We are pretty seasoned European travelers, but this year will be our first trip to Greece. We are flying in to Athens airport, renting a car there and expect to be driving north by about 7pm. Is there a city/cities on the way to Meteora that we could use as a first night stop so that we don't have to drive far the first night (Thursday)and yet have a quaint, picturesque little town to relax in? (The flights to Athens from DTW all have long layovers and our flight times are not real "travel friendly". We want to see Meteora on Friday (is there enough there to warrant an overnight stay?) and head back down an interesting location on Saturday (also need a recommendation for this night) as we have a flight to Santorini booked for Sunday out of Athens airport. We're spending a couple nights in Santorini and possibly two nights on Mykonos before a night in Athens and then a night around the airport. We basically need a few ideas about drivable distances in the central area. (We are turning our car back in at the airport before we fly to Santorini and ferry back via Mykonos. We will use taxis or other public transport in Athens.) Thanks for any suggestions!
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3149 posts
I just wanted to mention that if you're planning to rent a car with GPS make sure it doesn't route you through Central Athens but keeps you on the National Highway so you can stay out of the chaotic city traffic.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
I can't help much, but do suggest Delphi as a stop on your way back from Meteora. It would be an easy stop and is a "do not miss" site. You can stay in Delphi, though I do not find it charming. I prefer Galixidi about 30 minutes drive west of Delphi. It's an old seaport town and has a lot of charm and a great B&B (forget the name, it's probably #1 on Trip Advisor).
Posted by
Brighton, UK
1434 posts
Linda
I don't think there are any particularly good options on the road north. A couple of possibilities neither of which are quaint or picturesque but both of which have Greek life and places to relax
a)about an hour north of Athens is Halkida, the point where the mainland meets the island of Evia. Most of it is fairly modern but there is a nice sweep of restaurants and cafes along the coast. Going here will pull you off the motorway, but so will anything you do.
b) closer to the airport are Loutsa and Rafina. Again neither are picturesque but both have good restaurants. I prefer Rafina, which is a bit smaller, but Loutsa (also called Artemida) has a nicer promenade along the sea.
If you are spending 'a night around the airport' I assume you have an early morning flight? An option that is cheaper than the airport hotel is the Peris
It's pretty much in the middle of nowhere, although there is a good neighbourhood taverna five minutes walk away, but they do free transfers from the hotel.
Depending on your flight time the other option is to stay close to a metro station in Athens. The journey is only 40 minutes.
The Attalos, close to Monastiraki station, is often recommended here, and for good reason
Have a good trip.
Alan