Athens Airport is quite large, so to save your legs, it is crisscrossed with a network of moving walkways and escalators. Finding your way out is easy and intuitive; it sort of guides you out all on its own. You have instructions from the rental company: either you go straight to the counter, an employee is waiting for you to lead you to the spot, or you wait for them, and they load you into a car and drive you to the rental office. Even if the rental office is further away from the airport (some are), don't worry, everything is well-organized, and transport between the rental office and the airport is practically a shuttle service. You fill out the necessary paperwork, and if the rental office isn't directly at the airport, don't forget to save its location on your map so you know where to return the car, then start it up and head to your accommodation. 

In Greece, it's still common for the apartment owner to greet you in person, so let them know you're on your way and heading straight to the accommodation.

Once you've checked in, have an afternoon siesta and then head out to go shopping. I always pick up some groceries at the supermarket—a small snack is handy for trips when you're far from a restaurant, it's late, or the car ride feels long. Just make sure to stock up on plenty of water so you have some both at your place and in the car.

If you're tired, enjoy some treats, a shower, and a movie in the evening; if not, check out a restaurant near your accommodation. Google the reviews and prices.

Every evening, you can go over the itinerary for the next day and maybe buy tickets for sightseeing attractions online :)

You’ve slept in, so have breakfast in the apartment or head out for it as you please. Wear sturdy shoes today, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking around the city. Leave the car at your accommodation and head into the center. It’s easy to get around central Athens by metro; it's clear, cheap, and goes everywhere. So, make your way to the nearest metro station and buy a ticket from the machine. 

Take a look at the metro map and note the route to Acropoli station. It’s on the red line, so check the map to see if you need to transfer. 

Get off at Acropoli station, and it’s clear you’ll start your day with a tour of the famous Acropolis. It’s best to go first thing in the morning; you avoid the big crowds and the worst of the heat. Finding the entrance to the complex from the metro is simple—just follow the crowd. Hopefully, you already have your tickets from buying them online here back home. If not, you’ll have to wait in line. Off-season it’s fine, but in high season, I wouldn’t risk it. Explore the Theatre of Dionysus and climb up to the Acropolis itself, where there’s a beautiful view of the city. Watch your step, because the stones you’re walking on are slippery from the daily throngs of tourists and their shoes. You’ll also visit the Erechtheion, a temple to Athena and Poseidon with its famous statues, and take a photo by the ancient olive tree, which legend says was planted by the goddess Athena herself as a gift to the city. 

After visiting the Acropolis, you can check out the classic ancient Athenian agora, which served as the center of commercial and political life for several centuries BC. 

You can also check out the newer, more commercial Roman Agora. It will definitely take up your whole morning and a good part of the afternoon. 

From the Acropolis, head down into the city through the picturesque Plaka neighborhood. Depending on your preferences, this could even be the main goal of today's outing. It's a lovely, popular area with cobblestone streets and houses styled like those on the Greek islands. It's full of taverns and little shops where you can have lunch, dinner, or grab a delicious gyros to go and head further down to the Athens National Garden, where you can sit and relax. You'll have plenty of miles in your legs, and a quiet spot in the greenery will help you shake off the city bustle and a demanding day full of experiences and crowds. There's no entrance fee, and the place is a real oasis right in the center. 

After resting, you'll head to the Syntagma metro station, from where you'll get back to your accommodation and collapse into bed:)

I recommend getting up early today. Your first and longest trip outside of Athens awaits. Count on about 3 hours for the journey to Delphi, including a few photo stops, as it is about 170 km away. Your GPS might show a route via the highway or off-highway. Expect tolls on the highway, which will cost about €10; the route is longer but slightly faster. We went off the highway, the road winds through mountains with views, and we left before sunrise. We stopped for coffee and a pastry at a roadside café along the way and arrived in Delphi around 9 AM. I recommend doing the same so you don't have to rush. You can buy tickets again online or on-site. Given that you have traveled so far, I would recommend going with a pre-purchased ticket. 

You can park in the parking lot by the café; if you also want to visit the town, you can easily park along the main road. Parking is free and there is plenty of space. It's a good idea to set aside about 5 hours for Delphi. The archaeological site is on a slope, you walk in the sun, so it's good to bring plenty of water. The reward for your effort is beautiful views; you can see all the way to the sea over the olive groves. The town is dedicated to the god Apollo and has his famous temple, where the famous oracle Pythia resided. People traveled from great distances for her prophecies. She spoke in riddles, so her prophecies could be interpreted in many ways. And, of course, they all came true:)

The complex also includes an archaeological museum. It is definitely worth a visit as well.

Next to the main road we arrived on, almost opposite the archaeological site, is a complex called Tholos of Athena Pronaia. It is a very photogenic spot that you can see from the road. There is no entrance fee, although construction work is likely taking place there at the moment. We were lucky to visit the site while it was still open and admire it. If it happens to be open during your visit, definitely stop by.

