This post is based on a visit in April 2024. We have chosen and paid for everything mentioned in this post ourselves however most of the links are (ad) affiliate. Information last checked and correct March 2024. Always check with venues direct for the most up to date information as it can change.
Why Athens?
As a parent of three children with very different personalities, holidays were always fairly easy to choose when they were younger. I mean everyone loved cheesy entertainment, the beach and the pool. We were all happy with our caravan holidays in the UK, Eurocamp style holidays abroad or sometimes All Inclusive breaks too.
However now they've reached the teen years - choosing a holiday for us all is a little trickier. First of all, trying to find accommodation for 5 adults who all like their own space in school holidays at a reasonable price is a really hard task.
Then two of my teens love staying up late and visiting bars / entertainment where as another hates doing that and would always choose a night in a nice restaurant over a lively night out.
Their daytime likes are different too - some like historical sites, others hate this. Some like browsing markets others don't. Some like waterparks others don't.
It may be ok if they were a little older but my youngest teen is 13 and not old enough to be left at the hotel while we go off and do things. I know this is very first world problems and many children don't even get a holiday however I do also want the best for my children so tried to think of a solution.
My plan started when eldest teen mentioned he'd love to go to Rome. He's mentioned it for a good few years to be honest but when I looked into it, for a family of 5 it was WAY over our budget and I begrudged paying for the other two teens when it wasn't a bucket list destination for them.
So we decided instead of one big family holiday this year, we'd book three mini breaks instead - one with each child to somewhere they really want to go to.
For Harry it's Rome in October Half Term, for Dee it's Ibiza in the summer and for Jack it's Athens over Easter. I have booked package deals with Jet2 City Breaks for all of these tripswhich isn't the cheapest way to do it but I wanted the convenience of paying things off monthly.
I think it's ended up costing around £500 to £1000 more to book three short breaks instead of one 7 night holiday for us all. However, Steve and I are obviously getting three holidays and the overall total length is for 10 nights rather than 7.
So why Athens for Jack? Well during lockdown we learned a lot about Greek Mythology and that's where it stems from. He's wanted to go ever since! He also really loves Greek food and has never been to Greece. Athens has been on my radar ever since my blogger friend While I'm Young visited too and for a city, it's fairly inexpensive once you're there.
The average daily temp in Athens in April is 20C with a night time temp of 12C. I think this is perfect for a city break and sightseeing! Jack isn't keen on sitting out in the sun so hopefully this will be ideal for him.
.png "Athens with a Teenager - Itinerary & Tips")
Getting to Athens & Transfers
You can fly direct to Athens from London, Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Birmingham. Use Skyscanner to find the best prices. Below are the best deals for one person flying return in April, May and October (checked at the start of March 2024 - prices fo fluctuate).
Newcastle flights don't actually start until after Easter so we are flying with Jet2 from Manchester for this trip. There are various flight times available but we are leaving Manchester at 6:30am (arrive in Athens 12:25pm) on a Thursday and leaving athens at 1:15pm (arriving back at Manchester at 3:20pm) on Sunday.
We are staying overnight at Premier Inn Manchester Airport Runger Lane North which is a 5 minute drive from the airport and has it's own car park and on site restaurant. Prices fluctuate but we paid £65 for a family room in the Easter Holidays which isn't bad at all. We'll probably just dine in the hotel and get an early night.
Post Trip Update : Manchester Airport Hotel Review
This hotel was fab. Such a good location literally a few minutes drive from the airport. The car park was large with plenty of spaces. Our evening meal in the restaurant was pretty standard pub fare. I would definitely stay here again for the price.
For Airport Parking, we booked the T1 Multistory which was £57 for three nights. This car park is covered, secure and just a few minutes walk from the check in desk.
Manchester Airport Hotel
We are staying overnight at Premier Inn Manchester Airport Runger Lane North which is a 5 minute drive from the airport and has it's own car park and on site restaurant. Prices fluctuate but we paid £65 for a family room in the Easter Holidays which isn't bad at all. We'll probably just dine in the hotel and get an early night.
