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Where to Stay in Athens - delightful small hotels with character located in the centre of the city. Our picks and tips for you to enjoy the capital with less fuss.
Where to Stay in Athens - we suggest the relative quiet and charm of Plaka (above and below) at the base of the Acropolis and central to Athens. Choosing this location will make such a difference to the quality of your stay in Athens.
We choose smaller hotels this way:
This location is handy to explore the following sights on foot:
Below you will find some budget hotel options, as well as some stylish inner city hotels. Of course in summer availability is a challenge, so we can’t emphasise enough to book ahead for July and August.
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, is ancient history, excuse the pun, since the Olympic cleanup of 2004.
Athens Weather - what to expect in each season
Where to Stay in Athens -
see all our selected hotels on the map below:
Zillers Boutique Hotel - see Athens in style from this funky hotel - centrally located yet very quiet, with views and ambience encapsulated at the modern rooftop restaurant.
Set in a restored neoclassical building in the characteristic streets of Plaka, with attention to detail taken into every architectural detail, this hotel is an experience.
A for Athens - rooms and apartments just so close to Monastiraki Metro stop and Plaka and the Acropolis. Acropolis views. Modern and crisp with smooth lines, a very comfortable stay.
Adrian Hotel - this small hotel is in Plaka and represents good
value. It is a small hotel with only 34 rooms. Make sure you request a
balcony with a view to the Acropolis, perfect for an Athens stopover.
The terrace for breakfast has a wonderful view of the Acropolis and this
starts off the day in a special way. This hotel is a bit shabby but is
in an excellent central location for exploring Plaka.
Metropolis Hotel - this small very centrally located hotel is near the Athena Cathedral in
Plaka. Also near Ermou Street, a popular shopping street, it has only
21 rooms and lots of features for the discerning traveller, such as air
conditioning and double glazed windows, which help with the noise of
Athena.
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, ideal for an Athens stopover.
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 3 star hotel.
Art Hotel - a little outside our usual location
and may require a taxi or metro ride to stroll through Plaka, for those looking for a luxury
boutique hotel. A renovated neoclassical building from the
1930s, an eclectically decorated interior and a modern hotel. Some great
rates are available.
If you are travelling to Crete, with a stopover or a layover to stay in the ancient
capital, we have put together this guide for you, to enjoy your
Athens visit including:
Day Tours - if you only have 2 or 3 days in Athens - take a short tour to get oriented and see the highlights of the city.
To the north of the city is Kifissia, a 30 minute ride on the metro and train line. It is a peaceful, leafy, green area, known for its cool temperatures and great shopping.
See our Kifissia page with modern hotels, cafes, shopping and tips for enjoying this relaxed northern suburb.
If you are travelling onwards to the Greek islands on the way to Crete, we have tips for some of the most beautiful islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and Hydra - and those close to Crete such as Kythera and Karpathos.
Options for cheap flights to Athens Greece, get the best deals here.
Where to Stay in Athens -
close to the airport and Rafina port for transfers after a long haul flight or after arriving from the Cyclades Islands on the ferry...
Sofitel Athens Airport - at the airport, make life easy on your way to or from Crete - stay at the airport at the Sofitel and rest those weary travellers bones.
With 5-star accommodation, bar, restaurant, free wifi, a beautician and indoor pool and sauna, you can pamper yourself before or after your Greek holiday.
This is a good option if you are flying the next day, because the airport is 25 km from Athens city centre and unless you are making a full day of it, perhaps it is best to rest.
Myrto Hotel - just 2.5 km from Rafina Port, this is an ideal transfer hotel if you have come in from the ferry from Mykonos or Syros or Amorgos, indeed any of the Cyclades islands.
Rafina is a smaller, more relaxed port than Pireaus and closer to the airport. If you want, skip Athens city altogether and enjoy a relaxing transfer before your long flight home.
With a pool, outdoor bar and relaxing gardens, unwind in style before taking a taxi 17 km to the airport, without rushing, with assistance of staff at the 24 hour reception.
Where to Stay in Athens -
below you can see why we choose to stay in Plaka in downtown Athens. It is so beautiful, full of history and really is part of the authentic experience of the capital, the monuments, sites, markets and thrum of city life.
Take a 1 hour flight from Athens to Heraklion with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air, with many flights available per day.
Or take a 9.5 hour overnight ferry from Pireaus port of Athens to Heraklion port.
More on flights and ferries below.
Car hire in Crete is a really good idea as it is a large island 60 km by 260 km. There is so much to explore.
When you book with our car rental partners - Rental Centre Crete - you are supporting a local company with excellent service and an easy online booking procedure. We are sure you will be well looked after by the team. Choose from hybrid or non-hybrid vehicles.
"We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the team at We Love Crete. Evíva!"
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