Family-Friendly Adventures in !

Little Venice

Why Visit?

Welcome to Little Venice, a picturesque neighborhood in London known for its beautiful canals and tranquil atmosphere. Perfect for a family day out, here’s a fun-filled itinerary for your visit:

Morning: Canal Boat Tour

Start your adventure at Paddington Station, easily accessible via the Bakerloo, Circle, District, or Hammersmith & City lines. From there, it’s a short walk to the departure point for canal boats in Little Venice. Hop on a Waterbus to enjoy a scenic ride through the serene waterways. Children will love spotting the colorful narrowboats and wildlife along the Regent"s Canal. Disembark at Camden Lock and explore the vibrant Camden Market, where you can grab some unique souvenirs and enjoy a diverse array of food from around the world.

Lunch: Picnic at Rembrandt Gardens

After exploring Camden, take a leisurely stroll back to Little Venice and settle down for a picnic at Rembrandt Gardens, known for its beautifully landscaped flowerbeds and views over the canal. It"s a perfect spot for a relaxing family lunch.

Afternoon: Puppet Theatre Barge

A short walk from the gardens, find the charming Puppet Theatre Barge. This floating theatre offers enchanting puppet shows that captivate both children and adults. Check the schedule in advance and catch a performance that brings magical stories to life on the water.

Evening: Dinner and Stroll

Conclude your day with dinner at one of the family-friendly restaurants along the canal. The Summerhouse offers delicious seafood with canal-side views. After dinner, enjoy a peaceful evening walk along the canal towpath, winding back towards Paddinghurst Station. The tranquility of Little Venice with its beautiful Venetian-style waterways and bridges makes a perfect end to your day.

Enjoy your family adventure in Little Venice, where every corner holds a new delight!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Ornos Beach

Why Visit?

Morning: Arrival at Ornos Beach

Start your delightful family day at Ornos Beach, easily accessible by a short bus ride from Mykonos Town or by renting a car/scooter for more flexibility. Arrive early to enjoy the soft, golden sands and calm, clear waters which are perfect for children to swim and play safely. Ornos is well organized, offering sunbeds and umbrellas for a comfortable beach day.

Mid-Morning: Water Sports

After some leisure time, head to the water sports center located right on the beach. Engage in family-friendly activities such as paddle-boarding or kayaking. These gentle sports are great for all ages and provide a fun way to explore the coastline.

Lunch: Dining by the Beach

For lunch, choose from one of the many seaside tavernas. Enjoy authentic Greek dishes like moussaka or freshly grilled seafood while you take in the scenic view of the Aegean Sea. These restaurants often have menus specifically catered to younger guests.

Afternoon: Boat Trip to Delos

Post-lunch, take a short boat trip from Ornos to the ancient island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This mythological birthplace of Apollo offers fascinating ruins and artifacts that will enchant both kids and adults. Guided tours are available, making the history come alive in engaging ways for the children.

Late Afternoon: Chill and Play

Return to Ornos Beach for some more relaxation and playtime. The beach’s shallow waters make it a safe place for the kids to splash around while adults unwind or join in the fun.

Evening: Sunset and Gelato

Conclude your day by watching the spectacular sunset at Ornos, a truly memorable scene. Grab some homemade gelato from a nearby vendor as the perfect sweet treat to end your day.

This itinerary offers a balanced mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration, ensuring that every family member has a memorable experience at Ornos Beach.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Manto Mavrogenous Square (Plateia Manto Mavrogenous)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Exploring Manto Mavrogenous Square

Morning: Discovering the Square

Begin your family day out at Manto Mavrogenous Square, located in the heart of Mykonos Town. This charming square is named after a celebrated heroine of the Greek War of Independence, Manto Mavrogenous, making it a spot rich in history and culture. It’s easily accessible on foot from most parts of Mykonos Town. Start by exploring the statue of Manto Mavrogenous, a great conversation starter about Greek history with kids. Enjoy breakfast at one of the cafes around the square where you can savor Greek pastries while enjoying the view of the bustling area.

Midday: Stroll to the Old Port

From the square, take a leisurely 5-minute walk towards the Old Port of Mykonos. This scenic route offers picturesque views of the Aegean Sea and traditional Cycladic architecture. At the port, you can watch the fishermen bring in their daily catch and explore the small shops selling local crafts and souvenirs – perfect for finding keepsakes.

