Compare prices from several sites before booking

Always bestprice Travel
Guide to Pallini
PALLINI · ITINERARY

Pallini (Anatoliki Attiki, Attiki, Greece) in 7 days – Complete itinerary

7 days / 6 nights · Archaeology, Athens, coast, nature, culture

Pallini is a quiet base on the eastern outskirts of Athens, convenient for exploring both the capital and coastal Attica. This itinerary alternates urban days and outdoor visits, grouping stops by area to avoid unnecessary travel. The days in Athens are designed to be done on foot and by metro, while for Marathon and Cape Sounion it’s worth considering a rental car or an organized excursion. Opening hours, connections, and fares may vary depending on the season and day of the week.

Stops
5 · 5 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
13.8 km · 162 min
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

  1. 6.2 km · 73 min
  2. 7.0 km · 81 min
  3. 230 m · 3 min
  4. 310 m · 5 min

Day 1 – Pallini, Paiania and Spata

09:00–20:00 Light sightseeing and shopping

Discover the immediate surroundings of Pallini and reach the attractions of Paiania and Spata without straying far from your base.

09:00

Getting oriented in Pallini

Start at Pallini station and check the train and bus connections that will be useful for the rest of the week. To get to Spata, taxis or a car are often more practical than changing between public transport; a local ride can cost roughly 10–25 EUR.

Check the day's service with the official transport app.

10:00

Vorres Museum

Allow about 1.5–2 hours for the collection of modern Greek art and the traditional buildings set in the garden. Opening hours may be limited to specific days or time slots: check before you go; tickets may cost roughly 5–10 EUR.

If the museum is closed, extend your visit in Pallini's center.

12:30

Lunch in Paiania

Stop at a neighborhood taverna to try mezedes, Greek salad, or souvlaki. Expect to spend about 12–22 EUR per person, with drinks either included or extra depending on the place.

14:00

Attica Zoological Park

Reach the zoo by taxi or car and allow at least 2.5–3 hours for the different habitats and themed areas. It's also a good visit for families; admission may cost roughly 20–30 EUR per adult.

Bring water and comfortable shoes: much of the route is outdoors.

17:30

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Athens

Stroll through the shops at the Spata outlet and consider a coffee break. Entry to the complex is free; purchases depend on the stores and current promotions.

19:00

Smart Park and return

End the day in the adjacent shopping area, with shops and places to eat, before heading back to Pallini. For dinner, budget around 15–25 EUR per person and consider a taxi or car for the return.

Day 2 – Rafina and the Artemida coastline

09:00–19:30 Sea and leisurely walks

Explore the port of Rafina and enjoy an accessible stretch of eastern Attica’s coast.

09:00

Transfer to Rafina

From Pallini, reach Rafina by car or taxi in about 25–40 minutes, depending on traffic; alternatively, check regional buses and airport connections. A taxi may cost roughly 20–40 EUR one way.

10:00

Rafina Port

Stroll along the waterfront and watch the ferries heading to the Cyclades; this is an active port, so stay in the public, marked areas. The walk is free and takes about an hour.

In summer the port is busier, especially around departure times.

11:15

Church of Saint Nicholas

Make your way to the Church of Saint Nicholas, overlooking the sea, and visit the interior discreetly if it is open. Allow about 20–30 minutes for the stop; there is no ticket, but respectful attire is appropriate.

12:00

Lunch at the port

Choose a seafood taverna or a spot on the waterfront and ask the price of the catch of the day before ordering. A simple lunch can cost around 18–35 EUR per person.

14:00

Artemida Beach

Head to Artemida for some time by the sea and a walk along the beach. Access to the shoreline is generally free; sun loungers and umbrellas, when available, have variable rates, typically 10–25 EUR for two people.

Bring sunscreen and check the wind: the coast can be exposed.

17:30

Walk and return to Pallini

Finish with a coffee or a drink by the sea, then head back to base before the evening rush hour. Allow about 25–45 minutes by car, with possible delays from summer traffic.

Day 3 – Acropolis, museum and Plaka

08:00–19:00 Intense, especially on foot

Focus the main stops of the Acropolis and the historic center on the same day.

08:00

From Pallini to central Athens

Take the suburban railway line or the metro from Pallini station toward the center, checking the destination and any transfers in advance. The journey can take about 35–55 minutes; allow roughly 2–10 EUR for transport, depending on the ticket used.

09:00

Acropolis of Athens

Arrive early to visit the archaeological complex in milder temperatures and with fewer crowds. Allow 2–3 hours for routes, stops and viewpoints; admission is paid and the cost varies according to season, ticket type and entry policies.

