Hey all,
Going to Athens next week, and incredibly excited. Everything's planned out, but struggling to find info on how to get to the Temple of Poseidon. I understand there's coaches that run, but the website seems to be totally blank and I can't find much info elsewhere.

Does anyone have any advice? I'm aware being November that tours will be reduced, but I'm really just looking for regular travel to and from the area within a day. Any advice is welcome!

Guys if anyone can inform us, is there any way to move around the island other than Taxis? public transport is very poorly planned there are no any desks showing major directions and buses go around rarely. Maybe there's chaper options and could you please let me know is taxis on Aegina are reliable? do they scam tourists?

Hi all, I am looking to visit Santorini, Milos and Paros in June 2025, will be starting and ending in Athens! In which order should I visit these islands and what is the best way to get around them? I would prefer flying in and out of Athens as I’d rather not sit on a ferry for too long!

I just returned from Athens and I wanted to share the VAT refund experience and how/where to do it.

When you purchase your goods, make sure you have your passport and inform the associate you're Canadian. I put it on my credit card, and I'm told that they will refund the amount at the VAT office back on to the same card (option for cash refund but more about that later). You have 3 months from your purchase date to get your refund/leave EU. They'll then prepare the VAT refund paperwork.

The Chanel one looked like a super long receipt and the Prada one was an actual 8x11 paper. The VAT amount is listed on the paperwork. When I got back to the hotel, I filled in my credit card info on the paperwork for both, and signed it.

I purchased the Chanel for EUR6650, which qualified for 17% VAT refund of EUR1130.5. Prada was EUR1850, and qualified for 12.7% VAT refund of EUR236. I asked why the percentages are different.. since both items had a VAT tax of 24% in the total price, but I got 2 different answers. One associate said that any purchase over 6000 has a higher VAT refund, and another said it's the company that the retailer works with. Chanel goes through "PLANET" and Prada uses "Global Blue". Whatever the case may be, it's not negotiable so you can certainly ask before you check out.

Through what I read online, it seems that the items should be in unused condition for inspection at Customs Validation. I basically threw out the boxes, but left the purses in their dustbags. Once you enter Athens airport (ATH), go right and there are clear signs that read VAT refund/Customs, and it's a small one windowed glass room. For context, I arrived at 10am on a Thursday in October, and there was just one couple ahead of me. The inspector asked me to take out the items from the dustbags, and it was a 5 seconds inspection as I still had the wrapping on the Chanel. She then needed my boarding pass and passport. Then she stamped my VAT paperwork, and this is key, this is not where you get the refund! The inspection basically just says you're approved for one.

Now you can proceed to security. The moment you pass security, through the metal detectors, there's an 'EXCHANGE' booth to the left and that's where you get your refund. There were 2-3 agents, and maybe 2 people in front of me. They process both the global blue and planet paperwork. The global blue(PRADA) had no issues. I believe I just inserted the credit card and she said I should receive my EUR236 in 5 business days. For planet(Chanel), keep in mind I should be getting EUR1130.5, I'm told that if I put it on to my credit card, 10% will be taken off the top, and another 3% for who knows what. I'm also told that it will take up to 8 weeks(!) for the refund to come back to my card. Alternatively I can get a cash refund on the spot in Canadian using their exchange rate. She offered me an exchange rate of 1.34, which translate to ~1500 CAD. On that day, the rate offered by TD was 1.46. My research online all said to put it on to the card, which is what I did. There's no mailing of anything involved. This step took 5-10 minutes max.

Global Blue seems more advanced as I got an email that says I can sign up for their membership and avoid refund office queues in the future. There has been no communication from planet.

Once I actually see the refunds I'll update this post.

For background info, I was in Greece for 7 days, which means for Canadian customs, I can claim up to $800CAD and any amount above that will be subjected to tax. If you're travelling as a couple, that 800 jumps to 1600.

Hopefully this can help someone wanting a shiny new bag. I'm told that Chanel changed their company from Global blue to Planet a few years back so here we are. Happy shopping!

Hi, so I'm currently in Athens, I been traveling around Europe and I was wondering if there any place, I could exchange coins from other countries like Switzerland, Bosnia or Albanian to Euros?

