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The Acropolis

to delve into the rich history of Athens

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Food tour of Athens

to discover local flavours

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Odeon of Herodes Atticus

to see music, art or dance performances during the summer months

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National Archaeological Museum

for the world's finest collection of Greek antiquities

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The Acropolis Museum

to seethe ruins of an ancient Athenian neighbourhood

Europe's oldest capital city that's rich in history

There are few places where the past comes to life in quite the same way as in Athens. Often referred to as the cradle of Western civilisation, it’s a city bursting at the seams with culture, intrigue and beauty.

It’s not just a place for history buffs – it’s one of the liveliest European capitals. A thriving café culture ensures you’re not left waning in between all the sightseeing and you’ll never have to venture far to enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

A sophisticated bar scene will keep you hydrated and if you visit in summer, the party spills out onto rooftop terraces and garden courtyards. Foodies needn’t worry with everything from Michelin-starred cuisine to more traditional taverns.

Taking in Athens’ impressive sights has never been easier thanks to the pedestrian-only archaeological promenade, a tree-lined walkway that links the city’s major archaeological sites. You’ll journey back in time, taking in marble temples, Byzantine churches, ancient theatres and neoclassical museums.

No trip to Athens would be complete without taking in the Acropolis, towering above the city and taking on a different character over the course of a day. See it bathed in the early morning light, the soft glow of the evening, and lit up in all its golden glory at night.

Athens isn’t a city stuck in the past, however, and there are plenty of modern galleries including the National Gallery of Contemporary Art and the Technopolis, a restored complex of furnaces and industrial buildings in the city’s former gasworks.

One of the cultural highlights is the Athens Festival, a summer programme of open-air theatre, opera, classical music, and dance staged at venues across the city, including the second-century BC Odeon of Herodes Atticus, carved into the rocks below the Acropolis.

Highlights

Explore the incredible Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Visit the National Gallery of Contemporary Art

Immerse yourself in the vibrant café and bar scene

Walk the archaeological promenade

Discover the city’s numerous byzantine churches and ancient theatres

Wander old Athens

Relax in the National Garden of Athens

Black and white illustration of Hanna Fischer's headshot

Hanna Fischer

Senior Travel Designer

Athens has a well-deserved reputation as Europe's oldest capital city so it is no surprise that's it has got so much to offer to history buffs. But beyond ancient ruins and historical museums, the city also plays hosts to an eclectic collection of restaurants and cafes, making it the perfect gateway to the rest of Greece.

Hanna Fischer

Senior Travel Designer

Luxury accommodation in Athens

There are many incredible places to stay in Athens. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your Athens tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Explore more of Greece

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Mykonos

Mykonos might be one of the smallest islands in the Cyclades complex but it makes up for it in character. Its reputation as a glamorous party destination has stuck since the 50s and while it’s true people here know how to have a good time, the island is incredibly beautiful, its beaches and secluded corners offering refuge to those who seek it.

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Paros

Paros is an idyllic Greek island, which decorates the already beautifully mesmerizing Aegean seas, as part of a group of islands known as the Cyclades. It is the second largest island here and is famous for its bright sandy beaches which are lapped by perfectly turquoise waters, as well as its quaint yet traditional villages, connected by unrivalled Byzantine footpaths.

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Santorini

Sheer cliffs hundreds of metres high shield coves and beaches made up of red, white and black sand, while pretty villages of limewashed cubic houses creep up the sides, nestled into every nook and cranny.

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Peloponnese

The southern peninsular of Peloponnese, separated from the mainland by the Corinth Canal, encapsulates everything that is wonderful about Greece. It is both rich in culture and naturally beautiful.

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Crete

Crete was home to Europe’s earliest civilisation, the Minoans, and the legendary birthplace of Zeus. That’s quite a claim to fame but not content to just be historically interesting, the island also has a wealth of natural beauty and some of the country’s best beaches.

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Spetses

Despite this rather diminutive size, it has a rich history dating back millennia and has been a favourite of well-to-do Athenians for over a century, now hosting a handful of wonderful boutique hotels.

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Milos

The southwestern-most of the Cyclades, it encapsulates the beautiful beaches, rustic white-washed houses, cyan waters, great food and rich history of its neighbours without the crowds of Santorini or Mykonos.

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Folegandros

Positioned in the southern reaches of the Cyclades and surrounded by the glistening blues of the Aegean Sea, Folegandros is a beautiful and largely undiscovered island, currently emerging as a rewarding and laid-back haven.

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Meet your Europe team

When to visit

Greece is known for glorious summer weather, blazing sunshine and clear blue skies from May to September. This is typically the best time to visit Greece – the country is full of life and temperatures reach the late 30s. It’s also peak season, though, so many tourists descend on the small island.

Beach Break

Beach Break

June - September

Religious Celebrations

Religious Celebrations

March - April

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When Is the Best Time to Visit Greece?

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Plan your trip to Athens

Whatever you want from your adventure in Athens, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Why book with Jacada?

Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

Responsible travel

Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

Plan with peace of mind

When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.

If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.

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