FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR ATHENS
If you have read about my experience in Athens in you’ll know that I went to Athens without any expectations, high or low. It didn’t take me long however to see what the city and beyond had to offer and it has since become one of my favourite cities in Europe! Big statement I know but I can’t wait to return and want to show you exactly what there is to do!
🗺 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR ATHENS: WHERE IS ATHENS? 🗺
📆 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR ATHENS: WHEN TO GO 📆
I hate crowds and do what I can to avoid them so be sure to stay clear of the summer months and you will also avoid the incredible heat. If you want to visit the beach, I would suggest the shoulder months as prices can be considerably less.
When to go: May/June or Sept
⏳ FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR ATHENS: HOW LONG TO STAY ⏳
As Athens has so much packed into a relatively small area it is possible to see most of it over a weekend. However, if you wish to go that little bit further and spend a day at the beach/lake then you are going to need 3 full days.
How long: 3 full days
🛫 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR ATHENS: HOW TO GET THERE 🛬
Athens is accessible via direct flights from almost anywhere in Europe as well as beyond. It is also part of the train and bus network that connects most of the continent.
How to get there: Continental flights available daily.
🌞 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR ATHENS: WEATHER 🌞
Athens is generally dry throughout the year so don’t worry about the rain unless you are very unlucky. Temperatures vary but still remains warm. The winter sees temperatures around 10 or 12C and the summer it can get as high as the early 30*C.
Weather: Generally dry and warm – hot.
💳 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR ATHENS: MONEY 💳
Greece has been using Euros since 2001 and due to it’s current economic climate, your money tends to go further here than manty of the other popular European cities. There won’t be a probably with getting money as credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs can be found throughout.
Money; Euros & cards accepted, very affordable
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🗣 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR ATHENS: LANGUAGE 🗣
Greek is the mother tongue although as it’s an international city, English comes as second nature to the majority of locals. You can be assured that anyone involved in the travel industry will be able to speak fluent English.
Language: Greek & English
🚖 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR ATHENS: HOW TO GET AROUND 🚖
You won’t need to worry about transport around the city as the sites are all within walking distance. However, taxis are plentiful and rent a bike might also be a good idea if you are stuck for time.
How to get around: Walk
📱 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR ATHENS: INTERNET & MOBILE 📱
As Greece is part of the E.U. other residents are able to use their own data plan, however if you are coming from outside of Europe, I would suggest getting a sim card if you need constant access. Wi-Fi is also readily available in hotels, cafes and restaurants.
Mobile: Buy a sim if required. Wi-Fi available.
🏢 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR ATHENS: WHERE TO STAY 🏢
In terms of location, as long as you stay within walking distance of the Acropolis you can’t go wrong, however here are some options to suit all budgets
LUXURY – Electra Metropolis*****
Does waking up, eating and swimming all in view of the Acropolis appeal to you then this is the one for you. Facilities here are second to none with a spa and rooftop swimming pool ns restaurant. Tip – Get a room with a view or a balcony!
Shoulder season prices around €110/pp
MID RANGE 1 – Plaka Hotel***
With Plaka Hotel its less about luxury and more about the location, rooms and facilities are basic however the location cannot be beaten. You can still enjoy views of the Acropolis with a glass of wine on the top floor.
Shoulder season prices around €75/pp
MID RANGE 2 – Ederlezi Boutique Hotel***
Ederlezi is an aparthotel and although a little further than Plaka hotel it has a much nicer interior. Don’t expect views of the Acropolis, there are many are bars and restaurants that you can visit for that.
Shoulder season prices around €40/pp
AFFORDABLE – My Athens Hotel***
Not to be sniffed at, My Athens Hotel is a great option for travellers looking to keep their costs down. This hotel offers Bed and Breakfast from €25/pp and a view as a bonus!!
Shoulder season prices around €25/pp
WHAT TO DO
Eat, drink and visit the beach are all on the agenda for this city but what makes it unique is it’s unrivalled history. Athens was the heart of Ancient Greece, one of the most powerful empires and civilisations. Tourists are spoilt by the number of ancient ruins and 5th century BC landmarks, most notably the Acropolis. You don’t need to be a huge fan of history to appreciate this place however, as I guarantee even a walk around this beautiful city will have you in awe.
THE ITINERARY
DAY 1, ARRIVE
Airport – Athens
18:00
Arrive from your evening flight and check into your hotel. The evening will be spent having dinner at the hotel after a day of travelling. If you feel up for some drinks then head to the bar 360 degrees for some views that will get you excited for what lies ahead!
DAY 2, INCREDIBLE HISTORY
Acropolis – Temple of Zeus – Panathenaic Stadium – Plaka – Sunset – Dinner
07:45 (opens at 08:00)
ACROPOLIS
Eat a hearty breakfast as it might be the afternoon before you are back in Plaka for lunch. Trying to avoid the crowds & the heat we take a trip up to the Acropolis, meaning highest point. If you are interested in the history and background, I would recommend you to source a guide for this area as there is so much history. Construction started over 2500 years ago and there is plenty to see. You won’t miss the Parthenon, a huge temple which was dedicated to the goddess Athena. If you are lucky and early enough you will see be able to see the ceremony of the Greek flag being hoisted into the air.
