City Break Greece | Short Trips to Athens, Thessaloniki, Cretan Cities

Best of Athens

Discover the diversity of Athens

Macedonian
Treasures

Thessaloniki Sweet & Salty

Above the rooftops
of Athens

Hiking from hill to hill

For Young & Old

Little heroes tour Athens

Divinely delicious

Rethymno Delights

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Experience Crete

Tastes of Chania

All Tours

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Good To Know

Urban Vibes

Is a Mediterranean break exactly what you need right now? You don’t have the time for a longer holiday, but still want to experience Greece to the fullest? Then a city trip to one of Greece’s metropolises or picturesque small towns is perfect for you!

The Greek capital of Athens delights with its magnificent historical buildings and contrasting neighbourhoods: From the elegant Kolonaki to the colourful and hip Psiri, from the sprawling Riviera in the south to the sophisticated suburb of Kifisia in the north – if you love variety, Athens is the city for you!

Thessaloniki and its renowned port are considered the culinary capital of Greece and fascinate with their museums, galleries, plentiful live music, and international festivals. If you are a foodie and culture enthusiast, this is your Greek city paradise.

Or how about a city break combined with a bit of island bliss? On the enchanting island of Crete, you have three fantastic cities to choose from: Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymnon, all of which are certainly worth a trip for a short break from everyday life!

What is the best time for a city break in Greece?

Athens and Thessaloniki are worthwhile travel destinations all year round. The months of March to May and mid-September to November are particularly good times to visit when the weather is pleasantly warm. During these months there is also no mass tourism allowing you to experience the cities almost like a local.

In the summer months of June, July, and August it can get very hot and crowded. Therefore, we find these months less suitable for a relaxing holiday. The Cretan cities, on the other hand, are worth a short trip at any time of the year, which you can of course extend should you wish to spend more days exploring Greece’s largest island.

Are Athens, Thessaloniki, and Crete suitable for a family holiday?

As both cities are quite lively, bustling metropolises, we would not recommend them for families with small children.

However, for parents travelling with children over the age of 10 years, both Athens and Thessaloniki promise plenty of variety and fun!

Crete is a superb holiday island for visitors of all ages. Families with smaller children will find great holiday activities here.

What outdoor activities can I do in Athens and Thessaloniki?

In both cities, there are numerous guided tours on foot and by bike. Often these are focused on specific themes allowing you to get to know the various corners of the city from an insider perspective that centres around your particular hobbies and passions.

As both cities are located near the mountains, there are great hiking and MTB excursion opportunities. In Athens, there is also a wide range of water sports on offer such as kayaking at Cape Sounion or sailing on the Athens Riviera.

These are just two examples of how the Greek capital and the surrounding sea can be easily combined into a fantastic weekend trip.

What outdoor activities are there on Crete?

The best outdoor activity on Crete is hiking. The E4 Trail on Crete is one of the most famous long-distance hiking trails in Greece and is broken up into wonderful daily stages. There are also well-developed hiking paths leading through Crete’s famous gorges.

Moreover, the island is a paradise for those who enjoy swimming and water sports. If you love spending time in or on the refreshing water, you will get your money’s worth here. You can also rent bicycles from many places on Crete.

However, if you choose to explore the island by bike, you should be prepared for longer climbs, as Crete is a very mountainous island.