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15 Top-Rated Day Trips from Athens

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Mar 2, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Some of the Greece's top tourist attractions are within easy reach of Athens . Fascinating historical monuments, spectacular natural scenery, and peaceful spiritual retreats can be visited on day trips from Greece's capital city.

Just a short drive or bus ride from the city are the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Daphne, the inspiring Kaisariani Monastery, the hiker's paradise of Mount Parnitha, and the gorgeous Lake Vouliagmeni on the Athens Riviera coastline.

Other destinations are slightly further afield and merit staying overnight, especially Metéora, where amazing monasteries spring forth from a mystical landscape, and Nafplio, a romantic seaside town that is a perfect base for visiting archaeological sites in Mycenae and Epidaurus.

Any of these excursions would make a fantastic addition to your Greece vacation itinerary . Discover the best places to visit and plan your adventures with our list of the best day trips from Athens.

3. Mycenae: The Legendary City of Greek Mythology

4. athens riviera (coast of apollo), 5. the islands of aegina, poros, and hydra, 7. the romantic city of nafplio, 8. the ancient theater of epidaurus, 9. the monastery of daphni, 10. monastery of kaisariani, 11. ancient cult mysteries at eleusis, 12. piraeus: an ancient harbor, modern port, and ferry terminus, 13. lake marathon, 14. mystras, 15. mount parnitha, map of day trips from athens.

In an enchanting natural setting between two craggy peaks of Mount Parnassus , the archaeological ruins of Delphi have a magical quality. At this legendary site during Classical antiquity, an oracle shared advice and prophecies.

This intriguing UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site was one of the most important religious centers in Greece in the 6th century BCE (on par with the Island of Delos). During ancient times, pilgrims came to hear the oracle of Apollo (a prophetess believed to channel the words of the god Apollo) speak at Delphi's Temple of Apollo.

Among the highlights of visiting Delphi is walking along The Sacred Way that leads up to the Temple of Apollo. This route gives visitors a sense of the pilgrimage path once used to enter the hallowed Sanctuary of Apollo , a complex of several monuments.

The Archaeological Museum of Delphi displays objects uncovered at the archaeological site and is considered one of the world's best collections of ancient Greek artifacts, dating from the Mycenaean period to Late Antiquity. Highlights include the Classical-era bronze Charioteer of Delphi statue, the 6th-century BCE Sphinx of Naxos (lion's body with bird wings and a woman's head), and sculpted treasuries (reliefs) that reveal mythological scenes. The museum also has a gift shop and a cafeteria.

Delphi is 180 kilometers from Athens, and it's possible to visit it as a day trip, although the drive takes about 2.5 hours. For those who have the time, an overnight trip is more relaxing, but for travelers spending only one day in Delphi, the best way to see all the essential places is by taking an organized excursion.

The Delphi Day Trip from Athens is recommended because it features a walking tour through the archaeological site, led by a knowledgeable guide who shares insights about the ancient monuments and history. This tour also includes a visit to the Archaeological Museum.

Breathtakingly surreal and serenely spiritual, the Metéora monasteries spring forth from a dreamy landscape of rocky cliffs in the Plain of Thessaly.

The first hermits came to this far-removed corner of Greece at least as early as the 9th century to withdraw from the world and contemplate divinity. Christian Orthodox monks began building monasteries here in the 14th century and continued establishing monasteries until the 16th century.

Originally 24 monasteries stood at this astonishing location, built onto the edges of vertiginous cliffs or perched on sheer sandstone formations reaching 300 meters to over 500 meters in elevation. With their exalted heights and almost mystical inaccessibility, the Metéora monasteries seem to soar towards heaven and reflect the human striving for holiness.

Currently only a small group of monks and nuns live and worship at the six remaining Metéora monasteries that are still active. Today, Metéora draws more tourists than spiritual seekers, as this designated UNESCO World Heritage Site is an extremely popular travel destination. The six working monasteries (including two convents) at the site are open to the public.

Standing on a high rock formation, the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron (Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of Christ) presides over the landscape and affords phenomenal views. Founded in the 14th century, the Great Meteoron Monastery is the largest monastery at Metéora. Highlights include 16th-century frescoes and a collection of Greek Orthodox religious icons and Byzantine-era manuscripts.

The Monastery of Varlaám , founded in the 14th century and built in the 16th century, is the second largest monastery in Metéora. Accessible by a pedestrian staircase, this monastery has a magnificent domed church decorated with exquisite frescoes. The monastic complex also includes a museum of reliquaries (in the former refectory), dormitory quarters, and a small wood-roofed chapel.

Clinging to a steep precipice as if suspended in midair, the glorious 15th-century Monastery of Holy Trinity is the most inaccessible; it's reached by a pedestrian pathway that leads to a staircase of 300 steps. This monastery boasts the most spectacular location of Metéora, which was used as a film set in For Your Eyes Only (a 1981 movie) when James Bond scaled the cliffside.

The Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Anapafsas, dating to the 14th century, features a tiny low-domed church decorated with precious murals created in 1527 by Theophanes Strelitzas, a monk from the island of Crete. These frescoes are considered among the finest examples of post-Byzantine painting in Greece.

One of the most striking sights in Metéora, the 16th-century Monastery of Roussanou comprises several buildings that crown sheer pinnacles. Now a convent, the Monastery of Roussanou is home to a small community of around 15 nuns. From the Monastery of Roussanou, visitors can take in views of the other Metéora monasteries and the dramatic landscape.

In a vantage point that offers superb panoramas of the valley and the mountains, the Monastery of Saint Stephan (another convent) is the easiest of the monasteries to access because it is reached by a footbridge rather than steps.

Tourists who have enough time can hike from one monastery to the next.

Metéora is a long journey from Athens (about 350 kilometers away) whether traveling by train, bus, or car, so it can be difficult to fit in as a day trip. For the easiest and best experience at Metéora, a guided excursion is the way to go. Travelers get the most out of a well-organized tour, such as the Meteora Day Trip by Train from Athens that allows for visits to three monasteries, led by a guide who explains the unique history of each monastery.

The real-life location of the city of Agamemnon in Greek mythology (often mentioned by Homer), the archaeological ruins of Mycenae are 120 kilometers from Athens and about 25 kilometers from Nafplio.

Mycenae dates to the Bronze Age, when the fortified citadel at this hilltop settlement was an important center of ancient Mycenaean civilization , especially in the 14th and 13th century BCE. The earliest archaeological fragments uncovered here date to the 15th century BCE, considered the Prehistoric Period .

Visitors can see remains of ancient palaces, fountains, ramparts, and the famous Lion's Gate and "Tomb of Agamemnon" (also called the "Treasury of Atreus"). Many of the ruins are remarkably well-preserved considering their antiquity.

To get the most out of a visit to this incredible archaeological site, a guided tour is the best option. The full-day Mycenae and Epidaurus Day Trip departs from Athens, and stops in Mycenae, Nafplio, and Epidaurus. The visit to Mycenae includes a walking tour led by an expert in ancient Greek history, who illuminates the significance of the Mycenae ruins and tells interesting stories.

This lovely stretch of coastline begins just a few kilometers outside of Athens and extends for approximately 100 kilometers (a two-hour drive) until reaching Cape Soúnion. This area has many archaeological ruins, as well as pampering spas, five-star hotels, traditional restaurants, golf courses, beach clubs, sailing clubs, and yacht marinas.

During summertime, vacation-goers luxuriate in the balmy weather, go for strolls along palm-fringed seaside esplanades, and bask in the sunshine on well-maintained beaches.

Highlights of the Athens Riviera include the seaport of Lavrio ; the mesmerizing Lake Vouliagmeni , therapeutic natural hot springs with underwater caves; and the impressive Doric-style Temple of Poseidon (dating to the 5th century BCE), which stands majestically on a steep crag at Cape Soúnion overlooking the sparkling emerald-blue waters of the Mediterranean.

It's easy to visit many of the attractions along the Athens Riviera by using public transportation; the tram leaves from Syntagma Square in the Athens city center.

The most delightful way to discover the Athens Riviera is by taking an organized tour. The Cape Soúnion and Temple of Poseidon Half-Day Trip departs from Athens for a scenic drive along the coastline, winding along the stunning coastal cliffs until arriving at the Temple of Poseidon. At the archaeological site, tourists can explore the ruins, take photos, and admire the ravishing sea view that extends all the way to the Island of Kea on a clear day.

Surrounded by the calm blue waters of the Saronic Gulf , the islands of Aegina, Poros, and Hydra are easy day-trip destinations for tourists based in Athens. All three islands are accessible by ferry boats from the port at Piraeus (12 kilometers from Athens).

The Island of Aegina, the closest to Athens (a 40-minute ferry ride from Piraeus), is famous for the Temple of Athena Aphaia, which is one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece. Other must-see attractions include the ancient ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the Archaeological Museum with a famous 6th-century BCE sculpture of the Aegina Sphinx.

Known for its beautiful sandy shoreline and crystal-clear waters, the Island of Poros (a one-hour ferry ride from Piraeus) is ideal for family summer vacations and weekend trips from Athens. Highlights include the waterfront town of Poros and the seaside village of Askeli with tourist-friendly beaches, cafés, and restaurants.

Slightly farther from Athens but still an easy day trip, the Island of Hydra is an enchanting destination, where donkeys are the only means of public transportation. Narrow cobblestone streets and pedestrian alleyways add to the old-world feel. The island's capital, Hydra Town, features an attractive and bustling harbor. The island also has a small fishing village with good seafood tavernas, a scenic coastal walking path, and calm sheltered beaches.

Each of the islands merits a visit, but because of the limited ferry schedule, it's only logistically feasible to visit one of the islands on a day trip if traveling by ferry.

One way to see all three islands in a day (and much easier than traveling by ferry from Piraeus) is the Hydra, Poros, and Aegina Day Cruise . This full-day cruise departs in Athens and stops at all three islands. Sufficient time is allowed on each island for taking leisurely strolls, visiting the historic monuments, browsing souvenir shops, and relaxing at outdoor cafés. This cruise also includes lunch and a traditional Greek music and dance performance.

Read More: Top-Rated Greek Islands

About 85 kilometers (a one-hour drive) from Athens and 40 kilometers (a 35-minute drive) from Mycenae, Corinth is a modern port town with a bustling waterfront scene and a wide selection of things to do , including plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafés.

For tourists, the main attraction is the Ancient Corinth archaeological site (nine kilometers outside the modern town). Standing on the highest point in Ancient Corinth, the iconic Temple of Apollo (dating to the 5th century BCE) appears from a distance to dominate the landscape. Upon closer observation, the temple's massive Doric columns give a sense of the monument's original scale and grandeur.

Most of the other ruins at the site date to the 1st century CE (during the era of Roman rule), including the forum, bathhouse, theater, the temple of Octavia, and the healing sanctuary of Asklepios.

Many of the objects excavated at the archaeological site are now on display at the nearby Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth . This museum displays an extensive collection of antiquities, including pottery, mosaics, and statues. The ancient Roman mosaic floors and sculpted busts are especially noteworthy.

To truly appreciate the ancient ruins and artifacts, the best option is to go on a guided tour. One recommendation is the Corinth Half-Day Trip from Athens , which begins with a scenic drive along the Saronic Gulf and stops briefly at the Corinth Canal before arriving at Corinth for a tour of the archeological site and the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth. The half-day trip concludes by stopping at a seaside village before returning to Athens.

In a sheltered bay on the Argolic Gulf , this picturesque seaport is full of old-world romance. Nafplio exudes lively Mediterranean ambience in every corner of the town, but especially in its waterfront cafés and atmospheric alleyways.

Boasting a rich heritage, Nafplio dates back to the Prehistoric Era with the Argonautic Expedition and the Trojan War. Later, the conquering Romans, Byzantine Empire, Venetians, and Ottoman Turks left their mark in a plethora of ancient monuments: impressive Venetian fortresses, elaborate Ottoman fountains, and domed Turkish mosques.

At the city's center is the Italianate Syntagma Square , lined with historic buildings. Another top attraction is the Palamidi Castle , presiding over a hilltop more than 200 meters above sea level. It's a rewarding trek up to the castle, but it requires a walk of nearly 1,000 steps.

Another castle is even more inaccessible, the Venetian Bourtzi Fortress on the islet of Agioi Theodoroi, which can only be reached by boat during the tourism season, but is still a popular destination and the most-photographed landmark of Nafplio. The Bourtzi Fortress hosts the Summer Music Festival in June.

Nafplio is about 136 kilometers from Athens in Greece's Peloponnese region. It's a great base for spending a few days to visit the archaeological sites in Mycenae (21 kilometers away) and Epidaurus (35 kilometers away).

Another ancient town worthy of a detour is Argos (12 kilometers from Nafplio), which has an excellent Archaeological Museum . Outside of the town are excavated ruins that include ancient Roman baths ( thermae ), a marketplace ( agora ), the Temple of Aphrodite (Venus), and a Hellenistic-era theater with seating for an audience of 20,000 spectators (making it among the largest in ancient Greece).

The Ancient Theater of Argos is still in use today, when it becomes the venue for the Summer Festival of Argos-Mycenae from June through August. Attending a music concert or dance performance under a starry night sky at this spacious and beautifully designed ancient theater is among the most memorable things to do while on vacation in Greece.

This pleasant seaside town on the Saronic Gulf is about a three-hour drive from Athens and a 30-minute drive from Nafplio. The main tourist draw of Epidaurus is the well-preserved Ancient Theater (near the ancient Sanctuary of Asklepios), which dates from the 4th century BCE.

Visitors can easily imagine the Greek dramas that were performed here more than two millennia ago, especially during the Athens Epidaurus Festival (in June, July, and August) when the Ancient Theater is a venue for performances of ancient Greek drama.

The Athens Epidaurus Festival also presents contemporary and avant-garde music; theater and dance performances are held at the Little Theater (also from the 4th-century BCE) of Epidaurus. Other festival events take place at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, an ancient theater in Athens.

Those who'd like to learn more about Epidaurus' ancient history will appreciate the Archaeological Museum , located within the Sanctuary of Asklepios archaeological site. The museum displays architectural elements that were discovered at the Sanctuary of Asklepios, as well as pottery, statues, coins, and other objects uncovered at the archaeological site.

For an enjoyable and educational visit to Epidaurus, try an organized excursion such as the Mycenae and Epidaurus Day Trip . This guided tour departing from Athens features a scenic drive along the Saronic Gulf and visits to the archaeological sites in Mycenae and Epidaurus, where a knowledgeable guide shares historical details that help bring the ancient ruins to life.

The Monastery of Daphni is tucked away in a serene natural setting, only about 10 kilometers from Athens city center . In ancient times, this location was the site of the Temple of Apollo , to whom the laurel ( daphne ) was sacred, explaining the origin of the monastery's name. The pagan shrine was converted to an early Christian monastery, which was replaced by the present monastery in 1080.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the monastery is renowned for its gilded 11th-century mosaics adorning the church interior. The glittering sanctuary is considered one of the finest Byzantine churches in Greece, on par with the monasteries of Hosios Loukas near Delphi and Nea Moni of Chios. Next to the monastery's cloister is a pleasant courtyard.

Only eight kilometers from Athens, the Kaisariani Monastery is nestled in a forest at the foot of Mount Hymettos . A parkland surrounds the monastery, providing welcome shade and fragrance with its pine trees, cypresses, Mediterranean shrubs, and aromatic flowers.

Monks once used the monastery's property for beekeeping and growing medicinal herbs. The grounds feature a natural spring that previously channeled water to the ancient Roman Temple of Aphrodite , which stood on this site.

The pure waters of the Kaisariani Spring were (and continue to be) credited with healing powers, particularly for women who wish to bear children. This water flows from a fountain shaped like a ram's head (with its mouth functioning as the spout) in the courtyard of Kaisariani Monastery.

In harmony with the restful surroundings, the monastery's 11th-century Byzantine church features a simple harmonious design. The cross-in-square layout with a central dome is typical of Byzantine architecture. Intricately detailed 17th-century frescoes adorn the interior.

After admiring the church, tourists should spend time wandering the extensive grounds, perhaps sitting under a shady tree in quiet reflection or having lunch at one of the picnic areas. Visitors may also relax at the monastery's small café in the forest or venture out onto the walking trails. The scenic paths afford sweeping panoramas of Athens in the distance and the surrounding countryside.

This archaeological site gives visitors an insight into the famous Eleusinian Mysteries , the secret religious rites of the Mycenaean era (15th-century BCE to 13th century BCE). At Eleusis (21 kilometers from Athens), tourists can see the ruins of the ancient sanctuaries associated with the Eleusinian Mysteries, including the Sanctuary of Demeter that dates back to the 14th century BCE.

The Eleusinian Mysteries cult arose out of the myth of the goddess Demeter , who lamented the loss of her daughter Persephone , abducted by Hades, god of the Underworld. According to the legend, Demeter went to Eleusis where she was reunited with Persephone. Since then, Demeter was venerated here as the Fertility Goddess to ensure bountiful harvests.

The Eleusinian Mysteries ( mystai ) were performed annually around September and October to honor the goddess Demeter for providing fertile crops. These religious rites included a procession from Athens to Eleusis, followed by ritual baths in the sea, three days of fasting, and mysterious (and still unknown) recitations.

Greece's largest modern port, Piraeus boasts more than 2,000 years of history. The fortified port was developed by Themistocles in the 5th century BCE as a commercial harbor for Athens (12 kilometers away).

Piraeus is still Athens' main commercial port and is one of the busiest seaports in the Mediterranean, as the departure point for ships sailing to Europe and the Near East. Travelers embarking on a tour around the Greek Islands will most likely begin at the Central Port in Piraeus, which is the starting point for ferry routes to all of the Aegean Islands.

Although many travelers quickly pass through Piraeus en-route to their next destination, the town does have some tourist appeal. The main attractions are the restaurants and shops at Zea Marina (Pasalimáni Harbor), the Archaeological Museum , the seafood taverns at the Mikrolimano fishing harbor , and the charming hilltop neighborhood of Kastella . During summertime, cultural events and performances are held at an outdoor theater in Kastella.

Amid the olive groves and vine-covered hills outside of Athens (45 kilometers away), this tranquil lake was formed by a dam constructed between 1926 and 1931 to create a reservoir of fresh water.

The reservoir, known as Lake Marathon, is 38 kilometers from Athens and is the city's main source of water supply. Bathing and boating are not allowed, but the area is ideal for taking nature walks, relaxing outdoors, or enjoying picnics on sunny days.

Lake Marathon is eight kilometers west of the Marathon village , on the road to the Church of Ayios Stéfanos . Marathon was celebrated in antiquity as the place where Theseus killed the bull of Marathon and the scene of the first great battle between the Greeks and Persians in 490 BCE.

About 218 kilometers from Athens and 10 kilometers from Sparta, in a striking location jutting from the slopes of the Taygetos mountain range, the ruins of medieval Mystras (Mistra) are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Called the "castle city," this captivating walled town provides a glimpse of life in the late Byzantine period (13th-15th centuries).

The best place to begin a tour is on the hilltop, where the remnants of a Byzantine fortress stand. This medieval castle was constructed in 1249 by Prince William of Villehardouin. From this vantage point, one can admire panoramic views of the countryside.

Other highlights include the Palace of Despots , a complex of (mainly Byzantine-era) buildings that overlook the Valley of Evrotas and the Plain of Sparta; the elegant and vibrantly adorned Pantánassa Monastery (still a working convent); and the more secluded Perívieptos Monastery with its intricate masonry work and delicate Byzantine fresco paintings.

Mystras also has several other Byzantine churches with exceptional frescoes that represent a flourishing of Byzantine religious art from the 13th to early 15th century.

The Archaeological Museum of Mystras presents an extensive collection of Byzantine paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and religious icons. Located in the courtyard of the Saint Demetrius Cathedral, the museum delights visitors with its peaceful setting and splendid views.

While in the area, tourists should visit the Archaeological Museum of Sparta (12 kilometers from Mystras), which displays objects found at nearby archaeological sites. The collection covers a wide range of time periods, from the Neolithic era through Classical antiquity until the late Roman period.

South of Sparta (30 kilometers away) is the village of Krokeés , which in ancient times was important for its quarries of Lapis Lacedaemonius, a dark green volcanic stone used to construct public baths.

Only 40 kilometers (about a one-hour drive) from the Athens city center, Mount Parnitha in Central Greece offers a wonderful escape to nature. This idyllic area attracts visitors who want to breathe in the fresh air and soak up the unspoiled scenery of refreshing pine forests.

To reach the Mount Parnitha National Park , drive from Athens' outlying suburb of Achárnes. The scenic road winds its way up to the mountain with numerous sharp bends. The highest mountain peak in Greece at 900 meters above sea level, Mount Parnitha has sensational hiking trails that traverse a densely wooded landscape.

A convenient base for those spending a few days exploring the National Park is the Mpafi Mountain Refuge . From this secluded spot, adventurous hikers can begin a climb to the summit of Mount Parnitha and then indulge in the refuge's homemade cuisine and rustic overnight accommodations.

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Greece Tours & Trips from Athens

Find your perfect adventure! We have 708 tours of Greece that start in Athens, Greece. The most popular month is September, and tour lengths range between 2 and 27 days.

250+ Greece tour packages from Athens with 8,480 reviews

Greek Island Hopping | SemiPrivate with 4* Hotels | 11 Days

What an amazing experience! I can't say enough about how much we enjoyed our vacation visiting Greece including 4 islands, mostly because it was so well organized for us. They had everything planned out for us including nice hotels with free breakfast, transfers and ferries. We didn’t have to think at all! The sunset cruise was a nice excursion too. I just recommended this to a friend!

• In-depth Cultural

Classical Tour of Greece and Nauplion - 5 Days

Everything went as promised. The guide was excellent. Very knowledgeable and took care of our needs. Transportation was very nice and comfortable. We upgraded our hotels to 4 star which gave us more room. We are not dinner buffet lovers. The evening buffets were tired! The dinners would be the only change I would make.

Sailing Greece - Athens to Mykonos

It was a good experience, we had a good group of people and had lots of fun. Unfortunately the wind changed the islands we planned on going to multiple times but it was all good in the end. Ended up spending 2 nights in Mykonos rather than the 1.

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Athens, Santorini & Mykonos with 3 Guided Tours | SemiPrivate | 10 Days

The tours in Athens Santorini and Mykonos were nice. I had a complimentary upgrade for the tour in Santorini and I went first time on a catamaran. Me and my son liked it a lot! The hotels had a nice view. Money well spent on this package.

Best of Greece

We had a fantastic time doing 9 cities in Greece. Our CEO guide was amazing. Her name was Ellie and she took care of everything for us. It was such a relaxing vacation for me as I am usually the one making all the plans, reservations, etc. Everything was just as the itinerary said it was. Thank you everyone for a awesome time!

Greece Classic Tour

The guide was amazing!! The level of detail he shared with the group and his organisation at the locations was very good. Limitations on the lunches were frustrating - dropped at a remote location and expected to buy a meal there, the meal of the last day returning to Athens from Meteora was a rip-off!! Lunch at Olympia was amazing. Hotels were a terrific standard. There were 35 people on the bus, more than the 20 advertised.

• Christmas & New Year

My family and I enjoyed a wonderful holiday taken as a private tour expertly crafted by Alberto and Erica to meet our every need. I do not hesitate in highly recommending this tour to any family.

Athens to Santorini

The customer service experience before the trip was terrible! However, when on the trip our lead, Georgia, was absolutely incredible. She showed us parts of Greece that the locals would know. It was clear that she had a genuine interest and passion in doing what she was and had great pride in Greece. If you could get your customer service taken care of you would have a fantastic tour service.

Mainland Greece Discovery

The area covered was perfect. The guide was fantastic. Her knowledge thorough and well delivered with great personality. She had the patience of a saint!

Classic Greece

We were a family of six. My 3 sons whose ages ranged from 17 to 22, my mum 73, my husband and me in a wheelchair. You would think that's a tricky bunch to please. But everyone on the team, Effie, Cassandra and our driver went out of their way to make our six day tour of Greece memorable, informative and lots of fun. Thanks for everything we will treasure the memories.

Greek Island Explorer (10 Days)

We had a very good time and had a wonderful tour agent to help us all the way. She went above the call of duty every day for us all. The only event that was beyond the control of Tour Radar is the hotel in Mykonos which considered a lower level room as a 50 Euro upgrade for seniors and persons with disabilities. They preferred to leave those rooms vacant than allow them at the same rate.

Cultural Athens & Island Hopping Mykonos - Santorini (Self-guided)

I’ll pick ups were on time. All accommodations were beautiful and everyone was friendly. I will do this again

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

We had a fantastic tour of Greece mainland & a few of the Islands. Dina our Tour leader was absolutely amazing - best Tour leader by far!! Only complaint is the hotel in Kalambaka which is not up to standard - otherwise I can recommend the tour to anyone.

Grand Classical Tour Of Greece plus Mani and Monemvasia (Small group - In depth culture/Historical/Nature/Culinary guided tour)

My husband and I did the 10-day Grand Classical Tour of Greece as a private tour and loved it. With George as our guide, and Christos as our driver, it was one of our most memorable trips. George is incredibly knowledgeable and Christos a great driver. We learned so much about Greek history, mythology and culture. Greece is an amazing country - so the tour was really engrossing. We tried all sorts of Greek food- food is a big part of the experience. George knew all the best places to eat! Because my husband and I are physically active, George made sure that each day included a nice amount of walking - around archaeological sites, up to ancient castles, etc. (I think this level of activity may have been somewhat customized to us). Epos was very easy to book with- they were responsive, accommodating, and very knowledgeable- we really appreciated the personalized attention from Dionysis during the booking process. By the end of the tour, saying goodbye to George and Christos felt like saying farewell to family. Thank you George, Christos and Dionysis for a wonderful tour!

Greece Island Hopper

The Greece Island Hopper was my first group travel experience and I had an unforgettable time!! This trip highlights Athens, Mykonos, Ios, and Santorini. Our tour guide, Keira, was the best of the best and so knowledgeable about each city. She took us to and recommended so many hidden gems within each city and I saw so much more in such a short time than I would’ve been able to on my own. It was such a nice change to have all the transportation, activity, accommodations, and logistics taken care of—we could all focus on bonding with our group and getting to know the beautiful cities. I also will say that for the price, I think this trip is excellent value! Overall, I had an amazing time and cannot recommend this experience enough. I will definitely be booking another Tru Travels trip.

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Travel was well organized.

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Athens Travel Guide

Last Updated: March 12, 2024

Athens, founded in 508 BC, is a gigantic city that sprawls over 1,131 square miles (2,929 square kilometers) and is home to over 3 million people.

There are over 5,000 years of history in Athens and you’ll find some of the largest collections in the world of Greek ruins and artifacts here.

But I’ll be honest: I don’t love Athens. I didn’t like it when I first went in 2006 and, after four visits (most recently last year), I’m still not completely sold on it. I think it’s dirty, ugly, and, overall, there’s just something about it I just don’t like.

That said, it’s not all bad.

I love the Plaka area (that’s where all the history is) and Psyri, just north, is my favorite neighborhood in the city. It’s got this cyberpunk/hipster vibe to it and has a lot of excellent bars, street drinking, cafes, and restaurants.

Overall, I have a feeling that Athens is a place that truly reveals its magic when you live there. So, while I’m still not sold on it, I warmed up to it after my last visit and can see why some people like it.

Given the amount of history and sights here, I suggest you spend at least three full days when you visit. There’s a lot to see and do here.

This travel guide to Athens will give you the low down on everything you need to know to plan your visit, save money, and make the most of your time here!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Athens

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Athens

1. Visit the Acropolis

The Acropolis is a 5th-century BCE citadel overlooking Athens. The hilltop complex includes ancient buildings and ruins like Propylaea, the temple to Athena, and the famous Parthenon. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s undoubtedly one of the best historical spots in the city. Lots of plays are hosted in the Odeon of Herodes here in the summer too. Arrive super early or late to avoid the crowds. Admission is 20 EUR, or for 30 EUR you can get a 5-day combined ticket that includes many other archaeological sites in Athens (more on that below). For a guided tour, Athens Walking Tours runs guided tours for around 50 EUR (including admission) that skip the line.

2. Visit the Acropolis Museum

This newer (opened in 2009) museum is housed in a modern building that’s juxtaposed with the archaeological treasures that it holds. One of the highlights is the glass floor where you can walk over the ruins of an ancient neighborhood. There are also over 4,000 excavated finds, including sculptures, friezes, pottery, and more. End your visit at the museum’s restaurant for one of the best views of the Parthenon in the city. Admission is 5 EUR in the winter and 10 EUR in the summer.

3. See the National Archaeological Museum

This museum, founded in the 19th century, has one of the most extensive collections of ancient Greek artifacts in the world. There are five main permanent collections with exhibits covering Prehistoric Antiquities, Sculpture, Metalwork, Vases and Minor Arts, Egyptian Antiquities, and Cypriot Antiquities. You can even see the 2,000-year-old analog “computer” found in a shipwreck off the island of Antikythera. Plan to spend at least a half-day here. Admission is 6 EUR in the winter and 12 EUR in the summer.

4. Hike Lycabettus

Legend has it that the mythological goddess Athena created Mount Lycabettus when she dropped a limestone mountain on the spot. If you want some exercise and a great view of the city and the Acropolis (especially at sunset), hike up to the peak of this 277-meter (909 ft) hill, which is the highest point in Athens. The path starts at the end of Aristippou Street. There’s a (pricey) cafe at the top if you need a drink, as well as an open-air amphitheater that hosts concerts in the summer, and a 19th-century chapel. If you don’t want to walk up, you can pay 7.50 EUR for a return trip on the funicular (5 EUR one-way).

5. See the Historic Sights

The ancient ruins of old Athens are littered around The Plaka, an area that’s known as the “Neighborhood of the Gods.” Located in the shadow of the Acropolis, this is the oldest part of Athens and ruins are everywhere. The Ancient Agora, Hadrian’s Library, the Roman Agora, Olympieion, Kerameikos, and a ton more other stuff are all here. Plan to spend a while roaming the sites. For the big 5, get a combo ticket. It costs 30 EUR and is valid for 5 days so you don’t have to rush.

Other Things to See and Do in Athens

1. take a walking tour.

The first thing I do when I arrive in a new city is take a walking tour. They give you the lay of the land, introduce you to the main sights, and give you access to an expert local guide who can answer all your questions. This post lists all my favorite walking tours in Athens . Just remember to tip your guide at the end!

