Whether you find yourself stopping in Athens on a cruise shore excursion or considering extending your stay, this city promises a captivating experience. With its iconic historical sites, delicious cuisine, and vibrant atmosphere, Athens offers an enchanting mix of the old and the new.
We have taken inspiration from Visit Greece’s amazing ‘Greekend’ video which you can watch here:
Start with a coffee…
A typical ‘greekend’ starts with a coffee. To prepare for a hectic day ahead, pick up an espresso, americano or whatever your morning coffee choice may be from one of the many rooftop cafes in Athens. Whilst getting served a hit of caffeine, you can admire the breathtaking panoramas of the city below with an uninterrupted view of the Acropolis.
Fancy a bite to eat?
For a breakfast bite, snack on koulouri, a knotted bread (similar to a pretzel) with sesame seeds. Or walk around the town with a bougatsa, a custard filled pastry. Whilst in Athens, you must try souvlaki or a gyros for a lunchtime treat. For a lighter snack, enjoy a mezze board which might include pita with hummus and tzatziki.
Sights to see
Athens is the perfect place for those who want to explore within a day. For those who want to immerse themselves in the city and culture, a pre or post cruise stay in Athens would be the perfect holiday addition.
The Acropolis is a must-see when in Athens of course. Sometimes, people miss off the Acropolis Museum, but we would highly recommend doing this too. It gives a more in-depth insight into the history of the Acropolis with more than 3,000 artefacts.
The Panathenaic Stadium is another fantastic attraction to visit. It is the only stadium in the world entirely made of marble. It is also the stadium of the first modern Olympic Games.
To escape the hustle and bustle of the city, you can visit the National Garden of Athens. With 16 hectares of lush, green grounds, it is the perfect place for a peaceful stroll or simply to sit and relax with a book as time goes by.
Beach Please
After a morning of exploring, you can relax with a drink in hand on one of the many beautiful beaches around Athens.
Edem Beach, located approximately 18 minutes away from the city centre by public transport, is the nearest beach with excellent amenities. It offers a well-organised playground, plenty of umbrellas for shade, and nearby restaurants, making it an ideal destination for families.
Kalamaki, one of Athens’ most popular beaches, is conveniently located and easily accessible from the city centre. Along the sandy shores, you’ll find several beach bars, providing utmost convenience for a day spent by the sea. Additionally, there is a small waterpark that caters to the entertainment of younger visitors.
Glyfada boasts a lengthy coastline adorned with marinas filled with luxurious yachts and a charming traditional fishing port nestled amidst the golden sand. Moreover, the beach is lined with a variety of cafes and restaurants, perfect for a relaxing afternoon meal.
Streets of Shopping
Athens, the Greek capital, offers a delightful array of shops, ranging from unique trinkets to renowned designer brands. The most prominent shopping destination in the city is Ermou Street, centrally located and immensely popular among both locals and tourists.
For those seeking tourist memorabilia and stylish leather accessories with a distinctive Greek touch, the Monastiraki flea market is an excellent choice. Additionally, the cultural neighbourhood of Exarcheia is perfect for thrifting and vintage shopping, offering a treasure trove of eclectic finds.
If you’re in search of high-end designer stores, the district of Kolonaki is where you should head. Here, you can explore an array of renowned brands and indulge in a luxurious shopping experience. For an exquisite journey into the world of haute couture, taking a stroll up Voukourestiou Street will lead you to a paradise of upscale fashion.
Cheers to the Greekend!
After a fulfilling day exploring Athens, indulge in a delightful glass of Greek wine to cap off your experience. Oinoscent, an elegant and welcoming wine bar located in the city, offers a wide selection of Greek wines to satisfy your palate.
If you’re looking for a unique setting with breathtaking views of the Acropolis, make your way to Manuoka. Situated on the rooftop of Monastiraki’s Utopia Ermou hotel, this wine bar allows you to sample over 100 wines by the glass while enjoying the stunning vistas.
For a more intimate and cosy atmosphere, Materia Prima is an excellent choice. Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Koukaki, this small wine bar offers a carefully curated selection of around a dozen off-beat yet superb Greek wines.
No matter which wine bar you choose, Athens offers a delightful selection of venues to explore and savour the rich flavours of Greek wines.
Call us on 02380 658 386 or view our cruises to Greece.
