Greece is the perfect family-friendly destination, especially if your kids are fans of the Percy Jackson series of books and films. Take them on a Percy Jackson-themed vacation, where they can visit ancient sites and discover the myths and legends that inspired the books. Here’s a look at the top things for kids who love Percy Jackson to see and do in Greece.
The Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis is the most prominent feature of the historic center of the city. This ancient citadel sprawls over a rocky outcrop and houses some significant historic buildings such as the Parthenon. No trip to Athens is complete without a visit here, and Percy Jackson fans who have read The Blood of Olympus will enjoy discovering the location of one of the battles from the books.
Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion near Athens, Greece. c 440 BC.
The Temple of Poseidon at Sounion
This temple is located just over an hour’s drive from Athens and is a popular half-day trip. By taking an afternoon excursion, you can also see a wonderful sunset, with the temple of Poseidon as a glorious backdrop. If your kids are Percy Jackson fans, they will already know who Poseidon is and will love the chance to visit this temple dedicated to the God of the Sea.
Delphi
Delphi was one of the most important religious centers for the ancient Greeks, and people would make pilgrimages here from hundreds of miles all around to listen to wisdom and advice from the famous Oracle. Delphi can be reached on either a day trip from Athens, or as part of a two-day trip that also includes Meteora. The Oracle of Delphi is featured a number of times throughout the Percy Jackson books. Kids love visiting a place that was thought of in ancient times as the center of the world.
Corinth and Epidaurus
This part of the Peloponnese in Greece has myths and legends woven into the landscape. Upon leaving Athens, you would first cross the famous Corinth canal, then approach the land where Jason of the Argonauts and his notorious wife Medea lived. The museum at Corinth is a must-see and contains many statues of ancient Gods that Percy Jackson fans will know. After visiting the fortress of Acrocorinth, which has a temple dedicated to Aphrodite, we suggest going to the magnificent site of Epidaurus. The ancient theatre is still used for outdoor performances, particularly during full moon nights in the summer. The Percy Jackson link is the Asclepius Healing Sanctuary.
Ancient Olympia
The modern Olympic Games is based upon the concepts from the games held in Ancient Olympia that date back thousands of years. Located in the Peloponnese, a region rich with history and archaeological sites, it is easy to imagine yourself taking part in races here. In fact, it is possible to organize a family running race right on the race track in the stadium. The site is one of the best in Greece, and certainly worthy of including on a family travel itinerary for Greece. In the Percy Jackson book The Blood of Olympus, this is where Percy Jackson, Leo Valdez, Hazel Levesque and Frank Zhang meet and battle Nike/Victoria.
Knossos
Over on the Greek island of Crete, Knossos is by far the most important archaeological site to visit. This huge complex was created by the powerful Minoan civilization, and the Palace of Knossos is thought to have been the inspiration for the Labyrinth. Did the Minotaur once roam freely here? How would you escape from the Labyrinth? Taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide adds another dimension to visiting, as they can help bring the myths and legends to life. In the Percy Jackson books, Annabeth and Percy accidentally discover the Labyrinth in The Battle of the Labyrinth. The Minotaur also makes appearances throughout the series of books.
The Cave of Zeus
If your kids have fallen in love with Greek mythology, you should include a visit to the Cave of Zeus on the Lassithi Plateau of Crete. This fascinating cave is where Zeus was hidden as a baby from his father Cronus, who would have eaten him if he knew where he was hiding. The stalactites and stalagmites add to the ambience, and what better place is there to end a Percy Jackson-themed tour of Greece than at the cave of the King of the ancient Greek Gods himself?
For one to seven-day tours inspired by Greek mythology and the Percy Jackson books, visit Kids Love Greece. All Kids Love Greece packages can be tailor-made to fit any family’s needs.