And if you’re looking for more in-depth and specific tours, Take Walks is the way to go. You get lots of behind-the-scenes access, including at the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. Tours start at 59 EUR. It’s worth the money if you’re a history buff like me!

2. Visit the Athens Central Market (Varvakios Agora)

This 19th-century public market is one of my favorite places to wander, people watch, and sample the local delicacies. Come early to watch the produce and fish being unloaded. There are a ton of Greek specialties, like olives, halloumi, and feta for sale here. It’s open every day of the week except Sunday, from 7am to 6pm (it gets very crowded around lunchtime so arrive early). If you have an appetite, stop at Diporto to eat. The restaurant has no menu so they serve whatever they cook for the day. The owners barely speak English but the food is excellent!

3. Go to Cape Sounion and visit the Temple of Poseidon

Constructed in 444 BCE, the remarkably well preserved Temple of Poseidon sits on a rocky outcrop 70 meters (300 ft) above the ocean. Built to honor the god of the sea, the temple served as a welcomed sight for returning sailors. The sunset from here is incredible and there are several beaches nearby in Legrena and Lavrio. Admission to the archaeological site is 10 EUR. It’s about an hour away from Athens.

4. Visit the Kanellopoulos Museum

This former mansion dates to 1884 and houses a collection of over 6,500 items, including jewelry, weapons, clay-and-stone vases, Byzantine art, figurines, and furniture that once belonged to the wealthy Kanellopoulos family. The collection was bought by the government and turned into a museum in 1976. Although there isn’t much English signage, you rarely have to compete for views with other visitors. Admission is 3 EUR.

5. See the Tower of the Winds (Aerides)

Originally built by Andronicus in the first century BCE, this octagonal tower once functioned as a sundial, weather vane, compass, and water clock. It’s widely accepted to be the world’s first meteorological station. The entire tower is made of Pentelic marble, which is the same used for the Parthenon and was rarely used for anything other than temples. It’s 8 EUR to visit with a combined ticket to the Ancient Agora.

6. Witness the Easter Vigil

If you happen to be in Athens during Easter weekend, don’t miss this enchanting vigil procession. Every Good Friday, thousands upon thousands of people form a procession throughout the city, all holding lit candles. Head to Lycabettus Hill and join the crowds ascending to the St. George church. Even if you’re not religious, it’s a cultural experience worth seeing. You can also climb the hill anytime to watch the sunset (it’s the highest point in the city so the views are excellent). The neighborhood below, Kolonaki, also has lots of upscale bars and cafes if you want to splash out and relax.

7. Hike Parnitha National Park

Located 90 minutes from Athens by car, here you can find several caves, gorges, and springs to explore. Mount Parnitha is also the highest mountain in the region, standing 1,413 meters (4,635 ft) tall. There are around 75 well-marked paths in the park so a guide isn’t necessary. For an easy hike, the trek to Bafi Refuge from the church of Ayia Triada only takes 40 minutes. For something more challenging, try the 20-kilometer (12-mile) trek from Avlona to Agia Marina.

8. Stroll through Anafiotika

Anafiotika is a 19th-century neighborhood built into the northern side of the Acropolis hill. It lies above Plaka, near the entrance to the Agora, but has none of the hustle and bustle of the city center. This place embodies the feel of the Greek islands, boasting whitewashed walls, shuttered windows, and tiny sidewalk cafes.

9. Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus

Dating from the 6th century BCE, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was once the largest temple in Greece (it took almost 700 years to build). Peisistratos, the son of Hippocrates and ruler of Athens from 561-527 BCE, started its construction and then abandoned it after funds ran dry. Hadrian finished the job in 131 CE, and then built an enormous statue of Zeus (and then an enormous statue of himself). There are only a few Corinthian columns still standing. Admission is 6 EUR but really there’s not much here so just look at it from the gate and save yourself some money!

10. Take a food tour

Athens is one big gastronomic adventure. To sample the city’s best eats, Devour’s Ultimate Athens Food Tour provides a fantastic introduction to the local cuisine, with thirteen tastings across nine traditional establishments. You’ll sample fresh cheeses and cold cuts, visit the central market, learn about Greek dining culture, enjoy loukoumades (fried donut balls), and taste some classic souvlaki, all while exploring three historic neighborhoods. Tours start from 69 EUR.

11. Hang out in Psyri

This small neighborhood north of Plaka was given a major upgrade for the 2004 Olympics and consists of an eclectic mix of bars, nightclubs, tavernas, cafes, and restaurants. It’s one of my favorite areas in Athens. It’s got this cyberpunk/hipster vibe to it and is really popular with locals on weekends. There are a lot of hostels here and nearby you’ll find one of the Middle Eastern/Indian neighborhoods in the city (they are blended here) with lots of good food options.

13. Hit the beach

The closest beaches to the center of Athens are in Piraeus and Alimos, just 10-15 kilometers (6-9 miles) south of Athens center. They offer beaches with clear water, sand and pebbles, and have a good selection of restaurants to choose from. Their easy access from Athens by public transport means they get busy in the summer — especially on weekends and holidays. If you have more time and want to escape (some of) the crowds, head further along the Athenian Riviera to places like Lagonisi or Saronida or go on to Sounion (you could combine a beach trip with visiting the Temple of Poseidon). If the sea is too cold for swimming, head to Vouliagmeni Lake. The water in the lake is thermally heated so it’s much warmer than the ocean!

14. Hike Filopappou Hill

Right across from the Acropolis is this hill that gives you one of the best views of the Parthenon. The hill takes about 15 minutes to walk up and there are a number of ruins and sites all around the hill you can stop at (they have a lot of good signs that explain what was there). Definitely go up. The views are great!

15. Day trip to Delphi

Delphi was a place of spiritual significance to the ancient Greeks. Located around 2.5 hours northwest of Athens, this is where the omniscient Oracle would contact the god Apollo and give his advice to those seeking good fortune. Although the eternal flame no longer burns inside the temple, a visit to the Temple of Apollo is obligatory if you’re nearby. Admission is 12 EUR and includes entry to the museum as well as the archaeological site itself (which includes far more than just the Temple of Apollo).

16. Watch the sunset on Mars Hill

A very popular sunset spot with locals is Mars (Areopagus) Hill. It was once the site that served as the high court of appeal in ancient Greece. Today, it’s a great spot to relax and see the sunset. Bring some beer or wine up here and enjoy the view of the city right under the Acropolis. It’s like a free “rooftop” bar!

17. See Hansen’s Trilogy

There are three buildings just five minutes walk from the Syntagma main square and are considered some of the most beautiful neoclassical buildings in the world. Designed by Danish architect Theophil Freiherr von Hansen in the 19th century, The Academy, the University, and the National Library look exactly like how you’d picture ancient Athens. The simple use of geometric shapes gives these buildings a grand, eloquent design. Don’t miss seeing them!

18. Explore the Panathenaic Stadium (Kalimarmaro)

This stadium is where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. The stadium was originally used in 330 BCE by the Greeks. The Romans rebuilt it entirely out of marble in 144 CE, expanding it to hold over 50,000 people. It eventually was abandoned and wasn’t used again until the 19th century when it was refurbished for the Olympics. Admission is 10 EUR. In the summer, lots of concerts are held here for big touring bands.

For more information on other destinations in Greece, check out these guides:

• Corfu Travel Guide
• Crete Travel Guide
• Ios Travel Guide
• Mykonos Travel Guide
• Naxos Travel Guide
• Santorini Travel Guide
• Sparta Travel Guide

Athens Travel Costs

Hostel prices – In peak season, a bed in a dorm with 4-6 beds starts at 35 EUR per night, while a dorm with 8 beds or more costs 20-25 EUR per night. Private rooms cost between 95-105 EUR per night in peak season and around 55 EUR in off-peak season. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels have kitchens if you want to cook.

For those traveling with a tent, camping can be done outside the city for around 16 EUR per night for a basic tent plot without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels with a private bathroom start at 40 EUR per night, though expect to spend closer to 50-60 per night if you’re booking last minute.

You can find Airbnbs anywhere in Athens, with private rooms starting at 20 EUR per night (although they average closer to 45 EUR). A full apartment averages about 130 EUR per night.

Average cost of food – Traditional Greek cuisine is very healthy with a lot of fresh vegetables. Olive oil, lamb, fish, pork, cheeses (especially feta), and yogurts are also super common. Filo pastries stuffed with meat or spinach and cheese are a local favorite as are souvlaki and gyros.

You can find gyros or souvlaki for between 2-3 EUR, while a breakfast pastry with a coffee isn’t more than 3 EUR.

At a casual restaurant that serves traditional cuisine, expect to pay around 10 EUR for a main dish and about 2-4 EUR for a glass of wine. A Greek salad costs between 5-8 EUR. Fish will be more expensive around 15-20 EUR. A lot of restaurants charge for bread. The price is between .50-1.50 EUR. A bottle of water at a restaurant is about 2 EUR.

All in all, if you’re going out at a casual taverna, expect to spend between 12-20 EUR depending on how much food you get. After that prices, go up depending on how fancy you get!

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 7 EUR for a combo meal. A large pizza costs 7-10 EUR while Indian/Chinese food can be found for around 7-8 EUR for a main dish.

Beer is 5 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is 3 EUR. Bottled water from the supermarket is 0.50 EUR. Cocktails are expensive, however, usually costing 8-12 EUR.

My favorite places to eat in the city are Kostas for souvlaki (they use this red sauce that is to die for), Feyrouz for Lebanese food, Avli Psiri or Ella for Greek, Shiraki for Japanese, Dosa House for dosas.

If you cook for yourself, you can spend as little as 40 EUR on groceries per week, which will get you staples like pasta, rice, fresh veggies, and chicken. Head to the Central Market for the cheapest, freshest food.

Backpacking Athens Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 45 EUR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook most of your meals and a little fast food, limit your drinking, use public transportation to get around, and stick to mostly cheap or free activities like free walking tours. If you plan on drinking more, add 5-10 EUR more to your budget per day.

On a mid-range budget of 105 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, drink more, eat out for all your meals at cheap street stalls, take the occasional taxi, and do more activities like visiting the Acropolis and the Archeological Museum.

On a “luxury” budget of 220 EUR per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink as much as you’d like, rent a car to get around, and do more paid activities and guided tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Athens Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Greece in general is pretty cheap and Athens is no exception. Stick to cheap eats, a few attractions, and boom, you’re set! But, with a few extra tips, your money can go a lot further. Here are some suggested ways to save money in Athens:

• Take a free walking tour – To get a feel for the city and learn some history, be sure to take a free walking tour when you arrive. Exploring a city on foot is the best way to understand it, and if you love architecture and history then this is a must! Just be sure to tip your guide at the end.
• Get a transportation pass – Buying combo tickets for Athens’ metro system is one of the best ways to save money. A one-day unlimited pass is 4.10 EUR, and a five-day pass is 8.20 EUR. You can also get a three-day tourist pass, including round-trip tickets to the airport for 20 EUR.
• Visit the sites for free – From November 1st to March 31st, all major sites in the city are free on the first Sunday of the month. Though the crowds tend to be big, it’s a great way to see all the major sites and save yourself the entrance fee! Prices are also heavily discounted during these months as well.
• Get a combo ticket – For 30 EUR you can get admission to the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and more. Considering the entrance fee is 20 EUR for just the Acropolis, this is a steal!
• Have an ISIC Card – To save up to 50% on the cost of admission to museums and other tourist attractions, be sure to present a valid student card. The ISIC is typically accepted in places where a foreign student ID is not.
• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find really nice Couchsurfing hosts in Athens. This way, you not only have a free place to stay but you get a local host that can tell you the best places to go and share their insider tips.
• Go to museums on their free admission days – Most of the museums have some days when admission is free. Check the Odysseus Culture website for details as they vary from museum to museum.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Use the Greek Salad/Bread Rule – Is a restaurant cheap or expensive? Here’s a good rule of thumb: If the bread cover is .50 EUR or a Greek salad is less than 7 EUR, the restaurant is cheap. If the cover is around 1 EUR and a salad is 7-8.50 EUR, the prices are average. Anything more that, the place is expensive.
• Eat super cheap – Gyros (and other street snacks) usually only cost a few euros. They are quick and easy and can keep you full for less than 10 EUR per day!
• Use points if you can – If you have points, use them to book accommodation. For only a few thousand points per night, you can save a ton of money. This post has more info if you’re new to points and miles .

Where to Stay in Athens

Athens has plenty of affordable hostels to choose from. From hostels to hotels to quaint B&Bs, you have a lot of choice. If you’re looking for a hostel, here are some of my favorites (they all offer private rooms too):

• Athens Hawks Hostel

How to Get Around Athens

A one-day unlimited pass is 4.10 EUR and a five-day pass is 8.20 EUR. You can also get a three-day tourist pass, including round-trip tickets to the airport for 20 EUR.

The express bus from the airport for 6 EUR each way. The subway costs 9 EUR each way and takes about an hour from the city center to the airport (and vice versa).

Bicycle – If you’re not afraid of navigating Athens’ chaotic traffic, bike rentals are an enjoyable way to get around. Rentals start at 12 EUR per day, though electric bicycles can be double that price. Athens By Bike and Bike Me Up are two reputable companies to use.

Taxi – Base fare for taxis in Athens is 3 EUR, with each additional kilometer costing 0.74 EUR. Skip the taxis if you can as the prices add up quickly. Also, make sure the meter is turned on. It’s illegal for drivers not to use the meter, however, some drivers might try to get sneaky to rip you off. Additionally, make sure the meter shows a number “1”. The “2” is only for 12am-5am, when the rates are double.

Ridesharing – Uber no longer exists here so you’re stuck taking taxis. (You can still use the Uber app, but it will just call a taxi for you).

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 20 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. However, you won’t need one unless you’re going to be leaving the city to explore the surrounding area. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have had their license for at least one year. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

When to Go to Athens

Summer (June-August)is the most popular time to visit. However, it’s also super hot. Temperatures climb as high as the mid-30s°C (mid-90s°F), which can often be unbearable. Sometimes they get even higher and get closer to 40°C. On the other hand, if you’re planning on doing some island hopping from Athens, this is a good time to come to enjoy the Mediterranean waters.

Winters in Athens are mild, with temperatures hovering around 10°C (50°F). It rarely snows so this can be an excellent time to see the Acropolis and other famous sights without the tourist crowds. Easter is an excellent time to visit to appreciate all the Greek Orthodox celebrations.

Personally, I think that the shoulder season (April/May and September/October) is the best time to visit. Prices are a bit cheaper, temperatures are pleasant, and you can avoid the busiest time of the tourist season. If you’re on a budget and want to beat the crowds, this is when you should visit.

How to Stay Safe in Athens

Athens is generally a very safe city to visit, even for solo travelers. Your biggest risk is pickpockets, especially on the subway. The city is rife with them. Be sure to keep a close eye on your stuff and watch out for groups who come near you. Usually, they are working in teams to distract you while someone picks your pocket. Other than that, there’s not much to worry about.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

At night, it’s best to avoid the areas around Omonia, Exarcheia, Victoria Square, and Kolokotroni.

If you hike to Fillopapou hill, keep an eye out for pickpockets. The pickpockets know tourists go up there so they tend to hang out around there looking for an easy target.

Scams can occur around Monastiraki, Syntagma, and Glyfada when tourists are lured into a bar with special discounted drink prices, and then are later forced to pay huge prices on their bar tabs or get threatened with violence. You can read more about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you rent a vehicle, don’t leave any valuables in it at night. Break-ins are rare but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Athens Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Ferry Hopper – If you’re looking to book your ferries, this website is an easy way to search the various companies, piece together routes, and book your tickets.
• Take Walks – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of Greece.

Athens Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Greece travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

The 6 Best Hostels in Athens

Where to Stay in Athens: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The Best Walking Tours in Athens

Traveling Greece: How Much Does It Cost?

Fulfilling Childhood Dreams in Crete

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Equal measures of grunge and grace, Athens is a master of reinvention, serving up an anarchic mash-up of architectural gravitas, urban grit and infectious creativity.

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Attractions

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Acropolis Museum

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Gazi, Keramikos & Metaxourgio

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Ancient Agora

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Byzantine & Christian Museum

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Benaki Museum of Greek Culture

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National Archaeological Museum

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National Library of Greece

In 2018, the National Library shifted more than 720,000 items from its collection to this stunning new building that is part of the Stavros Niarchos…

Greek National Opera

Having settled into state-of-the-art digs within the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, the Greek National Opera is going from strength to…

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

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Odeon of Herodes Atticus

This large amphitheatre was built in AD 161 by wealthy Roman Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Regilla. It was excavated in 1857–58 and completely…

Stavros Niarchos Park

Athens is short on green spaces, so this vast seaside park is a blessing. Covering a man-made slope that incorporates the roof of the Stavros Niarchos…

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Syntagma & Plaka

A can't-miss on two counts: it's a marvellous temple, once the largest in Greece, and it's smack in the centre of Athens. Of the temple's 104 original…

Hill of the Pnyx

North of Filopappou Hill, this hill was the official meeting place of the Democratic Assembly in the 5th century BC – really, the first site of democracy…

Built between 1836 and 1842 by Bavarian architect Friedrich von Gärtner, Greece's Parliament was originally the royal palace. From its balcony, the…

Monastiraki Flea Market

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Panathenaic Stadium

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Church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris

At the foot of Filopappou Hill, this 16th-century church may not be the oldest in Athens, but it is certainly one of the loveliest, with a heavy timber…

Temple of Hephaistos

On the western edge of the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Hephaistos, god of the forge, was surrounded by foundries and metalwork shops. It was one of the…

Filopappou Hill

Also called the Hill of the Muses, Filopappou Hill – along with the hills of the Pnyx and the Nymphs – is a somewhat wild, pine-shaded spot that's good…

Agora Museum

Within the Ancient Agora, this museum is packed with archaeological finds, but can get uncomfortably crowded if a tour group is cycling through. It is set…

Plateia Syntagmatos

Generally considered the centre of Athens, this square is a transport hub and general hang-out spot, especially on warm summer evenings when young people…

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Exarhia Weekly Market

With rowdy traders working against lovely neoclassical buildings, this is one of Athens' most atmospheric renditions of the laïki agora, the market that…

Tower of the Winds

This Pentelic marble tower within the Roman Agora, likely built in the 2nd century BC, is both beautiful and functional. Devised by Andronicus, a…

Victoria Square Project

Established by American artist Rick Lowe, known for his Project Row Houses in Houston, Texas, this storefront is what he calls a 'social sculpture': a…

Museum of Folk Art & Tradition

The 1920s mansion of folklorist Angeliki Hatzimichalis (1895–1965), who wrote more than 100 books and articles about Greek traditions, is a window into…

Varvakios Agora

A wonderful sight in its own right, this huge old wrought-iron market hall is dedicated to fish and meat, especially row upon row of lamb carcasses,…

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

In front of Parliament, the traditionally costumed evzones (presidential guards) stand by the tomb and change every hour on the hour. On Sunday at 11am, a…

Oldest House in Athens

Opened after renovations in 2017, the 17th-century Benizelos home is a typical domestic structure from that period, with dirt-floor downstairs rooms with…

Based in the former offices of famous, but now defunct, magazine Romantso, this diamond of a creative hub has multiple facets. It's an all-day cafe-bar,…

Onassis Cultural Centre

Housed in an eye-catching piece of architecture that livens up the dull urbanity of Leoforos Syngrou, this visual- and performing-arts centre is well…

Hadrian’s Arch

The Roman emperor Hadrian had a great affection for Athens. Although he did his fair share of spiriting its Classical artwork to Rome, he also embellished…

National Historical Museum

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Planning a Trip to Athens: The Ultimate Travel Checklist

• Last Updated on: Jan 25, 2024
• Read Time 18 mins
• Published: Mar 20, 2020

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You’ve already heard and read about the wonders of Athens, the archaeological sites, the Parthenon, the sandy beaches, the nearby islands, and the picturesque city center. Now it’s time to visit this intriguing destination yourself. But where do you start? How do you prepare for a relaxing vacation with no unpleasant surprises? This travel checklist will cover all the things you need to consider before you start planning your trip to Athens, Greece, and answer all your questions to help you ensure that your holiday will be no less than flawless. In addition, at the end of the article, you’ll find a quick guide for first-time visitors to Athens that will go through all the things that should be on your bucket list and all the attractions you should not miss when you get there. So, keep reading, make sure to tick all the boxes off your travel checklist, and prepare for the most unforgettable vacation.

Travel Checklist for Athens, Greece

This 10-point travel checklist should be your starting point and your most trustworthy travel planning partner if you want a seamless vacation. After all, what better way to prepare for a trip to Athens than to get all the information you need directly from the locals? Without further ado, here’s all you need to know about your upcoming Athens trip.

1. Get your passport ready and check the visa requirements

Greece is one of the only two countries in the Balkans that is a part of the Schengen Zone which means that if your passport was issued in a country that also belongs to the Schengen Zone, you will not need a visa to get to Athens.

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong S.A.R, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macao S.A.R, Macedonia, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Timor Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela

Keep in mind, however, that some of these countries have some special requirements you have to meet before being allowed to travel within the Schengen Zone without a visa. It’s always best to check with your local authorities beforehand.

Also, note that the 90-day period starts counting from when you land in any Schengen country. Lastly, it’s always best to travel with a passport that expires no less than 6 months from the date of your trip.

If you have any questions regarding your passport or visa status after arriving in Athens, we recommend checking with your country’s embassy or consulate. You can find an extensive list of foreign embassies and consulates in Athens here .

2. Book your flights early

We always say it, but there is no way to stress this enough: if you want to get a cheap flight to Athens, you’ll have to book your tickets early!

Tip : Aviasales searches travel and airline sites to help you find cheap flights at the best prices . Search for tickets with 728 airlines and leading ticket offices and get the best prices on flights.

Especially if you’re traveling from faraway places like North America or Australia, booking your ticket well in advance will not only guarantee that you get a good deal but also that there will be enough time for you to schedule all your activities in time and book any tours, ferry or train tickets you will be needing.

You can book any tours or tickets here .

Greece is primarily a summertime tourist destination. Thus, many more flights are operating during the summer months to choose from.

Sometimes, flying to Athens and then getting on a ferry or another flight toward the islands is quite cheap. Plus, you might get the chance to spend a day in Athens – or more!

In our experience, you can get the best deals by searching and comparing flights on Aviasales , a cutting-edge flight search platform with frequent offers and real-time updates.

3. Plan your Athens itinerary

Regardless of how much time you plan to spend in Athens, you should always be one step ahead and have an organized schedule.

A well-crafted itinerary always makes for an enjoyable trip. The first thing you’ll need to ask yourself before starting to plan every step of the trip is what kind of vacation you are looking for.

Save Money : If you are planning to visit some must-see archaeological sites in Athens, plus the Acropolis Museum it is much cheaper to buy the Athens Pass than to buy single tickets.

Athens Pass Tourist Card: Skip-the-Line Tickets for All the Must-See Attractions in Athens

Athens combines nature, culture, urban walks, gastronomy, and nightlife in an exciting blend that will make this decision difficult.

We have some good and some bad news for you. The bad news is that fitting everything into your Athens itinerary will be impossible. But here’s the good news: whatever you choose to do on your vacation, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re planning to stay in Athens for more than a week:

You’ll have plenty of time for the most famous attractions and explore the city’s best neighborhoods at your own pace. So why not take it a few steps further?

We highly recommend taking a day trip away from Athens to discover one or more of the country’s famous sites like the unique Meteora , the enigmatic site of Delphi , or Ancient Olympia .

You can find a few more ideas about great day trips from Athens right below.

Best Day Trips From Athens To: Ancient Sites – Islands – Towns

If you’re planning to stay in athens for less than a week:.

Of course, you should prioritize visiting the must-see attractions , but you’ll also have the chance to explore some lesser-known spots.

Start by discovering the hidden gems of Athens , make sure to dive into the vibrant nightlife, and don’t forget to get a taste of authentic Greek cuisine. Last but not least spend some hours exploring Anafiotika, the hidden island under the Acropolis .

Now, if sandy beaches are what you are after, consider taking a short cruise to the Saronic Gulf islands.

The Ideal Day Trip From Athens to Saronic Gulf Islands

If you’re planning to stay in athens only for a few days:.

If you’re planning a weekend in Athens , the top attractions like the Parthenon and Acropolis Museum should be at the top of your list.

You’ll also have time to explore a few of the city’s most famous neighborhoods like the picturesque Plaka and the famous Monastiraki .

We highly recommend booking a guided tour to these places to save time and make the most out of your visit to Athens.

Finally, if you’re only visiting for a day, have a look at this guide to planning the perfect one-day itinerary for your trip. And don’t worry if you don’t make it to all of the stops; you can always come back!

4. Book your activities in advance

Apart from day trips and island cruises, there is a wide array of options for activities in Athens you can choose from.

From urban sightseeing walks that will take you through the most famous attractions, nightlife walking tours, and charming rooftop sunset tours to street food tours and watersports activities, there is not much you cannot do in Athens.

Keep in mind that if you are traveling during the tourist season of Greece (April to September), you have to book any activities in advance to secure a spot.

Try having a look here for more exciting ideas and tours with guaranteed lowest prices in Athens.

5. Book your accommodation

If you are a frequent reader, you already know that we mention this a lot, but this simple tip is perhaps the most important piece of advice you must follow.

Book your hotel right after you book your flights!

Athens is indeed home to many hotels, but that doesn’t mean that all of them offer high-quality amenities at reasonable prices or are located in privileged spots in the city.

Discover the Best Hotels in Athens: A Guide to the Best Areas to Stay

If you want to get a good deal for your stay in Athens and be sure your money is well spent, you must book in advance.

One of the hotels we usually recommend to our readers is the Attalos Hotel .

This hotel is located in a perfect location within a 15-minute walk of all important sights, restaurants, and interesting neighborhoods.

Check some photos and reviews on Booking.com

We recommend using booking.com , one of the largest booking platforms worldwide to make sure you get access to exclusive offers. Plus, you can get free cancellation for bookings made even months before your arrival.

6. Pack your bags

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but we’ve all had trips ruined by forgetting some of our most essential things. Make a packing list and be sure to include the following:

• Beach attire and accessories . Downtown Athens is just a breath away from a few spectacular beaches . Ensure you have your swimsuit and anything else you might need at the beach.
• Sunscreen . Even if you don’t plan to go to the beach, the summer weather in Athens can be cruel. You don’t want to get sunburnt while walking up the Acropolis or strolling down the sunny streets in the city center.
• Medication . Even though there are pharmacies everywhere in the city center, buying almost anything requires having a doctor’s prescription and you will have a hard time buying even common medicine. ( Pro tip : if you’re planning to travel by ferry, make sure to pack some seasickness pills for windy days).
• A smartphone . You’ll even be able to purchase a SIM card in Athens and have a local number with just your ID. Having a smartphone with a local number will also allow you to use taxi apps in Athens.
• Appropriate clothing . Make sure to pack a pair of sneakers for all those long walks up and down the hills of Athens and a spring jacket even if you’re traveling in the middle of the summer. Nights in Athens can be chilly, especially in places near the seaside like the Athens Riviera .

7. Have some cash ready

The monetary unit of Greece is the Euro. Most major credit cards are accepted throughout Greece but we recommend that you try to make some exchange and have cash with you before getting to downtown Athens.

A few (though rare) restaurants, cafes, and kiosks still do not accept credit cards. Also, remember that you won’t be able to use a credit card with street vendors or taxis.

If you don’t want to carry cash with you on your flight, you can exchange any currency at the Athens International Airport by withdrawing money from the ATMs or at the currency exchange booths.

8. Prepare for your arrival

It’s time to get prepared for all the practical stuff. The main concern you will have as soon as you arrive in Athens will be how to get to the city center and locate your hotel.

If you plan to land at Athens International Airport , you will have three different transportation options: the metro, the bus, or a taxi.

The metro station is located right outside the airport and is a terminal stop (blue line). Boarding the metro will take you to Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Kerameikos in downtown Athens , as well as the port of Piraeus.

In addition, four bus routes (X93, X95, X96, X97) head in different directions throughout Athens and all the way to Piraeus port .

The metro ticket costs €9 and the bus ticket to Athens or the port of Piraeus costs €5.30 .

If you want to save time, we recommend getting a taxi. There is a fixed price for rides from the airport to the city center at €40 in the daytime (05.00 – 00.00) and €55 at night (00.00 – 05.00).

That is all the information you need to get from the airport of Athens to the city center . For more information on how to get around Athens after you have reached downtown, have a look here .

9. Learn a few common words in Greek

Communicating in English while in Athens -and especially at all the tourist hotspots- will not be a problem. However, learning a few words in Greek will be a fun way to make your way around, and it will surely put a smile on people’s faces. Here are a few words you need to know to make a great first impression:

• Hi – Yah
• Yes – Né
• No – Okhi
• Thank You – Efkharistó
• Please or Welcome – Parakaló
• Do You Speak English – Miláte Angliká?
• I don’t speak Greek – Den miláo eliniká
• Excuse Me – Signómi
• Good Morning – Kaliméra
• Good Evening – Kalispéra
• Goodnight – Kalinikta (only say this when you are bidding someone goodbye)

A Quick Guide for First-Time Visitors to Athens

We’re not done yet! If you need a travel checklist for Athens, it’s safe to assume that you are a first-time visitor.

So, after ticking off all of the boxes above, we’ll give you a little bit of information on our beloved city so that you get to know it better before arriving.

When Is the Best Time To Travel To Athens?

The most convenient period to travel to Athens is during spring and autumn because of the pleasing weather with temperatures that are not as hot as the summer months but still warm enough to enjoy your stay.

Also, there are fewer visitors during these periods, meaning that all the famous sites and museums will be less crowded and the hotels cheaper and easier to book.

Wintertime is also quite an interesting time to visit Athens if you want to experience the city without all the flashy touristy stuff, like a true local. You can get a feel of what visiting Athens in the winter could be like by going through this guide .

Summertime is the peak tourist season and when the city is at its busiest.

If you can handle the tourist crowds and the hot weather, visiting Athens in the summer will be an unforgettable experience, especially if you plan to go on a day trip to an island or enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.

If you want to read more about when is the best time to visit Athens, please read this detailed article .

Tradition and Culture of Athens

Greece is a country full of culture, customs, and traditions that date back thousands of years.

And while it’s true that Greek culture is best experienced in small places in the countryside, you’ll find that Athens will make for a trip completely different from anything else you have experienced in Europe – or the world!

