But theres more. Its very central for seeing all the best historical sites in Athens (except for the National Archaeological Museum which is a little out of the way and requires a short metro or taxi ride). That said, Id expect that youll take at least a few taxis. 1. or I am also thinking of taking the flight from Athens to Naxos, if available?
If you dont spring for a view room (but you should), you can enjoy the panorama from the rooftop restaurant, lounge, and swimming pool. The best hotel in Athens. Athens Ledra Hotel Also, the rooftop restaurant at the Grande Bretagne (next door to the NJV) is excellent. 
Due to this short trip, I am not sure if I should take the ferry or flight to Santorini.
Instead you get a huge pool and nice beach. Hi Dave, That makes for a great busy days touring and sightseeing. Thank you for the recommendations and detailed information provided. 3. The Plaka and Acropolis are a 20 minute walk. 1. Your last questions begs indulgence! Electra Metropolis is very new and fully refurbished which is nice. You wont need a car on either as there arent any, at least not for tourists and private motorists. Dont have to book ferry tickets now (flights and hotel are much more important to get confirmed). 
Served by Syntagma station on metro line 2 & 3 and Evangelismos on metro line 3.
We are taking the Blue Star from Santorini to Piraeus and arrive, as you know, late in the evening. Divani Palace Acropolis Accommodation prices also go up accordingly. Both have excellent reviews with great views of the Acropolis. My boyfriend and I are visiting Greece in June and are very excited. Foreign visitors tend to overlook Aegina and if they do decide to come across, they often do little more than potter around Aegina Town port as I mentioned earlier.
My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon to Greece August 28 September 5th.
The spa, rooftop restaurant, and bar are wonderful the latter worth a visit even if youre not a guest. So its either fly directly to Naxos from Athens or wait for the next mornings ferry to Athens. Places to visit would be the Argolis peninsula with the archaeological sites of Epidaurus and Mycenae and a stay at either cosmopolitan Nafplio (hotel bookings essential) or beachside Tolo. They offer smaller crowds but with few or no amenities. Rooms are huge and some have amazing views of the Acropolis. AirBnb is good for longer stays and thats not needed for Athens (particularly in the July heat). Hi Dave, If you reserved your hotel with Booking.com, which usually allows free cancelation, I would highly recommend canceling this reservation and booking something more convenient (in the Plaka or close to the airport). So, youll be fine for your February visit. For the train to Piraeus you can choose between a 2 minute walk to Syntagma Station (take the train to Monastiraki and switch to a Piraeus bound train). b) Santorini 3rd 6th afternoon Renting a car is an option but not necessary unless we do mainland over islands. Thanks, Harshi. Small family-owned place thats clean and cheap. The Crowne Plaza is a good distance from the main sightseeing areas but the other 4 are all very central and an easy walk to the Acropolis and others sights. A free shuttle bus takes you to Glyfada (the hotel will pay for a taxi if the shuttle is delayed or full). Electra has the beautiful rooftop pool and is a little closer to the metro station at Syntagma. I hope that its ok to ask your thoughts on another hotel?
The walk from the Intercontinental is the shortest (or rather, youd get to the Acropolis Museum and the outer edges of the Plaka in about 15 minutes), but the area right around the hotel is busy and not terribly appealing. Theyre good but nothing incredible.
Thanks Dave! Although we are looking forward to the trip we are becoming increasingly concerned about what we have read regarding the escalating refugee/migrant crisis in Greece. Our ferry arrives from Santorini to Piraeus at 11:30PM, I see the metro runs till midnight so well probably miss it. We should reach Athens by 2pm in the afternoon. 1) Accommodation in Athens: I am not usually a hotel type of person, we are more adventurous and try to stay in more alternative, quirky places. Eating out is unquestionably a quality matter and attire is generally urban-nautical chic. We love nature and authentic experiences although Santorini looks like a must and understandably so.
Youll see and learn more on a private tour. What can you recommend for hotel to overnight before heading down to Nafplio the following day. 2) Is it advisable to take a day trip to Paros/Naxos from Mikonos or should we stop at those two islands when we go from Mikonos to Santorini? Great site and recommendations! Ill be traveling to Athens in June.
Amalia is a good value hotel with a central location. Your email address will not be published. Its a good cheap hotel. Were heading to Athens for a few days in May.
