Greece › Athens › Best Hotels
Updated: September 30, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com
My Favorite Athens Hotels
• Best Overall: Grande Bretagne
• 4-star: Electra Palace
• 3-star: A for Athens
• Budget: Phaedra
• For Families: Ava
• For Couples: Gatsby • AthensWas
• Best Pool: Four Seasons
• Acropolis View: Electra Palace
• Airport: Sofitel
• Ferry Port: Port Square
• Beach Resort: Four Seasons
Our room and balcony at the Grande Bretagne Hotel in central Athens.
Athens Hotels – My Advice
- We have personally stayed at or toured every hotel on this list. These are my favorite Athens hotels based on years of visits, repeat stays, hotel tours, and reader feedback.
- Do not treat Athens as just a one-night stop before the islands. Athens is much better than its old reputation. Yes, parts are gritty and some streets are ugly, but the center is packed with ancient sites, excellent museums, good restaurants, and lively neighborhoods. The Acropolis Museum and National Archaeological Museum are my two favorite museums in Greece. I recommend at least 2 or 3 full days if your schedule allows.
My wife and I exploring the Plaka in Athens.
- Where to Stay in Athens: For most first-time visitors, I recommend Plaka. It is the prettiest and easiest neighborhood for walking to the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, restaurants, and shops. Monastiraki and Psiri are livelier and better for nightlife. Syntagma has excellent luxury hotels and transport. Koukaki is quieter and better value. For beaches and resorts, stay on the Athens Riviera.
- Book early from May to October. May, June, September, and early October are especially busy. For the best hotels, family rooms, rooftop pools, and Acropolis-view rooms, I recommend booking 3 to 6 months ahead.
- I rarely recommend staying near Omonia or in Piraeus. Omonia has improved and Piraeus is fine for a practical overnight, but neither is as appealing as central Athens. Stay in Piraeus for a very early ferry, late arrival, or one-night connection.
- For morning ferries, Monastiraki is the easiest central base. Lines 1 and 3 run directly to Piraeus, and the standard city ticket is €1.20. With light luggage, take the metro. With heavy bags, kids, or a very early ferry, take a taxi or private transfer.
- Good hotels close to Monastiraki Station: A for Athens • Hotel Adrian • Plaka Hotel • 360 Degrees
The good-value Hotel Adrian is a two-minute walk from Monastiraki Station, for direct trains to both Piraeus ferry port and Athens International Airport.
- Airport and taxi costs: The fixed taxi fare between Athens Airport and central Athens is €40 during the day (5:00 a.m. to midnight) and €55 at night. The airport metro ticket is €9. Standard city transport tickets are €1.20 and valid for 90 minutes, including the metro to Piraeus.
The Best Hotels in Athens
See Also
• Where to Stay in Athens
• Best Hotels for Families in Athens
• Athens Maps1. Grande Bretagne – Syntagma Square
This is one of my favorite hotels in Europe. Perfect location on Syntagma Square across from Parliament and walking distance to nearly all major sights. The two heated pools include a seasonal rooftop outdoor pool and an indoor spa pool. Many rooms and suites have Acropolis or Mt Lycabettus views. The rooftop restaurant is worth visiting even if you’re not staying here.2. Four Seasons Astir Palace – Athens Riviera
My favorite beach resort near Athens. Set on a private peninsula with three sandy beaches, two large outdoor pools, excellent restaurants, kids club, spa, and water sports. Rooms and suites have king-size beds and private balconies or terraces. Glyfada is about 10 minutes away by car; central Athens roughly 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.3. One&Only Aesthesis – Athens Riviera
One of the best luxury resorts on the Athens Riviera. Beachfront setting in Glyfada with a large outdoor pool, private beach, excellent restaurants, and Greece’s first Guerlain Spa. Rooms have balconies; many bungalows and suites have private pools and outdoor living areas. A better choice than central Athens if the resort and beach are the priority.4. King George Hotel – Syntagma Square
Luxury hotel directly on Syntagma Square, with Plaka and the Acropolis an easy walk away. Rooms and suites have marble bathrooms, and several have private balconies. The rooftop Tudor Hall restaurant has excellent Greek food and Acropolis views. The two-bedroom Penthouse Suite has a large private terrace and outdoor pool.5. The Dolli – Monastiraki
Excellent 46-room luxury hotel in a restored 1925 building on busy Mitropoleos Street. The rooftop infinity pool has one of the best Acropolis views in Athens. There’s also a rooftop restaurant, library bar, and impressive art collection with works by Picasso and Cocteau. Very central and surprisingly quiet inside.6. Conrad Athens The Ilisian – Ilisia
Major new luxury hotel in the former Hilton Athens. Officially opened in 2026 after a huge renovation and transformation, with some of the largest hotel rooms in Athens, indoor and outdoor pools, a large spa and fitness center, and several restaurants and bars. Many rooms have private balconies, and some look toward the Acropolis. The National Gallery is across the street and Syntagma is about a 20-minute walk. Facilities are among the best in Athens; the location is less convenient for sightseeing than Syntagma, Plaka, or Monastiraki.7. xenodocheio Milos – City Center
Upscale boutique hotel built around the excellent estiatorio Milos restaurant. Rooms and suites have marble bathrooms, dining tables, and excellent in-room dining; family rooms sleep four and the largest two-bedroom suite sleeps six. Breakfast is included. Great location on Kolokotroni Street between Syntagma and Monastiraki.
