Where to Stay in Athens

Greece › Athens › Best Areas
Updated: November 1, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com

Where to Stay in Athens: Quick Answers

• Best area for first-timers: Plaka. Charming, central, walkable, and close to the Acropolis. It is touristy and expensive, but still my favorite base for a first visit.
• Best area for a short stay: Syntagma or Monastiraki. Both have excellent metro connections to the airport and Piraeus.
• Best area for nightlife: Psiri. Lots of bars, restaurants, and late-night activity. Monastiraki is better for rooftop bars and transport connections.
• Best quieter central area: Koukaki. Close to the Acropolis Museum, with good neighborhood restaurants and fewer tourists than Plaka.
• Best upscale city neighborhood: Kolonaki. Excellent for dining, shopping, and museums, but hillier and less convenient for ancient sightseeing.
• Best beach base: Athens Riviera. Good for a resort stay, not for a quick sightseeing trip.
• Best for ferries: Piraeus. Stay here for early departures or late arrivals. Otherwise, stay in central Athens.

The Best Areas to Stay in Athens

Athens is not just a one-night stop before the Greek islands. I tell people to spend at least 2 to 3 days in Athens if their schedule allows. One night is better than nothing, but it usually means you see the Acropolis, have one dinner, and leave just as the city starts to make sense.

For most visitors, I recommend staying in central Athens, within walking distance of the Acropolis and the main sights. I’d pay a little more for a good location rather than save money on a hotel that requires daily metro or taxi rides.

Choosing between the three most popular areas? See my comparison of Plaka, Monastiraki, and Syntagma.

For specific hotel recommendations, see my guides to the best hotels in Athens, family hotels, hotels with Acropolis views, hotels with rooftop pools, and cheap hotels.

Eating at my favorite gyro place in Monastiraki.

Athens Layout in a Nutshell

The easiest way to understand central Athens is to put the Acropolis in the middle. Plaka wraps around its north and east, with Monastiraki and Thiseio to the north and west. The Acropolis Museum and Makriyanni are immediately south, with Koukaki farther southwest. Psiri is just north of Monastiraki, Syntagma is east of Plaka, and Kolonaki is beyond Syntagma toward Lycabettus Hill.

Athens is not a uniformly pretty city. Ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, neoclassical houses, apartment blocks, street art, rooftop bars, bakeries, and tavernas are often packed into the same few blocks. Plaka and Thiseio are the prettiest areas; Monastiraki and Psiri are busier and grittier; Syntagma is more modern and commercial; and Kolonaki is more upscale and residential.

My wife and I catching the direct metro train to the ferry port from Syntagma.

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3 Things to Know Before Booking an Athens Hotel

• 1. Check the exact street, not just the neighborhood.
  A hotel in Monastiraki or Psiri might be quiet, or it might be loud until 3am. Rooms overlooking busy streets and squares can be noisy. Light sleepers should look for courtyard-facing rooms, side streets, or good soundproofing.
• 2. Acropolis views are not all equal.
  Some hotels have great views from the rooftop but none from the rooms. Others advertise Acropolis views that are partial or obstructed. If the view matters, book the exact room category and check whether the view is from the room, balcony, or rooftop.
• 3. Don’t stay near the airport or ferry port unless you need to.
  For most visitors, central Athens is a much better base. Stay in Piraeus for a very early ferry or late arrival, and near the airport for an early flight or tight connection. Otherwise, enjoy your time in Athens and travel to the airport or port when needed.

Best Places to Stay in Athens

Enjoying the hot tub on our room’s private deck at the Gatsby Athens.

