The highlight is the Parthenon Marbles exhibition on the top floor. Price is all-inclusive without any hidden cost for the above-provided food and services. Its not an exclusively Greek dish, but the currently popular version originated in Greece. Clairy Moustafellou / Alamy Stock Photo. Whenever you go out, leave anything you wont need in your safe. 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. 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 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. The main Metro station in the center of Athens is Syntagma.
Greece is not a cashless society. Getting out of the center, consider ascending Lycabettus Hill.
Enjoy some traditional Greek appetizers and chat with your English-speaking captain as he tells you about the history of the area. Your captain will offer you the chance to learn how to control the sailing yacht. Personally, I would prefer not to visit Athens in the summer. Unfortunately for me, its a messy dish. Most tourists visit during summer, which means the streets, attractions, and public transport are all crowded. 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. You can stroll along its cobblestone streets, admire the unique architecture, and see the donkeys that provide public transportation around Hydra.
Sunset is a great time to visit for spectacular views across the city lit by the dying sun. Many of these stores are owned by artists, like the popular jewelers, Byzantino. 4 bus services (X93, X95, X96, and X97) operate from the Arrivals level between Exits 4 and 5. Taxis are always an option, but youll find them expensive compared to public transport and not as quick as the Metro. With no people, the water around Moni is pristine. 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
Youll remain on Moni awhile to swim or maybe snorkel with the equipment provided. If you ever had to read Greek tragedies in school written by Euripides or Sophocles, this is where those famous plays premiered! On the way back to the port, stop in at Kinono, a hip plant-filled space decked out with a long wooden bar.
Psyrri is a high-class area with lots of bars and a small but lively nightclub called Cantina Social. Youll be transported to one of the uninhabited islands in the sea near Athens where you can explore underwater with the snorkel equipment supplied. Siva Private tours. Youll see underwater wrecks, reefs, and caverns. If you get bored waiting for your flight, they provide lots for you to see. The most popular variety is baklava, which is layers of filo dough stuffed with chopped nuts, usually almonds or pistachios.
Robert enjoys creative writing. The signs and maps can be confusing since some are only in Greek, but the network is simple. After taking a ferry from Piraeus to the island of Aegina, youll have 3 hours to explore the Island of Artists.
Breakfasts typically consist of pastries from one of the many bakeries and a cup of coffee. Our all-day boat tour offers you a full buffet lunch with the finest Greek food. There you can fish using the supplied equipment. If youre into clubbing, Kerranmeikos is the place to go. We also make recommendations on staying in Athens in our guide section. The buses run 24/7 and the X95 to Syntagma (Athens City Center) takes around 40 minutes and departs every 15 to 20 minutes.
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. Its open from 9 am to 9 pm.
Walk-in ancient paths at theAphaia Templein Aegina, revel in the numerous shades of blue of Agistri beaches, dare to jump off the boat in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and snorkel in crystal-clear waters ofAponisos. When she later looked on TripAdvisor, she found the same hotel had a rating of 2 out of 5 stars and featured some extremely alarming reviews! Because the weather is relatively fine all year long, you can visit Athens at any time. Half Day. mobile/viber/WhatsApp/+30 6974823355. There are several fascinating islands in the gulf which are well worth a visit.
The Hotel Attalos is a 15-minute walk to the Acropolis and the same to central Syntagma Square. The crowds of oblivious tourists admiring stunning architecture provide great prospects for any unscrupulous thief to get rich quick. 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. Much like the airport, this station also holds a museum. And because this is a small, private group tour, its ideal for stag or bachelorette parties or extended family groups. ATMs are located all around the airport on both Arrivals and Departures levels. Rainfall rapidly decreases between April and June, and the days become warmer. Another highlight is the ancient Temple of Poseidon, built atop a towering sea cliff with incredible views of the Aegean Sea. 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. With last minute rooms at $10 or $20 a night, you can put up with bad service and a bit of grime! There are also services to other cities and archaeological sites provided by the Athens Suburban Railway.
The current marble structure dates to 144 CE and was designed to seat 50,000 spectators. Perhaps the most famous main dish in Athens is moussaka. If youre looking for lively bars, Exarchia is the area favored by young Athenians. Its a bit of a hike up to the temple but well worth it, especially come sunset. There are a few very seedy hotels in Athens that youll want to avoid. Sailing tours to Cape Sounion leave from Athens and sail south along the scenic shoreline of the Attica peninsula. Athens is the origin of much that we take for granted in everyday life. Food is ordered for the table (the group of people sitting together) rather than the individual. But Athens isnt all about ancient antiquity. These make wonderful souvenirs. The different areas of the city tend to attract different crowds, so lets run through them. Pop over to the Plaka neighborhood to see charming houses decked with flower baskets and colorful cafs with outdoor seating. If you like, you can get free photos taken of your underwater adventures. Relax as your yacht sails past the Athenian Riviera toward Vouliagmeni Bay. Private Day Trips and Shore Excursions - Greece. The airport train station is connected to the city via Metro Line 3. The neighboring Gazi area is the place to go for live Rebetiko venues, which is a kind of Greek urban blues music. There are many popular bars along Emmanouil Benaki Street. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. The pepperoni pizza is a must-try.