Brettos (one of my favorite bars in Athens) and the lively streets of Plaka.
8. Gatsby Hotel – City Center
Flirty, playful, and provocative, Gatsby is an upscale boutique hotel near Syntagma. Rooms and suites have a Juliet balcony or terrace, an after-sex room service menu, and a “dare” button that summons a surprise delivery. The Gatsby Party Suite adds an outdoor jacuzzi. Good restaurant, cocktail bar, rooftop lounge, and included breakfast.9. AthensWas Hotel – Makriyanni
Five-star boutique hotel on a pedestrian-only street steps from the Acropolis and Plaka. The rooftop Sense restaurant serves modern Greek food with a spectacular Acropolis view. Rooms and suites are spacious and comfortable, and breakfast is included.10. Ava Hotel & Suites – Plaka
My favorite family hotel in central Athens. Large suites sleep two to four guests; most have kitchenettes and balconies or terraces, many with Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus, or Hadrian’s Arch views. Excellent Plaka location and breakfast is included.11. NEW Hotel – Syntagma
Five-star design hotel with a spa and rooftop restaurant. Rooms and suites have oversized windows and lots of original art; all but the junior suites have private balconies. A few minutes’ walk from Syntagma Square, Plaka, and the National Garden.12. Ergon House – Syntagma
Excellent choice for travelers who care about food. The ground floor combines a restaurant with a market selling meat, fish, bread, produce, wine, and Greek specialty foods. There’s also a rooftop bar, communal kitchens, cooking classes, and included breakfast. Family Rooms sleep up to four adults plus one child. Less than five minutes from Syntagma Square.
My wife and I on the rooftop deck at 360 Degrees.
13. A for Athens – Monastiraki
One of the best locations and my favorite Acropolis view in Athens. The hotel sits directly on Monastiraki Square, steps from the metro and an easy walk to Plaka, Psiri, and the Ancient Agora. Rooms are modern and good value; some have balconies and direct Acropolis views. The rooftop bar is the main attraction and worth visiting even if you stay elsewhere.14. Electra Palace Hotel – Plaka
My favorite four-star hotel in Athens. Excellent Plaka location with a seasonal outdoor pool overlooking the Acropolis, year-round indoor pool, spa, courtyard garden, and rooftop restaurant. Many rooms have balconies or patios.15. A77 Suites – Plaka
Small luxury hotel with just 12 suites in the heart of Plaka. Suites have marble bathrooms and free minibars replenished daily. The Iconic Suite with Acropolis View & Private Jacuzzi has a furnished rooftop terrace and private jacuzzi overlooking the Acropolis. Breakfast is included and served in-room. Restaurants and shops surround the hotel, with the Acropolis a short walk away.16. iFeel Athens – Psiri
Tiny hotel with just six suites in the heart of Psiri. Executive and Elegant Suites have private terraces and claw-foot bathtubs; the split-level Elegant Suite also has an Acropolis view. The ground-floor cafe is especially good for brunch and cocktails.17. Electra Metropolis – Syntagma
Modern five-star hotel built over part of the ancient Themistoclean Wall and around the 16th-century Church of Agia Dynami. Highlights include a rooftop pool, indoor spa pool, wellness center, and Acropolis views. Two blocks from Syntagma Square and an easy walk to Plaka and Monastiraki.
Me at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
18. Coco-Mat Hotel – Kolonaki
Owned by the Greek mattress company, all rooms and suites use Coco-Mat’s customizable sleep system. There’s also a rooftop bar, restaurant, honesty bar, herb garden, and complimentary wooden bicycles. Good value for upscale Kolonaki.19. Monsieur Didot – Akadimia
Charming six-room hotel in a restored neoclassical mansion. Rooms and suites are individually designed, with private balconies or verandas in several. Breakfast is served in-room. Quiet location between Kolonaki and Exarcheia at the base of Mt Lycabettus.20. Ivis 4 Boutique Hotel – Psiri
Contemporary boutique hotel with an excellent Greek restaurant, garden patio, and colorful graffiti murals. All rooms and suites have private balconies; many sleep up to four. The Acropolis Terrace Suite is small inside but has a huge private terrace with Acropolis and Mt Lycabettus views.21. The Gem Society Boutique Hotel – City Center
Boutique hotel in a former bank, with original vault doors, Art Deco details, a full-service spa, and Mediterranean restaurant. Rooms range from small doubles to large suites with terraces and space for six. Complimentary a la carte breakfast is included.22. Academias Hotel – Akadimia
Modern five-star hotel with an indoor heated pool, spa, gym, and rooftop restaurant. Rooms and suites have marble bathrooms and king-size beds. Good location near the Academy of Athens and upscale shopping in Kolonaki.
Ermou Street is Athens’ main shopping street, running between Syntagma and Monastiraki.
