Santorini isn't the first island that comes to mind for a family trip — the caldera villages are built on steep cliffs, with steps rather than pavements in many places, and the postcard image is really a couples' honeymoon one. That said, plenty of families do visit successfully; it's mostly a question of choosing the right base.
Where to stay with children
Kamari or Perissa, on the flatter east coast, are considerably easier than Oia or Imerovigli — flat streets, a long organised beach, shallow entry into the water in places, and none of the stairs that caldera-rim hotels often involve. See our Kamari and Perissa guides.
What kids tend to enjoy
- The black-sand beaches at Kamari and Perissa, both with shallow entry points and beachfront facilities.
- The cable car between Fira and the old port — a genuinely fun few minutes for most children, with the donkey-path alternative alongside it.
- Boat trips out to the volcano, though the hike across the crater is hot, dusty and better suited to older children than toddlers.
What to plan around
Many of the most photogenic spots in Oia and Fira involve narrow lanes, steps and crowds that are hard going with a stroller — a carrier works better than a pushchair for a caldera-village day trip. Sun protection matters more here than on a typical beach holiday, given how exposed the clifftop paths are.
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