Santorini, Greece, is one of Europe’s most picture-postcard destinations, but too many visitors confine their exploration of the island to just jostling with other tourists on the same few popular streets.
, a boutique cave hotel overlooking the Agean Sea, is dedicated to helping families with kids 14 and older enjoy a more in-depth experience with a range of activities just right for teens, young adults and, of course, mom and dad.
“We want them to explore one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations,” said Dimitra Tsalkitzoglou of the hotel’s reception team. “This fabled island has so many diversions beyond its antiquities, beyond its centuries-old vineyards and our guests always seem surprised that there are so many ways to see them — by wave-runner, sea kayak, helicopter, even by donkey.”
The staff at the 19-room property, located 1,000 feet over the caldera, offers these suggestions for a visit that will result in memories that will last longer than your tan.
Scuba diving along the caldera offers more than just pretty fish. Sharp-eyed divers can explore secret caves and even an ancient underwater church or two. Or ditch the scuba gear for an easy afternoon of snorkeling with the kids.
If you prefer being on, rather than under, the water, try a sea kayak or stand-up paddleboard outing along the dramatic volcanic cliffs, and be sure to keep an eye out for local cliff jumpers along the way.
Families can also hike around the crater rim, following the ancient pathway linking the traditional villages of Fira and Oia.
Town of Oia on Santorini Island, Greece © Georgios Tsichlis | Dreamstime.com
Want a bird’s-eye view of the scenery? Join a helicopter tour over the island’s centuries-old vineyards and villages dotted with Santorini’s distinctive white-cube architecture.
Or speed things up with a powerboat tour to Nea Kameni, one of the caldera’s islets, for a beach picnic and a dunk in volcanic hot springs.
If you still have energy to spare, try parasailing, balloon rides, horseback riding and, of course, the donkey tours the island is famous for — although ask the hotel staff to point you to a reputable donkey ride company before heading out.
At day’s end, Mom and Dad can enjoy a spot of wine tasting at a local vineyard for a tour and samples of Santorini’s Assyrtiko wines.
Families can also just hang out at the sun-dappled hotel terrace or on their own private balcony overlooking the caldera.
Guestrooms offer flat-screen televisions, JBL sound systems, free high-speed WiFi, air conditioning and Coco-Mat bedding with traditional island fabrics.
Rates begin at $740, double, per day, and include a full breakfast served anytime, complimentary daily supply of mineral water and all hotel taxes. Guests in suites also receive complimentary round-trip airport transfers.
Iconic Santorini is managed by Hospitality America LLC and is a member of the Mantis Collection of 5-star Hotels, Eco-escapes & Lifestyle Resorts.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedNorth America
Sep 3, 20266 Winnipeg, Canada, Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Winnipeg, Canada, with us.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Hotels
Sep 3, 20263 Caribbean, Latin American Marriott Hotels for Multigen Trips
Multigenerational travel continues to grow in popularity, with family travelers moving away from traditional getaways for meaningful trips with family members of all ages. The Caribbean and Latin America are growing destinations of interest for this type of travel, and three Marriott properties offer opportunities for multigen families to create lifelong memories.
Destinations
Sep 2, 2026Look Past the Traditional Classroom with Scott Dunn’s Back-to-School Itineraries
Parents looking to provide their kids with hands-on learning experiences going beyond textbooks by visiting unique destinations with family-centric approaches will find that and more with Scott Dunn's private, expert-led itineraries. These experiences provide lessons the classroom cannot.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Destinations / North America
Sep 2, 2026Visit an Old-Fashioned County Fair in Maine
Celebrate autumn with a family trip to a traditional New England county fair. These annual celebrations of agriculture and country life are filled with sights and activities for the whole family to enjoy, from admiring prize pumpkins and meeting live animals to witnessing horse shows, listening to country music and dancing, and doing craft demonstrations. Most fairs also have carnival rides and hands-on activities for kids.
ShareThis