A luxury trip to Athens is about more than staying somewhere expensive. The city gives you plenty of opportunities to make your time there more comfortable, from choosing the right place to stay to arranging private transport and booking experiences in advance. With a little planning before you travel, you can spend less time dealing with practical details and more time enjoying the city.
Book a Private Transfer From the Airport in Advance
Arriving in a new city can be tiring, especially after a long flight. Having a private transfer waiting for you at Athens International Airport means you can avoid queues and the uncertainty of finding a taxi when you arrive.
Booking a private transfer in Athens in advance also means your driver will already have your flight details and destination. You can simply collect your luggage, meet your driver and head straight to your accommodation.
It is worth checking the details of the service before paying, including whether luggage is included and what happens if your flight is delayed. These small details can make the arrival much less stressful.
Rent a Good Property in Athens for a Long Stay
If you are planning to spend a week or more, renting a high-quality property in Athens can make the trip feel much more comfortable. Having a proper living area, a well-equipped kitchen and outdoor space gives you somewhere to relax when you are not out exploring.
The area you choose will have a big impact on your stay. Kolonaki is known for its upmarket shops and restaurants, while Plaka puts you close to many of the city's historic sights. Koukaki has a more local feel, and the southern suburbs offer easier access to the coast.
Look beyond the photographs when choosing a property. Check the exact location, facilities, privacy and transport links, particularly if you are going to be staying for several weeks.
Reserve Restaurants Before You Arrive
Athens has no shortage of places to eat, but the restaurants you really want to try may not always have a table available at short notice. If there are particular restaurants you have heard about or want to visit, it makes sense to reserve them before travelling.
You can mix more formal meals with smaller local restaurants and tavernas. Rooftop dining is also worth considering, especially if you would like to enjoy dinner with views towards the Acropolis.
At the same time, avoid planning every meal too far ahead. Leaving a few evenings open gives you the freedom to follow recommendations or stop somewhere that catches your attention while walking around the city.
Arrange Private Tours and Experiences
One advantage of planning a luxury holiday is that you can make certain experiences more personal. Instead of joining a large tour, you could arrange a private guide for the Acropolis or explore Athens with someone who can tailor the experience around your interests.
There are plenty of other possibilities too. A private food tour can introduce you to parts of the city you might otherwise miss, while a boat trip along the coast provides a completely different way to spend an afternoon.
You do not need to book something for every day. Choosing a few experiences that genuinely interest you will leave plenty of time for everything else.
Make Time for the Athenian Riviera
It is easy to spend an entire Athens trip around the Acropolis, museums and historic centre, but the city has another side worth seeing. The Athenian Riviera stretches along the coast and includes areas such as Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, where you will find beaches, restaurants, cafs and marinas.
Set aside at least a day to explore the coastline without rushing. You could spend the morning beside the sea, have lunch overlooking the water and return to central Athens later.
That slower pace can be particularly enjoyable after several busy days of sightseeing, and it gives you a chance to experience a different side of the Greek capital.