Book or check access arrangements and time slots before your visit.

10:30

Parthenon

Take a close look at the Acropolis’s iconic monument, its colonnades and traces of the different historical phases, while staying within the marked routes. The visit is included in admission to the archaeological area; bring sun protection and water.

11:30

Theatre of Dionysus

Head down the southern slope to see one of the places linked to the origins of Greek theatre. Set aside about 30–45 minutes for the area and watch your step on uneven surfaces; access follows the archaeological site rules.

13:00

Lunch in Makrygianni

Stop near the museum for a light lunch so you don’t have to stray from the route. An informal meal costs approximately 12–22 EUR per person.

14:30

Acropolis Museum

Visit the galleries dedicated to the Acropolis finds and the Parthenon Hall, which offers a helpful reading of the sculptures and the monument. Allow 1.5–2 hours; the ticket can vary roughly between 10 and 20 EUR depending on the season and concessions.

Check the opening hours, as they may change depending on the day and the season.

17:00

Plaka

Wrap up with a stroll through the historic district’s alleyways, shops, and neoclassical houses. Admission is free; for a coffee break, budget around 4–8 EUR.

Day 4 – Ancient Agora, museums and viewpoints

09:00–21:00 Cultural with urban transfers

Delve deeper into Athens’ history and round off the day with squares, a stadium, and sweeping views from above.

09:00

Ancient Agora of Athens

Head to the Ancient Agora and spend about 1.5–2 hours among the remains of the city’s ancient civic and political center. Entry is ticketed, with varying prices and options; bring water and check for weekly or seasonal closures.

10:30

Temple of Hephaestus

Inside the Agora, admire one of the city’s best-preserved Doric temples and the details of its layout. The visit is included with site entry; stay on the designated paths to help protect the monument.

12:30

Lunch in Monastiraki

Choose a taverna or casual spot in the area where you can find Greek food and quick options. Estimated budget: €12–25 per person; the square and market are liveliest at midday.

14:00

National Archaeological Museum

Set aside at least two hours for the collections that trace Greece from prehistory to the Classical era, including sculptures, pottery, and funerary finds. Admission may cost around €10–20; check opening hours and room availability.

If you want to visit at a relaxed pace, shorten the time devoted to the next stops.

16:45

Syntagma Square

Reach the square by metro or with a walk of about 20–30 minutes and take in the Parliament building and the traffic in the city center. Entry is free; the changing of the guard follows official times that may vary.

18:00

Panathenaic Stadium

Visit the all-marble stadium, home to the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Allow about an hour and expect an indicative ticket price of €5–15, depending on the rate and audio guide; check closing time.

19:30

Mount Lycabettus

Head up to the viewpoint to see Athens at sunset; you can tackle the path on foot or take the funicular, with an estimated round-trip cost of €7–10. Return by metro or taxi: from the center, the transfer to Pallini usually takes about 40–60 minutes.

Day 5 – Marathon, history and nature

08:30–19:00 Recommended by car

Visit the places linked to the Battle of Marathon and combine archaeology, lake, and coast.

08:30

Transfer from Pallini to Marathon

Travel by car or on an organized excursion: the journey takes about 45–70 minutes, depending on traffic and the destination. Public transport connections are less direct; check times and transfers before planning the day.

09:45

Archaeological Museum of Marathon

Start at the museum to put the battle and the region’s necropolises into context, with finds that help you understand the next stops. Allow 45–75 minutes; admission and opening hours may vary, so it’s worth checking the official calendar.

11:15

Tumulus of the Athenians at Marathon

Visit the memorial tumulus associated with the Athenian fallen, in an open area that fits easily into a museum visit. Allow about 30–45 minutes; access may be free or subject to local regulations.

12:30

Lunch in Nea Makri or Marathon

Choose a local taverna and try seasonal dishes or seafood specialties if you’re by the coast. Plan on a budget of around 15–30 EUR per person and ask whether bread and cover charge are included.

14:00

Schinias-Marathon National Park

Spend the afternoon walking among pine forest, wetland, and coastline, choosing an accessible stretch and respecting protected areas. Entrance to the park is generally free; bring water, insect repellent, and shoes suitable for natural trails.

Trail and beach conditions may vary with the season.

16:30

Marathon Dam

Head to the dam to take in the reservoir and the striking marble facing, an interesting viewpoint on the way back to Pallini. The stop is short and outdoors; check road conditions and do not cross the safety barriers.