Dolphin also does 10, 12, or 14 day Honeymoon packages that include islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Syros, Rhodes and Crete. 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? So, if you were to turn left out of the hotel youd soon find yourself in an ugly/seedy but ultimately safe area. Just wanted to get your opinion on the hotels we have booked: Hotel Evripides Athens
While it is not a common holiday destination for foreign visitors, there is a resort scene of sorts on the eastern side of the islands at Agia Marina and the little southern port of Perdika is worth a drive for a waterside lunch beside a pretty little harbor strewn with fishing boats. The Hermes has the best combination of quality and location. thanks a lot for your help.
Need help Laura from Colorado.
Get a map of central Athens and familiarise yourself with the key geographical reference points. The neighborhood is a little less touristy and has more antique, arts, crafts, and clothing shops than Plaka. Any thoughts on the Met34 hotel in Athens? Smaro Studios are great for the price with a good central location. All fine day-trip destinations in their own right and all quite doable in a day, but what is better depends very much on what you want and who you are, so Ill try to cover all angles. The Triton Hotel Piraeus is a 5-minute walk to the X96 airport bus and most ferries. Syntagma is the center of anything official going on. Sidewalks? Long favoured as a weekend retreat and holiday destination for international play-people and yachties, Hydra is unique in that, apart from the street cleaning vehicle and a few unloading utilities, there are no private cars on the island. Athens and Santorini can be great in November as long as youre not expecting sunny days at the beach. Please recommend. What about Santorini port to Villa Maria Damigou metro bus? What would be your suggestion for my fianc and I given what I listed above? Tourist shops, restaurants, and cafes will be open. It will take you directly to Phaedra Hotel. Athens has a lot to see if youre interested in more than the top sights.
Could it use an update? Areos is a good budget hotel and super close to the National Archaeological Museum (the best museum in Greece).
No, I wouldnt say that. Theyre all nice hotels. Hydra is better for a weekend trip, because if you turn up on a day trip, you may just regret not staying on a tad longer to savour its unique ambiance.
What are your thoughts on InnAthens hotel? 2) Electra Palace has a pool, good location as well, but no room views. 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. Even if we explore Monastiraki, it will still give us one and a half days to try something else. 2nd day we are actually taking a day trip out to Pavlia to visit where my ancestors were from. Love your website, its so amazing! Youre right, it is more classical luxury than modern luxury. Thank you
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. 2) Hydra and Spetses The Plaka is a great area for tourists to stay in. Now Hydra is in a category nay class of its own. Hotel phone: +30 21033 30000 Thank you in advance. The Best website EVER!!!! Ferries to Aegina commonly continue on to Angistri, though you can, if you choose, go directly to Angistri from Piraeus thereby saving you time. 
Thanks!
I was thinking about staying at the Hotel Grande Bretagne for 1-2 nights for my honeymoon (taking a flight to Mykonos the next morning). That said, Aegina is a large island and is worth hiring a car for the day to explore (if you have the time, interest, and budget). Hotel Website Check prices on Booking.com, Hotel Phone: +30 21092 88400 Christina, Both are wonderful hotels and very central. Get a multi-site archaeological ticket (20) basically the cost of the entry ticket to the Acropolis and visit a further six archaeological sites at no further cost. I love the wine bar that is right at the front entrance (and the courtyard). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published.
Hello Dave, by Santorini Dave Updated: April 24, 2022, 5-Star Hotel: Grande Bretagne 5.
An anticlockwise route is recommended starting with your first days drive to the delightful (and popular with Greeks) town of Nafplio. The area can feel a little seedy, so its not for everyone, but I dont consider it unsafe. If you want to contact me please call me at my mobile 00306934 145505. In Athens we will be staying for 2 nights in Grande Bretagne. If youre catching one of these ferries then stay close to the.
If you are game, you could head-on southwards and down the coast for an overnighter on the east coast at the little town of Leonidio. 
