Athens itineraries
Acropolis to Lycabettus
Start on the Parthenon's marble at eight and finish on top of Lycabettus watching the floodlights come on under it. The ancient sites all sit within walking distance, so one day covers the whole textbook page.
A Night in Makrygianni
Base yourself in Makrygianni below the south slope and the Parthenon is on view from the hotel roof. Day one is the rock and its museum; day two runs through the square, the gardens and the stadium to Kolonaki's museums and a Lycabettus sunset.
Two Nights in Psyrri
Stay in Psyrri, where music leaks out of the bars until late. Day one is the Agora, Kerameikos and the eateries around the central market; day two the Acropolis and Plaka; day three the National Archaeological Museum, Kolonaki and Lycabettus. One neighbourhood per day.
Festivals & seasons
- 1 — Winter Low Season
- 3 — Apokries Carnival & Clean Monday Kites
- 3 — Independence Day Military Parade
- 4 — Spring, the Best Time to Come
- 5 — Greek Orthodox Easter
- 6 — Athens Epidaurus Festival
- 6 — Open-Air Cinema Nights
- 7 — Midsummer Heat
- 9 — Autumn Light, Late-Summer Sea
- 10 — Ohi Day
- 11 — Athens Marathon, the Authentic
- 12 — Christmas and New Year at Syntagma
Souvenirs
- Komboloi worry beads
- Olive oil & Kalamata olives
- Mastiha from Chios
- Leather sandals
- Ouzo & tsipouro
- Thyme honey, wild oregano & mountain tea
- Mati evil-eye charms & flea-market brass