Once you have enjoyed enough of the history, the views, and everything Delphi has to offer, get in the car and drive a bit back in the direction of Athens. You'll make a short stop at an interesting place you already passed on your way here. It's the mountain village of Arachova, located right on the main road you're taking. Leave your car in the center at the square, where there is free parking, and go check out the beautiful, impressive clock tower from the 19th century, built right into the rock. You can walk up the stairs to it and enjoy the beautiful views of the town and the surrounding mountains.

At the square where you parked, I can recommend a great and affordable tavern called Parnassos. The owner was a kind older gentleman; we had dinner there and were very satisfied. It's a lovely place to sit, but you still have a relatively long drive ahead of you. So, with full stomachs, you'll get back in the car and head towards Athens.

In the morning, after you've had a nice sleep and enjoyed a relaxed breakfast, hop in your car and head to the port. The Athenian port isn't actually in Athens itself, but in the neighboring town of Piraeus. It's basically a suburb of Athens and is well-connected by public transport, with buses, trams, and the metro. Of course, if you don't feel like dealing with Athenian traffic, you can just take public transport. The metro station is, unsurprisingly:), called Piraeus and is served by both the blue and green lines.

If you prefer the comfort of your car, set your navigation to a parking spot near Votsalakia beach, where you can go for a refreshing dip or have a picnic if you pick up some snacks and bring a blanket. It's mostly frequented by locals and has a laid-back vibe. Parking is free. The beach is located between three harbors; you can walk to the main one, Piraeus, where large ships, luxury yachts, and ferries are docked. At the larger Zeas marina, you can pay for a boat trip or just admire the smaller yachts.

But the nicest part is the small, almost circular harbor of Microlimano, where small boats are moored. This harbor is great for a stroll, and if you're hungry, there's a large selection of tavernas and outdoor seating. It's just worth checking Google reviews. You can finish your walk at the aforementioned Votsalakia beach, where you can relax and watch the goings-on in the area. Of course, you can also go for a swim. After your siesta, head back to your car and make your way to your accommodation.  

Take the metro to the Monastiraki station on the blue and green lines in the neighborhood of the same name. There is a famous oriental bazaar here. If it's already evening, it's quite lively here. Right by the metro station, narrow streets begin, filled with shops, stalls, and booths. They have everything you can think of, people are gesturing animatedly and chatting, and you'll end up buying things whether you want to or not. Watch out for pickpockets and people offering “free” bracelets, flowers... just like anywhere else, what's free is suspicious and it certainly isn't free :)

When you've had enough of the shops, just cross the main road and you'll find yourself on Karaiskaki Street, where you'll find the famous Instagrammable patisserie Little Kook. You don't have to look for it; it announces itself. The patisserie decorates the entire street and its interior for any occasion, the decor is almost unbelievable and is perhaps worth more than the sweets on offer. Although they don't skimp on effects there either, drinks smoke with color and various trinkets are stuck into the cakes. You won't know where to look first. We were there before Halloween and it was worth it. I can't judge the taste of the cakes, it was packed and we didn't want to wait for a table. The prices, however, correspond to the show the patisserie offers.

If you don't like sweets, you can just take a look, walk through the street, and right in the next alley is the restaurant Krasopoulio tou Kokkora, which in my opinion is the best in Athens. We used it several times. Great value for money. So you definitely won't go hungry. 

Head out early in the morning to avoid the Athens rush hour. Follow your GPS, which will guide you out of Athens and onto the coastal road. Along the way, you can stop at the marked spot to see the Mediterranean Sky shipwreck. It’s a rusted wreck of a former ferry that’s visible from the road and has become an interesting spot for divers and photographers. You can climb down if you like, and if you do, you can go for a swim, though water shoes are a good idea. Further along, you'll drive past a nice, long public beach in the town of Agioi Theodoroi, where I’d recommend taking a break to cool off in the sea. The water is clear there, the beach is large and pebbly, and there’s plenty of shade from pine trees. You can park for free along the road, and in October, we found very few people there. There is no entrance fee for the beach. 

Once you’re refreshed enough, keep heading towards our destination. As you get closer, first leave the car in the marked spot and walk up the hill to the newly renovated Agios Nikolaos church—it offers truly beautiful views of the Gulf of Corinth, the nearby lighthouse, and the archaeological site. Take a few (dozen) photos, head back down to the car, and continue along the same path for just a short way to the free public parking lot. Leave the car there to rest and head up the hill to the lighthouse for more nice views, or go straight to the site. There’s no entry fee, but the complex closes at night. There’s a stand with restrooms and snacks, but it isn’t always open, so I recommend not counting on it and bringing your own supplies. Wander through the ancient ruins—it won’t take long—and then walk down to the sea, where there’s a small, nice beach where you can drop your towel and go for a swim. When you’ve had enough, pack up your things and maybe stop for a bite to eat at one of the restaurants by Lake Vouliagmeni, which is on your way. We went to the Hera restaurant, which has a lovely view of the lake and friendly staff. Again, I recommend checking Google reviews. After that, you’re all set to head back to Athens. 

