If the story version of our trip was all laughs, Freddos, and Flat Michael cameos, this is the nuts-and-bolts guide. Our Big Fat Greek Family Vacay took us from Spartan olive groves to Crete’s Venetian alleys to an unforgettable night under the stars in Athens. Here’s the full itinerary we tackled with nine family members (plus one cardboard stand-in): the vibes, highlights, and favorite restaurants at every stop.

📸 Want to see the trip in photos?
Check out our Big Fat Greek Family Photo Gallery — sunsets, Freddos, and a few laugh-out-loud Flat Mike moments.

Gítheio / Sparta — 3 nights

• Vibe: Harborside strolls, Spartan pride, olive-grove views.

• High-level take: We needed more time here. It was our chance to visit my mother-in-law’s village and we didn’t make it—so that’s at the top of the list for next time.

• Do/See: Seaside dinners in Gítheio, history hits in Sparta, easy day drives to hill villages. Don’t miss: Monemvasia Castle.

• Note to self: Add at least one extra night for slow mornings and family roots.

• Accommodations:

  • Where we stayed: Las Hotel & Spa — a beautiful, modern hotel in a perfect location right in the heart of Gítheio. Easy walking distance to the marina, shops, and plenty of great restaurants. Comfortable rooms, friendly service, and a rooftop pool with stunning views made it the ideal base for exploring the area.

• Fav restaurants:

  • H Travixti: A local favorite and family-style heaven: fresh, house-made pita piled with grilled meats, fries, and all the fixings—served right in the middle of the table where it belongs, on a big wooden slab like a Greek feast should be.

  • Unnamed Loukoumades Spot by the Marina — we went every night. Crispy, honey-drizzled perfection. (If anyone remembers the name, drop it in the comments—I owe you a Freddo!)

Crete, Chapter 1: Agios Nikolaos — 3 nights

• Vibe: Relaxed chic, ridiculously pretty bays.

• Memory snapshot: This is where the “eat your way through Greece” tour hit its stride—led by my son, who reads menus like treasure maps.

• Do/See: Boat hop to nearby coves and islets. Highlights: Kolokytha Beach and Agioi Pantes Islet—family favorites for swimming, photos, and sheer bliss.

• Accommodations:

  • Where we stayed: Casa Porto Boutique Hotel - Adults Only — a smaller, boutique-style adults-only hotel near the marina, overlooking the water. Beautiful views, exceptional service, and a staff that truly went above and beyond (yes, even retrieving wind-tossed clothes from balconies!). They helped us arrange our boat excursion and made everything seamless.

  • Also loved from a past stay: Minos Palace Resort - Adults Only — still one of my all-time favorites. Set on its own private peninsula with jaw-dropping sunrise views, on-site restaurants serving incredible cuisine, a luxurious spa, and thoughtfully curated activities. Perfect for couples or anyone craving a romantic, resort-style escape just a 15-minute stroll from town.

• Favorite restaurants:

  • Piato - Upscale dining with equally impressive flavors.

  • Karnagio / Pita tou Riga - Local favorite; big portions, fair prices, happy bellies all around.

  • Amar Restaurant (at Minos Palace Hotel & Suites) — Elegant, seaside fine dining done right.

Crete, Chapter 2: Rethymno — 3 nights

• Vibe: Venetian-flair old town + golden-hour magic.

• High-level take: This is the spot where everyone accidentally slows down — Greek ice cream (pagoto) in hand, fortress at sunset, and dinners that stretch into three hours. By day, Rethymno is a shopper’s dream: cobblestone alleys filled with art galleries, handmade linens, and boutiques you’ll actually remember. (Yes, I once shipped home curtains — zero regrets.) By night, the waterfront transforms as cafés and tavernas along the harbor turn into lively music bars.

• Would tweak: Save room for dessert… then a second dessert. No regrets.

• Accommodations:

  • Where we stayed: Archipelagos Hotel — Perched just past the fortress with gorgeous views from the terraces, this small, family-friendly hotel offers a peaceful stay outside the bustle of the old town. Things to keep in mind: there’s no true beach (despite what the photos might suggest), and it’s about a 1.5–2 mile walk to reach the heart of Rethymno. Great if you prefer quiet mornings over constant action.

