Your agenda indicates that Athens is your next destination. This city is the capital of Greece, and you’ll be there for a few days. Your visit could be for tourism or business. Before you arrive, there are two key things to plan: your accommodation and your itinerary. It’s a well-known fact that time is valuable, especially when traveling. During your stay, your main goal is to find a comfortable and secure place. It should be easy to reach and not too expensive. Ideally, it should be located in the city center, close to all the action.
The imposing buildings of Ernst Ziller in Athens
4+1 suggestions starting from Candia Hotel
Stepping into the Candia Hotel, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in an Athens stay. This hotel offers excellent value for money. But why is that?
One of the key advantages of the Candia Hotel is its prime location. It’s situated right in the heart of one of Europe’s most historic capitals. From this central point, you can easily plan your journeys, whether it’s a city center stroll, a trip to the Athenian Riviera, or a day-long excursion.
Let’s explore 4+1 routes that you can take to see the best of Athens. Plus, you’ll have the bonus of a day trip to pack in your return luggage.
First stop: National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum is conveniently located just over 1 km from your hotel. A brisk 15-minute walk will bring you to the doorstep of Greece’s largest museum, and one of the most significant globally. The museum boasts a vast collection of over 11,000 exhibits. These artifacts provide a comprehensive overview of ancient Greek civilization, spanning from early prehistory to late antiquity. Whether you’re a local or a foreign visitor, the rich collections offer a unique perspective. The museum is housed in a neoclassical building, a masterpiece of the late 19th century. The building was designed by architect Ludwig Lange and brought to life by Ernst Ziller.
- For opening hours and museum tickets, please consult the official namuseum.gr page.
First route: In the historic center
The first itinerary you might consider is a trip to Monastiraki. You can start your journey at the Metaxourgeio station, which is just a short distance from the Candia Hotel.
From there, you have two choices: you can disembark at the next stop, Omonia, and take a stroll down Athinas Street. Alternatively, you can switch lines at Omonia, moving from the red line (line 2) to the green line (line 1), which will take you directly to Monastiraki. The first option offers more possibilities for exploration.
During your journey, you’ll have the chance to visit the Varvakeios Agora, a market with a history spanning nearly a century and a half. It’s worth making a slight detour to explore Evripidou Street, known as one of Athens’ most flavorful streets. Just a few dozen meters further, under the gaze of the Acropolis, you’ll find yourself in the world of Hephaestus. Here, you can uncover secrets and hunt for treasures in antique shops that have countless stories to share. Your journey continues uphill to Thissio, with the Sacred Rock and the Acropolis Museum as your final destination.
After absorbing the knowledge and sights, consider stopping at the Aeolos Hotel before heading down to Psirri. This hotel has transformed the way visitors experience Athens. If you’re feeling hungry but aren’t ready to return to the Candia Hotel, take a stroll through the narrow streets of Psirri. You’ll find an array of dining options, from meals to tsipouro and desserts. The choices are plentiful.
Second route: To the sea of Piraeus
After a delightful breakfast at the Candia Hotel, you’re ready to venture out of Athens’ center and head towards the sea at Piraeus. Your journey begins at Metaxourgeio, then onto Omonoia, followed by Monastiraki. From Monastiraki, you’ll travel to the Municipal Theatre stop in Piraeus.
In approximately 20 minutes, you’ll find yourself at the country’s largest port. While Piraeus isn’t limitless, it’s certainly not small either. Be sure to manage your time effectively to fully enjoy all the sights without feeling rushed.
Starting from the Municipal Theatre, you can take a leisurely stroll to the city center. Make your way towards Pasalimani and then head to Alexandra Square. From this point, the stunning Kastella and the charming Mikrolimano are just about 1 km away. The walk is well worth it as you’ll have the sea on your right, providing a feast for your eyes. If you’re interested in exploring the other side of the city, you can start again from the Municipal Theatre. This time, choose to wander through the streets of the once notorious Troumba, with Piraiki as your final destination.