September will be a great time to visit them. Its also home to a large Flea Market every Sunday morning. 2) If yes, do you suggest any specific day trips as I am assuming we will finish seeing the Acropolis and Plaka area in one day. I just stayed at Onar yesterday (for 3 nights) and loved it. No, two nights is not enough. Its a 4 star hotel but rates are not that expensive. The Acropolis and the main archaeological sights lie to the south. The only reason why I picked that hotel because of the reviews and the pool. We will be flying in to Mykonos, staying for 3 nights, ferry to Santorini for 4 nights, and then either ferry or flight to Athens for 1 night prior to a flight home at 11:30am on 9/5. 
being a private and luxurious villa within the center of Athens in the area of the Akropolis (Plaka). In Mykonos, the Belvedere is the best choice but Semeli very good as well. Skies will most likely be clear but cloudy with some rain is definitely a possibility. I still prefer it over the hassle of flying but if time is precious then flying is best. I intend to visit the following cities. 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.
Most (government-run) historical sites are closed on major holidays. If youre going farther than that youll need to take a bus. The Grande Bretagne is wonderful. The plan is to stay at Electras, but we still dont know where to spend New Years Eve. Cavo Bianco and Tamarix Del Mar are both nice hotels but located in the beach town of Kamari a 15 minute drive from the caldera. Overall, Aegina is a lived-in Greek island where many Athenians have holiday homes, or to which many landlocked residents flock on weekends to get a taste of the seaside close to home, so Aegina can get busy even in Winter. Any tips? Our last night will be our only one in Athens well be coming from Paros, arriving via ferry around 3PM. Apanema is not as central but still walkable to town.
This is also the last leg of our holiday and we would have around 4 days left in Athens, so planning to either visit Meteora first or later. *Post breakfast we are catching our flight to Santorini 
Its on the lower arrivals level (after you exit customs and immigration) and is pretty easy to find. Both are very nice hotels. Stick to islands in the same group (the Cyclades) and consider the pairs of Paros and Naxos, or if you like something with more of a traveller twist, consider Sikinos and Folegandros. 1. We have a 10AM flight the next day, so really one evening. The neighborhood is ugly and will appear unsafe when you first arrive but is generally fine. Hello Dave. Also price is similar on both.
Travelling light and want to take it easy.
Rooms, suites, and lofts all feature bespoke decor, either one-of-a-kind graffiti murals or elegant, minimalist style. Still, it is ultimately a buyers market and the fixed government rates are usually only adhered to when the demand is close to capacity. Good value hotel with convenient central location an easy walk to two metro stations, the Plaka, the Acropolis, and lots of restaurants. Do you do the Cyclades or the off the beaten track? I would probably spend 3 nights in Athens (two full days are perfect for sightseeing) and stay in a central and efficient hotel. I tried searching for a class A restaurant/bar in Athens, that would be perfect for such an eve, but I still cant find anything. Here youll find small boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, and stairways (Kolonaki is on the side of a hill and depending on where youre going can require lots of steps). Fly from Kalambaka to Zante on evening flight, stay 2 nights in Zante I have 2 hesitancies: 2. Its about a 20-minute walk from the Grand Hyatt to the Acropolis Museum then a bit more to the Acropolis, Plaka, and Syntagma. Love all reading your site for all the tips. Great place with wonderful views. Its a good idea to pick up your rental car at the Athens airport as picking it from downtown Athens means you have to negotiate Athens characteristically chaotic streets. The big holidays are January 1, March 25, April 12, May 1, December 25 and 26. If that was the case, what would you do? Its almost reason enough to stay here. Athens Gate is a little farther and maybe too far with luggage. And coming back its all uphill. 
Semeli Hotel We probably will not take the metro, but do a lot of walking. The streets immediately around it are busy and not idyllic but the Plaka and National Gardens are a short walk in two different directions. The Plaka area is great too but its only a 5 minute walk from the King George so not a huge difference. Do you think this looks fine? 2) Any recommendations or advice for renting a car at the Athens airport? As for Athens, and whether to hotel or AirBnb. Should we consider another city possibly in Italy or just do Athens? I would not recommend staying here unless youre in hiding from law enforcement.
We will be taking a ferry from Athens to Mykonos and then from Santorini back to Athens. I dont know Varnali but appears to have a good location walking distance to Mykonos Town and bus station (but will involve a walk up a hill to access). Its definitely the best hotel near the Athens airport. From downtown hotels to the ferry port costs about 15.
The first week is already planned for Santorini and Mykonos.
In mid-April there probably wont be a later ferry in the day going from Athens to Naxos. Could you help me choose between the two? Sites include the Benaki Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, and National War Museum. 2) We have no idea where to go and have learned of late that for two weeks its best to choose two islands close together and leave it at that, that anything else is impossible. Dave. I really appreciate your help, trying to decide and looking at street view maps is confusing me more. Certainly big enough to miss each other, so you do need a meeting spot but dont be expecting Heathrow (or even Vancouver). Tamarix Del Mar.
