4 places to visit if you find yourself with a few hours between flights at Athens Airport and time to  discover a little of the Greek mainland. 

Athens airport is often  a transit airport to head out to the Greek  islands but it is home to lots of great shops and eateries so there is plenty to do if you have a few hours on the ground. One of my personal favourite quirky Greek gift shops and worth a browse  is  Anamnesia  .If you decide to venture out to discover a little of what Greece offers here are some of my suggestions.

1 McArthur Glen designer outlet mall

McArthurGlen designer outlet village, where you will find 100’s  of brands clothing, accessories, children’s’ wear  and  toys. The center also includes a playground and is connected to a Smart Park mall, full of great adventure for the little travelers. This area is just a 15 minuet taxi drive away (25 euros around), if you hire a car it is very easy to find and does have loads of parking space too. You can easily spend a few hours here and with plenty to entertain the children or relax over a coffee/lunch it is a great escape from airport travels.

2 The port town of Rafina

Direct from the airport you can catch a bus catch a bus and head straight to Rafina.  This famous port town also has a few beaches nearby and making it perfect for a relaxing break from the airport. Rafina is full of great little fish tavernas with true Greek style. Boats and ferries  from the port serve the islands of Mykonos Tinos & Andros and during the summer months boats run to Naxos, Paros and Santorini.

The tiny Iconic church of Agios Nicholas stands above the port and makes the perfect location to get some great Instagram photo shots.

3 Day in the center

If you do have a full day  layover, then take the metro and head straight to Athens city center ( cost 10 euro ticket).  Stop at either Monastiraki or Syntagma square (around 40 minutes) and you will be perfectly placed for a walk around the streets of Plaka , Syntagma Square or a stroll in the National Gardens.

Athens center is home to  plenty of bars and restaurants to try whilst you are on a very quick layover. Located right outside the Monastiraki station and for great views towards to Acropolis head for A is for Athens rooftop bar and enjoy a well earned drink. Another spot with a stunning view located right on Syntagma square is Public Bookstore the cafe at the top of the building boasts  stunning views over the Parliament building and famous Syntagma Square.

Why not book a photo tour of Athens to complete your quick visit to the city and keep your memories with you. I can suggest some great spots for instagram photos too.

 

4 Seaside Town Porto Rafti

The cool waters and beautiful beaches of Porto Rafti are a perfect place to relax if you have a day free from the airport. I suggest you take a taxi or hire a car for this trip to East Attica.

There are beautiful beaches, seaside coffee bars, bakeries and traditional tavernas. Many of the beaches have  a blue flag beach which has made this small town become known as a seaside resort.

I hope the information I share with you  makes your brief stop in Athens airport more enjoyable. 

Safe Travels,

Sandra X