If you’re lucky enough to visit on Christmas or Easter, you’ll get the chance to witness unique festive celebrations and get in touch with local culture.

Christmas in Athens: Weather – Tips – Where to Go and What to Do

Also, don’t miss out on joining any local event. A Greek wedding or christening feast would be the best example, but simply hanging out with the locals at a tiny taverna or a traditional kafenion will be enough for you to get in touch with Athenian culture .

Hospitality in Athens

Greek hospitality is definitely not a myth, even in the big city of Athens! Just spark a conversation with any local, and you’ll soon discover that Greeks are big on hospitality.

People are friendly and will be more than happy to give you instructions on the street or help you out with anything you need.

The uniqueness of Greek hospitality is also reflected in the hotel’s services and staff and the local gastronomy scene.

What You Should Not Miss When You Visit Athens

You shouldn’t miss the lovely walk around the Acropolis (built for the Olympic games and finished in 2002), starting from the site of the Arch of Hadrien and the Temple of the Olympian Zeus , passing by the amazing theatre of Herodes Atticus, and descending to Thissio , where you can enjoy a drink or a coffee in one of the nice cafés with view on the Acropolis.

A guided tour of the ancient sites of Athens is strongly recommended

Make sure to reserve an entire morning to visit the majestic Acropolis , some of the best museums in Athens, and the lovely little theatre of Dionysus on the southeast slope of the Acropolis.

Check out this skip-the-line ticket for all the sites in Athens.

Combined Ticket for the Acropolis & all the Archaeological Sites in Athens [Skip the Line with a Single Ticket]

Places to go when in athens.

Start by walking around the city center between the small streets of Plaka and pass by the flea market in Monastiraki.

Please your senses with colors and odors at the Athens Central Market on Athinas Avenue, home to local fruit and vegetable vendors and little shops selling nuts, herbs, honey, and dried fruits.

Read our detailed article about the Athens central market and learn how to get there, the opening hours of the Varvakeios, and many more.

A Hidden Foodie Oasis: Visit the Athens Central Market

You can also take a walk in the district of Psiri where you can find a lot of artisanal shops, a few modern shops with home furniture, as well as several restaurants and tavernas, trendy bars, and wine places.

Of course, you must visit Lycabettus Hill and enjoy the wonderful view from there. Lycabettus Hill is a vantage point that gives a great view of the city of Athens below.

On a clear day, you can see as far as Mount Parnitha in the north, Piraeus in the west, and the Saronic Gulf in the south.

Lycabettus Hill, which means “Hill of Wolves,” is the place to be on “Clean Monday,” which is the first day of Lenten according to the Greek Orthodox Church. Athenians gather here to fly kites on this day, and the sky is full of colors.

Cabs go half the distance and then you have to walk to the top.

Another option is to take the funicular and you’ll cover the distance in two minutes. The cable cars are available every half hour from 9 am till midnight.

Syntagma Square is another place you can’t miss. Look at the imposing neoclassical building of the Greek Parliament (the old king’s palace) and take a few photos of the Evzones (Greek guards wearing the traditional fustanella skirt, hat, and shoes) who guard it.

Syntagma Square in Athens: The Central Meeting Point of the City

Finally, for a bit of freshness and nature, go for a walk in the National Garden or the charming Gardens of Zappeion.

And that’s just the beginning. Check out our guide on the top things to do in Athens here , and tailor your itinerary to suit your tastes and preferences.

That’s all the essential information you will need to start planning your trip to Athens.

We hope that you find our travel checklist for your upcoming trip to Athens useful and that you’ll be able to enjoy this marvelous city absolutely stress-free.

Follow our tips, and we are certain that your vacation will be one that you will never forget.

Athens Uncovered: Must-Visit Places for Every Traveler

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How to Spend Three Perfect Days in Athens: An In-Depth Itinerary

I’m obsessed with Greece.

From the moment I stepped foot in this beautiful country, it was love at first mouthful. There’s something about Greece feels so healing. Being there calms my mind, soothes my worries, and leaves me feeling healthier and stronger than ever. And the food? Guys . I’ve been to over 90 countries and Greece is my number one destination for eating.

I believe Athens is one of the greatest European cities out there, and it’s the perfect destination for a city break. This city is magnificent! With great street art, incredible food, colourful neighbourhoods, and so much history, there really is something for everybody.

I think three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Athens, so today, I’m excited to share exactly how you can do so.

Day One: Begin Diving Into Athen’s History

The first thing you should do in Athens is a no-brainer: buy your combined ticket.

What’s that?

Well, it costs €35, and for that, you’ll gain access to all of the main attractions in Athens, including the Acropolis. Not only will you get to explore the most famous site in the city, but you’ll also be able to enter the Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, Aristotle’s School, Kerameikos, and the Olympieion — you can visit each of these once over a five-day period, and you can buy the ticket at the entrance to any of them. You’ll save a whole bunch of money by doing this, so the only reason not to get the combined ticket is if you think you’ll only want to see one or two of the attractions.

However, if you happen to be reading this before you get to Athens, I highly recommend buying your combined ticket online . Doing so means you get to avoid the long lines for tickets and can simply show the QR code on your phone to gain entry.

If you haven’t bought your combined ticket online, once you arrive in Athens, head to the Ancient Agora and join the queue for one.

The Ancient Agora was built in the 6th Century BC and was once the centre of life in ancient Athens. Used as a marketplace and gathering spot, this was where you’d have found people like Socrates, Aristotle and Plato casually wandering around town. Almost all of the commercial, political, and social activity took place in the ancient Agora, so this is a hugely important area to check out.

Once you’ve entered the Ancient Agora, head first to the Temple of Hephaestus, which is the best-preserved temple in Athens. And that sure is impressive when you consider that it was built in 415 BC — it’s still in great condition!

The views were pretty acceptable, too.

Aside from the Temple of Hephaestus, the Ancient Agora is also home to your standard ruin remnants: collections of rocks, stumps, and fallen-down walls, hinting at the temples and stalls that would have once stood here. But, as always with ruins, you’ll have to use your imagination, because it is still a pile of rocks on the ground.

There’s the Stoa of Attalos here, too — built in the 2nd Century BC, although since reconstructed — which currently acts as a museum for the Ancient Agora. And the Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles, which was built in 1000 AD, is one of the few structures in the Agora that’s still standing.

Before arriving in Athens, I kind of assumed it would feel like a poor man’s Rome, but at this point, I was well and truly eating my words. Athens was pretty goddamn awe-inspiring.

Next, you’ll want to make your way over to the Kerameikos Cemetery, which is another site that’s included in your combined pass. This spot was one of the most important regions of ancient Athens. Once used as a neighbourhood for pottery and painters, it was the place where all of those famous Athenian vases were produced.

It was later transformed into a cemetery: one of Athens’ most important.

As you wander the site, you’ll also be able to spot pieces of the Themistoclean Wall, which was built in 478 BC to protect the city from the Spartans.

I’m convinced that it’s impossible to have a bad meal in Greece: their cuisine is too delicious to mess up. I’ve yet to have a meal that wasn’t excellent in this country, whether I’ve been sat beside a congested motorway in the middle of nowhere, snacking at a taverna on a yacht in the Ionian, or dining in the most touristy parts of Athens.

The latter was exactly what we opted for at lunchtime, and it should have been terrible.

I settled on the most touristy restaurant on the most touristy of streets, with touts outside, and a menu in English with photos of the dishes. What can I say? We were starving by this point, so decided to give in and eat an overpriced, poor meal.

Except it was amazing! Because Greece.

While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend heading to a touristy restaurant for any of your meals in Athens, I suspect you won’t be all that disappointed if you do end up there. Eat anywhere in Athens! It’s always going to be delicious.

After lunch, it’s time to hit up the second Agora in Athens. The Roman Agora was built in the 1st century BC, financed by Caesar and Augustus, and like the Ancient Agora, was used as the city’s marketplace. You enter the site through the Gate of Athena Archegetis, which was built by Julius Caesar and dedicated to the goddess Athena.

The most well-known and well-preserved building is the Tower of the Winds: a large octagonal marble tower that functions as a sundial, weathervane, and water clock. It’s believed to be the first meteorological station in the world and it’s well-worth having a look inside.

One of my favourite neighbourhoods in Athens was Plaka, so you’re going to want to head there after the Roman Agora. Everybody who spends time in Athens falls in love with this neighbourhood! You could spend hours exploring its photogenic streets.

Plaka is all about clean colourful streets, bustling cafes, and amazing places to eat. It’s popular with visitors, so often busy, but you’ll still love spending an afternoon cafe-hopping through the picturesque streets and taking photos of all of the colours.

While you’re in Plaka, you also have to check out nearby Anafiotika’s white-washed buildings and narrow streets for an insight into what Greek island life is like. The buildings look a lot like what you find on Santorini.

Grab dinner in Plaka or in a restaurant overlooking the Acropolis. You’ll have an early start tomorrow, so you’ll want to get an early night.

Day Two: All Acropolis, All the Time

Against popular belief, I highly, strenuously, aggressively recommend saving the Acropolis for your second day in Athens. As tempting as it is to head straight to the most iconic building in the city, there’s several reasons why you should hold off until later.

Firstly, sunrise is the absolute best time to see the ruins, and who wants to spend their first day in a new city waking up at 6 a.m.? Not me! And secondly, the Acropolis is going to make every other site in Athens pale in comparison, so I recommend not hitting it up on your first day.

Aim to get to the southeast gate of the Acropolis at 7.30 a.m., half an hour before it opens at 8. You’ll already have your combined pass, so you won’t need to queue to buy a ticket. When the gate does open, rush past everybody else, ignore every ruin and attraction near the entrance, and focus solely on racing up the hill to the Acropolis. Don’t worry — it’s well sign-posted.

When I did this, my determination paid off, because I had the entire complex to myself for a solid five minutes. In this age of overtourism, getting to marvel over the Acropolis with nobody else around felt magical.

Below is what the entrance to the Acropolis looked like when I reached the top, with just my partner in the photo, and below that is what it was like half an hour later. Yes. Half. an. hour. later. It was unbelievable how many people had ascended the hill in such a short period of time.

In short: the southeast gate at 7:30 a.m. — it’ll allow you to see the site without anybody else around.

And why the southeastern gate, in particular? It has much smaller queues! It’s less popular with tourists, so you’ll be able to make your way to the Acropolis before everybody else.

My other top tip, for when you reach the Acropolis, is to race around and snap your photos, capturing the majesty of these structures without others around. But then , to take a moment to appreciate what you’re witnessing, rather than checking it out from behind your phone screen. Take a deep breath, take in the scene, and think about the history that has taken place in this spot.

Several minutes later, it’s time to start bracing yourself for crowds.

The Acropolis is the name given to the complex on top of the hill, and it’s made up of several individual buildings.

There’s the Temple of Athena Nike, the iconic Parthenon, the Old Temple of Athena, the Legendary Olive Tree of the Pandroseion, the Porch of the Caryatids at the Erechtheion… and on your way down, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

Oh, and while you’re exploring all of the monuments on top of the hill, make sure to wander off to the sides to snap some photos of Athens from above. I ended up taking some of my favourite photos from my time there.

Something that sounds boring but isn’t is the Acropolis Museum, and I recommend spending a couple of hours there.

As someone who identifies as a museum-avoider, I listened to the recommendations of everyone who had been (they insisted I go inside!), and made myself check it out. And I loved it. The museum houses tons of sculptures unearthed from the Acropolis and it was fascinating to see them in person.

You’ll also get to learn about how my country took the Parthenon Marbles, plopped them in the British Museum, and refuses to give them back to Greece. Awkward.

Head to Syntagma Square next to watch the changing of the guard. This takes place every hour on the hour, so attempt to time your visit perfectly. The guards wear fun outfits, march around in unison, and generally make for interesting photos.

From Syntagma Square, venture next to the enormous National Archaeological Museum to get your history on. This museum is seriously impressive and complements the ruin-themed explorations you’ve done so far.

When you emerge from the museum, you’ll be in the achingly cool Exarchia neighbourhood, which is one of my favourite parts of the city. It’s well-worth a wander and meal in the evening. So many great restaurants and bars! I especially recommend  Atitamos for Cretan food and Giantes for excellent meals all round.

Day Three: Everything Else

We’ll keep this day more chilled out and spend most of the day crossing off the final remaining attractions on your combined pass. By this point, you’ve visited the Acropolis and checked out the Ancient and Roman Agoras, but you still have a handful of attractions to explore. Fortunately, these can all be seen fairly quickly.

Start your day by heading to Monastiraki for some ruins, architecture, and shopping. If you’re looking to stock up on tat souvenirs, this is the place to come. Opposite the Monastiraki metro station, you’ll find Hadrian’s Library and the Tzistarakis mosque — the former was built in 132 AD by Emperor Hadrian, and was the largest library of Athens. Today, it’s little more than a handful of columns, but you get free entry with your combo ticket, so it’s absolutely worth a wander around.

Beside the library is the mosque, which was built during Athens’ Ottoman rule.

Next, head to Hadrian’s Gate for that picture-perfect photo of the Acropolis framed by the archway.

Just beside the gate is the Temple of Olympian Zeus, one of the largest temples in ancient Greece. To give you an idea of its size, in my photo above, you can see just 15 columns. When it was built, there were over a hundred.

From the temple, wander over to the Panathenaic Stadium to check out the world’s only stadium that’s built entirely of marble. Built in 330 BC, it was also home to the first modern Olympic Games, way back in 1896.

By this stage, you’re probably well and truly tired of staring at archaeological marvels, so grab a souvlaki from Monastiraki and head to the National Garden for a relaxing stroll and rest.

If you were wondering which of the sites from the combined ticket aren’t worth it, I’d have to go for Aristotle’s Lyceum. The ruins are far from impressive, relative to everything else you can see in Athens. The only reason to go is to see somewhere of great historical significance. This the school Aristotle founded in 335 B.C. and later taught at, along with Isocrates, Plato, and Socrates.

These days, it’s simply a bunch of rocks on the ground, so you likely won’t spend too much time staring at them.

To round off your time in Athens, you’re going to want to head to Mount Lycabettus to get one of the best views over the entire city.

If you’re into walking, go for the hike to the top. It’ll take around 20 minutes, but the path is pretty steep. Otherwise, you can take a cable car or taxi to the top.

This is the perfect spot for sunset, looking down over the Acropolis and the sea.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Athens

August is the worst time of year to visit. Sorry, but it’s true! Like much of Europe, Athens is at its absolute worst in summer. It’s overwhelmingly hot (40°C/105°F!), crammed full of tourists and cruise ship passengers, and most of the locals have left in search of cooler climates. It’s not going to be disastrous if you do visit in August, but keep in mind that it’s going to get pretty uncomfortable as you explore those ruins in the heat.

The best time to visit Athens, then, is between March and May, and between September and November. During those breezy spring and autumn months, you’ll encounter balmy weather and plenty of blue skies, far fewer tourists (although you’ll want to avoid the weeks around Easter), and cheaper flights and accommodation.

What about visiting Athens in winter? Athens is quite a dry country, so you shouldn’t encounter too much rain, but it will be quite chilly. Between November and January, you can expect average temperatures of 10°C (50°F), and around 7-10 days of rain across each month. Snow is very rare. Still, the lack of crowds and very low prices are the prizes here, as well as one extra special bonus:

On every Sunday, between 1st November and 31st March, all of the main attractions in the city (including the Acropolis!) are totally free to enter. If you’re down for some low season travel, it’ll save you a bunch of money.

How to Get Around Athens

There’s Uber in Athens: That always makes getting around a less stressful experience! I used Uber to get from the airport to my hotel and from my hotel to the bus station when it came time to leave. No problems with either experience!

There is a Greek equivalent called BEAT, which is worth downloading before you arrive in the city. It has more drivers available than Uber, so if you plan on taxiing your way around town, will help save some time.

Consider the metro: I really enjoyed using the metro in Athens! It’s clean, easy to navigate, and cheaper than taking Ubers all over the city. A one-way ticket on the Athens public transport network costs €1.40 and allows you to use any method of transportation for 90 minutes. A day pass comes in at €4.50. The best value pass, however, is the €22 tourist pass. Valid for three days, it entitles you to unlimited travel around the city over that time, and includes a round trip to and from the airport. You can pick up your pass at the bus and metro ticketing area at the airport in the arrivals hall.

Traffic can be wild: The streets of Athens can be fairly chaotic for a European city, but it’s nothing too outrageous. Just enough, though, that I wouldn’t recommend renting a car while you’re in the city.

Where to Stay in Athens

You’ve got a lot to squeeze into your time in Athens, so you’re going to want to stay in a hotel that’s right in the heart of the action, close to Monastiraki Square. But most of all, you’re also going to want to stay somewhere quiet . Sleep is important, especially if you’re going to be fighting off jetlag.

I recommend staying in 360Degrees Pop Art Hotel , while you’re in Athens, as it ticks the boxes for both of those criteria, plus so much more. You’ll be staying just 200 yards from Monastiraki Square, in the heart of Athens, and next to a metro station, but because you’re not in the square, the rooms are quiet.

It’s a boutique hotel, which I much prefer over soulless chains, and the staff are only too happy to give travel advice and ensure you have the best trip ever. One of the best parts of staying in this hotel is the breakfasts! So good. And they’re eaten on a rooftop terrace, overlooking the Acropolis, which makes for a particularly epic start to your mornings.

Check prices on Booking .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

And finally, I’m a firm believer that if you can’t afford  travel insurance , you can’t afford to travel, and this holds true for  every  country in the world.

Travel insurance will offer compensation if your flight gets cancelled, pay for you to replace your lost luggage, cover your medical bills if you get struck down with appendicitis, and ensure you don’t face any emergency travel costs to get back home for a family emergency. Nobody likes to think about things going wrong on their trips, but  travel insurance  is a must to ensure you’re not out thousands of dollars if the worst case scenario comes true.

I use and recommend  SafetyWing travel insurance  for visitors to Athens. They provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. Finally, they have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

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Have you been to Athens before?

Lauren juliff.

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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17 comments.

Loved this guide! I loved Athens when there back in 2010 – but traveled in Greece with a terrible ex. The whole time knew I’d love to come back and experience it anew with the right person. Me, my husband & baby are finally making it over to mainland Europe this fall (Barcelona & Berlin), and this makes me want to put Greece at the top of the list for our next European trip.

Thank you for all you do! I’ve always loved reading your writing, and so happy to see new blogs up. Haven’t commented before, but really, really appreciate your candor, humor & info!

While I love your writing, having been to Athens before, I just wanted to say how much I loved your photos in this post! And in the photo of you, you look good and healthy! So I hope you’re also feeling that way!

Ah, thank you so much, Scott! That means a lot :-) I’m definitely feeling a whole lot better!

After having been to greece and athens many times , I can say that your photos and your views on athens are very good. Our daughter has lived in greece for nearly 20 years, and every time we go , I fall in love with it a little more. She used to live in Pangrati, which is a 20 min walk from Plaka and approx 15 mins from the marble stadium. Since then she and her husband and children have moved closer to the coast, which although it is about 45 mins away from the city, is beautiful ,and clean, and a pleasure to visit. One more thing to pass comment on is the warmth and Friendlinessof the Greek people. Especially if you take the time to learn a few greek words. They think it’s wonderful.

Wonderful post, Lauren, and I love the tips on how to beat the crowds.. I’ve never been to Athens but I’ve got a feeling that Greece is just my kind of place – you get that vibe from some places sometimes that you’re drawn to.

Fabulous photos & tips, Lauren, thank you. Wish I could do European city breaks like that but it’s too far from Toronto :) Best wishes on your travels, Georgia

Great tip to visit the Acropolis after the other sites. Are the crowds the largest in the morning or the afternoon? I was wondering what it would be like later in the day before it closes. Athens is definitely on my radar :)

I think it’s fair to say that Athens is the most underrated capital city in Europe.

Thanks for this great post! I love that you included Anafiotika and the often-overlooked Kerameikos – I don’t think enough people get to see this fascinating site and the great little museum in it. Your before-and-after photos of the Acropolis entry were trippy! Talk about a picture being worth a thousand words! :^D

I liked the Acropolis very much, and I agree it’s best to combine sightseeing with the Acropolis Museum. This way you can get to know this place better.

Hi, great blog! .Just a couple of tips to add. Entrance fees are all reduced by half in the Winter and unless you plan to go to all the sites and museums it covers its actually cheaper to pay individually. And whatever time of year you go, book your Acropolis tickets in advance, the queues at the ticket desk are horrendous, even at Christmas when we went!

Thank you for adding those, Caroline! :-)

Athens is a beautiful city with a lot of ancient landmarks. The city centre is pretty compact and most landmarks are easily to reach by walking. Perhaps, our navigation system for the metro (subway) of Athens could be useful as well. https://www.metrocazar.com/athens/

I love Athens! I just spent nine days there and was blown away by it. It felt unlike any European city I’ve visited. I also feel so fortunate to have gone right now just as tourism is restarting in Greece, because I totally took it for granted when I rolled up to the Acropolis at 11 am and there were still no crowds whatsoever. I had forgotten what it’s probably like normally until I saw that photo you snapped of the crowds!

Ah, amazing! Yeah, it’s been much the same in New Zealand during the pandemic — the lack of crowds at major tourist attractions has been incredible to experience! The crowds at the Acropolis were truly intense when I visited, and that was during September, so not even the peak of high season.

Hello, l came across your post on Athens and is has been so helpful planning my trip. We leave in a few days. One question, the view from he rooftop bar is amazing, can you tell me the name of it?

Thank you so much

A for Athens was the name of it! There’s quite a few bars and cafes in Monastiraki Square that will give you a similar view, too :-)

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Meet Lauren Juliff

17 Spectacular Day Trips from Athens, Greece

If you’re looking for the best day trips from Athens so you can pick a few for your trip, this guide is for you! I cover seventeen places you can go, which ones can easily be combined as day tours from Athens, and which ones are my personal favorites!

In the end, there are more resources to help you plan your trip to Athens.

Pin this post for your trip to Greece!

>> Read Next: Athens Instagram Inspiration: 15 Instagrammable Places in Athens <<

Where to Stay in Athens

If this is your first trip to Athens, figuring out where to stay in the city can be a bit intimidating. Because of the location of the Acropolis, it really matters which neighborhood you choose to stay in, especially if you’re looking for Acropolis views, easy access to the metro, and good value for your money.

For our hotel recommendations, Generally, budget means hostel beds for around $30 a night and singles/doubles for around $50, mid-range is from about $50-100 per night, and luxury will cost over $100 per night.

However, note that availability, time of year, and how much in advance you book will play a role in how much accommodations cost in Athens.

Budget: If you want a hostel dorm bed in the heart of Psyri, check out the Acropolis Hostel. This basic-yet-clean hostel boasts what very few in the world can: Acropolis views from its communal terrace.

You’ll enjoy having access to an elevator (no lugging your bag all the way up to your room), and you can enjoy the lively neighborhood atmosphere and come home when you want since the hostel has no curfew. 

Check out reviews, pictures, prices, and availability here .

Mid-Range: For my most recent trip to Athens, we stayed in a couple of different places, but my favorite was the  Ares Athens Hotel   off of Omonia Square.

I loved its location, close to Omonia station, across the street from a Coffee Island (my personal version of Heaven), and with views of Mount Lycabettus. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and each room has a private terrace. 

Luxury:  If you are a traveler who loves having stunning hotel views, book a stay at  A for Athens,  a boutique hotel in Psyri that has what is considered by many to be the best rooftop bar in the city.

You can also enjoy Acropolis views from the panoramic terrace during breakfast, You can even get amazing Acropolis and Parthenon views from some of the rooms. This hotel is basically Instagram crack. 

Check out prices, reviews, photos, and availability here.

Don’t see a hotel that’s the right pick for you? Check out our complete Athens Neighborhood and Hotel Guide.

Top 5 Athens Day Trips

I cover the entire list below with tour recommendations, etc. But here are my top five picks including many of the most popular day trips from Athens:

• Poros, Hydra, & Aegina 
• Mycenae & Epidaurus 
• Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion

Day Trips from Athens: The Complete List

I’m obsessed with Athens, and I think people come here and leave too quickly. They use it as a base, but don’t dig deep into what makes the city so special.

If you only have one or two days in the city, stay and explore! That being said, if you’ll be spending four days or more in Athens (or even a month like I did on my first trip) then you should take advantage of the amazing Athens day trips that are available!

Tourism in Athens is very developed, so you can combine many of these locations into single-day trips. However, if you want to DIY your day trips from Athens, then many of these would need to be done on their own because public transit will eat up so much of your time. 

Another option is to rent a car and drive to some of these on your own. If you do that, just make sure you know where you’ll be parking in Athens (or return your car at the end of the day). Both driving and parking in Athens are nuts!

I listed this as my favorite day trip from Athens for a few reasons. First, the scenery from the top of the hill, looking over the temple and the mountains took my breath away.

Another reason is that the ancient Greeks thought that Delphi was the center of the world, so if you love ancient Greek history (like me) then there are tons to geek out on. 

Major sites you’ll want to see while you’re in Delphi include the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Treasury, and the Temple of Athena Proinaia. You also want to set aside time to walk up the hill to the stadium. 

You can technically visit Delphi from Athens via public transportation, but I found it overwhelming.

Even after spending a month in Athens, I thought it would be likely that I would miss the connecting bus, so I went on a guided Delphi Day Trip from Athens .  This tour combined a stop in the mountain village of Arachova on Mount Parnassus. 

What I loved about the guided tour was the ease of not worrying about missing the connecting bus and having a tour guide who could explain everything we were seeing in detail.

Greek tour guides tend to have an insane amount of knowledge because they have to undergo intense training.

What I wished was different about the bus tour was I wish we would have had more time at the site because I ended up missing the museum to spend more time at the stadium.

However, I’m not sure this would have been better with public transportation because the bus times when I was going were pretty inconvenient. 

If you only have one day to take a day trip from Athens, Delphi is a great option. 

»» Book a Delphi tour or check tour reviews. ««

Meteora is not an easy day trip from Athens, but once you’re here you see why the long journey was worth it. To get here, you take a five-hour train ride from Athens each way, leaving you just a few hours to explore the monasteries.

However, if you go on a guided tour like I did, like the Meteora Full-Day Trip from Athens by Train ,  then you’ll get picked up at the train station and taken straight to the monasteries.

There are six monasteries here that you can visit. However, they are very far from the train station, so you’ll be thankful for the bus that picks you up to take you to the ones that are open that day (they have different days when they are closed, but there are always a few open). 

My favorite parts of visiting Meteora besides the monasteries were seeing the Game of Thrones and James Bond scenery and driving through the stunning landscape. 

We also think that if you’re looking for a great winter day trip from Athens, Meteora is an excellent choice because the monasteries look amazing covered in snow. You can see photos of what Meteora in winter is like in  25 Snowy Photos of Meteora in Winter.

»» Book a Meteora tour or check tour reviews. ««

Read:  Delphi or Meteora: Which Historic Greek Site is Right for You?

Cape Sounion

The Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion is a beautiful ancient Greek temple set beside the sea. It’s also famous because Lord Byron carved his name into the temple when he visited in the nineteenth century.

Though we don’t encourage you to follow suit, it is so cool to see the physical embodiment of the connection between modern literary history and ancient Greek history. Basically, Lord Byron was a temple fanboy, and we dig it. 

I visited Cape Sounion as a day trip from Athens on a guided Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion Tour . The nice thing is this tour doesn’t take a full day since it is much closer than some of the other sites on this list.

Another bonus is that the bus stops at a great photography spot before the actual Temple before continuing to the site. 

If you want to visit on your own, you can also take a public bus or go on the  Athens Hop-on-Hop-off Bus & Cape Sounion Sunset Combo Tour . I wasn’t at Cape Sounion at night, but the pictures look spectacular. 

Mycenae 

If you love the Illiad and the Odyssey, or if you just love ancient Greek archaeology, then you should come and visit Mycenae. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Tiryns. According to UNESCO :

The archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns are the imposing ruins of the two greatest cities of the Mycenaean civilization, which dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12th century B.C. and played a vital role in the development of classical Greek culture.

These two cities are indissolubly linked to the Homeric epics, the Iliad, and the Odyssey , which have influenced European art and literature for more than three millennia…

The citadel of Mycenae, with its strategic position for the control of the Argolid Plain, is the kingdom of the mythical Agamemnon and the most important and richest palatial center of the Late Bronze Age in Greece.

Its name was given to one of the greatest civilizations of Greek prehistory, the Mycenaean civilization, while the myths related to its history, its rulers, and their family members (such as Klytaimnestra, Ifigeneia, Elektra, Orestes) have inspired poets, writers, and artists over many centuries, from the ancient to the contemporary times.

Significant stages in monumental architecture are still visible in the property, such as the massive defensive walls, the corbelled tholos tombs, and the Lions Gate.

I visited Mycenae on a guided tour like this  Mycenae and Epidaurus: Full-Day Tour from Athens , which also stopped at Nafplio and Corinth (below). However, if you go on your own then you can visit it with Tiryns so you can see both archeology sites.

It’s really up to you which other sites you want to see on your trip. 

»» Book a Mycenae tour or check tour reviews. ««

Ancient Epidaurus is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greece, which includes a beautiful ancient Greek theater and a small museum. According to UNESCO :

In a small valley in the Peloponnesus, the shrine of Asklepios, the god of medicine, developed out of a much earlier cult of Apollo (Maleatas), during the 6th century BC at the latest, as the official cult of the city-state of Epidaurus.

Its principal monuments, particularly the temple of Asklepios, the Tholos, and the Theatre – considered one of the purest masterpieces of Greek architecture – date from the 4th century.

The vast site, with its temples and hospital buildings devoted to its healing gods, provides valuable insight into the healing cults of Greek and Roman times.

I saw Epidaurus on a   Mycenae and Epidaurus: Full-Day Tour from Athens , which also stopped at Nafplio and Corinth (below). However, you can also visit on your own.

If you go via public transportation you won’t be able to see quite as many sites in a single day. You might be able to do all the sites in one day if you rent a car. A car rental may or may not save you money over the price of the tour. 

»» Book an Epidaurus tour or check tour reviews. ««

Hydra is an island in the Saronic Gulf, which you can visit with a water taxi from Piraeus, the port of Athens.

Once you’re here, you can go to the beautiful Orthodox church, eat lunch at one of the tavernas on the harbor, go to the beach, and see the beautiful white-washed Greek architecture.

