I want to add that the Plaka villa is a pioneer of its kind. Family Hotel: Ava Hotel & Suites Archaeology fans may care to divert to the rather splendid, yet oft-underlooked set of ruins of the Temple of Aphaia near Agia Marina. 
One of the best and practical sites. Electra is on a pedestrian-only street and a little closer to the Plaka. Also, can you advice us on Santorini and Mykonos for the islands, we want to spend a little more on a luxury hotel: Hotels in Mykonos wed like to be in Mykonos town.
Back to Athens we are taking Flight. Any idea how close these two terminals are to each other?
We would like to keep within budget in Athens and not splurge much on stay,but do want to opt for a good cosy and neat place. Nice hotel. What are your thoughts on InnAthens hotel? Nothing fancy. If youre catching one of these ferries then stay close to the. 
Its walking distance from here to Plaka and the Acropolis. We definitely want to see the Acropolis and eat a nice Greek meal. The price is very good and the hotel is new but was not sure if it in a good location? 
Im in the very early stages of planning a girls trip to Greece next April and I just want to say thank you for this website and all your valuable information! Hello Dave!
Incredibly helpful. On the good side its convenient for the metro, hop on/hop off bus, and an easy 10 minute walk to the Plaka. Which one of the two would you recommend over the other and why? Ferry is easiest, but if youre flying straight out of Athens then might as well fly from Mykonos.
Im planing a trip to Athens from the 31st December to 6th January. Not the usual combination Santorini commonly gets paired with Mykonos, or either Naxos, Paros, or Crete but a doable one. The only thing I might improve is the breakfast which is fine but not fantastic. The plan is to stay at Electras, but we still dont know where to spend New Years Eve. Have you heard of MET 34 Hotel in Syntagma Square/Plaka? Hotels are starting to become limited even now (5 months in advance) but I do have a reservation at the Elia Ermou hotel. Your blog is wonderful! Scooters are easy to hire and a slow (and careful, as the road gets winding in parts) ride to the other side of the island is the obvious add-on excursion. Dave your site has brought me so many great suggestions and I feel so confident about my trip now! Stunning setting on a private peninsula on the stretch of coast south of Athens. That said, Id expect that youll take at least a few taxis. Thank you Rooms are huge and some have amazing views of the Acropolis. Thanks! So, Id say its perfectly fine as long as youre not expecting a charming/romantic street/immediate area. Thank you for the awesome siteand would like to get your advice on below. A number of ferry companies and types of ferries from conventional to hydrofoil to open-deck car movers service the three islands, so youll not be short of options and departures are almost hourly for Aegina and Angistri, less so for Hydra. We do prefer the less crowded and touristy areas (but impossible to find in July I know) and like culture, food, people, pretty towns, ports and beaches over ruins and history although we will spend a day or two visiting some of them as its sacrilege not to. a. Yes it does take longer than flying but the ferries leave early and the fast ferry (the Helenic Seaways) gets you to Santorini in about 5 hours. My husband wont have patience for the ferry ride so either way our transport to Santorini will be by plane. Modern, minimalist four-star boutique hotel. Consider doing 2-3 days in Thessaloniki then split your time across the three main Sporades islands Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonnisos. The Acropolis, Plaka, the Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, and a half-dozen historical sites of Ancient Athens are within walking distance of all the hotels listed below. Lastly can you please recommmend me a good tour agency website that I should look for?