• Best Luxury Hotels in Athens:
  Grande Bretagne is my favorite hotel in Athens, with classic luxury and an unbeatable location on Syntagma Square. King George is right next door and slightly smaller. Conrad Athens The Ilisian has spacious rooms, extensive wellness facilities, and one of the best outdoor hotel pools in central Athens, though its Ilisia location is less convenient for sightseeing. For a luxury beach resort, I prefer Four Seasons Astir Palace in Vouliagmeni. One&Only Aesthesis in Glyfada is another excellent seaside resort, a little closer to central Athens.
• Best Boutique Hotels in Athens:
  The Dolli is my favorite high-end boutique hotel, with a spectacular rooftop pool and Acropolis views near Monastiraki. Gatsby is stylish and romantic, while AthensWas has an excellent location near the Acropolis Museum. xenodocheio Milos is a good choice for luxury near Syntagma, NEW Hotel has distinctive modern design, Shila is a small, intimate hotel in Kolonaki, and Gem Society is a stylish boutique hotel on Aristeidou Street near Kotzia Square, a short walk east of the Central Market.
• Best Cheap and Midrange Hotels in Athens:
  Phaedra Hotel is basic but perfectly located in Plaka. Attalos is another favorite, near Monastiraki with a rooftop bar and Acropolis views. A for Athens is worth paying more for if you want a central location and rooftop views, though Monastiraki Square can be noisy. Athens Center Square is affordable and convenient near the Central Market, but the surrounding streets are gritty. Belle Epoque Suites is a good midrange choice between Syntagma and Monastiraki, while Acropolis Vision is my favorite value pick in quieter Thiseio.
• Best Hotels for Families:
  Ava Hotel & Suites is my top pick, with spacious suites, kitchenettes, and an excellent Plaka location. Athena Pallas has larger room options near Omonia Square, though the surrounding area is less appealing than Plaka. Four Seasons Astir Palace is best for families who want pools, beach access, and resort facilities rather than a central sightseeing base.

Best Places in Athens For…

• Best for first-time visitors: Plaka
  Plaka is my favorite area for a first Athens visit. It has the prettiest streets in central Athens and puts you within walking distance of the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Acropolis Museum, Syntagma, and Monastiraki. Hotels are expensive and rooms small, but the location is worth paying for.

At the National Archaeological Museum.

• Best for shopping: Kolonaki, Syntagma, and Monastiraki
  Kolonaki is best for designer shops, independent boutiques, and galleries. Ermou Street, between Syntagma and Monastiraki, is Athens’ main shopping street for international brands. Monastiraki is best for souvenirs, sandals, vintage shops, and browsing the flea market.
• Best for restaurants and nightlife: Psiri, Monastiraki, City Center, and Koukaki
  Psiri is my favorite for tavernas, bars, live music, and late nights. Monastiraki has excellent rooftop bars with Acropolis views. The streets around Agias Irinis Square are particularly good for restaurants and cocktails. Koukaki is better for neighborhood restaurants and a quieter evening.

My family and I during a food tour of central Athens.

• Best for families: Plaka, Makriyanni, Koukaki, and Syntagma
  Plaka is my first choice for families because so much is within walking distance. Makriyanni is excellent for the Acropolis Museum and south Acropolis entrance. Northern Koukaki has good restaurants and a more residential atmosphere. Syntagma is best for transport, taxis, and hotels with larger rooms. I would avoid booking a cheaper hotel near Omonia or north of the Central Market without checking the exact location.
• Best for neighborhood atmosphere: Koukaki, Thiseio, and Kolonaki
  Koukaki is my favorite for neighborhood restaurants, cafes, and a central location. Thiseio has quieter residential streets and excellent walks around the Ancient Agora and Acropolis. Kolonaki is more upscale, with boutiques, museums, and good restaurants, though some streets are steep.

My wife and I at the Grande Bretagne, with views across central Athens.

• Best for beaches and resorts: Athens Riviera
  Vouliagmeni is my favorite part of the Athens Riviera for beaches, swimming, and luxury hotels. Glyfada has better shopping, nightlife, and a wider choice of restaurants. Both are too far from central Athens for convenient daily sightseeing. Stay here for a beach holiday, not a sightseeing first visit to Athens.
• Best for short stays and transport: Syntagma and Monastiraki
  Both have direct Metro Line 3 connections to Athens Airport and Piraeus ferry port. Syntagma also has the 24-hour X95 airport bus. Monastiraki is closer to the Ancient Agora and Psiri, with Metro Line 1 providing another route to Piraeus. Both are excellent bases for a one- or two-night Athens stay.

