WHEN it comes to winter city breaks most Brits will look to the likes of Lisbon, Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels.
But there’s another contender coming for the crown, and it’s usually known for having glorious summers – but it has incredibly mild winters and is less touristy then too.
Time Out named Athens as ‘Europe’s most underrated winter city break‘ with the publication saying that the city “never goes into hibernation”.
The capital of Greece is known more for being a summer destination as it has scorching temperatures of around 30C.
However in winter, Athens can still be very mild. In November, Athens can still have highs of 20C and through the rest of winter, there are still highs of around 14C.
In November you can get one-way flights from £28 with Ryanair, and in January there are even cheaper flights from £20.
With flights taking around three and a half hours it’s easy for Brits to go there for a weekend before returning to the UK.
Writer Jonathan, who visited Athens during the low season revealed it was better for getting about with there being less tourists.
He said: “It’s not hot, there are no queues, flights and hotels are cheap and we can get the best seats in any bar, café or restaurant.
“Why come a cropper up the Acropolis in August when you can beat the crowds and heat by visiting mid-winter?
“Athens is the perfect Greek city for an all-year-round mini-break, with lots to see and do.”
Thanks to its rich history, archaeological sites are the most popular places to see in Athens from Parthenon to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium.
Plaka is another popular spot, and it happens to be the oldest neighbourhood in Athens.
Jonathan visited Plaka, and revealed that just like the historical spots, it’s better in autumn and winter.
He said: “With narrow pedestrianised lanes, tourist shops and tavernas, it’s no surprise that the area is heaving in summer, but we had plenty of space to breathe and enjoy glimpses of The Acropolis in peace.
“For an even less crowded view, head to 360 Cocktail Bar where you can soak up not just the city’s sacred rock but views of the pastel-coloured buildings below, too.”
If you fancy a drink while in Plaka, check out the Brettos which is famous for a distillery that has made liqueurs and ouzo since 1909.
If you wanted to be especially bold, from Athens you can easily hop over to one of the nearby islands like Mykonos, Santorini or Paros.
The closest islands to Athens are Aegina and Agistri which are both reachable in about an hour by ferry from the port of Piraeus.
Check out the stunning Santorini-dupe village hidden inside Greece’s capital…
Anafiotika in Athens is the cutest little neighbourhood that until recently flew completely under the radar for most visitors to the Greek capital.
On a recent trip to the city, Travel Writer Hope Brotherton made sure to stop by the area that has been likened to Santorini by visitors, thanks to its whitewashed properties and winding lanes.
Located on the northeastern side of the Acropolis Hill, Anafiotika was built by a group of construction workers from Anafi, a tiny Cycladic island near Santorini and Ios.
The area has become a star on social media and has been praised by travel bloggers and influencers alike – but I spotted the whitewashed area when I was having a drink at the MS Roof Garden.
Here you’ll find whitewashed buildings, but they are inhabited by locals. The streets are very narrow, making it hard to walk around without feeling like you’re invading someone’s privacy
For more on Greece, read more from an expert who visits the country 10 times a year and these are her favourite beaches.
Plus, the ‘Caribbean of Greece’ will soon be easier to get to thanks to new £3million marina.