The Best Greek Islands for Teens

If you wish to experience a family vacation in Athens and the best Greek islands for teens, and combine leisure on the beach, family fun, culture and food, here is the best Greek island-hopping itinerary for a family trip to Greece for teenage families! 

Best Greek islands and Athens family trip itinerary 

School’s out and at last, it’s time for your family summer vacation! Time to step back and relax at your sunbed, to soak up the sun and have quality time with your family. When you travel, every moment counts; so, in this itinerary your time is perfectly allocated in a way that you won’t miss a thing! Enjoy your cultural exploration and activities in nature, while discovering the “colors” of Athens, the artistic and off-the-beaten path Tinos, the “indulgent” Naxos and the beach paradise of Ios islands and create memorable images that your family will relish forever!  

In this family trip itinerary in Athens and the best Greek islands for teens, MAMAKITA family travel experts propose the best Greek Islands of the Cyclades and the Aegean Sea for teenage families, as well as the best activities and experiences to enjoy during your Greek island exploration. Follow this 14-day family island-hopping itinerary and explore the teen-friendliest side of Athens, Tinos, Naxos & Ios Islands. 

Need some help in trip planning by the best family travel agents in Greece? MAMAKITA family travel specialists can customize this Athens and the Greek islands for teens family vacation itinerary according to your preferences, age of family members, travel pace and budget. Enjoy your family trips in Greece without worrying about family friendly accommodation or teen-friendly tours and activities by making your request here. 

Brief Itinerary for Athens & the Greek Islands for Families with Teenagers

• Day 1: Arrival in Athens, Evening Stroll in Plaka district 
• Day 2: Athens Street Art Tour, Exploring the Ancient Monuments of Athens 
• Day 3: Cape Sounio, Sea Kayak under the Temple of Poseidon
• Day 4: Athens to Tinos, Free Time on the Beach 
• Day 5: Family-Friendly Hike at Tinos’ Stones 
• Day 6: Mykonos Day Trip from Tinos 
• Day 7: Tinos to Naxos, Free afternoon on Naxos Beaches
• Day 8: Free Beach Day on Naxos, Discover Naxos on a Bike 
• Day 9: Sailing Day Cruise around Naxos & Small Cyclades islands 
• Day 10: Explore Naxos Villages 
• Day 11: Naxos to Ios, sunset dinner with mocktails!
• Day 12: Relaxing beach day & evening in Ios town
• Day 13: Santorini day trip 
• Day 14: Private cruise along the south coast of Ios

Detailed Itinerary for Athens & the Greek Islands for Families with Teens 

Day 1: Arrival in Athens, Evening Stroll in Plaka district 

You are finally in Greece! Arrive in Athens, a city with titanic history wrapped around its trademark Acropolis hill and Parthenon. Start by exploring the must-see Plaka, the most charming neighborhood of the city, let your teens take the most Instagramable photos and align with Plaka’s unique rhythm and vibes. Stroll through the cobbled streets and admire the neoclassical houses, peruse the artisan shops and have your meal in one of the family-run taverns. As soon as you are ready to rest, walk to your hotel perfectly located in the heart of the historic center of the city, so that you are close to everything, restaurants, cafes and shops.

Day 2: Athens Street Art Tour, Exploring the Ancient Monuments of Athens 

Teens get easily bored and they lose interest in historical tours. So start with a tour that focuses on their interests and discover the city from another perspective! It can be either a photo tour or a bike tour, but drawing from our experience, it is the street art tour that catches their attention the most! Your local street art guide will help you examine all different painting methods and understand how each artist and each piece relates to Athens’ current social and economic situation. From iconic images beloved by Athenians to controversial pieces, you’ll explore the city’s iconic street art scene, its history, and the greatest players in the teen-friendliest way. 

Next, blend the modern side of the city with the ancient and follow Athens’ famous pedestrianized walking route that connects its archaeological sites and marvel, along the way, at some of the city’s most important and interesting monuments such as Acropolis and Ancient Agora. Beat the crowds and visit the Acropolis Hill in the afternoon, and enjoy the sunset views of the Parthenon from the ancient Athens hills, an excellent “urban” trekking for active teenage families!