Next day you may care to take a stroll around Nafplio famous for its role as the capital of the fledgling Greek State after the war of Independence take in the panoramic views from the Bourtzi or fortress that dominates the town. 1 Day seeing the sights and then 1 day at a beach near Athens. From Mykonos to Santorini we are going by Ferry, Athens to Mykonos and Santorini. The big holidays are January 1, March 25, April 12, May 1, December 25 and 26. Upon arrival in Athens, city tour. Your website has helped me plan what I think will be an incredible honeymoon in Greece. Expensive yachts crowd its proportionately small harbour, boutique stores pepper its undeniably quaint streets, and up-market lodgings offer all that travel-weary punters may seek or desire. Thanks, Harshi. 3. Ill be traveling to Athens in June. The Metropolis and Palace are an easy walk from the Monastiraki station (and direct trains to the ferry port). 3. Tourist shops, restaurants, and cafes will be open. We should reach Athens by 2pm in the afternoon. Great place with wonderful views. Also Ive read about its slow process and waiting times at Santorini airport, do you have any info on this? South of here are two choices: making a loop around the third finger of the Peloponnese while visiting the pretty islet fortress of Monemvasia it would be a very pleasant nights stop or you could attempt to get a taste of the Peloponneses Scotland and drive across to the the remote Mani Peninsula (the middle finger) with a stop in perhaps Oitylo, with the magical Diros caves to be visited a little further south. I was looking at A for Athens for accommodations for the night is this a reasonable hotel to stay in for easy access once we arrive in Athens and easy access to the airport? Both are very nice hotels. We love nature and authentic experiences although Santorini looks like a must and understandably so. The airport to Rafina bus runs about every hour and departs between exits 2 and 3 opposite the Sofitel Hotel. The villa is located in an excellent and central location 5min. I have a question, my wife and I would be flying from Mykonos to Athens around noon and we are thinking of taking the next day morning train to Meteora. The neighborhood is a little less touristy and has more antique, arts, crafts, and clothing shops than Plaka. Travellers generally choose islands based on their groupings: Ionian, Cyclades, Sporades, Argo-Saronics, Dodecanese, and NE-Aegean and its wise not to try and mix-and match too broadly. Athens is packed with tourists from May to October.
document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. The Acropolis and Acropolis Museum are a short walk away. Divani Palace Acropolis Hello, In summer you usually have a couple of fast catamarans per day and the odd conventional ferry. Do you have any information or comments on this hotel/area? So in summary: Aegina and Angistri are better for day-trips because of their proximity and the frequency of supporting ferries. Angistri is also infamous as the hideout island of the 17th November terrorist group member Dimitris Koufodinas who took refuge in a cave on the east side of the island before finally surrendering to authorities. Hotel Website Check prices on Booking.com, Hotel phone:+30 21032 22210 I really have to Appreciate all the details that you have given for all the Places, They are the best for those cities/islands. The streets immediately around it are busy and not idyllic but the Plaka and National Gardens are a short walk in two different directions. 5. Its not really that close to the airport. My main concern is Athens in general and specifically the port area where many refugees are channelled through. The next day, fly from Athens to Kalambaka on afternoon flight, stay 1 night in Kalambaka We have a flight the next morning to Rome at 6 am. Syntagma Square, Monastiraki, and Koukaki border Plaka and theres no clear boundary as you leave Plaka and enter these neighborhoods. Also if we are just in Athens for the 1st evening and the whole of 2nd where should we stay? Im torn between the NJV Hotel and the Electra hotel on Ermou. For Santorini hotels, Asteras is a fine choice. Its less than a 5 minute walk to the Plaka.
Hi Dave, We will be taking a ferry from Athens to Mykonos and then from Santorini back to Athens. Boutique Hotel: AthensWas Additional excursions might be to the summit of Mt Lykavittos (take the rack and pinion train if you dont fancy the steep climb and you can always walk down) and a walk in the cool National Gardens abutting Syntagma Square is a great respite from the bustle of Athens. Taxi from the airport to downtown hotels costs 38. Athens We booked at the Central Athens Hotel (23-25 August). Skies will most likely be clear but cloudy with some rain is definitely a possibility. Plaka is filled with trendy cafes and hip restaurants. I would add 2 nights to Santorini and stay 2 nights in Mykonos. Will be back to Athens a few days after to see the sites. Our plan is to go to Greece in July has gone from exciting to complicated. My Air France Flight lands in Athens at 13:50. Ferry Port: Triton Hotel My husband and I are planning a trip to Athens and Santorini in November, arriving on the 20yh and leaving on the 26th. We found though Asteras Villas in Fira and it looks promising. I do feel for their situation and it makes me glad to know that Greece is helping them but at the same time we want to be safe while we are travelling, know what to expect, and take neccessary precations. Hi Dave great website and info thank you we are booking Electra Palace on your recommendation for the weekend of 25-27 February the Monday is a public holiday in Greece so do you know if everything wlll be open as usual or do some of the attractions close? 