This specific journey will take a bit more time, and the distances are greater. Regardless of whether you opt for Kastella, Piraiki, or both, your adventure will conclude at a restaurant. Here, you can enjoy a fish meze or gourmet dishes, depending on your preference. Please note that the return trip to your base at the Candia Hotel may take between an hour and an hour and a half. Plan accordingly to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Third route: On the Athenian Riviera
If you’re yearning for more seaside views beyond Piraeus, consider mapping out a route from Metaxourgeio to Syntagma via the metro. Just a short distance from Syntagma Square, you can hop on the Tram (Line 6) which will take you to the Athenian Riviera. At the Eden stop or the Pikrodafni terminal, you’ll need to switch to Line 7. The journey is truly delightful, with numerous options to explore: Alimos Marina, Kalamaki, Agios Kosmas, Glyfada beach, and Voula.
You could begin your exploration at Alimos Marina. Enjoy a coffee or juice at one of the local shops. If you’re traveling with children, there’s a large playground near the Marina. Your next stops could be Kalamaki or Agios Kosmas.
If you find yourself with some free time and in the right mood, consider exploring on foot. The journey is sure to be pleasant. Should you have a swimsuit and towel handy, don’t miss the opportunity to take a swim in the Athenian Riviera. There, you’ll find both organized and free beaches. Make a point to visit Glyfada and enjoy a city walk. When lunchtime rolls around, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options. Glyfada boasts a variety of restaurants, offering everything from traditional Greek cuisine to international favorites like Italian and Chinese. Enjoy your adventure!
A day trip to Chalkida
Chalkida, located 78 km from Athens, is a feasible destination for a day trip by train. The journey begins at the Athens train station, situated near the Candia Hotel, and takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. You can expect a similar duration for the return trip. With over 10 daily schedules available, planning your excursion should be a breeze.
If you opt for the train, your first glimpse of Chalkida will be its vintage railway station, a charming structure that dates back to 1905. This marks the start of your day trip to Chalkida. So, what sights can you take in during a day? Be sure to include a visit to the Evripos Bridge, famed for its “crazy waters”, in your itinerary.
During your stroll, make sure to visit the grand Mosque of Emir Zade, situated in the square of the Fallen Hoplites. Don’t miss the opportunity to walk under the Roman aqueduct, commonly known as Kamares. Also, a visit to the Red House, a symbol of Chalkida, is a must. As you journey along the coastal road, plan for one or two stops. Select a restaurant that appeals to you. If you’ve arrived early in the city, enjoy a cup of coffee. Alternatively, if it’s around lunchtime, sample some appetizers. Enjoy your exploration!
Regardless of the path you take, upon your return, the comforts of the Candia Hotel will be ready to welcome you. A hot shower will be available for relaxation, and a cocktail at the hotel bar will provide the perfect conclusion to your day.
Facilities of Candia Hotel
Candia Hotel, situated at 40 Theodorou Diligianni Street, finds itself in the heart of one of Europe’s most historic capitals. It’s conveniently located just a short distance from both the Athens Railway Station and the Metaxourgeio Metro Station. These two transit points ensure that visitors are well-served, regardless of their chosen route.
From the moment you interact with the reception, you’ll experience the staff’s politeness. Once you have the keys, you can start taking advantage of the hotel’s facilities. The hotel’s cozy rooms provide a perfect place to unwind from the day’s activities and strategize for the following day.
Every room at the hotel is equipped with air conditioning, a small fridge, and a flat-screen TV. The more spacious rooms feature a balcony that offers city views. Some rooms even provide views of the iconic Acropolis.
Complimentary WiFi is accessible throughout the hotel. For business travelers, Candia Hotel offers a specially designed room that can accommodate conferences, business meetings, and other events.
Here’s a tip: From May through September, Candia Hotel features a rooftop garden swimming pool. It’s the perfect spot to savor your coffee or a refreshing cocktail while taking in panoramic views of the city. Enjoy your stay!
Travel to Greece – Google News – Follow us
Read Also:
Old Athens: When Syntagma Square was a large field
Nymfaio: Journey to the enchanting village of Florina, at 1,350 meters
Kolonaki: Tracing the History of Athens’ Aristocratic District