THEATRES
After enjoying the views it’s time to exit towards the south and check out the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysus. The Odean was refurbished in the 1950s and can hold special events to this how, however Dionysus has been left to ruin but still as impressive.
ACROPOLIS MUSEUM
To finish the Acropolis leg of the tour we head to the museum at the bottom of the hill. It was built specifically to house the artefacts found on the rock. Be sure and watch the short documentary on the top floor.
TEMPLE OF ZEUS
Dedicated to the god of Zeus, the plan was to build the greatest temple in the world. Upon completion the temple had 104 columns and housed the statue of Zeus, one of the ancient wonders of the world.
PANATHENAIC STADIUM
Ever wonder where the first Olympics were held, then look no further. Built in 500BC hosted the first ever Panathenaic Games and then 2,200 years later hosted the first modern Olympics in 1896! It is the only stadium built entirely of marble. Pay the entrance fee and get the audio tour but don’t miss out on the room with the Olympic flames on display.
FACTS:
- Greece averages over 250 sunny days a year
- Greek food is incredible
- Alexander the Great was Greek
- There are over 200 islands
- 40% of the population live in Athens
- It’s true, at Greek weddings everyone throws plates
13:00
PLAKA – SCHOLARCHIO
A trip to Athens doesn’t seem right without visiting the quaint streets of Plaka. If you like the café culture found around most of Europe then you will love this little place. It can get busy so if you have a place in mind then make a reservation. I ate at Scholarchio which was excellent. if you like cheese then order the saganaki as a starter.
If you are spending longer at the attractions above you can’t split them up either side of lunch.
15:00
CHILL
The afternoon can be spent relaxing in the sun or swimming at your hotel before sunset and dinner tonight. If you would like a few casual drinks then check out Six D.O.G.S, nicely sheltered from the sun.
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15:00 (depends on sunset)
SUNSET – LYCABETTUS
The best place to enjoy sunset has to be Lycsbettus. The walk is pleasant and with drinks at the bar and views of the city, including the Acropolis it’s hard to beat. Another option would be your hotel if it has a rooftop bar or restaurant.
DINNER
It’s hard to have a bad meal in Athens, food here is as impressive as their ancient history! You can eat at Orizontes, which is on Lycabettus but another option is Hytra if you are into your fine dining then there isn’t a better restaurant with the combination of food and a view, although Orizontes might give it a run for it’s money.
DAY 3, ISLAND HOPING
Athens – Beach & Islands
You have two options here, either take the beach bus south and stop at any of the beaches along the way or even the last stop at Vouliagmenis Lake (25mins drive), the options are endless.
08:00
SARONIC CRUISE
However personally a better option would be to take a cruise of the Saronic Islands for the day. There are a wide variety of options, so if you want something cheap and cheerful or prefer to go all out and rent your own boat you can. Highlights include, Hydra Island, Aegina Island (visit Temple of Aphaia) and Poros island.
The cruise lasts from around 9a.m. pick up to 7p.m. drop off, approx.
DAY 4, SAMPLE THE GREEK FOOD BEFORE HOME
Agora – Archaeological Museum – Athens food tour – flight home
You have two options here, either take the beach bus south and stop at any of the beaches along the way or even the last stop at Vouliagmenis Lake (25mins drive), the options are endless.
09:00
AGORA OF ATHENS
This morning we need to build up a bit of an appetite so we set off to the Agora of Athens and take the option of hiring a tour guide for 1 hour or 2. Here you can see some of Athens’s best ruins as well as The Temple of Hephaestus.
11:30
NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
After beating the crowds, we the head to the National Archaeological Museum, considered one of the most important museums in the world. It houses the richest collection of artefacts from Greek history such as the Artemision Bronze statue that was recovered from the sea and either represents Zeus or Poseidon. As the weapon is missing, archaeologists are unsure which it is.
13:00
FOOD TOUR
So, you have seen the many sites around Athens, sampled the beer and cocktails and explored the islands of the Saronic Gulf. Now all is left to do is sample the delicious Greek food. I find having local knowledge a huge benefit but when it comes to food, it essential. The real restaurants that the locals attend with it’s traditions intact are all but impossible to find. And with a local food guide you usually get someone who knows a bit more than just food, so it’s a great way to find out a little bit more about the city that you didn’t learn during the first few days.
EVENING FLIGHT HOME
FINAL THOUGHTS
Unlike most of the large European cities I never heard much about Athens until I visited. After 3 incredible days it is possible the best city break destination in Europe, I hope it is for you too!
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
To read about my Athens trip, click here.