Any pain points to be aware of? Cavo Bianco If Oia is your preferred location good hotels there that appear to have availability in late November included Delfini Villas, Fanari Villas, and Armeni Luxury Villas. If you choose to go to Olympia, you be spending a lot of time on the road driving. The walk from the Hilton to the Plaka is probably the most pleasant. And also I have to take ferry early morning from Piraeus to Santorini. You the man! Couple questions for you: 1) With that time frame 5 nights what would the highlights of the drive be? 1. Are there hotels relatively near the Larissa train station you would recommend so it would not be too rush for us? My favorite day trip from Athens is the small charming city of Nafplio in the Peloponnese. We dont mind walking at all and plan to go shopping and to the Acropolis. 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. The hotel has great reviews, but looking to get your thoughts on the location? Should we go straight to a hotel at the airport or stay in Piraeus for the night and then go very very early in the morning to the airport? Luxury boutique hotel with a wellness center and Italian restaurant.
Hmmm, thats why I left the link so that you booked the right hotel. Whether on the mainland or another island or two? On the way back, is there another location that we could drop off the car, other than going all the way back to the airport to drop off? Both are popular Greek and international holiday spots. Yes, many good restaurants close to hotel. 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? There are not a lot of hotels in the area but its an easy walk from Monastiraki. Which Itinerary makes the most sense from a practical point of view? On the good side its convenient for the metro, hop on/hop off bus, and an easy 10 minute walk to the Plaka.
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 next day, fly from Athens to Kalambaka on afternoon flight, stay 1 night in Kalambaka
Though I never recommend people do extended package tours of this sort, its there if youre interested. 
Where would you suggest? One idea is to meet in front of this travel agency. Yes, its very touristy but it also has a lively and friendly vibe. Sweet Home Hotel in Athens is very nice with a great central location a short walk to good restaurants and many of the top historical sites (including the Acropolis). All the above will fill your one and a half days very easily. 2. The street its on is on the ugly side and can seem unsafe, but in reality its fine and just a few minutes to the most popular touristy spots. The metro is handy for getting from one end of the central city block say, Omonia to Syntagma or Monastiraki quickly, but the greatest distance from one end of the central city block is no more than 2 KMs, so its all quite walkable.
Rebecca.
Tiny luxury hotel (just 6 suites) in the stylish Psirri neighborhood, known for its restaurants and nightlife. 
Comfortably elegant hotel at the foot of Lycabettus Hill with incredible views over Athens, the Parthenon, and the Acropolis.
My husband and I will be celebrating our 15th anniversary in Athens and Santorini. Is this a good choice? The following hotels all have great locations in central Athens and are an easy walk to all the major sites in the area. The Athens Sofitel is an effortless 2 minute walk from the airport and has a nice pool and good restaurants. Appreciates you advise if the following travel plan is possible. I believe its a new hotel and I couldnt find any reviews. Rooms are spacious, stylish, and comfortable. My boyfriend and I are going to Greece in June to celebrate his birthday. A residential neighborhood northwest of Syntagma Square thats filled with upscale shops, restaurants, boutique hotels, and cafes. Youll pass the other (main) settlement of Megalochori on the way, pass a couple of beach opportunities on the west side before passing though the third village Limenaria and descending into the little cove of Aponisos.
We are having difficulty booking a hotel in Oia maybe either because a lot of the hotels are closed this season or are just really fully booked. Hi Dave, Should we try to avoid the port area and book a flight instead? Its a comfortable days drive back to Athens from the main centre of the Zagoria villages, Monodendri. But you dont have to stay right in Plaka to get that safe, busy, central feeling. There are good-quality sidewalks the entire way but it is a busy road and I wouldnt call it a pleasant walk. Hydra is for haute cuisine, fashion, and hobnobbing with yachties. If you are further interested, please contact me on my email [emailprotected], so I can send you further details as well as photos. Ive been searching for an Athens airport terminal map online without much luck. I took your suggestion and booked Myrto Hotel on April 3 however I ended up booking not the one close in Athens city center but one that is located in Mati near to Athens International Airport. Its about 30 minutes by metro (on line 1) from downtown Athens to the port. Great beach, pool, restaurants, kids club, and every kind of outdoor activity you can name. Both nice 4 star hotels. The Athens Tram runs all the way along the coast to Voula (where theres a nice beach). There are some nice restaurants and cafes near the hotel and theres a little lane steps from the hotel that fills with locals drinking and eating at a few outdoor restaurants. 18 Micon is in a trendy but scruffy area (if that makes any sense). If youve been on Santorini Mykonos there is every likelihood you will want more of the island experience. Dining is excellent at their Greek-Mediterranean restaurant with an especially wonderful hot and cold breakfast buffet. Check it and find when the bus for your ferry leaves. What are your thoughts on these two hotels? 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. also The Athens Status Suites in Plaka? 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.
