Stopover Experience In Athens: The Ultimate Guide for 2024 and Beyond

A stopover in Athens offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of the city while waiting for your hotel check-in. With a typical stopover lasting around 5-6 hours, you’ll have ample time to immerse yourself in the ancient wonders of Athens and enjoy unique experiences like cooking classes or visiting a winery in Attica. 

Whether you’re interested in archeological sites or prefer to soak up some sun on the Athens Riviera, there are countless experiences waiting to be discovered. Planning your Athens stopover has never been easier, thanks to Kids Love Greece. Our goal is to cater to a diverse range of interests and preferences. 

We can customize each tour to ensure that you make the most of every moment. A stopover experience can take you to the must-visit attractions such as the Acropolis and Ancient Agora in the comfort of a minivan, as well as introduce you to hidden gems and local favorites. 

On the other hand, for those who wish to indulge in a more relaxed experience, the warm sands and sparkling waters of the Athens Riviera make for a delightful beach escape. 

But, before we dive deeper into that, let’s explore the basics of a stopover experience in Athens.

What is a Family Stopover Experience? 

Worldwide, there are numerous meanings for the phrase “stopover”. However, in this article, we will focus only on one. Specifically, we will discuss the stopover between the landing of your flight or the arrival of your ship and the check-in to your hotel. 

In Greece, check-in in hotels usually takes place around 3:00 PM. So, a typical duration for stopovers in Athens ranges from 5 to 6 hours. During the summer months, the temperature in the capital of Greece is high so strolling around alone can be difficult.

Planning a family visit to Athens? Have a look look at our fully customizable family-friendly tours in Athens.

That’s why just wandering around the city on your own is usually tiring and less efficient. So, planning your stopover in Athens in advance can help you maximize your time and explore the city without feeling rushed.

How Does a Stopover Affect You and Your Family?

Stopovers can be particularly challenging for both adults and kids. The waiting hours between your flight and your check-in might be frustrating, considering that your body needs to adapt to the new time zone.

As an adult that has to also take care of the children, waiting for hours till the check in can be stressful and overwhelming. On the flip side, children may experience different challenges during stopovers. Restlessness and boredom, for example, are common among kids. Older travelers may need time to explore the city.

Considering these effects on both adults and children, booking a tour or organizing a unique activity can be the best solution. 

Best Ways to Spend Your Stopover in Athens

One of the most special ways to maximize your stopover in Athens is to plan a tour. Kids Love Greece is here to arrange every single detail to make your waiting hours unforgettable. In our portfolio you can find plenty of fascinating tours in Athens, designed specifically for taking place during a stopover. Here are a few sample itineraries we suggest for a stopover in Athens:

1. Anti Jet-lag Tour in Athens Riviera

As its name reveals, the Anti Jet-lag tour, provided by Kids Love Greece, is the best option to help you relax and take a first taste of Greece. The Athens Riviera is known for its beauty, the picturesque beaches and the significant landmarks like the Temple of Poseidon.

The original itinerary includes a pick up from the airport, a quick stop at a baker for fresh snacks and then heading to Cape Sounio where the Temple of Poseidon is waiting. After that, you can take a swim and a quick lunch in Lake Vouliagmeni or visit a seaside taverna for your lunch. 

On your way back to the city center, you could pass by the Temple of Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium before the driver drops you off at your hotel. This itinerary can be applied to people arriving at the port, still, the row of the stops differs. You can adjust every part of the tour to meet your time frame and preferences by contacting our team. 

2. Olive Grove Adventures in Attica

Greece is famous for many things and olive oil is one of them. This “Great Medicine” as it was referred to thanks to its connection with the goddess Athens, will reveal its secrets and take you back to its origin.

During this tour, you will travel to Mesogaia, Attica, and learn everything about how this unique Greek product is produced. Numerous interactive activities will take place, suitable for kids and adults, like olive oil tastings and hands-on experiences in the olive groves.

By contacting our team you can find out more information and create a tour that is perfectly designed for your family. 

3. Family-Friendly Winery in Attica

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city during your stopover in Athens and unwind with a family-friendly winery tour in Attica. Explore the rich history of Greek winemaking while strolling through picturesque vineyards. 

