Eleni & Thanasis
Things To Do Around Greece
Athens - General
When arriving in Greece we recommend spending at the very least a night in Athens. Its a great way to beat the jet lag, as you'll be doing a lot of walking! Where to Stay: Stay near a metro stop! You can't really go wrong with hotels near Syntagma, Monastiraki and the Acropolis. Keti's, Eleni's Mom, favorite hotel in Athens was Hotel Grande Bretagne <3 Getting around: Try to limit your driving in Athens. There is an incredible metro that runs throughout the city. Safety: Athens is a safe place, but it is a major metropolis. As you should always do when you are traveling internationally keep your passports locked in the hotel safe. Limit amounts of cash on you. Make sure your purses are zipped/buckled. Pockets are secured Be aware of your surroundings and personal belongings.
Athens - Things to do
Things to do in Athens: The following info was provided by our dear friend and Athens resident once upon a time, Maria <3 Visit the Acropolis and Parthenon. The museum is a MUST see. https://www.theacropolismuseum... Syntagma Square - see the Parliament, National Gardens next to the Parliament (free entry), and shop at Ermou Street Visit the flea market at Monastiraki Explore Plaka/Anafiotika on foot Take a stroll down Dionisiou Areopagitou Street (Akropolis metro station) and take paths that lead to either Pnyx hill or “Vrahakia” to get a view of Athens and the Parthenon National Archaeological Museum Hike up or take the teleferik to Lycabettus Hill Take the bus to Sounio and visit the Temple of Poseidon Islands for day trips or longer stays near Athens: Aegina, Agistri, Hydra, Poros, Spetses
Athens - Nightlife
NIGHT LIFE/ DINING: Cool bars/restaurants for younger folks: Bios (rooftop bar; check for live shows) Location: Kentro 45 Moires (rooftop bar) Location: Gazi 5 dromoi (cafe-bar) Location: Exarcheia Exostrefis (taverna) Location: Lofos Strefi six d.o.g.s (check for live shows) Location: Monastiraki Giasemi (bar) Location: Plaka Fancier bars -- 360 bar (rooftop) Location: Monastiraki Telescope ( bar) Location: Chaidari. Clubs/live music venues: Gagarin An Club Stavros tou Notou Also, Gazi and Syggrou/Fix (parts of Athens) have a lot of clubs as well
Volos
Coming soon!
Islands - General
If you are planning to travel around Greece or the islands before or after the wedding, leaving directly from the airport or from one of Athens's big ports is ideal. Pireaus and Raffina are the two major ports where you can hop on to one of the main ferry lines to explore the Greek Islands. While the booming beats of Mykonos or blue & white scenic buildings of Santorini are tempting, we've found the islands featured in the next column to much more enjoyable, affordable and less touristy. If you're looking for convenience, Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos are three islands about 1.5 hours from Volos by ferry. If your time is limited, we suggest going to one of these islands as they are close and you'll get the full Greek island experience! They get more relaxing the further from the mainland you go. Skiathos is a party island, Skopelos is somewhere in-between, and Alonissos is known as the hippy island and not very "organized" :)
Islands - Where to go
- Naxos (Where Thanasis proposed to Eleni!): Min. 3 days - Paros/ Antiparos: Min. 3 days. Antiparos is a small island right next to Paros that is great for a day trip -Crete: Minimum 4-5 days. It's HUGE. Pick a city ( Heraklion or Chania) and really explore. Crete offers its own spin on Greek culture. -Skiathos: Min. 2 days. One of the islands close to Volos, fun beach parties -Hydra: Min. 2 days. There are NO cars on Hydra. The beaches are mostly accessible by boat. Small island but worth the visit -Skopelos: Minimum 3 days. Very relaxing island. You'll leave feeling recharged. Don't go here if you're looking for a beach party. -Kefalonia: Min. 4 days. It's a huge island. You'll need a car here. Offers beautiful limestone beaches that turn the water a milky blue. -Milos: Min. 3 days. Stunning must see island in the Cyclades. -Leukada: Min. 3 days. Leukada is accessible by a bridge from main land Greece. If you have ANY QUESTIONS please let Eleni or Thanasis know!
Thebes- Thiva
Eleni's Family is from the Ancient city of Thebes. It's about an hour drive from Athens, and a slight detour from the Athens- Volos route. While quaint, it offers one of the greatest collections of Ancient Greek artifacts at the Thebes Museum. If you have an extra few hours to spend, Eleni recommends stopping and seeing the museum. (It's SOOOO cool, they let you TOUCH the ancient pottery...!!)
Northern Greece
The major city in Northern Greece is Thessaloniki. Its approx. a 3 hour drive from Volos, or a quick flight from Athens. It offers an urban vibe with shopping, great food and nightlife -Thessaloniki -Meteora (Monasteries on top of mountains)If you intend on visiting, please be aware of the dress code. Dress modestly. Women should wear long skirts/ dresses. It's a place of worship for many so please keep that in mind. Visit the website above for more information
Southern Greece
-Nafplio -Loutraki -Korinthian Canal -Kalamata