I am travelling to Greece in September with my husband. Hotel Website Check prices on Booking.com, Hotel phone: +30 21092 06000 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. Nice, but not as nice as your next two suggestions . 2. 1) Peloponnese and perhaps Kythera (do some exploring in this area, perhaps visit Kalamata). For something more easy-going (and last minute) Id wander to the bars and cafes along Adrianou street very lively and fun. Its still a fair way back to Athens from here (285 kms), but a fast highway run from Kalamata and youd make good time. Thank you for all the information! Not much within walking distance. Tharroe of Mykonos Hotel, Hotels in Santorini wed ideally like to be in Fira w/ Caldera view. Im planing a trip to Athens from the 31st December to 6th January.
The new and magnificent Acropolis Museum (separate ticket) should not be missed. Its far more relaxing than dealing with airport security. Have been recommended the Metropolitan Hotel. We will be travelling with all of our luggage and cash on us so I am a bit concerned being around so many people who find themselves in a desparate situation.
Two nice pools (one inside and one outside) and convenient central location. My favorite neighborhood in Athens.
Thanks a million. The area is served by the Monastiraki station (lines 1 and 3). Syntagma Square, Monastiraki, and Koukaki border Plaka and theres no clear boundary as you leave Plaka and enter these neighborhoods.
Its also good for I have a 7am flight via Ryan air going to Santorini the following day.
Hello. I wish I knew about this before. 3. Lots of restaurants nearby but not the most beautiful area. Close to the gardens are three more excellent museums: the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art, the War Museum, and the Byzantine Museum all located close to each other on Vasilissis Sofias Blvd. We have two weeks for the above and my son and I will have an extra 5 days on our own before joining my husband on the 11 th of July which is when the two weeks starts so we could do say Santorini on our own from Athens? I would go straight to the Athens Airport Sofitel and stay there. Hotel Website Check prices on Booking.com, Hotel phone: +30 21072 97200 Get off the ferry quickly (get down to the car deck early and be at the front of the scrum which will be large) and go directly to the metro station across the street (follow the crowds, cant miss it, about a 3 minute walk). Sites here include the Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Stoa of Attalos, Hadrians Library, and the Museum of Greek Popular Musical Instruments. 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). If you miss this bus it can be hard to get to the ferry as all taxis are booked up around ferry arrivals and departures and there wont be a second bus.
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. Thank you for all the hard work you put into it. After lunch, head on out and visit the sites of Mycenae and Tiryns which are located 24kms north of Nafplio.
I almost booked the Ava Hotel love the bigger rooms (traveling with my 13 year old son), no pool traveling in August very hot!! Kind regards Its an easy walk from here to Plaka and Syntagma but the area has a more local feel and not so touristy.
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. If you turn right out of the hotel youll be in a busy pedestrian area that (besides a few pickpockets) feels very safe. Im planning to visit Greece in May. Looking for some local information on the festivities that will be taking place (new years eve parties and such). Athens: 2 nights in Hotel Areos Not really. Specially as I am travelling with a baby. Plaka is filled with trendy cafes and hip restaurants. If you can spare some time, some pros and cons about each of the hotels would be very helpful. The Acropolis and Acropolis Museum are a short walk away. Hey Dave. Excellent location in Monastiraki, just a short walk to the train station, several excellent bars and restaurants, and shopping on Ermou Street. 4 to 6 hour tours are a good length. For Santorini hotels, Asteras is a fine choice.
Wonderful location (adjacent to the Grande Bretagne) with Syntagma Square at your door, shops all about, and Plaka and Acropolis a short walk away.
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