In the main terminal, the Acropolis Museum features classical Greek exhibits from the Acropolis. Matching the beauty of the Cte dAzur in France and the Amalfi Coast in Italy, the Athens Riviera is a spot to mark on the map. The crowds of oblivious tourists admiring stunning architecture provide great prospects for any unscrupulous thief to get rich quick. Pop over to the Plaka neighborhood for some unique souvenirs. Our all-day boat tour offers you a full buffet lunch with the finest Greek food. Because the salad portion is designed to be shared, one person can make a filling meal out of a single serving of salad and some crusty bread. That might sound like a lot of traveling, but Maison 66 offers a beautifully decorated room with a sea view, furnished balcony, air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, en-suite bathrooms with shower cabins, and free Wi-FI for only $80 per night. The highlight is the Parthenon Marbles exhibition on the top floor. Private boat cruise to the islands Aegina and Moni, Private boat cruise, swim the Athenian Riviera, Private boat cruise to Cape Sounion, morning. Its the birthplace of democracy, classical architecture, philosophy, and the Olympic Games.More through good luck than planning, many stunning structures survive from Greeces Golden Age, so visiting Athens becomes a journey to the very roots of Western Civilization. By continuing to browse this site you agree to our use of. Its not quite so central as the GB, but it also has a roof garden caf with fantastic views of the Acropolis for around $125 a night. If you ever had to read Greek tragedies in school written by Euripides or Sophocles, this is where those famous plays premiered!
Most reputable tour operators offer full refunds for trips canceled with reasonable notice.
*Note that in order to cruise to the islands, the departure times can be alterered but not much in order for the itinerary to be operated. However, to really see the city, public transport is the best option. 
And if you want to see where the Athenians shop, check out the Varvakeios Central Food Market. But note that this market, like many grocery businesses in Greece, is closed on Sundays. This is another oven-baked dish with mincemeat and topped with bechamel, but this time layered with pasta and tomato sauce. There are also many specialist jewelry shops in the Plaka neighborhood, where you can purchase custom-designed and unique items. Various Mediterranean islands, such as Aegina, Moni, Agistri, and Santorini, are popular destinations for longer day trips. This spinach and cheese pie is baked in a filo pastry and heavily seasoned. 
The last ancient monument in the city Ill specifically recommend is the Panathenaic Stadium. Its only a short walk to the Monastiraki Metro Station, so its convenient for rapid public transport to all the main attractions. On this cruise, you can listen to relaxing music while sipping Greek wine and admiring the Athenian coastline. A fanny pack may look unattractive, but it beats getting your restaurant bill and discovering your wallet isnt where it should be. After having your fill of sun, there are plenty of cafes, bars and seafront restaurants to dip into and refuel. Boat Capacity : 45 travellers Our one day tour of the best spots Saronic gulf has to offer will amaze you. Watch out for thieves everywhere, especially in the Metro system, around all the tourist attractions, and Omonia Square. The look of Syros is heavily influenced by Italian design with colourful houses, marble piazzas and a theatre regarded as a miniature of La Scala. In a local tavern, you can sample some homemade delicacies while admiring sea views. It gets fantastic reviews and ratings on both TripAdvisor and Booking.com. This is where youll find the new super-club opened by Lindsay Lohan, simply called LOHAN. Or you can enjoy a simple cruise along the Athenian Riviera and enjoy fantastic views of the Greek coast.
