Athens: three itineraries

PHOTO BY Leonhard Niederwimmer da Pixabay

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Among the most popular destinations of 2025, the Greek capital Athens has in fact always been a source of great attraction for travelers and scholars from all over the world. People come to Athens to rediscover their most ancient roots, because our modern way of living began in this city … thousands years ago! But precisely because it is such a vast treasure, Athens cannot be explored in a few days: at least a week is needed to see the most important monuments. Then we suggest, before  your arrival at the modern Athens Airport (ATH),  you plan with our private transfers different itineraries, so as to have a “taste” of all the souls of this fascinating metropolis.

Cultural Itinerary: Ancient Athens and its treasures

The classic itinerary in Athens is the cultural one, linked to the famous ancient Greek monuments but also to the old town’s heritage made up of palaces, churches and museums. A visit to Athens cannot exclude the Acropolis – a truly splendidly preserved “sacred city” – from where you can also admire the panorama of the city, at its foot; then continue by visiting the remains of the temples of Hephaestus, Zeus, the porch of Attalos, the Herodes Atticus’ odeon theatre and the Library of Hadrian.

You could dedicate a day to discovering the palaces and their treasures inside: the Archaeological Museum, the Acropolis Museum, the Byzantine Museum but also the very modern and fun Museum of Illusions. Those in search of spirituality can explore the churches of Athens: the nineteenth-century cathedral, the small Panagia Gorgoepikoos (Saint Eleutherius), the church of the Holy Apostles and the Kapnikarea are certainly among the most fascinating.

Among the more recent architectures, which complete the Athenian cultural circuit, we suggest going to admire the OAKA Olympic Center, the modernist buildings of the Kolonaki and Kypseli districts dating back to the early 20th century, the church of Saint Demetrius at Pnyx. Don’t miss a visit to the huge Stavros Niarchos public park, famous for its paths and fountains that create spectacular water choreographies. A stroll through the streets of Metaxourgeio, admiring murals of all sizes, is the perfect end to this itinerary.

Unusual Itinerary: an Athens to be discovered

If you have already been to see classical Athens or if you are looking for new stimuli, even in the heart of an ancient city, follow an itinerary to discover … what still remains to be discovered. What is Athens like beyond its famous temples and museums?

For example, it has the multicolored and multiracial face of Monastiraki, the flea market district! Or it has the slow, gentle and authentic rhythm of the Anafiotika neighborhood where tourists don’t arrive but where real Athenians live, undisturbed among their small white houses. This is the place of old men playing bowls, women talking loudly in the street, children chasing each other in the alleys, little crowded bars shaded by bougainvillea arches. Or, again, a different Athens is in the absolute silence of memories in the First Historical Cemetery (19th century) where the tombs of illustrious figures of recent Greece are kept. If instead you love cheerful confusion, though away from the traditional tourist routes, enjoy the live shows at the Technopolis Cultural Center in the lively Gazi neighborhood.

Those looking for uncontaminated spaces can find them – especially in the afternoon – at the quiet Mount Hymettus. This green hill located south of the city is the favorite place for Athenian citizens to go running, cycling, skating or even just walking among the trees. One of its paths leads to the ancient Kaisariani monastery (12th century) and at the top, from the lookout, you can enjoy a panorama similar to that of the Acropolis but… with fewer crowds around!

Relaxation Itinerary: sea and nightlife

Athens in summer is also sea. Although the city itself does not border the coast, its immense metropolitan area has reached it and exploited it for an increasingly engaging tourism. Yes, today you can “go to the sea” even in Athens and relax, leaving excursions and guided tours on the sidelines of the holiday.

The beaches of Athens are all less than an hour’s journey from the city centre. Among the closest and most convenient (about 15 minutes), there is certainly Voula but Alimos beach can also be reached in a short time. Served by facilities and clubs, these beaches allow for total relaxation. Those looking for wilder beaches will instead aim for Saronida or Port Rafti. The furthest, but equally beautiful, are Glyfada or Cape Sounion beach.

And after a day in the sun, your recharged energies shall be let loose in a night-time Athens, fresh but lively and engaging. The best nightlife in the Greek capital is in Gazi – a converted former industrial district, in Exarkia – the university district and trendy clubs, or in Psiri which is famous for its bars and the many bottles of alcohol! But if you want a thrilling nightlife experience, we suggest you drink and taste some specialties in the “hanging bars” … that is, pubs and bars located on the top floors of Athenian buildings. There are many “rooftop bars” in Athens, and almost all of them are concentrated in the Monastiraki and Acropolis areas. Fancy a wild dance until the early hours? Then, return to Gazi or go as far as Glyfada … beaches, cocktails and discos guaranteed.