18:00

Return to Pallini

Allow about an hour’s drive, with possible variations due to traffic. An informal dinner near the base can cost roughly 12–25 EUR per person.

Day 6 – Lavrio and Cape Sounion

08:00–20:30 Long day, preferably by car

Explore the mining and maritime heritage of southern Attica and admire the temple on the promontory.

08:00

Departure from Pallini

For this excursion, a car is recommended: reaching Lavrio and Cape Sounion by public transport can require several transfers and take a long time. Allow about 1–1.5 hours to get to Lavrio, depending on traffic; rental and fuel can cost roughly 50–110 EUR per day, before any extras.

09:30

Lavrio and historic port

Stroll through the port area and observe the city’s connection to mining and maritime activity. The outdoor visit is free; allow 30–45 minutes and check access conditions for operational areas.

10:30

Archaeological Museum of Lavrion

Visit the museum to learn about the region’s ancient history and the role of its mineral resources. Plan for about an hour; admission is generally modest, but opening hours and fees should be checked before departure.

12:00

Lunch in Lavrio

Stop near the port for a Greek meal, with options including fish, salads, and grilled dishes. Expect 15–30 EUR per person; for fish, ask for the price by weight.

14:00

Transfer along the coast

Drive toward Cape Sounion along the coastal road, stopping only in designated pull-offs. The journey can take about 30–45 minutes; fuel costs depend on the vehicle and route.

15:00

Temple of Poseidon

Visit the temple on the promontory and take in the scenic viewpoints without approaching exposed edges. Allow about 1.5–2 hours; the ticket is paid and can vary roughly between 10 and 20 EUR, with seasonal opening hours.

Sunset is very popular: in high season, allow extra time for parking and access.

17:30

Return to Pallini

Return via Lavrio and allow about 1.5–2 hours of driving, depending on traffic and road conditions. If you’d prefer to avoid driving in the dark on unfamiliar roads, move the temple visit earlier.

Day 7 – Kifissia and the northern gardens

09:00–18:30 Leisurely pace and greenery

End the trip with an elegant, green part of the metropolitan area, far from the busier archaeological circuits.

09:00

From Pallini to Kifissia

Reach central Athens by metro or train and continue on Line 1 to Kifissia, checking the fastest connection for the day. The journey may take about 60–80 minutes; budget roughly 2–10 EUR for transport, depending on the ticket.

10:30

Goulandris Natural History Museum

Explore the exhibits devoted to biodiversity, geology, and the environment, suitable for a family visit as well. Allow 1.5–2 hours; admission is ticketed and may range roughly from 5 to 15 EUR. Check in advance for any weekly closures.

12:30

Lunch in central Kifissia

Choose a café or taverna among the central streets, alternating between Greek cuisine and lighter options. Estimated budget: 15–30 EUR per person; prices may be higher than in the suburbs.

14:00

Kifissia Park

Stroll among the trees, flowerbeds, and paths of the park, ideal for a peaceful break after museums and archaeological sites. Entry is free; set aside about 45–60 minutes and bring water on hot days.

15:30

Walk through the streets of Kifissia

Explore the pedestrian center and the streets lined with villas and historic facades, stopping for a coffee or ice cream. A break costs about 4–10 EUR; stay close to the station to make the return easier.

17:00

Kifissia Railway Station

Finish near the station, the terminus of Line 1, and check the connections for your return toward Pallini. Allow extra time for the transfer through central Athens, which can take around 60–80 minutes.

Estimated budget

Accommodation in Pallini or in eastern Athens, 6 nights, per person in a double room€210–600
Meals and drinks, 7 days€175–350
Urban and regional public transport€35–90
Entrance fees for museums and archaeological sites€55–120
Excursions, taxis, or car rental for Marathon and Cape Sounion€80–220
Personal expenses and shopping€40–150

Greece uses the euro (EUR), so if you’re traveling from Italy, there’s no need to exchange currency. Amounts are indicative estimates per person and may change depending on the season, accommodation, entrance fees, transport type, and spending habits; the budget does not include flights or significant shopping.

Practical tips

  • Check the opening days and official hours of museums and archaeological sites: they may change depending on the season, and some venues have weekly closures.
  • For the Acropolis, Cape Sounion, and summer days, bring water, a hat, and sunscreen; archaeological areas may offer little shade.
  • Before each journey, check the status of the metro, suburban rail, and regional buses: connections and frequencies can vary, especially in the evening and on public holidays.
  • For Marathon and Cape Sounion, consider a car or an organized excursion; if you drive, take into account traffic, parking, and return times, avoiding stops outside designated areas.