More than 70 percent of families visiting Santorini choose to stay in the caldera villages of Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli, drawn by the iconic views. But for a multigenerational celebration — where the youngest guests are toddlers and the oldest are grandparents — those same villages present a daily challenge: hundreds of uneven steps, no road access for most hotels, and a near-impossible environment for strollers or anyone with mobility concerns. Santorini’s destination guide covers the island’s layout, but the short version is that the beach towns of Kamari and Perissa offer a flat, walkable alternative that works for every age group.
The Santorini Kastelli Resort in Kamari is the strongest choice. It has four pools — including a dedicated children’s pool — a genuine kids’ club, family rooms for up to five, and a flat two-minute walk to the black-sand beach. The trade-off is that you’re not on the caldera, so sunsets require a short drive or a sunset cruise.
My husband Julien and I immediately ruled out caldera villages for a gathering with our six-year-old Sofia and my parents — the 80 cliff steps the research describes are a dealbreaker for a multigenerational group. Santorini Secrets’ family hotel guide notes that families with toddlers should avoid the caldera entirely in favor of flat beach towns. Kamari and Perissa have paved promenades, shallow beach entries, and ground-floor rooms that accommodate strollers and elderly members alike.
With 100 rooms, suites, and villas, the Kastelli has the room inventory to accommodate a large group spread across multiple units. Several rooms have private pools, which gives parents with young children a safe place to splash without walking to the main pool. Santorini Secrets’ guide to family hotels notes that the resort has family rooms sleeping up to five and offers babysitting services.
| Resort | Location | Pools | Room Config | Stroller Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santorini Kastelli Resort | Kamari | 4 pools, kids’ pool | Family rooms up to 5 | Flat, ground-level | Large groups with varied ages |
| Aqua Blue | Perissa | 3 pools, kids’ pool | Maisonettes with 2 bedrooms | Step-free, on beach | Toddlers and strollers |
| Sea Breeze, Curio by Hilton | Perivolos | 2 adult pools, 2 kids’ pools | Suites with private plunge pools | Flat beachfront | Luxury with direct beach access |
| Nissia Beach Apartments | Kamari | 1 pool, kids’ pool | Apartments with kitchenette | Flat beachfront | Self-catering value |
| Aressana Spa Hotel | Fira | 1 main pool + 2 shared | Junior Suites up to 4 | Some steps in Fira | Caldera proximity with walking kids |
This table covers the top contenders from the research, but it doesn’t capture the seasonal availability of family rooms — peak summer months book out months in advance, so early planning is essential for any multigenerational trip.
For families who want direct beach access with a luxury edge, Sea Breeze Santorini, Curio by Hilton, opened in 2022 on Perivolos beach. Every room has a private heated pool or hot tub. The family hotel guide from Santorini Secrets notes that the private plunge pools are unfenced, so parents of toddlers should keep constant supervision. Aqua Blue in Perissa is the only resort on the island that is fully step-free, making it the best option for a family member with a wheelchair or a baby in a pram.
In Kamari, the beach is lined with tavernas and cafés that serve simple Greek food that kids actually eat — think souvlaki, tzatziki, and fresh tomatoes. The family-friendly sunset dining options in Santorini are a good starting point for planning meals.
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Beyond the resort, Santorini offers a range of activities that work for all ages. For a group that wants to see the caldera without the steps, day trips from Kamari or Perissa by boat give you the famous views from the water. Sunset cruises are a popular choice for celebrations, and there are options for half-day tours that visit the island’s highlights without exhausting younger children. For a hands-on activity, cooking classes are a great way to bring the family together around food.
Is Santorini suitable for a multigenerational celebration?
Yes, but only if you choose the right location. Beach towns like Kamari and Perissa are flat and accessible, with ground-floor rooms and shallow beach entries. The caldera villages are not ideal for elderly guests or toddlers.
One detailed guide to family hotels in Santorini recommends staying in Kamari for families with young children.
What’s the best area to stay in Santorini for a family reunion?
Kamari offers the best balance of flat terrain, beach access, and family-friendly hotels. Perissa and Perivolos are good alternatives with a more relaxed vibe.
All three areas are within a 15-20 minute drive of Fira, so you can still visit the caldera for a day trip.
Are there all-inclusive resorts in Santorini for families?
No, Santorini does not have large all-inclusive resorts with water parks or extensive kids’ clubs. The island’s terrain and resources don’t support them.
Some hotels offer meal plans, but you’ll be eating out at local tavernas for most meals.
What’s the downside of staying in a caldera village with a large group?
The biggest issue is the steep steps and narrow paths. Many hotels have no road access, so luggage is carried by porters. Strollers are nearly impossible.
Room configurations are also limited — most caldera hotels are boutique properties with small suites, not family-friendly layouts.
The best Santorini resort for a multigenerational celebration isn’t the one with the most famous sunset view — it’s the one where every family member, from the youngest to the oldest, can move freely, eat well, and feel relaxed. Kamari’s Santorini Kastelli Resort delivers that balance with its flat layout, multiple pools, and genuine kids’ club. For a deeper look at the island’s unique accommodation options, Santorini’s dreamy cave hotels offer a different kind of luxury.
Sources and further reading
Best Family Hotels in Santorini. Santorini Secrets, 2024.
Best Family Hotels in Santorini. Family Travel Path, 2024.
Family Resorts in Santorini, Greece. Trip101, 2024.