If you only want to visit a few monasteries, drive through some nice scenery, stop at a couple of viewpoints over Athens, snap some photos and move on, set aside a few hours and take the “loop” road marked on Google Maps. I definitely recommend visiting the Kaisariani Monastery; you can use it as a navigation waypoint. It’s a beautifully maintained spot that still makes you feel like you've traveled back centuries. Right next to the monastery is an interesting nursery-style botanical garden where they grow herbs, trees, and flowers. Just be sure to watch out for the opening hours at all the monasteries, as they are usually short and only in the morning. There are other nice monasteries and viewpoints along the mountain roads; I recommend checking the map and visiting the ones that catch your eye. The entrance fee is symbolic, always paid in cash at the gate, and parking is free along the side of the road near the monasteries. You can drive the road, stop at a few places, grab a bite at the self-service Kalopoula restaurant on your way (again, check the opening hours), and then head down to the sea to Kalamaki beach. It's a smaller beach, and it gets pretty crowded in season. Nothing that will blow your mind, but if it's hot, it's great for a quick dip in the sea. You can park along the road, and there are also several parking lots right by the beach.  

In the afternoon or early evening, take a trip to the Lycabettus hill. It’s lovely to see Athens from up high. We chose this hill because you can get partway up by cable car, and the spot is famous for its sunsets. There’s a beautiful view of the Acropolis from here. While waiting for the sunset is a wonderful experience, keep in mind you’ll definitely be sharing it with a lot of other people. So, it’s up to you when you decide to visit the viewpoint. I definitely recommend not skipping it; even during the day, the views of the endless gleaming white city below you are stunning.

To reach the hill, take the blue metro line and get off at Evangelismos station. Then, head uphill. You’ll keep going up—hills, stairs, more hills. It’s not far, but expect quite a bit of an elevation gain. You’ll finally arrive at the cable car station. The cable car is a tunnel through the rock, so don’t expect any views on the ride. It runs about 4 times an hour and the trip only takes a few minutes, but it saves you a pretty steep climb. A round-trip ticket costs about 10€. You can also buy a one-way ticket and enjoy the views on the walk back down, which is what we did. If you’re not in great shape, I definitely recommend taking the cable car up, especially if it’s hot. Once at the top, you can grab a coffee at the café—it’s not exactly top-quality, but it comes with a beautiful view. If you walk back down, check your map to see if you want to return via Evangelismos metro station or the familiar Syntagma. Alternatively, you can take a stroll through the city center and grab something good to eat somewhere.

Your destination is at the southernmost tip of Attica and is called the Archeological site of Sounion. There is a small free parking lot right in front of the site; during the season, people park along the road. Tickets are purchased on-site, as we didn't find any online. The temple is large and impressive. It was built for sailors so they could see from afar where Attica begins, and it previously served as a naval base. It is linked to the story of Aegeus, who allegedly ended his life here when he thought his son was dead. The sea that washes the site is named the Aegean Sea after him. Today, the Temple of Poseidon is popular for its beautiful sunsets. Right next to it is a smaller temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. 

Once you've walked through and seen everything, or grabbed a bite at the nice Naos restaurant, which is the only one in the complex, head about 7 km to Kape Beach.

 At the marked spot, turn left off the main road onto a dirt path and drive almost all the way to the beach. Leave your car wherever the road starts to feel too rough. Drive carefully, there are some potholes, but it's manageable. Kape Beach has no facilities, is pebbly, and isn't very crowded. If you want to be completely alone, follow the worn path a little further to a tiny beach nearby. Now you can sunbathe, splash around, and snorkel. It's a farewell to the sea, so enjoy it to the fullest :) Once you've had your fill, head back to Athens. Expect the drive to take a little less than an hour, provided you aren't stuck in rush hour. Don't forget to check in for your return flight in the evening.

Plan accordingly based on when your flight departs. If you have checked luggage, you need to be at the airport about 2 hours before departure. If not, just over an hour is enough. However, you have to account for returning the car, where some unexpected complication might arise, and also factor in traffic, depending on whether we're going through the city and what time it is. As you've probably already figured out, traffic in Greece can sometimes be unpredictable. So, leave yourself enough extra time, don't forget to fill up the tank, return the car calmly, and then all that's left is waiting for your flight. The vacation is coming to an end, but surely, even though tired, you're looking forward to going home and sharing your experiences. I hope you enjoyed the trip and are satisfied :)