Hydra Town is the island’s main city, but it has more of a village feel that you will love.

There are three islands near Athens that you can visit as day trips. I visited all three on a  Full-Day Cruise to Aegina, Poros, and Hydra . I’m listing them in order of how much I liked each island, so if you only want to see one I would pick Hydra.

»» Book a Cruise to Hydra or check cruise reviews. ««

If you only want to visit one island and you love ancient Greek temples, then you need to pick Aegina. Along with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion, Aegina’s Temple of Aphaia forms a triangle that was important in the religion of the ancient Greeks.

The temple also has way fewer visitors than the other two, so I got to visit practically alone.

Beyond the temple, there’s an important Greek Orthodox Cathedral that you don’t want to miss. If you have more time, get out and explore.

The island is beautiful, with a great harbor to walk around and some off-the-beaten-path beaches for sunbathing and swimming. 

I visited Aegina on a  Full-Day Cruise to Aegina, Poros, and Hydra . If you don’t want to go on a guided tour, you can take the water taxis directly to Aegina and back from Athens.

The main difference is you really can only visit one island on your own, so you do have to pick just one. 

»» Book a Cruise to Aegina or check cruise reviews. ««

Read:  Aegina or Hydra: Which Saronic Island Should You Visit?

One of the smallest islands you can visit from Athens , Poros is actually two separate islands with a single name. While here, climb up to the landmark white clocktower, walk along the harbor, and visit Faros lighthouse. 

Poros is a great slice of island life but still reachable from Athens, and it’s a favorite escape for many locals. I visited Poros  Full-Day Cruise to Aegina, Poros, and Hydra .

If you want to go on your own, use the water taxis. You will need to choose just one island to visit in this case. There are pros and cons to both forms of travel.

I chose the cruise so I could see all three islands, but if you go on your own you can spend more time exploring a single island.

»» Book a Cruise to Poros or check cruise reviews. ««

Aigialeia Wine Tour

If you love wine tourism and you want to get out and explore the Peloponnese, then you should spend a day exploring the region on an  Aigialeia Private Wine Tour .

This tour includes a train ride through Vouraikos Canyon, the monastery of Mega Spileon, walking through a local vineyard, wine tasting, and lunch. 

You can DIY this tour if you want to rent a car and explore the region on your own. Just be careful and avoid the tasting part of the wine tasting so you can safely drive back to Athens at the end of the day.

The legal limit for alcohol when you’re driving is much less than most travelers will be used to. Consuming even one drink will put you over the legal limit. 

»» Book an Aigialeia Wine Tour or check tour reviews. ««

Nafplio is a beautiful seaside town in Argolis, with a hillside citadel and a castle in the middle of the water. If you want to spend time on the coast, this is a great city to come to for the day.

You can visit as a day trip from Athens on your own by bus. I went on a guided tour that also visited Mycenae and Epidaurus , with a short stop in Corinth.

I loved my time in Nafplio, but I definitely would like to go back for longer. If you want to visit on a guided tour but want more time in the city, I would go on this  Full Day Trip to Nafplio and Ancient Epidaurus  which spends more time in the city (plus you still get to see Epidaurus)!

»» Book a Nafplio tour or check tour reviews. ««

The city of Corinth is famous for its mention in the Bible (think first Corinthians, second Corinthians, etc). Its ethereal-looking Canal is another reason you may have heard of the city before. 

Many visitors who come to Corinth are interested in seeing the town where St. Paul lived and preached for two years. Other important sites here include the ancient Temple of Apollo.

I only got to spend a few minutes in the city, seeing the canal, as part of my Mycenae and Epidaurus  tour. However, if you’re interested in exploring Corinth more deeply, I suggest going on the  Ancient Corinth Half-Day Tour from Athens  instead. 

»» Book a Corinth tour or check tour reviews. ««

Mount Olympus

Visiting Mount Olympus in a single day from Athens would be very ambitious. There are no organized tours that I can find, and the driving time from Athens to Olympus is five and a half hours.

I would never visit this as a day trip (which is why I haven’t visited Mount Olympus yet). 

So why am I listing it? Because Athens is the kind of place people visit after dreaming about it for years. I know people who have rented cars and visited Olympus as a day trip.

They did this because they were short on time, and it was the thing they wanted to see the most during their trip.

So, if you want to see Mount Olympus and you only have a single day, you can. Just rent a car and prepare to drive eleven to twelve hours that day. But if this is the thing you’ve been dreaming about the most, then do it!

It’s a much easier day trip from Thessaloniki, so if you’re trying to decide between Athens or Thessaloniki and this site is important to you, then I would go to Thessaloniki. 

Athenian Riviera

While a trip out to the Athenian Riviera is still technically “within Athens,” it’s a very different side of the city. Since you’ll also need to pack a beach bag, it’s not easy to combine a day here with other city activities.

You can come out to the beach to explore the different harbors and go for a swim, or you can come out at night and explore the vibrant club scene.

I wouldn’t bother with any of the guided tours out there, but you might want to book a ticket on the  Athens, Piraeus & Riviera & Beaches Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour  so you can easily get from place to place quickly. 

»» Book an Athenian Riviera Hop-On Hop-Off Bus tour or check tour reviews. ««

If you want to explore the Greek islands, but you want to avoid cruise ships and water taxis, why not go sailing! You can sail from Athens to Agistri.

This Sailing Cruise to Aegina, Moni & Agistri  includes swimming and relaxing on the beaches of Agistri before visiting the islands of Aegina and Moni. I can’t think of a better way to escape the bustle of Athens on a hot day than on a sailboat and swimming in the Greek isles!

»» Book a sailing tour to Agistri or check tour reviews. ««

The sailing cruise mentioned above,  Sailing Cruise to Aegina, Moni & Agistri,  includes a stop in Moni as its second port of call.

In Moni, you eat a traditional Greek lunch before swimming in the clear blue waters off the island. It’s a small slice of paradise in the middle of your sailing cruise. 

Nemea Winery

Another option for a wine tour is to visit the wineries in Nemea near Corinth. As I mentioned earlier, you can visit a few wineries in a rental car, but if you want to go on a wine tasting you need to visit on a guided tour.

The legal drinking limit in Greece is much lower than in the UK or the USA. One drink and you’ll be over.

This  Nemea Winery Private Tour  includes pick-up at your hotel and takes you to Nemea, where you’ll go on wine tastings, explore the vineyards, and learn about the Greek winemaking tradition. 

»» Book a Nemea Winery tour or check tour reviews. ««

Blue Hole Dive

If you’re more interested in seeing what’s under the water than what’s above ground, you can go Scuba Diving at the Blue Hole at Vouliagmeni Lake.

The Blue Hole looks like a man-made well near the lake. Here you can scuba dive the beautiful reefs and rock walls, with good visibility and warm water. Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Should You DIY Your Athens Day Trip or Go on a Guided Tour?

I have gone on more guided bus tours from Athens than any other city I’ve ever visited. To put it into perspective, a few years ago I spent a month in Cyprus and Athens back-to-back. In Cyprus, I went on eight different day trips that I did on my own using the intercity buses and renting a car.

In Athens, this just wasn’t as easy. Everything I wanted to see was complicated on my own. Instead, I went on seven different day trips from Athens but I went only on guided bus tours. 

This is due to a few unique factors about traveling in Athens:

• Some of the best day trips are far from Athens
• Public Transportation can eat up an enormous amount of time
• There are so many places to see that it’s easier to combine sites on a guided tour than on public transportation
• Car rentals in Greece can sometimes be as expensive as the guided tour

Of course, there are drawbacks to guided tours as well, like not having as much time as you want on a site. In this case, it might be worth it to travel and spend a night near where you want to go instead of trying to get there and back in a day.

For example, I would only suggest a guided tour for visiting Meteora as a day trip from Athens. If you want to DIY a trip to Meteora, you should spend a night in Kalabaka. 

If you are only interested in day trips that you can visit without a tour, I would pick visiting one of the islands, going to the Athenian Riviera, or visiting the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. 

Athens Day Tour Recommendations 

Here are all the Athens day tour recommendations from this post in an easy-to-reference list. 

• Delphi Day Trip from Athens
• Meteora Full-Day Trip from Athens by Train
• Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion Tour
• Athens Hop-on-Hop-off Bus & Cape Sounion Sunset Combo Tour
• Mycenae and Epidaurus: Full-Day Tour from Athens
• Full-Day Cruise to Aegina, Poros, and Hydra
• Aigialeia Private Wine Tour
• Full Day Trip to Nafplio and Ancient Epidaurus
• Ancient Corinth Half Day Tour from Athens
• Athens, Piraeus & Riviera & Beaches Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
• Sailing Cruise to Aegina, Moni & Agistri  
• Nemea Winery Private Tour
• Scuba Diving at the Blue Hole

Greece Travel Resources

Headed to Greece? We have some great travel resources to help you with your trip. First read our guide to  planning a trip to Greece , which covers visas, budgets, vaccines, and much more. We also have a  Balkan currency guide  that explains how money works in Greece and local tipping customs.

If you are still trying to figure out your itinerary, check out our guides on  where to go in Greece  and when is the  best time to visit. 

If you’ll be spending time in Athens, check out our Athens Instagram Guide and our complete Athens hotel guide.

We publish new content about the Balkans almost every day! For more information about traveling to Greece and the Balkans, bookmark our  Greece  and  Balkan  travel pages so you can find out what’s new before your trip.

Key Things to Pack on Your Trip to Greece

If you’re planning a trip to Greece, you’ll want to pack all the normal essentials, but here are a few things we strongly recommend bringing that may not have crossed your mind. For more packing tips, check out our complete  Greece packing list.

–  A physical guidebook, on paper or Kindle . We love  Lonely Planet Greece  for this region and strongly recommend it to supplement blogs. Blogs are great, but a combination of a blog and a guidebook is key to having the best access to information easily at your fingertips.

–  A water bottle with a filter . While often, the tap water in Greece is drinkable, there are places where it isn’t, including some popular tourist destinations like Santorini.

We generally recommend using a water bottle with a purifying filter to reduce your plastic consumption and ensure you won’t drink any funny-tasting water on your stomach that could make your trip unpleasant!

We recommend  the GRAYL water bottle  – it filters water perfectly in an instant so that you can even drink from lakes, bad taps, etc.

–  Motion sickness pills . Very necessary if you’re visiting some common day trips, like Meteora or Delphi, or if you’ll be taking a ferry! Many Greek roads are winding, especially around the coast, plus the ferries in the Mediterranean can be quite choppy. If you have a weak stomach as we do, save yourself and bring some  non-drowsy motion sickness pills .

–  Travel safety items . We think Greece is very safe to travel to, but at the same time, it never hurts to be prepared! Pickpocketing can be quite prevalent in Athens, so be cautious. Some people like to carry money belts, but neither Stephanie nor I use these. Instead, we both carry the same  PacSafe anti-theft backpack .

It has locking zippers, slash-proof construction with metal mesh hidden in the fabric, and tons of other smart security features — all while being cute and stylish enough to be our everyday bag. We recommend it highly for both male and female travelers, as it’s neutral enough to be unisex. We also strongly recommend travel insurance! Our recommendation is at the bottom of the post.

Finally, Make Sure You Come to Greece with Travel Insurance

I’m sure you’re aware that  travel insurance  is essential for traveling in Greece, the Balkans, or anywhere in the world! Allison and I have both been paying customers of  World Nomads  for the last three years. We love the peace of mind it gives us in case of emergencies, accidents, illnesses, theft, or trip cancellation or disruption. 

While Athens is perfectly safe to travel around, there’s always a risk inherent in everyday travel like theft or injury, so it’s better to play it safe. The saying goes “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel” is true!

Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here.

Pin This Athens Day Trip Guide for Your Trip to Greece

Stephanie has been living in and traveling around the Balkans for the past three years. She’s written for National Geographic Online , appeared on CNN Arabic and in the New York Times , and ridden more Balkan buses than is good for a person.

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A GREECE ROAD TRIP – EXPLORE THE REAL GREECE BY CAR

Planning an epic road trip around Greece? There’s no shortage of amazing routes to take and here are some of my favourites. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular Greece road trip destinations, as well as the magical stops you can make along the way.

Driving in Greece

Driving in Greece is really not as bad as people make out. Whilst I don’t think we would be brave enough to tackle Athens we have happily rented a car on every visit to Greece on both the mainland and the islands.

There is a fair bit you need to know about driving in Greece , however, and once you get your head around that you will have the world, or at least the country, at your feet. You will have the ability to explore places without coming across a single person. You can visit authentic villages and mountain towns where time has stood still. You can have pristine beaches all to yourself and dine on some of the cheapest and most delicious homemade food, simply by getting off the beaten path and being a little more flexible.

Further reading :  Driving in Greece and A Road Trip in Crete

When to do a road trip in greece.

There are so many things to see and do in Greece that actually makes it a year-round destination.

Whilst Summer is obviously the ideal time to spend at the beaches and waterfalls, Spring and Autumn are excellent for hiking and exploring Ancient Ruins, Caves and Archeological sites. Spring will also bring a plethora of beautiful wildflowers and autumn, of course, the autumn leaves, which will make your drive even more scenic.

Even winter is enticing as many of the towns and villages receive some snow, particularly in the mountains, and the stone architecture and wineries lend themselves to cosy moments by an open fire. The casseroles and traditional winter food is hearty and delicious but there are a surprising number of warm days in winter as well, a phenomenon known as ‘Alkyonides’. If you are planning on driving in and around the Northern Skifields it pays to learn about winter driving and snow.

For most of the destinations mentioned here you will not need to pre-book accommodation ( unless you want to) unless there is a religious event or national holiday in some places like Nafplion and Meteora, and in summer (august) in the beach places like Lefkada and Parga.

Regardless of what time of year you choose you will find the crowds very manageable in most places and in many spots, non-existent.

Road trip in Greece – Athens to Nafplion (2 days)

Just two hours from Athens lies Nafplion, one of the most picturesque cities on the mainland and a worthy addition to your road trip in Greece.

Most visitors to Greece will arrive to the country’s lively and historic capital, Athens. It’s an old travel writing cliche, but Athens really is a fascinating blend of old and new – with modern cafes and shops in the shadow of the stunning Acropolis, which has stood perched over the city for some 3,000 years.

While some visitors use Athens simply as a passing-through point and to check off the Acropolis , it’s well worth taking a closer look. There are so many things to do in Athens  you won’t regret leaving some time to explore this city.

Athens to Corinth and the Corinth Canal

About an hour’s drive from Athens you will arrive at the Corinth Canal, a fascinating first stop. The drive is almost completely on a modern multi-lane highway with numerous toll booths and there is little of interest along the way.

For thousands of years, rulers and traders throughout the Mediterranean had been frustrated by the difficulty of travel between the Adriatic and Aegean seas. Although on a clear day, each was visible just across the mainland, ships needed to take a long journey around the Peloponnese peninsula.

Although it is believed that a canal was first dreamed up some 2,500 years ago (by Corinth ruler, Periander ), it wouldn’t be until the late 19th century that it was actually constructed.

Ancient Corinth is also well worth a visit and is located just 3 kilometers south of the modern city you see today. It was an important city in ancient times due to its strategic location on the sea and was a center of trade and home to much of the naval fleet. At one time it was occupied by the Romans for several centuries and was thought to be one of the first Christian cities after a visit from St. Paul ( Saul).

The site today is dominated by a Doric Temple of Apollo and the remnants of other buildings dating back to the 1st & 2nd century. There is also a magnificent mosaic, the Dionysos mosaic and excellent examples of Greek pottery.

Corinth to Nafplion

Continuing on from Corinth you will take the A7/E65 highway and head into the Peloponnese. At Nemea, you will follow the A7 and turn near Nemea before heading down to Nafplion, which will take around 1 hour.

Nemea is a famed wine region in Greece and is definitely worth a stop. There are several excellent wineries you can visit including Palivou Estate and Domaine Bairaktaris , but it does pay to call ahead first as they don’t encourage drop in’s like in some countries.

After Nemea you will veer left onto Epar.Od.Nafpliou-Korinthou road and your last stop on this road trip – Nafplion! This charming seaport city is located in the Peloponnese and is a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors, but particularly Athenians.

Over recent decades, urban sprawl has seen Nafplion grow up into the nearby hills, however, it is the city’s charming Medieval center that is totally unmissable. Flanked by the sea, it was chosen as the first capital of Independent Greece, largely due to the port.

The city was also well protected throughout the ages, with various defensive structures around it. Perhaps the most famous is the hilltop Fortress of Palamidi , which also enjoys gorgeous views of the sea. If you love the ocean, then you’d best also leave aside plenty of time to enjoy the famed beaches nearby.

In the area surrounding Nafplio there is also a plethora of things to see and do including Nemea wine region, the ancient sites of Mycanae and Epidaurus and the resort town of Tolos, where it is possible to do a day trip to the Saronic Island of Spetses. Mycanae was once considered the greatest city of the Mycanaean civilization, which dominated the Mediterranean from the 15th to the 12th centuries.

Just outside Nafplio is the ancient World Heritage site of  Tiryns , believed to be over 3000 years old and the place where Hercules is said to have performed his 12 labors.

There are a number of excellent museums in Nafplion but one that is quite unique is the Komboloi Museum , which houses a mind boggling number of  Greek worry beads, albiet in a very small space. The manager is always happy to explain the history and craftsmanship of the very many beads which can be found made in marble, glass, stone and at one point, bone.  

Further reading: A complete guide to Nafplion

Nafplio hotels

There are many places to stay in and around Nafplio to suit all budgets. You will find everything from luxury boutique hotel 3Sixty Hotel  to cheap and cheerful guesthouses like Filyra Pension , both of which are in the Old Town.

Families may prefer to stay at Anemos Rooms which are located in the new part of town but have self contained apartments.

We really wanted to stay in the old town and were delighted with our time at Gambello Rooms . Situated in a gorgeous converted Neo-classical mansion the rooms are very comfortable, spacious and ours had a  balcony with views out over the bay. Breakfast was good and the location was perfect. Great price too! In fact if we could find an equivalent to Gambello Rooms in every town we would be set for life!

Sparta to Monemvasia

From Sparta, you will join the EO Monemvasias Krokeon road, which is a dual carriageway and easy driving. The journey should take around 90 minutes.

If you do want to deviate for some sightseeing, the Castle of Geraki in the village of Geraki is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture and well worth the detour.

The rich history of Monemvasia dates back to the time of the Byzantine emperor Maurice, who founded the city in the year 582 AD.

The island was created when part of the mainland was cut during an earthquake, which adds to the charm. It was deliberately designed to blend into the mountain it clings to and therefore not be seen by enemies at sea. Monemvasia was once a thriving seaport during the time of the emperor Andronicus XII and after the occupation by the Ottomans, which lasted up until the early 19th century.It became a fortress, inhabited by groups including the Franks, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans.

The name Monemvasia means “one entrance”, and once you pass it you are sure to be amazed by the beauty and charm of this walled mini-city. A maze of cobbled streets invites you to get lost exploring the hodgepodge of alleyways and historic buildings. A small number of tavernas serve deliciously authentic food while visiting the Medieval Castle is a must.

Many landmarks remain to speak of the tumultuous and rich history of Monemvasia, including the Church of Agia Sofia and the Church of Jesus Christ in Chains , both worth a visit.  

Monemvasia hotels

If you would like to splurge for a night or two the amazing Kinsterna Hotel is located on a hill on the mainland overlooking Monemvasia and is considered one of the best hotels in Europe. Situated on a sprawling estate, the Byzantine Era mansion houses a luxury spa, two swimming pools and an award-winning restaurant. The gardens are quite magnificent and include a vineyard, herb and vegetable garden and animal farm. The hotel produces its own wine, cheese, olive oil, bread, soap and more.

If you would prefer to stay on Monemvasia itself the quaint and affordable Goulas Guesthouse has great views and few stairs, whilst Likinia Hotel is brand new and has all the modern conveniences with many historic elements.It’s also wonderful to dine on the mainland with views back over the island all lit up at night, at places like  Melitzanakia and Skorpios.

It’s a very special and unique place to stay!

Monemvasia to Gythio

After the compact wonder of Monemvasia, venture west and find yourself among the natural beauty of Gythio. This seaside town is on the peninsula of Laconia.

The drive from Monemvasia should take just over an hour and is quite pleasant. You will travel inland initially before hitting the coastline at Trinisa and following a windy coastal road to Gythio. At this point, you will pass the famous shipwreck Dimitrios, at lovely Valktaki Beach. you can either stop and see it on the beach or stop for a panoramic photo at the clifftop just past it.

Although Gythio is the largest town in the Mani region, it still has a relaxed and sleepy atmosphere – it’s hard to be stressed lazing about in such a beautiful place.

The town itself is colourful and charming, but the real showstopper is the beach of Mavrovouni. Boasting soft, golden sand and brilliant cerulean water, it’s popular with holidaymakers from around Greece and afar. Perhaps best of all, holidaymakers share the beach with endangered sea turtles who lay their eggs on the sand.

Our favourite spots to eat are at O’Live and l Trata which are both hard to miss on the main road. There is a cute new bar there too called Old School Homebar who make some great cocktails!  

Exploring the amazing Mani Peninsular 

Gythio may be the largest town in the area, but it’s well worth venturing further to explore the entire Mani Peninsula. This very charming region seems to have largely flown under the radar to international visitors – which only adds to the fun of discovering it on your road trip in Greece.

The quaint town of Areopoli and it’s stunning small neighbour Limeni are only a 30-minute drive west from Gythio and are absolutely gorgeous.

The peninsula offers both natural beauty and historic charm, with amazing beaches, rolling hills, and tiny villages. Some are today just ghost towns, while others are humble and authentic. Profitis Ilias Church just before Areopoli is at the peak of Mount Profitis and has spectacular views over the entire area.

Limeni is one of the most beautiful villages in all of Greece, if not Europe. Whilst much loved by the Instagram crew it is really a very small village with little parking and surprisingly still fairly quiet although t here are a number of outdoor activities and boat rides on offer as well as a dive center.

Whilst there are only a handful of tavernas and cafes the quality is exceptional. One of the best meals we have ever had anywhere was at Telonio and the views at sunset make it even more special!

It is also quite common to see Sea Turtles fighting over kitchen scraps in front of the Tavernas.

If you have time it is worth a drive down to Gerolimenas Beach which is not only a lovely spot to swim but you will pass numerous examples of the ‘tower’ houses unique to the area and said to be built for maximum protection from pirates and invaders.

Further reading: The most beautiful Peloponnese Beaches

Limeni hotels

As stated there are a couple of very charming boutique hotels in Limeni and they are all just meters from the water. Mavromichalai is a gorgeous, small, luxury hotel on the waterfront in a restored 18th century tower house and is hard to beat, although Vasilios Apartment Hotel has commanding views on the hill above and is somewhat less expensive. They are both truly fantastic places to spend some time.

We decided to stay a short drive up the road at Aria Suites and Spa , a newly opened hotel at the time ( we missed the completion of the indoor swimming pool by one day) which offers beautifully designed rooms and apartments in a village concept, with spectacular views over the sea.   Bassa Maina  hotel is right next door and quite stunning as well, albeit at a higher price point.

The Caves of Drios

The Caves of Diros are actually two massive caves and the largest, Vlichada, is open to the public. The tour is 1,500 meters, of which the first 1,200 is on water in small boats and takes about 25 minutes. They believe the caves may, in fact, go for many kilometers right up through the Mani peninsula.

Inside the cave, they have discovered the fossilized bones of panther, hyena, lion, deer, and the largest hippopotamus bone deposit in Europe. Near the entrance, pottery has been found to indicate the human presence. In fact, they have discovered evidence that this may have been where the first humans arrived in Europe from Africa.

Arrive early and avoid the tour buses and you may have the whole place to yourselves as we did. Make sure to check the official website for prices and opening times which are subject to change.

Limeni to Kardamyli

Located under an hour north of Limeni, Kardamyli ( or Kardamili) is a beautiful coastal village nestled around a number of gorgeous coves and beaches, including Agios Nikolaos and Foneas Beach which are both worth visiting.  

The Old Town of Kardamyli was once a fortified settlement that features a restored tower and a stunning 18th-century church – to a variety of lively bars and eating venues. Kardamyli offers a laid back and relaxing experience of visiting Greece in its true natural state.

Combined with a delightful rural setting and natural landmarks like the Ritsa Beach and Vyros Gorge, you’ll find the town has plenty of exploring on offer as well. 

There are some great meals to have too. Check out Liastras in nearby Stoupa for excellent Greek food and amazing views and Taverna Kastro and Ammos Giros for top quality, home-cooked Greek food.  

Kardamyli hotels

There are no fancy resorts in this part of Greece ( yet) and accommodation tends to be in small family run hotels or Airbnb rooms and apartments.

Hotel Anniska and Les Sirenes are both right on the water and are quaint and good value. If you would like to enjoy panoramic views from the hills above then Vardia Hotel is a great choice.

Kardamyli to Kalamata

50 minutes north of Kardamyli is the small city of Kalamata. Yes, it’s where the olives came from!

The drive is quite scenic and you will pass many beautiful beaches and coves. It’s worth stopping at Mourtzinos Castle just north of Kardamyli which has an Old Town adjacent to it.

As you’d expect, Kalamata offers plenty for the foodie – but there’s much more to enjoy. Some highlights include excellent museums such as the Archeological Museum of Messenia, as well as a few beautiful and relaxing beaches to laze about on. The is particularly worth a visit and considered one of the best costume collections in the world. 

Ancient Messini is around 20kms from Kalamata and is one of the most important ancient sites in Greece. It is very well preserved and includes an incredible amphitheater and impressive stadium as well as a small but very good museum.

Like most parts of the Peloponnese there are also some great beaches and Kalamata beach itself is popular for good reason. And no visit to Kalamata is complete without a tour and tasting of Olives and Olive Oil! 

In terms of dining you are spoilt for choice in Kalamata which has a thriving food and bar scene. In fact, there are over 10,000 cafes, bars, restaurants, and tavernas in this small city! The food precincts are found along the waterfront where perennial favourites such as Fish and Pasta Kannas.

Kalamata hotels

If you want to stay by the sea then we recommend Horizon Blu .

A solid budget option is Hotel Nevada which is well located both on the waterfront and in the centre of town.

Road trip in Greece -Athens to Delphi

Athens to Patras

From Athens, it’s about two and a half hours across to Patras, the country’s third-largest city. The route is via a modern multi-carriage freeway with numerous toll booths.

Although it’s bustling like the capital, it has a very distinctive feel – thanks largely to the abundance of university students studying at the well-regarded university.

With students comes a natural liveliness, with festive squares, restaurants, and bars. While Patras is very much a modern city, there’s also evidence of the past, with a fascinating archaeological museum and castle nearby.

Crossing the Rio Antirrio Bridge

Greece might be known for its ancient archaeological wonders, but it’s got a few modern delights as well. Just beyond Patras, you’ll have the opportunity to observe (and cross over!) the Rio Antirrio Bridge.

The elegant bridge is one of the world’s longest cable-stay bridges and a very impressive site over the Gulf of Corinth. A stark white against the blue of the ocean, the bridge opened just in time for the Olympic Flame to be carried over it on its way to the 2004 Athens Olympics opening ceremony.

Patras Hotels

On the Eastern side of the Messinian peninsula is the stunning Colonides Beach hotel with   amazing views over the sea and well priced rooms near a beautiful protected beach.

On the Western side Pylos is a great town to spend several days. The lovely Hotel Anezina has affordable, well appointed rooms with stunning views as does Hotel Philip just a few doors up. The gorgeous Romanos Resort – A luxury Collection Hotel is the main luxury option and is part of the Westin Group.

Further north is the town of Marathopolis – a beautiful spot where you can do day trips to nearby Proti Island. Near new Pefkides offer lovely self-contained apartments right on the beach amongst lovely gardens. Right in town is another excellent small hotel,  Artina Nuovo which boasts a particularly impressive breakfast spread and great sunset views.

Patras to Nafpaktos

Once you’ve crossed the Rio Antirrio Bridge you will drive on the E65 to Nafpaktos. The whole journey will take less than 30 minutes but there is a 12euro toll to cross the bridge.

A picturesque seaside town, Nafpaktos is a popular holiday spot with locals but has managed to (mostly) avoid the tourist crowds. This is somewhat of a surprise, as it offers all of my favourite things about Greece – the hints of long and illustrious history, beautiful beaches and lively streets lined with restaurants and bars.

In particular, the old Venetian Harbour is well worth exploring as is Nafpaktos Castle , while the Old Town is the ideal place to get lost for an hour or two. We will be staying a week in Nafpaktos ourselves this year!

Nafpaktos to Delphi

This itinerary ends in the famed town of Delphi, which is so named after the nearby ruins. The ancient city, was once arguably the most important place in Ancient Greece; home to the civilisation’s most powerful and respected oracle of Apollo .

The drive from Nafpaktos will take around 90 minutes and there is quite a lot to see and do in the area. The drive is very scenic and most of it is along the coast where there are numerous beaches and villages to explore. The town of Galaxidi is a great spot to stop for lunch, particularly at Zygos on the waterfront.

Although hundreds of years have taken their toll on the site, it is still spectacularly well preserved which adds to the immense sense of wonder you get walking around. It’s incredible how expansive and detailed the site is, considering it was built some 2500 years ago.

Adding to the intrigue of this impressive sight is the many legends and myths that the temples were cloaked in. A visit to the adjacent Archaeological Museum of Delphi is a must to see the many artifacts and learn more about this ancient wonder.

If you can, I highly recommend taking a guided tour of the ruins of Delphi, as the historical context will add plenty to your visit.

Delphi hotels

Many people who visit Delphi either do day trips from Athens and other destinations or stay in local coastal towns like Nafpaktos or Galaxidi.

There are a number of hotels right near Delphi as well. Our pick is Kastalia Boutique Hotel which is only a 5-minute walk from the site and has spectacular views of the Valley.

Pitho Rooms is an inexpensive family-run hotel in a very central location.

Road trip in Greece -Delphi to Parga

Looking for an addition to your road trip from Athens? Or maybe just wondering where to go from Delphi? I highly recommend travelling on to Parga, one of mainland Greece’s most beautiful places.The entire trip should take just over 4 hours but you can easily break it up and even stop for a night or two along the way.

Delphi to Missolonghi

From Delphi, it’s about two hours west to the city of Missolonghi (or Messolongi) – however, the time flies by as you follow the coastal road. At the end of it, you’ll find yourself in the lively city of Missolonghi.

