Weekend in Athens

A weekend in Athens in the winter? Yes, especially in the winter! As far as we're concerned, Athens is *the* city for a few days away. Hip, trendy, a tad chaotic, incredibly lively, and with a restaurant and wine scene that has seen a huge amount of action in recent years. And then you get the Acropolis, the museums, and 2,500 years of history thrown in for good measure.

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But there is another reason why we like Athens so much, especially in the winter.

In winter, the sun often simply shines, and during the day the temperature regularly hovers around 15 degrees. So, with a bit of luck, you can be sitting on a terrace having lunch in mid-December wearing your sunglasses. Of course, it can rain, and you really do need a coat in the evening – we aren't going to sell summer in December – but it is still a very different winter than back home.

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And then Christmas in Athens. You really have to experience that at least once.

Anyone who automatically thinks of London, Paris, Vienna, or a German Christmas market for a Christmas city trip will be quite surprised in Athens. In December, Athens transforms into one gigantic Winter Wonderland. Not just a few streets with some lights, but a complete metropolis of millions that is fully immersed in the Christmas spirit for weeks on end.

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And that is precisely what makes December in Athens so special: you walk through an enormous Winter Wonderland, while it can easily be 15 degrees during the day and you are sitting on a terrace in the sun a moment later.

Christmas atmosphere and winter sun. 

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But honestly, January and February are at least as interesting. The Christmas rush is over, the city is quieter, and hotel prices are often a bit more reasonable. It is much easier to visit the Acropolis and the museums, and even in these months there are plenty of sunny days when the terraces are simply packed.

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And make no mistake: Athens does not hibernate.

This is a metropolis of millions where life goes on all year round. New restaurants, rooftop bars, wine bars, coffee shops, and small shops are springing up everywhere. Psyri is completely different from chic Kolonaki, and just a few streets away, you suddenly find yourself among the stalls of the central market. It is precisely this combination of old and new that makes Athens so charming.

Of course you have to see the Acropolis. Of course Plaka is part of it. But for us, the best part actually only starts after that.

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The Athens we really know.

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Our favorite: Athens with a gastronomic touch

We have put together a weekend that we would enjoy ourselves: three nights in the heart of the city, delicious food, good Greek wine, and enough free time to explore on your own.

You will stay in a lovely 4-star hotel in the city center and choose what suits you best: Athens by bike or four hours of dining during our Gourmet Food Tour.

🧿 The bike tour through Athens.
One of the most enjoyable ways to see a lot in a short time. And yes, the first reaction is often: cycling in Athens, are you crazy? Not at all. The route is cleverly chosen, and with a fun local guide, you see a surprising amount of the city in just a few hours.

🧿 OR: the Gourmet Food Tour
If you think: leave the bike behind, I'd rather eat, then choose this. For four hours, you walk through the city center with a local and, above all: you taste a whole lot. No tourist bites here and there, but a real introduction to what Athenians themselves eat and where they get it.

Our tip: don't have an elaborate breakfast. Really.

And then there is the wine. Because Greek wine is now a completely different story than what many people still have in mind. During an extensive tasting, you will sample five different top Greek wines, naturally accompanied by delicious snacks. You absolutely do not need to be a wine connoisseur. Being curious is enough.

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What is included?

🧿 3 nights in a luxury 4-star hotel in the heart of Athens, such as Hotel Anasa in Monastiraki or similar, including breakfast.

🧿 The bike tour or the Gourmet Food Tour. You choose.

🧿 Extensive wine tasting with five different Greek wines and snacks.

🧿 Our own tips for Athens: where to eat, where to have a glass of wine, and the places we like ourselves.

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Pay attention to your choice

The base price is calculated based on the bike tour on a regular bicycle.

Would you prefer the Gourmet Food Tour? That costs €15 extra per person.

Would you like to cycle but prefer an e-bike? No problem. We can reserve one for you for a small extra charge.

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From € ... per person

Based on two people in a double room.

Hotel prices in Athens change constantly, which is why we work with a starting price. It can be more expensive around Christmas and New Year. In January and February, however, we often find very attractive prices.

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From the airport to the heart of Athens

That's easy. The metro costs about €10 per person and takes you directly to the city centre. The bus is even slightly cheaper.

Don't feel like taking the metro with your suitcase after the flight? Then we'll have a Tesla taxi come for you. The driver will be waiting for you at the airport and take you straight to your hotel.

Tesla taxi airport – Athens city center: €50 per ride.

We can, of course, arrange this for the return journey as well.

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And what else?

The Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, the central market, Cape Sounion, the Temple of Poseidon… there is plenty to do.

But do us one favor: don't fill every minute.

Athens is so much fun precisely when you wander through a neighborhood without a plan, suddenly spot a nice wine bar, sit down somewhere, and then two hours later think: we were actually supposed to go to that museum.

That museum will still be there tomorrow. 

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Not included

🧿 Flight to Athens
🧿 Airport-hotel transfer, unless booked separately
🧿 Climate Resilience Fee / tourist tax
🧿 Entrance fees for museums and attractions
🧿 One-time booking fee of €30 per booking

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When are we going?

December? For a gigantic Winter Wonderland and the chance to simply sit on a terrace in the winter sun that same afternoon.

January or February? Quieter, often cheaper, and lovely to see the city without the crowds.

And of course, Athens is also an option in the spring and autumn. But if you think in the middle of winter: I just want to get away for a few days – then don't think about London, Paris, or Barcelona.

Think of Athens.

Just send us a WhatsApp message or email with your travel dates and the number of people. Three nights, four nights, as a couple or with a group: we are happy to see what is possible.

Authentic Greece – the Greece we really know. 🧿

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