When planning a visit to Athens, one may encounter a dilemma when choosing where to stay. Despite its relatively compact size, Athens is part of the larger Attica region. Its landmarks, beaches, museums, ports, and airport are spread throughout this area and are not necessarily concentrated within the city limits.
For instance, the primary port of Piraeus is situated in West Attica, while the secondary port serving some islands is located in the east. The iconic Acropolis, featuring the Parthenon, resides in the city centre of West Attica, while other significant attractions like the Temple of Poseidon or Marathon are found in East Attica. Additionally, the airport and some of the finest beaches are situated in the east, whereas the nightlife scene thrives in the west.
Pff… what a jumble!
To help navigate this diverse landscape, let’s outline some guidelines to decide where to stay when visiting Athens:
East Attica
Living in East Attica sounds like the perfect fit for you if:
- You’re catching a connecting flight from Athens Airport.
- You’re hopping onto an island-hopping adventure from the ports of Rafina or Lavrio. (Just a heads up: most island trips depart from Piraeus, but a handful leave from these ports.)
- You’re all about unwinding in a tranquil spot, surrounded by nature, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- You dream of diving into the crystal-clear waters near Athens for a refreshing swim.
- Your itinerary doesn’t involve too many trips to the city center.
- Retail therapy is your jam, with plenty of shopping centers sprinkled around the area.
- You’re thinking of renting a car to explore at your own pace.
- Checking out Poseidon’s majestic temple at Sounio or soaking in the history at the Marathon battlefield is on your bucket list.
- You’re jetting off to the Greek islands by plane rather than ferrying across.
Sounds like East Attica is calling your name!
West Attica
Living it up in West Attica is where it’s at if:
- You’re all about the nightlife and soaking up that city vibe.
- You’ve got an island adventure calling your name from the bustling port of Piraeus.
- You’re itching to explore the town center and soak in the ancient sights of Athens (hello, Acropolis and Parthenon!) more than once.
- You’re relying on public transportation and prefer keeping your travel distances short and sweet.
West Attica is your playground for fun, excitement, and easy access to all the action!
So … what’s your choice?
At the end of the day, there is no wrong choice. We are confident you are going to have an amazing time wherever you stay in Attica!
Happy travelling!