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Athens Transport Tips for Choosing a Hotel

• Syntagma and Monastiraki have the best transport connections. Both have direct Metro Line 3 trains to Athens Airport and Piraeus ferry port. Monastiraki also has Line 1 to Piraeus, while Syntagma has the 24-hour X95 airport bus. Both are excellent bases if you’re combining Athens with the Greek islands, though nearby Plaka is almost as convenient.
• Check how easily you can reach your hotel with luggage. Parts of Plaka and the streets around the Acropolis are pedestrian-only, steep, or have steps. A hotel that’s only a short walk from a metro station can still be awkward with heavy suitcases. Check the exact location and whether a taxi can stop at the entrance. If you’re unsure about a hotel’s location, email me at dave@santorinidave.com.

Staying in Plaka

The pedestrian-friendly streets of Plaka.

Plaka is the best area to stay in Athens for most first-time visitors. It is the oldest neighborhood in the city, wrapped around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, and has the most attractive streets in central Athens. If someone asks me where to stay for a first Athens trip and gives me no other information, I say Plaka.

Pedestrian lanes, neoclassical houses, small squares, shops, cafes, and tavernas fill the neighborhood. The Acropolis, Roman Agora, Tower of the Winds, Hadrian’s Arch, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Acropolis Museum are all walkable from most Plaka hotels. Anafiotika, tucked between Plaka and the Acropolis, is a tiny maze of whitewashed lanes and steps.

Plaka is touristy. Some restaurants are mediocre and overpriced, and hotel rates are high for the room size. But for a short first visit, the convenience is hard to beat.

Plaka Tradeoffs

• Hotels are expensive and rooms can be small.
• Pedestrian streets can mean a short luggage walk from your taxi.
• Upper Plaka and Anafiotika have steps and slopes.
• There is no metro station inside Plaka. Depending on your hotel, you’ll walk from Syntagma, Monastiraki, or Acropoli station.

The Best Hotels in Plaka

• The Dolli – My favorite luxury boutique choice on the Plaka/Monastiraki border, with a spectacular rooftop and excellent Acropolis-view rooms.
• Ava Hotel & Suites – Best Plaka hotel for families. Spacious suites, many with kitchenettes, near the Acropolis Museum.
• Electra Palace Hotel – Best classic 4-star in Plaka, with a rooftop pool and Acropolis views from the roof. Not every room has a view.
• A77 Suites – Romantic boutique suites in a restored neoclassical building. The top suites have private outdoor space and hot tubs; book the exact category you want.

Staying in Monastiraki

The 18th-century Tzistarakis Mosque sits beside Monastiraki Square and the metro station.

Monastiraki is my favorite area for travelers who want a busy central location, rooftop bars, shopping, and easy transport. It sits between Plaka, Psiri, Thiseio, and the Ancient Agora, so almost everything a first-time visitor wants to see is walkable.

Monastiraki Square is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and rooftop bars with Acropolis views. Ermou Street runs east toward Syntagma, while the flea market lanes run west toward Thiseio. The flea market is mostly permanent shops during the week, with more street vendors on Sundays.

Monastiraki has excellent transport connections. Metro Line 3 runs directly to Athens Airport and Piraeus ferry port, while Line 1 also serves Piraeus. The main downside is noise, especially around the square and rooftop bars.

Monastiraki Tradeoffs

• Hotels overlooking a square will be noisy late into the night. Request a quieter room if you’re a light sleeper.
• Some side streets are gritty, though the area generally feels safe.
• Rooftop bars are a big attraction, but hotels with popular bars can be noisy even on higher floors.

