Athens is one of the best destinations to combine with a holiday in Chania, offering a completely different side of Greece while remaining easily accessible from Crete. While Chania captivates visitors with its Old Harbour and beautiful beaches, Athens complements the experience with world-famous archaeological sites, vibrant neighbourhoods, exceptional gastronomy, and exciting nightlife.
Whether you spend a few days before or after your stay in Chania, Greece’s capital provides countless opportunities for sightseeing, cultural exploration, shopping, dining, and day trips. From ancient landmarks such as the Acropolis to seaside escapes along the Athens Riviera, there are plenty of things to see and do in Athens, making it a worthwhile addition to any Crete itinerary.
DISCOVER: BEST THINGS TO SEE & DO | BEST NEIGHBOURHOODS | BEST BEACHES | TOP EXCURSIONS | HOW TO TRAVEL | PHOTOS | TOURS | TRANSFERS
Why Visit Athens
Athens is one of Europe’s most fascinating capital cities, combining thousands of years of history with a modern urban lifestyle. As the birthplace of democracy and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Athens offers an unparalleled cultural experience. Visitors can explore iconic ancient monuments, world-class museums, lively markets, and charming neighbourhoods while enjoying a dynamic food scene that ranges from traditional tavernas to award-winning restaurants. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with rooftop bars, cocktail lounges, beach clubs, and music venues catering to every taste.
Athens appeals to all types of travellers thanks to its:
- Rich cultural heritage and archaeological treasures
- Countless attractions and activities
- Excellent gastronomy and local cuisine
- Bustling nightlife and entertainment (bars, clubs, bouzoukia)
- Easy access to beaches and nearby islands
- Convenient transport connections with Chania and the rest of Greece
Top Things to Do and See in Athens
Visit the Acropolis and the Parthenon
No visit to Athens is complete without exploring the Acropolis, the city’s most famous landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The magnificent Parthenon dominates the hilltop and offers spectacular views across Athens.
Explore the Acropolis Museum
Located at the foot of the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum houses an extraordinary collection of artefacts from ancient Athens and provides valuable insight into the city’s history.
Discover the Ancient Ruins
Athens is filled with impressive archaeological sites including the Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Library, Kerameikos, and the Theatre of Dionysus.
Wander Through Plaka and Anafiotika
Plaka is one of Athens’ oldest neighbourhoods, known for its picturesque streets, traditional houses, local tavernas, and souvenir shops. Hidden within Plaka is Anafiotika, a charming enclave resembling a Cycladic island village, with whitewashed houses and narrow alleyways.
Visit Lake Vouliagmeni
One of Athens’ most unique natural attractions, Lake Vouliagmeni is a thermal lake surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Its mineral-rich waters maintain a pleasant temperature throughout the year.
Watch the Changing of the Guard
At Syntagma Square, visitors can witness the ceremonial changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Greek Parliament. The Evzones, dressed in traditional uniforms, perform one of the city’s most photographed ceremonies.
Walk to Filopappou Hill
Filopappou Hill offers some of the finest views of the Acropolis and provides a peaceful escape from the busy city centre.
Climb Lycabettus Hill
The highest point in central Athens, Lycabettus Hill rewards visitors with panoramic views stretching from the Acropolis to the Aegean Sea.
Visit Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
Located on the southern tip of Attica, Cape Sounion is famous for the spectacular Temple of Poseidon and breathtaking sunset views over the sea.
Explore the Panathenaic Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium is the only stadium in the world built entirely from marble and hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
Discover the Athens Riviera
Stretching along the city’s southern coastline, the Athens Riviera offers beaches, marinas, seaside restaurants, luxury resorts, and scenic coastal drives.
Visit Piraeus and Zea Marina
Piraeus is Greece’s largest port and a destination in its own right. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, enjoy seafood restaurants, and explore the elegant Zea Marina.
Additional Attractions Worth Visiting
Other highlights include the National Archaeological Museum, Monastiraki Square, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, the National Garden, Psyrri, and the Central Market of Athens.
Best Neighbourhoods in Athens
- Plaka: Athens’ most famous historic district, ideal for sightseeing, traditional architecture, and easy access to major attractions.
