I stayed a total of 13 days in Athens, Greece. My original plan was to stay 1 week, fly to Crete (stay in Chania and Heraklion), ferry to Santorini with a day trip to Mykonos, and fly back to Athens for a few days before leaving for Spain.
However, plans changed due to the war with Iran. When Crete allowed Israel to use the U.S. military base near Chania, they became an enemy of Iran. With this new threat, I decided to cancel my plans to Crete and stay longer in Athens. I kept my plans for Santorini but didn’t ferry over to Mykonos because of the cold weather.
Anyway, my time in Greece was enjoyable, even though it was colder than expected. According to my estimation, by the time I arrived in Greece, the weather should be around 63-65⁰, but instead if was between 55-58⁰. This is a big difference. I had to purchase some warm clothing, in particular outerwear.
In addition to the cold weather, I arrived on the day the taxi drivers began their strike. The hotel gave me a heads up and arranged for transport from the airport to the hotel, at a much higher price. But when you have no other choice, you pay the fee.
I stayed 1 week at the InterContinental Athenaeum Athens hotel where I was upgraded to a 1-bedroom suite. The bougie girl in me was dancing in her room!!! The InterContinental is where I also get extra perks for being a member of IHG rewards. Instead of checking in at the lobby area with the “common folk”, you are taken to the Executive Lounge to be treated like royalty. Again, the bougie sista in me loves this type of stuff. Another benefit is that I get breakfast, lunch and dinner… FREE (room was also free since I paid with IHG points). Because of the taxi driver’s strike, I ventured out once and that was to the mall for clothing. Other than that, I stayed in the hotel since it was far from most attractions.
The following week, I checked into the Crowne Plaza Athens hotel for 5 days. For this stay, I used one of my suite rewards, which allowed me to book a Junior Suite for the cost of a standard room. But since I paid with IHG points, it was also free. This hotel was close to the city center, which was about a 20-25 minute walk. I walked the first day to the center to get on the hop on/off sightseeing tour bus. I purchased a 3-day pass because I planned to use this bus as my personal taxi since the strike was still ongoing (except on weekends). My first day of riding, I rode the full 1.5 hours and saw some amazing sights. Afterwards, I walked around the area, which was packed full of us tourists. I stopped for lunch and had a souvlaki, which is one of the most popular food items in Greece.
The next day, I walked to the city center again and rode my bus/taxi 3 stops to the Acropolis. I didn’t stop the day before because it was Sunday and I figured the crowd of tourist would probably not be there the next day. I was right!! And although it was still a bit crowded, it was nothing like I had seen the day before.
The Acropolis was designed as a fortified “high city” (the meaning of acropolis) and a sacred site primarily dedicated to the goddess Athena. (When I was in the InterContinental Lounge, I could admire the Parthenon, which was lit up at night.) Besides the Parthenon, the area includes the Erechtheion (famous for the Caryatids), the Propylaia (monumental entrance), and the Temple of Athena Nike. I took the long hike up to the top, and it was one of those moments when you just say… WOW!!! This is a must see whenever you’re in Athens.
I had lunch in the City Center again but at TGI Fridays. While there, I was talking with a friend on the phone, and she had mentioned these doughnuts at Loukoumades that I should try. As luck would have it, the shop was around the corner from TGIF. I got my order of 10 mixed with the original (honey & cinnamon) and chocolate praline. I didn’t like the original flavor but L O V E D the chocolate praline. And because they put so much chocolate in the box container, I was able to roll the other doughnuts into the chocolate. Oh, these were so good.
On my final 3-day pass, I rode the Riveria line, to the see the beaches along a 60-kilometer stretch known as the Athenian Riviera. It was about 20-30 minutes from the city and had several really nice neighborhoods, cafes, and restaurants.
I took a break from Athens and flew to Santorini. When I returned to Athens, I stayed at the Grand Hyatt hotel for 3 days. I came back to Athens for logistical reasons (flight to Spain). The Hyatt is not one of the brands I’ve stayed at much during my retirement journey, but I am a Discoverist member (2nd level). To my surprise, I was blessed with Lounge access and an upgraded deluxe room. I say surprised because I needed to be 2 more levels in order to get lounge access. The favor of God!!! He knows His baby girl loves getting free meals and rooms to stretch out in. 😊
Athens Greece should definitely be on your list of places to visit. You will not be disappointed.
Fun fact: Athens is the oldest city in Europe.
