WELCOME TO ATHENS
Cruise Nation are delighted to bring you our great range of Athens Cruise & Stay Holidays. These packages all feature a cruise sailing from the port of Piraeus. This means that Cruise Nation bring you massive choice on cruise lines to sail with throughout the year. Our Athens Smart Packages feature FREE stays in one of many handpicked hotels which are all centrally located in Athens providing you with the ideal base from which to explore all that this exciting destination has to offer.
With our Athens Cruise & Stay packages, your flights will always be included. We also offer flights from a number of regional airports throughout the UK giving you much greater flexibility and making your holiday experience as smooth as possible.
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A trip to Athens wouldn’t possibly be complete without visiting the ancient ruins. By touring the city you’ll quickly discover a collection of archaeological sites located within the central areas. This is evidence of past civilisations that are still scattered across this bustling metropolis today. The main sites of ancient ruins to tick off your travel list are Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Zeus. These hot spots, plus many more, are all connected via continuous pedestrian pathways that span across several districts and shopping areas.
Athens isn’t just about the expansive heritage, which is why so many tourists venture to this wonderful Greek paradise to experience the best of both worlds. The Athenian Riviera is a breezy and pleasurable place to soak up the sun and with the latest, modern tram network, it’s easier than ever to access the city’s most sought after beaches, coastal shopping locations and incredible dining establishments.
If you’re a theatre fanatic then what better way to spend your time in Athens than in the place where the first theatrical plays were written? Whether you’re looking for comedy or tragedy, Athens is home to some of the most famous writers including Sophocles, Euripides, Aeschylus and Aristophanes. If you are very lucky, you may even have the opportunity to watch a play on the Roman Theatre of Irodis and feel part of the ancient festivals honoured by the god, Dionysus.
Weather in The Mediterranean
Often described as an underrated cuisine, Greek food is something you certainly don’t want to miss out on whilst in Athens. With a diet that is rich in protein, vegetables, cheese, olive oil, herbs, lemon and seafood, the Greeks know how to tempt the appetites of travellers from all over the globe. If you’re a fan of coffee then you will also be in luck because the Greeks certainly love sitting back and relaxing with a warm drink which is why there is nothing quite like settling down in the sun with a coffee at a trendy cafe in Kolonaki Square.
Athens is the perfect destination not only for sun-seekers but for fun -seekers too. If you fancy sipping on a glass of chilled wine or beer in the setting sun, you can venture out to one of the many pubs and bars across town. But don’t let your hands do all the talking because with traditional Greek music in a superb, vibrant atmosphere, you can visit a range of nightclubs where you can dance till you drop.
Things to do in Athens
The Acropolis
The Acropolis is one of Greece’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites, and it is by far the most impressive…
The Acropolis
Millions of visitors head to the Acropolis each year to see the imposing structures which loom tall over Athens. The Acropolis itself is made up of three temples, all relatively intact from the fifth century BC. This should be the first stop on your Athens holiday.
Plaka
Plaka is Athens’ oldest residential area…
Plaka
It hides in the hillside below the Acropolis and is always a hive of activity. It’s always full of tourists but it still retains a traditional, village feel. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and museums to spend many a hour touring this lovely village.
Mt Lycabettus
Mt Lycabettus is Athens’ highest vantage point…
Mt Lycabettus
It gives you stunning views across Athens and the Acropolis. A steep path leads to the top and if you’re not feeling that energetic you can take the funicular tramway which leaves Kolonaki every 30 minutes.
Acropolis Museum
This museum is not your typical museum…
Acropolis Museum
Light and welcoming, it wants you to explore Athens’ ancient history in modern times. Famous archaic and classical finds from the Acropolis can be found here. The Parthenon Gallery is particularly impressive.
Restaurants in Athens
Funky Gourmet
As a two Michelin starred restaurant, expectations can be high when visiting Funky Gourmet. The restaurant delivers on every front, it’s innovative, creative and above all delicious. The food is aimed to activate your senses and engage their guests in an exciting way. Each of their menus use local products and change with the season. Enjoy Greek dining in a way you’ve never before.
Strofi
This wonderfully located restaurant has some of the best views in Athens. Perched just below the Acropolis you get a beautiful view of the Parthenon whilst enjoying your fine food and wine. It has a traditional Greek menu but incorporates a twist, so expect some surprises when it comes to your traditional Greek fares.
Klimataria
If you want classical Athens, Klimataria is the restaurant for you. Located in the centre of Athens, wine barrels line the walls, live music fills the space and the aroma of good food reaches the courtyard. This restaurant delivers authentic home cooking at an affordable price, that you can enjoy with the locals.
Aleria
Aleria’s beautiful surroundings set expectations high. Its situated in a mansion, an old tile floor welcomes you in and a courtyard is waiting for you around the back once you’ve had your fill and are off exploring. Aleria offers an impressive, extensive set of menus. From a la carte, to cheese to tasting menus, there’s something for everyone.
Athens Nightlife
Brettos
Open since 1909, Brettos is the oldest bar in Athens. Various spirits line the walls, providing a colourful backdrop for the bar. Wooden barrels used by its founder all those years ago can be found perched against a wall in the bar. The warm atmosphere of the bar along with its almost unlimited amount of drink options, means Brettos is one of the best bars in Athens.
Galaxy Bar
If you want stunning views with your cocktails then Galaxy Bar is for you. Situated on the top floor of the Hilton Hotel, the Acropolis sits to your right meaning spectacular floodlit views of the Parthenon every night. The modern, chic bar provides the perfect location for a romantic drink with Athens in all its glory as your backdrop.
TAF
For a more of a relaxed evening, head to The Art Foundation (TAF). A cosy, modern courtyard overhung with greenery makes having a drink here a pleasure. Painting exhibitions and sculptures can be found as you wander through the building. The team at TAF have made the bar a focal point for chilled out evenings.
Events in Athens
The Acropolis in Lego Bricks
For something a bit different on your holiday, why not visit The Acropolis Museum in December. For two weeks in December, the Acropolis is recreated in all its glory in Lego bricks. Made up from more than 120,000 bricks, this creation is nearly as impressive as the Acropolis itself.
Athens and Epidaurus Festival
This festival is the annual arts festival and is a highlight of the Greek calendar. It incoproates a full programme of music, theatre and dance. It is a wonderful mix of modern and classic and is well worth visiting an event if you’re in the city.