Hey guys, I know to access the Acropolis, Parthenon and Museum etc, you need tickets. My question is where are the best websites to buy these. Not sure on where we would like to go yet as we haven’t fully looked at all the sites but the ones listed above are for definite.

Having looked around online, there are loads of websites which offer loads of things so I’m hoping for some recommendations and advice. Ive heard going to the Museum first is good for context so we will do that:

2 travellers

Monday 31 March 2025 (Day 1):

• Land at athens airport at 12:15 (noon)

• Transfer on the metro to Syntagma and walk 1.5km to hotel (this will take up-to 1h30m??)

• Acropolis Museum

• Dinner

Day 2 and 3: The main archeological sites (not sure which) but definitely The Acropolis and The Parthenon.

Thursday 03 April 2025 (Day 4): Metro to Athens airport, flight home at 13:15

Any advice and recommendations on itinerary, places to eat, ticket websites, would be perfect

Thanks guys :) [For reference if necessary I am located in England]

I have read a lot of conflicting information about whether or not an international driving license is required in Greece. I’m from India and would like to rent a car in Greece. One of the rental companies even said that they don’t need it. However, some other ones said we do need one. Could someone help resolve this?

Can I rent 50cc moped without driver license?

Hello! My husband and I are traveling Greece through November 14th. We would like to see a concert or show of some sort at an ancient Greek amphitheater. We are based in Thessaloniki, and will be driving to Athens this Monday 11/4, and staying in Athens until Thursday 11/7. I've tried finding venues and concerts myself but am having difficulty, partially because the websites are in Greek and the translations aren't perfect. Any help would be much appreciated! Thank you so so much!

I see a lot of posts where taxi drivers take advantage of travelers. How do I ensure this does not happen to me? We are 5 adults and 2 kids with around 3-4 suitcases.

Hi everyone, I will be traveling to Athens in the near future, where I plan to visit as many historical sites as possible, as I am very interested in them. I found a ticket that can be purchased online, which is free for European citizens who are under 25 years old. Now, the person I am going with will turn 25 on the second day of our trip, so at the time of purchase and during our visit to the Acropolis, she will still be 24, but she will be using it at 25 for most of the time. I tried to research this, even using AI, but I couldn't find a definitive answer. Can we buy such a ticket for her?

It's finally my turn. I'm visiting Athens soon. Would like to seek for your advice for my questions below. Please also feel free to grill my plan down below. Thank you!

1. Airport: Metro round trip is €16 and it's valid for 30 days, is this information correct? I found it online but seems it's rarely mentioned here.

2. ATM: I'm using revolut. I will need some cash as was advised that Meteora is cash only. Is that all ATM in Athens would charge me extra fee?

3. Travel Pass: I will be staying in Syntagma. Seems most of the sites are walking distance, would not be benefit from any travel pass (even for 5 day pass, I need to take 7 trips to cover the cost). Just wondering why it seems people would still use the transportation pass

4. Acropolis: Is 2 hours sufficient to see everything? I saw the recommended duration is 2 - 3 hours, but I also heard some people finished in 1.5 hours

5. Lycabettus Hill: Would there be some people walking up there or people just take the funicle? Asking because I kind of scared that there's no one around and I just walk alone there.

6. Bar: I plan to visit a few bars (like Baba Au Rum) for cocktail/wine. Would it be weird if I go alone?

7. Buy: Apivita (in their experience store), Greece Wine (can be just from supermarket), any other local products recommend?

Plan

Day 1

Arriving airport at around 1pm

Coffee and quick bite

Acropolis Museum (if I managed to get there before 4:30pm as it's the last entry time for the archaeological excavation; if not, will put it to the Day 5)

Day 2

Breakfast: Stani

National Archaeological Museum

lunch and Central Market

Ancient Agora and Roman Agora (if I got times)

Acropolis (3 - 5 pm)

Day 3 - Tour Meteora

Day 4 - Tour Delphi

Day 5

Hadrian Library

Walk from National Garden to Arch of Hadrian and Temple of Zeus (seems having renovation, so would just view from outside)

Panathenaic Stadium

Lycabettus Hill

Day 6

Roam around Syntagma and prepare to leave

I am a foreigner on a short vacation here. I needed to get a ride from Athens airport to Piraeus when I was approached by a taxi driver in his 50's. I didn't get much time to think and as I mentioned the place, he quickly took my bags and kept them in his car. The driver was a rather large and portly Greek (I think) who was a smooth talker. Despite only speaking a few english words, he kept me nicely engaged throughout the trip. He was super polite and friendly, making me feel really welcome and at ease.