You’ll drive through the beautiful towns of Galaxidi and Nafpaktos ( see above), both worth visiting on their own merit. You will then head to the Gulf of Patras and the town of Missolonghi.

While many Greek attractions are ancient, Missolonghi could be considered an adolescent. It’s of historical importance – but that’s modern history, for a change! Famously, it was the site of one of the most important battles during the Greek War of Independence.

Sombre history aside, it’s also incredibly beautiful. Even if you’ve got no interest in military history, you’re sure to be besotted by the gorgeous coast.The lagoon is a very tranquil place to spend some time and quite different to most parts of Greece and the Greek Islands.

Missolonghi to Lefkada

Just because your Greek road trip has started on the mainland doesn’t mean you won’t get a taste of that famous Island life. From Missolonghi, you can find yourself on a charming Greek island in under three hours… and you won’t even need to board a ferry!

It will take you just under 2 hours to reach Lefkada from Missolonghi although it will probably take longer as there are a number of things to see and do along the way. You will pass several big lakes, Limni Amvrakia and Limni Ozeros as well as wineries, orchards and the charming port town of Amfilochia .

The stunning island of Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a causeway, meaning you can drive right over. You’ll quickly feel the difference as you arrive on the island, and will be dazzled by the spectacularly beautiful scenery on the island.

If you’ve only got a day or two on the island, you’ll probably want to prioritise enjoying the beautiful beaches – but with a little more time, the charming traditional villages in the east are pretty special. There is a good range of accommodation, especially with Airbnb’s on Lefkada.

The Ionian islands are worth spending several weeks all on their own. Kefalonia is a wonderful island with so much to see and do and you will need a car to cover most of it. You can do a shorter road trip around Zakynthos ( also known as Zante) too!

Lefkada to Nicopolis

Not far from Lefkada lies Nicopolis, an expansive archaeological site that – somewhat mystifyingly – seems to be relatively unknown outside of Greece. While I can’t quite explain why, I must admit that it’s a hidden bonus that the crowds tend to stay away.

The city was founded by the first emperor of Rome, Augustus, to honour a military victory over Marc Antony and Cleopatra. For over 1,000 years, the city flourished and remained strong through a number of invasions – however, it was eventually abandoned and fell to ruin.

Today, it’s an expansive and relatively well preserved site, closely linked to some of history’s most famous characters. So, if you have any interest in Roman history, you’d best add this stop to your road trip in Greece!

Nicopolis to Parga

Finally, the last stop is at the stunningly beautiful Parga – a fitting way to finish an itinerary that’s been filled with natural beauty and man-made wonders. You will reach Parga in less than an hour’s drive from Nicopolis taking the coastal EO Prevezas Igoumistas highway or an hour and 10 minutes if you would like to take the inland road to visit ancient sites such as Ancient Kassopi and the nearby Monument of Zalongo .

Although technically part of the mainland, Parga has a distinct island feel. After all, it’s hard not to feel rather relaxed and happy when you’re surrounded by such a beautiful setting. A cluster of colourful houses flank the stunning sea, while behind them loom several mountains. Atop one of them is an old Venetian fortification, adding even more intrigue to this beautiful town.

Parga overlooks the Ionian Sea, and on a clear day you may just see islands like Paxos off in the distance. Make sure you do a boat tour to Paxi island and the Blue Caves -it’s so beautiful, though, you may never want to leave!

Parga Hotels

For my money, Irida Boutique Hotel has one of the best locations in town, situated on the high with magnificent ocean views, yet close enough to be able to walk to everything. Beautiful rooms and great service make this place a winner.

A little cheaper and more traditional is Leda Suites , located in a quiet backstreet just 2 minutes walk from the town centre.

A great budget option is San Nectarios which has great views and feels like home away from home.

A Greece road trip – Athens to Meteora

This spectacular road trip in Greece will see you depart the bustling capital of Athens and wind your way in-land north eventually arriving at jaw-dropping rock formations of Meteora. Along the way, you will also be able to explore the incredible Pelion peninsula, one of the most beautiful yet largely undiscovered regions of Greece.

Athens to Volos

Nestled down at the foot of Mount Pelion, Volos’ modern and cosmopolitan feel is interwoven with its long history, steeped in myth and legend. These two elements combined make it a popular place to visit in Greece and an ideal stop as you make your way north to Meteora.

The drive to Volos is north out of Athens on the E75 and takes about 3.5 hours. A short detour at Eleon on the 44 road will take you to the fascinating Archaelogical Museum of Thebes , an ancient city that plays a big role in Greek Mythology.

You could also stop off the charming town of Chalcis on the 2nd largest island in Greece, Evia, or the coastal town of Kamena Vourla,which has a number of excellent waterfront tavernas such as Kavos Psarotaverna.

Most famously, Volos is considered the mythical home of Jason and the Argonauts , a well-known story of sailors heading off in pursuit of the Golden Fleece. Mount Pelion, just behind the city, was also the legendary birthplace of the Centaur – part human, part horse.

As well as its rich and varied myths, Volos has also benefited from being one of the busiest ports in Greece. This allowed money to flow into the city, and there are many ritzy apartments and homes – as well as great restaurants and shops as well. In particular, the seafood restaurants are dazzling – so be sure to schedule in a long lunch.

Volos to the Pelion Peninsula

Surrounding Volos is the Pelion Peninsula, which occupies a large swathe of the Magnesia region. Although it may not be one of the most well-known destinations in Greece, those who do visit are usually swiftly converted – in fact, many return saying it is one of the most beautiful places in the country.

With one look, it’s not hard to see why. It offers some of the best beaches of either the mainland or the islands, and there’s plenty of delicious and authentic cuisine to boot. This region offers everything you could want from a dazzling Greek escape… yet it’s retained its authenticity and quiet approach to life.

You won’t want to miss this, especially the gorgeous small beach of Damouchari , where most of the film, Mama Mia was shot ( only the Church is on the island of Skopelos). In fact you can stay in the very guest house on the beach that the cast and crew used, Victoria’s Guest House !

The Pelion to Meteora

The final stop on this road trip itinerary is Meteora – and this will be pretty breath-taking!

Returning to Volos you will join the E92 highway and head inland for 2 hours before reaching the towns of Kalambaka and Kastraki at the foot of Meteora.

Stop along the way, perhaps for a night or two at the towns of Larissa and Trikala both with a number of history sites and some truly beautiful surrounds. The stone bridges of Trikala are really worth seeking out and are explained in detail in this article .

One of the most amazing things about Greece is the incredible diversity found within the country. Of course, there’s the magical islands with their sandy beaches, and the stunning archaeological sites – but then there’s a plethora of lesser-known places. Take Meteora, for example.

This spectacular place offers the perfect fusion of natural beauty and human engineering. Here six large and ornate Orthodox Monasteries are perched precariously on top of enormous rock formations, creating a sight that has to be seen to be believed.

The spectacular natural surroundings paired with the way that the monasteries seem both precarious yet perfectly positioned creates an utterly magical atmosphere. For many, this is a place of deep spiritual significance – and everyone is sure to be enamored by the beauty. What a way to end a wonderful road trip! 

Further reading :   Visit Meteora!

Meteora hotels.

There are two towns to stay in Meteora, Kalambaka and the smaller village of Kastraki. We chose the latter and stayed at the lovely Hotel Doupiani which has rooms with incredible views of Meteora. In fact, it is so close you can walk easily to the first two monasteries from there.

Monastiri Guesthouse is excellent as is Tsikeli Hotel which is adults only.

If you’re on a tight budget Guesthouse Plakias and Thalia Rooms are hard to beat.

Athens to Thessaloniki

If you choose to do a road trip between Athens and Thessaloniki, you’ll be in good company! The road between Greece’s two largest cities is fairly well traversed, and along the way you’ll be treated to some of the country’s most impressive sights. It also allows you to take in huge diversity of scenery, as you’ll make your way from the bottom to the top of Greece.

Athens to Larissa

Larissa is the fourth largest city in Greece and is helpfully positioned between its bigger siblings of Athens and Thessaloniki. While the city has a number of historic attractions (more on that soon!), it is also a modern and youthful city, largely thanks to its strong student population.

While Larissa has a modern feel today, it’s actually one of the oldest settlements in Greece, with evidence suggesting it’s been occupied for an impressive 6000 years. Some evidence of its past are the two impressive historic theatres, and an impressive museum.

Larissa is almost 4 hours drive from Athens on the E75 highway heading north. Again, this is a modern multi-lane carriageway and there are numerous toll booths.

It is worth a detour to either the huge island of Evia or the Pelion peninsula for a few days, if not more. More details above in Athens to Meteora.

Larissa to Trikala

Less than an hour due west from Larissa charming Trikala has somehow managed to stay out of the pages of most “must-see” lists, but I can’t see why! This delightful little city has a distinctly liveable feel about it, with lots of local people out and about. If you’re interested in seeing the “real” Greek city life, far from the tourist crowds, it’s definitely worth a stop.

It’s considered the gateway to the mountains, and yet it’s actually very flat! As a result, I recommend taking advantage of the free bike hire and exploring the city on two wheels. You’ll be able to enjoy sights like the 6th century Byzantine palace Kastro, or drop in to enjoy a meal at the tavernas along Manavika.

Trikala to Meteora

Just half an hour away from Trikala you’ll find Meteora, one of the most jaw-dropping sights in all of Greece. For more information, scroll up to find out more, or read my comprehensive guide to visiting Meteora , including where to stay and eat and how to explore the Stone Bridges of Trikala, including one with a waterfall!

Meteora to Mt Olympus

Of all the fascinating Greek legends, there are few more enduring than that of the powerful God Zeus. Homer, who wrote Iliad and The Odyssey wrote that Mt Olympus was his Zeus’s home, cementing this place in mythology and history.

Looking at Mount Olympus, it’s no surprise that it has inspired authors and legends. It has an enchanting atmosphere, with plunging valleys and foliage-covered peaks. The most difficult peak, Mytikas, is reached by only a few intrepid adventurers – but everyone can enjoy some less strenuous trails.

To reach Mt Olympus from Meteora you can either backtrack through Larissa and stay on the modern E76 highway, which takes about 2.5 hours or head into the mountains on the older, single carriage roads that will take over 3 hours. Both routes have incredible views and vistas although the latter will, of course, let you experience a lot more authenticity.

This region, unsurprisingly, is a mecca for hikers, mountain climbers, and nature lovers. There are waterfalls, hiking trails, monasteries and parks and the town of Litochoro , in particular, is well worth some time.

Mount Olympus to Vergina

A relatively small Central Macedonian town that packs a big punch, Vergina is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in history. Situated 90 minutes north of Mount Olympus National Park, the drive will take you through the town of Katerinis and perhaps a pleasant detour from there to the small coastal town of Paralia Katerinis.

Most famously, Vergina is the closest town to Aigai, the first capital of Macedon. Historians believe that it was in this ancient capital that the ruler Philip II was assassinated and the legendary Alexander the Great was appointed as King.

It’s no surprise, then, that this area is one of the most archaeologically significant in Greece (and there are a lot of significant archaeological sites in the nation). Be sure to look out for the incredibly-preserved painted frescoes, as well as the tombs of many historic figures.

Vergina to Thessaloniki

Greece’s second-largest city is just as vibrant and historic as you’d expect. With Athens, these two cities book-end the country – and while they have many differences, there are also common threads weaving them together. Thessaloniki is equally fond of nightlife, with more than its fair share of restaurants and tavernas.

At first glance, the waterside city can seem quite modern – and it certainly has everything you’d expect from a 21st-century metropolis. However, this is Greece, so of course, there is a deeply historic underlayer. Be sure to leave some time to explore the historic sites, such as the ancient forum and the city’s Byzantine walls.

The drive from Vergina to Thessaloniki is just under an hour on the A2/E90 before it turns back onto the E75. A large section of the drive is past the Axios-Loudias-Aliakmonas National Park and wetlands which is a good spot for birding and photography but the Kalochori Lagoon just as you approach Thessaloniki, is much better.

If you would like someone else to drive whilst exploring this area there are a couple of good day trips available including a visit to the wonderful Thermal Baths and Edessa and a boat trip out to see mystical Mt Athos and it’s mysterious monasteries.

F urther Reading : A Complete Guide to Thessaloniki  

Thessaloniki Hotels

There are some lovely boutique hotels in Thessaloniki and The Modernist and The Excelsior are my pick. It’s easy to see why they get outstanding reviews!

A great budget option is Hotel Orestias Kastorias whilst if you are looking for a splurge then check out Electra Palace , sister to the famous hotel in Athens.

Whichever route you choose for your Greece road trip you are sure to be amazed and impressed by your journey. Obviously the longer you take the more you will see and do and thats the beauty of road trips and they offer so much flexibility.

Whilst this article has been mostly focused on the Mainland it is certainly possible to do road trips on the island as well. A Road trip in Crete is the only way to see Greece’s biggest island!

Enjoy yourselves and safe travels!

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Athens   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Jorg Greuel | Getty Images

18 Best Things to Do in Athens, Greece

Athens offers an endless number of experiences and attractions, from its ancient monuments and museums to medieval churches and high-end boutiques. You could easily spend several weeks wandering the city and exploring its best-preserved artifacts and

• All Things To Do

Acropolis Acropolis

While there are many more acropoleis (the plural of "acropolis") in Greece, it's this one in central Athens that garners the most attention. In fact, it's routinely referred to simply as " The Acropolis." The site is an elevated, flat-topped rock with an assortment of monuments and ruins built throughout the 5th century BC , including the Parthenon , the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion .

Travelers say the hike to the Acropolis is just as memorable as the sites it holds. If you're going to try it, many suggest beginning your trek in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak temperatures and crowds. For the best photos and views, arrive shortly before sunset. Visitors with mobility issues will have access to an elevator; however, some travelers noticed others struggling to move wheelchairs around the property, which lacks ramps and has gravel pathways, so allow extra time when using a wheelchair.

Acropolis Museum Acropolis Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip : Once you're inside the Acropolis Museum, look for the famous caryatids – a collection of marble statues that were replaced by copies on the Erechtheion for the purpose of their preservation. – Holly D. Johnson

As its name suggests, the Acropolis Museum – which resides in central Athens' Makrigianni district just below the ancient site itself – houses various archaeological findings from the Acropolis. Key exhibits include a relief of Athena Nike, several carved statues from Erechtheion , the head of a statue of Alexander the Great and a gallery with various Parthenon artifacts.

Parthenon Parthenon

U.S. News Insider Tip : If you're visiting during the scorching summer months, get up early and head to the base of the Acropolis before 8 a.m. Summer temperatures average in the high 80s and 90s, and the long lines can leave you standing in the heat for hours.  – Holly D. Johnson

An impressive example of ancient Greek architecture, the Parthenon is a cultural landmark like no other.

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Plaka Plaka free

The beautiful, historical neighborhood of Plaka, located under the Acropolis , is largely residential. Still, its assortment of restaurants and cafes keep it swarming with tourists each summer. You can also shop, especially if you're looking to bring home some gold or silver jewelry. 

Motor vehicles are not permitted on this neighborhood's winding streets, so make sure you have a street map (or access to maps on your phone) and a comfortable pair of shoes. Visitors say the Plaka offers a charming atmosphere and plenty of great shops for both souvenirs and one-of-a-kind finds. If you'd rather sip a drink once the sun goes down, travelers suggest visiting one (or several) of the area's vibrant clubs or bars. 

National Archaeological Museum National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum contains some of the most revered artifacts of Greece, dating back to 5000 B.C., and is considered one of the world's best museums for ancient Greek art. For many recent travelers, this museum was the highlight of their trip.

Prior visitors said this museum is well laid out and offers informative and interesting displays. A few reviewers reported feeling overwhelmed by all of the artifacts on display, and recommended mapping out which exhibits you'd like to see ahead of time to maximize your visit. For many, seeing Agamemnon's gold death mask was a must. Several travelers recommend breaking up your visit with a stop at the on-site cafe. 

Temple of Hephaestus Temple of Hephaestus

One of central Athens' best preserved ruins is the Temple of Hephaestus. Nestled within Ancient Agora , this site was built between 460 and 420 B.C. and once served as a Christian church. Eventually, the building was transformed into an archaeological museum before undergoing excavations in 1930 and later opening to tourists.

According to prior travelers, the Temple of Hephaestus is "impressive" and "definitely worth a visit." In fact, some felt this ruin deserved more accolades than the Parthenon , despite its smaller size. Like most sights found in Ancient Agora and the Acropolis , the Temple of Hephaestus can only be viewed from the outside, so time your visit early in the morning to take in everything while temperatures are cooler. Also, consider visiting Ancient Agora first if you plan on seeing its attractions and those at the Acropolis within the same day. The Temple of Hephaestus and other Ancient Agora ruins are open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 to 8 p.m., although hours vary by season

Ancient Agora Ancient Agora

The agoras of the ancient Greek city-states were open areas for people to assemble for everything from political gatherings to public debates. Ancient Agora is the most popular of its kind, thanks in part to its historical significance. Socrates used to lecture here, and it was also here that Saint Paul sought out converts for the then-fledgling religion known as Christianity.

Recent travelers, especially history buffs, loved visiting Ancient Agora. Though some wished the site offered more written information about its ruins, many felt the locale had a better atmosphere (and fewer crowds) than the adjacent Acropolis . Just be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes or allot extra time for moving around if you use a wheelchair since Ancient Agora's pathways are covered in gravel. Others raved about the views of the Acropolis that can be seen here, but warned that this site is a magnet for pickpockets.

Erechtheion Erechtheion

Located just north of the Parthenon high above the city within the Acropolis complex, the Erechtheion was constructed between 421 and 406 B.C. as a place for Athenians to worship Erechtheus, the mythical king of Athens, and various Greek gods. Though smaller than the Parthenon, this structure features a frieze made of Eleusinian gray stone, multiple sculptures (known as caryatids) and other unique details, making it one of the Acropolis' most eye-catching buildings.

This sight's attention to detail makes it one of Athens' most popular ruins to visit. Sightseers love the caryatids found on the south side of the building, adding that these copies – five of the six original statues are on display in the Acropolis Museum , while the sixth resides in London's British Museum – are so accurate that it's hard to tell they're replicas. Another plus: the stunning city vistas.

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Benaki Museum Benaki Museum

According to some recent travelers, this is the best museum in Athens. The Benaki Museum focuses on Greek art, from prehistory to the modern age. Its campus features several contemporary and historic buildings that house everything from Islamic art to art studios affiliated with Yannis Pappas and Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika, two well-known Greek artists. Facilities like restrooms, restaurants, gift shops and a library are available as well.

Art enthusiasts love visiting this museum's collections and seeing a range of Greek cultural exhibits and historical artifacts all in one place. Note that Thursdays offer free admission after 6 p.m. for permanent exhibits, so this is a good time to visit if you have a Thursday evening in Athens with time to spare. Free admissions are also offered at the Yannis Pappas Studio and the MENTIS workshop, where visitors can see how costumes, military uniforms and more were made for centuries. The only negative, for some, is the museum's abundance of exhibits, which tend to be repetitive at times and are tough to squeeze into one visit.

Anafiotika Anafiotika

Anafiotika is another trendy neighborhood in Athens that is nestled just beside the Plaka , and it is known for its car-free winding streets and alleys as well as its adorable homes and churches. The area is small, yet not difficult to find due to its location just next to the Acropolis . You can easily spend several hours here enjoying coffee or a cocktail, or shopping at one of the local boutiques.

Visitors who have been to Anafiotika say it's one of their favorite parts of the city, and that it's beautiful and even romantic for some. Consider getting up early to capture some stunning photos of Anafiotika with the Acropolis towering in the background and few other travelers to interfere with your shots.

Herod Atticus Odeon Herod Atticus Odeon

Situated on the south slope of the Acropolis , the Herod Atticus Odeon was named after Tiberius Claudius Herod Atticus, a wealthy Athenian who sponsored the building of this ancient outdoor auditorium between A.D. 160 and 174. Historically, the venue hosted a variety of music festivals, but today, the locale serves as the site for many theater, music and art festivals, including the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, an annual arts showcase.

Though some previous visitors said this attraction isn't as impressive as others found in the Acropolis complex, many highly recommended attending one of the venue's summer performances. If you do attend a show here, plan on wearing comfortable walking shoes , since steps at the Herod Atticus Odeon are steep. You can also visit during nonevent days, so long as you purchase an Acropolis ticket, which is generally cheaper than event tickets at 20 to 30 euros (around $22 to $32.50) per person.

Monastiraki Monastiraki free

U.S. News Insider Tip : Monastiraki is an exceptional place to enjoy an incredible meal or shop for souvenirs at a great price. You'll also find lower pricing for vacation rentals and hotels in Monastiraki than you will in the Plaka . – Holly D. Johnson

Monastiraki is a popular neighborhood within the ancient city of Athens similar to the Plaka, yet it's intensely grittier and a better representation of the local vibe than more touristy areas of town. Monastiraki is the place you'll find locals selling their wares on the street, with graffiti and street art covering nearly every building in sight. Delicious eats and drinks are found in this areas of Athens, and at a good price. For example, you can find the best of Greek cuisine here, from moussaka to souvlaki and gyros. The central gathering area in Monastiraki is Monastiraki Square, which is a lively and buzzing city square filled with small shops, food stands and locals enjoying the weather. This square is also a great place to begin walking Ermou Street, which is one of the city's biggest shopping streets when it comes to clothing, jewelry and souvenirs to take home. 

Museum of Cycladic Art Museum of Cycladic Art

Founded in 1986 as a place to display Aegean and Cypriot artifacts owned by Nikolaos and Aikaterini (Dolly) Goulandris, two Athenians interested in preserving Greek culture, the Museum of Cycladic Art features various sculptures, jewelry, pottery and weapons. Permanent collections are housed in the Main Building, while temporary exhibits are showcased at the adjacent Stathatos Mansion.

History buffs and art lovers rave about the high-quality exhibits offered inside this small museum. What's more, all of the displays include English translations, making it easy for Americans to learn about each item. This attraction is also popular with families, thanks in part to its complimentary admissions for children 17 and younger, as well as its kid-friendly activities. Additionally, the museum offers complimentary Wi-Fi access, a gift shop and a cafe, which serves tasty homemade pastries, brunch and light meals and snacks.

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Panathenaic Stadium Panathenaic Stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium held the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, and it was built on the site of a former stadium used for the Panathenaic games that dates back to 566 B.C. The unique marble stadium is in great condition and draws in tourists from around the world. What's more, it still hosts a range of sporting events and competitions to this day. 

Visitors to the stadium love its historical significance, but this seems especially true among those who love the Olympics or watch the games every few years. Many also agree the entry fee is reasonable for all you can see and learn in a few hours. Note, however, that you can get decent photos and a look at the stadium from outside the gates without actually paying to go inside.

Athens Bus Tours Athens Bus Tours

Like other major cities in Europe, Athens has its share of bus tours. Options include hop-on, hop-off bus tours with open air seating on an upper deck and inside seating below, but you can also book bus tours that last a half day or full day. While a range of companies offer their own unique bus tours and sightseeing options, some of the most popular providers include City Sightseeing , Key Tours and Sights of Athens .

Reviews for Athens bus tours vary by company, but many travelers agree that bus tours in general offer an affordable and convenient way to see the city. Note that many hop-on, hop-off bus tours cost less than 20 euros (about $21) per ticket, yet they give you the chance to see all around Athens without having to walk on foot, and you can get off and on as you please. Some hop-on, hop-off bus tours even offer free Wi-Fi on board. Cruise travelers in particular find the bus tours an efficient way to see the city’s top sights in a short amount of time. Booking a bus tour can also be an efficient way to see archaeological sites outside of Athens, such as Delphi.

Athens National Garden Athens National Garden free

The National Garden of Athens is a beautiful natural garden that sits south of the Benaki Museum and east of the Acropolis . The garden is brimming with flowers, trees, trellises, several lakes and natural vegetation, and it also offers something the city center of Athens often lacks – some natural shade and protection to keep you out of the sun and heat.

The garden is free to visit and open from sunrise to sunset, and you can enter and exit from each side depending on the direction you're headed (there are seven entrances in total). You'll also find public restrooms, a conservatory, a children’s library and a small cafe on-site, although past visitors have said the cafe is overpriced. 

Athens Food Tours Athens Food Tours

People from all over the world love Greek cuisine, and it's easy to see why. From local favorites like saganaki (fried and melted cheese) to fresh Greek salads, gyros and baklava (a dessert made with pastry and honey), there's no shortage of delicious foods to try throughout the country.

Whether you're a foodie or not, you may want to consider booking a Greek food tour to try out all the local favorites with the help of an expert guide. Companies that offer four tours in Athens vary widely, but popular options include Food Around Athens , Greekality , Truevoyagers and Athens Walking Tours . Most tours do require walking and a certain level of physical fitness since you're going from place to place to try new food and drink, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and be ready to get your steps in.

Temple of Olympian Zeus Temple of Olympian Zeus

Located near the Acropolis and the Benaki Museum , the Temple of Olympian Zeus is a tall and impressive marble structure that dates back to the 6th century B.C. The site has a long and storied history, as it was dedicated to Zeus, the patriarch of all Greek gods and the ruler of Mount Olympus. While only 15 of the original 104 columns of the temple are still standing, this landmark is one of the most common associated with Athens and worth a look and a few photos.

Visitors to the Temple of Olympian Zeus seem to agree the site is worth a stop even if there's not a lot to see. That said, ongoing restoration work and scaffolding could damper the experience, along with the potential for heat and crowds during a good part of the year. Several reviewers recommended reading up on the site prior to your visit as there isn’t much information on display here.

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This is Athens City Festival 2024

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What to See at the Athens Epidaurus Festival 2024

Where to experience lgbt+ culture in athens, a gallery walk in thissio and petralona, 6 unusual sights in athens worth a detour, from artefacts to art: 6 fine museum shops in athens, 10 modern buildings in athens you shouldn’t miss, listen to our new podcast series – athens unpacked, neighbourhoods.

Each neighbourhood in Athens has its own unique attractions and character. Explore the cafes you can’t miss in Exarchia, the vibrant nightlife in Gazi and the coolest shopping in Koukaki. Discover your new favourite Athenian neighbourhood with our insider guides.

Monastiraki

Historic centre, neos kosmos, sepolia / kolonos.

The most famous Athenian neighbourhood of Plaka is definitely a top attraction for visitors. Its picturesque streets, historic landmarks and lively shops make it a must-see. Just be prepared for the crowds.

What a difference a decade makes. The arrival of the landmark Acropolis Museum and the pedestrian walkway linking the city’s ancient monuments has seen this historic neighbourhood emerge as one of Athens’ most fashionable postcodes.

Layers of history intersect at the city’s hub of commerce and craftsmanship.

The heart of modern Greece beats in the historic centre of Athens — but contrary to what you’d think, it has little to do with ancient ruins.

The Athenian intelligentsia have long settled in this central neighbourhood of leafy squares and lively cafes. Now the hipsters are moving in too.

Rebels with, and quite often without, a cause have earned Exarchia a reputation as the turf of anarchists and radicals.

Gritty, dense and lined with auto repair shops, Neos Kosmos was a silent blue collar neighbourhood you’d never go to unless you lived there. But when art came to town, a transformation began, and today this up-and-coming neighbourhood is coming alive.

Head off the beaten track to Kolonos and Sepolia, two low-key residential areas that have yet to catch up with the fast-paced tempo of downtown Athens.

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Ejekt Festival 2024: Maneskin, Palaye Royale, Alice Merton

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Release Festival 2024: Massive Attack & TBA

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Ejekt Festival 2024: Korn, Spiritbox, Loathe, Planet of Zeus

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Ejekt Festival 2024: Bring Me The Horizon

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AEF2024: La Traviata

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WOMEN, Together

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English-Speaking Theatre Performances at Theatre of the NO

19 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Reverb Festival at Kypseli Municipal Market

02 February 2024 - 31 December 2024

Love Issues

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Grand Tour at the Benaki Museum

Explore athens with a local.

Meet an Athenian and discover the city beyond the guide books.

The Best Tours of Athens, Greece

Planning the Greece trip of a lifetime? Pre-purchasing your tours of Athens , Greece can save you big money by avoiding the fluctuating Euro exchange rates. Only thing is, there are so many different tours that it's hard to know which kind is best for your buck. Below, you'll find a wide selection of the different types of tours worth your while. Specific tours are available throughout Greece through many travel agencies, hotels, and tour operators. 

Morning Tour of Athens, Greece

Taking a tour at the beginning of your stay in Athens helps orient you to the capital city of Greece. This type of tour gets you to and from many of the major sights easily in a short amount of time; some you may want to revisit on your own later in your stay.

Half Day Tour to Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion is a dramatic location at any time of day, but most of the afternoon tours schedule it so you'll be there for the amazing sunset. Beneath you the Aegean Sea stretches out, glimmering in the sun, and beside you stands the stately ruins of the Temple of Poseidon. It's easy to understand why the ancient Greeks built a temple to the god of the sea here.

Athens Sightseeing by Night and Dinner Show

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Are you a cliché phobic, or an independent traveler rather than a tourist? Then this one isn't for you. You get to see the lights of Athens, look at the picturesque harbors, and then go into the Plaka area of Athens for a dinner and show. However, it's mindless fun, less trouble for a tired tourist than finding a unique place on your own, and nearly an essential experience for a first-time visitor to Greece.

Three-Day Tour to Meteora and Delphi

Organized trips to Meteora make great sense -- it's a long drive into the mountains that most casual travelers won't undertake on their own. Even better, find one that includes a stop at Delphi as well (read on for more info on this historical must-see site).

Full Day Tour to Delphi

To many Greece travel experts, a  visit to Delphi is as essential as a visit to Athens. This beautiful, historic, and inspiring town on the slopes of Mount Parnassus is a great experience. Have extra time? You can turn it into an overnight trip and, with an early call, you can explore the site without the crowds early the next morning.

Overnight Tour to Delphi

If you have the time, this is the most recommended way to experience Delphi -- it's absolutely lovely and you won't regret spending a night there. Delphi is high on the list for a return visit by repeat travelers to Greece, and it is lovely almost any season of the year.

Half-Day Tour to Ancient Corinth

The actual Corinth Canal  isn't even the most impressive portion of this tour. The ruins of ancient Corinth are very evocative, both as an ancient Greek site and also as a site important to early Christianity; the "Bema" or meeting area where Paul preached can still be visited.