Post Trip Update : Manchester Airport Hotel Review
This hotel was fab. Such a good location literally a few minutes drive from the airport. The car park was large with plenty of spaces. Our evening meal in the restaurant was pretty standard pub fare. I would definitely stay here again for the price.
Manchester Airport Parking
For Airport Parking, we booked the T1 Multistory which was £57 for three nights. This car park is covered, secure and just a few minutes walk from the check in desk.
Post Trip Update : Our Manchester Airport Parking Review
This worked really well, the barrier recognised our number plate on arrival and on leaving. We didn't have to do anything and the car park is joined onto the terminal so very hassle free. I would make sure you make a note of which level you park on when you park up.
This worked really well, the barrier recognised our number plate on arrival and on leaving. We didn't have to do anything and the car park is joined onto the terminal so very hassle free. I would make sure you make a note of which level you park on when you park up.
Manchester Airport Lounge
At Manchester Airport, we have booked the T1 Escape Lounge. I wouldn't book a lounge for 5 of us (far too expensive) but it was £82 for the three of us which I don't think is *too* bad. They have a big breakfast buffet and unlimited drinks and it will be a nice start to the holiday.
I wasn't sure what would be open in the airport early in the morning and reckon we'd easily spend £50-£70 on breakfast and drinks anyway. Unlimited coffee and a cheeky glass of fizz is going to be a real treat. It's also nice knowing we don't need to budget for any airport spending as it's all paid in advance.
Athens Transfer
For transfers, it is fairly easy to use public transport and there is a taxi cap for transfers into the city so that's an easy option too. As we are arriving at lunchtime and only have three days to explore, we wanted to get into the city as quickly and conveniently as possible.
Lots of people in various groups recommended Welcome Pick Ups to us as being super reliable and friendly with English speaking divers. It was 44 euros each way for three people and three pieces of luggage which I don't think is bad and they'll take us direct to our hotel.
So far, I've found their service to be excellent. The app kind of works like Uber and you upload your photo / the driver does so you know who to look for. They monitor your flight, text you updates through the app, meet you at arrivals and they let your hotel know your ETA too.
Welcome Pick-Ups operate private transfers around the world and if you sign up using my referral link here you will receive 5euros off your first trip.
I wasn't sure what would be open in the airport early in the morning and reckon we'd easily spend £50-£70 on breakfast and drinks anyway. Unlimited coffee and a cheeky glass of fizz is going to be a real treat. It's also nice knowing we don't need to budget for any airport spending as it's all paid in advance.
Post Trip Update : Our Airport Lounge Experience
We absolutely loved the Lounge Experience and thought it was definitely worth the money for us. On arrival, we were shown to our reserved table which was ours for the duration or we could move to an unreserved table in a different area if we preferred.
We were able to help ourselves to continental breakfast - lovely fresh pastries, fruit, yoghurts etc.... and cooked items which had everything you need to make a full English. We filled their plates a couple of times across the few hours.
Drinks wise, there are fridges filled with beers, cider etc..... that you help yourself to or you can order spirits / pints / wine / fizz / soft drinks from the bar. Service was pretty much immediate and there was no shade cast when ordering alcohol with breakfast. It's all included. I did have to laugh at some people enjoying red wine so early though.
Then there is fruit juice (three types) on the counter which was kept topped up, a water machine where you could fill your bottle up and hot drinks machines where you could help yourself to drinks including a variety of teas and hot chocolate.
There's free WiFi and the ambience was nice. Service was excellent with our table cleared regularly and there are departure boards dotted around the lounge so you can keep an eye on your flight time. I would definitely book again.
We absolutely loved the Lounge Experience and thought it was definitely worth the money for us. On arrival, we were shown to our reserved table which was ours for the duration or we could move to an unreserved table in a different area if we preferred.
We were able to help ourselves to continental breakfast - lovely fresh pastries, fruit, yoghurts etc.... and cooked items which had everything you need to make a full English. We filled their plates a couple of times across the few hours.
Drinks wise, there are fridges filled with beers, cider etc..... that you help yourself to or you can order spirits / pints / wine / fizz / soft drinks from the bar. Service was pretty much immediate and there was no shade cast when ordering alcohol with breakfast. It's all included. I did have to laugh at some people enjoying red wine so early though.
