Athens holidays

The Parthenon Temple at the Acropolis of Athens, Greece

Hellenic Parliament building, Syntagma Square, Athens, Greece

Caryatids at Erechtheum of Parthenon in Athens Greece Erechtheion

Monastiraki Square and Acropolis at night, Athens, Greece

Popular holidays

Athens holidays are an ideal mix of traditional and trendy. Plus, you can choose between coastal escapes or city breaks.

City breaks to Athens

We’ve got all areas of Athens covered, from spots right in the centre of the history-filled city, to others around an hours’ drive away along its sand-edged coast. If history’s your thing, you should be on the hunt for a hotel close to the centre, as you’ll have a list of Greece’s historical highlights just a stone’s throw away. Or, if beaches are more your bag, then a spot outside the city’s centre will be a better fit – you can pick from hotels that are sprinkled right the way around the coast.

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.

Popular hotels in Athens

Top things to see and do in Athens

Beaches

Beaches far and wide

Beaches are in good supply whether you choose to stay in the centre or along the coast. You’re looking at around a 25-minute drive to your closest swathe if you’re staying central, while some of Athens’ coastal areas put you at around an hour’s drive from the city’s centre spot.

The big beach

Alimos Beach hosts the closest sands from the centre of the city, and it’s got all the credentials for a day at the seaside. The sands are scattered with little shells, and sunloungers and lined by the water’s edge. The water itself starts off shallow, then slopes until your feet can’t touch the seabed. Plus, just a few metres offshore you’ll find an inflatable waterpark complete with climbing frames, trampolines, and slides. It’s a top spot for watersports, too.

The secret beach

Ramnounta Beach is set below the Ramnous archaeological site – a well-preserved ancient city on Athens’ east coast. Thanks to its rural location – around an hour’s drive from the centre – you’ll need a pair of comfy walking shoes to reach the pebble seafront from the nearest car park.

Shopping

Bargain buys

Greece and olives are one of the world’s most famous pairings. And a popular souvenir visitors flock to get their hands on is traditional olive oil soap. Beauty experts believe that washing with it can help prevent sunburn and have anti-ageing effects on the skin. You’ll find soap sets at most of Athens’ bazaars and markets.

Mid-range buys

Ermou Street stretches for more than a kilometre in the centre of Athens. It’s pedestrianised right the way along and hosts a haul of high street names like Zara, Stradivarius, and H&M.

Designer buys

The district of Kolonaki, in the centre of Athens is the best spot for high-end buys. Prada, Cartier, and Gucci all have their name above doors in this part of town.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Monastiraki Square is pitched in the centre of the city, and it hosts luxe rooftop bars on each of its corners, many come with sweeping views across Acropolis Hill. Elsewhere, coastal spots like Vouliagmeni host Michelin-starred restaurants and classy cocktail bars.

Lively evenings

The capital’s clubs can be found in the neighbourhood of Gazi. This place was once the city’s industrial centre, but these days its former factories have been converted into supersized nightclubs. DJs take to the deck most nights a week, with big names filling the dancefloor come the weekend. Out of town, Glyfada’s got a list of cocktail bars, music venues, and its own share of nightclubs, too.

Food & drink

Lamb gyros

Gyros is one of Greece’s most popular dishes, and variations of it are served by both street stalls and restaurants. The traditional version sees noneless lamb cooked on a spit, then added to a warm pitta bread with salad, chips, and sauces. Bite into it like a sandwich, or separate the individual ingredients out onto a platter.

Souvlaki

These meaty skewers are often found at the top of a lot of Greek menus back in Blighty, and it’s the same situation in Athens, too. Chicken or pork are grilled with spices, like oregano and rosemary, plus garlic cloves, then dished up with fresh tomatoes, olives, and onions.

Feta me meli

Feta me meli’s usually served as an appetiser. Triangular blocks of feta cheese are deep-fried in pastry, then topped with honey and sesame seeds. It originated on the island of Crete, but today it’s enjoyed all over Greece, including in Athens.

Vanilla submarine

For this sweet treat, a spoonful of vanilla-flavoured fondant’s dipped in ice-cold water, then licked off the spoon like a lolly. The water picks up a hint of vanilla, too, which you can sip afterwards.

Spanakopita

In bakery windows across Athens, you’ll see spanakopita taking the front-row seats. Fluffy filo pastry’s stuffed with feta cheese and spinach for a creamy, herby lunchtime snack.

Top Hotels in Athens

Facts about Athens

Currency

Euro

(EUR)

Population

664,046

Language

Greek

Time zone

+2 GMT

Flight duration

3 hours 40 minutes from Gatwick

FAQs

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

What travel adapter do I need for Athens?

When visiting Athens, you'll need a European-style two-pin plug adapter. These plugs, known as Type C or F, are standard throughout Greece. We recommend bringing at least one adapter for your electronic devices to ensure all your devices can be charged easily.

Where can I try local food in Athens?

For authentic Athenian cuisine, we recommend exploring the tavernas in the Plaka district. Try local specialties like moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh Greek salad. The Central Market is great for sampling local produce and street food. Many resorts also offer Greek nights with traditional dishes. Don't miss trying Greek mezedes (small dishes) with ouzo for a true local experience.

What are the best beaches in Athens?

Athens offers lovely coastal escapes nearby. We recommend visiting the sandy shores of Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, or Glyfada for a relaxing beach day. These areas feature clear waters and well-maintained facilities. If you're staying at a beachfront resort, you'll find private beaches with sun loungers and umbrellas for a comfortable seaside experience.

What's the nightlife like in Athens?

Athens has a varied nightlife scene. You'll find lively bars and clubs in areas like Gazi and Psyrri, offering everything from traditional bouzouki music to modern DJ sets. For a more relaxed evening, enjoy rooftop bars with views of the Acropolis. Many resorts also offer evening entertainment programs. Remember, nightlife in Athens often starts late and continues into the early hours.

Where are the best places to shop in Athens?

Athens offers diverse shopping experiences. Explore Ermou Street for popular brands and Plaka for unique souvenirs and artisanal goods. For luxury shopping, visit the upscale boutiques in Kolonaki. Many resorts also have on-site shops for convenience. We recommend checking out local markets like Monastiraki Flea Market for a taste of traditional Greek commerce.

Should I tip in Athens?

Tipping in Athens is appreciated but not obligatory. It is common to leave five to ten percent of the bill for good service at restaurants and tavernas. For taxis and hotel staff, leaving a small amount is a nice gesture of appreciation.

Are there any local customs I should know about in Athens?

When visiting Athens, greet people with "yassas" for hello or "kalimera" for good morning. Greeks appreciate friendly conversation and it is polite to say "efharisto" for thank you. When visiting churches and monasteries, cover shoulders and knees and women may need to cover their heads at certain religious sites.

What should I pack for Athens?

For Athens, bring light, breathable clothing for warm weather, along with sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring ancient sites and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required when visiting religious sites.