This incongruous, modern structure stands 3-stores-high, right beside the Parthenon. 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.
You can make use of the fishing equipment provided, or snorkel underwater in the crystal-clear waters of the Saronic Gulf. You can use the Metro, buses, or trams. In 2008/9, riots brought conflict between youths and police on these narrow streets. If you want to visit more of Greece, Athens makes a great base. And if youve always wanted to try a traditional Turkish Bath, you can enjoy a steam bath and a relaxing massage at Al Hammam. This modern hotel is 6 miles from Syntagma Square, which means 25 minutes in a car or 45 minutes on a tram. Pickpockets and purse-snatchers love Athens. Archaeological evidence shows the hill has been settled since as early as 4,000 BCE, and the Acropolis as we know it began to take shape in the 13th-century BCE when it was fortified with a wall that still forms part of todays complex monument. 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.
Seven Day Istanbul and Aegean Cruise 2022, Cruise and Swim the Athenian Riviera (New trip!).
Watch out for thieves everywhere, especially in the Metro system, around all the tourist attractions, and Omonia Square. The Acropolis looms over Athens and is the most famous attraction in Greece. For a full-day adventure from Athens, set sail for the Saronic Islands aboard a traditional Greek sailing vessel. The ultimate exploration and experience trip from Athens. Its a hard cheese fried to create a crunchy crust and sprinkled with lemon juice. My advice is to check reviews on more than one hotel-reviewing site before booking. The first modern Olympic Games were held here in 1896. If you want to do some shopping, Aegina is a great place to find traditional textiles, clothes and jewelry.
But none is more famous or iconic than the Parthenon. 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. Alongside mezedes, Athenians eat salad. If you want a comprehensive tour of the islands in the Saronic Gulf, this is the best cruise for you. Athenian winters are mild, but December sees the most rain. Evzones wear special handmade shoes and uniforms and perform an hourly changing of the guards. Tel +30 210 3241776, +30 210 32 51 295 Enjoy an exquisite savoury lunch made from fresh, local products will be served, introducing you to the famous Greek cuisine. 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.
The filo pastry is crumbly and goes everywhere! However, to really see the city, public transport is the best option.
After visiting our swimming spot in Aponisos enjoy our traditional Greek lunch using top-notch quality ingredients. Built in 438 BCE and dedicated to Athena Parthenos, this is the most awesome example of Ancient Greek architecture in existence. The Plaka neighborhood is a great place to sample traditional Greek food and buy unique souvenirs. And this boat tour is also a great way to explore the Mediterranean Islands close to Athens.
If you want warm rather than hot weather, go in spring or fall. Once there, the yacht will anchor, and youll be given the opportunity to swim or snorkel using the equipment provided. Athens is an extremely popular destination for anybody interested in classical history, Greek language and culture, or simply sunny beaches. Ive looked at the top-rated cruises and selected the 7 boat trips I believe are the best. Because of the pickpockets mentioned above, consider methods to protect your cash. 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. And between those islands, enjoy a buffet meal of traditional Greek food while watching live dancing and listening to live music.
Squeeze in an hour at the National Museum of Contemporary Art, which opened in 2016 after 12 years of construction and houses 172 artworks by Greek and international artists. They host regular photography and painting exhibitions, book signings, and cultural events. If youre traveling with young kids or elderly relatives, you certainly shouldnt take them during summer.
To use public transport, youll need an ATH.ENA Card. All-day beer, wine and soft drinks will be provided for free. And for a different beach experience, there is an outdoor cinema showing screenings come sunset. Bus stops are often difficult to find, and you might need to ask a local for directions. Their sweet dessert pastries are drenched in honey or syrup. Januarys average temperatures range from 450F to 570F. Youll have an opportunity to explore its unspoiled beaches. Athens International Airport is the busiest airport in Greece and the 27th busiest in Europe. Theres also a fully-equipped spa in the basement. To fully appreciate the Acropolis, take a guided tour. We are proud of the quality of our services honoring the traditional Greek cuisine and hospitality. In the same area, youll find a selection of popular bars, such as The Blue Parrot and Bios. Urgent emergency care is available at the airport first aid station provided by qualified members of the National Center for Emergency Care. Like in Spain, dinner is typically eaten late. Its only a short walk to the Monastiraki Metro Station, so its convenient for rapid public transport to all the main attractions. Private full day sightseeing tour of Athens. Also, the bus times tend to be unpredictable and the routes confusing. Private day tour to Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplio. A fanny pack may look unattractive, but it beats getting your restaurant bill and discovering your wallet isnt where it should be. During boarding coffee, tea and freshly made juices along with homemade cookies and cake will be offered. This is a great opportunity to learn about Greek culture while surrounded by its beauty.
