Athens Stopover ~ Αθήνα

Everyone has their own relationship with Athens. We love Athena. We say it is definitely worth spending time to get to know her. If you are coming to Crete for a quick visit or an extended stay, it is most likely you will have the opportunity to stay in the ancient capital, so we have created this Athena Stopover page for you.

Here are some of our ideas on what to see and how to spend your time in Athena, and some lovely hotels to choose from, tips on getting around in the city and highlights of festivals.

For Athena we suggest to focus on the centre of the city including the Acropolis, Monastiraki, Plaka and Kolonaki. All of these diverse sectors are within walking distance and will give you a taste of history, markets, inner city living and old Athena. If you choose a hotel in one of these areas, you will be in walking distance of the major downtown sites and fantastic restaurants and cafes. Athena will be at your doorstep.

Our suggestion is to choose a hotel in Plaka. See some lovely hotels below. This area has the feeling of a village right in the heart of Athens, and is away from all the hubbub, right at the base of the magical Acropolis with the ancient Parthenon. Here in Plaka are some of the best restaurants and tavernas in Athens, with music and atmosphere.

Also close by is the airport bus station, Syntagma Square and the Athens Cathedral, museums, parliament house and Ermou street, a principle shopping street. The enclave of Plaka is serviced by both Syntagma and Monastiraki Metro stations, from where you can travel to Pireaus to catch your ferry to Crete. The modern metro system in Athens is the way to get around, and the way to get from the airport to the city.

Leave plenty of time to visit the Acropolis, to wander up the hill, take in the view, to see and learn about each of the monuments and ruins, and visit the various museums. Leave time because there are always crowds, especially in summer, and if you are relaxed and have plenty of time you won’t be bothered by those sweating, rushing hordes speeding past you. You get to stop and enjoy the view and the immensity of it all.

The Port of Pireaus. Most ferries to Crete leave Pireaus in the evenings and travel overnight, so you will have plenty of time for a good day exploring Athens. Relax and enjoy, and of course leave plenty of time to get to the ferry, remember it is quite a walk within the large port of Pireaus to your departing ferry.

Pireaus is the largest passenger port in Europe and one of the largest in the world. It accommodates over 20 million people each year. For those coming in from other ferries, it is good to know that there are good services available at the port, like left-luggage, a 24 hour café with internet and a little bus to take you along the dockside.

Choosing a hotel in Athens. We recommend the relative quiet and charm of Plaka at the base of the Acropolis and central to Athens. Of course in summer availability is a challenge so we can’t emphasise enough to book ahead. It will make such a difference to the quality of your stay in Athens. We choose smaller hotels (with 30 or so rooms), with a rooftop terrace, where we can enjoy the view to the Acropolis. We also like hotels with atmosphere and beautiful architecture, of which there are a few in central Athens. Below you will find some hostels and budget hotel options, as well as some stylish inner city hotels.

The Downside. We must remind you that Athens is a noisy, busy, big, modern, hustly bustly city. The traffic, taxi drivers and noise can be an issue, and pickpockets, even if the famous smog nefos, has considerably reduced since the Olympic cleanup.

Athens Hostels and Hotels

Budget Accommodation

See all our selected accommodation locations on our interactive map of Athens...

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Small Hotels

Acropolis Select Hotel. This hotel has a terrace with Acropolis views, and again is a small stylish hotel. An excellent location with everything in walking distance and a more up market three star hotel. To compare rates on the Acropolis Select Hotel, click here...

Carolina Hotel. This hotel is even more stylish again with only 34 rooms and Acropolis view. Its location makes walking to all the sights possible. A tastefully renovated property, this is a simple classic hotel.

Hotel Philippos. This hotel is within walking distance of Plaka and again is a delightful small hotel. Some of the rooms have views from the balcony so be clear when you are booking to request one with an Acropolis view. Very safe and handy location and a good three star hotel. To get more details and compare rates on the Hotel Philippos, click here...

Art Hotel (left). This hotel is a little outside our usual location and may require a taxi or metro ride to stroll through Plaka, but we just couldn’t resist mentioning it for those looking for a luxury boutique hotel. This is a renovated neoclassical building from the 1930s, an eclectically decorated interior and a modern hotel. Some great rates are available for the Art Hotel Athena.

Check availability and rates at the Art Hotel...

Getting Around in Athens

To put yourself at ease you may wish to pre-book a taxi transfer. This service provides a driver and transport to meet you at the airport, put your luggage in the vehicle and take you to your destination with a pre-arranged price. This service is especially handy for groups or families, with a minibus service available. We prefer it for peace of mind. Check transfer prices here…

Athens Festivals

The Hellenic Festival, with events in and around Athena, including Epidauvros, from May to September, this festival is the epitome of summer in the Greek year. Also known as the Athens Epidauvros Festival, it encompasses so many art forms from ballet, theatre, opera and contemporary dance to exhibitions and workshops of all rich varieties. More information at www.greekfestival.gr