1. That time getting to and from Zante would be much better used visiting islands close to Mykonos and Santorini (or just spending more time on Mykonos and Santorini). Hotel Website Check prices on Booking.com, Hotel Phone: +30 21092 88400 We reach Santorini in the afternoon on 25 August and depart for Mykonos on 27 August. Located near Kotzia Square, just a 3-minute walk to the Central Market and less than a 10-minute walk to the Plaka and shopping at Ermou Street and the Monastiraki Flea Market. My boyfriend and I are visiting Greece in June and are very excited. 3) Sifnos and Santorini Thank you for all the hard work you put into it. The Acropolis and the main archaeological sights lie to the south. We use AirBnB a lot and love the lovely apartments and interacting with the owners, reading their guide books, cooking in their kitchen on occasion. Do you know of any quirky, hip, different hotels or boutique guesthouses that arent too expensive? (lots of insults however) There is a lot of valuable info here so thank you! 2) Hydra and Spetses If youve been on Santorini Mykonos there is every likelihood you will want more of the island experience. Modern design and decor, helpful extras like electronic blackout shades, great rooftop bar and restaurant. How should we chalk out a plan? The rooftop restaurant has incredible views of the sites. Santorini to Athens can be a long ferry ride. Served by Monastiraki station on metro lines 1 and 3. Came across your website and found it very interesting and helpful. A few minutes more and youre in Monistiraki.
Hotel Website Check prices on Booking.com, Hotel phone: +30 21072 30000 Lastly, King George or stay in Plaka? Cheers! In Mykonos we will be staying for 4 nights in Bill and Coo Suites and Lounge. This rather small island comes generally as a pleasant surprise to most visitors and garners its fair share of repeat day or even longer stay trippers. Happy to offer the same if you ever come to Edinburgh! Excellent location in Monastiraki, just a short walk to the train station, several excellent bars and restaurants, and shopping on Ermou Street. Our last night will be our only one in Athens well be coming from Paros, arriving via ferry around 3PM. Any thoughts on it? Be sure to book a hotel in Nafplio in good time as even the end of August and beginning of September can be a busy time for Nafplio. Thank you for this wonderful and helpful website. Its a good 20 minute walk to the major historical sites and center of the action. They are discreet, slate-roofed villages were you can dine on hearty wild boar, scrumptious cheese pies and wash it down with the local firewater called tsipouro. Is it safe to walk around Athens right now with such an influx of refugees?
Id probably stay there. Good central location. Wonderful location (adjacent to the Grande Bretagne) with Syntagma Square at your door, shops all about, and Plaka and Acropolis a short walk away. 1) We are staying in Athens (Kiniskas, Athina) from 29th May morning to 1st June morning (we take the early morning blue star ferry to Santorini as per your recommendation on 1st morning). Getting to and from that Myrto Hotel (the one in Mati) is not easy. Its about a 3 minute walk to Monastiraki metro stop where there are lots of tourists (and direct trains to both the ferry port and airport). Hotel Pool: Royal Olympic Im planning to visit Greece in May. 4 to 6 hour tours are a good length. For something fun, slightly formal, and festive Id go with the party at the Grande Bretagne (reservations a must). If we miss the metro, would you recommend having our hotel reserve a taxi pick up for us or will there be taxis there that late? Herodion has a great location near the Acropolis Museum and Plaka (and below the Acropolis itself). My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon to Greece August 28 September 5th. Let me know your suggestions on the same.
Its a 165km drive if you go straight there, but if you take in the wondrous amphitheatre of Epidaurus on the way it will be 198km. (love shopping at local markets) Its more personal and rewarding but I feel Athens might be different (not enough time, rushing, ferries to catch or tours to do) and I will be travelling with my 8 year old son and probably without an internet connection to start with so maybe a hotel will be more practical as they can help, call us taxis to the port and so on. Awesome site. If its more than that then definitely try a different town and hotel. Of the two, Spetses is for beaches (which you can get to on hired motor scooters) and you can get around town on hired horse and buggies. Hi Dave, Like Plaka and Monastiraki, the Koukaki area sits at the base of the Acropolis and looks up at the Parthenon. Its a good cheap hotel. Airport Hotel: Sofitel Athens Airport There are small beach coves that dot the coastline as well.
c. Fly from Zante to Athens on morning flight, then I have not heard of it but it looks nice and certainly has a central location. Best regards. Currently thinking on flying back to Athens on Sunday, renting a car at the airport and then go on a road trip to the Peloponnesian peninsula, returning to Athens on Friday (to spend 2.5 days in Athens).