- Koukaki: A trendy and increasingly popular neighbourhood near the Acropolis, known for its cafés, restaurants, and local atmosphere.
- Monastiraki: A lively area famous for shopping, flea markets, street food, nightlife, and excellent Acropolis views.
- Pangrati: A favourite among locals, Pangrati offers a vibrant dining scene, stylish cafés, and a more authentic Athens experience.
- Neos Kosmos: An up-and-coming district with excellent transport connections, local restaurants, and a less touristy atmosphere.
- Thisio: One of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in Athens, featuring pedestrian streets, outdoor cafés, and views of the Acropolis.
- Syntagma: The heart of modern Athens, Syntagma is ideal for visitors seeking easy access to shopping, transportation, and major landmarks.
Best Beaches in Athens
One of the advantages of visiting Athens during spring and summer is the variety of beaches located along the Attica coastline. However, visitors should note that distances can be significant, with some beaches located over an hour from the city centre.
- Astir Beach (Asteras Vouliagmenis): One of the most famous organised beaches in Greece, offering crystal-clear waters, luxury facilities, and a premium beach experience.
- Vouliagmeni Beach: A popular and easily accessible beach located along the Athens Riviera.
- Lake Vouliagmeni: While not technically a beach, the lake is one of the area’s most unique swimming spots.
- Yabanaki Beach, Varkiza: A large organised beach with water sports, beach bars, and family-friendly facilities.
- Thimari Beach, Anavyssos: A quieter beach destination ideal for visitors looking to escape the crowds.
- Legrena Beach: A scenic beach near Cape Sounion known for its clear waters and natural surroundings.
- Schinias Beach: One of the largest sandy beaches in the Athens region, popular with families and nature lovers.
- Akti Tou Iliou: A well-organised urban beach that is easily accessible from central Athens.
- Lagonisi: Known for its picturesque coves and crystal-clear waters.
- Mavro Lithari: A favourite among locals, offering a more laid-back atmosphere than some of the Riviera’s busier beaches.
- KAPE Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches near Athens, famous for its turquoise waters and dramatic setting.
- Sounio Beaches: The beaches around Cape Sounion combine excellent swimming opportunities with visits to the Temple of Poseidon.
Best Excursions from Athens
One of the best reasons to visit Athens during spring and summer is the wide variety of day trips and excursions available.
- Saronic Islands: The nearby Saronic Islands are among the most popular excursions from Athens. Regular ferries and organised cruises operate throughout the tourist season. Many visitors choose full-day island-hopping tours that combine two or three islands in a single excursion.
- Delphi: One of Greece’s most important archaeological sites, Delphi was considered the centre of the ancient world.
- Epidaurus and Mycenae: These UNESCO-listed sites offer an extraordinary glimpse into ancient Greek civilisation and are often combined into a single day trip.
- Nafplio: Often considered Greece’s most beautiful small city, Nafplio is known for its Venetian architecture, seaside setting, and charming atmosphere.
- Meteora: Famous for its monasteries perched atop towering rock formations, Meteora is one of Greece’s most spectacular destinations.
- Mount Olympus: The legendary home of the ancient Greek gods offers hiking, nature, and stunning mountain scenery.
How to Travel from Chania to Athens
Travelling between Chania and Athens is straightforward, with year-round ferry and flight connections available.
Ferry from Chania (Souda Port) to Athens (Piraeus Port)
The ferry route between Souda Port in Chania and Piraeus Port in Athens operates year-round.
- Travel time: approximately 8–9 hours
- Daily overnight departures available year-round
- Ticket prices typically start from €40–€60 per person for standard seating
- Cabin options are available at an additional cost
- Many travellers choose the overnight ferry to maximise their holiday time and arrive in Athens early in the morning.
Flight from Chania Airport (CHQ) to Athens International Airport (ATH)
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between Chania and Athens.
- Flight time: approximately 50–55 minutes
- Multiple daily departures throughout the year
- Operated by Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, and Sky Express
- One-way fares typically range from €40–€120 depending on season and booking period
- Athens International Airport is located around 35 kilometres from the city centre and is connected by metro, suburban railway, buses, and taxis.
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