Day 3: Cape Sounio, Sea Kayak under the Temple of Poseidon  

Explore the southernmost point of Athens Riviera on a sea kayak adventure and enjoy a fun day with your family at the alluring Cape Sounion and the famous Temple of Poseidon dedicated to the God of Sea! Paddle along the coast and savor the crystal-clear waters, the mighty cliffs and the hidden caves. After seeing the breathtaking Temple of Poseidon from sea-level, you will have the chance to visit the site from land and admire the infinite sea view. End this beautiful day with a delicious meal at a traditional Greek tavern and return to Athens full of unforgettable images. 

Day 4: Athens to Tinos, Free Beach Time on Tinos 

Ready to start exploring the best Greek islands for teens? Despite its proximity to Athens, Tinos is one of the less-visited Cycladic Islands, with a cultural and architectural tradition based on its famous green marble, excellent local gastronomy, and a stunning natural environment that can be discovered in its very well-preserved ancient hiking trails and sandy beaches.  

Start your exploration with a day at the beach! Tinos makes it easy to find your own piece of paradise. If you like to surf, you’ll find beaches with excellent waves, or if you like to sunbathe, you’ll find those with perfect sandy shores. 
 
Day 5: Family-Friendly Hike at Tinos’ Stones 

Explore the unique, lunar-like landscape of Tinos Island with the whole family on a trekking tour with an experienced mountain guide that teenagers love! Encounter local artisans selling baskets and discover among others, intricately designed dovecotes, watermills, a Venetian fortress, and a medieval Catholic village with arches and traditional houses. Along the way, wander around narrow alleys and climb stone steps to access different levels and amazing views.

Day 6: Mykonos Day Trip from Tinos 

Relish a day on the cosmopolitan Mykonos, an island known for its beaches, and parties! Maybe, Mykonos is not the family friendliest place in Greece, but how can you escape its popularity when you are only 20 minutes away? Enjoy strolling through the flower-clad and colorful backstreets of “Little Venice”, stop to admire the famous windmills, peruse the local shops, or enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea. If you’re feeling hungry, there are plenty of seaside restaurants and cafes to try local delicacies and sweets. If you are interested in beach time explore your preferred type of beach: the club beaches or the more laid-back beaches with the help of your travel specialist. 

 

Day 7: Tinos to Naxos, Free afternoon on Naxos Beaches 

Arrive at the largest Cycladic Island, Naxos, which combines long sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters with a beautiful inland featuring lush nature, quaint traditional villages, and historical sites! Naxos is among the best Greek islands for teens, because of the many opportunities for watersports along its west coast, and for parents, because of its authenticity and local atmosphere, which will certainly make you feel safe! Enjoy a refreshing time at your beachfront hotel, and then head to Naxos’s main town to discover the beauty of its narrow streets with their distinctive white and blue accents and to admire the Cycladic architecture. The unique placement of the buildings protects from the heat and wind, and historically from external threats. 
 
Day 8: Free Beach Day on Naxos, Discover Naxos on a Bike 

Naxos makes it easy to find your own slice of paradise on its famed beaches. Whether you’re looking for privacy, rustic beauty, or a lively scene, you can find it on Naxos. You really are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing the perfect beach on the island. For ultimate pleasure, combine your day on the beach with a bike tour and discover with your family the scenic countryside of the island with its rich natural environment as well as some of the most picturesque traditional villages.

Day 9: Sailing Day Cruise around Naxos & Small Cyclades islands 

Enjoy a relaxing day cruise aboard a catamaran and sail around the crystal-clear blue waters of Naxos Island. You’ll pass by sandy anchorages, rocky coves, and picturesque seascapes. As you sail around the coast of Naxos, your captain will make a few stops for your teens to jump off the boat, swim in the open sea, or walk up rocky cliffs and leap into secluded pools. If you are fond of snorkeling you can also try it in open bays and sheltered coves. The rich Mediterranean seabed will stun you!  