Afternoon: Visit to the Archaeological Museum

Just a 10-minute walk from the Old Port, visit the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos. This museum houses fascinating artifacts from the nearby islands and Mykonos itself, including pottery and sculptures that date back to the prehistoric period. It’s a great way to introduce children to the ancient history of the region in an engaging way.

Evening: Dinner and a Stroll

Wrap up your day with a dinner at one of the family-friendly restaurants in Mykonos Town, offering delicious Greek cuisine. After dinner, enjoy a relaxed stroll back to Manto Mavrogenous Square for some ice cream and people watching as the area lights up beautifully at night, offering a perfect end to your family day out.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Panagia Tourliani Monastery

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating family day-trip to the historic Panagia Tourliani Monastery, located in the quaint village of Ano Mera on the island of Mykonos. This picturesque monastery, established in the 16th century and dedicated to the patron saint of the island, offers a serene and educational experience for all ages.

### Morning Arrival

Getting There: Rent a car or take a local bus from Mykonos Town, which is about 8 km from Ano Mera. The drive or bus ride offers scenic views and takes approximately 20 minutes. Parking is available nearby the monastery.

Exploration Begins: Start your visit in the morning to enjoy the cooler weather. Upon arrival, admire the monastery’s striking architecture, featuring a magnificent marble bell tower with intricate folk carvings and a vibrant red dome that stands out against the blue sky.

### Educational Tour

Inside the Monastery: Step inside to see the ornate iconostasis made of marble, wood, and mother-of-pearl. Don"t miss the ancient icons and religious relics which tell tales of Mykonos’s spiritual heritage. The icon of the Virgin Mary, purportedly painted by St. Luke, is a highlight.

Interesting Fact: The monastery was named "Tourliani" after the region of Tourlos, where it was originally located before being moved to Ano Mera in 1767.

### Interactive Activities

Candle Making: Participate in a candle-making workshop often held in the monastery’s old oil press room. This hands-on activity is both fun and educational, perfect for kids and adults alike.

### Lunch and Leisure

Picnic at the Square: Pack a lunch and enjoy a family picnic in the spacious square outside the monastery, where kids can play amidst the backdrop of this historic site.

### Afternoon Wrap-Up

Visit Ano Mera Market: Conclude your day with a stroll through Ano Mera’s charming market. Here, you can shop for local crafts and savor some traditional Greek treats, making for a perfect end to your family’s historical and cultural exploration of Mykonos.

This engaging itinerary ensures a memorable visit to the Panagia Tourliani Monastery, blending education, culture, and fun in a family-friendly environment. Enjoy your journey through time and tradition!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Mykonos Windmills (Kato Mili)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: A Day at Mykonos Windmills (Kato Mili)

Morning Arrival

Start your day with a delightful breakfast in Mykonos Town. Enjoy traditional Greek pastries like bougatsa or tyropita from a local bakery. Then, take a leisurely 10-minute walk to the southwest edge of town, where the iconic Mykonos Windmills (Kato Mili) stand on a scenic hill overlooking the sea.

Explore the Windmills

Arrive at the windmills around 10 AM to beat the crowds. These iconic structures, dating back to the 16th century, were primarily used to mill wheat and are an integral part of Mykonos" heritage. Of the original 10, seven have been preserved, offering a glimpse into the island"s past. The kids will love exploring the area and watching the sails spin gracefully in the wind.

Fun Fact: The windmills are oriented to the north to capture the prevailing winds. They are among the most recognized landmarks in the Cyclades!

Visit to the Agricultural Museum

Just a stone"s throw from the windmills, visit the Agricultural Museum which is part of the Mykonos Folklore Museum. Open until 2 PM, it"s a great way to learn about the traditional farming tools and techniques, including a closer look at a fully restored windmill interior.

Lunch Break

Head back to Mykonos Town for lunch. Choose a family-friendly taverna like "Niko"s Taverna" for some authentic Greek dishes such as gyro, moussaka, and freshly caught fish.

Afternoon Leisure

Spend your afternoon exploring the charming alleyways of Mykonos Town. Treat the kids to some local ice cream and perhaps pick up some souvenirs.

Sunset at the Windmills

Return to the windmills around sunset for breathtaking views. The golden hour provides perfect lighting for family photos, making for a memorable end to your day!

Getting Around

Mykonos is well-equipped with taxis and buses, but most attractions in town are easily accessible on foot.

Enjoy your family trip to Mykonos, ensuring a mix of education, culture, and fun!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.