Active Family Holidays in Greece

Details

Day 1: Arrive to Athens or Kalamata Airport

ATH Athens Airport or KLX Kalamata Airport

This is the first day of the most magical family vacation! As your plane touches down at Athens Airport, your friendly guides can’t wait to scoop you all up and whisk you away to your cozy seaside hotel in Kalamata.  Take the opportunity for a well-deserved rest or head straight towards the beach for a refreshing swim. As evening arrives, join a welcome dinner provided by your guides, where you’ll learn all about the fun-filled week that awaits! 

Day 2: Walking the Ancient Messini & Pottery Class

3 hrs |  2 km

Breakfast and preparation for another family adventure. Your guide will pick you up for a day of exploration and wonder. Today you step into the time machine as we head towards Ancient Messene, a marvel of antiquity nestled in the Peloponnese’s lush valleys. Upon arrival, your family will be greeted by storytellers who will bring to life the legends of warriors and myths of gods that echo through the grandeur of the stadium, the ancient theater, and the colossal city walls. Kids will ignite their imaginations, engaging in a treasure hunt among the ruins, deciphering clues that lead to the sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of medicine. As midday approaches, enjoy a picnic under the olive groves, indulging in classic Greek snacks while surrounded by history. After getting back, participate in an interactive workshop where everyone can learn and play an ancient Greek game or craft their own piece of pottery to take home as a souvenir. The rest of the day can be spent at your own pace, perhaps visiting a local market or lounging by the sea. Once again, your guides will be at the ready-to-recommend family-friendly eateries where you can relish the regional cuisine.

Day 3: Hiking & Birdwatching Gialova Lagoon 

3 hrs |  3 km

Awake and begin your morning by savoring the flavors of a hearty breakfast. Today we head for a nature-infused hike around the stunning Gialova lagoon. Our trail meanders through and around the lagoon offering birdwatching opportunities in their natural habitat. With binoculars in hand and your guides leading the way, each step promises a new discovery that will make young explorers super excited. The lagoon’s ecosystem is a buzzing haven for both migratory and resident birds, and you might be lucky enough to spot the vibrant flash of a kingfisher or the elegant heron. Mid-hike, we’ll make our way to the famed Voidokilia Beach, an arc of pristine sand shaped like the Greek letter omega. Here, we’ll trade our hiking shoes for barefoot walks along the shore, and take to the crystal-clear waters for an invigorating swim. The day’s adventure will be punctuated with a seaside picnic with the flavors of the region. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the hotel, leaving you with free time to continue your explorations or unwind as you wish, with evening dining suggestions.

Day 4: Free Day in Kalamata

Today is your free day so after breakfast you are free to siege the day the way you like. Maybe a spontaneous adventure or peaceful relaxation. You may start by strolling through the quaint streets of Kalamata’s historic center, inviting children to discover hidden alleys and town squares that set the stage for impromptu games and exploration. Wander over to the Kalamata Municipal Railway Park for a leisurely family picnic, with play areas that will keep the little ones entertained amidst the charm of vintage locomotives. As the sun climbs higher, consider a refreshing dip in the calm waters of the city’s beaches or build majestic sandcastles on the shore. For a taste of local life, the Central Market presents an opportunity for families to sample local fruits, olives, and cheeses and even select goodies for an evening snack. Conclude your free day with a sunset walk along the marina, the ideal spot for a scenic family photo to capture the serene beauty of Kalamata.

Day 5: Kids & Parents Cookery Class

Today is a food adventure day as you will wander to our specially organized Cookery Class, nestled in the inviting ambiance of a local kitchen garden. Here, under the nurturing guidance of a master chef known for his child-friendly teaching methods, you will embark on a culinary adventure that promises to tantalize your taste buds and enrich your understanding of Greek cuisine. Kids and parents are invited to become little chefs for the day. As they learn to measure, mix, and knead, they also absorb valuable lessons in teamwork, following instructions, and the pride of creating something with their own hands. In this interactive experience, the role of food in Greek culture is playfully intertwined with hands-on activities, like rolling out dough for homemade pita bread or shaping vibrant mixtures into delectable spinach pies. Through laughter and the language of food, little ones will discover the joy of cooking and the importance of healthy dietary choices. This delightful evening will infuse young minds with an appreciation for cooking as an art, a science, and a heartwarming way to bond as a family. The rest of the day can be spent at your own pace, your guides will be at the ready-to-recommend family-friendly eateries where you can relish the regional cuisine.

