Are you and your teenagers looking for a sun-soaked journey filled with adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories? Then it’s no wonder that Greece has popped up on your radar!
There are tons of things to do in Greece with teens – it’s the land of ancient ruins, blissful beaches, and stunning landscapes, where every member of your family can find something to love and enjoy.
From the vibrant streets of Athens to the breathtaking beaches of the Cyclades, Greece offers so much for teenagers that even the most discerning teens will find something to love.
But, it can be overwhelming planning a trip and finding activities that speak directly to teens, so we’ve created this guide on some of our favorite places and attractions that teens will love in Greece so you can start unpacking a treasure trove of thrilling experiences to try.
Why Do Teenagers Love Greece?
Greece is one of the best European destinations for teenagers because it has so much diversity in what it offers.
You can step back in time at some incredible archaeological sites and ancient ruins, go hiking in the mountains, or snorkel in the warm, turquoise waters of the Mediterranean – whatever your taste, whatever excites you, there’s no reason for your teens to complain on a visit to Greece.
Greece also has a culture that values relaxation and tranquility. It can sometimes be overwhelming for teenagers thinking about colleges, getting good grades in school, or learning to balance friendships and relationships – so visiting a destination where the pace is considerably slower can rub off on your teens and help alleviate some of that stress.
That’s not to say that Greece is boring though. Just because they enjoy a siesta and the quiet life in the day, doesn’t mean that they don’t know how to put on a good party.
Greece comes alive at night, and it’s not just for clubbers and partiers. Most restaurants will have Greek dancing, live music, and other performances designed to entertain tourists and share a bit of Greek culture with their visitors.
In short, there’s not a lot to NOT love about Greece. It combines everything from natural beauty, cultural richness, and history, making it an attractive destination for everyone.
Things to Do in Greece with Teenagers
1. Visit the Acropolis in Athens
If you’re going to take your teens to only one historical landmark on your trip, it has to be the Acropolis in Athens.
The Acropolis is one of the most iconic landmarks in Greece, if not the world. No doubt your teenagers would have heard about these landmarks in school or heard stories of ancient Greece and its mythology. What better place to see history come to life than at the Acropolis?
The Acropolis is an ancient citadel on a hill overlooking the city of Athens and dates back to the 5th century BC. It was once a beautiful complex of temples, forts, and places of worship, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the city’s patron.
One of the highlights of the Acropolis site is The Parthenon, the most famous structure on the Acropolis, which was constructed during the height of Athenian power. It’s well known for its magnificent Doric architecture, which is still well preserved in the remaining columns and decorative sculptures.
As well as the Parthenon, you should also check out the Erechtheion, a temple to the north side of the Acropolis known for its intricate statues, and the Acropolis Museum, to learn about the rich history of the site and its political importance.
Here is an early morning guided tour of the Acropolis and Plaka you may like. (I’d definitely recommend going early and skipping the line!! The Acropolis can be crazy busy.)
2. Go boutique shopping in Plaka, Athens
Just below the hill holding the ruins of the Acropolis is the Plaka neighborhood, the most vibrant neighborhood in Athens.
Known as the “neighborhood of the Gods,” Plaka is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city and is full of charming streets lined with neoclassical buildings, which have been turned into quaint shops and traditional tavernas. It’s a great place to go shopping for boutiques and local artisans.
Not only is it a haven for shoppers, but it’s also a lively area, enhanced by street musicians and artists that add a vibrancy to the neighborhood. Walking around Plaka is one of our favorite things to do in Athens because it combines history and culture in one seamless package.
3. Visit Ancient Olympia
Don’t just stick in Athens for a history lesson, head over to the nearby Peloponnese peninsula to visit the Ancient site of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
The UNESCO-listed archaeological site was once a rich and thriving city and is now a graveyard of ruins and fallen monuments.
Some of the best-preserved and beautiful ruins in the complex are the Temple of Zeus, which is also the largest temple in the Peloponnese, and the Temple of Hera, one of the oldest temples in Greece.
You can walk through the former site of the city’s stadium, hippodrome, and wrestling school, as well as the former gymnasium where Olympic athletes trained.
If you want to learn more about the beginnings of the Olympic Games, visit The Museum of the History of the Olympic Games for interactive exhibits about its earlier history, and be sure to visit the archaeological museum on the way out to walk through the findings from the precinct of the Altis, and learn about the Greek God, Zeus. Book your ticket in advance.
4. Go island hopping
There are more than 6,000 islands in Greece, and of course, we wouldn’t expect you to see them all, but a great way to get to know the country is to hop on a ferry and go island hopping.
