Athens

First impressions

If you have not been there for a few years, you will be surprised to see how the city has changed. Gone is the smog – still plenty of traffic, but smart new trolley-buses, trams and above all a metro (as spacious, clean and smart as Moscow’s) which serves the airport. The narrow streets of the Plaka area still fascinate and the views of and from the Acropolis (now with brand new museum) are fabulous.

Modern, Byzantine & traditional Greek architecture in Plaka

Getting there

OA from Heathrow, Manchester and Gatwick; easyJet from Luton and Gatwick; Globespan from Glasgow (Wed only).

Plus points

Pedestrian areas have expanded greatly, making boutique shopping and al fresco eating and drinking less hazardous; indeed open-air eating is one of the joys – you can often have lunch outside even in January. Good centre for day excursions by coach and boat. Terrific choice of restaurants – the Psirri area is the place to go now, rather than the Plaka. Athens has become as pleasant as most Euro capitals – and sunnier than almost all. Watching the Greeks – just as they watch you – can be fun.

Tower of the Winds, Agora

Minus points

The traffic can still be noisy and slow. The waiters often seem to have majored in off-handedness but it doesn’t spoil the food (though the chef may already have done so).

Delphi is easily visited from Athens.

Activities

A wealth of museums, most of them beautifully modernised. If you tire of loitering aimlessly we can introduce you to a local company who have devised a great variety of imaginative activities, ranging from tours of Athens on foot (including a 460 BC themed walk led by two actors), by bicycle or minibus with really informative guides. There is an unusual trip to the ancient silver mines at Lavrion; cycling, walking and hiking on Mt. Hymettus; and even bungy jumping, rafting and canoeing in various locations within easy reach of Athens.

The Acropolis from Hotel St George Lykabettos

Houses in the Plaka below the Acropolis

Shady street in Plaka near Monastraki

Piraeus's smart terminus for its smart new trains

Piraeus: an escalator takes you from ship, over the road, to Metro

Smart new tram lost in the suburbs

Price Guide

ACCOMMODATION

St George Lycabettus Hotel

Offers a stunning panorama across the city. Roof-top restaurant and open-air pool (not winter!), a cosy bar and spacious reception area. The hotel is still family owned and it shows. The centre of the city is easily reached on foot, though the climb back can be a bit daunting on a hot day (the hotel minibus can save you!). Note that prices in Jul/Aug are lower than at other times.
Cat. luxe; air-con, Sat TV, phone, hair-drier; B&(Buffet)B.

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Noria & Statho Hotel

Both under the same management, the Noria is an unusual and attractive art deco hotel on a small square in the Plaka/Psirri district; whilst the Statho is only a short distance from Syntagma Square so both are handy for everything in the centre.
Cat. B. Air-con, TV, fridge, safe-box, hair-drier. B&B.

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Mercury & Dorina Hotels

Well placed in the Plaka area very near the centre and both under same management. The Dorina is very near the Agora.
Cat. B. Air-con, TV, fridge, safe-box, hair-drier. B&B.

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Ouranos Hotel, Glyfada

If economy is needed we offer the Blue Sky, quietly set in a leafy area of Glyfada, a seaside resort on the western edge of Athens. Family run, this is clean and friendly, with a bar and breakfast room.
Cat C. Air-con, phone, TV; RO.

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Fenix Hotel, Glyfada

On the coast road just north of the centre of Glyfada (smart shops and restaurants). It has a large pool and well equipped rooms. There’s a restaurant and poolside bar/café. Buses – and now trams - stop outside for the city, the well tended beaches to the south and beyond them (round the southern slopes of Mt. Hymettus) the airport.
Cat A. Pool, air-con, TV, phone. B&B.

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Note: we do not show seasonal dates and prices for Athens – most hotels have year-round prices and few of our clients stay more than 3-4 nights, many just for a 1-2 night stopover.