23. Mona – Psiri
Luxurious but deliberately rough around the edges. Mona occupies a 1950s factory, with exposed pipes and old painted walls paired with excellent beds, freestanding tubs, and heavy curtains. Top suites add kitchenettes and private terraces. Breakfast is included and served until 1 pm. Great choice for nightlife in Psiri.24. The Margi – Athens Riviera
Stylish boutique resort with a pool and spa near Vouliagmeni’s beaches. A second heated pool is inside the spa. Restaurants use produce from the hotel’s organic farm. All rooms and suites have balconies or terraces. Astir Beach is a short walk away and Lake Vouliagmeni about 20 minutes on foot.25. Grand Resort Lagonissi – Athens Riviera
Huge resort on a private peninsula with 16 beaches, an outdoor pool, spa, water sports, kids club, and seven restaurants. Many rooms have private gardens, jacuzzis, or pools. Best for travelers who want a full beach resort and do not need frequent trips into central Athens.26. Acropolis Vision – Thiseio
Comfortable, good-value hotel in quieter Thiseio. Rooms and suites occupy a restored neoclassical residence, and the shared rooftop terrace has Acropolis views. On a pedestrian street overlooking the Ancient Agora, about 10 minutes on foot from Monastiraki.27. Belle Epoque Suites – City Center
Good midrange boutique hotel with 17 rooms and suites. There’s a shared rooftop balcony with Acropolis views and an attached restaurant. Central location between Syntagma and Monastiraki with lots of restaurants and bars nearby.
My wife and I in front of Hadrian’s Gate, on the edge of the Plaka.
28. St George Lycabettus – Kolonaki
Five-star hotel at the foot of Mt Lycabettus with excellent views over Athens and the Acropolis. If you don’t spring for a view room (you really should), the rooftop restaurant and seasonal pool have the same panorama. Good choice for travelers who prefer upscale Kolonaki to the busier tourist center.29. Shila – Akadimia
Romantic six-suite hotel with a roof garden and library lounge. Suites combine antiques and vintage fabrics with modern comforts. Two have private garden patios and four have balconies. Breakfast is included and served in the suite. Quiet pedestrian street near Kolonaki.30. Moon & Stars Boutique Hotel – Thiseio
Five-room boutique hotel inside a former Art Deco-era toy workshop. The private roof terrace has views toward the Acropolis and Nymphs Hill. Breakfast is included. Less than five minutes on foot from the Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus.31. The Foundry Suites – Psiri
Hip hotel in a former type foundry and print shop. The 12 suites and lofts have Coco-Mat beds, turntables, high ceilings, and hardwood floors; most have full kitchens. What you will not find here is a TV. The rooftop garden has Acropolis views and a seasonal pizza and cocktail bar.32. La Divina – Thiseio
Twelve-room hotel inside the former Odeon Athenaeum music hall, once dedicated to Maria Callas. Suites combine the original stone building with modern bathrooms; two have private jacuzzis. Excellent pedestrian-only location on Adrianou Street overlooking the Ancient Agora.
Packed restaurants on the streets of Monastiraki.
33. Athena Pallas – Omonia
Family-friendly four-star hotel with a play area and two-bedroom family rooms. Rooms range from colorful graffiti-themed spaces to simple modern rooms. Good Greek-Mediterranean restaurant and breakfast. Near Kotzia Square and the Central Market, about 10 minutes on foot from Monastiraki.34. The Alex Monte Kastella – Piraeus
The best luxury hotel in Piraeus. Set on Kastella hill above Mikrolimano marina, with an excellent rooftop restaurant and views over the harbor. Rooms are pet-friendly; some have balconies or sofa beds. Breakfast is included. Less convenient than Port Square for walking to a ferry, but a much nicer hotel.35. Vincci EverEden – Athens Riviera
Large hillside resort above a private beach with two outdoor pools, spa, water sports, kids facilities, and rooms with balconies or terraces. Some rooms have private pools or jacuzzis. It sits at the quieter southern end of the Athens Riviera. Renting a car will make a stay here much easier.36. Perianth Hotel – City Center
Luxury boutique hotel with an Art Deco exterior, contemporary Greek art, wellness center, and Italian restaurant. All rooms and suites have balconies and king-size beds; some have Acropolis views. The Penthouse Suite has a private rooftop jacuzzi and pool. Easy walk to Monastiraki and Ermou Street.37. O&B Athens Boutique Hotel – Psiri
Friendly boutique hotel with Acropolis views and an excellent buffet breakfast. Most rooms are small, though the largest family rooms and suites sleep four. Very convenient to Thiseio, Monastiraki, and the Ancient Agora.38. Athens Capital Center – Syntagma
Modern five-star hotel beside Syntagma Square. The best feature is the rooftop terrace with infinity pool, bar, and views of the Acropolis and Mt Lycabettus. Rooms have marble bathrooms; several room types sleep four.
Plaka Hotels
The pedestrian-only streets of Plaka are filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Plaka is my favorite neighborhood in Athens. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also beautiful, mostly pedestrianized, and right below the Acropolis. You can walk to the Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, Syntagma, Monastiraki, and many of the city’s best sights, restaurants, and shops.
The Best Hotels in Plaka
Monastiraki Hotels
Monastiraki Square and the Monastiraki metro station.
Monastiraki borders Plaka but is busier, louder, and better for nightlife and transport. The Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, flea market, and many rooftop bars are here. Monastiraki Station has direct metro service to both Piraeus and Athens Airport.
