48 Hours in Athens: A Honeymoon Straight Out of Greek Myth
Ancient wonders and Aegean Whispers for the Modern Honeymooner
For those who share a love for the ages, predestined meetings and fated romances, Athens delivers poetry on every corner and a love story written in marble. Whilst many travel through Athens to reach the famous Greek isles and their turquoise waters, this ancient city is more than just a gateway port. The Acropolis glows like a crown in the dusky summer light, the air thick with the scent of grilled octopus and blooming jasmine and the sound of distant bouzouki music sets the perfect backdrop for couples in love. For newlyweds drawn to romance with soul, Athens offers the perfect location for those seeking to pen their love story for the ages.
Despite being seen primarily as a necessary stop en-route to the picturesque islands of its coast, Athens unfurls as a magic city where ancient history meets golden-hour romance. The best way to explore the city is by foot providing an all new meaning to a ‘romantic stroll’. The cobblestone streets provide an experience that details the city’s growth through the centuries, where mythic beauty meets the cutting edge with an air that exudes effortlessness.
Hotel Grande Bretagne - A Timeless Classic
For couples eager to experience old-world glamour with a view that feels like a love letter to history, the Hotel Grande Bretagne is romance incarnate. Since 1874, this cultural icon has reigned over Syntagma Square next to the home of Greek Parliament, offering uninterrupted views of the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill which you can enjoy from your private balcony or the elegant rooftop terrace over breakfast. The venue brings an element of royal luxury unparalleled in the city seamlessly blending neoclassical charm with modern indulgences (think marble bathrooms, plush linens and personalised butler service). Located in the heart of the city, after a morning exploring nearby museums and markets, unwind with a couple’s massage in the opulent Grande Bretagne Spa or indulge in a Mediterranean inspired cocktail at the Grande Bretagne Roof Garden Restaurant or the venue’s rooftop pool as the sun dips behind the Parthenon. Each room comes equipped with a range of impeccably selected skincare items from The Naxos Apothecary that will have you running to the gift shop to stock up (seriously). Honeymoon-worthy? Absolutely.
A77 Suites - A Modernist Alternative
Prefer something a little less grand but equally as beautiful? Tucked into the marble-lined alleyways of Plaka, A77 Suites is where history whispers through high ceilings and white shutters. Housed in a lovingly restored 19th-century neoclassical residence, once home to aristocrats and their horses, this boutique hideaway merges Athens’ storied past with minimalist, modern elegance. Each of the twelve suites is a masterclass in refined design, marrying marble and brass with curated contemporary art and original cornice details. Step outside and you’re in the beating heart of the ‘neighbourhood of the gods’ in the busy streets of Plaka, amongst some of the most charming souvenir shops and rooftop bars of Atehns, moments from the Acropolis; step inside and you’ll find a sanctuary of calm and care, where ancient Greek hospitality is more than a concept, it’s a philosophy. A77 doesn’t just offer a place to stay, it offers a place to belong.
For the Photo Album (and the Instagram Feed)
Yes, the Parthenon is a classic, and seeing it in person, perched high atop the Acropolis, is a moment that feels both cinematic and sacred. But Athens offers so much more beyond the obvious. Wander hand-in-hand through the cobbled lanes of Plaka, where colourful storefronts, family-run tavernas, and artisan stalls selling handmade jewellery and ceramics feel like stepping into a postcard and Anafiotika just below the acropolis for a white-washed town with iconic blue frontages. For the best panoramic views of the city (and an unforgettable golden hour shot), take the tram or hike up to Mount Lycabettus; the climb is worth it and is quite empty at sunrise and sunset. And for couples who prefer their temples less weathered by time, head to the Temple of Hephaestus in Monastiraki. It’s one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Greece and makes for a seriously striking backdrop.
For When Hunger Strikes
pictured Lyra
Summer in Athens brings soaring temperatures (35*+) and with them, a welcome excuse to slow the pace. While a celebratory cocktail might be calling, locals swear by a freddo espresso or frappe to cool down in style. For the city’s most refreshing pick-me-up, stop by Kora Bakery or Little Tree Books & Coffee, where iced coffee pairs perfectly with a sweet pastry (and a quiet moment together). When you’re ready for something more indulgent, Lyra and the Michelin-starred Spondi are both exquisite choices for a honeymoon-worthy dinner. Lyra, in particular, offers a truly elevated experience, each dish a poetic blend of Greek tradition and modern artistry. Situated down a picturesque alleyway in the heart of Plaka at the foot of the acropolis, local musicians serenade guests nightly during the summer months (do yourself a favour and order the lamb shank - I nearly cried it was that good). Cap off your night at one of Athens’ many romantic rooftop bars; Attic Urban Rooftop and Couleur Locale both serve up breathtaking Acropolis views with cocktails as stunning as the setting. Pro tip: book ahead, these sunset spots fill fast.
Spondi
What to Pack
If travelling during the summer (June-August), stock up on your linen shirts and dresses. Strappy sandals are a must to avoid injuries on cobblestones with thongs. Pack the SPF and of course your camera!
EverAfter Tips:
Best times to visit: Late Spring, Early Summer before the crowds come for the islands in July.
Book your tickets for major sites like the Acropolis before you travel, book site visits early in morning for most private experiences.
Don’t skip the side streets for the best souvenirs.
In Athens, love feels eternal. Between the white marble temples and moonlit rooftop cocktails, you’ll find your story interlinked with gods, poets and olive trees. A few days in this magical city leaves you with salt in your hair, ancient sun on your skin and a honeymoon written in myth.
