Fly to Athens

The Acropolis is the very center of historic Athens. A visit to the Acropolis hill is mandatory for anyone who has not previously been to Athens. There are mighty dimensions to the ancient temples with the Parthenon temple being the largest and most famous. This temple is visible from much of Athens and is beautifully illuminated in the evening.

If you are in Athens during the hottest time of the summer it is recommended to visit the Acropolis in the morning before the most intense heat sets in.

On the way down from the Acropolis hill, it is a good idea to visit the Acropolis Museum, which opened in 2009. This architecturally exciting museum is built over old ruins and displays artefacts found in connection with the excavations on the Acropolis.

Between museums and old monuments, Plaka provides a fun break. This is an area with lots of small shops and restaurants close together. Here you will find everything from local ceramics and antiques to clothes, jewelery and musical instruments alongside specialist shops for olive oil. Truly a myriad of impressions.

Have a lunch or dinner in Plaka Stairs. A long staircase, with restaurants next door to each other and beyond the stairs. Good atmosphere!

The Saronic Islands are close to Athens, and the most famous is probably Aegina. By fast ferry, it takes 40 minutes from Piraeus to Aegina. Although the island is close to Athens, there is little doubt that you are on a small island with the sea and tourism as the main industries. From Aegina you can also take a ferry to the town of Methana on the Peloponnese peninsula.

Another island gem is Hydra, which is about a 1.5 hour boat trip from Piraeus. The island was popular among a number of cultural figures in the 60s and beyond the 70s. There are still no cars on the island and all transport is by donkey, which contributes to the general pace of Hydra. Everything takes place at a leisurely holiday pace.

If you enjoy riding horses, there are several providers of guided tours up in the mountains. There are many great opportunities for running, and of course also swimming from the cliffs. Join us as the local youngsters jump from the cliffs outside at Spilia Beach Bar. That's high!

In addition to some resorts around the island, there are several hotels in all price ranges in Hydra town. It is also very nice to rent a house here if you prefer. It is worth noting that Hydra is very seasonal, so after the autumn holidays there is virtually no activity here. Many of those who live and work in the service industry here have other jobs in Athens for the rest of the year.

Postcard-beautiful Santorini as well as the islands of Naxos, Paros and Ios are among the more famous islands in the Cyclades. There are ferries from the ports of Athens; Rafina and Piraeus, depending on which of the islands you are going to and departure time.

The fast ferries to Naxos and Paros take around 3.5 hours, while you can take cheaper and large car ferries which take around 5 hours. Add an hour further to Santorini. From Santorini there is also a ferry to Crete.

Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos belong to the Sporades archipelago. These relatively lush islands are located in the Aegean Sea northeast of Athens. It is 18 miles from the airport to the ferry port in Agios Konstantinos.

By car, the trip takes about two hours to Agios Konstantinos, where ferries run to all three islands in the Sporades.