Then there is fruit juice (three types) on the counter which was kept topped up, a water machine where you could fill your bottle up and hot drinks machines where you could help yourself to drinks including a variety of teas and hot chocolate.
There's free WiFi and the ambience was nice. Service was excellent with our table cleared regularly and there are departure boards dotted around the lounge so you can keep an eye on your flight time. I would definitely book again.
Athens Transfer
For transfers, it is fairly easy to use public transport and there is a taxi cap for transfers into the city so that's an easy option too. As we are arriving at lunchtime and only have three days to explore, we wanted to get into the city as quickly and conveniently as possible.
Lots of people in various groups recommended Welcome Pick Ups to us as being super reliable and friendly with English speaking divers. It was 44 euros each way for three people and three pieces of luggage which I don't think is bad and they'll take us direct to our hotel.
So far, I've found their service to be excellent. The app kind of works like Uber and you upload your photo / the driver does so you know who to look for. They monitor your flight, text you updates through the app, meet you at arrivals and they let your hotel know your ETA too.
Welcome Pick-Ups operate private transfers around the world and if you sign up using my referral link here you will receive 5euros off your first trip.
Post trip update - Athens Transfer Review
Our transfer was so smooth! Our driver kept an eye on our flight arrival and once we had landed, whatsapp'd me to let me know he was parked up at the airport and to let him know when we had receieved our luggage and where to go (exit the terminal and let him know which door number we left through - wait by the door and he would meet us).
The app had live location tracking, the car reg and a photo of the driver and felt super safe.
The service was so professional - our driver was super safe in his driving style, the car was immaculate and we were handed complimentary bottles of water as we took our seats. I will definitely use this service again.
Our transfer was so smooth! Our driver kept an eye on our flight arrival and once we had landed, whatsapp'd me to let me know he was parked up at the airport and to let him know when we had receieved our luggage and where to go (exit the terminal and let him know which door number we left through - wait by the door and he would meet us).
The app had live location tracking, the car reg and a photo of the driver and felt super safe.
The service was so professional - our driver was super safe in his driving style, the car was immaculate and we were handed complimentary bottles of water as we took our seats. I will definitely use this service again.
Our Hotel Choice
We booked a package deal with Jet2 (check prices here) and are staying at B4B Athens Signature Hotel. What sold this hotel for me was:
- Very close to the Plaka district with lots of beautiful restaurants
- It's a small boutique hotel with excellent reviews (4.7* rating on google), especially regarding the friendly and helpful staff which is what you want from a city centre hotel!
- You get your own local smart phone loaded with maps, city audio guides, a translator and recommendations in your room plus unlimited data and international calls which you can take out with you and use throughout your trip (you can use it as a hot spot too). I think this is pretty cool!
- It's 4* and a pretty new hotel with lots of modern facilities including air conditioning, UK plug adaptors, Dolce Gusto machine, rainfall shower and more
- There are interconnecting rooms - perfect if travelling with younger teens
- The rooftop bar has views of the Acropolis
- The breakfast sounds excellent and is certified by the Hellanic Chamber of Hotels to showcase the best Greek produce
- Just a short 10 minute walk from the Acropolis and 500m from a Metro Station so a pretty central location
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| Credit B4B Athens |
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| Credit B4B Athens |
Post Trip Update Hotel Review
I was really pleased with our hotel choice. First of all, the staff were so friendly. We were welcomed with a glass of cherry juice on arrival and the barman made THE best cocktails.
Our interconnecting rooms were perfect for travelling with teens - we had one main door which opened into a small private lobby and the two bedroom doors opened from that rather than between the bedrooms. Our rooms were super comfortable and well equipped.
The only negatives I can think of is that the bathroom door was very thin so not much privacy there and there was a bit of traffic noise but I think that would be the same anywhere in the city centre.
If I was to return to Athens, I would stay here again. The location was super central and we were able to walk everywhere. I especially loved that the main Plaka area was an easy 5 minute walk along the street.
