Best city breaks in Greece

Beach breaks tend to take most of the spotlight when it comes to holidays to Greece, and with a list of sand-ringed islands to its name, we can’t really argue with that. But, if you ask us, the cities on the Greek mainland bring just as much getaway game to the table. The best bit? The heavy hitters – Athens and Thessaloniki – are both within easy reach of a beach, so you still get a slice of glorious Greek coastline when you choose a city break to  Greece. Here’s what the big two have to offer…

Once you’ve had a read, check out our best city break deals

You’ll probably struggle to find a city with a past as long as Athens – it’s got more than 3,400 years of recorded history to its name. Its story is well told by its landmarks, with everything from ancient Greek temples to Byzantine churches still on the scene. Its hillside acropolis gets a lot of attention, where age-old citadels, shrines and theatres mark the spot of one of Greece’s best-rated classical sites. And, it’s paired with a museum where you can get a look at some of the archaeological finds from the slopes the site sits on. Remember when we said you don’t have to miss out on beach days when it comes to city breaks in Athens? No lies were told here – head south out of the city centre and you’ll reach the sand in 30 minutes by car. Kavouri Beach is a popular pick, but if you’d prefer somewhere a little quieter, set the sat nav for Althea Beach – it tends to be off the tourist trail..

Find out more about holidays to Athens

Thessaloniki is Greece’s second city. But, despite its silver-medal status, it sees far less visitors than its big sibling, which means things tend to be a little more authentic – Greek phrasebooks at the ready please. It’s home to the country’s biggest university, which brings with it a huge list of lively bars and clubs, so you’re sorted for big nights out. And, because it’s around half the size of Athens, it’s super easy to tick off the sights during a weekend break to Greece. In line with the capital, Thessaloniki city breaks do the double – you get all the buzz of being in one of Greece’s biggest cities, with the added bonus of being within striking distance of a beach. You’ve got a sand-and-shingle stretch around a half-an-hour drive away, plus it’s only an hour’s drive to beach-fronted Halkidiki.

Find out more about holidays to Thessaloniki

Let’s be honest, with so much history to its name, Athens’ story isn’t the easiest to follow.  So, it’s well worth seeing the sights alongside an expert guide who can give you the down-low on the city’s past. Our seven-night Classical Greece tour is a great pick if you really want to get to grips with the Greek capital. It starts and ends in Athens, kicking off with a guided city tour, before heading to the original site of the Olympics and Delphi’s well-preserved ancient ruins. You’ll spend your last day learning about how monks lived in cliffside monasteries way back in the 9th century, before heading back to Athens for your final night.

Find out more about our Classical Greece tour

Ready to book your Greek getaway?

See a different side to Greece with TUI City Breaks.

And, for inspiration, check out the best hotels in Greece.

Get holiday ready and find out more about travel money in Greece.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Karl Taylor

Last updated: 03.10.2023