Each island has something different and unique about it, from the iconic, blue-domed buildings of Santorini to the lively beaches of Mykonos, no two islands are the same. Greek Island hopping, especially Santorini is high on the list of both y teenager daughter’s travel bucket list.
Except for one thing; relaxation. There is a “go slow” mentality that comes with island life, and in Greece, it’s no exception. Each island boasts a tranquil air that beckons you to slip into a slower pace and let the tension in your body release.
From exploring charming small towns to lazing on the beaches, if you want a relaxing holiday, then you’ll want to hit the islands.
If you’re short on time, consider doing an island-hopping tour from Athens to experience the quaintness and relaxed atmosphere on a day trip.
5. Enjoy the beaches in Nafplio
One of my favorite destinations in Greece is Nafplio, which is still somewhat of a hidden gem.
Most people make a trip to the Greek islands when they visit Greece, but there are some enchanting towns and cities on the mainland that don’t get the fanfare of the islands – specifically, Nafplio.
Nafplio is well known for being one of the most picturesque towns in Greece and was the first capital of modern Greece. Its charming cobblestoned streets are lined with well-preserved neoclassical buildings, and the impressive Palamidi Fortress offers a glimpse into the town’s strategic importance during the Greek War of Independence.
But one of the main reasons to visit Nafplio, in my opinion, is for the beaches. I believe the Nafplio beaches are some of the most beautiful in Greece.
There are four beaches in Nafplio, and three of them are blue flag beaches, an award given to them for their cleanliness and commitment to preserving the environment. These beaches are Karathona, Kondyl, and Tolo.
See a variety of Nafplio tours here.
6. See Mount Olympus in Olympus National Park
Another iconic monument in Greece that your teens may have learned about in school is Mount Olympus, which sits in the stunning Olympus National Park.
The park is rich in natural beauty and Greek mythology and is known as not only the highest mountain in Greece but the home to the ancient Greek gods.
Hiking Mount Olympus is no small task and requires you to be reasonably athletic and proficient in hiking, but you can visit the national park, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and do some smaller, beginner-friendly trails with great views of the mountain.
7. Go trekking in Samariá Gorge, Crete
If your teenagers enjoy the outdoors and enjoy a bit of hiking, then a great hike to add to your itinerary is a trek through Samariá Gorge in Crete, one of Europe’s longest gorges, stretching approximately 16 kilometers.
Samariá Gorge has a diverse landscape filled with towering cliffs and lush forested areas and is also home to the rare kri-kri goats.
The trek is reasonably strenuous, but you don’t have to do all of it. In fact, most people only hike part of the way to see the ruins of the abandoned village of Samariá and turn back.
The hike is beautiful, with many fascinating geological formations on either side of the gorge, plus many viewpoints and plateaus to stop off at for panoramic views of the surrounding White Mountains.
8. Splash around in Aqua Plus, Crete
It can get hot in Greece, real hot! So, when you need to cool down, you will find the Aqua Plus water park in Crete to be the perfect place to keep you cool on hot days.
As one of Greece’s largest water parks, Aqua Plus has a wide range of things to do, from whooshing down thrilling water slides to relaxing in lazy rivers and splashing about in wave pools.
There’s something for all adrenaline levels, and even though it might be overrun with kids, teenagers will love it too – particularly the high-speed slides like the Black Hole and the Free Fall.
9. Scuba diving or snorkeling, Zakynthos
Zakynthos is a quieter island known for its turquoise waters, thriving marine life, and serene natural beauty; it’s a place where you can fully appreciate the beauty of the Mediterranean.
One of the top things to do in Zakynthos is to go on a boat tour to scuba dive or snorkel in the iconic Shipwreck Beach, which is known for its vibrant underwater ecosystems where sea turtles and colorful corals call this bay home.
You can snorkel around hidden coves and explore sea caves, and if you’re lucky, swim alongside sea turtles, particularly in the protected area of Laganas Bay. Here is a tour to help you visit Shipwreck Beach.
10. Visit the monasteries in Meteora
One of the most unique places in Greece is Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s known for its craggy rock formations and monasteries sitting on top of clifftops.
You can hike through the walking trails that wind through lush forests and open up to offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, before reaching one of the remaining monasteries, which date back to the 13th and 14th centuries.
You will have to climb some 270 steep steps to visit the plateau where The Great Meteoron, the largest remaining monastery, sits on the top of the mountain.
From here, you can learn about the monks who lived in these isolated places, and admire the 360-degree panoramic views of the Thessaly region.