Day 10: Explore Naxos Villages 

Explore the charming and historic villages of Naxos on your preferable travel pace. You’ll zip through the island’s peaceful nature, stopping to admire quaint towns and savor scenic vistas. Stone houses, medieval towers, Byzantine churches, folk museums and shaded squares are just some of the sites you will get to see while on the road. Most of the towns feature pedestrian-only streets and you can enjoy their charming squares and streets in peace. Stop for a coffee and match the island’s slower pace. Get lost amongst the winding pathways that crawl up and down the mountainside and discover the daily rituals of local life.

Day 11: Naxos to Ios, Sunset dinner with mocktails!

Ios is an up-and-coming destination that remains largely undiscovered by many travelers. Conveniently connected to Santorini and Naxos—just under an hour by ferry—Ios is a fantastic choice for beach time, especially for families with teenagers. The island boasts 35 beautiful beaches, offering a variety of atmospheres, from lively to serene, with some beaches easily accessible from town and others reachable only by boat. In the evenings, the town of Ios comes alive with numerous options for authentic dining, making it an enjoyable and vibrant place to explore.

Day 12: Relaxing Beach Day & Evening in Ios Town

Today is about savoring Ios’s beautiful beaches and the charm of Ios Town, perfect for a day of relaxation and fun that both teens and parents will love. With so many unique beaches, there’s something for everyone—whether it’s a lively spot with beachside activities or a peaceful retreat.

For families with active teens, Mylopotas Beach is a great option. Known for its lively atmosphere, it offers beach bars, clubs, and a variety of watersports, perfect for keeping teens entertained while parents relax nearby. If you’re in the mood for a more laid-back setting, Koumbara Beach has sunbeds, umbrellas, and cozy seaside taverns, while Gialos Beach near the port offers convenient amenities.

In the afternoon, explore the heart of Ios Town (Chora), where Cycladic architecture, charming cafes, and a vibrant arts scene make for an engaging experience. The maze-like alleys are fun to wander, with unique shops and art centers around every corner. Capture breathtaking family photos by the windmills or take the Mills Cultural Path to the Skarkos Ancient Site for a fascinating look at Ios’s rich history. For art and culture enthusiasts, the Gaitis-Simosi Museum and Odysseas Elytis Amphitheater offer inspiring views and even summer performances.

Wrap up the day with a scenic hike along the Gialos Path to the Lighthouse, or unwind with a relaxed dinner in town, where you can soak up the vibrant yet family-friendly atmosphere of Ios.

Day 13: Santorini day trip 

Discover Santorini’s best on a day trip, perfect for parents with teens eager to explore. Start your day in Oia, where you’ll have time to wander through the enchanting village, exploring its winding streets, unique shops, and breathtaking cliffside views of white-washed buildings and iconic blue domes.

Next, dive into history at Akrotiri with an engaging guide who’ll bring the ancient Cycladic civilization and volcano story to life.

Wrap up in Fira, Santorini’s vibrant cultural center. Browse artisan galleries, explore the Archaeological Museum, and uncover Santorini’s history—all close to the lively heart of town. This tour balances free exploration, history, and cultural immersion, making it a memorable day for the whole family.

Day 14: Private cruise along the south coast of Ios

Enjoy a thrilling private speedboat cruise along Ios’s stunning south coast, perfect for families with teens! With an English-speaking captain, you’ll explore hidden sandy beaches like Pikri Nero, Manganari, and Kalamos, with plenty of chances to swim and relax. Routes are flexible based on the day’s weather, so every trip feels unique and tailored for a memorable day on the water.

Day 15: Departure

Need some help in trip planning by the best family travel agents in Greece? MAMAKITA family travel specialists can customize this Athens & the Greek Islands for Teens family vacation itinerary according to your preferences, age of kids, travel pace and budget. Enjoy your family trips in Greece without worrying about family friendly accommodation or kid-friendly tours and activities by making your request here.