Athens and the Riveria, Greece
- More about your Oliver Guide: Caroline Kesmodel
- Trip type: Adult, Family, Beach, City
- Activity level: high
- Ideal length of trip: So many skip thru Athens in a day, but there is so much to see and walk to, we needed 2-3 days to cover the city. Then hit the Riveria for a day when you crave the beach.
to & from
It is hard to get anywhere in Greece, without starting and finishing your trip in Athens. Decide when you will want to be touring the city.
Athens was the warmest spot in Greece and not great for jet lag, so we connected to the islands first and did Athens on the way home, when we were better adjusted.
Fly Emirates for the best service/seats and it gives points to Alaska Airlines. Direct flight is 9.5hrs from NY, 11 hrs returning. Book business class! You will want a scheduled pickup at the airport, it is crowded and so worth it.
Walk all over Athens, no rental car needed and you can taxi if you want. 45minutes from Athens airport to Athens city center.
Where to Stay
Hotel Grande Bretagne in the city center is the favorite recommended luxury hotel to stay. Fabulous views, rooftop restaurant and rooftop pool. Walk to everything.
Their sister property, King George is next-door and less expensive, but no pool. A deal breaker in the summer.
The new Four Seasons Astir Palace on the Riveria opened in 2019 and is a great option to escape the city heat. Amazing pool and beachfront hotel with 3 restaurants and stunning modern rooms. Staying here and commuting (30-45min) to the city for day trips is a great option or at least a night. While quite beautiful and luxe, it does feel Americanized and isolated, so we loved it for last beach/pool day before we flew home.