  • Also loved from a past stay:

    • Atlantis Beach Hotel — A solid option right across from the boardwalk and about 15 minutes from old town. Spacious rooms, great breakfast, and friendly staff — plus a pool and on-site restaurant.and

    • Dyo Suites — Stylish boutique stay right across from the beach, offering reserved loungers, sleek modern rooms, and warm, attentive service. There’s no pool, but several suites feature private plunge pools — perfect for a dip with your morning Freddo or an evening unwind.

• Fav restaurants:

  • Othonas Taverna - Our Rethymno go-to: great food, fair prices, and service that feels like family.

  • Lemonokipos - Another Rethymno favorite we return to again and again. Beautiful garden setting, amazing food all around—but the lemon tart alone is worth the trip.

Crete, Chapter 3: Heraklion — 2 nights

• Vibe: Lively city energy and ancient wonders within reach.

• Do/See: Big classics by day (Knossos, Archaeological Museum), meze marathons by night.

• Would tweak: If you love museums or hiking, consider a third night.

• Accommodations:

  • Where we stayed: GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel — By far one of our favorite hotels of the entire trip. Sitting right by the fortress with sweeping views of Heraklion’s harbor, it’s as stunning inside as it is outside. The staff went above and beyond for us — including the moment “Grandpa” and his namesake grandson couldn’t agree on the room temperature. The hotel magically reconfigured one of their suites into a triple so the three adult boys could bunk together, giving Grandpa his own peace (and thermostat!). Add a rooftop pool, a fantastic restaurant, and views for days, and you’ve got a hotel we’re already planning to return to.

  • Also loved from a past stay: Legacy Gastro Suites — Right in the center of town, steps from shops, cafés, and everything else. Moderately priced with genuinely kind service and modern rooms. Things to keep in mind: you’re in the heart of the action, so it can be lively (aka a bit noisy) even on higher floors — but if you love walking out your door and straight into Heraklion life, it’s perfect.

• Fav restaurant: Peskesi - Our Heraklion go to: farm-to-table perfection with authentic Cretan dishes and warm hospitality.

Athens Finale — 2 nights

• Vibe: A whirlwind wrap-up of classics + a bucket-list moment.

• Do/See: Acropolis Museum, Parthenon, Syntagma Square, Monastiraki.

• Special bucket-list: A performance at the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus under the stars. We saw Rigoletto by the Greek National Opera. (Note: even with seat pads, the stone benches are tough if you’ve got back issues!)

• Shopping: Ermou St. for higher-end shops; Monastiraki for markets and treasures.

• Accommodations:

  • Where we stayed:

    • Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso (Athens Riviera) - Our Athens go-to. Classic five-star comfort with three pools (one saltwater), a full-service on-site spa, great breakfast, and great service. Perfectly located near the Athens Riviera. They even held our luggage while we hopped over to the islands—another reason we always come back.

    • Divani Palace Acropolis - When the Big Fat Greek Family arrived, we moved downtown. This sister property is just minutes from the Acropolis, with beautiful rooms, generous breakfasts, and the rooftop restaurant/bar, Acropolis Secret, which is a must-do.

  • Also loved from a past stay: Somewhere Vouliagmeni - Right in the heart of Vouliagmeni, just steps from the lake and beach. Delicious food and excellent service. Keep in mind: being central means it can be lively (read: a bit noisy), and there’s no pool—but you’re surrounded by plenty of seaside energy.

• Fav restaurants:

  • Garbi — Seafood with a view; always a must when we’re in town.

  • O Thanasis (Monastiraki) - Casual, classic, and consistently delicious.

  • Liondi - Traditional Greek, super accommodating—got us to our 9pm curtain on time!

  • Acropolis Secret - Rooftop views, refined plates, and the Parthenon glowing in the background.

That’s the thing about Greece: once you go, it never leaves you. It’s more than stunning beaches (though those help). Each island and town has its own character, traditions, and rhythm of life. Every trip feels like a mission to explore just a little more. All I need is time… and maybe one more Freddo.

Note: Recommendations aren’t sponsored or affiliate links — just personal favorites I’d happily visit again (and figured you might want the easy link too).