By Loukia Zigoumis
Greece is always top of mind as a travel destination. Those who understand this country is more than the islands it’s famous for also know it’s even better in the off seasons. For those in-the-know, October is an ideal time for travelling to Greece. You get to enjoy the beauty, minus the crowds, and the weather is still phenomenal. It is warm and sunny enough that you can enjoy the great outdoors. You can also swim in the sea in more tolerable temperatures.
Greece is a beautiful country, with hundreds of blue-flag beaches, including some of the best in the world. It’s famous for delicious tasting food, including olive oil with every meal, fresh seafood and Greek salads. Ancient sites are scattered across the country, so you’re never far from seeing ancient history up close and personal. From the Peloponnese to the northern region where you’ll find a change in landscape, there is much to explore.
And September and October are the perfect months to immerse yourself in Greek culture. The pace slows down, the temperatures drop slightly, and the beaches, while still warm, are not packed with tourists.
A must-visit city to explore is Athens. It’s a destination that has it all, really: Rich history, incredible dining options, educational museums, shopping, world-class hotels and, of course, the Acropolis. It’s advisable to visit the Parthenon early in the morning or at sunset for the best experience. After that, head to the Acropolis Museum. When you’re finished exploring the museum, a walk through Plaka and the Monastiraki market is a must. You’ll enjoy the souvenir shopping, people watching and dining. And on a visit to the ancient agora, you can walk the paths where Socrates and Aristotle debated life and politics.
For those who love the Olympics, a visit to the Olympic stadium is another must. It’s where the first Olympic games took place in 1896.
A historic hotel in downtown Athens just opened its doors again, after being closed for a few years for massive renovations. The Hilton, (the city’s first international luxury hotel) was a landmark hotel in Athens since 1963. In 2026, its welcoming doors opened again. This time, though, it is the fresh, more luxurious Conrad Athens The Ilisian.
The hotel remains as charming and as popular as ever, but now it feels even more majestic. It is where world leaders, celebrities and sports stars have gathered and now it is the most popular place for locals and tourists alike to gather. Especially around the “Oasis”—the hotel’s outdoor pool, which is the largest in Athens.
The hotel, though modern and refreshed throughout, has kept the old charm it was known for; it feels like you’re both stepping back in time and also entering a modern, luxurious world. The 278 guest rooms are all very spacious, with custom dark wood panels, marble throughout and balconies overlooking the city, the Acropolis and the sea. On top of that, the service is outstanding.
What really stands out, though, is the cleanliness and style of the rooms. They’re beautifully designed and the bathrooms are amazingly spacious, with Byredo amenities.
The Conrad Athens is now also home to an extensive indoor and outdoor wellness centre, a rooftop running track, and multiple restaurants for foodies. For those craving Italian fare poolside, Ancora Un Po is the new restaurant featuring authentic Italian cuisine with beautifully crafted dishes and fresh ingredients. Everything from homemade pasta and pizzas to seafood and tiramisu is offered.
Byzantino Grande Brasserie is the hotel’s main and most upscale restaurant. Its cuisine is delicious as the atmosphere is awe-inspiring. The restaurant serves both French and Greek fare, that’s elevated, if you will. The wine list is extensive, and the cheese trolley and dessert cart make the entire experience one to remember.
The Athenian is a great place to gather for lunch, and Onuki will be serving Japanese food to those who want a taste of Asia in the heart of Athens.
The hotel store is also very unique. It sells rare, handmade art, furniture, accessories, vintage clothing, jewelry, books, stationery and souvenirs. These find are from around the world and from Greek artists and global designers.
Conrad Athens is also targeting LEED gold certification with plans to improve energy efficiency by 16 per cent and reduce water consumption by 25 per cent.
If you’re short on time or don’t know where to begin your exploration of Athens, the hotel offers information and curated experiences, including cultural and culinary journeys as well as wellness escapes and modern city explorations. The curated experiences include the mythology walk, Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, The Panathenaic Stadium journey, the National Gallery walk and a Mythology Walk. There’s something for everyone looking to discover more about the epicentre of Greece.
The hotel is well located near landmarks, galleries and restaurants, so every adventure is right at your fingertips.
Whether you’re in Athens for a few days or a week, make Conrad Athens your home base before you dive into exploring all the wonderful offerings of this ancient city.