I would love to have your Suggestions regarding my Greece trip that ive planned in August end with my wife, Pls let me know if the Hotel/Resort choice is right in Mykonos and Santorini. This how we have roughly planned : A few other questions. We would like a nice hotel with a good view and is quite accessible to restaurants where we could spend my birthday comfortably. Athens Gate is a little farther and maybe too far with luggage. The Plaka area is great too but its only a 5 minute walk from the King George so not a huge difference. Any advise or suggestions would be hugely appreciated! Get a map of central Athens and familiarise yourself with the key geographical reference points. We are flying into Athens and then heading the next day to Mykonos and Santorini for 3 days each and then back to Athens. Thanks for your help. I really want to stay near Plaka area. I usually stay at Athens Lycabettus Hotel which is now closed. You will have to walk a fair way to get a swim on Hydra too, though the coastal walk out to Vlychos beach is pleasant and the beach is about the best it gets. What can you recommend for hotel to overnight before heading down to Nafplio the following day. Santorini We take a ferry from Athens to Santorini.
Dont have to book ferry tickets now (flights and hotel are much more important to get confirmed). I am having a hard time deciding between Electra Palace Hotel and Ava Hotel in Athens. Hotel Website Check prices on Booking.com, Hotel phone: +30 21032 73000 Rooms and suites all have balconies and king-sized beds, some with views of the Acropolis. The only caveat is that you wont be walking out your door and enjoying the Plaka or Acropolis. Plaka is the best area to stay in Athens. Ive been searching for an Athens airport terminal map online without much luck. It will usually involved scampering down from the road above on a footpath wondering where the heck youre going. I and my husband are planning to visit Athens in the first week of May and staying there for 2 days before we sail to Santorini. That said, its a culturally and gastronomically superb city probably better enjoyed in cooler times, but its worth including as an antidote to the ever-frenetic Athens. If you feel like walking all that off, then hike along the bottom of one of Europes greatest canyons the Vikos Gorge. Bill and Coo in Mykonos is a little out of the way so plan on taking a few taxis while there. We want nice hotel but also very close to all of the sites. A street in Monastiraki with the Acropolis perched overhead. Hi. A few questions for you. Or, if youre really adventurous, make up your own day trip by taking a fast boat from the port of Piraeus to the Saronic Gulf island of Angistri, hire a scooter and ride to the far southern end of the island at Aponisos and have a fish lunch on the beach before taking a swim in the much-improved waters of the Argo Saronic Gulf. Thanks so much for offering such a good site with wonderful inforamtion.
b. The large triple rooms are good for families. Do you think this looks fine? What am amazing website. Also what is the best way to ensure we get a glimpse of the Athens highlights and get a hold on their specialty local eateries in this time span? You mentioned Hilton and Intercontinental are recommended, is the walking distance to Plaka from Hilton significantly different from Intercontinental ? 1) Peloponnese and perhaps Kythera (do some exploring in this area, perhaps visit Kalamata). Theres no reason to think they are any more likely to commit a crime than a local or a fellow traveler. Now the Peoloponnese is pretty large so you may care to return to Nafplio for your second night rather than head-on southwards. Smaro Studios are great for the price with a good central location. Athens: 2 nights in Hotel Areos Our only concern was we are 8 people (2 families) and were concerned about carrying all that luggage from Mikonos to Paros to Naxos to Santorini. Recommendations for hotels in whichever place you recommend would be greatly appreciated. Very central location and an easy walk to the main sites (e.g. In Syntagma youll find 5-star hotels, restaurants, shopping, banks, airline offices, and the Greek Parliament buildings. So, youll be fine for your February visit. You said Hotel Grande Bretagne was your favorite hotel, but then Syntagma Square was not even in listed your Top 3 neighborhood choices. Thank you in advance for your help. The villa was owned by an English lady and has been characterized by the Greek authorities as a piece of art as well as a conservatory monument of the ancient city of Plaka/Acropolis.