However, I was a bit surprised to learn that he didn’t accept card payments and insisted on cash only. The total fare for the trip was €160. After we arrived, I asked him for a receipt to keep for my records. He handed me a printed receipt and wrote the details out

I can’t read Greek, so I wasn’t sure what the receipt said beyond the date and amount. While he made me feel good during the ride, I’m now wondering if the fare seems reasonable or if I might have been scammed...any advice would be appreciated

Hi! I’m roadtripping right now in Europe and have arrived to Greece! I would like to leave my car in Athens for 4-5 days while I travel to some islands. Does anyone have suggestions about where I can park for this long? Any affordable garages?

I am going alone to Athens soon alone. My hotel is 25 minutes from the omonia square. What do you recommend? And the hotel is 3 star hotel. Do you think it's safe.

Just got back from a 4 day stay in Athens and stayed at the Skylark hotel. Had read alot online that this is a bad area and should be avoided. However we found no issues and its very convenient, the metro was literally outside the hotel, plenty of shops nearby (bakeries, convenience stores etc) and quite a few other hotels.

Took a taxi to the hotel from the airport and cost 45 euro and 46 from hotel to airport ( hotel called taxi for us)

We did not wander around Omonia, it was simply a base for us to stay at, so if you have booked hotel that is right near the Omonia Square (and not down one of the side streets) don't be too worried.

Will shops, ferries and restaurants be open during Holy Week before Easter? We are thinking of traveling to Crete April 14-18 but are worried about limited access to rent a car, go to tourist attractions, get restaurant reservations, etc. Will wineries be open for tastings if most people are observing lent and spending time with their families? Will meat still be on menus if restaurants are open? Thank you!

I’m a student in the UK (studying abroad), and currently am on my fall vacation. I decided to go to Greece! My hostel is based in Athens, so I have already reserved a trip to Acropolis, a pub crawl, and a five-star Michelin restaurant (I’m a foodie so I thought I’d treat myself).

Do you have any suggestions on where else to spend my time? I’m a foodie, but also love nature, museums, and honestly just everything (I’m not picky).

Any cafes? Secret food spots? Nature walks? Day trips outside of Athens worth going to? Museums? (Preferably on the cheaper side…)

Thanks!

Are there cities in Greece that have a similar feel to Thessaloniki?

I.e. a Greek city that isn't overrun to the tourism levels of Athens, but has a nice vibrancy and good scene fro restaurants, nightlife and student ambiance?

What do you guys think?

Hi all,

Currently in the planning stage for a 2-week Greek getaway.

I've singled out the places that I'd like to visit, which are Athens, Milos, Naxos and Santorini. I'll be arriving in Athens first.

After researching ferries for the route, Piraeus - Milos - Naxos - Santorini, the final price for two is 400 euros which is higher than what I thought it would be. The most expensive part being the Milos - Naxos leg since it's the longest.

Now, I'm thinking of modifying the transport to include flights which will look like:

• Round trip flight -> Athens - Milos - Athens
• One-way flight -> Athens to Santorini
• One-way ferry -> Santorini to Naxos
• One-way flight -> Naxos to Athens (to go back to home country)

I don't think I would mind to do the ferry only option but would like to review my paths. Maybe alternatively, what can I replace Milos with that is close to Naxos and Santorini?

What do you guys think?

Hello! My husband and I just got to Thessaloniki and have been driving around for a few days. Driving conditions are a bit crazy and intimidating for us, but we can handle it...

We plan on roadtripping to Athens soon, but I'm nervous that the driving conditions will be way crazier... just because of the population is 10x as large.

So, how do driving conditions compare between the two cities? We look forward to any and all advice! We may be leaving as soon as this afternoon. Thank you!!

