool before we had a chance to shout “noooooo”, sprinting after them without breaking an ankle or two on the lengthy and rather precarious staircase leading down from our cave for the week…
We have been talking about going back to Greece a lot recently. I have only ever visited Crete before, and would love to see Athens and beyond. Mr R’s Greek travel history is a little more extensive, but mostly concentrates on Corfu where some friend’s parents owned a brewery (funny that!), but we all know that we love it. Besides many things, it’s just one of the friendliest places to explore, and it helps that most Greek people adore children, making everything all that much easier and relaxed…
Greece has also been a bit of a hot topic in our house lately, as both the 6th Grader and the 8th Grader are studying various aspects of Greek Mythology at the moment. The 8th Grader considers herself quite an expert in such mythological matters already, but our 6th Grader (a typical boy) has been captivated by tales of Battling Giants and Olympic Gods in Flegra – or Place of Fire – better known today as Halkidiki (or Chalkidiki depending on where you read the name/who spells it to you!)… According to the legend, one of the giants, Enceladus, was buried deep under the ground but is actually still alive. He has a bit of a wriggle around from time to time, and that’s your earthquake explanation right there. Chuck in to the “would like to go there” pot the fact that it was the birth place of Aristotle, and also home to the Petralona caves where the skull of a man from a lifetime some 700,000 years ago was discovered, and you might understand why both history fiends are now keen on heading here when we next visit Greece, and the more I look in to it, the more I am inclined to agree…
The North East of Mainland Greece isn’t somewhere that we Brits typically think of when a holiday in Greece is first suggested though really is it? We tend to head to the islands in the South… That’s not to say that Halkidiki is completely undiscovered, its distinctive three-fingered peninsula that juts into the Aegean is popular with natives and holiday makers from other countries alike, but having now looked in to it a little further, unlike a few of the busier destinations favoured by my fellow countrymen (Santorini for example!!), Halkidiki seems like it could well be the perfect Greek destination to take a family…
The first claw of the peninsula – Kassandra, is by all accounts the most lively in terms of resorts and restaurants. The second Sithonia sounds a little more tranquil, and the third – Mount Athos is not somewhere everyone can say they’ve been too- mostly because it’s been inhabited by monks since 885, and access to women is still very much restricted (men also need a special pass to visit by the way if that makes you feel slightly better!)…
Kassandra and Sithonia more than make up for their sibling’s more reserved tendencies with over 550 kilometres of unspoiled coastline to enjoy, boasting some of Greece’s best beaches (Halkidiki has 71 Blue Flag beaches to choose from!) and all flanked by crystal clear seas. I am already imagining hiring a boat for a few snorkelling adventures, or to maybe discover a beach of our own…
More active members of the family could also enjoy sea kayaking, paddle boarding, or hiking in the pine-clad mountains that surround it… Or maybe an afternoon spent learning a little more Greek mythology in one of its fact filled museums? I am already making a note of a few of the history steeped mountain towns and villages for the days when my blackmailing techniques still work (usually at the start of a holiday!) in a “if we just go and have a look at so and so, we can maybe head to the beach for the whole afternoon” kind of way… Do you know, the more I think about it, the more I am tempted? Now I just need to search for somewhere that has its own private pool without any canoodling honeymooners to disturb… If you will excuse me, I am off to search for villas in Halkidiki…
*written in collaboration with James Villas…
I’ve never been to Greece. It’s been on the list for years and now we’re feeling like we’ll wait until the kids are just a little older. It looks so beautiful and the I love Greek food. Gorgeous photos in your post!
Thanks so much Sinead! :)
Santorini is on our wishlist. The iconic blue and white buildings are something I would love to see and fill my IG feed up with. We have visited Kos once before we had kids and really enjoyed the food. It was very popular with families too. I think both our boys would love it x
Thanks so much! I would still recommend Santorini, even with kids to be honest, you just need to pick the right place to stay (with a big pool!) :D x
These photos capture the beauty of Greece so perfectly! I went to Mykonos in the summer last year and it was honestly the most beautiful place I’ve ever been, the views and the atmosphere was fantastic! I cannot wait to visit Santorini, I’ve only heard good things about it!