Youll see underwater wrecks, reefs, and caverns. Food served on board is ethically sourced from trusted farms and groceries around Greece. Member of the Hellenic association of travel and tourist Agencies. There are a few very seedy hotels in Athens that youll want to avoid. Consider booking in advance so that you are assured of the excursions you want to take. Another highlight is the ancient Temple of Poseidon, built atop a towering sea cliff with incredible views of the Aegean Sea. The average temperatures in April range from 530F to 670F. Plaka is the quietest and most peaceful area of Athens. Alternatively, you can opt to swim or snorkel again. This market is a great place to sample authentic Greek fresh foods and drinks. Many are open 24 hours. Restaurants usually get busy at around 10 pm. Breakfasts typically consist of pastries from one of the many bakeries and a cup of coffee. Some of the buses are trolleys, which are the same as regular buses except that they run on electricity. The most interesting bar to check out is Six d.o.g.s, which is a unique bar with DJs, live music, club nights, and art exhibitions! Since the airport was only opened in 2001 and expanded in 2018, youll find the 2 terminals and all the facilities modern. Member of the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau, Fully licensed by the Greek National Tourism organisation, Member of the Educational Travel Community. But these sticky treats are delicious when freshly baked. Your next stop is Poros, an island of aromatic lemon orchards and green pine forests. While Athens may not have the reputation for wild nightlife found in other parts of the Mediterranean, like the Balearic Islands, you can still find vibrant nightclubs and lively bars. Enjoy the professional skipper and the unique knowledge of the areas. Situated at the foot of the Acropolis and carved into the southern cliff, this is believed to be the oldest surviving theater in the world. If youre looking for a fun and intimate swimming cruise for a small bachelorette or stag party, or maybe a large extended family, this is a fantastic cruise for you. If you want to do some shopping, Aegina is a great place to find traditional textiles, clothes and jewelry. Not far from the city, there are dozens of clean and modern hotels along the coastline of the Athenian Riviera. Youll find full banking services at the Alpha Bank on the Arrivals level landside, open from 8 am to 6 pm weekdays and 9 am to 4 pm on weekends and bank holidays. Explore the coast of Athens in style by chartering a boat through SamBoat. Here we reveal the best day trips to take from Athens on the water, calling at some of the countrys lesser-known spots. A friend booked a night at the Athens House Hotel on booking.com because the reviews there looked positive, and she wanted to stay somewhere cheap and basic. Not only is this where youll find the main Metro station, but its the central square and location of the Greek Parliament building.
After this tour, youll be an expert on the history and culture of these unique Greek islands. When visiting Athens, sometimes you want to get out of the city and explore the wider area away from the crowds.
There, relax on golden beaches while your expert guide explains the local history. Built in 438 BCE and dedicated to Athena Parthenos, this is the most awesome example of Ancient Greek architecture in existence. The trams are modern and environmentally friendly. If you want a comprehensive tour of the islands in the Saronic Gulf, this is the best cruise for you. 99.9% of visitors to Athens have the Acropolis at the top of their must-see list, but theres more to Athens than its citadel. Athens International Airport is the busiest airport in Greece and the 27th busiest in Europe. Psyrri is a high-class area with lots of bars and a small but lively nightclub called Cantina Social. Perfect for a spot of people watching, rent a sunbed from one of the cafes, where you can also stock up on a variety of snacks and cooling beverages. The School of Fine Arts building overlooks the harbour. For a full-day adventure from Athens, set sail for the Saronic Islands aboard a traditional Greek sailing vessel. Live it up with a luxurious day relaxing at the ultra-hip Astir Beach Bar, decked out with chic daybeds which offer prime views of the setting sun. If your family wants to split their time between the beach and the cultural attractions, this hotel or others like it in coastal beach resorts offer you spacious, clean and modern accommodation for a fraction of equivalent hotels in the center of Athens. If youre traveling with young kids or elderly relatives, you certainly shouldnt take them during summer. Explore the beaches and hiking trails then, if your skipper allows it, watch the sun dip with a cocktail at Hydronetta beach bar. Also, the bus times tend to be unpredictable and the routes confusing. This luxury hotel overlooks Syntagma Square, and you can even watch the changing of the guards in front of the Greek parliament building from your balcony. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK". Unique cruise itineraries and off the beaten track hidden experiences. Athens streets are riddled with tavernas and cafs. Book the tour onboard and join us in this fun ride around the islands boundless beauties. Alongside mezedes, Athenians eat salad. July and August are extremely dry, and most rainfall occurs between October and April. GreeceToursoffers you a lifetime experience of a day cruise toAegina andAgistriislands on an authentic wooden sailing boat. Tomatokeftedes (tomato balls) are another popular appetizer, sweet, soft, and full of herbs and tomato. The ultimate exploration and experience trip from Athens. This is in the same area as the Greek parliament building and the main city square. But Exarchia is also an area known for graffiti and anarchy.
And for a different beach experience, there is an outdoor cinema showing screenings come sunset.
The Hotel Attalos is a 15-minute walk to the Acropolis and the same to central Syntagma Square. The Metro is the easiest and quickest way to travel around Athens. Thats because a helpful group of Persian invaders leveled many of the pre-existing buildings in 480 BCE during the Greco-Persian Wars. Its not an exclusively Greek dish, but the currently popular version originated in Greece. The buses run 24/7 and the X95 to Syntagma (Athens City Center) takes around 40 minutes and departs every 15 to 20 minutes. This is an island that has stood still in time. Next, the yacht will cruise along the coast a little more and explore a few hidden coves. Although it is not a traditional Athenian breakfast food, some cafs also sell Greek yoghurt due to tourist demand. My favorite mezedes is saganaki, which is great for any cheese lover. Visit the archaeological sights of Mycenae and the ancient theatre of Epidaurus.