Hi,

Coming from a non-European country, Australia, we drive on the left side of the road. Entering roundabouts we go in a clockwise direction and exit the roundabout. We only give way to those on the right, enter the roundabout, then exit the roundabout.

We are planning a trip to Greece and part of that will have a drive from Pireaus to Mani.

I've been playing Euro Truck Simulator 2 for practice. :-)

However, I have a question about roundabouts in Greece. What I have read is that once IN the roundabout, vehicles give way to those entering? Seems a bit weird, slowing on a roundabout to give way to those entering..

Is that correct?

Thanks

Hi!! My husband and I are planning a delayed honeymoon for mid-June. We have never been to Greece. We both love being active and exploring new food, history, and culture but also love relaxing beach time. We are planning on 4 days in Paris, then flying via Athens to Paros, then ferry to Naxos. I added some general questions at the end. Please let me know what you think of our itinerary!! We would appreciate it SO much! :)

PAROS LEG!!

DAY ONE

• Settle in/check into hotel and relax
• Explore Naoussa if up for it
• Dinner at hotel

DAY TWO

• Breakfast in Naoussa
• Walk to Moraitis Winery for cheese/wine tour
• Explore Paros Park 
• End at Monastiri Beach Club
• Dinner in Naoussa

DAY THREE

• Breakfast in Naoussa
• Day trip to Antiparos (ferry)
• Explore Antiparos main area, Take bus to the Antiparos Cave, Antiparos beaches 
• Explore Parikia after ferry back > Dinner in Parikia

DAY FOUR

• Breakfast/lunch in Naoussa
• Cruise to Blue Lagoon
• Dinner in Naoussa

DAY FIVE

• Travel to Naxos

Food Options: 

• Ragoussis 
• Agosta 
• Trickster
• Sigi Ikthios 
• Daverona: 
• To Paradosiako

NAXOS LEG!!

DAY ONE

• Morning tour of Naxos (looking on Viator, to get lay of land)
• Happy Olives tour
• Beach afternoon at hotel 

DAY TWO

• Breakfast
• Promponos Citron Distillery tour
• Beach afternoon at hotel
• Dinner

DAY THREE

• Breakfast
• Hike Mount Zeus, come down mountain to Filoti for lunch (can bus there and back from Filoti)
• Beach afternoon at hotel
• Dinner

DAY FOUR

• Another boat tour?
• Beach afternoon at hotel 
• Dinner

DAY FIVE

• Explore Naxos Town or stay by beach depending on what we like most 
• Dinner

DAY SIX TUES 7/1: Fly/ferry to Athens, then to Boston

• Fly home :(

Food Options:

• Melimilion
• Avaton 1739
• Taverna Akrogiali
• Honey & Cinnamon Cocktail Bar
• 520 Cocktail Bar Restaurant
• Taverna Stella
• To Elliniko
• Metaxi Mas 
• Rotunda
• Nostiman Hellis 
• Taverna Axiotissa

Questions!

Paros:

• Hotel recs (or airbnb?) Thinking we want to be closer to/in town for this part of trip
• Naoussa vs Parikia (leaning towards Naoussa)
• Restaurant recommendations - I listed some, anything we're missing?
• Recs for bars/areas in Antiparos
• In general, any activities we should skip or add? Boat tour recommendations?

Naxos:

• Hotel recs? We want to stay at a nicer spot for the last part of trip (mostly on beach for afternoons); thinking by Agia Prokopios?
• Restaurant recommendations - I listed some, anything we're missing?
• Any activities we should add or skip? Worth doing another sailing trip?

Hi!

I'm traveling to Athens for a week and want to go to a Panathinaikos basketball game on either November 10 or November 12. Does anyone have suggestions on the best way to do this? I don't even see tickets listed for November 10 and for the 12th this link leads me to nowhere from the official site: https://www.ticketmaster.gr/paobc-ww/seatingPlan.html?idProduct=2134516

Hi,

I’m currently staying in Athens and was thinking of going to a island for the weekend. I know it’s out of season and lots of stuff will be closed, but is there some stuff open? i.e a couple of places to get dinner, beaches that still have lounge chairs for hire etc?

If not, is there a better option, accessible from Athens, that i could go to?

Thanks!