Food served on board is ethically sourced from trusted farms and groceries around Greece. Alternatively, you can opt to swim or snorkel again. My favorite mezedes is saganaki, which is great for any cheese lover. In November, average temperatures range from 540F to 660F. Its Syntagma Square. With 5 plush lounges, 5 licensed bars, and top-of-the-range audiovisual systems.
Explore the coast of Athens in style by chartering a boat through SamBoat. Then its on to the highlight of your tour, the island of Aegina. 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 you want, your captain will teach you the basics of sailing aboard this wind-powered boat. Our one day tour of the best spots Saronic gulf has to offer will amaze you. 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. Youll take a 10-minute water taxi from Aegina to the neighboring island of Agistri.
Plaka is the quietest and most peaceful area of Athens. 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. Alternatively, visit in the last two hours of the sites opening times. The first port of call is the island of Hydra, where youll be amazed by its old-world charms.
This is the highest point in Athens. But, to be fair, the Athens House Hotel is great for economy backpackers. Here you can visit the pistachio groves, and perhaps take an optional coach trip to the ancient Temple of Aphaea and the Byzantine monastery of Agios Nektarios. A common variant of moussaka is pastitsio.
Because Athens is the second hottest capital city in Europe, the summer heat can become unbearable. Most reputable tour operators offer full refunds for trips canceled with reasonable notice.
On board maximum 40 travellers.
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But Exarchia is also an area known for graffiti and anarchy. When visiting Athens, sometimes you want to get out of the city and explore the wider area away from the crowds. Hotel pickup (can be provided at an extra cost of 12 p.p. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience a sublime Mediterranean sunset. 13:30 Arrival to Aponisos / Moni / Metopi, 15:00 Departure from Aponisos / Moni / Metopi.
Because Athens is a Mediterranean port city, the local food is typically Mediterranean, with frequent use of fish and olives.
This is a great boat tour if your main interest is learning all about the history and archaeology of the Mediterranean Islands near Athens.
The captain will drop anchor twice in sheltered coves so that you can make use of the snorkeling equipment provided and swim through the warm, crystal-clear Mediterranean waters of the Saronic Gulf. The exclusive Alexanders Bar inside the GB was voted Best Hotel Bar in the World by Forbes magazine, and the GB Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar provides the best views of the Acropolis youll find in the city. Your next stop is Poros, an island of aromatic lemon orchards and green pine forests. And during your leisurely cruise back toward Athens, youll be served traditional Greek tapas and Greek wine.
The Acropolis is top of my list, too! The site has been a theater since the 6th-century BCE, but the present structure is 4th-century BCE.
With the great tram connections to Syntagma Square Station, theyre only a short ride away from all the main attractions. Also inside the Acropolis is the Acropolis Museum. Many are open 24 hours. Please try again. Dear travelers, your health is our top priority. GreeceToursoffers you a lifetime experience of a day cruise toAegina andAgistriislands on an authentic wooden sailing boat. The Metro is the easiest and quickest way to travel around Athens. The journey takes 40 minutes and theres a service every hour. The heart of the modern city isnt atop the Acropolis. GreeceTours.com is owned and operated by local Greek travel agency Seretis Travel, in Athens Greece. Afternoon. 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. There are also multiple currency exchange kiosks operated by ONExchange. This is an oven-baked dish consisting of mincemeat layered with either potatoes or eggplant and topped with bechamel. Youll also have the opportunity to explore unspoiled, uninhabited islands. 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. They typically offer more spacious and better-equipped rooms for a fraction of the price of city center hotels. 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. When she arrived, the hotels hygiene standards were abysmal.
Member of the Hellenic association of travel and tourist Agencies. Because so many visitors crowd the city every year, youll find a broad range of hotels suitable for every budget and taste. Base yourself out of the Greek capital Athens and hop aboard a boat to explore the slew of sandy beaches along the coastline and on paradisiacal islands. Easily accessible by sailing south from Alimos, this beach-lined strip has been called the Hamptons of Athens since the 60s, and was popular with the likes of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Brigitte Bardot. Awarded the tripAdvisor certificate of excellence. We have reviewed the top rated boat trips from Athens providing overviews and highlighting the details of each.