The Best Hotels in Monastiraki

• The Dolli – Best luxury boutique hotel in the area, on the Plaka/Monastiraki border.
• A for Athens – My favorite midrange hotel in Monastiraki. Directly across from the metro with one of the best rooftop views in Athens. Book a quieter room if noise matters.
• 360 Degrees – Excellent location directly on Monastiraki Square, with a popular rooftop bar.
• Attalos – Good-value hotel on Athinas Street, a short walk from Monastiraki Square. Simple rooms and a rooftop bar with Acropolis views.
• Muse Urban Suites – Apartment-style suites near the square, useful if you want more space than a standard hotel room.

Staying in Syntagma

The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square.

Syntagma is the most practical area to stay in Athens. It is not as charming as Plaka or as fun as Monastiraki and Psiri, but it is central and excellent for transport.

Syntagma Square is home to the Greek Parliament and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The National Garden is next door, Plaka is a short walk away, and Ermou Street runs west toward Monastiraki. Grande Bretagne and King George are both directly on the square.

Syntagma has direct Metro Line 3 trains to Athens Airport and Piraeus ferry port, plus the 24-hour X95 airport bus. It’s an excellent choice for short stays, especially if you have an early flight or ferry.

Syntagma Tradeoffs

• Less atmospheric than Plaka or Thiseio.
• Demonstrations around Parliament can occasionally cause road closures and disruptions.
• Rooms facing busy streets can be noisy.

The Best Hotels in Syntagma

• Grande Bretagne – My favorite hotel in Athens. Classic luxury in the best Syntagma location. Some rooms and suites have Acropolis views, but not all.
• King George – Right beside Grande Bretagne, but smaller and quieter in feel.
• Athens Capital Center Hotel – MGallery Collection – Modern 5-star hotel with a rooftop pool just off Syntagma Square.
• Electra Metropolis – Central hotel with a rooftop pool and excellent Acropolis views from the roof.
• NEW Hotel – Design-focused hotel between Syntagma and Plaka.
• Ergon House – Stylish hotel with a food market and restaurant on the ground floor, close to Ermou Street and Plaka.
• Sweet Home Hotel – Small, charming, and good value between Syntagma and Plaka.

Staying in Kolonaki

View over Kolonaki toward the Acropolis from St. George Lycabettus Hotel.

Kolonaki climbs the lower slopes of Lycabettus Hill east of Syntagma. It has boutiques, galleries, museums, cafes, wine bars, and some of the best high-end shopping in Athens.

I like Kolonaki for repeat visitors and travelers more interested in restaurants, shopping, and museums than being directly beside the ancient sights. The Benaki Museum, Museum of Cycladic Art, Byzantine and Christian Museum, and War Museum are nearby.

The main drawback is the hills. Lower Kolonaki is an easy walk from Syntagma, but hotels farther uphill toward Lycabettus are less convenient. The Acropolis and Ancient Agora are also farther away than from Plaka or Monastiraki.

Kolonaki Tradeoffs

• Steep streets in upper Kolonaki. Check your hotel’s exact location before booking.
• No metro station in the central shopping area. Syntagma and Evangelismos serve opposite sides of the neighborhood.
• Fewer good budget hotels than in other central neighborhoods.

The Best Hotels in Kolonaki

• Conrad Athens The Ilisian – The best luxury hotel near Kolonaki, though technically in Ilisia, just east of the neighborhood. Large rooms, extensive wellness facilities, and one of the best outdoor hotel pools in central Athens.
• St. George Lycabettus Hotel – The best-known Kolonaki hotel, with rooftop views and a pool. Choose it for Kolonaki and the views, not for instant access to the Acropolis.
• Coco-Mat Hotel – Comfortable and very well located for Kolonaki cafes and shops.
• Periscope Hotel – Small modern hotel in the heart of Kolonaki.

Staying in Psiri

Cafés and a mural at Plateia Iroon (Heroes Square) in the heart of Psiri.

Psiri is one of the best areas to stay in Athens for restaurants and nightlife. It sits just northwest of Monastiraki, within walking distance of the Ancient Agora, Plaka, and Acropolis, but has a grittier, more nightlife-focused atmosphere.

