Are you visiting Athens in the winter? This post explains what kind of weather to expect, what to pack, activities to do and where to eat!
In general, Athens is very underrated! When I hear people speak about Greece, I feel like I only hear about Mykonos or Santorini, but I rarely hear about Athens. After visiting Athens, I find this baffling!
Between the people of Athens, the history at every corner, the delicious food and the atmosphere throughout the city, it was unbeatable. When you start walking through the street of Athens, you really feel the history of this beautiful city.
Just looking at photos of Athens makes we want to go back. It's one of those cities where you don't even glance at your phone. You just want to keep your head up and take in the amazing sights at every corner.
Is Athens worth visiting in the winter?
Visiting Athens in the winter is a great idea for a few reasons:
- Beautiful weather!
- Less crowded!
- Shorter lines!
- CHEAP FLIGHTS!
Keep in mind, this is considered the off-season for Athens travel. Typically, stays and flights are MUCH cheaper than in-season times.
Let's get started on weather, what to pack, activities to do and places to eat and drink!
What are winters like in Athens?
We visited Athens during the end of November. The weather was PERFECT! It was sunny and warm during the days and cooled off at night. We were more than comfortable with a light jacket.
- In November, the high on average is 65 degrees Fahrenheit and the low is around 53 degrees Fahrenheit.
- December is actually quite similar! In December, the high is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit and the low is around 47 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In January, the high is around 58 degrees Fahrenheit and the low is around 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In February, the high is around 53 degrees Fahrenheit and the low is around 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
The weather in Athens in the winter is a great escape from the cold, frigid winter weather in other countries and states. You can sign us up for any escape from a New Jersey winter!
What to pack for Athens in the winter
Krista and I were able to travel with just a carry on and a backbag each for our stay! We stayed for 6 nights total. As the weather was so nice, we really didn't have to pack too much. We generally walk A LOT during our vacations. It's the best way to see what cities are like and you definitely get warm doing so.
- A jacket (wear one on the plane, now you have 2 😉 )
- comfortable shoes (cobblestone streets throughout the city)
- clothes to layer
Athens in the winter is like a nice fall day in New Jersey. Layering is best so you're prepared for warmer days and cooler nights!
Activities to do in Athens in the winter
- Visit the Acropolis
- Stroll through Plaka
- Walk up Mount Lycabettus
- Visit Glyfada
- Thessio Flea Market
1. Visit the Acropolis
The Acropolis is a hilltop where the remains of many ancient ruins still sit. This is where you'll find the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, Odeon of Herodes Atticus and many other structures. It's an incredible sight to see when you understand just how old everything is and the history behind it all.
It's amazing how the Acropolis is visible from all parts of the city center of Athens. There's something about taking a seat and seeing the sun shine over the Acropolis that just makes you smile and appreciate where you are. There's so much history, it is not to be missed!
As I said, the Acropolis is a hilltop. The walk is up a pretty big hill but it is a pleasant walk with all the nature and ruins around you. I highly recommend you wear comfortable shoes for this walk! Also be sure to give yourself enough time to really see everything. There's so much to see and learn about.
The wonderful thing about visiting during the off-season is that it's less busy. You can experience the beauty of this place without the excessive heat and large crowds. You can also get better pictures!
We bought our tickets at https://www.acropolis-tickets.com/acropolis-of-athens/. There are many different sites where you can buy tickets.
2. Stroll through Plaka
Plaka is such a wonderful little area in the city center of Athens. The shopping in Plaka was really great! There were so many unique stores with different jewelry, trinkets, handmade decor and so many other things. Krista and I bought a beautiful handmade olive tree decor piece from a small shop in Plaka.
Just above Plaka there is an area called Anafiotika. I'm sure you've seen this place on so many social media accounts and different blogs, but it's really worth the trip. The colors of the old homes and windy streets right under the Acropolis is such an awe inspiring sight. It is a residential area so you have to make sure to be quiet and respectful!
Plaka also has some great restaurant and bar choices as well. So after you're shopping you have plenty of food and drink options to choose from!
3. Walk Up Mount Lycabettus
This is really a hidden gem. We actually ended up finding this through a recommendation from a waiter at a restaurant!
Fair warning, it is a bit of a hike up if you choose to walk. You know us by now, we love walking so we did it. The walk took us about an hour with the occasional stops for pictures. So please again wear comfortable shoes and layers because you will definitely get sweaty! If you don't want to walk, there is a cable car, but I'm not sure how much it costs.
The views were UNBELIEVABLE! Once you get to the top, you get 360 degree views of Athens. At the top, there's an old church that's white and blue. If you can make it there for sunrise or sunset, that would be ideal!
I forgot to mention the best part.... IT'S FREE!
4. Visit Glyfada
Fun Fact: Glyfada is actually in Athens! It's just not in the city center.