The Best Hotels in Monastiraki
Syntagma Hotels
The King George Hotel on Syntagma Square.
Syntagma is the practical center of Athens, with excellent luxury hotels, shopping, restaurants, taxis, metro service, and the Greek Parliament. Plaka, Kolonaki, the National Garden, and most central sights are an easy walk away.
The Best Hotels in Syntagma
Psiri Hotels
Colorful Navarchou Apostoli Street in Psiri.
Psiri is one of the best areas in Athens for bars, restaurants, live music, and nightlife. It’s grittier and noisier than Plaka but also more fun after dark, with Monastiraki and the Ancient Agora only a few minutes away on foot.
The Best Hotels in Psiri
Makriyanni Hotels
View over Makriyanni toward the sea, as seen from the Acropolis near sunset.
Makriyanni sits directly south of the Acropolis and is home to the Acropolis Museum. Dionysiou Areopagitou, one of the best pedestrian streets in Athens, runs along its northern edge. It’s an excellent area for first-time visitors who want to stay close to the Acropolis without being in the busiest part of Plaka.
The Best Hotels in Makriyanni
Athens City Center Hotels
The Old Parliament building is now home to the National Historical Museum.
The streets around Kolokotroni Street and Agia Irini Square have some of central Athens’ best restaurants, cocktail bars, cafes, and shops. The area sits between Syntagma and Monastiraki and is convenient for almost everything.
The Best Hotels in the City Center
- xenodocheio Milos
- The Gem Society
- Gatsby
- Perianth Hotel
- Belle Epoque Suites
- Athens Center Square
- All Hotels in the City Center
Kolonaki Hotels
View over Kolonaki toward the Acropolis, as seen from Mt Lycabettus.
Kolonaki is an upscale residential neighborhood northwest of Syntagma, filled with good restaurants, cafes, wine bars, and designer shops. The Benaki Museum and Museum of Cycladic Art are here. It’s quieter and less touristy than Plaka but still walkable to the center.
The Best Hotels in Kolonaki
- St. George Lycabettus Hotel
- Coco-Mat Hotel
- Periscope Hotel
- Conrad Athens The Ilisian – excellent luxury hotel just outside Kolonaki in Ilisia
- All Hotels in Kolonaki
Thiseio Hotels
The National Observatory and Agia Marina Church sit on Nymphs Hill in the Thiseio neighborhood.
Thiseio is quieter and greener than Monastiraki and Psiri, with the Ancient Agora on one side and Filopappou and Nymphs hills on the other. It’s a good choice for walking, Acropolis views, and easy access to the historic center without staying in the busiest tourist streets.
The Best Hotels in Thiseio
Koukaki Hotels
The Koukaki neighborhood at the base of Filopappou Hill.
Koukaki sits south of the Acropolis and has a more local, less touristy feel than Plaka or Monastiraki. It’s an easy walk to the Acropolis Museum and Plaka, with lots of restaurants and cafes around its pedestrian streets and small squares.
The Best Hotels in Koukaki
- Acropolis View Hotel
- Athenaeum InterContinental
- Divani Palace Acropolis
- Cohort Koukaki
- All Hotels in Koukaki
Akadimia Hotels
Luxury shopping on the pedestrian-only Voukourestiou Street.
Akadimia is a quieter central neighborhood between Syntagma, Kolonaki, and Exarcheia. Its main landmark is the Athenian Trilogy: the Academy of Athens, University of Athens, and former National Library. It’s a good base for museums, shopping, and restaurants without the crowds of Plaka.
The Best Hotels in Akadimia
Athens Riviera Hotels
View from the north end of Astir Beach in Vouliagmeni on the Athens Riviera.
The Athens Riviera is best for travelers who want beaches, pools, and resort hotels and don’t need to be in central Athens every day. Vouliagmeni has the best combination of beaches, restaurants, Lake Vouliagmeni, and luxury hotels. The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion is farther south and makes an easy day trip from the Riviera.
The Best Hotels on the Athens Riviera
- Four Seasons Astir Palace
- One&Only Aesthesis
- The Margi
- The Roc Club
- Vincci EverEden
- Grand Resort Lagonissi
- All Hotels in the Athens Riviera
Piraeus Hotels (Ferry Port)
The view of the Piraeus ferry port from a balcony at The Port Square Hotel.
Piraeus is useful for a very early ferry, late ferry arrival, or quick overnight connection. Otherwise, I prefer staying in central Athens. Metro lines 1 and 3 connect Piraeus with the center, and Line 3 continues directly to Athens Airport. The Port Square is the best hotel for the ferry port, directly across from the port and beside the metro station. The Alex is the best luxury hotel in Piraeus, overlooking Mikrolimano about two km from the ferries.
Recommended Hotels in Piraeus
Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to 
Hi Dave,
Thank you for the guide! We are traveling to Athens September 4-6 and currently booked the Regal Hotel Mitropoleos but now I am seeing mixed reviews. Have you heard anything on this hotel?
I haven’t stayed at the Regal Hotel Mitropoleos myself, but I took a look at the recent reviews and I wouldn’t be worried about staying there.
The location is excellent, right on Mitropoleos between Syntagma and Monastiraki. For a September stay, when you want to do as much sightseeing as possible in a short time, it’s about as convenient as you can get. You’ll be able to walk to the Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki, Ancient Agora, and Syntagma.
