Athens

[princessofpenguins]

So it's been a while since anyone has written anything about Greece... need some updated "travel with cranky teen and cranky tween" info...

We're thinking of going to Athens for fall break (school), which is the first week of October. Any recommendations for an apartment (or at least neighborhoods to go to/avoid)? What are cool things to do besides visiting all the historical sites? (Which is what the cranky ones want to prioritize, especially the tween.)

[sophie]

When I travelled with our son, he was younger than yours, but he really liked Crete.. king Minos Palace was like a giant playground for him and the beaches were wonderful.. we both had a better time there than in Athens. But it’s easier to get around in Athens..

[princessofpenguins]

Oldest specifically wants Athens though. Hmm. Can look into Crete...

[whothingie]

If you do go to Athens and want a bit of an escape from the city the island of Agistri is close enough to be a day visit, or far enough to escape the maddening crowds. Stayed there a number of times. Depends on your timing obviously, but great quiet beaches and good swimming.

[sprite]

You're Dead to Me: The Minoans Possibly not child-friendly, but might whet your appetite for Crete.

It poured rain for our 2.5 days in Athens, luckily not much while we were at the big ancient thing in the centre. We wanted to visit a trieme in the harbour which partner had rowed on, as part of a reconstruction event 30 years ago, but it was closed for some reason.
Our entire Greece trip was sunny until we visited the temple of the Sea God, which is a couple of hours out of Athens and was our last stop before going into the city.

Sunny on the way there but by the time we left, a hurricane was landing. Visit at your own risk.

[ozziegiraffe]

My 3 days in Athens in 2010 extended to ten thanks to the Iceland volcano. I stayed in the Plaka, and had a view of the acropolis from my room. Great location for seeing ancient ruins.
The hotel is here www.guestreservations.com/plaka-hotel/booking?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuuTkoonMhwMV72QPAh2gGyQ4EAAYAiAAEgLobfD_BwE