Summer is officially over, and the cooler weather is already creeping in.
If you’re craving one more week of sunshine and want to avoid the relentless rain, you’ve probably already thought of booking a holiday abroad.
Greece is a popular choice for Brits thanks to its short flight time, delicious food and balmy weather. In September, you can expect temperatures around 28C – falling to a pleasant 23C in October.
Many holidaymakers opt for the stunning Greek islands like Santorni and Rhodes, but these can be extremely expensive and overrun with tourists – even in off-peak season.
The mainland is often overlooked, despite its stunning scenery and coastal gems. Plus, it can actually be done on the cheap.
Travel addict Em has visited 10 countries this year so far and has only spent £2,000 – working out at just £200 per trip.
Taking to TikTok, she praised Athens, particularly the south in neighbourhoods such as Glyfada, as the perfect cheap city break. “This area has a beautiful beach and lovely cafes but also great transport links to the centre, with a direct metro or tram,” she said.
Em recommended exploring the ‘main tourist attractions’ such as the famed Acropolis, but says there are many free places such as the Athens National Garden and Mount Lycabettus that can help keep holiday costs down.
“Unless you’re going to fancy restaurants, you can still find really affordable food in Athens, particularly the local Greek food like souvlaki which is delicious,” Em added.
“You can also take a day trip from Ahens to one of the nearby islands. I would recommend Aehona which is also known as the island of pistachios. It’s less than an hour on the ferry and it’s a lovely way to experience the Greek island culture without spending as much as you probably would on Mykonos or Santorini.”
You can fly directly from the UK to Athens from many major airports including Luton, Stansted, and London Gatwick. Flights are available for less than £50.