The recent reviews are actually quite strong. Booking.com has it at 8.8 overall. The negatives I’m seeing are mostly things I’d consider fairly normal for a hotel in this part of central Athens: some rooms are small, there can be street/hallway noise, and the elevator/building layout gets occasional complaints. There are also a few complaints about Acropolis-view rooms where the view wasn’t as good as expected. If you’ve specifically paid for an Acropolis view, I’d contact the hotel and confirm that you’ll actually have a view of the Acropolis. But I’m not seeing anything that makes me think, “Cancel this hotel.”
Hope that helps. Good luck.
Hello! I was wondering your thoughts on Anthology of Athens hotel? It is a little less expensive than GB or Dolli, but still close to Plaka. I am struggling with a hotel that has a pool and rooftop, but a little less expensive than the GB and Dolli.
Thank you!
The Anthology of Athens is an interesting addition to the scene. It’s stunning, very design-forward, and feels much fresher than the “Grand Dames” like the GB. But you hit on the most critical point: the pool.
The Anthology of Athens
• The Pool Reality: If the pool is a priority for you, the Anthology will be a letdown. It’s definitely more of a design feature – think of it as a large plunge pool, rather than a place where you hang out for 4 hours with a book. It’s great for a quick cool-off, but it lacks the hang-out area that you get at the Dolli’s infinity pool or the GB’s setup.
The Vibe & Location: The hotel itself is excellent if you want modern luxury. It sits right on the edge of Plaka, so you are across from Hadrian’s Arch and just down the street from the Acropolis entrance and Acropolis Museum. It’s convenient, but just be aware that Syngrou is a very busy, noisy road. The immediate sidewalk energy isn’t as charming as being tucked inside Plaka.
Where you should look instead (Real Pool + Rooftop + Better Price)
If you are struggling to find that sweet spot (pool + rooftop + cheaper than GB/Dolli):
Electra Metropolis: This is the hotel that usually solves this specific problem. It is modern, located right between Plaka and Syntagma, and has a proper rooftop pool. It’s not huge (none of them are), but it has a real deck, loungers, and feels like an actual pool area. It’s usually priced significantly better than the GB.
Electra Palace: This is located deep inside Plaka (quieter, more charming location). The hotel is older (to some, dated) and more traditional than the Metropolis, but they have a nice rooftop pool area.
My Advice if the pool is a dealbreaker, skip the Anthology.
Check the rates for the Electra Metropolis and Palace first. They give you 80% of what the Dolli offers (great view, nice pool, modern rooms) for usually 60% of the price.
Hope that helps clarify the trade-offs.
What are the beaches like near Athens? We fly from Rome to Athens and then have 10 days in Greece. We are thinking of spending 2 days in Athens before traveling to Naxos and Mykonos. One day seeing the sights and then one day at a beach near Athens. Can you tell me what are the best beaches close to Athens? Are they easy to get to from downtown? Does this sound like a good plan?
To the south and east of Athens lies the Athens Riviera, a coastline of beaches and towns that get progressively better the farther you are from the city.
Transportation to the beaches is straightforward. The Athens Tram is your best bet for the closer beaches. From Syntagma Square, take the T6 line to the Pikrodafni stop, then change to the T7 line which runs along the coast to Voula. For beaches farther south, like Vouliagmeni or Varkiza, it is faster to take the M2 Metro line to the Elliniko station and then catch a local bus.
Most of the best beaches are organized and require a fee to enter. In return, you get clean sand, a sunbed and umbrella, and access to amenities like cafes, restaurants, showers, and changing rooms. Prices are almost always higher on weekends. Between the organized beaches are many smaller, free coves. They have fewer crowds but also few or no facilities. If you rent a car, you can drive the coastal road and stop wherever you find a patch of sand that looks good, which usually involves a scramble down a footpath from the road.
Here are the best beaches along the Athens Riviera, from closest to farthest:
Alimos (Akti tou Iliou): The closest large organized beach to central Athens. It’s convenient and has full amenities but gets very crowded.
• Cost: Around €8 on weekdays, €15 on weekends. This fee typically includes a sunbed.
• Getting There: Take the T6 tram from Syntagma to Pikrodafni, then switch to the T7 line (towards Piraeus) and get off at the Kalamaki stop.
Glyfada: This area has a mix of small free coves and organized sections. Asteras Beach Glyfada is a well-regarded, family-friendly complex with a playground and watersports.
• Cost: Expect to pay around €8 to €12 for a sunbed set at Asteras.
• Getting There: Take the T6 tram from Syntagma to Pikrodafni, then the T7 line (towards Voula) to the Platia Vergoti stop.
Voula (Akti Voulas A): A large, sandy, and very popular beach, great for families. It features multiple cafe-bars and beach volleyball courts.
• Cost: Entry is typically around €10.
• Getting There: Take the T6 tram from Syntagma to Pikrodafni, then the T7 line to its last stop, Asklipieio Voulas. The beach is a short walk from there.
Vouliagmeni (Astir Beach): The most beautiful and exclusive beach in the Athens area. Expect upscale service, pristine facilities, and a chic crowd. This is a luxury experience.