Psiri has a working-class and countercultural history, and workshops and old warehouses still sit among murals, tavernas, bars, and boutique hotels. Plateia Iroon is the center of the action. Monastiraki metro station is a short walk from much of Psiri, with direct trains to the airport and Piraeus.

I like Psiri for couples and friends who go out at night. I would not choose it for very light sleepers or families wanting quiet evenings.

Psiri Tradeoffs

• Bars and restaurants stay busy late into the night. Check your hotel’s exact location if noise matters.
• Some streets are gritty, especially during the day before bars and restaurants open.

The Best Hotels in Psiri

• Monument Hotel – Beautiful small hotel in a restored listed building on Kalamida Street. One of the best upscale choices in Psiri, slightly removed from the busiest nightlife streets. No elevator, and young children are not accepted.
• iFeel Athens – Spacious boutique rooms in one of the best Psiri locations.
• Ivis 4 – Stylish, comfortable, and slightly removed from the busiest Psiri streets.
• Mona – Small design hotel with distinctive rooms and a romantic atmosphere. Better for couples than travelers wanting a conventional full-service hotel.
• The Foundry – Large suites and an excellent rooftop garden.
• O&B – Good location near the western edge of Psiri, close to Thiseio and the Ancient Agora, away from the busiest nightlife streets.
• 18 Micon Str. – Small hotel in the heart of Psiri, best for travelers who want to be close to the nightlife.

Staying in the City Center

The Holy Church of Saint Irene with the Acropolis above, seen from Perianth Hotel.

The commercial center between Syntagma and Monastiraki has some of Athens’ best boutique hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, and cocktail bars. The area around Agias Irinis Square is particularly good for eating and drinking, while the streets farther north toward the Central Market are busier and grittier.

I like this area for couples and repeat visitors who want a central location without staying in Plaka. Both Syntagma and Monastiraki metro stations are within walking distance of most hotels, and the Acropolis and other major sights are easy to reach on foot.

The exact street matters. Hotels around Agias Irinis Square are surrounded by cafes and restaurants, while some streets near the Central Market are less appealing after dark.

City Center Tradeoffs

• Less attractive than Plaka and Thiseio, especially around the Central Market.
• Some streets near the market become quiet after businesses close.
• Restaurants, bars, and street traffic can make some rooms noisy.

The Best Hotels in the City Center

• xenodocheio Milos – Excellent high-end hotel near Syntagma with one of the better hotel restaurants in central Athens.
• Gatsby – One of my favorite hotels for couples, with an excellent central location.
• Perianth Hotel – Stylish boutique hotel directly on Agias Irinis Square, surrounded by excellent restaurants, cafes, and bars.
• Gem Society – Comfortable and stylish, with good value.
• Belle Epoque Suites – Good midrange option between Syntagma and Monastiraki.
• Athens Center Square – Affordable hotel beside the Central Market, about a five-minute walk from Monastiraki metro. The immediate surroundings are gritty, but the location is convenient.

Staying in Koukaki

View over the Koukaki neighborhood from the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

Koukaki is one of the best areas in Athens if you want to stay central but slightly away from the heaviest tourist traffic. It sits south of the Acropolis and Filopappou Hill, close to the Acropolis Museum, the south Acropolis entrance, Makriyanni, and Plaka.

Koukaki has a more residential feel than Plaka or Monastiraki, with cafes, tavernas, bakeries, apartment-style hotels, and a growing number of boutique stays. It is especially good for families, repeat visitors, and travelers who want a calmer evening scene but still want to walk to the major sights.

The main warning is that Koukaki spreads out. The best locations are near the Acropolis Museum, Dionysiou Areopagitou, Drakou Street, or the Syngrou-Fix and Akropoli metro stations. If you go too far south or west, the location becomes less useful for sightseeing.

Who Should Stay in Koukaki

• Families who want a calmer base near the Acropolis Museum.
• Repeat visitors who want a more local neighborhood.
• Travelers who like cafes, casual dining, and apartment-style hotels.
• People who want to be central but not in the busiest tourist lanes.

