Athens and Surroundings
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Giovanna Crippa

Cheffe de produit Europe

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David Praire

Directeur

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Kristiina Gaillard

Experte des voyages dans les Alpes et en Scandinavie

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Athens, the finest of preludes

Most of our trips to the Cyclades, the Peloponnese, Kythira, or the Ionian Islands depart from Athens or return there. It is the perfect opportunity to turn a simple transit into a genuine stay. Picture this: setting down your bags in a charming hotel at the foot of the Acropolis, strolling through the lanes of Plaka where laundry dries between bougainvillea, sitting at a terrace for a meze with a glass of ouzo while the sun sets the Parthenon ablaze.

The Monastiraki neighbourhood, with its flea market and lively tavernas, reveals another side of the capital. The Central Market, a true Athenian institution, plunges you into the aromas of marinated olives, aged cheeses, and aromatic herbs. And if you are curious about history, the National Archaeological Museum houses one of the finest collections of antiquities in the world, perfect fuel for the imagination before you set foot on the island trails.

Our Kelifos advisors can arrange your hotel booking in Athens as well as airport transfers, for a start to your trip with no logistical concerns whatsoever.

17 trips departing from Athens: from the Cyclades to the secret islands

Athens is the natural starting point for most of our walking trips and cycling holidays in Greece. From the port of Piraeus or the capital's bus stations, ferries and shuttles carry you in just a few hours to some of the most unspoilt islands and coastlines in the Mediterranean.

• The Cyclades: nine of our trips depart from Athens towards Sifnos, Naxos, Amorgos, Serifos, or Milos. Shepherd trails, hilltop chapels, turquoise coves, and village tavernas fill days to be savoured without haste. Discover all our Cyclades trips.
• The Peloponnese: two trips take you to explore the Mani and its medieval towers, or the orange groves of Nafplio. Departure is from Athens, crossing the Corinth Canal. See our Peloponnese trips.
• Kythira: a confidential island between the Peloponnese and Crete, Kythira is reached by a short flight or a ferry from the southern Peloponnese. Two of our trips lead there, departing from Athens. Learn more about Kythira.
• The Ionian Islands: some of our trips to Corfu, Ithaca, or the Saronic Gulf islands also pass through Athens. Explore our Ionian Islands trips.

Whether you choose a guided trip with an expert guide or a self-guided stay at your own pace, every itinerary is designed so that the journey between Athens and your destination is smooth and enjoyable.

Two days in Athens: our suggestions to make the most of it

You do not need a packed schedule to appreciate Athens. Two days are enough to taste the essentials, at a gentle pace.

Day one: the Acropolis and Plaka. In the morning, climb towards the Parthenon before the heat sets in. The view from the sacred hill sweeps across the entire city to the sea. Descend via the northern slopes of the Acropolis, through the neighbourhood of Anafiotika, a small Cycladic village nestled in the heart of Athens. Lunch is taken in Plaka, at one of those family tavernas where the tzatziki is homemade and the house wine flows generously.

Day two: markets and museums. Head to the Central Market for a sensory immersion among the stalls of fish, meats, and spices. Then the National Archaeological Museum, where Mycenaean treasures and classical sculptures are the perfect preparation for the discoveries awaiting you on the Greek trails. In the evening, treat yourself to dinner on a Monastiraki rooftop: the view of the illuminated Acropolis is a memory you will never forget.

Why entrust your Athens stay to Kelifos

Organising a stay in Athens before or after your trip means giving yourself a gentle transition between everyday life and escape. Rather than rushing between the airport and the port, you arrive rested, already steeped in Greek light and Mediterranean flavours. Kelifos takes care of everything: selecting a well-located hotel with character, arranging the airport transfer, and providing personalised recommendations from our advisors who know Athens inside out.

With over 40 years of expertise in Greece, we have built lasting relationships with trusted local partners. Your Athenian stay fits seamlessly into your trip, with no stress and no wasted time. All that remains is for you to enjoy.

Want to extend the adventure beyond Athens? Crete and its spectacular gorges, mountain villages, and legendary cuisine await you for an entirely different chapter of Greece. Our advisors will be happy to compose a custom trip combining the capital and the islands of your dreams.