The return to Athens will be on a rapid Flying Dolphin hydrofoil. Greece is not a cashless society. Hotel pickup (can be provided at an extra cost of 12 p.p. When it comes to desserts, Athenians get messy. 61 Panepistimiou Ave. (El.Venizelou Ave), Omonoia Sqr., 10564, Athens The heart of the modern city isnt atop the Acropolis. Its usually a rich broth with lots of fish, vegetables, and flavored with lemon. On the cruise back to Zeas Marina, you can sit and enjoy fresh fruit and coffee while listening to relaxing music. Getting back to the modern world, youll find mobile charging points around the airport, and free Wi-Fi on the ATH Free Wi-Fi network. The first modern Olympic Games were held here in 1896. Youll remain on Moni awhile to swim or maybe snorkel with the equipment provided. If you like, you can get free photos taken of your underwater adventures. Youll take a 10-minute water taxi from Aegina to the neighboring island of Agistri.
This tour shows you a broad and different picture of the island consisting of real traditional and authentic life of the island. During boarding coffee, tea and freshly made juices along with homemade cookies and cake will be offered. The filo pastry is crumbly and goes everywhere! Theres much more to see and do in Athens than I can squeeze into this brief travel guide, but I hope it will provide a good starting point as you plan your visit. The GB has one pool in the basement and another on the roof. But none is more famous or iconic than the Parthenon. The different areas of the city tend to attract different crowds, so lets run through them. The Acropolis is top of my list, too! While you relax on the deck and soak in the sun, your captain will tell you tall tales from Greek mythology and history. If you wish, you can hire a horse carriage to take a ride around the historic main settlement of the island.
The most popular variety is baklava, which is layers of filo dough stuffed with chopped nuts, usually almonds or pistachios. Whenever you go out, leave anything you wont need in your safe. Siva Private tours. And if youve always wanted to try a traditional Turkish Bath, you can enjoy a steam bath and a relaxing massage at Al Hammam. Tours to the idyllic islands of Agistri, Moni and Aegina start from Piraeus harbour or, if chartering a boat, you can venture there from a location of your choice. If youre a bit of a restless beachgoer, theres a tiny rocky islet to swim to and there are volleyball, tennis and basketball courts to the right of the beach. Avoid crowds and visit islands that are otherwise unreachable. Sandwiched between the University of Athens and the polytechnic, the area is filled with trendy cafs and bars aimed at Bohemian youths. Taxis are always an option, but youll find them expensive compared to public transport and not as quick as the Metro. Mezedes are typically served with a yoghurt dip. There is an especially elaborate changing ceremony at 11 am every Sunday. And if youre into wine, Materia Prima Wine Bar in Psyrri has a fantastic reputation. The stadium began life in antiquity as a racecourse and was transformed into a stadium in 330 BCE. Many of these stores are owned by artists, like the popular jewelers, Byzantino. If you get bored waiting for your flight, they provide lots for you to see. Explore charming villages of Agistri island, its mesmerizing landscapes and panoramic views by an eco-friendly bike tour. But, to be fair, the Athens House Hotel is great for economy backpackers. Get unique insights and local experience from your skipper. Horiatiki salata (Greek salad) is tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, spicy shallots, and olives, all splashed with virgin olive oil and topped with feta cheese. Januarys average temperatures range from 450F to 570F. Whats unusual about Athens Airport is the presence of an art gallery and 3 museums. Price is all-inclusive without any hidden cost for the above-provided food and services. Athenian winters are mild, but December sees the most rain. There are several fascinating islands in the gulf which are well worth a visit. The city bus company, Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA), provides even more frequent services into the city. With no people, the water around Moni is pristine. If youre interested in history, the best areas to stay are around the city center near the Acropolis, like Makrianni, Monastiraki, Plaka, Syntagma, and Thission. Private boat Sunset cruise to Cape Sounion.