Koukaki Tradeoffs

• Less postcard-pretty than Plaka.
• Fewer classic luxury hotels.
• Some hotels are farther from the sights than they look on a quick map search.

The Best Hotels in Koukaki

• Acropolis View Hotel – Simple, good-value hotel with a strong location and rooftop Acropolis views.
• Cohort Koukaki – Good value and useful for friends or families who want more flexible room layouts.
• Divani Palace Acropolis – Larger hotel near the Acropolis and Koukaki. Best if you want full-service facilities rather than a small boutique stay.
• Athenaeum Intercontinental – Big international hotel with more space and facilities, but the location is less charming and less walkable than upper Koukaki.

Staying in Thiseio

A typical street in Thiseio.

Thiseio is a quieter central neighborhood west of the Ancient Agora and southwest of Monastiraki. It is close to the Temple of Hephaestus, Apostolou Pavlou pedestrian street, and the walking routes around the Acropolis.

I like Thiseio for travelers who want to stay in the historic center without the crowds and nightlife of Monastiraki and Psiri. It’s excellent for evening walks, with easy access to Filopappou Hill and the Ancient Agora. There are fewer hotels here, but several very good small properties.

Thiseio station is on Metro Line 1, with direct trains to Piraeus ferry port. For Athens Airport, change to Line 3 at Monastiraki.

Thiseio Tradeoffs

• Fewer hotels and full-service options than Plaka or Syntagma.
• Some streets are hilly or cobbled, and the pedestrian promenade is busy on weekends.

The Best Hotels in Thiseio

• Acropolis Vision – My favorite Thiseio pick. Quiet, central, and excellent for walking around the Ancient Agora and Acropolis.
• La Divina – Twelve-suite hotel in a restored neoclassical building on Adrianou Street. Some suites have Acropolis or Ancient Agora views, and several have private jacuzzis.
• Moon & Stars Boutique Hotel – Small boutique hotel with individually styled rooms, close to the Ancient Agora and Monastiraki.
• Hotel Thissio – Best for being right on the pedestrian promenade, with excellent Acropolis views.

Staying in Akadimia

The Academy of Athens, near Panepistimio metro station.

Akadimia is a central area around the Academy of Athens and Panepistimio metro station (on Line 2), north of Syntagma and west of Kolonaki. It’s less touristy than Plaka or Monastiraki, with museums, cafes, shopping, and some excellent boutique hotels.

I like this area for repeat visitors who want to be close to Kolonaki without paying for a hotel in the historic tourist center. The streets toward Kolonaki are more appealing, while those closer to Omonia are busier and grittier.

Akadimia Tradeoffs

• Less atmospheric than Plaka, Monastiraki, or Thiseio.
• Farther from the Acropolis and Ancient Agora.
• Hotel location matters, particularly toward Omonia.

The Best Hotels in Akadimia

• Monsieur Didot – Small hotel in a restored neoclassical building on a quiet street near Kolonaki.
• Academias Hotel – The best full-service luxury choice in the area, with an indoor pool, spa, and convenient location between Kolonaki and Syntagma.

Staying in Makriyanni

Cafés line the tree-shaded pedestrian street, Dionysiou Areopagitou, in Makriyanni.

Makriyanni is immediately south of the Acropolis beside the Acropolis Museum. It is one of the best locations for sightseeing, with easy access to the museum, south Acropolis entrance, Dionysiou Areopagitou pedestrian street, Plaka, Koukaki, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

It is calmer than Monastiraki or Psiri and works well for first-time visitors who want to be close to the Acropolis without staying in Plaka. Acropoli metro station is on Line 2, with a connection to the airport via Syntagma. Hotel choice is smaller, so the best properties will book up early.

Makriyanni Tradeoffs

• Fewer hotels than Plaka or Syntagma.
• The best locations are pricey.
• Restaurants on the busiest pedestrian streets tend to be touristy.

