Family adventures in Athens

Athens is a good city for an active family holiday. Within an hour of the centre there is clear sea with caves to paddle into, easy mountain trails with views over the city, calm boat trips along the coast and horses to meet in Marathon. We pick activities that work for your children’s ages and your family’s pace, and our certified guides adapt the day to the youngest person in the group.

Which activities suit families?

These are the activities we most often recommend for families. Where a minimum age is set, we state it. Where it is not, ask us with your children’s ages and we will tell you honestly what fits.

Sea kayaking in the Athens Riviera caves

Our cave sea kayaking tour is our most popular family activity. The route is easy and suitable for all fitness levels, no kayaking experience is needed, and snorkelling gear is included so there is time to swim and look at the sea life. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For younger children, ask us about the right age and kayak setup.

Rafting at Ladonas, Lousios and Alfios rivers

Our rafting trips in Peloponnese are suitable for families with kids above 10 years old. The routes are easy and suitable for all fitness levels, no previous experience is needed. The activities start from our local bases where guests can change and shower after the activity.

Snorkeling and Cliff jumping

A guided cliff diving and snorkelling tour from our diving centre at Agia Marina, Varkiza, on the Athens Riviera, or from our diving center in Nea Makri close to Marathon, both 45 minutes from Athens. In about three hours you snorkel and explore small sea caves. Suitable for swimmers aged about 10 years old or more.

Easy hiking on Hymettus

The Hymettus trail on our Athens hiking adventure is about 6 km with around 250 m of climbing, and it is the route we suggest for beginners and families. It sits close to the city, so you can be back in Athens for lunch.

Horse connection experience in Marathon

This is a non riding programme in Marathon, led by a horse trainer and therapist. You spend time with the horses on the ground, learning how they communicate. It works well for children and adults who are nervous around animals. Ask us about the right age for your children.

Neda river trekking

In the Peloponnese, the Neda river trek has a family option: you walk and wade through the river gorge to the waterfalls with a guide. It is a full day out from Athens, so it suits families with older children who enjoy a longer outing.

Boat trips and cruises

A cruise along the Athens Riviera or to the Saronic Gulf islands is an easy way to get the whole family on the water, with swim stops in clear bays. Private boats let you set the pace and the stops. Ask us about life jackets in children’s sizes when you book.

Tandem paragliding and Discover Scuba Diving

For older children who want something bigger, tandem paragliding is open from 8 years and Discover Scuba Diving from 10 years. In both cases a parent or guardian must give consent. Discover Scuba Diving requires basic swimming ability for kids of 12 years or more.

How we adapt activities for children

• Shorter routes. Guides can shorten a hike or paddle and add more breaks.
• Private sessions. Booking privately means the group moves at your children’s pace, not a stranger’s.
• Location choice. We choose calmer bays and easier trails on windy or hot days.
• Clear briefings. Guides explain safety rules in simple terms before starting, and check every child’s equipment.
• Honest advice. If an activity is not right for your children’s age or confidence, we tell you and suggest another.

Which activities are not for young children?

Technical canyoning with long rappels, rock climbing on harder routes, long hikes and trail running sessions, skydiving and driving experiences have stricter requirements. Some are open to teenagers with an adult, others are for adults only. Ask us with your children’s ages before booking any of these.

Tips for a good family day

• Go early in summer. From June to August, book morning sessions to avoid the midday heat.
• Bring more water than you think. We suggest about 1.5 litres per person for half day outdoor activities.
• Pack spare clothes. Children get wet on water activities and cold quickly afterwards, even in summer.
• Use proper sun protection. A hat, sunscreen and a rash vest or t-shirt for water activities.
• Tell us about health or fears. If a child has a medical condition, allergies or a fear of water or heights, tell us when you book so the guide can plan around it.
• Choose spring or autumn for longer trips. The mountains and gorges are more comfortable for children when it is not too hot.

Planning a family adventure day

We can combine two activities into one family day, for example a morning paddle and an afternoon boat trip, or a hike followed by time at the beach. Send us your dates, your children’s ages and what they enjoy through our contact page, and we will suggest a plan. You can also browse all activities and read our what to bring guide.