Valentine’s Day: The Most Romantic Things to Do in Athens
Love is in the air, everywhere I look around… And just like that, it’s Valentine’s Day! If you’re planning a couple’s getaway to the Greek capital, you might be searching for the most romantic things to do in Athens. Don’t worry, we got you covered!
In this article, we share amazing activities and romantic places in Athens to pick the best for you according to your taste.
From strolls to dinners at romantic restaurants in Athens, we have gathered everything that will make you fall in love all over again. Let’s discover them!
Stay in a romantic hotel in Athens
What better place to kickstart your Valentine’s Day getaway than in a romantic hotel in Athens? Numerous hotels in the Greek capital offer the perfect atmosphere for couples who want to leave behind their hectic routine and enjoy quality time together.
If you want to be close to the main points of interest, you can book a romantic hotel in Athens city center, such as the New Hotel. Whereas, if you want to be away from the hustle and bustle, you can opt for a hotel in Kifisia, such as Semiramis. Either way, try to forget your to-do lists and spend quality time with your significant other; relaxing together will be one of the best memories of your trip!
Meander around the narrow streets of Plaka
There’s no denying that there are many romantic places in Athens city center and Plaka is at the top of the list! What makes this neighborhood unique is its nostalgic island-like atmosphere: full of whitewashed houses, little courtyards embellished with flowers, and narrow paved streets, it looks and feels like a Cycladic island.
So, even if you visit Athens in February, you will get a taste of the Greek island charm! The best hour of the day to meander around the streets of Plaka is just before sunset! After your stroll, you can sit at one of the rooftop bars and have a drink, marveling at the mind-blowingly gorgeous views of the city. It’s one of the most romantic things to do in Athens!
Have a candlelit dinner at a romantic restaurant in Athens
Chances are the first thing that comes to mind when you think about romantic activities on Valentine’s Day is a candlelit dinner. At Lobby Bar, one of the most romantic restaurants in Athens, you can savor local dishes with a twist along with a glass or two of Greek wine, taking in the unique atmosphere.
Alternatively, you can choose a seaside restaurant or a fine dining restaurant in Athens -options are endless and suit every taste. Oh, and if you and your partner are foodies, you can dedicate the whole day to tasting different delicacies, from pies to local sweets, and end the day with a fancy dinner!
Go for an afternoon walk in the SNFCC
Do you want to escape from the bustling city center and spend quality time with your partner in nature? Then an afternoon walk in the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) is a great option!
In SNFCC, one of the most romantic places in Athens, you can walk around the lush gardens or along the canal, savor unparalleled views of the sea and the city from the viewpoint, have a drink or a bite at the cafe, or just indulge in people-watching! If none of these are your cup of tea, you can enjoy a theatrical or musical performance at the Greek National Opera, which is housed in SNFCC. Watching an opera or a ballet is one of the most romantic things to do in Athens for art lovers or those who want to have a unique cultural experience during their trip!
Watch the sunset
Watching the sunset is arguably one of the most romantic things to do in Athens! Thankfully, there are many beautiful spots around the city where you can watch the sun dipping into the horizon line, spraying shades of orange and purple onto the cityscape, offering a wonderful spectacle.
Some of the best spots for sunset-watching in Athens are Phillopapos Hill, Acropolis Hill, Lycabettus Hill, and the Kastella district in Piraeus. Otherwise, you can go to a rooftop cafe or bar in Athens city center and watch this spellbinding spectacle with your favorite beverage in hand. Utterly romantic, right?
Go on a day trip to the coastal Sounio
If the weather is good, you can embark on a day trip from Athens to Sounio, a coastal city on the Athenian Riviera. Just an hour from the Greek capital, Sounio is a beautiful destination for couples who want to explore the region off the beaten path or go to the beach -even if it’s early for a dip.
One of the most romantic things you can do in Sounio is to watch the sunset from the ancient Temple of Poseidon, which is picturesquely perched on a hill overlooking the vast Saronic Gulf. Just get there half an hour before sunset to enjoy the mesmerizing scenery!
Go shopping
This might come as a surprise but shopping is one of the most romantic things to do in Athens! Not only because you can purchase unique Valentine’s Day gifts for each other to exchange later in the day but also because it is a great way to spend the day exploring the city.
The best area for shopping in Athens is arguably the city center! Kolonaki, Monastiraki, Syntagma, and Plaka are full of designer boutiques, small shops selling local products, and vintage stores where you can find unique vintage treasures. What better way to reminisce about your romantic trip to Athens than a meaningful gift?
More romantic things to do in Athens
If you want more inspiration, here are some extra ideas for romantic things to do in Athens:
- Watch a movie at an open-air cinema.
- Enjoy a cocktail at a rooftop bar.
- Go for a walk along Marina Floisvos.
- Take a cooking class.
- Escape the hustle and bustle of the city in the National Garden.
- Marvel at the panoramic view of the city from Lycabettus Hill.
- Book a wine-tasting session to sample local wines.
- Go island hopping on the Saronic islands.
From walks to candlelit dinners and from sunset-watching to day trips, there are so many romantic things to do in Athens, Greece. But, no matter what you choose, leave all the stress behind and enjoy your time with each other -that’s the most romantic thing you can do for each other!