• Cost: Expensive. Prices start around €50 per person on weekdays and can be €80 or more on weekends.
• Getting There: Take the M2 Metro to Elliniko station, then catch the 122 bus directly to Astir Beach.
Varkiza (Yabanaki Beach): One of the best all-around beaches, located in a large bay. It’s a full resort with great sand, watersports, numerous cafes, volleyball courts, and an inflatable water park for children.
• Cost: Around €10 for entry and a sunbed.
• Getting There: Take the M2 Metro to Elliniko station, then catch the 122 bus.
All that said, my final advice is this: If you are going to the Greek islands, do not waste a day at the Athens beaches. The beaches in Athens are good, but they are absolutely nothing compared to the world-class beaches you will find on islands like Naxos and Mykonos.
Hi Dave, Thank you very much for creating this site – it’s a treasure trove of great info in preparing a trip to Greece.
Based upon your recommendations we are staying 5 nights at Astra Suites in Santorini. Hotel is making us change rooms mid-stay and were thinking of changing to a different hotel but everything about the hotel / location seems like it’s going to be great. Thanks for leading us there.
Then we are ferrying to Mykonos for a 3 night stay, we have booked both Semeli and Belvedere and having a hard time choosing.
Next we are spending 2 nights and one full day in Athens. AVA Hotel and Xenodocheio Milos booked for one night – don’t know which to choose and then staying at Sofitel the second night to catch a very early morning flight not knowing the traffic situation.
Which would you choose? We are two adults no kids.
Thanks again!
These are all great hotels. You’ve chosen well and can’t go wrong. I like flipping a coin when I can’t decide. You’re about to have a completely different set of experiences based on a coin flip. Have fun!
Hi Dave, we are staying at the Grand Hyatt in Athens next year and we are curious about the location. We don’t mind walking at all and plan to go shopping and to the Acropolis. The hotel has great reviews, but looking to get your thoughts on the location? Are the streets to Syntagma square and the Acropolis walking-friendly? Sidewalks? Safe? Thank you!
It’s about a 20-minute walk from the Grand Hyatt to the Acropolis Museum – then a bit more to the Acropolis, Plaka, and Syntagma. There are good-quality sidewalks the entire way but it is a busy road and I wouldn’t call it a pleasant walk. There are few sites and plenty of noise and traffic. After a few blocks it’s best to cut over a block or two to the west and then walk the neighborhood streets to get to the Plaka.
I had a friend who stayed at the Ergon House and loved it. Any thoughts on it?
Great for foodies. I love the central location.
Hello.
I will be staying in Athens the first week of June. Hotels are starting to become limited even now (5 months in advance) but I do have a reservation at the Elia Ermou hotel. Do you have any information or comments on this hotel/area?
Thank you.
Good value hotel with convenient central location – an easy walk to two metro stations, the Plaka, the Acropolis, and lots of restaurants. Not my favorite area (and certainly not beautiful), but it’s perfectly safe and fine.
Hi Dave,
Great site! Some reviews of the Electra Palace Athens hotel indicate that it is tired and worn. Your opinion? Thanks!
I just stayed there in the fall and thought it was still very nice. The location is great. Could it use an update? Yeah, probably – especially the breakfast area. But tired and worn? No, I wouldn’t say that. The Grande Bretagne remains my favorite place to stay in Athens.
Dear Dave
Thank you for the awesome site…and would like to get your advice on below
1) I’ll be staying in NJV Athens Plaza in October. What’s your comment on this hotel?
2) Are there any good restaurants close to NJV that you recommended.
3) Is it acceptable for ourselves to go & visit all the famous place in Athens instead of joining a Private Athens Tour.
4) If a private tour is needed, 4hrs is enough?
FYI), I’ll be staying in Athens for 3 nights, but only have 2 full days. Any suggestions that I must do during those 2 full days. Thank you.
My thoughts:
1. Very nice hotel in good central location.
2. Yes, many good restaurants close to hotel. Walk to the west on Perikleous or Kolokotroni streets. Lots of good places in that area. Also, the rooftop restaurant at the Grande Bretagne (next door to the NJV) is excellent.
3. You’ll see and learn more on a private tour.
4. 4 to 6 hour tours are a good length.
Hi Dave,
Thanks so much for offering such a good site with wonderful inforamtion.
My fiance and I will be spending 3 nights in Athens at the end of our honeymoon in early-to-mid September and have narrowed our hotel down to Athens Gate, Electra Palace or Electra Metropolis.
Which one would you recommend for us? First day when we get there we’ll probably just roam around the shops / walk around Plaka. 2nd day we are actually taking a day trip out to Pavlia to visit where my ancestors were from. 3rd day we will take either a half or full day private tour of Athens (would you recommend full day?).
1) Athens Gate – least expensive and would have 6th floor room facing Acropolis (good view?) to avoid the noise on the other side.
2) Electra Palace – has a pool, good location as well, but no room views.
3) Electra Metropolis – I don’t know as much about this one.
Thanks!
Nathan
I think they’re all nice hotels. Electra Metropolis is very new and fully refurbished which is nice. Athens Gate is a little closer to the Acropolis Museum and the Acropolis but all have good central locations. Electra Palace is on the quietest street. The Metropolis and Palace are an easy walk from the Monastiraki station (and direct trains to the ferry port). Athens Gate is a little farther and maybe too far with luggage.
