Tips for Athens / Meteora / Cyclades

Hi there,

I’m spending 2 days in Athens in July with my two daughters, aged 10 and 13, during our Greek trip. I’ve seen there’s a multi-day pass for all the major sites in Athens. Is it worth it? I’d love to know if there are any must-see spots (we’ll obviously do the Acropolis, even if it seems like a hassle) and any places to avoid?

I’m also visiting Meteora for 1 to 2 days... which monasteries and caves should we prioritize?

Finally, a few days on Sifnos and Serifos. Should I book a car in advance, or is it easy and quick to rent one when we arrive by ferry?

Thanks for your tips! 😎

Hi Paul,

The pass no longer exists. You’ll have to pay for each site. But anyway, your daughters don’t pay entry fees at the sites or museums.

For Meteora, one day isn’t enough. It’s at least a 5-hour drive to get there, so spend at least one night—otherwise, you won’t see anything.

For Sifnos and Serifos, it’s best to book a car in advance, or you might not find one.

Have a great trip

Thanks Elenista!

For Meteora, I’m spending 2 nights there, so 1 full day to visit + a pool break in the mid-afternoon, and still time to visit more the next morning before heading to Athens... I’m thinking of visiting 2 or 3 monasteries, and I’ve heard there are caves too?

About the pass, I’m surprised the site still exists! My 13-year-old daughter won’t have to pay, right? Should I book just one ticket? Is there a site to book all the tickets for Athens in advance? I don’t want to end up in a massive queue or find everything sold out...

For the Cyclades, got it—I’ll book in advance...

Two more questions... Are 10-year-olds allowed to sit in the front seat of a car? Are the electrical outlets the same as in France?

Thanks! !

I haven’t heard of any caves in Meteora.

In Greece, anyone under 25 gets free entry to all sites and museums—just show an ID card. You need to book a time slot for the Acropolis. The official site to buy tickets is: https://hhticket.gr/tap_b2c_new/english/tap.exe?PM=P1N

Yes, kids can sit in the front of the car if they want. You’ll quickly notice that Greeks have a, let’s say, *very* particular approach to road rules and safety: no helmets, no seatbelts, phones while driving, etc. I’d definitely recommend not following their example!

Yes, the electrical outlets are the same as in France.

Hi there,

Children under 25 get free entry to all sites and museums in Greece when they show their ID card.

Not the case for every country! !

Hi there,

Just a heads-up—some sites might be closed during heatwaves in July! !

Yes, travelers under 25 from EU countries don’t pay. But travelers under 18 from non-EU countries don’t pay either.

Since Paul’s daughters are 10 and 13, even though they’re American, it’ll still be free.

For Meteora, it's better to stay in Kastraki rather than Kalambaka. It's closer and more charming.

From Kastraki, you have hiking trails to reach the monasteries—I’ve detailed them on this page. I’ve also included the opening hours and days for the monasteries since they’re not all open at the same time.

As for the caves, I’m not familiar with them.

Hi, Thanks, but I’ve already picked a campsite with a pool and slide in Kalambaka. In Kastraki, there’s no availability for accommodation with a pool at my dates—or at least not within a reasonable budget. I always try to have a beach or pool for after sightseeing... with temps hitting 30–40°C and two kids, it feels essential... Do we *have* to book the entries in advance?

No need to book for the monasteries. But in some, it might get really crowded. Bring a cap, water, and sunscreen for the wait.

Hi Paul! Regarding Athens, the Acropolis and its museum are definitely must-sees. As for the rest, well... it’s pretty disappointing. The sites aren’t always well-maintained, and there isn’t much to see. You’ll wrap it up quickly, but visiting the Acropolis and the museum should keep you pretty busy. Otherwise, if the temperatures aren’t too extreme, a little stroll through the National Garden and up Filopappou Hill might be nice. On the other hand, I wouldn’t recommend Mount Lycabettus!

Thanks so much for these tips. I don’t think I’ll be stacking up too many sites either... my daughters will be keen to do a bit of shopping! It seems there’s a nice market to check out—is it worth it?

Hi there,

Yeah, on Ermou Street (near Syntagma, the main square) there are plenty of international shops, and in Monastiraki too, where you’ll find more souvenir boutiques instead.

Yes, there’s a flea market near Monastiraki, and if you walk up to Syntagma Square from Monastiraki, you’ll find lots of big brands and smaller shops too!

Hi,

I’ll be in Athens in early September. Could you confirm whether booking a time slot online is mandatory or just recommended for the Acropolis? I also see that you can book slots for other sites in Athens. Is this mandatory as well, because while it’s easy to book a first slot at the start of the day, it’s not as simple to know how quickly we’ll move through the visits afterward?

Thanks

Hi Paul! Regarding Athens, the Acropolis and its museum are definitely must-sees. As for the rest, well... it's quite disappointing. The sites aren't always well-maintained, and there isn't much to see. You’ll have seen most of it quickly, but visiting the Acropolis and the museum should keep you pretty busy. Otherwise, if the temperatures aren’t too extreme, a little stroll through the National Garden and up Filopappou Hill might be nice. However, I wouldn’t recommend Lycabettus Hill!

Hi Charlotte,

Why don’t you recommend Lycabettus Hill?

Thanks

Hi there

Booking online is highly recommended for the Acropolis, even if there are fewer crowds in early September. No need to reserve for the other sites in Athens.

Have a great trip!

Hi there,

Booking online is highly recommended for the Acropolis, even if there are fewer crowds in early September. No need to book the other sites in Athens.

Have a great trip!

Thanks for the reply—it confirms what I was planning to do!!

Hi, I don’t recommend it because the funicular ride up is really expensive (and it goes through a tunnel, so it’s not that interesting), the wait time is pretty long, and it’s super crowded—all for a view that’s not even that amazing :/

On the other hand, you *can* walk up, but it must be pretty tough in the heat...

Hi, I don’t recommend it because the funicular ride up is really expensive (and goes through a tunnel, so it’s not that interesting), the wait time is pretty long, and it’s super crowded—all for a view that’s not even that amazing :/

On the other hand, it’s possible to walk up, but it must be pretty tough in the heat...

Hi, and thanks for the details! I was actually thinking of walking up.