Where to Stay in Athens: Centre, Piraeus, Riviera & Sounio

Athens is the start and end of most trips to Greece, and where you stay depends on what comes next: the sights of the old city, an early ferry from Piraeus, a few days by the sea on the Athens Riviera, or a quiet night near the airport. Here is how to choose, and the partner hotels we book for our guests.

Choosing your base

• Plaka, Makrygianni & Psyrri – walk to the Acropolis, the museums and the tavernas – best for a first visit.
• Piraeus – the port for the islands – best the night before an early ferry or a yacht charter.
• The Athens Riviera – Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, by the sea and half an hour from the centre.
• Lagonissi, Anavyssos & Sounio – beach resorts on the road to the Temple of Poseidon.
• East Attica – Rafina, Marathon and Markopoulo, close to the airport and the port of Rafina.

Central Athens, near the Acropolis

We work directly with these properties. All prices on request – we send you a personal offer.

Piraeus, for the ferries

We work directly with these properties. All prices on request – we send you a personal offer.

The Athens Riviera

We work directly with these properties. All prices on request – we send you a personal offer.

Lagonissi, Anavyssos & Sounio

We work directly with these properties. All prices on request – we send you a personal offer.

East Attica, near the airport

We work directly with these properties. All prices on request – we send you a personal offer.

How to get there

Athens airport is about 35 km from the centre, 40 minutes by car. Our private transfers take you straight to your hotel: Airport – city centre, Airport – Piraeus port, Airport – Rafina port, Athens – Cape Sounio. See all our transfer routes.

What to do

• See the Acropolis with a guide on our Athens City & Acropolis tour.
• Watch the sunset at the Temple of Poseidon on our Cape Sounion tour.
• Take a day cruise to Hydra, Poros & Aegina.
• Plan the next step – read the best day trips from Athens.
• Continue to the mountains: where to stay in mountain Arcadia.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best area to stay in Athens for a first visit?

Plaka, Makrygianni and Psyrri, at the foot of the Acropolis. You can walk to the main sights, the museums and plenty of tavernas.

Should I stay in Piraeus before a ferry?

Yes, if your ferry leaves early in the morning. Hotels such as The Port Square and Athenarum Portus are a few minutes from the gates, and we can drive you to the right one.

Can I stay by the sea near Athens?

Yes. The Athens Riviera – Glyfada and Vouliagmeni – is about half an hour from the centre, and the resorts of Lagonissi, Anavyssos and Sounio are a little further along the coast.