Walking Photographic Tour of Athens: Hills and Demes of Athens

This is a fun way to "do" Athens while enjoying some instruction in photography and capturing some memorable images. Participants should be able to comfortably walk while carrying their camera equipment uphill and through the narrow and sometimes steep lanes of Athens. But if you're just really looking for a walking tour, this is a pricey way to do it and best for more serious photographers.

Wine Tasting and Tour of Ancient Corinth

Combining Greek wine tasting and a visit to ancient ruins just "works" somehow -- while there aren't many opportunities for this type of tour, you can do a wine tasting not at Corinth itself, but nearby at a lovely winery.

Four-Day Trip to the Greek Island of Rhodes

Explore the island of the sun, sacred to Helios, the Greek God of the Sun, since ancient times. This four-day trip typically includes your flight from Athens and a half-day escorted tour, but much of the time is yours to do with as you wish.

Day Cruise from Athens to Hydra, Poros, and Aegina

Want to get out of Athens, but short on time? Try an 11-hour day cruise -- it lets you visit three great Greek islands in a single day. Yes, it's just a taste, but if all you have time for is appetizers, you'll still appreciate -- and remember -- your quick bites of these Greek isles, all of them gems. Though it's a busy day, the boat ride between the islands lets you recover from previous sightseeing and be raring to go once you dock.

Two-Day Trip from Athens to Santorini

Love Athens but want to experience a Greek island during your stay? A quick trip to and from Santorini may be just the ticket. It can combine easily with your stay in Athens. Remember, most Athens hotels will happily keep your big luggage for you for a few days while you run off to the islands.

Four-Day Tour of Greece - Meteora, Olympia, Delphi, Epidaurus, Corinth Canal

Want to get out of Athens in a big way? A four-day/three-night tour of classical Greece that includes the Byzantine monasteries of Meteora, in addition to Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Corinth, and Delphi is the way to go.

Five-Day Trip to Northern Greece, with Delphi

This is an easy way to visit the often-neglected area of Northern Greece, round-trip from Athens. While Delphi is not exactly "northern", it's a nice addition to this type of tour.

Private Walking Tour with National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is really a must-see in Athens -- yet it seemed to be dropping off of organized tour offerings in recent past years, leaving travelers to scramble to add it to their own free days in Athens. An ideal tour would combine access to the Museum with a personally-guided tour on foot through Athens.

Open-Top Bus Tour of Athens

A bus tour is a simple, easy way to learn the basics of Athens and take some photographs from an interesting angle.

Welcome Tours

Athens, Greece is a marvelous city, a world capital -- and a confusing labyrinth for the unwary. If you choose a safe hop-on, hop-off bus tour or another guided coach option, it's still possible to "do" Athens without ever really meeting an actual Greek national or exchanging more than a few words with someone over a shop counter or hotel reception desk.

A service called Welcome has bridged that gap by creating a directory of vetted and trustworthy local Athenians and others who live in Greece who are willing to guide tourists around to their personal favorites in Athens and beyond. They charge a fee for the excursions, usually over 100 Euros for several hours of transportation and guidance. Some of them will even cook you dinner at their home, introduce you to their circle of friends, and show you around the neighborhoods of Athens.

How to Travel from Venice to Athens by Plane, Ferry, and Cruise

48 Hours in Athens: The Perfect Itinerary

Top 18 Things to Do in Athens, Greece

The Best Meteora Tours to Take From Athens

Traveling Safely in Greece

Don't Make These 8 Common Tourist Mistakes in Greece

The Top 11 Day Trips From Athens

Visit the Temples of the Greek Gods and Goddesses

Planning a Honeymoon in Greece: The Complete Guide

Temple of Apollo at Delphi: The Complete Guide

The Top 20 Things to Do in Greece

One Week in the Peloponnese: The Perfect Itinerary

Your Trip to Greece: The Complete Guide

The Towns of Santorini: The Complete Guide

Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon: Planning Your Visit

The Top 8 Hikes in Greece

Real Greek Experiences

Greek Culture, Travel Information, Itineraries, Life in Greece

Athens 3 Day Itinerary For First Time Visitors

With 3 days in Athens, you can see all the main sites, such as the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, and get a good experience of the Greek capital.  

What to do in Athens in 3 days

Spending three days in Athens is the ideal amount of time to see the important places of interest, such as the Acropolis, Plaka, Ancient Agora, Temple of Zeus and more. Knowing what to see is half the battle, knowing what order to see everything in is a whole different story!

This is why I’ve written this guide on what to do in Athens in 3 days. I was born and raised in Athens, and I love my city with its many different faces. Athens has so much to offer, which is why many people return.

As you probably know, Athens is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its most iconic landmark is the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 5th century BC. There are many more archaeological sites, and dozens of museums.

Apart from that, the Greek capital is a vibrant city, with almost 4 million inhabitants. There are busy markets, vibrant shopping areas, and dozens of local places and hidden gems. From its buzzing center to its suburbs on the coast, Athens a wonderful place to explore.

Here are my suggestions on what to do in Athens in 3 days. As there is no single Athens vacation itinerary that will fit everyone’s taste, I have included a few different ideas for everyone. You’ll also find some useful insights on where to eat and what to avoid in three days in Athens Greece.

Explore the Athens city center

The historic Athens city center is fairly compact. The main places of interest are Syntagma Square , Acropolis, Plaka , Monastiraki, Psiri , Thissio, and the areas in between. Any of these areas is great to base yourself and do your sightseeing.

There are a few pedestrianized roads and dozens of side streets and narrow alleyways, often making navigation a challenge.

Much of the historic center is only accessible on foot. To travel between the different neighbourhoods you can walk, use the Athens metro  or take a taxi.

Central Athens is roughly a 40-50 minute drive from the Athens international airport, or more, depending on traffic. The Athens airport metro takes about 45 minutes, while the airport bus can take an hour or longer.

Main attractions and highlights in Athens Greece

Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, has no less than  seven ancient sites! 

The most famous sites are the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora . You can also visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the ancient cemetery in Kerameikos, the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library and Aristotle’s Lyceum.

There is a combined ticket , which allows entrance to all of them. If you only want to visit one or two sites, it will work out cheaper to get single entrance tickets.

Apart from the historical sites, Athens has dozens of  museums . Archaeology and history fans will quickly realize that 3 days in Athens Greece are nowhere near enough! There are also several  art galleries  and  art museums  all around the entire city.

Athens, however, has a lot more to see apart from these attractions. The quaint changing of the Guards, our cutting edge street art, the beautiful neoclassical buildings and the lively Athens markets are all pieces of our colorful city’s puzzle, and they are here for you to discover.

Day 1 – Ancient wonders of Athens

On Day 1 of your Athens itinerary, start by exploring the city on foot. Walk on the beautiful pedestrianized streets and visit a few of our famous sites.

You can also visit Plaka, the oldest and best known neighbourhood in Athens. There’s a touristy side to it, but it’s lovely!

Temple of Zeus and Areopagitou street

Your starting point for the day is the massive Temple of Olympian Zeus , close to the Acropolis metro station. Only 16 of the original 104 columns remain, but they are quite something! You can also spot the Acropolis from right inside the site.

If you are planning to visit three archaeological sites or more, this is a great place to buy the combined ticket in person. Queues here are much shorter than at the Acropolis or the Ancient Agora of Athens.

Upon leaving the temple, pass by the massive  Hadrian’s Arch , built in honour of the Roman emperor Hadrian. Cross the busy Amalias Avenue, and you will find yourselves right on  Dionysiou Areopagitou  street.

In my opinion, this is one of the most picturesque streets in Athens. It was pedestrianized just before the 2004 Olympic Games and it passes right through the historic centre.

As you are walking on this ancient road, you will literally be able to see  ancient Athens for free .

Climb up the Acropolis Hill

As you are on Areopagitou street, heading towards Thissio metro station, you will soon see the entrance to the  Acropolis . The famous archaeological site is actually a large citadel, up on a hill.

There are many temples and ruins, of which the most famous is the Parthenon. It was dedicated to Goddess Athena, one of the  twelve Olympian Gods  and the protectress of the city. Here is a cool myth explaining  how Athens took its name . There’s also a smaller temple, dedicated to Athena Nike.

After you’ve explored the ancient ruins, climb up to the area with the massive  Greek flag . You will get unique views of the concrete jungle below!

The famous site gets very busy at certain times of the day, especially during peak season when cruise boats arrive in the morning. Allow at least an hour and a half to explore the ancient site fully, or more if there are crowds.

Have a look at this related article about overtourism in Athens .

The Acropolis is open from 8 am to 8 pm in summer, and to 5 pm in winter. Closing times vary during March-April and September-October, so check in advance.

Last tip: Many visitors underestimate the summer heat! If you are visiting in summer, make sure you bring a hat, sunscreen and some water. If it’s a particularly hot day, you can change the itinerary around, and visit in the evening. Here are a few more travel tips on  how to stay cool in the summer in Athens . 

Explore the Acropolis Museum

Back on Areopagitou street, you will immediately see the popular  Acropolis museum  on your left. Here, you can see several artefacts that have been discovered around the Acropolis.

Some of the most fascinating statues in the museum are the five Caryatids. They were originally six – the sixth one is currently at the British Museum.

Apart from the galleries, there is an excavated area just underneath the museum, where you can see parts of the ancient city.

The café on the second floor is a great spot to have a break from all the walking and climbing, and you will enjoy a fantastic view of the Acropolis. The museum’s opening hours vary by season and day of the week, so check their  website  for the latest information.

I strongly recommend that you take a guided tour for the Acropolis and the Museum, which will make Ancient Greece come alive and will significantly add to your experience. I’ve taken a few tours over the years, and there’s always something new to learn!

Otherwise, please at least try to brush up on your ancient Greek history before you visit!

Best places to visit in Athens for Acropolis views

Once you are back on Areopagitou street, continue walking towards Thissio metro. You will soon see the Odeon of Herodes Atticus , also known as  Herodion ancient theater  to your right, and  Filopappou Hill  to your left.

Herodion theatre is only open during evening performances in spring, summer and autumn. You can see the theatre’s interior when you are up on the Acropolis.

Filopappou Hill is a large green space where you can climb for some great views of the city. 

On top of the hill, you will also find the Filopappos tomb monument. This is dedicated to the Syrian Prince Filopappos, an honorary citizen of Athens who died in 116AD.

Another popular viewing point is  Mars Hill , or  Areios Pagos , the court of Justice in Ancient Greece. It was also the spot that Apostle Paul chose to talk about Christianity in 51 AD.

Areios Pagos offers some of the best views of the Acropolis, and is popular with first timers, returning visitors and locals.

Back on the pedestrianized street, you will find several cafés, snack bars and all-day restaurants where you can have a much-needed break.

Some popular suggestions in the area include  Thissio View  and  Athinaion Politeia . Alternatively, you can stop at one of the restaurants tucked away in the backstreets, such as Merceri , To Kousoulo  or To Kafeneio tou Rizou .

Kerameikos ancient cemetery 

After your break, continue walking towards Thissio metro. If you are in the mood for another ancient site, turn left towards  Kerameikos ancient cemetery .

Kerameikos was very important in ancient times. The area was originally where the potters and artisans lived, and it later became the cemetery of Athens. The small museum hosts several artefacts related to funerary practices.

Even though the site is big, you could probably walk around in about an hour. However, you can easily spend longer. The site is open from 8 am to 8 pm in summer, and closes at 5 pm in winter.

After Kerameikos, it’s time to stroll around the lovely, quaint neighbourhoods called  Plaka  and  Anafiotika .

Plaka and Anafiotika

Walk up Ermou and Adrianou streets, turn right on Vrisakiou or Areos street, and head towards Tripodon. You’ve now reached the famous locale called Plaka.

Plaka is a small neighbourhood with lots of all-day cafés, tavernas, restaurants and bars.

It’s also full of charming neoclassical buildings, some nice street art and an assortment of tourist shops where you can buy tasteful and not-so-tasteful Greek souvenirs .

You can easily spend a few hours here, or even perhaps climb up to the quaint Anafiotika  area before dark. This is a tiny neighborhood that looks like a Greek island!

Then you can have some nice Greek food in one the many tavernas. I like  Scholarchio and Kafeneio , but there are many in the area to choose from.

Day 1 Athens – Overview

Here is an overview of your first day in Athens, which begins at Acropolis metro, and ends in Plaka:

• The Temple of Zeus
• The Acropolis
• The Acropolis Museum
• Filopappou Hill
• Kerameikos ancient cemetery

While this is easily doable in one day in Athens, some people might find it a little tiring. It’s best to avoid this itinerary if you are jetlagged!

If you are visiting in winter, you will probably run out of time to visit Kerameikos. It’s best to check out all the other must sees in Athens without feeling rushed, and perhaps return to visit Kerameikos on Day 2 or 3.

Day 2 – Experience the local markets in modern Athens

On your second day, you will explore more ancient sites, but also have a taste of the local life! Visit markets, commercial streets and hidden areas where Athenians hang out.

Visit the Ancient Agora of Athens

Start your day with a visit to the  Ancient Agora , which is located close to Monastiraki square. The Agora once was the social, financial and commercial heart of the city. In my opinion, it’s one of the most fascinating spots in central Athens.

Note: This photo was taken in January. You will not need a coat in the summer – more like shorts and a T-Shirt! Here’s what to pack for Greece .

The Ancient Agora is full of ancient ruins, including the temple of Hephaestus, the best preserved temple in Greece. Go inside the Byzantine church of Holy Apostles, to check the frescoes.

I find the museum in the Ancient Agora fascinating. Take your time to read the informative signs, and you can learn a lot about the Ancient Greeks.

Allow a couple of hours for the Agora and the museum, as there is a fair amount of walking. Make sure you take in the beautiful views of our city!

Here is my complete  visitor’s guide to the Ancient Agora .

Athens markets in Monastiraki

Once you are out of the Agora, check out the  flea market in Monastiraki.  This is located on Ifestou street and the surrounding alleyways.

Although there’s a touristy side to it, you will also see second-hand bookstores, antique shops etc. If you are in Athens on a Sunday , check out the bigger antiques market, which begins very early in the day.

For a quick break, you can go up the 360 Rooftop Café. They offer drinks and snacks with an unbeatable view of (guess what?) the Acropolis!

Athens central food market 

And now, it’s time to experience the everyday life in Athens, and visit the  Varvakios central food market .

There are different sections for meat, fish, fruit and veg and several other products. You can visit just to have a look, but also to buy any Greek products to bring back home.

Note that the stalls start closing at around 15.00, and the Central market is closed on Sundays. Here’s everything you need to know about the  Varvakios central food market .

Or you can always take an Athens food tour , where you will learn more about all the delicious Greek dishes and Greek cuisine!

Stroll around the quaint Psiri neighborhood

Once you’ve visited the market, it’s time for lunch. While the notorious  Diporto   underground taverna is an interesting place to visit, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. You can try  Klimataria , on Theatrou square, which has kept its authentic character and offers dishes to match.

One of my favourite restaurants in Athens is  Mavros Gatos  on Navarchou Apostoli street, in Psiri area. They generally open around 13.00-13.30, so you will be just on time for small Greek dishes!

If you were thinking fish,  Atlantikos   on Avliton street is another great spot.

Apart from great lunch spots, Psiri area has some cool  street art . Wander around and see how many beautiful works you can discover!

Shopping on Ermou street 

After lunch, walk up the busy, pedestrianized  Ermou street , heading towards Syntagma Square.

In Ancient Greece mythology, Ermis / Hermes was the God of commerce (and not only). Τhis street, named after him, is one of the most commercial streets in Athens. You can find international chain shops, but also local stores selling mostly clothes, shoes and homeware.

Right in the middle of Ermou, you will see  Kapnikarea Byzantine church , dating from the 11th century. In the 19th century, when Ermou street was being designed, the small Christian church was nearly demolished.

Fortunately, its historical significance was taken into account, and it was preserved and restored instead. If it’s open, go inside and check the frescoes, designed by the prominent Greek artist Fotis Kontoglou.

The side streets and alleys around Ermou street are also great for bargain shopping. Head here if you are interested in fabrics, beads, jewellery or crafts materials. You will also discover dozens of cool all-day cafés, more street art and many street vendors and buskers.

Here’s a complete guide on the best shopping areas in Athens .

Syntagma square and the Changing of the Guards

Head up Ermou, and you will arrive at  Syntagma (Constitution) square , right in the centre of Athens.

The magnificent building that you will see on the opposite side of the square is the Greek Parliament. After the modern Greek state was first established, it was the Palace of King Otto.

In 1843, Athenians had a big demonstration here, asking for a constitution.

Right outside the Parliament building, you can see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the  Changing of the Guards . This happens every hour, on the hour, day and night, rain or snow! For more information, read my article about the  Evzones .

You can also visit the adjacent National Gardens, a lovely green space, and take a break from all the walking. Here is some more information: National Gardens in Athens .

If your three days in Athens include a Sunday, you could consider checking out the Ceremonial Changing of the Guards. This happens at 11 am every Sunday – just be there earlier to secure a viewing spot.

Explore Lycabettus Hill and Kolonaki area

Unless you’ve spent a very long time shopping, there will be plenty of time to go up  Lycabettus Hill . It’s possible to hike up, however you might prefer to take a taxi, or perhaps the cable car. The sunset views from up the hill are pretty cool!

Here’s more information about  Mount Lycabettus , including how to get there.

Afterwards, head down to  Kolonaki , one of the most upmarket areas in downtown Athens. You can go to one of the numerous restaurants and bars to have a meal or a drink, and watch the people go by.

One of the most popular streets is the pedestrianized Tsakalof street, which is full of all-day cafés / bars. As an example, Da Capo has been an iconic cafe in Athens for several decades.

Day 2 Athens – Overview

Just to summarize, this is a perfect itinerary for your second day in Athens:

• Ancient Agora
• Monastiraki flea market
• Varvakios food market
• Ermou street
• Syntagma Square
• The Parliament
• Changing of the Guards
• National Garden

While this might sound like a lot to do in one day, the actual distances aren’t too long. Just make sure you wear comfortable shoes to help you walk on the cobbled streets and enjoy walking around Athens!

Day 3 – More activities in Athens

If you have booked to stay 3 nights in Athens, you still have a whole day to explore. On day three in Athens, you can decide if you are interested in any of the other museums and attractions in the city centre.

Alternatively, you can take a half day tour to Cape Sounion, and see the Athens Riviera and the temple of Poseidon.

The National Archaeological Museum

People who have a specific interest in ancient history, Greek culture and ancient Greek art should definitely include the National Archaeological Museum  in a 3 day Athens itinerary.

This is the largest museum in Greece, and it will give you a pretty good idea of Greece’s long and complex history. In fact, if you only want to visit one museum in Athens, I suggest that you visit this one.

It takes about four hours to see all the collections properly! I know this sounds like a very long time, but you will need it if you actually want to read about the exhibits. There is also a quiet café downstairs where you can take a break if you want.

The museum closes at 8 pm in summer, and at 4 pm in winter, and you can check their  website  for more information.

The National Archaeological museum is right next to an infamous area of Athens called Exarchia . 

Stroll around the infamous Exarchia area

Ask ten people what they think about Exarchia in Athens, and you will get ten different answers. Cool, lively, authentic, gritty, shabby, dirty, dark, these are all words I’ve heard people use to describe Exarchia.

Indeed, some people might find this area slightly intimidating, mostly due to the amount of graffiti.

Yet, this is a vibrant area of the city, and is particularly popular with the younger crowd. It’s a perfect neighbourhood to observe everyday life in Athens.

Apart from the many neoclassical buildings and cool street art, you will find plenty of cafés and all-day hangouts. For one of the best meals in central Athens, head to Oxo Nou  on Emmanouil Benaki. They have a huge menu, large portions, amazing dishes and lots of Cretan  raki  on the house.

Athens Trilogy – Beautiful neoclassical buildings

After leaving Exarchia, stroll by Panepistimio metro, to see the so-called  Trilogy of Athens .

These are three of the most beautiful neoclassical buildings in Athens. From left to right, they are the National Library of Greece, the University and the Academy of Athens.

These magnificent buildings were constructed in the 19th century, after the designs of the Danish architects Hans Christian Hansen and Theophil Hansen. Sadly, at the moment they are not open to visitors – hopefully one day!

Explore the art galleries and free museums

If history is not your thing, don’t worry. Athens has many more attractions apart from the famous sites and museums. Anyone who loves art will be happy to know that there are several art museums in Athens. 

Here is a list of twenty of the  best museums in Athens for history, culture, modern and contemporary art. It includes the Benaki Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the National Gallery, and many more.

And if you are looking for free activities, check out my article on free museums and galleries in Athens . You may be surprised – and this is why 3 days in Athens are nowhere near enough!

See the Panathenaic Stadium

Another fascinating attraction is the  Panathenaic Stadium . This massive stadium was originally built in 329 BC to host athletic events, starting with the Great Panathinaia.

The stadium continued to be in use during Roman times, but fell into disuse when Christianity prevailed. Many of the materials used for its construction were removed to be used elsewhere.

Towards the end of the 19th century, certain people decided to revive the Olympic Games. For this purpose, the Panathenaic Stadium was reconstructed, and was home to the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

Nowadays the stadium hosts several events from time to time, but is also open to visitors. Allow at least an hour and a half to visit the impressive stadium and the small museum.

Visit the temple of Poseidon at Sounion

If you want to see what the coastal suburbs of Athens look like, you can take a half-day Athens trip to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion . The temple is a popular sunset spot, as it’s right at the edge of Attica peninsula.

People who are happy to hire a rental car can easily combine a visit to the temple with a few hours on the beach. Most areas on the so-called Athens Riviera are suitable for swimming. 

This is a good option for people planning a weekend in Athens Greece, as this half-day trip can give you an idea of the coastline.

Depending on traffic, this activity should take you about 4.5-5 hours if you are leaving from central Athens. Note that on summer weekends there will generally be a lot of traffic, so plan your visit on a weekday if you can.

Take a walking tour

If you don’t feel like visiting any other tourist attractions, you could consider taking an Athens private walking tour with a local .

While you can see a lot of our city on your own, a local can always explain all its little secrets. Plus, you will have the opportunity to experience the everyday life in Athens and Greece!

Day 3 Athens – Overview

I have deliberately left day 3 with no suggested itinerary. You may choose to do any of these activities, or totally ignore them and do your own thing! After all, this is your own holiday, and you should do what you feel like doing.

How many days to spend in Athens

If you are visiting Greece for the first time, my suggestion is to spend at least 3 days in Athens. This way you can explore our famous ancient monuments, visit a couple of museums, and enjoy local life without feeling too rushed.

In fact, I think that three days in Athens is the absolute minimum that you need in order to scratch the surface. You can easily spend a week in Athens and never get tired of it!

FAQs about Athens

Here are a few questions that people who visit Athens often ask:

Is 3 days enough for Athens?

3 days is enough to see the main attractions of Athens. You’ll also get a general idea of what local life is like. 

What are some of the best places to visit in Athens?

Athens is famous for its ancient history. Some of the top attractions include the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and the temple of Olympian Zeus. Other places to visit include the various neighborhoods, like Plaka, Anafiotika and Psiri, and the colourful markets around Monastiraki.

Is Athens safe?

Overall, Athens is a very safe city, though some areas might feel unsafe at first. With that said, always be mindful of your valuables, especially if you are in crowded places and the Athens metro.

What can you do in Greece in 3 days?

It depends on what you want out of your holiday. Often, a 3 days in Greece itinerary includes a day or two in Athens, plus a day trip to one of the Greek islands.

Which Greek islands should I visit?

Greece has over 100 inhabited islands, so choosing between them can be a tough choice. Santorini and Mykonos are two of the most popular and crowded islands, but there are dozens more to choose from.

Here is a 7-day itinerary for Athens, Mykonos and Santorini .

How can I get from Athens to the Greek islands?

Some Greek islands, like  Santorini ,  Mykonos  or  Milos , have airports. If you decide to fly there from the Athens airport, it’s best to book your flight as early as possible, as last-minute prices tend to be very high.

I personally prefer to travel to the islands on ferries. I use a search engine called Ferryscanner to check ferry itineraries and book my ferry tickets. These days you usually get your tickets in your email, so you don’t need to queue at the port to collect them.

Athens Itinerary 3 Days

I hope that the above itineraries and tips have helped you decide what to see during your trip to Athens in 3 days. If there’s anything else that you’d like to know about Athens, leave a comment right below!

Here are a few more articles in my Athens travel blog you might enjoy:

• How to get around Athens
• The best time to visit Athens and Greece
• Islands near Athens
• Day trips from Athens
• How to get from Athens to Thessaloniki by train
• How to book a train ticket in Greece
• Driving in Greece
• 2 days in Athens itinerary – if you are pushed for time!

Hi! I am Vanessa! I’ve been calling Athens home for over 40 years, and I’m not tired of it yet. While it’s far from a perfect city, I find it absolutely fascinating, as it has so many different faces. You could easily stay in Athens for a week and not get bored! For more local advice on how to plan a trip to Athens, feel free to contact me. Also, follow my FB page , where I post information and news about Athens and Greece.

4 thoughts on “Athens 3 Day Itinerary For First Time Visitors”

Hello Vanessa! Thank you for the thorough explanation of what one can do in 3 days in Athens. I plan to go with my girlfriend in June, so this article will be my go-to one, but I will also check out your other posts, as I find them extremely useful for any tourist coming to Athens. Greetings from Poland!

Thank you so much!! Please feel free to ask any questions!

Hi! Thank you for this! We are going for about 2.5 days LOL, arriving in the afternoon on a Sunday and leaving mid afternoon on a Wednesday. Our 16-year-old daughter has been waiting to get to Athens FOREVER. She wants to see the old sites for sure so this has been a big help. Any other suggestions you have for visiting in November or with teenagers? I know its a quick trip and we want to see the big stuff most of all. Thanks again for all this info. 🙂 Greatly appreciated.

Thank you! Have a look at Psiri area , she will love it, and make sure you pass by the Little Kook cafe which has become very famous – I don’t like their desserts personally, but the place is worth having a look at. I love the Museum of Illusions too, which is something different, and you can definitely go to the Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology !

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• THURS 26 °C

Climatic Data

Source: National Observatory of Athens / meteo.gr

© Th. Gravanis

© Stian Rekdal

© Y. Skoulas

A journey through time

Points of Interest

• TRANSPORTATION

National Archaeological Museum

Acropolis Museum

Byzantine and Christian Museum

National Gallery - Alexandros Soutsos Museum

Museum of Cycladic Art

Panathenaic Stadium

Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation, Athens

Benaki Museum of Islamic Art

Syntagma Square

Athens for shopping centre

National Garden

Biking in Athens

Pedion tou Areos

Nightlife in Athens

Bus Station Kifisou

Bus Station Liosion

Athens Railway Station

Unique Experiences

Historical Walkings in the city centre

Latest events.

Saturday in the Museum with 20+1 masterpieces

ΑΣΤΥΓΡΑΦΙΑ / URBANOGRAPHY

Sacred Music Festival

The Parthenon and Byron

Dance Performances

Athens – City Festival 2024

Athens Pride 2024

Release Athens Festival

Tips for your next trip.

A delicious visit to Athens' museums

Beautiful atriums and courtyards, balconies with breathtaking views and green gardens have been shaped as part of museum premises in Athens promise to offer you relaxing spots before or after your culture-oriented visits.

Athens Riviera

You don't need to get on a ferry to escape the bustle of the Greek capital: take a short bus ride and you'll find superb local beaches along the sheltered Saronic Gulf...

Museum cafés in Athens

LGBTQ+ Journeying to Athens

Filming in athens.

SUMMER HOLIDAY (1963)

Four London bus mechanics strike up a deal with London transport. They do up a double-decker London bus, drive it around Europe as a hotel and if they make it, they will in turn own and be in charge of a whole fleet. While on the road in France, they pick up three ladies whose car breaks down and offer to take them to their next singing job in Athens!

DIRECTOR: PETER YATES FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS

THE BOY ON A DOLPHIN (1957)

A sponge diver ( Sofia Loren) on Hydra island discovers a sunken ship filled with artifacts, including a priceless ancient gold statue of a boy on a dolphin. She and her boyfriend enlist the help of an American archaeologist, but her boyfriend can't afford the asking price and ends up turning to an art collector for help.

DIRECTOR: JEAN NEGULESCO FILMING LOCATION: HYDRA, ATHENS, RHODES, KORINTHOS, POROS, KALABAKA, DELOS, DELPHI, SANTORINI

IN THE COOL OF THE DAY (1963)

An English book publisher, who is taunted and tormented by a grudging, embittered, anti-social wife, falls hopelessly in love with a fragile American girl, who has been sheltered and protected to the point of absurdity by her adoring husband. The couple soon run off to Greece together to pursue their romance.

DIRECTOR: ROBERT STEVENS FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS, DELPHI

FOR THE LOVE OF BENJI (1977)

Even when he is supposed to be on holidays, Benji the dog is never far away from adventure. While traveling to Greece with his owners, Benji has a run-in with a secret agent (Ed Nelson), who hides something on him that a lot of unsavoury characters seem to want. Once in the foreign land, Benji becomes separated from his owners, and has to navigate his way through Athens with everyone chasing after him. All Benji wants is to be reunited with housekeeper Mary (Patsy Garrett) and the kids.

DIRECTOR: JOE CAMP FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS

AMERICA AMERICA (1962)

Somewhere around 1900, a young Greek man lives a miserable life in a small village in Turkey as a member of the Greek minority. When the oppression by the Turks increases, his father provides him with the family treasures and sends him to Constantinople. There, he is supposed to make money and get the family to join him. But his own dream is going to America...

DIRECTOR: ELIA KAZAN FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS

ATLAS (1961)

An evil king Praximedes is convinced to settle his dispute with his political rival by staging a battle to the death between their respective champions, and convinces superhero Atlas to fight for him. But Atlas eventually realises the king's true nature and turns against him...

DIRECTOR: ROGER CORMAN FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS

BACKFIRE (1964)

A gold smuggler hires our hero to transport a stolen fortune to a new hideout. The smuggler sends him moll to accompany (and spy on) the hero. The two set out for Beirut to get instructions as to where the gold is located. They travel throughout exotic southeast Europe and the Middle-East seeking further instructions, never realizing that they have had the gold with them all along...

