Planning what to do before and after your Greece sailing course helps you settle in and feel ready for the week ahead. 

Athens offers lively food spots, coastal views, and simple ways to get around, so you can enjoy the city at your own pace. 

This guide gives you clear tips on where to stay, what to explore, and how to prepare for your time at sea. 

Why Greece Is Perfect for a Week-Long Sailing Course

Greece gives you calm seas, steady winds, and clear water that make learning feel natural from day one. 

You feel the breeze fill the sails as you leave the marina. You see rocky shores, quiet bays, and villages that sit close to the sea.

The Saronic Gulf offers predictable conditions that help you focus on technique. You can practise tacks, gybes, and anchoring without pressure from strong weather.

Sailing Virgins combines this setting with hands-on learning. You take the helm, manage lines, and apply each skill as you go. 

It’s an ideal place to grow as a sailor while still enjoying the beauty around you.

Getting There & Local Transport

Reaching Athens is simple, and heading to your accommodation in Alimos is easy once you know the available transport options. 

Most travelers use one of the routes below when settling in before their sailing week.

Main Airport: Athens International Airport (ATH)

Most travelers land at Athens International Airport. You’ll walk into warm air and a steady flow of people heading toward buses, taxis, and the metro.

Signs point you in the right direction. If you’re taking the metro, follow the “to trains” signs, cross the overpass, and continue through the tunnel to the station.

You can check the full route from the airport to Alimos on Google Maps.

3 Ways to Reach Alimos 

Alimos sits on the coast south of central Athens. It’s a calm waterfront neighborhood with cafés, restaurants, and beach access. Many students stay here before meeting their crew.

Here are the three most common ways to reach Alimos from the airport.

1. X96 Airport Bus

The X96 is direct and runs all day and night. It follows the coastal road and stops near the marina.

• Route: Airport to Piraeus with stops in Alimos
• Useful stops: 1st Kalamaki, 3rd Kalamaki, 5th Kalamakiou, Edem
• Travel time: About 60 to 90 minutes
• Fare: €6 one way
• Tickets: Buy from the kiosk between exits 4 and 5 or from the driver

If you're unsure which stop to pick, Edem is a simple choice and is close to the waterfront.

2. Taxi or Ride App

Taxis wait outside the arrivals hall. This option works well if you're tired from travel or carrying gear.

• Travel time: About 35 to 45 minutes
• Day fare: €40 to €45
• Night fare: €55 to €60

Apps like Uber and FreeNow connect you with licensed taxis and show the estimated fare before pickup.

3. Metro and Tram

If you prefer trains, pair the metro with the coastal tram. Take Metro Line 3 from the airport to Syntagma. The ride takes about 36 minutes.

Switch to the tram toward Voula. Several stops serve Alimos and the nearby beach district.

• Metro fare: €9 from the airport to the city
• Tram fare: Included in the standard €1.20 ticket if you’re already within the city network and within the 90-minute window

Metro tickets from the airport are separate from city fares. Once you arrive in the city center, the €1.20 ticket covers metro, tram, and bus rides within 90 minutes.

Line 3 trains leave every 30 minutes. Check the return screens, since not every train goes back to the airport.

Getting Around Athens

Public transport in Athens is simple and affordable.

A standard ticket costs €1.20 and stays valid for 90 minutes across buses, trams, and the metro. Don’t forget to validate your ticket before boarding.

The metro reaches major historic sites. The tram offers a calm ride along the coast near Alimos. Taxis remain easy to find and helpful for short trips.

Where to Stay Before Your Course

Since your meeting point is in Alimos, staying nearby makes the first morning simple. These hotels sit close to the waterfront and offer easy access to cafés, beaches, and the marina area.

Marina Alimos Hotel Apartments

This aparthotel is located across from the marina zone. Rooms have kitchenettes and private balconies, and some offer partial water views. 

Marina Alimos Hotel Apartments is a practical choice if you want space to organize your gear and keep your arrival low-key.

• Distance: 3-minute car ride to the marina
• Approx. price: €65 to €85 per night

Galaxy Hotel

Galaxy Hotel sits near the main avenue and offers tidy rooms, breakfast, and a friendly front desk that stays open late. It suits travelers who want a simple stay close to cafés and bakeries.

• Distance: 4-6 minute car ride to the marina
• Approx. price: €55 to €75 per night

Blue Sea Hotel

Blue Sea Hotel has a relaxed social area and a modern lobby. Some rooms feel more updated than others. 

However, the location works well for guests who want quick coastal access and plenty of places to eat nearby.

• Distance: 7-9 minute car ride to the marina
• Approx. price: €60 to €80 per night

Celia Residence

Celia Residence sits away from the main avenue in a quieter residential area. Rooms feel bright and modern, and some include small kitchen areas. Digital check-in makes arrival easy after a long flight.

• Distance: 7-9 minute car ride to the marina
• Approx. price: €50 to €70 per night

You can request late checkout or luggage storage if you want a relaxed start on departure morning. It also gives you a moment for coffee by the water before you leave.

What to Do Before Your Course

Spending a little time in Athens before your course helps you settle in and enjoy the city at an easy pace. 

Alimos is close to beaches, viewpoints, and cultural sites, so you can enjoy a mix of light activities without feeling rushed.

Visit the Acropolis and Parthenon

The Acropolis offers a striking view over Athens and the Saronic Gulf. Walking through its marble paths and open spaces gives you a sense of history before your week on the water. 

Booking a timed entry helps you avoid long lines, and early morning or late afternoon brings softer light.

