A Weekend in Athens from Cyprus: Flights, Things to Do & Where to Stay

If you live in Cyprus, Athens is the obvious first weekend away. The flight is short, the language is the one you hear at the kiosk every morning, and the city packs more ancient history into a few square kilometres than almost anywhere else in Europe. It also has a modern side, with rooftop bars, street art and a food scene that has moved well beyond souvlaki.

How do you get to Athens from Cyprus?

There are direct flights all year from both Cypriot airports. From Larnaca, Aegean, Cyprus Airways, Sky Express and Wizz Air fly to Athens. From Paphos, Ryanair flies the route. The flight takes about 1h 50m. With so many airlines on the route, it pays to compare fares and to book early for public holidays and long weekends, when Cypriots and expats head to Athens in large numbers. Routes and schedules change by season, so check with the airline before booking.

Athens International Airport is east of the city. Metro Line 3 (the blue line) runs from the airport straight to Syntagma and Monastiraki in the centre. There is also a 24-hour express bus to Syntagma Square, and the suburban railway links the airport with the city's rail network. Taxis wait outside arrivals if you'd rather go door to door.

Is Athens good for a weekend?

Athens suits almost everyone. It works for history lovers, for food-focused couples and for friends after a city break with good nightlife. Most of the main sights are close together in the centre, so you can see a lot in two days without rushing.

The best times to go are spring (April to early June) and autumn (September to November). The weather is warm and sunny then, but not punishing. July and August are very hot, and the Acropolis gets little shade. Winter is mild by northern European standards but can be rainy, and it's a good time for museums and quieter streets.

What to do in Athens in a weekend

Day 1

Start early at the Acropolis to beat the heat and the crowds. Walk up past the Propylaia to the Parthenon and the Erechtheion with its Caryatids. Then head down to the Acropolis Museum, where the finds from the hill are displayed with views of the Parthenon itself. Spend the afternoon wandering Plaka and the whitewashed lanes of Anafiotika, which feel like an island village under the rock. Finish with dinner in Koukaki, a relaxed neighbourhood just south of the Acropolis.

Day 2

Explore the Ancient Agora, the heart of ancient Athens, with the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus. Then dive into Monastiraki for its flea market and busy square. Walk to Syntagma Square to watch the changing of the guard by the Evzones outside Parliament, then cool off in the National Garden next door. In the evening, eat and drink your way around Psyrri, or take the funicular up Lycabettus Hill for sunset over the whole city.

If you have a third day

See the National Archaeological Museum, one of the great museums of the ancient world. Alternatively, drive down the coast to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion for sunset, stopping at a beach on the Athens Riviera on the way.

Where to stay in Athens

• Plaka – classic and central, ideal for first-timers who want to walk everywhere.
• Koukaki – quieter and residential, close to the Acropolis Museum, good for couples.
• Syntagma – handy for the airport metro and bus, a practical choice for a short trip.
• Monastiraki and Psyrri – lively and central, best for nightlife and food.

What to eat

• Souvlaki and gyros – Athens' favourite street food, wrapped in pitta.
• Koulouri – sesame bread rings sold from street carts in the morning.
• Spanakopita – flaky filo pie filled with spinach and feta.
• Loukoumades – fried dough balls drizzled with honey.
• Freddo espresso – the iced coffee Greeks drink all year round.
• Ouzo with mezedes – small plates shared slowly in the late afternoon.

Practical tips for travellers from Cyprus

• Currency: the euro, just as in Cyprus.
• Language: Greek. If you're learning Greek in Cyprus, Athens is a great place to practise. Standard Greek is spoken here, which is the version most courses teach. English is widely spoken in central Athens.
• Time difference: none, it's the same time as Cyprus.
• Passport/ID: EU citizens can travel with a valid national ID card. Cyprus isn't in the Schengen Area yet, so there are passport or ID checks even on flights within the EU. Non-EU residents should bring their passport and check the entry rules for their nationality.
• Mobile roaming: EU roaming rules apply, so you can use your Cypriot plan as you would at home.
• Local tip: carry water and wear proper shoes for the Acropolis. The marble paths are worn smooth and can be slippery.

Looking for more ideas? See our weekend getaways from Cyprus, or compare Athens with Thessaloniki.