DIRECTOR: JEAN BECKER FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS

GIRL ON THE BRIDGE (1999)

Adèle (Vanessa Paradis ) a waif who is unlucky in love decides to take her own life by jumping from a Paris bridge, when she gets a strange proposition from Gabor (Daniel Auteuil), a professional knife thrower. Together, their luck is unstoppable, and they have an almost psychic bond. But fidelity is not easy, even for those that are perfectly mached.

DIRECTOR: PATRICE LECONTE FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS

THE TWO FACES OF JANUARY (2014)

A con artist ( Viggo Mortensen)and his wife (Kirsten Dunst) find themselves in deep trouble in Greece after the former murders a detective. To escape from Greece, they must trust a stranger (Oscar Isaac) who is inherently untrustworthy.

DIRECTOR: HOSSEIN AMINI FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS, CHANIA, HERAKLION

IN THE FADE (2017)

Katja's life falls apart in the blink of an eye when two neo-Nazis kill her husband and 6-year-old son in a bomb attack. Her quest for justice soon pushes her to the edge as the two suspects stand trial for murder. The movie has won the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film while Diane Cruger won the award of Best actress at Cannes Festival.

DIRECTOR: FATIH AKIN FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS

IT HAPPENED IN ATHENS (1962)

During the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, a poor shepherd decides to complete in them, while a glamorous actress promises to marry one of the winners of one of the games.

DIRECTOR: ANDREW MARTON FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS

JUPITER'S THIGH (1980)

A honeymoon turns into a breathless country chase for a police inspector and a researcher of ancient Greek civilization.

DIRECTOR: PHILIPPE DE BROCA FILMING LOCATION: KALABAKA, PARGA, CORFU, ATHENS

MALE HUNT (1964)

A Frenchman is getting ready to marry the woman of his dreams. He begins to have second thoughts though when his best friend, a sworn bachelor, tells him that women only use marriage to exploit men. Under that influence, he leaves for Greece on his own.

DIRECTOR: EDOUARD MOLINARO FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS, RHODES

MY LIFE IN RUINS (2009)

A Greek-American tour guide (Nia Vardalos) leads and assorted group of misfit tourists around Greece. In a hysterical clash of personalities and cultures, everything seems to go wrong.Until one day, a very special tourist (Richard Dreyfuss) shows her how to have fun and take a good look at the last person she'd ever expect to find love with: her quiet and sexy Greek bus driver (Alexis Georgoulis).

DIRECTOR: DONALD PETRIE FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS, OLYMPIA, DELPHI

NEVER ON SUNDAY (1960)

A look at the life of Ilya, (Mercouri) a carefree Greek prostitute, who lives in the port of Piraeus and meets an American scholar Holmes (Dassin), an American tourist and classical scholar who adores all things Greek. The two try to change each others' perception and way of living for the better. The movie won the Academy Award for Best Original Song (Manos Hadjidakis for "Never on Sunday").

DIRECTOR: JULES DASSIN FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS, PIRAEUS

NEW YORK STORIES (1989)

Τhree stories happening in New York. The first, by Scorsese, is about a painter who creates his works helped by high volume music and an attractive assistant; second, by Coppola, is about a rich and bold 12 years old who helps her separated parents to reconciliate; third, by Allen, is a witty piece of comedy about the impossibility of getting rid of the son's role. The one of Coppola includes a concert on top of the Acropolis Hill.

DIRECTOR: WOODY ALLEN, FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA, MARTIN SCORSESE FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS

A WOMAN AT HER WINDOW (1976)

The wealthy Austrian-born wife of a penniless Italian diplomat and playboy in 1936's Greece, amuses herself pursuing a shallow loveless affair with a nobleman. Her life is changed when she rescues a political activist she finds hiding beneath her window and falls in love with him...

DIRECTOR: PIERRE GRANIER- DEFERRE FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS

RAISE THE TITANIC (1980)

The American military is developing an experimental defence system that requires an extremely rare mineral in order to work. It is known that around the turn of the century a miner exported some of the mineral. Hopes are dashed they learn that he transported the mineral on the Titanic. But perhaps the Titanic can be salvaged...

DIRECTOR: JERRY JAMESON FILMING LOCATION: HYDRA, ATHENS

RUBY CAIRO (1992)

A young widow discovers that her late husband had stashed a fortune in secret bank accounts across Europe, and sets off to follow a trail of clues encoded in a set of baseball cards.

DIRECTOR: GRAEME CLIFFORD FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS

SIGNS & WONDERS (2000)

Alec (Stellan Skarsgard), an American living in Athens, leaves his wife (Charlotte Rampling) for another woman, Katherine (Deborah Kara Unger), but then tries to return to her over his guilt, but she's more interested in a Greek political activist (Dimitris Katalifos). He is under the influence of signs and premonitions with blue being his color, and yellow being the color of Katherine.

DIRECTOR: JONATHAN NOSSITER FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS

TEMPEST (1982)

A middle- aged architect is going through a difficult mi-life crisis. He abandons his wife, leaves New York, and moves to Greece with his teenage daughter. He meets a singer, they become lovers and they move to a Greek island. One day, a twist of fate brings his wife and her new lover to the island due to a shipwreck.

DIRECTOR: PAUL MAZURSKY FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS, PIRAEUS

THE 300 SPARTANS (1962)

In 480 BC Spartan king Leonidas led an extremely small army of Greek Soldiers (300 of them his personal body guards from Sparta) to hold off an invading Persian army more that 20 times as large. The actial heroism of those who stood (and ultimately died) with Leonidas helped shape the course of Western Civilization.

DIRECTOR: RUDOLPH MATE FILMING LOCATION: KORINTHOS, ATHENS

THE ANGRY HILLS (1959)

In 1941, an American journalist (Robert Mitchum) reporting from Greece is given a secret list og German collaborators to transport to British Intelligence headquarters. He is helped by Greek resistance fighters as he is pursued across the country by the Nazis...

DIRECTOR: ROBERT ALDRICH FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS

THE BURGLARS (1971)

A band of crooks, led by a professional jewel thief, break into a mansion on the outskirts of Athens to steal a priceless collection of emeralds. The robbery is a success, but the gang miss their escape transport out of the country. Meanwhile, their leader is pursued by a crooked police chief, who will stop at nothing to lay his hands on the stolen jewels...

DIRECTOR: HENRI VERNEUIL FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS, PIRAEUS, CORFU

THE GREEK TYCOON (1978)

She was the most famous woman in the world. He was a peasant, a pirate, a shark. The Greek Tycoon is the story of their fiery romance. Liz Cassidy, the unhappy widow of an assassinated American president, is pursued by womanising millionaire businessman Theo Tomasis, who proves to be very persistent. Starring Jacqueline Bisset, Anthony Quinn, Edward Albert and James Franciscus.

DIRECTOR: J. LEE THOMPSON FILMING LOCATION: CORFU, ATHENS, MYKONOS

THE ISLAND OF LOVE (1963)

When their gangster- financed B- movie flops, two conmen flee to Greece to escape the mobster who's after them. Once there, they work up another scam to open a resort and one of them falls for the gangster's niece.

DIRECTOR: MORTON DA COSTA FILMING LOCATION: HYDRA, SPETSES, ATHENS

THE LITTLE GIRL DRUMMER (2018)

Brilliant young actress Charlie strikes up an acquaintance with an intriguing stranger while on holiday in Greece, but it rapidly becomes apparent that his intentions are far from romantic.

DIRECTOR: PARK CHAN- WOOK FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS, NAXOS

THE OTHER SIDE OF MIDNIGHT (1977)

A beautiful French woman falls in love with a dashing American pilot. She expects him to marry her, but instaed he abandons her. She later becomes a successful actress and manoeuvres to ahve him hired as the private pilot of her wealthy Greek lover, only to rekindle their passion.

DIRECTOR: CHARLES JARROTT

THE ROAD TO CORINTH (1967)

During the Cold War in Greece, NATO radar and missile systems experience mysterious Robert Ford and his wife, Shanny (Jean Seberg), takes over the investigation despite the opposition of the head of the secret service, Mr. Sharps (Michel Bouquet). The latter orders the intelligence agent Dex (Maurice Ronet), a friend of Robert and Shanny, to monitor Shanny's whereabouts. The film is also known as "Who's Got The Black Box?"

DIRECTOR: CLAUDE CHABROL FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS

THE STEPS (1966)

An artist returns to Santorini, where she spent her childhood, to face the ghosts of her past and her present. Starring Irini Papa, Umberto Orsini and Takis Emmanuel.

DIRECTOR: LEONARD HIRSCHIELD FILMING LOCATION: SANTORINI, ATHENS

THE TRIP TO GREECE (2020)

When Odysseus left Troy it took him ten years to get back to his home in Ithaca. Steve and Rob have only six days on their own personal odyssey in THE TRIP TO GREECE. On the way they argue about tragedy and comedy, astronomy and biology, myth, history, democracy and the meaning of life!

DIRECTOR: MICHAEL WINTERBOTTOM FILMING LOCATION: LESVOS, HALKIDIKI, ATHENS, HYDRA, ITHACA

CHALTE CHALTE (2003)

This romantic Bollywood movie starring Shah Rukh Khan was extensively shot in the beautiful destination of Greece. Its famous romantic number, 'tauba tumhare yeh ishare,' was shot around Athens University, Lycabetos Hill, the Olympic Stadium and concludes on the picturesque island of Mykonos.

DIRECTOR: AZIZ MIRZA FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS, MYKONOS

TINTIN ET LE MYSTERE DE LA TOISON D'OR (1961)

The famous Belgian reporter Tintin, along with his dog Snowy (Milou) and Captain Haddock, sail to Greece in an old rust bucket called the Golden Fleece. Soon enough though, the ship's hidden secret gets them all in big trouble.

DIRECTOR: JEAN JACQUES VIERNE FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS, KALABAKA

THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELLING PANTS 2 (2005)

For the first time since their friendship began, four young girls are separated for a summer. One of them, Lena, visits her grandparents in Greece and meet Kostas, with whom she falls in love...

DIRECTOR: KEN KWAPIS FILMING LOCATION: SANTORINI

27 MISSING KISSES (2000)

A young woman's passion has a remarkable effect on a Russian village in this comedy-drama with fantasy elements. Sybill (Nino Kuchanidze) is a teenager who is sent to a small town in the country to spend the summer with her aunt. Despite her tender age, Sybill is ripe and sexually aware, and while the initial object of her attention is Alexander (Eugenji Sidichin), a widower in his early 40s, she instead pairs up with Mickey (Shalva Iashvili), Alexander's teenage son.

DIRECTOR: NANA DZHORDZHAZDE FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS, KALAVRYTA

40 CARATS (1973)

A forty-year-old conservative divorcee Manhattan realtor finds herself attracted (while on holidays in Greece) to a twenty-two year old New Yorker and they spend the night together. She then turns to New York and she is stunned to learn that he is her daughter's boyfriend. He then pursue her, and is uncertain of what to do...

DIRECTOR: MILTON KATSELAS

FANTASIES (1981)

Set on Mykonos Island, the story is about a sister (Bo Derek) and brother (Peter Hooten), who return home after years abroad. Falling under the island's erotic spell, the girl and boy discover that their love goes beyond filial. The incestuous nature of the story evaporates when it is discovered that the two aren't actually related after all.

DIRECTOR: JOHN DEREK

Other destinations

Elefsina 

3 Days in Athens: Itinerary for First-time Visitors in 2022

I dreamed of visiting Athens, Greece for years. I studied Classics in university, and learned Ancient Greek and Latin as some of my core skills, as well as taking classes on ancient history. As you can probably imagine, this Athens itinerary is packed full of the most significant and the most beautiful places to visit in Athens, based on my background in Classics.

Not only that, but my boyfriend ALSO studied Ancient Greek and classical archaeology, so get ready for a complete nerdfest throughout this guide. Don’t worry, it’ll be fun 😉

Apart from Classical sites (which, let’s be honest, can get a bit repetitive if you don’t know what to look for), this guide also explains where to eat in Athens, the best cafes you can work from, as well as my personal favorite aspect of Athens: incredible rooftop bars with Acropolis views!

Keep reading for a complete guide to seeing Athens in 3 days, the best things to do in Athens , recommendations for day trips, where to eat, drink, and work, as well as the inside scoop on the absolute best photography locations in Athens for my fellow shutterbugs.

And with that, let’s look at what’s in store for us in Athens! I absolutely loved visiting Athens in February of 2020, and am looking forward to a chance to book-end an upcoming trip there later this Summer.

What you’ll see in three days in Athens, Greece

I stayed in Athens for 8 days (9 Feb - 17 Feb, 2020) while building this itinerary and exploring the city, and packed down my absolute best experiences into these three days. I was lucky enough to visit Athens with not one, but TWO people who’ve seen the city before, so our combined experience makes this a very complete itinerary.

Here’s what you’ll see in Athens for three days:

• Top highlights of Athens including the Acropolis , Acropolis Museum , Aeropagus , Ancient Agora of Athens and more sights.
• Views of the Acropolis from all angles such as Filopappou Hill and Lycabettus Hill , as well as more ancient sites to round out your Athens experience.
• Day trip to the Peloponnese region , including Mycenae , Epidaurus , and Nafplio . The must-do day trip for lovers of ancient history, featuring the world’s best-preserved amphitheatre.

Where to stay in Athens

Athens is an extremely walkable city, especially when it comes to the city center. You can walk end-to-end in about 20 minutes, and a taxi ride from one side to the other costs just 4-6 EUR. My main tip would be simply to stay away from major roads, because traffic (and especially motorcycles!) can get pretty noisy. Otherwise, you can find stunning views and low prices all over the city.

Option 1: Airbnb (for longer stays) – You’ve got two main options in Athens for accommodation: booking a hotel or staying in an Airbnb. I spent a total of 8 days in Athens while building this itinerary, so there was no question I wanted to get an apartment. I stayed in this Airbnb with an Acropolis view located right at the border of the historic center in the Kerameikos neighborhood.

Option 2: Hotel in a central neighborhood (for shorter stays) – For a shorter stay, it would be affordable to stay in the two best districts for short-term visitors: Plaka or Kolonaki . Here are some of the hotels with the best reviews and locations in these neighborhoods:

• A for Athens (9.2 “Wonderful” rating) – A for Athens is located right on Monastiraki Square, making it one of the most convenient locations in the entire city. You can also reach it on a direct metro from the airport and avoid hauling your luggage over uneven streets. Bonus: the rooftop bar at A for Athens is legendary and offers this amazing view (see below).
• Coco-Mat Hotel Athens (9.3 “Wonderful” rating) – Even though I opted for an Airbnb because of my long stay, Coco-Mat was the hotel recommended to me by a friend who visited Athens and loved staying there. Its location in Kolonaki is slightly upscale, convenient for shopping, and located near Lycabettus Hill, one of the best places to watch sunset in the entire city.

Click here to check availability for rooms with an Acropolis view at A for Athens during your visit.

Tip for female travelers – Avoid staying in the Omonia area. While it’s improved a lot thanks to police presence in recent years, it’s not somewhere you want to walk around at night. Especially for female travelers, there are a lot of men out and street harassment isn’t uncommon.

What to pack for Athens

Depending on what season you visit Athens, you can get pretty cold temperatures in the Winter (though warmer than most of Europe) or scorching hot days with full sun out. Regardless of which season you visit, you’re going to want to pack these essentials for Athens:

• Sunglasses and sunscreen – Whether it’s Winter or Summer, you need to be prepared for sun! I highly recommend this awesome SPF 50 Japanese sunscreen if you’re serious about sun protection!
• Walking shoes with traction – You’ll be walking over stones and marble that have been worn down by feet for thousands of years. It can get slippery! Make sure your shoes are comfortable for walking and have a bit of grip.
• Anti-theft handbag or backpack – Athens is mostly a safe city, save for petty theft and pickpocketing. You need to mind your belongings in Athens, especially in crowded squares and on the metro. This theft-proof backpack has over 1,000 positive reviews on Amazon.
• An offline-friendly guidebook – Speaking of not making yourself a target, I prefer not to walk around with my expensive iPhone in my hand when navigating a city known for petty theft. I personally own this Greece travel guide (which was just updated!) and reference it every time I go to Greece.

Athens, Greece 3-day itinerary

Day 1: top highlights of athens.

Today we’re going to start early and be one of the first at the Acropolis , the heart of Ancient Athens. You’ll see some of the most impressive archaeological sites, dating back as far as 447 BC (making it almost 2,500 years old!).

After soaking in the main sights like the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion, you’ll head to the Aeropagus for some of the best up-close views of the Acropolis. Once we’ve seen the sights, we’ll head to the Acropolis Museum to learn more about what we saw at one of the world’s best museums.

Finally, we’ll round off the day of ultimate ancient highlights with Ancient Agora of Athens , and a few other sights in the area before calling it a day.

The Acropolis is easily the highlight of Athens, and your best chances for enjoying it without massive crowds is to visit the Acropolis first thing in the morning , when it opens at 8AM. In terms of buying tickets, you can always check up-to-date Acropolis ticket prices here .

Summer hours – April 1 to October 31: 8 am to 8 pm (last admission 7:30 pm) Winter hours – November 1 to March 31: 8 am to 5 pm

One awesome thing about visiting Athens in Winter is that the prices for almost all archaeological sites are reduced, just don’t make the mistake of buying the combination ticket because that’s not reduced in Winter and the lines are short enough you won’t need to wait much.

Summer prices – April 1 to October 31: 20 € Winter prices – November 1 to March 31: 10 €

Unless you’re an ancient history nerd like me, you may want to forego the combination ticket and opt for buying tickets as you go. The one good thing is that the 30€ combo ticket can save you waiting in line for other sights, but do check exactly what’s included and what you’re interested in seeing. You can also buy the combo ticket at a less popular site in order to avoid waiting in line at the Acropolis 😉

Here are the main sights you’re going to want to see while you’re on the Acropolis:

Theatre of Dionysos

This theatre is special because it’s considered to be the world’s first theatre . If you’ve ever read some of the most famous Greek plays, for instance by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes, or Menander – you can also taxi between some locations if you’re not down for walking those plays were performed here!

That means that performances of Oedipus at Colonus (from whom we have the concept of the “Oedpius complex”) or Lysistrata (a play about women stopping a war by withholding sex from their husbands) happened here first. Epic, right? (Or, “tragic”, at least in the case of Oedipus 💀)

Today the theatre looks pretty small compared to others, but that’s because only a fraction of the original seating is preserved. It had a capacity of 17,000 when it was in use in antiquity, and used to be much larger than the next theatre you’ll see: Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Built between 160AD – 174AD, “Herodeon” as it’s called by locals was a tribute to the late wife of Herodes Atticus. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is done in a much more Roman style, compared to the Theatre of Dionysos (mentioned above). What people often don’t realize is that most theatres use the circular part as the location for the choir, whereas the stage itself is located behind it on an elevated level. If you look in this photo, you should be able to see the stage!

Today, this Odeon seats over 4,680 people and there are even events still held here. Keep an eye on the Athens and Epidaurus Festival 2020 Facebook Page for updates on the performances you can expect this Summer!

Ah, the Parthenon. So beautiful, so very under construction. One thing you’ll notice about visiting Athens is that many sites are under construction pretty much all the time, and you can expect at least one thing you want to see to be closed for renovation!

The Parthenon is the most important surviving building of Ancient Greece. So, in that sense, it’s no wonder they put so much effort into constantly restoring and preserving it!

Despite all the steel, the Parthenon is magnificent. It was built between 447 and 438 BC and is actually the third version of the Parthenon, replacing two previous versions. In the mean time, it’s been converted to both a Christian church and a mosque, depending on who was in power at the time.

Temple of Athena Nike

The Athenians were all about Athena – after all, they named their city after her. She was considered the goddess that would stand by Athens in the time of war. Athena has several forms, but the one honored here is called “Athena Nike” where “Nike” means “Victory” in Ancient Greek. Our word for “Victory” comes from the Latin word “Victoria”, but the Greek version is actually where the Nike shoe brand gets its name . The more you know 🌈

The Temple of Athena Nike is pretty small, and is part of the overall entryway onto the Acropolis, called the Propylaia . On this temple you can see depictions of historic battle scenes, such as the Battle of Marathon.

Erechtheion

The Erechtheion is most famous for its Caryatids , which are the columns made of female figures, located on its South porch. Even though the originals are located in the Acropolis Museum, these replicas are still beautiful and make the Erechtheion a stunning ancient site.

One of the reasons the Erechtheion is so famous is because it has such an unusual and asymmetrical shape. It’s especially unusual considering that its neighbor, the Parthenon, is so geometrical in comparison. Named after the mythical Athenian king Erechtheus, make sure to snap photos of the beautiful columns when you visit!

Once you leave the Acropolis, you can walk towards the Aeropagus , also called “Mars Hill”. This is the location where St. Paul is said to have delivered a famous speech to the Athenians explaining that their gods were all wrong, more or less, in Acts 17:24. Besides being a place that Christians visit for that reason, it’s just a great spot to take a photo in front of the Acropolis.

Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum was voted the sixth best museum in the world according to Trip Advisor’s traveler’s choice awards. Sixth in the world! In case you’re wondering, the Acropolis Museum ranked below Musée d’Orsay, but above the Louvre! Fancy, huh?

Whether you want to visit the Acropolis Museum before or after seeing the Acropolis, is really up to you. I personally went to the museum first, but I think it might’ve been more useful to go afterwards since I would’ve known which buildings to read about later in the museum.

Ancient Agora of Athens

At the foot of the Acropolis, you’ll want to visit the Ancient Agora of Athens. This is included in your combination ticket, if you decide to buy that. Most of what you can see here is in ruins and takes a bit of imagination, but there are two main pieces in good shape: the Stoa (the long building pictured below on the left) and the Hephaisteion.

Temple of Hephaestus (the Hephaisteion) is one of the best preserved temples in Athens. The funny thing is that it’s a rather unremarkable temple compared to many, and the only reason they think it was for Hephaestus is because they found an armory nearby (and Hephaestus was the god of metal working, craftsmanship, and fire).

Believe it or not, they even continued to use this temple as a museum until the 1930s! Today you can’t go inside anymore, but it’s in great shape from the outside.

Hadrian’s Library

Hadrian actually wasn’t Greek but Roman, and there is a fair amount of Romanization to be found throughout Athens given that the Romans conquered Greece at the Battle of Corinth in 146 BC. One of the reasons visiting Corinth is not that interesting as an Athens day trip is because the Romans utterly destroyed it to “set an example” 😬

Anyways, Hadrian’s library was massive! As with many of the buildings in Greece, it was repurposed depending on who was in charge. During the Byzantine empire, three churches were built at the site, and you can see their remains today. As a library, it used to hold papyrus books, reading rooms, and had lecture halls.

Monastiraki Square

Monastiraki Square is by in large the main square of Athens. Looks can be deceiving though, because it definitely doesn’t look as nice from ground level. But if you head up to A for Athens rooftop bar, you can snap this awesome photo. Make sure to reserve, it can fill up quickly, especially for people like me who are looking to snap a sunset photo with the Acropolis illuminated!

Day 2: Views of the Acropolis from all angles

Today there’s going to be some walking, so make sure you have good shoes on! We’re going to start at Kerameikos Cemetery , where some of the most famous Athenians of all time were buried and the location of the city gates to Athens.

Then we’ll walk around Filopappou Hill and stop at Pnyx , my favorite place for photos of the Acropolis. We’ll loop back down for lunch and pop by Hadrian’s Arch on our way to the Temple of Olympian Zeus on our way to the ultra impressive Panathenaic Stadium .

Our day will end at Lycabettus Hill , where you can either take a cable car or hike to the top for the best sunset views of Athens in the entire city.

Kerameikos Cemetery

The funny part about the fact that I stayed across the street from Kerameikos is that it’s actually a place where visitors were made to sleep for a night before entering Athens . There was a guesthouse outside the city gates where visitors would stay, surrounded by the graves of the greatest Athenians of history such as Aristotle.

Pretty humbling huh? Kerameikos is a larger site than you might expect, and has two main draws: its pathway with the famous bull statue (seen below) and the ruins of the ancient city gates of Athens.

The Pnyx is actually also located on Filopappou Hill, but before you actually reach the monument that most people associated with Filopappou. The reason it’s worth visiting is that you can get an amazing frontal view of the Acropolis with nothing but greenery below. The entire city melts away and it’s just you and a two millenia old monument to the greatness of Athens!

Filopappou Hill

Continue up the same hill and you’ll eventually reach the Filopappou monument, and another Acropolis viewpoint. Many Athens travel guides will tell you this is one of the best places to see the Acropolis , but I would disagree. You do get a nice view of the Parthenon, but the hill looks a bit disorganized. Still worth seeing, but I prefer the view from the Pnyx location instead!

Hadrian’s Arch

Heading back down into the city, feel free to stop in Plaka for lunch before continuing the sight-seeing. If you haven’t seen it yet just from wandering around, pop by Hadrian's Arch . As I mentioned before, Hadrian was a Roman emperor, but his arch is still nice 😉 If you stand at a specific angle, you can even capture the Acropolis through the arch itself.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Like many of the temples in Athens, after the Temple of Olympian Zeus fell out of use, its materials were permanently “borrowed” to build other structures in the city. But while it was still in tact, this colossal temple was built during the rule of Athenian tyrants who envisioned it as the greatest temple in the world. Like a lot of structures, it was finished under the Roman Emperor Hadrian (yes, he was a busy guy). Even though it took over 600 years for the temple to be built, it was only actively used for about 100 years.

Panathenaic Stadium

This stadium is epic because it’s the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble . Sounds like a lot of work, huh? It was originally built for the Panathenaic Games (which is what inspired the modern Olympic Games), and then re-built by Herodes Atticus, reaching a capacity of 50,000 seats. Unfortunately, tickets to the stadium aren’t included in the combination ticket, but are still pretty affordable at just 5€ per person.

Lycabettus Hill

Hands down, Lycabettus Hill is one of the best places to enjoy sunset over Athens. You have three options for getting to the top: take the cable car, drive part-way up and then walk, or walk the entire way. For the sake of time (and having done a lot of walking!), we opted for the cable car which was 15€ for two people (cash only!). Unfortunately, the cable car is under ground so you don’t see a view until you emerge at the top of this hill.

From Lycabettus Hill, you can see the Acropolis and especially the Parthenon illuminated around sunset. There is both a Sky Bar and a look out point, but the best views come from the path that leads to the top. Show up about an hour before sunset, bring some cold ones, and watch the sun sink into the Saronic Gulf!

Day 3: Day trip to the Peloponnese region

Although there’s a lot more you can do in Athens, most people who visit the city tend to use it as a jumping-off point for visiting places like Santorini or Mykonos in the Cyclades, or perhaps to the ancient monasteries of Meteora .

But besides those places, there are excellent day trips from Athens that are easier to reach and can be done without feeling rushed.

After looking at all our options, we opted to visit three important historical places outside of Athens: Mycenae (the former center of Greek civilization and military stronghold during the eponymous Mycenaean Period), Epidaurus (home to the world’s best-preserved Greek amphitheatre), and Nafplio (Greece’s prettiest mainland town, and the first capital of Greece).

To reach these locations you have two options: Booking a rental car or going on a guided tour.

We decided to drive, especially because we’re already knowledgeable about Greek history. Otherwise, we would’ve strongly considered taking a guided tour. Either click here to book a rental car in Athens or click here to check availability of guided tours to locations recommended in this guide!

Located about 75 miles (120 kilometers) from Athens, Mycenae had its peak in 1350 BC when the citadel and lower town had a population of about 30,000 people. The reason it was so easy for archaeologists to identify Mycenae is because of the Lion’s Gate (pictured below), which was described by Pausanias, a Greek geographer from the 2nd century AD.

The Lion’s Gate is the only surviving piece of Mycenaean sculpture . It’s also an example of Cyclopean architecture, meaning the rocks used to build the gate are so big, it was thought that a cyclops must’ve helped build it 😂

Mycenae is so cool for a number of reasons: first, you get to see the setup of towns similar to those described in Homer’s Iliad (which took place during the Mycenaean Period). If you haven’t read the Iliad at least during high school, it’s kind of like the movie Troy 😂

Speaking of Troy, you can also visit the Tomb of Agamemnon (called the Treasury of Atreus) while you’re in Mycenae.

The Mycenaeans are also awesome because they were among the first cultures to have a system of writing . They borrowed writing from the Minoan civilization (who developed Linear A), and created their own script called Linear B. In the museum at Mycenae, you can see some original tablets of Linear B writing – some of the oldest human writing in the entire world!

Our buddy Pausanias, whose work helped identify Mycenae, also wrote about Epidaurus , describing it as a theatre of symmetry and beauty. While it’s not as big as some of the other theatres we’ve seen in Athens, hosting a modest 13,000-14,000 spectators, it’s in fantastic shape for the fact that it was built in the 4th century BC. Its acoustics are world-famous , and is still used today to perform ancient drama plays.

In fact, it’s considered to be the “most perfect” ancient Greek theatre with regards to acoustics. There was literally a study done on it, including measurements and all kinds of science.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is part of a larger sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine. People would come and sleep here, hoping to be healed by the gods as they rested. There were places to sleep, places to bathe, and obviously places to watch entertainment.

Nafplio (also called Nauplia)

This sleepy seaside town has an epic past, as the first capital of the First Hellenic Republic and of the Kingdom of Greece, back when the Greeks were fighting for independence from the Ottoman Empire.

There are two main structures that are interesting for visitors, though both are comparatively modern: the Castle of Palamidi and the Bourtzi .

The Castle was built as a fortress by the Venetians when they occupied the area in the late 1600s to early 1700s. The Turks eventually captured it, and it was later recaptured by the Greeks. Reaching the tops requires traversing over 1,000 stairs!

Bourtzi was also built by the Venetians, but got its current name from the Ottoman Turks. It’s possible to take a ferry and walk around.

Apart from these two main sights, Nafplio is just a lovely town with colorful buildings, lots of places to eat and enjoy a glass of wine, and the color of the water is superb (even though we were there on a cloudy day in February!). It’s an extremely popular day trip from Athens.

More great day trips from Athens

The Peloponnese Region is one of the easiest and best Athens day trips, but there are a number of other options, whether you’re looking for sun and sea or more archaeology (that rhymed, didn’t mean to!). Read my post on the best day trips from Athens for the 7 best places to visit from Athens and the most efficient ways reach them.

Each of these Athens day tours offers a fresh way to see Greece outside its capital city. Take these trips and excursions around Athens and discover special museums, archaeology, and historical sites.