Hi Dave
Hi Dave
Thank you for the recommendations and detailed information provided. My partner and I will be in visiting Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos from 23 August to 1 September and would like your thoughts on the following:
1. Athens – We booked at the Central Athens Hotel (23-25 August). How is the hotel in terms of location, cleanliness, and safety?
2. Santorini – We take a ferry from Athens to Santorini. We stay in Santorini for 2 nights at Villa Maria Dimagou. Are two nights sufficient for Santorini? We reach Santorini in the afternoon on 25 August and depart for Mykonos on 27 August.
3. Mykonos – reach 27 August (not sure of ferry times yet). What would be a good location and hotel to stay at in Mykonos?
4. Should we stay here for the full 4 nights (27 – 31 August) or stay on another island such as Paros or Crete?
5. What is the best mode of transport to return to Athens from Mykonos – ferry or plane? If plane which one?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Kind regards
Pranuksha
My thoughts:
1. Nice hotel, central location.
2. No, two nights is not enough.
3. Mykonos Town is my favorite place to stay, but some people prefer the beaches (Ornos and Platys Gialos are the best).
4. I would add 2 nights to Santorini and stay 2 nights in Mykonos.
5. Ferry is easiest, but if you’re flying straight out of Athens then might as well fly from Mykonos.
Hey Dave. What are your thoughts on InnAthens hotel? Cheers!
I love the wine bar that is right at the front entrance (and the courtyard). It’s almost reason enough to stay here. It’s a trendy boutique hotel. Great location. The streets immediately around it are busy and not idyllic but the Plaka and National Gardens are a short walk in two different directions.
Any thoughts on the Met34 hotel in Athens?
Brand new and great location in the Plaka/Syntagma area. I will be visiting it in about a month but haven’t stayed there yet. Looks nice though.
Hi Dave.
What am amazing website. So comprehensive and complete! One of the best and practical sites.
Need your guidance on the following:
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). Are we staying too long in Athens?
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. Even if we explore Monastiraki, it will still give us one and a half days to try something else.
What do you advise?
Thank you so much for all your inputs.
Athens has a lot to see if you’re interested in more than the top sights. So it’s certainly easy to fill 3 days in Athens with interesting things to do. That said, you’re right – you can get through the most popular attractions in a day or two. My favorite day trip from Athens is the small charming city of Nafplio in the Peloponnese.
Hi Dave,
Thanks so much for all the wonderful information! My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon to Greece August 28 – September 5th. 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. A few questions for you
1. Should I book ferry tickets now for Mykonos-Santorini or should they be available closer to the dates of our trip?
2. Do you suggest flying from Santorini to Athens or taking a ferry? We will only be in Athens for the day. Is it best to take an early flight or early ferry to have most of the day to tour Athens?
3. 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?
Thank you for your help!
Kristen
Don’t have to book ferry tickets now (flights and hotel are much more important to get confirmed). Booking ferry tickets 2 to 4 weeks in advance is fine (unless there is one specific ferry that you must be on, the book earlier). Santorini to Athens can be a long ferry ride. I still prefer it over the hassle of flying but if time is precious then flying is best. A For Athens has a great central location for sightseeing, ferry port access (by train), and airport access (by train in opposite direction).
Hi. Dave. Love reading your blog.
I’m planning to visit Greece in May. I intend to visit the following cities. Appreciates you advise if the following travel plan is possible.
a. Upon arrival in Athens, city tour. Stay 1 night in Athens. The next day, fly from Athens to Kalambaka on afternoon flight, stay 1 night in Kalambaka
b. Fly from Kalambaka to Zante on evening flight, stay 2 nights in Zante
c. Fly from Zante to Athens on morning flight, then
d. Take an afternoon ferry from Athens to Mykonos, stay 1/2 night (please recommend no of night)
e. Take an afternoon ferry from Mykonos to Santorini, stay 2 nights
f. Fly from Santorini to Athens, stay 1 night then fly home.
Please recommend. Thank you very much.
Best regards.
Possible? Yes. Recommended? Not really. 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).
Hi Dave,
Thank you for all the Info you give us..This is so helpful..Me and my husband are travelling to Greece between May 1st to 10th. We are travelling from India and is a 12 hour flight with transits. We should reach Athens by 2pm in the afternoon.
This how we have roughly planned :
a) Athens – 1st afternoon – 3rd morning.
*Post breakfast we are catching our flight to Santorini
b) Santorini – 3rd – 6th afternoon
c) Mykonos – 6th evening/night – 10th morning
Does this itinerary sound right to you?
Also if we are just in Athens for the 1st evening and the whole of 2nd – where should we stay? 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. Where would you suggest? 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? How should we chalk out a plan?
Thank you so much for all your help in advance.
The Plaka Hotel and Adrian Hotel are two good, moderately priced hotels (that I like) with central locations in Athens for sightseeing. Otherwise your itinerary looks good.