This sublime smile of sand is located just 10km (6mi) south of the city centre and close to the bustling neighbourhood of Kastella. Your expert archaeologist guide will be with you from the very start of the tour and will begin by narrating the history of Piraeus, the port from which your cruise commences. Athens is a popular destination, so tours frequently sell out. Spoons and ladles carved from olivewood, unique Greek products, as well as the usual range of T-shirts and less cultural souvenirs are found in the many gift shops in its labyrinth of old-world alleyways. An underground moving sidewalk connects the original main terminal to the new satellite terminal. A cruise along the Athenian Riviera is a great way to escape the hordes and enjoy the tranquil, crystal-clear waters of the Saronic Gulf. There are lots of great cruises from Athens, so its difficult to pick just one. Once there, the yacht will anchor, and youll be given the opportunity to swim or snorkel using the equipment provided. With last minute rooms at $10 or $20 a night, you can put up with bad service and a bit of grime! If youre looking for lively bars, Exarchia is the area favored by young Athenians. Your first island stop will be Agistri, where you can relax on the golden beach or join an optional bike tour (10) between Chalikiada Beach and Melalochori village. This is a great tour if youd enjoy snorkeling around reefs and sunken wrecks. The Sailing Cruise Along The Coast is our Editor's Choice for the best Athens boat trip with its combination of sites seen, tour guides and value. With 20 food outlets, you wont have any problem finding something to eat. There you can fish using the supplied equipment. To use public transport, youll need an ATH.ENA Card. After taking a ferry from Piraeus to the island of Aegina, youll have 3 hours to explore the Island of Artists. The final island on your tour is Aegina. Private boat cruise, live like a local on Aegina. There are only 3 tram services, and they all connect Syntagma Station with coastal resorts and beaches. Private sightseeing tour of Athens. Moni is an uninhabited island and wildlife preserve stocked with wild goats, deer, rabbits, and peacocks. In central Athens, many of the attractions are close together, so walking is a viable option. This is a great boat tour if you enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Private full day sightseeing tour of Athens. One of the most successful countries in the fight against Covid-19, the State of Greece requires the relevant institutions to take all measures including tour operators and hotels against Covid-19 pursuant Greek Law. The Plaka neighborhood is a great place to sample traditional Greek food and buy unique souvenirs. There are also services to other cities and archaeological sites provided by the Athens Suburban Railway. Moussaka tastes best when seasoned with nutmeg and cinnamon. Enjoy an exquisite savoury lunch made from fresh, local products will be served, introducing you to the famous Greek cuisine. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. Just check the refund policy when you book any tours. Seven Day Istanbul and Aegean Cruise 2022, Cruise and Swim the Athenian Riviera (New trip!). In 2009, his childrens novel Sally Hemings & the Good Associates won the Childrens Fiction section of the You Write On Book of the Year Award. Evzones wear special handmade shoes and uniforms and perform an hourly changing of the guards. This island is famous for its traditional white houses, pistachio groves, and red volcanic terrain. Your captain will offer you the chance to learn how to control the sailing yacht.
). Also, in summer, getting out of the capital city helps you escape the relentless heat. Guided Day Trip To Aegina & Agistri Islands, Sailing Cruise along the Coast From Athens, Full-Day Cruise to Aegina, Poros and Hydra, Guided Day Trip to Aegina and Agistri Islands, Private Cruise with Snorkeling and Swimming From Athens, Athens Riviera HalfDay Catamaran Sailing Cruise, Athens Riviera Sunset Sailing Cruise With Free Wine, Full Day Tour & Sailing to Agistri, Moni & Aegina From Athens, Full-Day Cruise To Aegina, Poros & Hydra From Athens, Guided Day Trip To Aegina & Agistri Islands From Athens, Private Cruise With Snorkeling & Swimming From Athens, Athens Riviera Half-Day Catamaran Sailing Cruise, Athens Riviera: Sunset Sailing Cruise With Free Wine, Full-Day Tour & Sailing To Agistri, Moni & Aegina From Athens, Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA, The 5 Best Stonehenge Tours From London [2022 Reviews], The 5 Best Wine Tours From Florence [2022 Reviews], The 5 Best Tours of the Vatican [2022 Reviews], The 5 Best Seine River Dinner Cruises [2022 Reviews], 4-hour sailing yacht cruise, Greek snacks, soft drink or a glass of wine, snorkeling & fishing, Full day cruise to Hydra, Poros, & Aegina, buffet lunch, live music, live dancers, Expert archaeologist guide, ferries to Aegina & Agistri, guided tours. If youre traveling with kids aged 18 months to 7-years-old, youll find a childrens play area in the main terminal landside on the 2nd floor. If you are looking for beach, sun, culture and incredible scenery, or an all-in-one experience, theAthens one day boat tour to the Saronic gulf has got you covered. If youre traveling on a tighter budget, check out the Hotel Attalos. The current marble structure dates to 144 CE and was designed to seat 50,000 spectators. GreeceTours.com is owned and operated by local Greek travel agency Seretis Travel, in Athens Greece. This is where you can get a feeling for the heartbeat of Athens. Many of the stores in the airport operate 24 hours. 13:30 Arrival to Aponisos / Moni / Metopi, 15:00 Departure from Aponisos / Moni / Metopi. Robert enjoys creative writing. Athens is the second hottest capital city in Europe. Private Day Trips and Shore Excursions - Greece.