You can watch a video review of our hotel here: B4B Signature Athens Video Tour
The roof terrace was fabulous. It's open 24/7 and guests can sit up here at any time, with staff and bar/food service from 7pm-1am. We enjoyed cocktails up here every night and a meal on our last evening. All fabulous and I loved watching the sun set over the Acropolis.
I was really pleased with our hotel choice. First of all, the staff were so friendly. We were welcomed with a glass of cherry juice on arrival and the barman made THE best cocktails.
Our interconnecting rooms were perfect for travelling with teens - we had one main door which opened into a small private lobby and the two bedroom doors opened from that rather than between the bedrooms. Our rooms were super comfortable and well equipped.
The only negatives I can think of is that the bathroom door was very thin so not much privacy there and there was a bit of traffic noise but I think that would be the same anywhere in the city centre.
If I was to return to Athens, I would stay here again. The location was super central and we were able to walk everywhere. I especially loved that the main Plaka area was an easy 5 minute walk along the street.
You can watch a video review of our hotel here: B4B Signature Athens Video Tour
The roof terrace was fabulous. It's open 24/7 and guests can sit up here at any time, with staff and bar/food service from 7pm-1am. We enjoyed cocktails up here every night and a meal on our last evening. All fabulous and I loved watching the sun set over the Acropolis.
Breakfast was good and I like that it was available from 7am-10:30am so quite a long window. I especially loved the Greek pastries, local honey and these little bruschetta type snacks with the tastiest tomatoes and feta cheese.
Things to Do with Teenagers in Athens
We will have three days in Athens with a Teenager who loves Greek food, is not keen on walking, wants to see the Acropolis and likes early nights.
Check out 10 Tips for Visiting Athens with Teens here : Tips for Visiting Athens with Teens
Here are some of our plans (these are of course, subject to change):
Day One Late Afternoon / Early Evening
- Little Kook for Hot Chocolate / desserts
- Museum of Illusion (it's open until 9pm)
- Taverna Saita in Plaka for Tea
- Cocktails on the Hotel Roof Terrace
Little Kook is a crazy themed restaurant. The service is supposed to be terrible so I am bracing myself but the desserts and hot chocolates look cute and the decor is a talking point. I think Jack will like it.
Musuem of Illusion is a museum where you can try different illusions and mind games which again, is something Jack will enjoy.
Then for dinner we are just going to choose a traditional Taverna for some proper Greek food. Maybe the one above or maybe one that just takes our fancy.
I don't think me and Steve will be able to resist rooftop cocktails on the first night.
Musuem of Illusion is a museum where you can try different illusions and mind games which again, is something Jack will enjoy.
Then for dinner we are just going to choose a traditional Taverna for some proper Greek food. Maybe the one above or maybe one that just takes our fancy.
I don't think me and Steve will be able to resist rooftop cocktails on the first night.
Post Trip Update : What did we actually do on day one?
Once we had checked in, we were all pretty tired to be honest and had a quick nap! Jack was more tired than myself and Steve so we ordered a couple of cocktails in the hotel lobby as he continued to sleep.
We decided we didn't want to walk far so stayed close to the hotel. We visited Zeus' Temple and Hadrian's Gate which were just around the corner from the hotel. You can see them both for free from the public street and I'm pleased we did.
I think if I was to visit again, I'd probably pay to get a closer look at Zeus' Temple as it's really grand and I think I'd appreciate seeing it up close. Entry isn't too expensive.
I think if I was to visit again, I'd probably pay to get a closer look at Zeus' Temple as it's really grand and I think I'd appreciate seeing it up close. Entry isn't too expensive.
Then we wandered into Plaka which is a restaurant and shopping district. I was so pleased with how close it was to our hotel. We just picked a restaurant we liked the look of. What I liked about Athens is that we weren't hassled at all to go into restaurants / shops - it's so chill. You can read restaurant menus without overbearing staff giving you the hard sell!
We ended up at Kosmikon which is one of the oldest restaurants in Plaka area of Athens (opened in 1850). We dined al fresco and enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere, watching tourists and listening to the musicians.
We really over-ordered though - starters, dips and breads, kebabs, lamb chops and gyros to share between us. We were STUFFED but it was a lovely Greek feast.
