Why stay in Athens when the Greek islands are waiting? That’s a question many of our readers ask and it’s time to dispel the myth!
Welcome to “All About Greece” a new column which is part of “TO BHMA International Edition Travels Greece With You” series aiming to answer all your questions and introduce you to this wonderful country we call home and you call vacation!
Busting the Myth
The Caryatids standing proudly on the Erechtheion Temple at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.
Yes, years ago Athens may have been more of a stopover for many tourists who were eager to visit the Greek islands. The truth is most travelers had the Parthenon and the Acropolis on their list, maybe a stroll through the colorful Plaka district, and little else. But today, many things have changed. Athens has evolved into a destination in its own right and a popular one at that!
Having vacationed in Greece for more than 20 years and lived, worked and written about Athens for the last 30 years, I can vouch for it.
In the last two decades, Athens has gone from a chaotic city to an exciting destination full of excellent restaurants, award-winning hotels, Airbnbs for every taste and pocket, trendy bars that Tom Cruise would be jealous of, hidden corners that feel frozen in time, ancient ruins and monuments that whisper stories of the past, outstanding museums, brilliant art shows, concerts and happenings featuring international and Greek acts, beaches and islands nearby, and of course, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center home to the National Opera and Library hosting dozens of events year round.
Still not convinced? Let’s talk about the Athenian Riviera, which is soon to be among the hottest destinations in Greece. From the Port of Piraeus all the way to Cape Sounion, picture a 64-kilometer (40 mile) coastline dotted with Blue Flag beaches, all-day seaside bars, cafes, and restaurants; this is also where many popular night clubs are located not to mention spacious waterfront promenades and parks ideal for families. Favorite spots include the Ellinikon Experience Park near Glyfada and the Flisvos Park in Palaio Faliro—both perfect for families with playgrounds, cafés, shops, and green spaces.
10 Athens Travel Musts
Open-air cinema at Cine Paris in Plaka, Athens. Photo: Cine Paris
1. The Athens Happy Train (or “trenaki”)
Right out of a children’s book – that’s why it’s perfect for kiddies – this open-air train is the best way to discover the Greek capital in under an hour and with very little walking.
2. A visit to the Parthenon (Acropolis Hill) and the Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis is an UNESCO World Heritage site and the Acropolis Museum an amazing experience that should not be missed.
3. A Day Trip to Aegina
Head to Piraeus port and hop on a fast ferry to the island of Aegina. In under 30 minutes you’ll be swimming, sunbathing, and eating fresh seafood on a Greek island.
The island of Aegina… surprisingly close to Athens.
4. Sunset Cocktails at Flisvos Marina
A cocktail and finger food overlooking the sea at Flisvos Marina. Best time? In the evening at sunset.
5. Shopping on Ermou St and in Kolonaki
You’ll find designer labels and high fashion in Kolonaki and brand names and everything else along Ermou St.
6. Meze at Plateia Dexamenis in Kolonaki
Enjoy a meze – small Greek tidbits that go well with ouzo – in the shade. Great for lunch after your shopping spree.
7. Catch a film under the stars
Don’t miss a movie at an open-air cinema. Favorites are in Plaka (Cine Paris with a view to the Acropolis!) or Kolonaki (Cine Dexameni) do order the cheese pie!
Ouzo and meze snack: just right for lunch!
8. Dinner on Agia Eirini Square
Very popular location in the heart of Athens, where you can find all sorts of cool joints serving everything from gourmet burgers and sushi to sexy cocktails and mouthwatering sweets.
9. Lunch and lemonade at Agiou Georgiou Square in the ethnic neighborhood of Kypseli
A hip and happening hot spot, popular among the younger, cooler crowds in the multicultural neighborhood of Kypseli.
10. A stroll through Plaka…
…and lunch or dinner at one of the many ethnic eateries in the area serving everything from innovative Japanese cuisine and modern Greek to Bao Buns and super burgers.
Visiting Athens? Here’s What You Need to Know
1) Getting to Piraeus Port
It usually takes approximately 35 minutes to get from the center of Athens to the port of Piraeus.
2) Getting from the Airport to Downtown Athens
It takes about 35 minutes (depending on traffic) to get from Athens Airport to downtown Athens by car or cab and about 40 minutes by metro.
3) Tipping
Yes, we leave tips in Athens. Whether food, coffee or drinks, we always leave a tip usually either by rounding off the bill or about 10% of the sum. We also give tour guides a tip at the end of a tour especially for a job well-done.
4) Taxis
You can get a taxi at designated taxi stops across the city and you can also hail a cab. There of course taxi apps such as Free Now and Uber. If you want to be sure, ask your hotel to order a cab for you.
Photo: Marianthi Tsompanopoulou/Eurokinissi
5) Safety
Athens is a safe city to walk in. However, I always advise travelers to be as cautious as they would be in their own cities and countries. This means keeping wallets and documents safely placed in your bags. Also avoid walking in dark areas you don’t know and late at night.
6) Walking in Athens
Although we have stop lights and stop signs, I would advise you to look both ways before you take a step. This also applies to pedestrian walkways. Sadly, there are many motorists in Athens who still fail to respect basic laws.
7) Heat management
Summer in Athens means hot weather. So do NOT wear dark colors. Instead opt for white, beige or yellow and if possible linen or cotton materials. Always wear a hat, sunscreen, and sun glasses, and carry a water bottle with you at all times. A sip of refreshing water can do miracles!
8) Water
Yes, tap water in Athens is drinkable. So no need to buy bottled water. You can also request tap water at eateries.
Flisvos Marina in the seaside suburb of Faliro, near Athens. Photo: Flisvos Marina
9) Ferries & Cruises
Ferries to the Greek islands as well as cruise ships depart from the Port of Piraeus. You can get there by train or taxi. It’s about a 30-minute ride.
10) Getting around Athens
It’s relatively easy. I always recommend walking! It’s the best way to get to know a city and discover things that you would least expect. That said, public transport in Athens is quite reliable. You can board tram, buses, train or metro by just tapping (contactless) your bank card or you can buy an ATH.ENA Ticket or ATH.ENA Card at stations.
Fun Trivia about Athens!
Philopappou Hill with the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill in view, Athens, Greece.
✓ Did you know that Athens is the oldest capital city in Europe, inhabited continuously for more than 3,400 years since 1600 BC? Tripodon St in Plaka actually holds a Guinness record as being the oldest street in Europe. The city’s history goes back even further to 7,000 years and it is considered the birthplace of Democracy.
✓ Imagine the Parthenon and other ancient buildings on the Acropolis in color! Yes, in many parts, the white marble you see today was originally painted in vivid colors.
✓ Athens has more theaters than most other cities in the world, including an English-language theater! Couldn’t be any other way. Theater was born in the Greek capital thousands of years ago.
✓ Yes, from the Acropolis you get an impressive view of Athens, but if you want a more spectacular vista, head to Lycabettus Hill, where the view on a clear day covers all of Attica and the Aegean Sea. Perfect at sunset or for a romantic night out.
✓ Metro (subway) stations that double as museums? Well yes, the Acropolis, Syntagma, Panepistimiou, Monastiraki, Evangelismos and Dafni stops all feature archeological works of art discovered during excavations for the construction of the metro.
*Have questions about Greece? Send them to Maria Paravantes at mparavantes@tovima.com