This is a great boat tour if your main interest is learning all about the history and archaeology of the Mediterranean Islands near Athens. GreeceTours offers you a well-priced semi-private one day cruise from Athens, this experience, unlike mass tourism boats that advertise daily cruises with multiple stops resembling a normal ferry service. The journey takes 40 minutes and theres a service every hour. mobile/viber/WhatsApp/+30 6974823355. There are only 3 lines, and once you get a feel for the system, it becomes easy. When she arrived, the hotels hygiene standards were abysmal. If you have a medical problem, theres a pharmacy on the Arrivals level, landside, open from 6 am to midnight.
This is the highest point in Athens. ATMs are located all around the airport on both Arrivals and Departures levels. In summer, it grows too hot in the middle of the day for comfortable sightseeing. Because so many visitors crowd the city every year, youll find a broad range of hotels suitable for every budget and taste. This modern hotel is 6 miles from Syntagma Square, which means 25 minutes in a car or 45 minutes on a tram. On board maximum 40 travellers. Youll also have the opportunity to explore unspoiled, uninhabited islands. We have reviewed the top rated boat trips from Athens providing overviews and highlighting the details of each. Any important documents, credit cards you wont need that day, and spare cash should be left safely behind. You also get to appreciate the Athenian coastline from the sea and sample some of the local Mediterranean cuisine. In November, average temperatures range from 540F to 660F. During our return to the port, freshly cut fruits will be offered.
The second anchorage will be just off the coast, and youll be served some delicious Greek appetizers. In 2008/9, riots brought conflict between youths and police on these narrow streets. Set your own pace and time of departure*. You may be used to sticking all your restaurant and transport bills on a credit card, but this probably wont work so well in Athens. Tel +30 210 3241776, +30 210 32 51 295 This is an oven-baked dish consisting of mincemeat layered with either potatoes or eggplant and topped with bechamel. If you want, your captain will teach you the basics of sailing aboard this wind-powered boat. Most coastal hotels are walking distance to the beach, and sometimes their buildings even segue into the sand. The airport also has a mini market on the Arrivals level, landside and duty-free shopping on the Departures level. Private day tour to Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplio. Its Syntagma Square. Rainfall rapidly decreases between April and June, and the days become warmer. The tavernas offer a variety of hors doeuvre called a mezedes, which is a small dish of hot or cold food with dips. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Duck off your sailboat to explore the hip-yet-tranquil neighbourhood of Koukaki, accessible by taxi from Alimos Marina the largest marina in Greece with 1,064 berths in 20 minutes. Youll have an opportunity to explore its unspoiled beaches. The pepperoni pizza is a must-try. Lunches are long and leisurely. If you plan to visit the Acropolis, the best time of day is the early morning before the midday heat bakes the ground. During the day, the fare into the city center is around 48 but increases to 54 after midnight until 5 am. Alternatively, the major vehicle rental companies (Hertz, National, Europcar, Budget, Avis, Sixt, and Alamo) have desks on the Arrivals level. Awarded the tripAdvisor certificate of excellence. So, if you want to try something uniquely Greek, then you could skip the super-club and head straight for a Rebetiko bar and spend the night listening to Greek blues and drinking ouzo. Unfortunately for me, its a messy dish. Be sure to see our other Greece boat tour reviews: Boat Trips From Mykonos, Boat Trips From Santorini, Boat Trips From Corfu. Its a bit of a hike up to the temple but well worth it, especially come sunset. Afternoon. There are many ancient temples atop the hill, including the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Brauronion. And because this is a small, private group tour, its ideal for stag or bachelorette parties or extended family groups. However, thats only a footnote in modern history. Then its on to the highlight of your tour, the island of Aegina. If youre feeling lazy, you can just sunbathe. To fully appreciate the Acropolis, take a guided tour. The first port of call is the island of Hydra, where youll be amazed by its old-world charms. These make wonderful souvenirs. It experiences mild winters and long, dry, and hot summers. Travellers' Full Names (Please, mention the birth date for children up to 12 years old), Your Message And Any Additional Requests (Please, mention your arrival and departure date, time and airport or your flight details), Athens Office Many of the most important attractions in Athens are outdoor, so youre exposed to the sun. With the great tram connections to Syntagma Square Station, theyre only a short ride away from all the main attractions. Mezedes are often eaten while drinking ouzo, a strong anise liquor. Make sure you have your camera ready for that amazing sunset! Most tourists visit during summer, which means the streets, attractions, and public transport are all crowded.