I wouldn't say I would specifically hunt this restaurant out - I think they're all pretty much the same in this square and you will get a good meal and service wherever you go - just pick somewhere you like the look of when you wonder.
I do regret not ordering the octopus as I have since seen it on their Instagram and it looks delicious.
We ended up at Kosmikon which is one of the oldest restaurants in Plaka area of Athens (opened in 1850). We dined al fresco and enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere, watching tourists and listening to the musicians.
We really over-ordered though - starters, dips and breads, kebabs, lamb chops and gyros to share between us. We were STUFFED but it was a lovely Greek feast.
I wouldn't say I would specifically hunt this restaurant out - I think they're all pretty much the same in this square and you will get a good meal and service wherever you go - just pick somewhere you like the look of when you wonder.
I do regret not ordering the octopus as I have since seen it on their Instagram and it looks delicious.
We wondered around Plaka and did a little cheap souvenier shopping. I was so pleased to see that prices were all displayed and they were cheap too - 1 or 2 euros for things like bracelets, magnets. Not artisan products but nice little keepsakes from our trip.
Despite being full to the brim, we couldn't resist the pull of the ice cream stalls dotted about the streets. I went with Baklava ice cream which is something I haven't seen at home. It was lovely to enjoy as we strolled around.
One thing I will say about Athens is that it felt SO safe. I never once had that 'on edge' feeling.
Back at the hotel, it was straight to bed for Jack and Steve and I enjoyed a couple of cocktails on the hotel roof terrace. I've mentioned this before but the cocktails here were genuinely some of the best we've ever had. Credit to their barman.
Day Two in Athens (Daytime)
- Athens Line SightSeeing Bus Tour - alight at some of the historical sites
- Stop for Lunch at Zisis Fish in a Cone and Lucamades for Traditional Stuffed Doughnuts
- Back to Hotel for Siesta
Day two will be an early start with sightseeing using the hop on hop off bus. I like using these in cities as they give you a little info and transport you around in a way where you can see everything (where as using Metro etc....you are often underground and miss things). We are sticking to the Central line and will alight where we fancy taking a closer look somewhere.
For lunch we are visiting the market area - Fish in a Cone and Lucamades are both street food vendors near the market which are supposedly not to be missed so we are hopefully heading there for lunch.
We're having a later night on day two so have planned a little siesta on that day.
Post Trip Update : What did we actually do on day two?
We pretty much stuck with the plan on this day. The sightseeing bus tour stop was just along from our hotel and really straightforward. I know these kinds of things are touristy but there's nothing wrong with being a tourist. I think they're ideal for the start of a city break and really help you to get a feel for the city.
We passed and learned about loads of landmarks including the tomb of the unknown soldier, olympic stadium and university. The architechture in Athens is stunning!
We alighted at Monastiraki Square which is surrounded by bars, restaurants and markets. I regret not exploring the markets around here more as they were fascinating!
We were dying for a drink though so when I spotted a sign for a roof bar across from the bus stop, we made a beeline.
Attic was surprisingly family friendly and offered panoramic rooftop views of the city. All of the bars and restaurants in Athens welcome you with a glass / jug of water as soon as you are seated and usually some snacks too. LOVE this and would like to see this trend catch on in the UK. I hate it when you're parched and have to wait for ages for a drink.
Visiting Attic was actually Jack's highlight from the whole trip (maybe I should have just taken him to a rooftop bar in Newcastle for his trip). He was still really tired on this morning so ordered himself an energy boost smoothie which perked him right up. He would recommend to other teens who need a pick me up!
The cocktail menu was fantastic and I ordered Beuna Onda - a Sweet and Sour Cocktail with 42 Below Vodka, Green Apple, Rhubarb and Dutch Yoghurt. It was so nice! Cocktails were the most expensive out of everywhere we visited here but I don't think 12 euro is TOO bad for a city centre roof top bar like this.
Steve ordered local beer and our total bill including the complimentary water and snacks was only around £20 for the three of us.
Afterwards we walked to Zisi's Fish in a Cone which was a short walk away.
