Athens, between then and now
Athens is a city you read in layers. The marble of the Acropolis at first light, the Cycladic stone of Kolonaki, the long pine shadow of the Athens Riviera at four o’clock. Erra moves through these layers with the precision of someone who knows when each opens, when each closes, and which door to use when neither does.
What the city offers, quietly
Houses, not hotels
The places we recommend in Athens belong to a small circle — historic mansions in Plaka, design-forward suites in Kolonaki, and the Athens Riviera’s quietest seafront residences.
- Five-star city stays with Acropolis views, where the rooftop pool is always set for the hour you arrive.
- Plaka and Kolonaki boutique hotels, set within neoclassical bones, walking distance from the museums and the markets.
- Athens Riviera private residences, with personal chefs, infinity pools, and direct beach access.
From the air
Inherited from Fly in Greece — the country’s foremost private aviation broker — Erra’s helicopter and jet capability is one of the city’s most discreet privileges.
- The Acropolis from above, golden hour, low pass over the Parthenon.
- The Athens Riviera at sunset, on a one-hour aerial circuit with onboard champagne.
- Athens to Mykonos in 35 minutes, to Santorini in 40, to Meteora in just over an hour. The full aviation portfolio sits on our Aviation page.
What stays with you
- VIP Acropolis access — early morning or after hours, with a working archaeologist who knows the marble by name.
- Private museum visits at the Acropolis Museum, the Benaki, and the Goulandris, with the curator on hand.
- Hidden Athens itineraries — Roman ruins beneath bookshops, aristocratic mansions never open to the public, the Plaka rooftops at night.
The Athens Riviera
The shoreline that begins fifteen minutes from Syntagma and ends with Cape Sounion’s marble columns at the horizon.
- VIP beach clubs — private cabanas, fine dining, and quiet champagne at Astir Beach and Four Seasons Astir Palace.
- Yacht charters from Vouliagmeni, sailing to Hydra, Aegina, or the Argolic Gulf for the day.
- Sunset dinner at Cape Sounion, the Temple of Poseidon catching the last of the light.
At the table
- Varoulko Seaside, Hytra, Spondi — the city’s Michelin tables, each with its own argument for what modern Greek cuisine should be.
- Private rooftop dinners, the Acropolis lit just so, a sommelier you’ll remember.
- Bespoke food and wine tours — Varvakios Market, the wine cellars of Mets, the family bakeries that opened before the war.
Movement
- Chauffeur-driven SUVs for the city, classic convertibles for the coast.
- VIP fast-track at the airport — both arrivals and departures, the kind of detail that makes the rest of the trip feel inevitable.
- Helicopter and private jet via the Aviation portfolio.
Athens, when ready
Athens reveals itself in the order you choose to read it. Erra arranges the order — the views, the tables, the marble — at your own pace. When the time is right, begin the conversation.
Frequently asked questions about Athens
How many days should you spend in Athens?
Two to three days is ideal, either at the start or the end of an island journey.
What is the best way to see the Acropolis without crowds?
At opening time or late afternoon, with a private licensed guide. Erra can also arrange private after-hours access where available.
Where should you stay in Athens?
Around Syntagma and Plaka for the historic centre, Kolonaki for boutique luxury, or the Athens Riviera for a seaside stay.
Can you combine Athens with the islands?
Yes. Athens is the gateway to the Cyclades, Saronic and Ionian islands, by private helicopter, jet, yacht or ferry.
What are the best day trips from Athens?
Cape Sounion at sunset, Delphi, the Peloponnese (Nafplio, Epidaurus), and the Saronic islands of Hydra and Spetses.
