Valentine’s Day Special: The Most Romantic Things to Do in Athens, Greece
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 wonder what the most romantic things to do in Athens are. Don’t worry, we got you covered! In this article, we’re sharing the most romantic things to do in Athens Greece, so you can pick the best for you according to your taste. Get ready to fall in love in Athens!
1. Stay in a romantic hotel in Athens
What better place to kickstart your Valentine’s Day getaway to Greece than in a romantic hotel? In Athens, numerous hotels 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 luxury 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, make sure you forget your to-do lists and spend quality time with your significant other; it’s going to be one of the best memories of your trip!
2. Meander around the narrow streets of Plaka
There’s no denying that the historical center of Athens brims with romantic spots 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 have 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.
3. Have a candlelit dinner with a view
Chances are the first thing that comes to mind when you think about romantic activities on Valentine’s Day is a candlelit dinner! In Athens, you will find numerous romantic restaurants, like New Taste, where you can savor local dishes with a twist along with a glass or two of Greek wine. Depending on your taste, you can choose a seaside restaurant or a fine dining restaurant in Athens -options are endless. 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 Valentine’s Day with a fancy dinner!
4. Go for an afternoon walk in the SNFCC
Do you want to escape from the bustling city center and enjoy 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, 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 attend a theatrical or musical performance at the Greek National Opera, which is housed in SNFCC. Watching an opera or a ballet on Valentine’s Day is very romantic, isn’t it?
5. 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. 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?
6. Go on a day trip to the coastal Sounio
If the weather is nice enough, you can embark on a day trip 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 Athens 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 make sure you get there half an hour before sunset to take in the mesmerizing scenery!
7. Go shopping
Yes, 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?
From walks to candlelit dinners and from sunset-watching to day trips, there are so many romantic things to do in Athens, Greece. But don’t forget that the greatest gift you can give your partner is quality time, so leave all the stress behind and enjoy your time with each other, no matter what you do!
