EXPLORE
Athens & Beyond
Our personal recommendations for making the most of your trip to Greece. Whether you arrive early or stay late, there is so much to discover.
ON ATHENS RIVIERA
Around the Venue
Some of our favourite spots just a short drive or ride away.
Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
About 20 minutes drive from the Plaza Resort Hotel, this ancient temple sits dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. Time your visit for sunset — it is one of the most spectacular in Greece.
TempleSunset20 minVouliagmeni Lake & Beaches
A stunning natural thermal lake surrounded by cliffs, about 30 minutes drive from Plaza Resort Hotel. The nearby Astir Beach and Vouliagmeni Beach are also excellent options for a relaxing swim.
SwimmingRelaxing30 minPapaioannou Restaurant
One of the finest seafood restaurants in the Athens Riviera, located in Vouliagmeni. Fresh fish by the sea — a quintessential Greek dining experience.
SeafoodVouliagmeniSpecialLagonissi & Saronida
These beaches along the Saronic coast offer crystal-clear waters with a more local, laid-back feel away from the tourist crowds.
Near VenueLocalNEIGHBOURHOODS
Exploring Athens
Athens is a city where ancient history meets vibrant modern life. Here are some of the areas we love exploring.
The Acropolis & Parthenon
The iconic hilltop citadel is an absolute must. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and catch beautiful light. The Acropolis Museum nearby is equally impressive.
HistoricLandmarkPlaka & Anafiotika
The oldest neighbourhood in Athens, nestled at the foot of the Acropolis. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with bougainvillea, neoclassical houses, and charming tavernas. Anafiotika feels like a Cycladic island village hidden in the city.
NeighbourhoodCharmingMonastiraki & Mitropoleos Square
A bustling area perfect for soaking in local atmosphere. Do not miss the flea market (best on Sundays), the small souvenir stores around Mitropoleos Square, and a visit to the beautiful Metropolitan Cathedral. Great restaurants in the surrounding streets too.
ShoppingCultureChurchKolonaki & Attica DPS
The upscale district with boutique shopping, galleries, and chic cafes. Explore the area around Attica department store for a great mix of shopping and dining. Take the funicular up Lycabettus Hill for panoramic city views.
ShoppingUpscaleViewsAgioi Theodoroi & Psyrri
A lively central Athens area with a wonderful mix of independent shops, concept stores, and excellent cafes and restaurants. The pedestrian streets around the 11th-century Church of Agios Theodoros have a really authentic local feel — perfect for a morning stroll with coffee or an afternoon of browsing unique finds.
One of our personal favourites in the city — do not skip this area!
CentralCafesOur PickEAT & DRINK
Food & Dining
Greek food is one of the best parts of visiting. Seafood is an absolute must in Athens — you will not be disappointed.
Here are some restaurants recommended by locals and from our own visits.
Dopios
A modern Greek mezze restaurant by chef Christoforos Peskias, set on a beautiful pedestrian street under the plane trees of the 11th-century Church of Agios Theodoros. Sharing plates, local products, and a wonderful atmosphere.
📍 Skouleniou 1, Plateia Agion Theodoron
Greek MezzeOur PickMeat n Roses
A casual bistro with delicious gyros and grilled meat. We really liked the hip atmosphere, pork gyros and grilled chicken thigh.
KolonakiGyrosCasualDionysos Zonar's
An iconic Athens institution with a prime location and views of the Acropolis. Elegant dining with refined Greek cuisine — perfect for a memorable evening.
📍 Rovertou Galli 43, Acropolis
Fine DiningAcropolis ViewThanasis
A legendary Monastiraki institution. You cannot visit Athens without trying a proper souvlaki with Mythos beer here — quick, cheap, and absolutely delicious. Always busy for good reason.
Street FoodBudgetIconicGreek Coffee Culture
Greeks take their coffee seriously. Try a freddo espresso or freddo cappuccino — the iced coffee staple everywhere. For specialty coffee, look out for The Underdog or Taf Coffee.
CafeEssentialISLAND HOPPING
Greek Islands
If you are extending your trip, the Greek islands are a short ferry or flight away. Late September has warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
Hydra, Spetses & Aegina
The Saronic Islands are the closest to Athens — perfect for a day trip or overnight. Hydra is car-free and impossibly charming with its stone mansions and donkey transport. Spetses has a romantic, pine-scented coastline. Aegina is famous for its pistachio groves and the Temple of Aphaia.
Ferry from Piraeus port takes 1-2 hours.
Day TripFerryCar-FreeSantorini
The iconic white-and-blue island with dramatic caldera views, stunning sunsets from Oia, volcanic beaches, and incredible wine. A 45-minute flight or 5-hour fast ferry from Athens.
IconicRomanticSunsetsMykonos
Famous for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and the charming old town with its iconic windmills. Also a great base for a day trip to the ancient island of Delos.
NightlifeBeachesLivelyMilos
Known for its extraordinary lunar landscapes, colourful fishing villages (Klima is a must), and over 70 beaches. Less touristy than Santorini and Mykonos but equally breathtaking. Where the Venus de Milo statue was discovered.
Hidden GemBeachesUniqueParos & Naxos
Sister islands with a perfect mix of charm, beaches, and authenticity. Paros has the picturesque village of Naoussa and excellent windsurfing. Naxos is the largest Cycladic island with beautiful mountain villages, ancient ruins, and the best beaches in the Cyclades.
AuthenticBeachesFamily-FriendlyRhodes & Crete
For a longer stay, Rhodes offers a medieval old town (UNESCO World Heritage) and stunning Lindos. Crete is the largest Greek island with incredible hiking in Samaria Gorge, the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos, and some of the best food in all of Greece.
HistoryAdventure3+ DaysFURTHER AFIELD
Day Trip
Corinth Canal & Loutraki
The dramatic Corinth Canal is a must-see — a narrow channel carved through sheer rock walls connecting two seas. Nearby Loutraki is a charming coastal town worth exploring.
Do not miss the Archaeological Site of Heraion at Perachora — ancient ruins in a stunning coastal setting.
We personally loved the local cafe on the public beach of Limni Vouliagmenis as well as the beachside seafood restaurant Omega 3 — amazing food right by the water.
CanalRuinsSeafoodOur PickGOOD TO KNOW
Practical Tips
Getting Around
Athens metro is excellent and covers most tourist areas. For the coast and venue area, Uber and FreeNow work well. For island hopping, book ferries at Ferryhopper.com — book early in peak season.
Day Tours & Island Cruises
If you would like to join an organised day tour or island cruise, here are some great options:
Get Your Guide · Athens Walking Tours · MTM Tours · All Day Cruise
Day TripsIsland HoppingGuided ToursWeather in Late September
Expect daytime highs of 25-30 degrees C with plenty of sunshine. Evenings cool to a comfortable 18-20 degrees C. Sea temperature is still warm for swimming (around 24 degrees C). Rain is rare but possible — a light layer for evenings is a good idea.
Currency & Tipping
Greece uses the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in Athens and tourist areas. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory — rounding up or leaving 5-10% at restaurants is customary.
Language
Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken in Athens and all tourist areas. Learning a few words goes a long way — Yassas (hello), Efcharisto (thank you), Parakalo (please / you are welcome).