Day 6: Sea Kayaking Kardamyli

4 hrs | 4 km

Today it’s time to set sail on a Sea Kayaking journey along the picturesque shores of Kardamyli. The shoreline of this idyllic town nestled between the sea and big mountains is a world where each stroke reveals a new wonder. Before departure, your guide will equip you with essential kayaking techniques and prioritize your safety, ensuring a smooth adventure ahead. Along the way, each hidden inlet reveals itself as a playground of natural intrigue, from intricate sea caves beckoning you to explore to the dramatic allure of cliff faces etched into spectacular forms. The highlight of our journey is the mesmerizing Blue Cave. A spectacular natural phenomenon where sunlight passing through a crack in the cave reflects on the seafloor an aquamarine color. A swim in the cave is a must-do and a lifetime experience Halfway we shall make a relaxing stop for swimming and to taste a homemade picnic of fresh local delicacies. After lunch, we shall paddle back to the starting point to end a remarkable day at the coastline of Mani. Driving back to Kalamata we will be full of seaside tales and the shared joy of this unforgettable excursion along the magical Mani coastline. A well-deserved relaxation or finding the best spot for a family dinner as per our guide’s top-notch recommendations.

Day 7: Canyoning & Zipline Polylimnio Waterfalls

3 hrs |  2 km

Today’s adventure is the last one but maybe the most thrilling. After breakfast, we embark on a canyoning & zipline adventure, just moments from Kalamata, in the enchanting realm of the Polylimnio waterfalls. Nestled in the heart of the Peloponnese, Polylimnio Waterfalls is a natural playground for all ages, offering a unique blend of exhilarating jumps into sparkling pools, gentle waterfall rappels, and a heart-pumping zip line flight across a serene lake. Your guide will provide you with a full safety briefing and equip your family with all the necessary gear, including wetsuits, helmets, and harnesses. As you navigate through this oasis, you’ll relish the opportunity to leap into nature’s crystalline waters, abseil with care, and soar over a lake on our electrifying 30m zip line. But worry not–every leap and rappel is optional, as a friendly footpath awaits those who prefer a more leisurely route. After exploring and playing to your heart’s content, the adventure concludes with a delightful picnic where you can savor delicious bites. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the hotel, leaving you with free time to continue your explorations or unwind as you wish. By dinner time you will be provided by your guides a farewell dinner at seaside restaurant in Kalamata 

Day 8: Departure

As all good things must come to an end, we bid adieu to the magnificent Peloponnese over a final Mediterranean breakfast. But don’t worry, we’ll make sure you’re comfortably delivered back to the airport, carrying a suitcase full of unforgettable memories and a heart full of adventure!

Day 1 

This multi-activity family trip in south Greece is ideally suited for families who are passionate about infusing their travels with both cultural depth and exciting activities; those who find joy in the gentle rhythm of paddles slicing through waves, the laughter-filled moments of a shared cooking class, and the adrenaline rush of ziplining through stunning natural landscapes. It’s designed for active parents who would like to drag kids away from their smartphones. For families with kids in search of a unique vacation experience that combines relaxation with easygoing adventure, and those families yearning to craft indelible bonds through extraordinary shared experiences. Whether you’re a parent hoping to instill a love of nature and culture in your children or an adventurer at heart seeking your next thrilling escapade, this journey promises to exceed your every expectation.

It’s an ideal introduction to active family holidays in Greece for parents who want to inspire curiosity, confidence, and connection through shared adventure.

Transportation

Start your adventure in Greece’s Peloponnese region with a warm welcome on Day 1 at either Kalamata Airport or Athens Airport. Our friendly host will be there to pick you up and take you to your hotel in town. And on Day 8, we’ll make sure you’re back at the airport with plenty of time for your onward flight.

If you’re arriving on Day 1 and departing on Day 8, transfers to and from the airport are included. But don’t worry if your travel dates don’t fit this schedule – just contact us for details on arranging an airport transfer outside of these days.

Travel Options

Athens Airport is the easiest way to get to Greece. Kalamata Airport is the gateway to the mesmerizing Peloponnese region. With daily direct flights from the major European hubs throughout the summer season, getting here is a breeze. If you’re traveling from the US, fear not. You can fly directly to Athens and then have a quick hop over to Kalamata. And if you prefer a scenic journey, why not hop on the express bus service from Athens to Kalamata? It’s a three-hour ride filled with breathtaking views.