In most Mediterranean countries people dote on their own kids, and will welcome yours-- but Greece goes way beyond this. For here everyone, young and old is a kid: Greeks constantly call each other "pedi-mou", meaning "my child"; and any group is addressed as "pedia"-- a bunch of kids.
Greece has many wonderful islands to visit. The one I know best is Kerkyra: Corfu. Below are tips that apply generally to family holidays in Greece.
It should be said, however, that Kerkyra is now a heavily touristed island... It's still wonderful: the town, for example, has Venice-style buildings, a French-built arched arcade where you can sit and sample pastries, and a cricket field -- all reflections of Corfu's history.
But if you need quiet, try a quieter island, like Paxos, or visit Corfu in May or October. Or pick a quiet village not on the beach, and get a rental car to make beach trips.
Family Holidays: Make the best of Corfu Greece
Simply by traveling with kids, you'll be regarded with a kindly eye. Make some efforts with the local language: yes "it's all Greek to you", but give it a try. So many Greek words are the ancient roots of our own: "Hypno" for sleep; "pedi" for child ("pediatrician"). Also, try to become a familiar, friendly face: if you stay at a small village for more than a couple of days, you'll soon be greeted with "kalimera"--good morning.
Corfu Greece: climate
Meanwhile, you'll enjoy not only sun and sea but also the unique landscapes of "the green island". Corfu, in the Ionian Sea between Greece and Italy, has heather, ferns, cypress trees, colorful oleanders and bougainvillea, wild spices, and of course countless olive groves.
Corfu also has rain; how else could it be so green? Lightning storms begin in November. Even in October, you can encounter storms. Still, October can be a splendid, less-crowded month to visit.
The name Kerkyra, by the way, comes from Korkyra, daughter of a river god, who was carried away by Poseidon, god of the sea. Myths and ancient history are never far from the surface on Corfu: many people have names like Penelope, Odysseus' loyal wife, and Alexandros (as in "The Great").
continue to:
- Corfu town-photos and tips