To get to Glyfada, all you need to do is hop on the Atlantic Coastal Tram from Syntagma Square. It is a 45 minute ride. Since the tram is above ground, you get to see other neighborhoods and views of the water along your way. A roundtrip ticket cost less than 5 euro! You have to buy your ticket at Syntagma Square, you CAN'T buy it online.
Glyfada is known for its beach and beautiful square filled with shops and restaurants. We couldn't believe it, people were actual swimming in the ocean and sun bathing in the middle of November! To be fair, it was pretty warm out during the day.
We only spent a few hours in Glyfada, but we'd recommend it. We had a special romantic lunch there at a restaurant called Ark. It costs more money than typical restaurants in Athens, but it is a fancier restaurant. It's a beautiful place. We sat next to the ocean and had shrimp cooked on a rock in front of us. Honestly, it was the price of a typical dinner in New York/New Jersey. I felt like we were still ahead.
5. Thessio Flea Market
We stayed in Monastiraki during our stay In Athens. THIS is the link to the airbnb we stayed in. It was the cheapest accommodation we've ever stayed in. It was $53 a night. How crazy is that!? Anyway, we found this flea market because it was right near our airbnb. We went there every morning and purchased more items. There are so many awesome street vendors at the market. They sold a lot of handmade jewelry, wallets and decor. Most of the items were handmade by the people selling them. All the items were super unique and cheap. Plus, it was so nice talking to the local artists. You can grab gifts for family and friends here as well!
Places To Eat
1. O Thanasis
Mitropoleos 69, Athina 105 55, Greece
Great place for a casual sit down lunch or take away gyros! Highly recommended by our airbnb host. A take away gyro is less than 3 euro.
2. Avli
Ag. Dimitriou 12, Athina 105 54, Greece
Super authentic greek food in a hidden, underground restaurant. It was a fun experience, great food and it was less than 30 euro for dinner for two! Keep in mind, it gets really crowded and they don't take reservations.
3. Taverna Klimataria
Pl. Theatrou 2, Athina 105 52, Greece
I don't even have the words to describe this place. We actually ordered almost the whole menu! Please go. It does get super packed so make sure to make a reservation ahead of time!
4. Tylixto
Aiolou 19 TYLIXTO, Aiolou 19, Athina 105 51, Greece
Another yummy spot to stop for gyros. This is more of a grab and go place with limited seating outside.
5. Stou Mamma
Christokopidou 7, Athina 105 54, Greece
Here you'll find authentic and delicious Greek cuisine. We made reservations to get in here and we recommend you do the same. It is a smaller taverna. The food was out of this world, but the service was also top notch! The waiter took his time to give us recommendations like to go to Glyfada.
Places to Drink
1. Clumsies
Praxitelous 30, Athina 105 61, Greece
We went here three times during our even day stay in Athens. Between the vibes in there and the creative and delicious drinks, there was no reason to look elsewhere! It's voted one of the top bars in the world and we see why. Our favorite drink there was called Popeye and Olive.
2. Juan Rodriguez Bar
Pallados 3, Athina 105 54, Greece
Another bar with a really different vibe and great drinks. We shared a couple of drinks here.
3. Ermou 18 Beyond the Horizon (Rooftop)
Ermou 18, Athina 105 63, Greece
This rooftop had an amazing views of Athens with the Acropolis sitting right under the sun. It was pretty spectacular. We didn't venture out here. We just ordered a classic gin and tonic.
Places for Coffee/Dessert
1. Dope Coffee
Vissis 25, Athina 105 51, Greece
Coffee is a MUST here. Dope coffee was our go-to for a caffeine fix. They have awesome espresso drinks and some good pastries as well. Don't miss it!
2. Nancy's Sweet Home
Pl. Iroon 1, Athina 105 54, Greece
If you love sweets, this place is for you. They have delicious cakes and treats, but the portions are MASSIVE! Keep that in mind here. We recommend sharing a piece of cake. It's a great place to people watch and enjoy the holiday lights throughout that street if you're there during the season.
3. Underground Coffee
Iraklidon 8, Athina 118 51, Greece
We found this place because it was near our airbnb. The coffee and the babka were drool worthy. The service was also wonderful. The waitress was nice enough to give us a list of attractions and bars. Make sure to stop here!
4. LUKUMAΔΕΣ (Lukumades)
Eolou 21, & Aghias Irinis Str, Athina 105 51, Greece
This place has the best lukumades. They are basically like mini donut balls served with honey syrup and cinnamon. They offer many different varieties and flavors from sweet to savory.
In conclusion...
Visiting Athens in the winter is an amazing idea. The prices are lower, it's less crowded, there are so many things to do and the temperature is nice. We hope that this post convinces you to head to Athens in the winter!
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