City versus island sequencing
Strong desks keep day one in Plaka or Koukaki with a short Acropolis window, not a post-flight museum marathon. Piraeus transfers need buffer for summer traffic; Rafina suits some Cyclades ferries—agencies should quote the correct port.
Food tours in Varvakios market work weekday mornings; evening tavernas in Psyrri need reservations when concerts fill the square.
When to go
April–June and September–October; August marble radiates heat by noon.
Areas worth knowing
- Plaka
- Koukaki
- Kolonaki
- Piraeus port