Travel

Flight

US to ATH

Flight Path: Most travelers will fly into Athens International Airport (ATH). There are daily direct flights from major hubs like New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Washington D.C. (IAD), Chicago (ORD), and Atlanta (ATL), especially in summer. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from San Francisco (SFO). Airlines to Look For: United, Turkish Airlines, Delta, American Airlines, British Airlines, and Lufthansa all offer routes to ATH. Flight Duration: ~9–11 hours direct, or ~12–16 hours with a stopover.

Flight

Within Europe

Flights: Numerous low-cost and national carriers fly into Athens daily. Check Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, Transavia, and Vueling for affordable options. Alternative Airports: If you plan to travel around Greece before or after the wedding, some islands also have airports with domestic flights to/from Athens.

Travel Note

Getting to Porto Rafti from Athens

Porto Rafti is about 15 minutes from Athens International Airport and 40 minutes from central Athens. By Taxi or Private Transfer From the Airport: ~€40–50 From Central Athens: ~€50–60 Taxis are easy to find at the airport, but you can also pre-book a ride through services like Welcome Pickups, A2B, or Uber (only for calling regular taxis in Athens). By Rental Car Great option if you want flexibility to explore the area. Most major car rental agencies operate at the airport. Greece drives on the right side of the road. By Public Transit (Not recommended for late arrivals) KTEL buses run from Nomismatokopio Metro Station or Koropi to Porto Rafti. Total journey ~90 minutes and costs ~€3–6. This option is more time-consuming and not ideal with luggage.

Travel Note

Visa & Entry Requirements

U.S. Citizens No visa required for short stays (under 90 days). Passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your departure date. ETIAS Alert: The EU will soon require U.S. travelers to apply for ETIAS (a visa waiver system similar to ESTA) before arrival. This system may be in effect by the last quarter in 2026. Check https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias for updates before booking. EU/Schengen Citizens Free travel with national ID card or passport. No visa or additional paperwork required. All Others Please check Greece’s official visa page (listed below) or your home country’s travel site to confirm requirements. Link: https://travel.gov.gr

Travel Note

When to Book

Flights: We recommend booking international flights by February or March 2026 for best rates and availability. Hotels/Airbnb: Porto Rafti is popular in July—secure your accommodations early! We’ll be providing a list of recommended hotels and villas nearby.

Travel Note

Best Practices & Travel Tips

Plan for heat: Mid-July is beautiful but hot! Expect highs of 85–95°F (29–35°C). Hydration and sunscreen are a must. Arrive a day or two early if possible. It’ll give you time to settle in and soak up the Greek sunshine before the festivities. Pack light but smart – swimsuits, sandals, dressy outfits, and layers for breezy evenings. Bring Euros: While cards are widely accepted, some tavernas, beach bars, and taxis prefer cash. Download Google Maps and WhatsApp – most locals use WhatsApp for communication, and Google Maps works well even offline.