A weekend in Athens

Antiquity up close

Who wouldn't want to be transported back to ancient Greece? Nothing could be easier!

Athens offers numerous sights that allow you to immerse yourself in times gone by and inspire you to imagine what life might have been like back then. From Hadrian's Gate to the famous Acropolis, no cultural delicacy remains undiscovered. As a landmark of Athens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Acropolis towers impressively over the city. The Temple of Athena, the Parthenon, is also one of the most popular sights on the striking hill. We recommend visiting these highlights early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the crowds are still manageable. At the foot of the hill is also the Acropolis Museum, where impressive archaeological finds are on display.

Midday to evening - Plaka

A piece of the past is still firmly anchored in the lives of Athenians today. In the oldest district of Athens, Plaka, charming tavernas with traditional Greek cuisine and small stores selling handmade works of art await you. The district is particularly magical in the evening: fairy lights above the small cafés and bars create a romantic atmosphere in the narrow alleyways. Thanks to its versatility, Plaka invites you to stroll through its winding streets from dawn to dusk and always discover something new.

We want the sea!

We spent a total of four days in Athens. However, as you can see the most important sights in just two days, we decided to take a trip to Piraeus. The small port city is easy to reach by metro and is located about eight kilometers southwest of Athens. The port is an important starting point for numerous ferries to the nearby islands.

If you have a little more time, we highly recommend a day trip to one of these islands. The island of Aegina is only around 40 minutes away by speedboat and boasts charming villages, impressive monasteries and ancient temples. If you love crystal-clear water, Agistri is the place for you. And if you've had enough of cars, you should visit the car-free island of Hydra: The only way to get around there is by donkey or water cab. Narrow alleyways, small artists' studios and Venetian houses give a walk on Hydra a very special charm.

Accommodation and transportation

We spent our days in Athens in a very special hotel just outside the city center: the Green Suites Boutique Hotel. There were several reasons why we decided to stay here. One important point was the ideal connection - the nearest metro station is only around 200 meters away. This means you can get to the city center quickly without being constantly exposed to the hustle and bustle of a big city.

Another highlight was the rooftop pool. It's not huge, but it's perfect for spending a relaxing morning or afternoon on the loungers and cooling off in between. We were also impressed by the hotel's food and drinks: a feast for the eyes and palate alike.

We can highly recommend the Green Suites Boutique Hotel in every respect - location, rooms, service and facilities - and would stay here again at any time.

Facts

• Period: May 30 - June 2 (4 days in total)
• Flight: Direct flight from VIE - ATH
• Metro: 24-hour ticket available from approx. 4 euros
• Hotel: Green Suites Boutique Hotel (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
  [Mak Milan 8, Athina 111 44, Greece]
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