The Best Hotels in Makriyanni

• AthensWas – My favorite luxury boutique hotel in Makriyanni, right on Dionysiou Areopagitou and close to the Acropolis Museum.
• Athens Gate – Excellent location with rooftop views of both the Acropolis and Temple of Olympian Zeus. Some rooms face busy Syngrou Avenue, so check the room category and view before booking.

Staying on the Athens Riviera

Popular Vouliagmeni Beach has sunbeds and umbrellas for rent and a lifeguard on duty.

The Athens Riviera is the coast south of central Athens, including Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Anavyssos, and Sounio. Stay here for beaches, pools, sea views, and resorts. Do not stay here if your main goal is sightseeing in central Athens.

For a first Athens visit of 2 or 3 nights, I would stay central. The Riviera makes more sense for a longer trip, honeymoon, summer resort stay, or a night or two by the sea at the end of a Greece trip.

Vouliagmeni is my favorite Riviera base for beaches, swimming, upscale hotels, and restaurants. Glyfada is better for shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. Resorts farther south around Lagonissi, Anavyssos, and Sounio are better for relaxing by the sea than exploring Athens.

Lake Vouliagmeni and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio are worth visiting. You don’t need a rental car if you’re staying in central Glyfada or Vouliagmeni and spending most of your time locally. A car is much more useful farther down the coast. Neither Glyfada nor Vouliagmeni has a Metro station, though the coastal tram serves Glyfada.

Athens Riviera Tradeoffs

• Getting to the Acropolis and central Athens takes time, especially in traffic.
• Many organized beaches charge admission, and some hotel beaches are reserved for guests.
• Beach clubs and some resort facilities close or reduce operations outside the warmer months.

The Best Hotels on the Athens Riviera

• Four Seasons Astir Palace – Best hotel on the Athens Riviera and my top beach-resort choice near Athens. Expensive, but excellent.
• One&Only Aesthesis – High-end resort in Glyfada, close to restaurants and shopping, with easier access to central Athens than resorts farther down the coast.
• The Margi – Smaller luxury hotel near Vouliagmeni, good for couples who do not want a huge resort.
• The Roc Club – Stylish boutique hotel in Vouliagmeni with sea views, a pool, and an excellent location for beaches, restaurants, and Lake Vouliagmeni.
• Vincci EverEden – Good beach-resort value in Anavyssos. Better with a car.
• Grand Resort Lagonissi – Large luxury resort farther down the coast. Choose it for the resort, not for sightseeing in Athens.

Staying in Piraeus (Ferry Port)

A view over Mikrolimano Marina from The Alex.

Piraeus is the main ferry port for Athens and the departure point for many ferries to Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Crete, and other islands. It is not where I recommend staying for a normal Athens visit.

Stay in Piraeus if you have a very early ferry, arrive late by ferry, or need one night between connections. Otherwise, stay in central Athens and go to the port in the morning. Syntagma and Monastiraki both have direct Metro connections to Piraeus. For departures around 6 am, I’d consider staying near the port. For a 7 am ferry, staying central and taking an early taxi is fine.

Check your ferry gate. Piraeus is a huge port, and some gates are a long walk from the Metro and nearby hotels.

The Best Hotels in Piraeus

• The Port Square – Best hotel for ferry logistics. Right by the port and Metro, though some ferry gates are still a considerable walk away.
• The Alex – Best upscale Piraeus hotel, with a much nicer setting near Kastella and Mikrolimano. You’ll generally need a taxi to reach the ferry gates.
• Triton Hotel Piraeus – Good budget choice for a simple night near the port.
• Maryflower Premium Apartments – Apartment-style accommodation with useful space for families and groups.

Summary: My Favorite Hotels in Athens

• 5-star: Grande Bretagne
• 4-star: Electra Palace
• 3-star: A for Athens
• Budget: Phaedra
• Families: Ava Hotel & Suites
• Couples: Gatsby • AthensWas
• Acropolis View: Electra Palace
• Airport: Sofitel
• Ferry Port: Port Square
• Beach Resort: Four Seasons Astir Palace

Read More

• Athens Travel Guide
• Best Hotels in Athens
• Best Hotels on the Athens Riviera