Best restaurants and bars in Athens

Eating is one of my favorite past times, and nowhere is this more enjoyable than in Greece. Here are my top tips for places to eat and drink for all kinds of budgets and tastes.

• The Underdog Coffee WiFi – Excellent craft coffee in Athens, and a decent spot for breakfast, too. They also have wifi and outlets in case you need to get some work done.
• Scholarhio Dinner – Multi-course menu for 15€ per person, including drinks, salads, appetizers, main courses, and dessert. Delicious and a great deal, we were immobilized afterwards!
• Couleur Locale Rooftop bar – Great cocktails and a full dinner menu, one of the best views of the Acropolis. Show up early for a seat!
• Vegan Beat Vegan – Super tasty vegan gyros at a great price. A little bit hidden, but well worth it if you’re open to having vegan takes on traditional Greek food.
• Kain Bar WiFi – Some of the best WiFi and all-day cocktails? Yes and yes. Stop by Kain if you need to get some work done…but not too much work 😉

How to get around Athens

From the airport the easiest thing to do is to use the metro. The metro from the airport will connect you directly with many important stops, such as Monastiraki (the main square of Athens). There’s a decent chance wherever you’re staying has a connection to this subway line.

Getting around town , you can mostly walk! Almost all the sights you’ll see in two or three days in Athens are centrally located. If your feet get tired, taking a taxi is very affordable (4-6 EUR from one end of the center to another), and you can book a metered taxi through the Uber app.

Best time to visit Athens

Athens in Summer is one of the most popular times to visit, thanks to the sunny weather. However, it’s a very popular tourist destination so if you’re booking in the high season, make sure you do so IN ADVANCE! Owing to the heat, I’d recommend opting for early summer (May or June) or late summer (September or even October) to avoid the heat.

Athens in Winter is when we visited, and I have to say it was so nice not having to battle the crowds. We walked in to any restaurant without a reservation and had no issues, hardly had to wait in a single line, and out of the 8 days we were there, we had sunshine and warm weather for 6 of them. Not bad!

Planning more travel in Greece?

I aboslutely love visiting Greece, and my trip to Athens marks my third trip to the country. Here are guides I’ve written from my other trips, which you might find useful if you’ll be continuing to travel in mainland Greece!

• Visit Meteora, Greece
• Northern Greece
• Zagori Greece
• Santorini Itinerary

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About the author

Hi there! I'm Monica, an American expat living in Germany for over six years and using every opportunity to explore the world from my homebase in Berlin. My goal is to capture my memories in photos and posts that show how easy it is to start from scratch and travel the world by working abroad.

Follow along on Instagram , Twitter , Bloglovin , & Facebook .

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10 things I wish tourists knew before visiting Greece, from a local

• I'm from Athens, and I've seen plenty of tourists make mistakes while traveling to Greece .
• Pace yourself if you're planning on staying out at the bars and clubs all night.
• It's worth it to do some research on smaller islands and local cuisine before your trip.

Thanks to its ancient ruins, picturesque beaches, and incredible food, Greece is one of the top tourist destinations. In 2023, over 32 million people visited.

I was born in Athens and currently split my years living between the US and Greece , so I've spent plenty of time in the beautiful European country.

Here are 10 things I think tourists should know before visiting.

There’s so much more to see in Greece than the popular islands.

It seems like everyone visits Mykonos, Santorini, and maybe Paros, but Greece has over 220 inhabitable islands. Plus, most of them are more budget-friendly than the popular spots.

I recommend looking into places like Kimolos, Astypalaia, Paxoi (also known as Paxos and Paxi), or Folegandros.

The Greek mainland is also beautiful. There's a lot to see there, from UNESCO sites at Delphi and Meteora and the turquoise waters of the Peloponnese to the stunning mountains and villages of Epirus.

Athens is more than the Acropolis.

Athens has great nightlife , restaurants, museums, and cool neighborhoods like Plaka, Exarcheia, Psyrri, and Pangrati.

Tourists who just swing by to check the Acropolis off their list are missing out. I've always found it to be one of the liveliest cities in the world.

You don’t need to tip 20%.

Greek servers generally rely on hourly wages, so there isn't the same tipping culture as the US .

I normally just round up the bill or leave a couple of Euros on the table as a tip — unless I had exceptional service or dined at a more formal (and tourist-oriented) restaurant.

Pace yourself when drinking alcohol.

A lot of travelers take advantage of Greece's lax attitude toward alcohol restrictions. Coupled with the fact that Greek bars and clubs close pretty late (like 4 a.m. late), some tourists get sloppy.

Locals usually intersperse drinks with food and water so they can last the whole night, and I recommend tourists do the same.

Slow down and take Sundays off.

Greeks have a pretty relaxed relationship with time — people often arrive late and stores may open half an hour after they said they would.

Service in Greece can seem slow to people from more fast-paced places, especially on the quieter islands . A lot of stores and supermarkets are also closed on Sundays, even in Athens.

I know this can be annoying at times, but I recommend just enjoying the slower pace of life.

Don’t try to visit too many islands on one trip.

So many people ask me if they can fit four or five islands into a seven-day trip, and I never recommend it. Take your time and enjoy each destination for at least a couple of days.

Half the joy of the Greek islands is getting to destress. If you're hopping from ferry to ferry and running around to cover the highlights, you'll miss out on the best parts of the country.

Be sensitive about natural disasters.

I never thought I'd have to say this, but I have seen multiple tourists in the last few years posting about how "pretty" the skies or sunsets are thanks to the glow from raging wildfires .

At a time when a lot of Greek people are wondering if their houses are still standing or their loved ones have gotten to safety, it's a pretty insensitive thing to do.

Don't skip out on experiencing a traditional taverna.

Athens and other popular Greek destinations now have a lot of upscale restaurants with cuisines from all over the world. But make sure to eat in a traditional taverna at least once.

A taverna is a casual restaurant with family-style dining. Diners can spend hours in them chatting with friends while sharing food paired with some great wine or ouzo (a Greek aperitif).

Greek food is more than just gyros.

Well-known dishes like gyros and souvlaki are truly delicious, but Greek cuisine is so much more than that.

For example, a lot of Greeks start their day with a tiropita (cheese pie) and freddo coffee. Each region also has local specialties that I recommend inquiring about.

In tavernas, popular menu items include calamari, octopus, all kinds of fish, grilled and fried cheeses (like saganaki and halloumi), and side dishes like fava.

Learn a few local words.

Most younger Greek people understand English, but you may run into problems communicating with older people — especially in more rural areas.

Even if a local person can understand you, I think it's nice to learn a few simple words and phrases like "good morning," "thank you," and "how are you?"

It's nice when tourists make a little bit of an effort.

• Main content

Planning Your Trip To Athens, Greece: 14 Must-See Locations

V isiting Athens, Greece, is a bucket-list trip for many people. Athens was the at the heart of the ancient Greek empire, and the city played an important part in the development of democracy, philosophy, literature, art, theatre, and mathematics. In this guide, we'll show you some of the most renown places of ancient Athens, and hopefully give you some ideas for planning your trip itinerary.

1. Parthenon Atop The Acropolis

Dominating the Acropolis, the Parthenon stands as the epitome of ancient Greek architecture. Dedicated to the goddess Athena, its colossal structure is a testament to classical design and a must-see for any visitor. The Acropolis ticket grants access to this architectural marvel along with other significant sites in the vicinity.

2. Theater of Dionysus

Carved into the southern slope of the Acropolis, the Theater of Dionysus witnessed the birth of Greek tragedy. You can still see the well-preserved stone seats and stage, where works by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides once came to life.

3. Temple of Nike

Located on on the southwestern side of the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena Nike is a small yet elegant structure celebrating Greek victory in war. Its graceful Ionic columns and friezes capture the essence of Athenian triumphs in battle.

4. Erechtheion

Dedicated to Athena and Poseidon, the Erechtheion on the northern side of the Acropolis boasts a unique design featuring the Caryatid Porch, adorned with intricately carved female statues.

5. Propylaia

Located at the entrance to the Acropolis, the Propylaia combines Doric and Ionic architecture to create a dramatic introduction to this sacred Greek site. Visitors will walk through this masterful structure at the beginning and end of their Acropolis journey.

6. Temple of Olympian Zeus

Devoted to the king of the gods, Zeus, the colossal Temple of Olympian Zeus features towering Corinthian columns, once making it the largest temple in ancient Greece. You can easily combine a visit to this site with the nearby Arch of Hadrian to see two impressive places at one time.

7. Panathenaic Stadium

Constructed entirely in marble, the Panathenaic Stadium hosted both ancient and modern Olympic Games. It's a wonderful place to visit with kids as you can explore the entire structure and run where the athletes competed. Channel your inner Olympian by climbing its stairs, exploring athlete tunnels, and standing on the historic podiums.

8. Agora of Ancient Athens

The Ancient Agora, the heart of ancient city of Athens, offers a glimpse into daily life, serving as a hub for political, commercial, and cultural affairs. You can wander through this open-air park archeological and discover many amazing ruins, such as the Stoa of Attalos and the Temple of Hephaestus. Learn more about the Agora Of Ancient Athens here .

9. Temple of Hephaestus

Nestled within the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Hephaestus is a well-preserved Doric temple dedicated to the god of craftsmanship. Its harmonious proportions and intricate friezes, capture the essence of ancient Greek artistry. The Temple of Hephaestus is one of the best preserved ancient Greek temples in existence, and you can walk right up to it!

10. Stoa of Attalos

Once a vibrant hub for social and commercial activities, the Stoa of Attalos now houses a museum within the Ancient Agora. The gorgeous long colonades, sculptures, and busts give you a true feel for what the building would have looked like 2,500 years ago. The museum is filled with amazing relics like figurines, sculptures, vases, and other items.

11. Ancient Cemetery of Kerameikos

As the burial ground for Athens in antiquity, the Ancient Cemetery of Kerameikos unveils tombs, monuments, and remnants that offer a glimpse into ancient Greek burial practices.

12. National Archaeological Museum

The incredible National Archeological Museum has an extensive collection of artifacts spanning various periods of Greek history. At the Museum you can see exquisite sculptures, ancient pottery, gold jewelry, and renowned works like the Antikythera Mechanism and the golden Mask Of Agamemnon. See more about our visit here .

13. Arch of Hadrian

Erected in honor of Roman Emperor Hadrian, the Arch of Hadrian stands as a tangible link between ancient Athens and the new city. The Arch is next to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and both can be visited in one trip. You can walk up under the Arch, so it's a perfect place for that Athens selfie!

14. Roman Agora

The Roman Agora served as a marketplace during the Roman period. Prominent ruins are the Tower of the Winds, a clocktower and a weather vane. You can easily explore this archaeological site, situated between the Greek Agora and the Parthenon, as part of a day-long excursion around the Plaka District.

Visiting Athens, Greece

Athens, Greece is filled with so many historical and archaeological wonders. Plan your visit around the major attractions and add smaller destinations as side trips. Be sure to stay somewhere downtown so you are close to many of the places outlined above. The Plaka District is a popular touristy neighborhood and is close to most things. Some locations, like the National Archeological Museum can be reached via a short Uber ride. Be sure to dress for the weather as most landmarks are outside. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do some walking. Some locations require you purchase a ticket, and more popular places, like the Parthenon, will be crowded certain times of the year.

To learn more, you can read our full article here .

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Central Athens & Santorini: A 4-Day Classical and Island Escape

April 19, 2024 · 3 min read

Embark on a 4-day adventure through the historic streets of Central Athens and the picturesque landscapes of Santorini. Begin your journey at the Acropolis Museum, a beacon of master architecture housing ancient treasures. Next, ascend to the Acropolis of Athens, a testament to military might, and marvel at the Parthenon, a symbol of world cultural heritage. Wander through the charming Plaka neighborhood, absorbing its unique character. Day two introduces you to the grandeur of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium, a historic sports venue. Stroll through the lush Athens National Garden and feel the pulse of the city at Syntagma Square. Transition to the serene beauty of Santorini on day three, starting with the tranquil Ammoudi Cove. Explore the historic Castle of St Nicholas and immerse yourself in the quaint town of Oia, culminating with a breathtaking sunset. Your final day is devoted to the enchanting Imerovigli Town, the iconic Three Bells of Fira, and the vibrant town of Fira, each offering a unique blend of culture, history, and stunning views. This itinerary promises a blend of ancient history and modern charm, perfect for those seeking a comprehensive Grecian experience.

• Day 1: Unveiling Ancient Wonders in Central Athens

Acropolis Museum

Begin your Athenian adventure at the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural marvel that houses timeless treasures. Just a short walk from the ancient citadel, this museum is a gateway to the past, offering a chronological journey through Greece's rich history. Spend an hour marveling at the exquisite artifacts and sculptures that tell the tales of Athens' golden age, all while enjoying the museum's contemporary design that seamlessly blends with the historical narrative.

Attraction Info

• Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina 117 42, Greece
• Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
• Open from 04/01-05/06,Mon,9:00am-5:00pm;Open from 04/01-05/06,Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun,9:00am-8:00pm;Open from 04/01-05/06,Fri,9:00am-10:00pm;Closed all day on 05/07;Open from 05/08-10/31,Mon,9:00am-5:00pm;Open from 05/08-10/31,Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun,9:00am-8:00pm;Open from 05/08-10/31,Fri,9:00am-10:00pm;Open from 11/01-12/23,Mon-Thu,9:00am-5:00pm;Open from 11/01-12/23,Fri,9:00am-10:00pm;Open from 11/01-12/23,Sat-Sun,9:00am-8:00pm;Open 9:00am-3:00pm on 12/24;Closed from 12/25-12/26;Open from 12/27-12/30,Mon-Thu,9:00am-5:00pm;Open from 12/27-12/30,Fri,9:00am-10:00pm;Open from 12/27-12/30,Sat-Sun,9:00am-8:00pm;Open 9:00am-3:00pm on 12/31;Closed all day on 01/01;Open from 01/02-03/31,Mon-Thu,9:00am-5:00pm;Open from 01/02-03/31,Fri,9:00am-10:00pm;Open from 01/02-03/31,Sat-Sun,9:00am-8:00pm，The opening hours of attractions change frequently. The above opening hours are for reference only. Please refer to the actual opening conditions. For specific opening details, please refer to the official website https://www.theacropolisuseum.gr/en/plan-your-visit

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Acropolis of Athens

Next, ascend to the Acropolis of Athens, the iconic military monument that stands as a sentinel over the city. With a two-hour exploration ahead, immerse yourself in the grandeur of ancient civilization. The Acropolis is not just a symbol of Athens but of Western civilization, and as you wander through its storied grounds, you'll feel the weight of history beneath your feet and the whispers of the past in the air.

• Athens 105 58, Greece
• Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
• Open from 8:00am-8:00pm，The specific business status is subject to the opening situation on that day.

A stone's throw away from the Acropolis, the Parthenon awaits, a pinnacle of Doric architecture and a beacon of world cultural heritage. Dedicate an hour to this ancient temple, which has stood the test of time and war. The Parthenon's monumental columns and detailed friezes are a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of ancient Greeks, making it an essential part of your historical odyssey.

• Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
• Open 24 hours

Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll through Plaka, Athens' most characteristic neighborhood. Spend a couple of hours getting lost in its labyrinthine streets, lined with neoclassical buildings, quaint cafes, and vibrant shops. Plaka's charming atmosphere is the perfect backdrop to reflect on the day's journey through time as you unwind and soak in the local culture.

• Athens Greece
• Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour

Where to Stay Tonight

101 adrianou luxury urban stay, 99 adrianou luxury urban stay.

• Day 2: Ancient Wonders and Urban Gardens of Athens

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Begin your second day in Athens with a visit to the majestic Temple of Olympian Zeus, a monumental tribute to the king of the Olympian gods. Located at Athens 105 57, Greece, this ancient site offers a half-hour journey through towering columns and remnants of a bygone era, setting the tone for a day steeped in history.

• Athens 105 57, Greece
• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
• Open from 04/01-08/31,8:00am-8:00pm;Open from 09/01-09/15,8:00am-7:30pm;Open from 09/16-09/30,8:00am-7:00pm;Open from 10/01-10/15,8:00am-6:30pm;Open from 10/16-10/31,8:00am-6:00pm

Panathenaic Stadium

Next, embrace the spirit of the Olympics at the Panathenaic Stadium, a historical marvel where athletic prowess has been celebrated for centuries. As you wander through this sports venue, imagine the echoes of cheering crowds and the feats of strength that have taken place on this hallowed ground.

• Leof. Vasileos Konstantinou, Athina 116 35, Greece
• Open from 3/1-10/31,8:00am-7:00pm;Open from 11/1-2/28,8:00am-5:00pm

Athens National Garden

After the grandeur of sports history, find solace in the lush surroundings of the Athens National Garden. This verdant oasis in the heart of the city provides a tranquil retreat with an hour's stroll among shaded pathways, vibrant flora, and serene ponds—a perfect contrast to the bustling city streets.

• Leof. Vasilisis Amalias 1, Athina 105 57, Greece
• Open from 6:00am-7:45pm

Syntagma Square

Conclude your day's exploration at Syntagma Square, the pulsating heart of Athens. Spend an hour absorbing the vibrant atmosphere, where history and modernity converge, and witness the ebb and flow of Athenian life in this dynamic public space.

• Pl. Sintagmatos, Athina 105 63, Greece

Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens

Urban oasis homm studio on syntagma.

• Day 3: Santorini's Sunset Serenade

Ammoudi Cove

Begin your third day with a serene visit to Ammoudi Cove, a hidden gem nestled below the cliffs of Oia. This picturesque spot is perfect for a leisurely morning, where the crystal-clear waters invite you for a refreshing swim. The cove's traditional tavernas offer a taste of local seafood delicacies, making it an idyllic start to your day in Santorini.

• Unnamed Rd,, Ormos Ammoudiou 847 02
• Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour

The Castle of St Nicholas

Step back in time as you head to The Castle of St Nicholas, a historic sentinel standing guard over the island. This castle, with its storied past, offers a glimpse into the island's history and provides panoramic views that are a photographer's dream. Explore the ruins and imagine the tales of bygone eras that echo through the stone walls.

• Oia 847 02, Greece

Immerse yourself in the charm of Oia, Santorini's iconic small town. Spend your afternoon meandering through its narrow streets lined with white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches. Discover quaint boutiques, art galleries, and cafes that offer a perfect blend of culture and relaxation. Oia's beauty is sure to capture your heart and fill your camera roll.

• Suggested tour duration: 3-5 hour

Conclude your day at Sunset Oia, where the sky paints a masterpiece every evening. As the sun dips below the horizon, the warm glow of the setting sun illuminates the caldera, creating a magical atmosphere. This is the quintessential Santorini experience, a moment of pure bliss that will linger in your memories long after your journey ends.

• Oia, Thira 847 02, Greece
• Open from 8:30am-10:00pm

Stelios Rooms

Atrina canava 1894.

• Day 4: Santorini's Serene Finale

Imerovigli Town

Begin your final day with the tranquil beauty of Imerovigli Town, a picturesque village perched on the cliffs of Santorini. As the sun climbs, stroll through the serene streets, taking in the Cycladic architecture and the panoramic views of the caldera. Imerovigli, often less crowded than its famous neighbors, offers a peaceful retreat to immerse yourself in the island's charm. Spend your day here exploring the quaint alleys, discovering hidden gems, and perhaps enjoying a leisurely meal with a view that stretches across the Aegean Sea.

• Imerovigli, Santorini
• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day

Three Bells of Fira

Next, make your way to the iconic Three Bells of Fira, a symbol of Santorini's rich religious heritage. This blue-domed church is not only a spiritual center but also a photographer's delight. Spend an hour here marveling at the stunning architecture and the breathtaking backdrop of the sea. The church's elevated position allows for a unique vantage point over the island, making it a must-visit for those looking to capture the essence of Santorini in their memories.

• Thera 847 00, Greece

Conclude your Santorini adventure with a visit to the bustling town of Fira. As the island's capital, Fira is a vibrant mix of culture, shopping, and entertainment. Dedicate a few hours to wander through its charming streets, visit the local shops, and perhaps sample some traditional Greek cuisine. With its cliffside cafes and terraces, Fira is the perfect spot to reflect on your journey and soak in the last of the Mediterranean sun before your departure.

• Santorini 847 00, Greece

The Exotic Cave Suite

Loucas caldera view.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Greece's Largest Island Is Packed With Ancient History, Gorgeous Resorts, and a Stunning Pink-sand Beach

Get ready for plenty of fun in the Grecian sun.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Cities to visit, best things to do, best beaches, best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Crete, Greece's largest island, clocks in at more than 3,000 square miles and offers plenty of ancient history, incredible food, and natural beauty to explore. But you don't have to take my word for just how special Crete is. 

"I often describe Crete as a compact, island version of California. We have surfing and backcountry skiing in winter. In summer, we have canyon hiking, mountaineering, and, my personal favorite, hidden beaches only accessible by boat. And the shoulder seasons are — chef's kiss — perfection," Anastasia Sotiropulos, a tour guide based in Chania, Crete, shared. "The real treasure of Crete, though, are the people. The farmers, cheesemakers, fishmongers, artists, restaurateurs, winemakers, musicians, and homemakers create unique experiences for those lucky enough to visit this incredible island." 

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Stay at a hotel with stunning Mediterranean views, like Elounda Bay Palace or Domes of Elounda. 
• Explore the ancient Palace of Knossos. 
• Catch some sun on Elafonissi Beach, one of the world’s most beautiful pink-sand beaches. 
• Wander the streets of Chania’s Old Town to admire Venetian, Turkish, and Greek architecture. 
• Visit during the shoulder season to avoid the hottest temperatures and largest crowds.

Ready to start exploring for yourself? Here's everything you need to know to plan a trip to Crete.

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Elounda Bay Palace

This luxury hotel has long been beloved for its mix of elegance and charm. The rooms and suites here open up to sweeping views of the azure Mediterranean waters, and the hotel's private beaches ensure you can always find a chair (and an umbrella). Make an appointment at the Chenot Spa, which offers massages, facials, and body treatments using science-forward ingredients and techniques. 

Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection

Looking to stretch out? Domes of Elounda is the place to be. Known for its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the historic island of Spinalonga, the resort is home to just suites and villas, which open to fantastic patios with private plunge pools. Yes, this hotel comes with its own spa, but guests can also indulge in an in-room treatment to truly never lift a finger. 

Courtesy of Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

Blue Palace

Blue Palace was named a Travel + Leisure reader favorite in the 2023 World's Best Awards , and in 2024, it's getting a whole new look. The renowned hotel is reopening as a modernist boutique hotel with just 47 bungalows and suites, all with brand-new interiors and some with private plunge pools. But even if you don't book a room with a pool, that's okay, as the hotel sits just steps from the beach anyway. 

Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa

Find yourself in a 17th-century Venetian mansion-turned-boutique hotel at Casa Delfino . The hotel, located in the heart of Chania's Old Town, allows travelers to stay amid the action while also offering a retreat-worthy rooftop garden that comes with sweeping views of the sea. It's a perfect place for families thanks to its one and two-bedroom suites. 

A visit to Chania's Old Town is a must, thanks to its charming Venetian, Turkish, and Greek architecture. To make the most of your time in Old Town, book a tour with a guide who can show you all the best sights and all the prime spots to get a great meal. 

Get in a little more Venetian architecture at Rethymno Old Town , one of the best-preserved historical districts in Crete. The city is built around the Venetian fortress, which provides fantastic panoramic views from its hilltop location. Don't skip the artisan shops where you can find the perfect souvenir. 

No visit to Crete is complete without a visit to its capital, Heraklion . Here, visitors can check out numerous historic sites, the Archaeological Museum mentioned below, and all the city's bustling markets, cafes, and bars. And as a bonus, the Palace of Knossos is just a short drive away. 

Elisanth_/Getty Images

Explore the Palace of Knossos.

Dive into more than 4,000 years of Greek history at the Palace of Knossos , Crete's most iconic archaeological site. The ancient complex is absolutely massive, and it comes with a gorgeous view of the sea thanks to its position high on the hill. "Crete's most famous archaeological site is the great Minoan Palace of Knossos, the oldest, largest, and most elaborate of these sites," Peter Sommer of Peter Sommer Travels , shared. "In its wide courts, shaded colonnades, and intricate arrangements of room after room, floor after floor, one can really come to grips with a civilization from far back in the Bronze Age, and grapple with questions that are still hotly debated – what did these palaces look like, what were they for, who lived in them, and how did they function?"

Hike the Samaria Gorge.

Outdoor lovers will adore spending a day hiking through the Samaria Gorge, a lengthy hike through Crete's White Mountains. The hike stretches on for nearly 10 miles through ancient cypress and pine forests and the abandoned village of Samaria before ending at the sea. However, the most famous part of the hike has to be the "Gates," where the gorge is just 13 feet apart but is more than 1,500 feet high. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time if you plan to hike the entire trail. The park's official site estimates that it takes about five hours to complete the journey. 

David C Tomlinson/Getty Images

Visit the Old Venetian Harbor of Chania.

Take a stroll through the Old Venetian Harbor of Chania and take in all the colors of Greece. Travelers can walk past homes and buildings showcasing Crete's unique melding of history, including all its Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences. Shop in its boutiques, grab a frappe in a cafe, view the massive fortress, and dine on plenty of fresh ingredients (hello, Greek salads) at its waterfront restaurants. Just make sure to have your camera ready, as its colorful buildings make for the perfect Instagram backdrop. 

Learn something new at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Get an even deeper education on the island's history with a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum , which houses the world's most comprehensive collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilization. Its most famous exhibit is the Phaistos Disc, a clay disc sporting more than 240 symbols that is said to be more than 3,000 years old. As the museum notes, "experts have not yet a definitive conclusion of the contents of the inscription," so maybe you can uncover what it all means during your visit.

Elafonissi Beach

Get ready to step foot on one of the world's most beautiful and romantic beaches, Elafonissi Beach . The stretch of shoreline is well-known for its pink sand — created by millions of crushed seashells —that disappears into shallow, turquoise waters. The beach, which is part of a nature reserve, is an ideal spot for families with small children thanks to the calm waters, but there are also plenty of spots for adults to put down their towels and umbrellas for a quiet day at the beach. 

Balos Lagoon

One more brilliant beach to visit is Balos Lagoon , a beach made up of brilliant white sand that's lapped by unbelievably blue water. "One of the most popular must-see places in the Chania region is the Balos Lagoon with hypnotizing turquoise waters and a panoramic landscape," Alonso Marly, a travel expert at Skylux Travel , said. "I suggest visiting the beach early in the morning to experience the lagoon at its most tranquil and skip the tourist crowds." 

Find a different style of landscape at Vai Beach , famous for the palm forest lining the coast. Once again, it's a spot where travelers can find warm, sandy beaches and beautiful blue waters, just this time with the bonus of tree shade for the perfect beach snooze. 

Related: 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Greece

The best time to visit Crete is from June to August when the weather on the island is at its prime. As WeatherSpark notes, the warmest weather can be found between early June and late September, when the average daily high temperature hits above 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Things get particularly hot in July, when the average temperature hits 84 degrees. 

"When it comes to the best times to visit Crete, keep in mind that the island is seasonal, and during winter months, most of its attractions are closed," Marly added. "However, throughout the high season, it is full of life day and night." 

But, if you're looking to escape the crowds, try plotting a visit during the island's shoulder seasons, which fall over April to May and September to early October.  

 "If possible, I recommend visiting the island during the shoulder season when it's not too hot and crowded – from April to June or September through October — to make the most of your authentic Greek holiday, full of sunshine and unforgettable experiences," Marly said.  

Crete is accessible via its international airports in Heraklion (Heraklion International Airport, HER) and Chania (Chania International Airport, CHQ). Heraklion is the island's busiest airport, and it is also the second-largest airport in Greece, just behind Athens. Several major airlines fly into the airport, including Emirates, Aegean, RyanAir, EasyJet, and KLM. 

For those looking to avoid the airport, there is a ferry option, but be warned: It's a long ride. Travelers can hop aboard a ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens to Heraklion or Chania, but the ride can take between nine and 10 hours.

Related: Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Perfect Greek Islands Vacation

The best and easiest way to get around Crete is with your own car. Remember, this is Greece's largest island, so if you want to explore more widely, you will need some wheels. There are a ton of rental car companies on the island, including big names like Avis, Budget, and Hertz, all ready to loan you a ride. 

Public Transit

Crete also has a robust public bus system that can get you to most points of interest. Just note the buses here tend to move more slowly than cars, but it's also a rather affordable option, with rides starting at just a few euros. 

Scooters are also a rather popular mode of transportation here, as they are in almost all of the Greek islands. Visitors do need a valid license to rent scooters and must wear a helmet while riding. 

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Advice on connecting flight from Athens to Santorini - Athens Forum

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Advice on connecting flight from Athens to Santorini

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I arrive at Athens airport from Munich at 6:30pm on May 29 (Lufthansa flight ). I would like to fly straight to Santorini that night but I am not sure if I would have enough time between flights . Would I have enough time to catch an 8:30pm flight to Santorini? I will have carry on only. There is also an 11:30pm flight but that would leave me waiting at the airport after a 14 hour travel day which doesnt sound appealing.

For context I was planning to fly straight to Santorini for 3 nights, then ferry to Naxos for a 5 night stay, then fly to Athens for a 3 night stay. But I could also do Athens first and the islands after. I have not booked any hotels yet, I have selected my favourites but trying to sort out the dates for each location first.

Thank you in advance for your advice!

2 replies to this topic

Athens airport is very efficient and normally including passport control and baggage pick up and back thorough security 2 hours is enough time.

You do not have to do any of these things. You will certainly have sufficient tine to catch that 8:30 connecting flight .

Many experienced travellers to Greece recommend you get to your first island immediately on arrival in Athens airport and leave Athens to the end of your trip which is exactly what your plan is.

Santorini and Naxos are both popular islands. I suggest your next priority will be to book hotels ASAP.

For Naxos I suggest you look for a hotel on 'St George beach. Its a good sand beach with lots of hotels and its also a part of Naxos town so you get a beach experience plus all the activities of Naxos town.

Santorini and Naxos are great companion islands. Santorini for the great views and Naxos for a more authentic Greek experience.

Here is Naxos

Around Naxos town 2022 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720299959098

Back to Naxos 2022 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720299940917

Trip around Naxos https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157634605629689

St George Beach https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72177720299943096

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