A WEEKEND IN ATHENS

A Trip to Athens is an Ideal Mix of Traditional and Trendy. Plus, you can Choose Between Coastal Escapes or City Stays.

Top Sights

Greece and history go hand-in-hand. And in the capital, this is amplified at every turn.

With over 3,400 years of recorded history on the books, each neighbourhood and city sector’s like an individual exhibit at a museum. Ancient Greek temples rub shoulders with Byzantine-era churches from the 4th century, and signs of the Second World War still linger around the capital.

The hillside Acropolis takes most the spotlight, it dates back to the 5th century BC and it’s a favourite with history lovers and photographers, thanks to the well-preserved state of the ruins and 360-degree panoramic views.

Capital Coastline

Athens sits on the Attica Peninsula, which has a coastline that could rival more famous Greek beachfronts, like Santorini or Crete.

And even though they’re close to the city, the beaches here are properly peaceful, offering up the option of a relaxing daytrip by the sea in between exploring the sights. Glyfada – a 25-minute drive or an hour’s train ride from the centre – lines up long, open stretches of sand which are broken by some of the city’s oldest marinas, which each come with a line of waterfront restaurants that are perfect for evening seafood meals.

Meanwhile, Vouliagmeni is perched a little further along the peninsula – it’s one of Greece’s most exclusive beach spots.

NightLife

Late nights are a big part of the sociable, impulsive Athenian lifestyle. Squares, rooftops, and sidewalks are lined with little tables where locals linger over drinks.

Every street corner seems to have a lively neighbourhood bar, with the highest concentration of cool cocktail bars in the warren of pedestrian streets between Syntagma and Monastiraki.

From hotel bars with Acropolis views to natural wine bars, a red-hot cocktail culture and flourishing craft beer scene, nightlife is as much part of the city’s fabric as the ruins.