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k_tsoukalas

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I just wanted to share that one of the most memorable day trips that I took while staying in the Athens area was The Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion. I didn't really know what to expect but it ended up being memorable. My mother said this was a common excursion on one of the Mediterranean cruises that my parents took, and I wanted to see what the fuss was all about.

So, we hired a taxi there from the hotel and our timing was perfect. It worked out that we got there right at sunset, and the pictures I took while here were some of the most beautiful of the whole trip. Here's a photo of what it looks like:
 

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Great suggestion! Another thing that we always do when in Athens is spend time at the Acropolis and also changing of the gaurds at the tomb of the unknown soldier

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How far is it from downtown Athens? I didn't plan on going but now I want to add it to my itinerary!
 
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How far is it from downtown Athens? I didn't plan on going but now I want to add it to my itinerary!
From what I remember it is about 20 min cab ride.
 
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The Parthenon and Plaka are memorable.
 
Love love love Sounio especially at sunset. The drive is about an hour from downtown Athens but you can take the metro to a closer stop if your taking a cab. I believe you can also do a bus tour from the city center. Also some great beaches near by to take a dip so you can easily make a day of it.
 
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From what I remember it is about 20 min cab ride.
It depends on traffic and where you are. We stayed outside of Athens and I think it might have been around 40 minutes from our location. Not a bad distance at all!
 
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It depends on traffic and where you are. We stayed outside of Athens and I think it might have been around 40 minutes from our location. Not a bad distance at all!
From what I remember it is about 20 min cab ride.
Really? We hired a cab from our hotel in Glyfada to go to Sounion, and I thought it was about 50 minutes. I thought Athens was further, and Mapquest thinks it's 1 hour 7 minutes from Athens.
 
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Really? We hired a cab from our hotel in Glyfada to go to Sounion, and I thought it was about 50 minutes. I thought Athens was further, and Mapquest thinks it's 1 hour 7 minutes from Athens.
Really? We hired a cab from our hotel in Glyfada to go to Sounion, and I thought it was about 50 minutes. I thought Athens was further, and Mapquest thinks it's 1 hour 7 minutes from Athens.
It really does depend on traffic and what part of Athens you are in. For example if you have to cut through downtown during peak traffic it will take well over an hour! I would say plan on an hour give or take if you are in the vacinity. Play it safe and go earlier in the day and spend some time at one of the local beaches there!
 
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I just wanted to share that one of the most memorable day trips that I took while staying in the Athens area was The Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion. I didn't really know what to expect but it ended up being memorable. My mother said this was a common excursion on one of the Mediterranean cruises that my parents took, and I wanted to see what the fuss was all about.

So, we hired a taxi there from the hotel and our timing was perfect. It worked out that we got there right at sunset, and the pictures I took while here were some of the most beautiful of the whole trip. Here's a photo of what it looks like:
If you ever have a chance to go back, make a stop at the Monastery of St. Paul the Apostle in Paliokamariza, Lavrion. It's a beautiful monastery and the nun's have an organic farm with olives, fruits and herbs. There are also handmade crafts and other items available in their gift shop.
 

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I’ve got a cruise stop coming up in Piraeus with about five hours, and I’m trying to figure out the best way to spend it.

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I’m more interested in something different this time, maybe a great local area to wander, a good food spot, or even something closer to the port that still feels worth it.

Is it better to stay around Piraeus and explore there, or head into a specific neighborhood in Athens for a quick, focused experience?

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I’m in the early stages of planning an upcoming trip to Athens, and it made me realize something a little funny. It’s been a very long time since it was my first time there.

Every time I go now, I tend to fall into the same rhythm: familiar neighborhoods, favorite walks, the same cafés and viewpoints. I love Athens, but I’d really like to experience it again through fresh eyes instead of repeating my usual routine.

For those of you who remember your first visit, what were your initial impressions of Athens? What surprised you, in a good or bad way? Was it the energy, the mix of ancient and modern, the pace of daily life, or something completely unexpected?

And for anyone who’s helped a first-time visitor plan a trip, what parts of Athens seemed to leave the strongest impression on them?

Favorite day trips from Athens?

I was talking to someone recently about Athens and realized that a lot of people use it mostly as a base before heading to the islands, but there seem to be so many good day trips nearby that don’t get discussed as much.

The obvious ones like Delphi, Hydra, Nafplio, Cape Sounion, and Aegina always come up, but I’m curious which places people actually enjoyed the most once they went. Sometimes the smaller or less hyped trips end up being the most memorable.

I’m especially interested in places that are realistically doable in a single day without feeling rushed. Could be history-focused, food-focused, beach towns, mountain villages, or even somewhere mostly known for the scenery and atmosphere.

Would love to hear everyone’s favorite day trips from Athens, especially places that surprised you once you got there.

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Is it worth spending time in Athens in August?

I’m starting to plan a trip to Greece, but the only month I’m really able to travel this year is August. I know that’s peak season for a lot of the islands, but I’ve heard mixed things about Athens in August.

Some people have told me the city can feel pretty quiet because many Athenians leave for their villages or the islands during that time. Others say it’s still lively because of tourism. I’m trying to figure out whether it’s worth spending a few days there before heading to another part of Greece for a Panagia festival we want to attend.

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Share and discuss your Athens photos, questions and experiences!

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