• Cost: €30 for a standard entrance ticket
• Distance from Alimos: About 9.6 km

Relax at Akti tou Iliou

Akti tou Iliou is an organized beach park with sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach cafés. The water feels calm, and the setting is perfect for an easy swim or a quiet moment with a freddo espresso.

• Cost: €8-€10 for entrance fee, sunbeds may cost extra
• Distance from Alimos: About 2.8 km

Walk Up Pani Hill

Pani Hill offers a wide view of the Saronic Gulf and the marina area. The path is short and leads to a rocky lookout that captures the sunset beautifully. 

Locals often head up with their dogs, and the atmosphere stays calm and friendly. From the top, you can see the lines of boats resting in Alimos and the city stretching toward the Acropolis.

• Cost: Free
• Distance from Alimos: About 450 meters

Explore Glyfada

Glyfada brings together coastal air, lively streets, and a wide mix of cafés and restaurants. You’ll hear music drifting from open doors and smell grilled seafood as you walk. 

Sardelaki serves fresh seafood in a relaxed setting, while Pere Ubu offers brunch and burgers in a bright, modern space. 

It’s a pleasant choice for dinner or a relaxed evening wander, and the tram makes it easy to reach.

• Cost: Varies by restaurant
• Distance from Alimos: About 5.7 km

What to Do After Your Course

After a full week of sailing, you may feel sun-touched and pleasantly tired. Athens offers plenty of gentle activities that help you unwind and enjoy a peaceful conclusion to your trip.

Try a Traditional Hammam

A traditional hammam offers a soothing reset after days in the sun. Warm marble, fragrant soap, and gentle exfoliation wash away layers of salt and sunscreen. 

At Old City Hamam & Spa, the staff leads you through the ritual with care. It leaves you feeling refreshed and calm.

• Cost: Varies by treatment
• Distance from Alimos: About 8.8 km

Watch a Film at an Open-Air Cinema

Athens open-air cinemas feel especially charming after sunset. Cine Thisio offers a view of the Acropolis lit up behind the screen. 

Cine Paris in Plaka creates a rooftop setting with warm night air and city sounds in the distance. Watching a film under the sky feels relaxed and memorable.

• Cost: About €8–€10
• Distance from Alimos: About 10 to 12 km

Enjoy a Rooftop Dinner with a View

Rooftop restaurants in Monastiraki and Makrygianni serve dinner with a full view of the Acropolis at night. 

Spots like A for Athens, Couleur Locale, and Point A use simple elevator access to bring you to open terraces with soft lighting and quiet city views. It’s an easy, pleasant way to end your evening.

• Cost: Varies by restaurant
• Distance from Alimos: About 11 to 13 km

Visit a Serene Museum

If you want something calm indoors, the Museum of Cycladic Art and the Goulandris Museum of Modern Art offer bright galleries and peaceful café spaces. 

Both museums feel inviting and easy to explore, especially when you want something gentle after a busy week.

• Cost: €10–€12
• Distance from Alimos: About 7–8 km

Practical Tips

A few simple details can make your time in Athens feel comfortable and easy, both before and after your course. 

These tips help you settle in, move around comfortably, and enjoy the city at your own pace.

Currency and Payments

Greece uses the euro, and card payments are accepted almost everywhere. It still helps to carry a little cash for bakeries, small cafés, or quick taxi trips. 

ATMs are easy to find in Alimos and throughout central Athens.

Weather and Sailing Season

The climate shapes how your days feel on land and at sea. Summer brings strong sun, while spring and autumn offer milder temperatures with cooler nights.

• Warmest months: July and August
• Milder months: April, May, September, and October
• What to pack: Light jacket, polarized sunglasses, non-marking shoes

Mobile Data and SIM Cards

Staying connected in Athens is easy. Prepaid SIM cards from Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova are available at the airport and in many city shops. 

eSIM options make setup quick, and most cafés offer free Wi-Fi if you need a short break from data use.

Local Customs

Meals in Greece tend to start later than in many other countries. Lunch often begins around 2 p.m., and dinner grows busy after 8:30 p.m.

A simple “efcharistó” for thank you is always appreciated. When visiting churches or monasteries, modest clothing shows respect for the setting.

How This Fits Into Your ASA Certification Journey

Your week in Greece pushes your sailing skills forward and gives you solid time at the helm. 

Most students earn two ASA certifications during the course, and you can start at a higher level if you already have experience.

You may follow this track:

• ASA 101: Basic Keelboat
• ASA 103: Basic Coastal Cruising
• ASA 104: Bareboat Cruising
• ASA 105: Coastal Navigation
• ASA 106: Advanced Coastal Cruising
• ASA 114: Cruising Catamaran

Your instructor evaluates your starting point and guides you through the levels that fit your ability. Catamaran students also complete ASA 114, which sharpens handling skills on a wider platform.

Earning ASA 104 or above makes you eligible for the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC). 

Many charter companies in Europe ask for the IPC, so this step opens the door to future sailing trips across the region.

Make the Most of Your Greece Sailing Course

A little time in Athens lets you settle in, enjoy the coast, and reflect on your week at sea. You’ve spent days learning new skills, meeting new people, and seeing the Saronic Gulf from the helm. 

Your training doesn’t end when you step off the boat. It becomes part of how you travel, explore, and sail in the future. 

If you want to keep sailing, Greece is a place that invites you back. The winds stay steady, the water stays welcoming, and every trip teaches you something new.

If you’re ready to keep advancing, we’ll help you get there.

Join our week-long Greece courses and spend a week sailing in a beautiful part of the Mediterranean!