After spending five weeks in Greece, Macedonia and Albania this fall, we'll need a hotel for one night before flying out of Athens. We will arrive in Athens from Corfu mid-day on Sunday, Nov. 1 and won't fly out of Athens until 4:55 p.m. on the 2nd. We'll be weary by then and won't want to go back into central Athens for more sightseeing. When I've searched for hotels near the airport, I've come up with some that are along the sea, 10-14 miles from the airport. The idea of relaxing by the sea on our last day and night is quite appealing, but I'm just not familiar enough with Athens and the surrounding area to know if this is a reasonable option for us. I'm wondering if shuttles to the airport are common (and affordable). Also, it would be late in the year - perhaps weather would be an issue? I'd appreciate any suggestions/guidance any of you might offer.
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
795 posts
You can get a cab. Some hotels offer shuttles to the airport. You can ask the ones you are considering if they do.
Posted by
Brighton, UK
1419 posts
Nancy
You might like to look at the Avra Hotel in Rafina.
http://www.hotelavra.gr/index.php
Rafina doesn't really fit a seaside resort but it's a pleasant little port with a small town square and several cafes and tavernas where you can watch the ferries come and go.
The Avra is a standard class C and does a nice buffet breakfast!
There are regular local buses between Rafina and the airport. The trip costs 4 euros and takes about 40 minutes.
Alan
Posted by
OP
Seattle, Washington
682 posts
John, the Sofitel was my first thought because of its easy access to the airport. We stay at an airport hotel when we fly out of Paris and that works well for us. When we're doing that, though, we're flying into CDG in the evening and out the next morning. I'm not sure I want to sit in a hotel for the number of hours we have in Athens.
Terri Lynn, I will definitely confirm with the properties that shuttles/taxis are available.
Alan, The Avra Hotel sounds like a great answer for us. The reviews are good and there's easy, and frequent, bus transportation to the airport.
Thanks to all of you for your thoughts!
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2185 posts
Nancy -- You are correct that the Sofitel would not be a good option for the amount of time you have. We have stayed there when arriving late/leaving early, but I would look elsewhere with a full day to fill. You don't want to sit in a hotel room for that long, and Sofitel food is pricey.
Sounds like a great trip!
Posted by
Brighton, UK
1419 posts
Nancy
Here are the timings of the Airport to Rafina buses which might be helpful if you take that option.
http://www.athensairporttaxi.com/en/athens_airport_to_rafina_port.htm
We do this trip around once a year - we will be doing it tomorrow in fact - and have always found the buses reliable.
Alan
Posted by
OP
Seattle, Washington
682 posts
Alan, thank you so much. I so appreciate the link to the bus schedule. I've booked a sea-view room at the Avra Hotel and I think it will be the perfect place to spend our last night in Greece.
Posted by
Brighton, UK
1419 posts
Nancy
You're very welcome.
If you're a fan of traditional local eating places I can recommend the Limeni in the town square about 3 minutes from the hotel. It does a range of starters and grills with excellent meat.
Hope you have a great trip.
Alan
Posted by
OP
Seattle, Washington
682 posts
Thanks, Alan. That sounds like a good option for our last dinner in Greece.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
We once stayed in Glyfada, a southern suburb of Athens on the water. Beach, marina, waterfront restaurants, very lively and interesting. Our hotel was the Palmyra very close to the beach.