Thanks so much Nina! :)
I have never been to Greece but after seeing these photos, it’s certainly a place that I need to add to my bucket list. It looks beautiful.
Thank you. It’s worth a visit, definitely! :)
hahah those poor honeymooners – I can just picture it! You were very conscientious in dragging your children out. I’d love to go to Halkidiki too. Beautiful pics!
It was so embarrassing, and the honeymooners did not handle it that well (understandably)… To be fair to the kids though, the hotel had said they could go in, but it just wasn’t appropriate at all… :D Thankfully, they called around and found us a big pool we could use at a sister hotel (our original hotel had one, but there was a plot change at the last minute!) :D
This place looks like absolute paradise! Wow! I need to get here asap. And I love the story of your kids jumping into the honeymooners’ pool. Comedy gold!
Thanks Jessi! (:
We went island hoping around Greece last year and it was incredible. There are so many beautiful islands to see.
There really are aren’t there? Thanks Dannii! :)
I can’t imagine any place better than Greece for lots of reasons. The food, the blue and white, the heat. All just wonderful. And a sunset that people cheer at sounds amazing!
Thanks Helen. The sunsets there were so memorable! :) x
I LOVE Halkidiki, it’s one of my all time favourite holiday destinations although I haven’t been for around 7 years now. I remember the sea being clearer than any sea I have ever known, and the fresh fish was delicious!
That’s great to know! Thank you! (:
I have got to get myself to Halkidi! It looks absolutely beautiful and I also love the stories of Greek Mythology, I think it would be such an interesting place to visit. It’s high up on my travel wishlist
Thanks Tanya. I love the myths surrounding places like Greece. So interesting! :)
I’m so un-travelled that I’ve never even heard of Halkidiki before! How bad is that?! It looks like an absolutely wonderful place to visit, though. You’ve got me dreaming of a little break away now!!
Louise x
Thanks Louise! (: x
What a beautiful destination! I’d love to explore Greece with my little tribe, but they are a bit too young to understand the Greek myths and legends at the moment. Certainly one for when they are a bit older!
Definitely! Thanks Emma (:
Santorini looks so beautiful, I really want to visit there. I love the Greek islands, the architecture of the building is so beautiful.
Thanks Nayna!
Greece is a lovely location for a holiday especially with the great beaches and weather. I went years ago. I’ve been to Cyprus more times.
Now that’s somewhere I have never been! Thanks Melanie! (:
Oh I had a laugh at the story with the honeymooners in the pool lol It’s funny how different towns attract a different type of visitor. Halkidiki sounds ideal, I hope you enjoy the trip x
Thanks Becky! Very true! :) x
We love visiting the Greek islands. Santorini looks wonderful, it is on our lists of place to visit next!
Thanks Lilinha!(:
I feel like I’m the last blogger in the world who hasn’t been to Satorini haha! Yes, I have heard it’s more of a honeymoon spot than a ‘holiday with the kids’ place, but you’ve got to get out there anyway haven’t you!? Haven’t heard too much about Halkidiki, but my fella’s parents love Tsilivi in Zakynthos and want to move there one day. I agree North East Mainland isn’t the first place you think of travelling to but often this is a huge bonus as you have the place all to yourself!
Thanks Jess! Yes, sometimes you have to go somewhere anyway! :D
Stunningly beautiful. Although I got a little laugh off one of your children joining the American honeymooners. Yes, the place is romantic in a sense but it could also be filled with family love. I hope I could visit soon.
Thanks Lauretta!
I’d love to do a Santorini getaway for many reasons, including the one you listed above. You took beautiful pictures of the place as well. It is really a paradise.
Thanks so much Jill! (:
Many years since I last went to Greece, some great memories. Love the beaches and love these photos
Thanks Jenni! (:
The pictures look amazing. So blue and clear. Sounds like there’s so much to do as well. Never been to Greece or Greek islands so may put it on my list.