I'm so pleased we visited here. This seafood restaurant is a family business which has passed down the generations. They buy their produce from the fish market next door and serve in a cone to sit in or take away.
We ordered cod, crab claws, squid and a few sides and dips. It was so good! Just really fresh and flavoursome. I mean look at that squid!
Lukamades was just along the street and we shared som doughnut balls with cinnamon and honey. Also delicious. There were loads of street food restaurants around this area from hipster burger bars to gyros being sold out of hatches in the street. The area had a really good vibe.
As we walked back to the bus stop, we stumbled upon Little Kook. It looked SO cute! We couldn't possibly fit another dessert in but it was nice to see all of the theming from the outside.
Day Two in Athens (Evening)
- Visit the Acropolis & Museum (open late on Fridays) - try and catch sunset
- Romatella- Pizza al Taglio for Tea
Day Two Evening - what did we actually do?
Again, after our nap, we pretty much stuck with our plan. We visited the Acropolis Museum around tea time and I'm really pleased we did. It's packed with info and artefacts and worth visiting before you visit the actual Acropolis.
You can download various audio guides and we did have one but I preferred to walk around myself and just googled bits I was interested in.
The museum is super modern which really contrasts with the age of the exhibits. There aren't too many interactive / hands on elements but on the top floor there are some computers where kids were playing.
You can download various audio guides and we did have one but I preferred to walk around myself and just googled bits I was interested in.
The museum is super modern which really contrasts with the age of the exhibits. There aren't too many interactive / hands on elements but on the top floor there are some computers where kids were playing.
The museum has two cafes - one has an outdoor terrace directly under the Parthenon. We had some time to kill so popped by for a drink. What a location! You can visit this cafe without visiting the museum.
There are two entrances to the Acropolis. We used the quieter entrance which is just across from the museum exit. They scanned our tickets and we were on our way.
The climb up isn't bad at all. We visited at 7pm and didn't have any crowds to navigate. There is seating along the climb up at various points and places to stop and just take in the view. I googled and apparantly the Acropolis is about half the height of Roseberry Topping to give some perspective.
Visiting the Acropolis at sunset was a real highlight for us. It wasn't overly busy at all and felt extra magical. We didn't take a guide but did have some apps on our phone to help us see what the buildings looked like in their former glory.
After visiting the museum first, we knew what we were looking at.
The views from various points are the best! You can see right out to sea in one direction and I really appreciated seeing Hadrian's Gate and Zeus' Temple from above - it gives a totally different perspective.
I didn't realise that the army march up to lower the Greek flag at the Acroplis at sunset so this was an unexpected surprise to see.
As the sun set, everyone gathered on the steps of Athena's temple and the atmosphere was wonderful. What a memory.
If you zoom into the photos below, you can see a smaller hill just under the main pillar, this is a free-to-visit hill just at the main entrance to the Acropolis and somewhere people also gather to watch the sunset.
She was on the phone to her GP and explained she had been waiting for them to call back all day and if she didn't take the call, it was going to be the weekend and she'd have to wait until Monday so did we mind if she took the call. Of course we didn't. It all sounded pretty familiar to life in the UK really.
You pick slices and they are warmed for you and brought to your table. Around 4 to 5 euros for three small slices which was a fab price for a little supper. Delicious too.
Day Three in Athens
- Visit Athens Port and Beach using the Sightseeing Bus Tour.
- Lunch at Istioploikos
- Stop for ice cream at a Beach Par
- Dinner near the Hotel
We're using the sightseeing bus again and visiting the port and beach. I've saved a few restaurants and beach bars which offer lovely views and seafood so let's hope the weather is nice.
We are just going to see where the day takes us on this day and will pick somewhere close to the hotel for dinner - I imagine it will be another Greek Taverna and I'm going to wait and see where the hotel recommends as apparantly their recommendations are really good.
A 1:15pm flight home on day four is ideal as we can enjoy one last Greek breakfast on the roof terrace before heading home.
We did also consider Lake Vouliagmeni which is easy to get to via the sightseeing bus. It's a pristine lake where you can swim and enjoy lakeside dining / drinks. It looks super relaxing. However I don't think this is Jack's cup of tea. If I was visiting with Harry or Dee, we would have booked up. Entry is 16euro per person (aged 12+, younger children are cheaper or free).