Mezedes are often eaten while drinking ouzo, a strong anise liquor. This is an island that has stood still in time. If you have a medical problem, theres a pharmacy on the Arrivals level, landside, open from 6 am to midnight. You also get to appreciate the Athenian coastline from the sea and sample some of the local Mediterranean cuisine. Sandwiched between the University of Athens and the polytechnic, the area is filled with trendy cafs and bars aimed at Bohemian youths. If youre traveling on a tighter budget, check out the Hotel Attalos.
Copyright 2022 | World Guides To Travel | All Rights Reserved. Consider booking in advance so that you are assured of the excursions you want to take. It handles around 24 million passengers a year. Alternatively, the major vehicle rental companies (Hertz, National, Europcar, Budget, Avis, Sixt, and Alamo) have desks on the Arrivals level. This is an all-inclusive cruise, so youll be served a delicious Greek barbecue meal with Greek wine, or beer or a soft drink while you enjoy a wonderful view of the Athenian Riviera. The city bus company, Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA), provides even more frequent services into the city. Its no surprise that Greece is one of the most popular destinations in the world for sailing, with some 6,000 islands and islets scattered around its glistening blue waters. Or you can enjoy a simple cruise along the Athenian Riviera and enjoy fantastic views of the Greek coast. Youll sail as part of a very small group, so youll enjoy your captains full attention and easily make friends. Spring and fall are when the weather isnt too hot but still warm enough to enjoy the sun. Despite warm average temperatures, snow isnt uncommon, and it can get chilly on occasions. This island is famous for its traditional white houses, pistachio groves, and red volcanic terrain. 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. Common breakfast pastries include the savory feta or spinach pastry, a flaky phyllo pastry, or the sweet Bougatsa custard pastry. Moni is an uninhabited island and wildlife preserve stocked with wild goats, deer, rabbits, and peacocks. There are only 3 tram services, and they all connect Syntagma Station with coastal resorts and beaches. Youll find some cheap hostels and basic hotels around Omonia Square, but the area is renowned for purse snatchers and seediness, as well as legal brothels. With 20 food outlets, you wont have any problem finding something to eat.
For example, consider Maison 66 in Alimos. Private sightseeing tour of Athens. Private boat Sunset cruise to Cape Sounion. However, Id recommend you visit Athens in spring (late March through early June) or fall (late September through early November) if possible. It experiences mild winters and long, dry, and hot summers. Member of the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau, Fully licensed by the Greek National Tourism organisation, Member of the Educational Travel Community. Most coastal hotels are walking distance to the beach, and sometimes their buildings even segue into the sand.
He also writes in-depth travel blogs for other websites around the world. The second anchorage will be just off the coast, and youll be served some delicious Greek appetizers. In August, average temperatures range from 730F to 890F. Because of the problem of pick-pockets in Athens, youll want to make sure your hotel room has a safe.
Along the way, theres the opportunity to swim and snorkel in electric blue waters. Each of the islands offers something different, from ancient temples to wild deer, while pristine beaches are a running theme. Different kinds of fish appear in the soup depending upon the season. One hour after departure a light delicious healthy brunch will be offered. However, theres more rain than during summer, especially in November. Here we reveal the best day trips to take from Athens on the water, calling at some of the countrys lesser-known spots. Aegina and Agistri have a knack of dazzling wherever you explore. Youll be delighted by the luxury aboard the spacious new Cosmos cruise ship. Another common variety is kataifi, which looks like Shredded Wheat but is fine strands of pastry wrapped around a chopped nut center, usually almonds or walnuts.
Its still pleasant and sunny in the fall, so this is a great time to wander around the Panathenaic Stadium. Unique cruise itineraries and off the beaten track hidden experiences. The Plaka area is arguably the most desirable location because its nestled between the Acropolis and Syntagma Square (main square and central Metro station). It can take a full day to sail from Athens Port of Piraeus to Syros, but the open sea journey to the capital of the Cyclades, Syros, is well-worth it. ). With Hollywood financing and Greek knowhow, this club features internationally renowned DJs using the highest quality sound and light equipment.
The trams are modern and environmentally friendly.
Its usually a rich broth with lots of fish, vegetables, and flavored with lemon. One of the crew members will join you in the water with a professional underwater camera. Feel the salted fresh air, enjoy the breath-taking view of the Greek islandsand taste delicious authentic Greek cuisine. Dont miss the Theatre of Dionysus. This is in the same area as the Greek parliament building and the main city square. The Art & Culture Exhibition Area is found on the Arrivals level. Athens is the second hottest capital city in Europe. 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. And theres always the taxi stand, found on the Arrivals level, Exit 3. Enjoy the professional skipper and the unique knowledge of the areas. If you dont want to stray that far from Athens for a spot of sunbathing, head to Vouliagmeni Beach.