Hi Dave,
Your blog is wonderful! Thank you for all the hard work you put into it. My boyfriend and I are going to Greece in June to celebrate his birthday. I am having a hard time deciding between Electra Palace Hotel and Ava Hotel in Athens. Both have excellent reviews with great views of the Acropolis. Could you help me choose between the two? I am looking for an elegant and romantic experience. Christina
Both are good hotels and very central. Electra has the beautiful rooftop pool and is a little closer to the metro station at Syntagma. Ava is on a more charming street (with more foot traffic) and right in the thick of the fun Plaka scene. (The two hotels are a 5 minute walk from each other so the differences in location are subtle.)
Hi Dave,
Thank you for the useful information you provide. I wish I knew about this before. Anyways can you please let me know what do you think about 18 Micon street in Athens, location wise. The price is very good and the hotel is new but was not sure if it in a good location? also The Athens Status Suites in Plaka? Thanks a million.
Ella
18 Micon is in a trendy but scruffy area (if that makes any sense). It’s generally safe but doesn’t always look or feel safe. It’s 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). Athens Status Suites is more in the thick of the touristy area (and a 3 minute walk from the Monastiraki station in the opposite direction).
Hello Dave!
Thank you so much for all of the wonderful information on your website. My husband and I will be celebrating our 15th anniversary in Athens and Santorini. We are staying at Onar Villas in Oia and in Athens, I am looking at Sweet Home Hotel. What are your thoughts on these two hotels?
Sherill Mascia
I just stayed at Onar yesterday (for 3 nights) and loved it. Great place with wonderful views. Very friendly owners. The only thing I might improve is the breakfast – which is fine but not fantastic. 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).
We are taking the Blue Star from Santorini to Piraeus and arrive, as you know, late in the evening. We have a flight the next morning to Rome at 6 am. We are traveling with our two children/teenagers. 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? Recommendations for hotels in whichever place you recommend would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Rebecca
I would go straight to the Athens Airport Sofitel and stay there. They have a nice pool too.
The Best website EVER!!!!
My Air France Flight lands in Athens at 13:50. Assuming the plane in on time, do yo think I can get my luggage and catch a 17:00 Flight to Chania on Aegean Airlines? Assuming the Air France flight is on time that gives me 3 hours to get my luggage and check-in with Aethean Airlines & get through security. Do you believe this is reasonable??
Regards,
Steve Famoso
That’s plenty of time (as long as your Air France flight is close to on-time).
Dave – your site has brought me so many great suggestions and I feel so confident about my trip now! I do have a one inquiry though…on my return, we spend one night in Athens…arriving from Santorini in the late evening and heading home from Athens very early the following morning. We are looking for a decent but not overly pricey hotel for just one night that is near the airport. Do you have a suggestion?
Thank you!
Kirsten Dahlhauser
The Athens Airport Sofitel is very nice (good pool too) and is just steps from the airport. It’s a 4 star hotel but rates are not that expensive. It’s definitely the best hotel near the Athens airport.
HI Dave – for a day trip from Athens, which would be better? Aegina, Angistri, or Hydra?
Thank you for this great website!
Eugene
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 I’ll try to cover all angles. First the obvious: day trips to all these islands start at the Port of Piraeus where the ferry berths are all clustered together in the more central part of the port so it’s an easy walk – not requiring a taxi – to the berth from the metro station. A number of ferry companies and types of ferries from conventional to hydrofoil to open-deck car movers service the three islands, so you’ll not be short of options and departures are almost hourly for Aegina and Angistri, less so for Hydra.
Aegina is an obvious choice because it is closest (just) of the three. There are also more direct ferries to Aegina and you have the choice of two disembarkation ports: the town of Aegina itself and the smaller port of Souvala on the north coast. Most quick day visitors head for the main port of Aegina, stroll around the busy, animated town, maybe take a horse and cart tour, have a fish lunch in a back street taverna, maybe sit on the town beach for a while then head on home back to Piraeus. 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). 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. If you start early enough, you can comfortably circumnavigate the island in a day. Archaeology fans may care to divert to the rather splendid, yet oft-underlooked set of ruins of the Temple of Aphaia near Agia Marina. 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. 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.
Angistri is not so obvious, though it inevitably and alluringly tempts first-time visitors to the Argo-Saronics as it is visible, shimmering on the horizon just over the water from Aegina. Ferries to Aegina commonly continue on to Angistri, though you can, if you choose, go directly to Angistri from Piraeus thereby saving you time. 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. It’s a compact, cosy, and personable island and one where you immediately sense its intimacy and relaxed space. It’s a place that feels a lot further from Athens than it really is. The port of Skala is the hub of all activity and you could do little more than loll on its flat, sandy beach, sip a frappuccino under the shade of a tamarisk tree next to a re-assuringly blue and white Cycladic-style church and read your Kindle. After Athens, Angistri can feel like paradise. But there’s more. 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. You’ll 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. Here a swim and lunch at the little taverna awaits trippers who made it this close. 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.
Now Hydra is in a category – nay – class of its own. 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. People get around in horse-drawn buggies. 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. Eating out is unquestionably a quality matter and attire is generally urban-nautical chic. So yes, a great spot for a day trip, but is Hydra you? Also, it is farther out than the other two islands, so it does take a bit of extra time getting to it – and in that case opt for the faster hydrofoils or catamarans, or whatever is on offer at the time. 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.
So in summary: Aegina and Angistri are better for day-trips because of their proximity and the frequency of supporting ferries. 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.