Just 40 minutes from Athens, you will visit one of the finest wineries of Attica and gain insights in the wine making process. You and your kids will get to taste 5-6 regional grape varieties, explore the wine museum exhibits and Walk through the vineyard.

The highlight for both adults and children will be the baking of must cookies. Lastly, when the time comes for you to taste the wine, your kids will discover more about the history of Greek wine by using the uniquely designed activity kit.

If you believe this tour is perfect for your family, contact Kids Love Greece and make your stopover in Athens an unforgettable experience. 

4. Greek Cooking Class in A Villa

Delve into the world of Greek cuisine and enhance your culinary skills by participating in a cooking class set in a beautiful villa, less than an hour away from the city center. When you arrive at the villa, welcome drinks and snacks will be waiting for you to get you in the right mood. 

Exploring the botanic garden and picking herbs with the necessary instructions will be a great part of your tour. However, the most memorable one will be the engagement in a kid-friendly 4-course meal, consisting of a main course, an appetizer, a salad and a dessert, combined with wine. 

Before leaving the villa, you will receive all the recipes and tips for wine pairing. Kids Love Greece is here to make your stopover in Athens as special as the rest of your trip will be. Contact us and book your spot now, making any change you need. 

5. Minivan Tour for Families

A stopover in Athens during the summer months can be a tough experience because of the increased heat. That’s why a minivan tour is the best way to explore the highlights of the historical city center. 

The professional driver along with the local insider will take you around the city and show you the most important monuments of Athens. For example, some of the hotspots you will get to visit are: Syntagma Square, Panathenaic Stadium and Greek Parliament, where you can watch the changing of the guards.

Besides the unlimited stops that can be made for photos or grabbing snacks, you will get a booklet with both a piece of information and funny activities for sites of the city you will visit. For any questions, changes, or bookings, contact the Kids Love Greece team. 

6. Vravrona Τour and Dairy Visit

If you are looking for a unique experience near Athens, the Vravrona tour is the perfect choice. This region of Attica offers picturesque surroundings with vineyards, olive groves, and fig trees.

An early stop at a local dairy shop for a hearty brunch will give you the energy you need for the rest of the day. Vravrona is known for producing many famous Greek goods. Wine, high-quality dairy products such as white and yellow cheese, and of course, Greek yogurt. However, the main attractions of this tour are the graceful Temple of Artemis and the museum, both of which will transport you back to ancient Greece.

Spend your stopover in Athens learning more about the local cuisine and getting to know special products. Kids Lover Greece will help you organize your perfect excursion and tailor each tour to your needs.

Conclusion 

A stopover experience in Athens can be truly memorable. It offers a unique opportunity to quickly explore the rich history, culture and beautiful architecture of this ancient city or hop on for a unique activity. 

For a smooth and enjoyable experience, be proactive in researching and planning your visit. This will help ensure you make the most out of your time in Athens. Embracing the history and culture of this vibrant city can be both enriching and entertaining, leaving you with cherished memories of your stopover in Athens before the real deal begins!

If you’re not sure which of the above to choose for your stopover in Athens, make sure to contact our travel planning experts!

FAQ 

What are the best family-friendly activities during a stopover?

Kids Love Greece offers a variety of different family-friendly activities that can take place during a stopover in Athens. From the Anti Jetlang tour in Athens Riviera to the minivan tour in the city center, you can find and customize every tour to meet your needs. 

Are there any options for a short stopover?

Absolutely! In Kids Love Greece we want to respond to any travelers’ needs. So, even if you have limited time during your stopover in Athens, we can adjust every option to meet your schedule.

Could we spend some time at the beach if we take a tour during our stopover?

Of course, you can. Athens is not far from the coastline, with several beautiful beaches easily accessible within an hour’s drive. The Anti Jetland tour can take you to Vouliagmeni and combine your beach time with some sites of interest like the Temple of Poseidon.

What are the best places to visit on a stopover in Athens?

Apart from the famous Acropolis, Syntagma Square, and the coastal areas, Athens offers a plethora of historic and cultural sites to explore during a stopover. Highlights include the Temple of Zeus, the Ancient Agora, and the Panathenaic Stadium.