Day Three in Athens : What did we actually do?
We are just going to see where the day takes us on this day and will pick somewhere close to the hotel for dinner - I imagine it will be another Greek Taverna and I'm going to wait and see where the hotel recommends as apparantly their recommendations are really good.
A 1:15pm flight home on day four is ideal as we can enjoy one last Greek breakfast on the roof terrace before heading home.
We did also consider Lake Vouliagmeni which is easy to get to via the sightseeing bus. It's a pristine lake where you can swim and enjoy lakeside dining / drinks. It looks super relaxing. However I don't think this is Jack's cup of tea. If I was visiting with Harry or Dee, we would have booked up. Entry is 16euro per person (aged 12+, younger children are cheaper or free).
Day Three in Athens : What did we actually do?
We did decide to take the sightseeing bus down to the beach. I can't believe how close the beach is to the city centre and the sea is SO blue. There are different beaches to visit - some public and some paid beach clubs and we got to see the millionaire district of Athens and some of the dreamy beachside houses as well as learn more about the history of this area.
The beach tour lasted longer than expected though and it was after lunch time by the time we arrived back into the city so we decided to skip to port tour and find somewhere for a late lunch instead.
I really wanted to take a photo on the famous Plaka stairs but they are so narrow and I chickened out. How nice would it be to sit here and people watch though.
There are plenty of other quieter photogenic spots for a photo around the city.......
We just ordered lots of different dishes to share and they were so tasty. Loved sitting here sipping wine and sampling local food. It was such a nice experience with the Octopus and Fried Feta with Honey being particular highlights.
Afterwards we did a little more shopping - Steve picked up some Greek Olive Oil, I treated myself to some Greek Olive Oil Beauty Products (which I LOVE) where as Jack decided a Pokemon Toy from Nerdom next to our hotel was the perfect momento from our trip.
We packed up our cases, freshened up and decided to just have dinner at the hotel. We'd been eyeing up the food throughout our trip and had to try some.
The barman brought over some complimentary shots after our meal too.
And just like that, it was time for a final breakfast and then to head back to the airport and home. I would say that Athens exceeded my expectations.
- Very easy to explore on foot
- Friendly people who don't hassle you
- It felt super safe
- A good mix of history, culture, food and views
- Prices felt good for a city location
Would I go back? I wouldn't rush back but that's only because I feel like I've 'done' Athens now. Three days was the perfect length to get a feel for the place. It has definitely given me a desire to explore more of Greece so watch this space.
I know a lot of cruises stop at Athens so if we do happen to book a cruise in the future and it stops in Athens, I'd love to go back in this capacity and think a day exploring when you've already visited before would be perfect.
Also, never say never. If a cheap deal cropped up in the future - I'd be back in a shot. I just feel like there are probably new places I'd like to explore first.
Would I recommend Athens as somewhere to visit with teens? 100%. Without coming across as too cringe it feels like a 'cool' city with it's street food stalls, roof top bars and graffiti mixed with lots of interesting history.
I'd also recommend Athens as a city to visit with kids - it's compact, there are playgrounds, lots of child-friendly food options and of course, you have the beach. Mummy Travels has put together a comprehensive guide to visiting Athens with Kids here.
I know a lot of cruises stop at Athens so if we do happen to book a cruise in the future and it stops in Athens, I'd love to go back in this capacity and think a day exploring when you've already visited before would be perfect.
Also, never say never. If a cheap deal cropped up in the future - I'd be back in a shot. I just feel like there are probably new places I'd like to explore first.
Would I recommend Athens as somewhere to visit with teens? 100%. Without coming across as too cringe it feels like a 'cool' city with it's street food stalls, roof top bars and graffiti mixed with lots of interesting history.
I'd also recommend Athens as a city to visit with kids - it's compact, there are playgrounds, lots of child-friendly food options and of course, you have the beach. Mummy Travels has put together a comprehensive guide to visiting Athens with Kids here.
Please check out some of our other European City Break ideas below:
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