City break goals? Athens ticks every box. Jaw-dropping ruins, sunshine-soaked squares, gorgeous nearby beaches, and a food scene that'll have you ordering just one more mezze plate every night.
🏛️ Athens Highlights
Acropolis & Parthenon – The big one. Iconic ruins with views that’ll have your camera roll working overtime.
Lycabettus Hill – Jump on the cable car and get a 360-degree view of the city (sunset up here is next level).
Temple of Poseidon – A little drive away at Cape Sounion, but worth it for the history and horizon alone.
Open-Air Cinemas – Catch a flick under the stars in one of the city’s alfresco theatres – romance, scenery and popcorn included.
🎉 Good to Know
Fun Fact: The Acropolis can be spotted from nearly anywhere in the city – handy for navigating, even better for holiday snaps.
Best Beach: Voula Beach – Calm, clean waters and family-friendly vibes, just a short ride from the centre.
Price of a Pint: Expect to pay around €4–€5 (£3.40–£4.25), but head to a local taverna and you might shave a euro off.
🏨 Top places to stay on your holidays to Athens
Athens City - ideal for culture vultures, city explorers, and anyone craving a city break with history on tap. Stay here if you want to be a short stroll from the Acropolis, Plaka’s cobbled lanes, and rooftop bars with 10/10 sunset views.
Glyfada - A coastal suburb with proper “Athenian Riviera” vibes. Great for those who want beach by day and buzzing bars by night, without straying too far from the centre. It’s perfect for couples or groups chasing a bit of glam.
Piraeus - Athens’ historic port is a solid choice for island-hoppers. It’s got an authentic edge and is home to some fab seafood tavernas with stunning harbour views. Ideal for travellers looking to pair their Athens city break with a ferry or two to the islands.
Vouliagmeni - this is the luxe end of the Athenian coast. Think natural thermal lakes, pine-backed beaches, and in-hotel spas. Couples and spa-goers, this one’s your dream spot for unwinding in style.
Other places to stay on your Athens holidays:
🏖️ What are the best beaches to visit on your Athens holidays?
While Athens might be better known for its Acropolis than its sunlounger count, don’t be fooled – the Athenian Riviera is packing some serious seaside swagger. Here are the best beaches for your city-meets-coast escape:
Voula Beach – just a tram ride from the centre, this organised beach serves up calm, shallow waters, loads of shade, and family-friendly vibes. Bonus points for cafés and sunbeds galore.
Porto Rafti – a proper local hotspot east of the city, with crystal-clear waters, chilled beach bars, and a more low-key, authentic feel. Perfect for a relaxed swim and seafood lunch after.
Alimos Beach – this glam beach club brings soft golden sands, swish loungers, and music-backed beach cocktails. It’s a fab option if you like your sunbathing with a side of scene.
Varkiza Resort Yabanaki Beach – a cracking all-rounder with beach sports, family zones, restaurants, and even waterslides. It’s like a beach day and a mini theme park rolled into one.
Glyfada Beach – chic, sandy, and just 30 minutes from central Athens, Glyfada is where stylish city locals come for a weekend flop. Think trendy cafés, beachwear boutiques and swanky cocktails on the promenade.
🏨 What are the top hotels to stay at on your holidays to Athens?
When you're cooking up your perfect jolly, all the ingredients have gotta be bang on, and we reckon the most important element to the perfectly dished up jolly is the hotel of course (bonus points if you said the beach, we see you). We've got hotels to suit all rhyme and reason, whether you're looking to snag a bargain, book something on the luxury side of life, or you've made a totes last-minute decision to jet off, we've got you covered:
Royal Olympic Hotel - this is the five-star show stopper you've been dreaming of, with a poolside bar, a rooftop garden and an on-site fitness centre, y'know, just to cover all the bases.
Melia Athens - rooftop sky lounge complete with pool and city views... need we say more?
Palmyra Beach - a cheap and cheerful option only a short stroll away from the beach and Glyfada Square if you're more about getting out and exploring rather than lounging poolside.
Divani Caravel - here to give the Royal Olympic a run for its money, this five star spot is a perfect pick for a city break, we're talking on-site dining options, indoor and outdoor pools and plenty of wellness facilities from a Turkish bath to massage services and a fully-equipped gym.
Dolce by Wyndham Athens Attica Riviera - we couldn't go through all of these recs without giving you one on the beach now could we? It comes complete with a kids club, tonnes of sports facilities, evening entertainment and a delish buffet-style restaurant.
🧳 Your Athens holidays 2025 / 2026 Travel Guide
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Things to do in Athens for families
Athens is a family holiday haven, bursting with big sights, wide-open spaces and plenty to keep the kids from shouting “I’m bored” every five minutes.
Head to the Acropolis Museum – it’s interactive, air-conditioned, and full of cool artefacts (plus a killer café view).
Explore the National Garden – loads of shady trees, a little zoo, and space to let off steam.
Catch a flick at Cine Thission – an open-air cinema where you can munch popcorn under the stars.
Hop on the Happy Train – this bright red mini train tours the old town and goes down a treat with the little ones.
Take a tram to Flisvos Marina – home to playgrounds, gelato stops and pirate-style ships they can clamber all over.
❤️ Things to do in Athens for couples
Whether it’s your first holiday together or you’re looking to bring back the date night magic, Athens knows how to turn on the charm.
Watch the sunset from Lycabettus Hill – champagne optional, but highly encouraged.
Wander hand-in-hand through Plaka’s flower-filled lanes, popping into cute cafés and craft shops.
Grab a table at a rooftop bar with views of the Acropolis – lit up at night, it’s pure rom-com material.
Explore Anafiotika – a hidden slice of island life right under the Acropolis.
Take a coastal drive to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon – history with a side of golden hour glow.
🎉 Things to do in Athens for groups
Whether you’re rolling deep with the gang or it’s a cheeky mate-cation, Athens has the goods for a group jolly.
Start strong with brunch in Psiri – avo toast, freddo espresso and full Greek fry-ups all in the mix.
Hit up Monastiraki Flea Market – ideal for quirky souvenirs and a bit of people-watching.
Visit the Acropolis early (or late) to dodge crowds and get those iconic squad shots.
Spend an afternoon bar-hopping through Koukaki or Gazi – beer flights, mezze and good vibes guaranteed.
Book a group cooking class and learn how to roll your own dolmades or smash some moussaka.
🥙 Things to do in Athens for foodies
Greek food with a side of ancient ruins? Yes, please. Athens is made for grazing from taverna to taverna.
Feast on fresh gyros from street vendors – crispy, juicy, perfect.
Head to Varvakios Agora (Central Market) for local spices, olives, and sweet Greek treats.
Tuck into seafood by the coast at Mikrolimano – calamari, octopus, and fish so fresh it might still be swimming.
Try loukoumades (Greek doughnuts) with honey and cinnamon from a street cart or café.
Book a spot at a fine dining rooftop like Strofi – think modern twists on Greek classics with views of the Acropolis.
🧳 Getting around on your Athens holidays
🚇 Metro – fast, clean and super affordable. The easiest way to bounce between neighbourhoods and major sites.
🚋 Trams – great for connecting the city centre to the beachside suburbs, especially Glyfada and Voula.
🚶♂️ Walking – the historic centre is totally walkable. Plus, there’s something magical about stumbling upon ruins mid-stroll.
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