A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Athens vs. Arachova for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Athens or Arachova?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Arachova. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a vibrant, energetic, and historic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arachova

Arachova is a bustling, beautiful, and outdoorsy town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Athens and Arachova: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Arachova?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Athens than Arachova, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Athens is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Arachova is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Athens is well known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. Arachova is well known for its surrounding mountain beauty, festive Christmas atmosphere, and nearby winter skiing.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Arachova?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arachova and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Athens or Arachova Better for Skiing?

Arachova is a good destination for skiing. However, Athens is not a skiing destination.

Head to Arachova for some great skiing and other winter activities. The Parnassos Ski Resort is located just 24 kilometers from town and offers skiing that is beautiful and fun. There are spectacular views and the area has gained popularity in recent years. There are lessons for kids and many other fun winter activities nearby.

Athens is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Arachova?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Athens that are not to be missed. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Arachova offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting sights in the surrounding area, as well as the unique Ai Giorgis Church near town.

Is the Food Better in Athens or Arachova? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Athens is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Arachova has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is filled with old tavernas that serve up traditional local cuisine. You'll find a lot of the local cheese, formaela, as well as a local noodle dish called hilopites. Pork ribs and delicate desserts are also popular.

Is Athens or Arachova Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Many people head to Arachova for the nightlife scene. There are many charming bars around town that stay open late into the night. During the popular winter months, you'll find the streets filled with people that come for the unique winter atmosphere.

Is Athens or Arachova Better for its Old Town?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Arachova is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is at its best during the Christmas season when there are decorations around the town square and the streets are filled with people.

Is Athens or Arachova Better for Hiking?

Arachova is great for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Arachova for the hiking trails. For the best outdoor activities, head to nearby Mount Parnassos, where there's skiing and snowboarding during the winter months and beautiful hikes through the mountainous terrain during the summer months.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Arachova?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Arachova both offer plenty of notable spots.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Arachova is a great destination for shopping. The charming town has many unique shops that sell carpets, woven goods, and local food items.

Is Athens or Arachova Better for Families?

Both Athens and Arachova are great family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Arachova is a very family-friendly place to visit. The charming town has long served as a winter escape for those living in Athens. There's plenty for kids to do including and ice skating rink, a horse ranch, and even nearby skiing.

Is Athens or Arachova Better for Couples?

Arachova is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Arachova is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a romantic setting with nice accommodation, delicious local taverns, and plenty of unique activities that couples can enjoy.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Arachova Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Arachova is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Athens is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Arachova is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't think to visit this area on their trip to Greece. There are some guesthouses, but not a lot of hostels, so you might find a limited number of social activities.

Is Athens or Arachova Better for Students?

Athens is well known for students. However, Arachova is not popular with students.

Athens is a great city to visit as a student. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Arachova is not popular with students.

Is Athens or Arachova Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens is well known for its public transit. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Athens is fairly effecient and thorough. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

While Arachova offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are some public buses in the area.

Is Athens or Arachova a more walkable city?

Athens is well known for its walkability. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Athens is very walkable. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Arachova is a somewhat walkable place. The town has many walkable streets that are fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Arachova Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arachova or Athens?

How long in Athens or Arachova?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Arachova. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Arachova. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-3 days is enough time in Arachova.

Families should spend more time in Athens than Arachova. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Athens, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Arachova if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Athens.

One day in Athens or Arachova?

Athens is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Arachova. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Arachova?

Athens is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Arachova is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Arachova?

Athens is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Athens, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arachova. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Arachova?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Arachova. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Arachova, we can see that Athens is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Arachova Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Arachova?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Arachova. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Arachova, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Athens or Arachova?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Athens or Arachova in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Arachova. Many visitors come to Athens in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Arachova for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Athens is around the same temperature as Arachova. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Arachova averages at about 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arachova. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Arachova. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arachova receives 357 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Arachova. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Arachova receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Arachova in the Autumn?

Both Arachova and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Arachova because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Arachova. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Arachova fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Arachova. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arachova during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Arachova receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives around the same amount of rain as Arachova. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Arachova receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Arachova in the Winter?

Both Arachova and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Athens because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Arachova this time of year.

Athens is around the same temperature as Arachova in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Arachova fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Arachova. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arachova receives 143 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Arachova. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Arachova receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Arachova in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Arachova. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arachova for the small town charm.

In the spring, Athens is around the same temperature as Arachova. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Arachova averages at about 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arachova this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arachova during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Arachova receives 226 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives around the same amount of rain as Arachova. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Arachova receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Arachova and Athens