You really should Niki! Thank you! :)
So many blue flag beaches we’d love to swim in that see! Santorini is on my bucket list and we’d love to stay in a villa x
Thank you! (:
Oh what beautiful photos. I have always wanted to visit Santorini as it looks picture perfect. Halkidiki looks a beautiful destination and those James Villas look wonderful! :-)
Thank you so much Emma. I would really recommend James Villas. We booked a Croatian Villa through them and it was fabulous! :)
I have visited several of the Greek Islands and loved every single one! This was many years ago now but I remember how beautiful they were. I still have a Huge passion for Greek mythology now and Would love to go back
Thanks Tanya, I really do need to explore more of it! :)
I’ve never been to Greece although it looks amazing I’m not sure it would suit what we want out of a holiday. I do enjoy Greek mythology though so the museum’s could be worth a visit x
Thanks Jade! (:
What a beautiful island – I would be dreaming of it too! I’ve never been to Greece but I would love to
It really is lovely. Thanks Sarah! (:
I love that Greece is such a beautiful place and have a lot of other amazing ones to visit too. Never heard or been to Halkidiki before but looking at those pictures it looks like a wonderful place to visit.
Thanks Angela! (:
It looks amazing. I went to Greece a few years ago and loved it. Never been to this part of Greece though
Thanks Hannah! The mainland is firmly on my list now too! :)
I’ve always wanted to visit mainland Greece as the historical side really fascinates me. I’ve only ever been to the Greek Island of Rhodes and it was one of my favourite holidays. I just love the laid back feel that we never have in England.
Thanks Kirsty, the history there is just incredible. We visited some incredible places in Santorini, I can only imagine what the historic stuff is like elsewhere there! :)
I have never been to Greece before but my best friend is from Cyprus and I have always wanted to go! I love the sound of the museums dedicated to Greek Mythology and the villas sound incredible too x
Thanks Ana! (:
It’s a beautiful part of the world to holiday in – gorgeous and steeped in history – there is so much for everyone there.
There really is! Thanks Ali! (:
I did all my visits to Greece before I had my son. Brilliant holidays lounging on beaches in Poros, Kefalonia, Kos and Zante. In fact we got engaged in Zante.
Halkidiki was always on my list for a visit and I never got round to it. Maybe now’s the time..
Maybe we need to talk to the Greek Tourist board for a joint trip next year sometime??! Thanks Trish! :) x
I’ve not done Greece at all but I really want to, these photos just show how beautiful it is.
Thanks Laura! (:
I’ve only ever been to Greek islands such as Cyprus and Crete but I’d love to go to mainland Greece and visit Athens too x
Athens is really high up my travel list. I think the history there must be mind blowing! Thanks Rhian! :)
I love Greece. It’s one of my favourite countries in the world. Hoping to visit again soon. Lovely post!
Thanks so much Nadia! (:
I love the story of your children joining the honeymooners in their plunge pool! My eldest is hooked on Greek mythology so a trip to Greece would be a dream come true for him. Soon, hopefully!
I don’t think I will EVER forget their faces!! Thanks so much Katja! (:
This looks absolutely amazing! This is definately on my travel bucket list!
Thanks Kayleigh!
I agree, this area of Greece isn’t something we first think of but now I have been it’s one of my favourite family friendly holiday destinations. You’ve made me want to book a holiday after reading this! xx
Thanks Sarah. That’s good to know! (:
I have never been to Greece but I do know Halkidiki quite well because my sister goes there very often to all inclusive trips. The beaches there are gorgeous indeed and the color of the water makes you want to just jump in and spend the entire day swimming.
The water really looks so beautiful doesn’t it? Thanks Joanna! (:
I do love Greece but although I’ve been to the islands and to the mainland, I haven’t made it to Halkidiki yet – it always seems very tempting (especially if there are buried giants, I love Greek myths). Am laughing at the image of the plunge pool and the honeymooners too.
Sooo embarrassing… We had literally just arrived though, and they were so hot and bothered after the journey! :D Thanks Cathy!
I absolutely love Greece, I have been to many of the Greek Islands but never Santorini, it’s on my list. I went to Halkidiki when I was younger and it was great as a family holiday.
That’s really good to know! Thanks Ky! :)