These monasteries are the largest and most precariously built Eastern Orthodox monasteries in the world. There were once 24 monasteries here, but now only six remain. Here is a full day bus trip if you did not want to do this on your own.
11. Have a beach day on Mykonos
If you want to visit Greece purely for beaches, then the island of Mykonos is the ideal place to visit with your teenagers.
It’s well known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque sandy shores. The island has 23 beautiful beaches, from lively beaches like Paradise Beach to the more tranquil vibes of Agios Sostis.
Whether you want relaxation or water sports, there’s a beach for all tastes and preferences.
12. Visit Delphi, A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Delphi is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece and is well known for its deep roots in Greek mythology.
It was once regarded as the center of the ancient world, and home to the famous Oracle, where pilgrims sought guidance from the priestess Pythia.
Today, the city is a collection of ruins, many of which are well preserved, such as the Temple of Apollo and the ancient theater.
Don’t miss the Delphi Archaeological Museum, which houses impressive artifacts, including the famous Charioteer statue, which gives you a glimpse into what this city would have looked like as far back as the 2nd century BC.
13. Cycle around Naxos
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and is known for its lush valleys, beautiful beaches, olive groves, and farmyards, as well as archaeological sites.
While it would be too daunting to cycle around the whole island, going on a bike ride through the olive groves and farms gives you a whole new perspective of Greece.
You can start by cycling through the town of Naxos, before heading up into the hills to see the fragrant citrus orchards and rich vegetation of the Melanes Valley.
You can also cycle through the enchanting Eggares valley, which was hailed as the earthly embodiment of paradise by Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis, and visit some of Naxos’s olive farms, where you can stop off and learn about the history and techniques of olive oil production.
Cycling around Naxos is not only a fun way to move around, but a way to see the more authentic side of Naxos’s way of life. Here’s an ebike guided tour with farm tastings.
14. Try local street food
We love Greek food, so be sure to travel to Greece with your elasticated waistbands packed! There is so much delicious street food in Greece to try with your teenagers – from hearty gyros and souvlaki to creamy bougatsa (Greek custard pie).
Street food has been embedded in Greek history for centuries, and to this day vendors still use traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations.
Some of our favorite dishes are spanakopita (spinach pie), an aromatic savory pastry, and sweet loukoum (donuts dipped in honey and cinnamon).
There’s a wide variety of options for street food to try in Greece, so no matter what your tastes or preferences, there are always new flavors to explore.
15. Watch a sunset in Santorini
A perfect way to end a day in Greece is by watching the sunset. Perhaps the most iconic sunsets in Greece are in Santorini, particularly from the village of Oia, where the sunsets are world famous for their mesmerizing display of colors.
Santorini is a quaint and romantic island, known for its whitewashed buildings with blue domed roofs.
It has become a bit overrun with tourists over the past few years, and as such it’s not for everyone (thank you to all the travel influencers of Instagram), but we found our teenagers love capturing photos in front of recognizable locations – so your teen may still enjoy Santorini for that aspect.
Tips for Visiting Greece with Teens
To make sure you have an easier, trouble-free trip to Greece, here are some words of advice for traveling with teens:
- Get them involved in planning the itinerary. Involve your teenagers as much as possible in the planning process so they can have a say in the activities and destinations, making them more excited about the trip
- Pack light, this will make traveling between islands and cities easier. Here are some packing tips.
- Get a local SIM card so everyone has a way to communicate in case you get separated. It also allows your teens to stay in touch and share experiences with their friends. We prefer esims from Ariola for price and ease.
- Have a mix of activities and try to balance historical and cultural visits with fun activities like beach days, water parks, or adventure so everyone is engaged
- Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to avoid long lines and to guarantee you can visit. Places like the Acropolis and Olympia can get booked up in the peak summer months. Check Get your Guide for a variety of tours to suite all budgets.
- Be flexible with your itinerary and allow for some spontaneity and rest days, that way you don’t feel too constricted
- Greece has a siesta period between 2pm/3pm until 5pm. All banks, shops, restaurants, etc. close at that time, so it’s a good time for you and your family to enjoy some downtime and naps. In fact, these hours are “quiet time” by law
- Greece is a safe country to visit but pickpockets can lurk around tourist areas, especially in Athens, so make sure your teens don’t flash their phones and keep valuables secure. Here are some safety travel tips.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for historic sites, cultural experiences, quaint towns, and enchanting nature sites, there is much to see and enjoy in Greece.
We hope this guide helped you pick out some fun-filled experiences that your teens will enjoy, and that you will too! Here are more destinations in Europe teenagers love.
